© Erwin Soo from Singapore, Singapore / CC BY 2.0

Orchard Road is Singapore's shopping artery — a 2.5-kilometre run of malls that dazzles especially at the year-end light-up. A short stroll away lies a calmer counterpoint: the UNESCO-listed Botanic Gardens and its National Orchid Garden, best in the cool of the morning.

Where to go

Nature01

Singapore Botanic Gardens

A 160-year-old UNESCO garden and the National Orchid Garden.

Tanglin · 2–3 hours

Landmark02

Orchard Road

Singapore's tree-lined shopping boulevard.

Orchard · 2–4 hours

Where to eat

Café & Breakfast · $

Killiney Kopitiam

Heritage kopitiam pouring kopi since 1919.

Somerset · Café · S$6

Café & Breakfast · $

Toast Box

Modern kopitiam chain done in nostalgic style.

Orchard · Café · S$6

Dessert · $$

Sunday Folks

Silky soft-serve and freshly made charcoal waffles.

Orchard · Dessert · S$6

Dessert · $$

Sinpopo Brand

Retro Peranakan-style café with a modern ais kacang.

Orchard · Café · S$8

Specialty & Souvenirs · $$

Bengawan Solo

Beloved local bakery for pineapple tarts and kueh.

Orchard · Shop · S$28