Singapore, a city-state in Southeast Asia, brings you a wealth of experiences. Packed with attractions like Orchard Road, the city welcomes you with the promise of an unforgettable experience.
About Orchard Road
Orchard Road is famous for its shopping malls, but if you’re looking for things to do beyond shopping, you won’t be disappointed.
There’s a lot to explore here. Malls on Orchard Road aren’t just about shopping. They offer plenty of entertainment too – think cinemas, bowling alleys, and game arcades.
If you’re in the mood for something more culturally enriching, you’re in the right place. The area around Orchard Road has some cultural gems to offer, including the National Museum of Singapore.
Emerald Hill Road
Nestled among the towering shopping malls of Orchard Road, just minutes from Pan Pacific Orchard is a hidden treasure: Emerald Hill. Tucked just behind Orchard Central, this street has a fascinating history. It used to be an upscale residential area for Peranakans, who are descendants of Chinese and Malay immigrants.
As you stroll along, you’ll notice a blend of architectural styles, from Art Deco to Chinese Baroque. It’s incredibly picturesque and offers a delightful contrast to the very modern Orchard Road.
Plus, Emerald Hill boasts some fantastic bars with happy hour offers. And you’ll find some of the best hotels in Orchard Road, Singapore around here.
Timezone Orchard Xchange
Located on Singapore’s bustling Orchard Road, this gaming and entertainment haven boasts an impressive 22,000 square feet, making it the largest of its kind in the area. A magnet for both locals and tourists alike, it offers you an array of attractions, including bumper cars, game zones, a VR arena, massive TV screens, jumbo-sized hotdogs, and indulgent meals.
The place is open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM, Friday from 11 AM to 11 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 11 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 10 PM.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Right next to Orchard Road, you’ll discover the Singapore Botanic Gardens, an oasis of tranquillity amidst all the activity. This remarkable site holds the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status.
One of the highlights is the swan lake, where you can feed the elegant black Australian swans. For those interested in natural history, the Evolution Garden Walk is a must-visit.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens also boasts the world’s largest collection of orchids.
For the adventurous spirits, the Mingxin Foundation Rambler’s Ridge offers a right thrill. It’s a 350-metre-long hiking trail that leads you to the park’s highest point, 40 metres above sea level.
Orchard Central Rooftop Garden
Want to connect with nature without venturing too far from the MRT station? Right in the heart of Orchard, you’ll find a rooftop garden atop Orchard Central. It offers a fantastic vantage point with stunning views of the city.
This rooftop garden is the perfect spot to unwind and savour a peaceful evening. You can relax and unwind here with the gentle sound of waterfalls in the background. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might even stumble upon sculptures created by the renowned artist Yayoi Kusama.
National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest in the city. Back in the day, it was called Raffles Library and Museum. In 1849, this museum was part of the Singapore Institution’s library. However, the museum was eventually moved to its current location.
Fast forward to 2006, after a massive renovation that took more than three years, the museum opened its doors again. Now, it’s not just any museum; it’s the largest one in the country, with a whopping 18,400 square meters of exhibition space.
Inside, you’ll find a vast collection of items showcasing the rich history of Singapore.
Fort Canning Park
A green oasis right near Orchard Road, Fort Canning Park sits right in the middle of Singapore. It’s not just any park; it has an interesting history. If you want to get away from it all for a few hours, this is the spot to be. There are plenty of walking trails to explore here, and you’ll come across some unique and exotic plants along the way.
The park also features the Battle Box, an underground tunnel complex that goes all the way back to WWII. To get to the park, you can enter through the Park Mall underpass, the National Library underpass, the Hill Street Food Centre, or even the River Valley Swimming Complex.
The Cathay
The cinema at The Cathay has a pretty interesting history. It first opened its doors in 1990 under the name The Picturehouse. Back then, arthouse films were the main focus.
Things have changed a bit. While it still keeps its arthouse roots, The Cathay cinema screens the latest Hollywood blockbusters. So, you can get a dose of both indie and mainstream films.
What’s more, this cinema isn’t just about watching movies; it’s also a hub for festivals, director talks, and special events. So, while you’re on Orchard Road, be sure to capture a movie at The Cathay.