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Shop like a local at Singapore’s top local markets
Singapore has a reputation for being a relatively expensive city to visit, and we get it. It’s a paradise for tourists who want to go on endless shopping sprees.
But amidst the luxury and multiple world-class shopping malls, there are also Singapore local markets that offer great deals on items like souvenirs, bags, wallets, clothes, and even food!
So, if you’re thinking of where you can buy things to take home without breaking the bank, consider visiting these top local markets. We challenge you to try your hand at haggling prices while you’re at it!
Chinatown Street Market
Address: 29 Smith St, Singapore 058943
Contact Details: +6562215115
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Chinatown Street Market is a bustling mecca of Chinese trinkets. You’ll find all sorts of items in this massive shopping destination (arguably the biggest one in Singapore) like electronics, fashion items, wedding trinkets, and more.
Of course, what’s a Chinese street market without all of its items being made in China? Despite the reputation (low cost = low quality), many of the items being sold here are actually in great condition.
If you’re in search of authentic Chinese products, whether for Chinese New Year decorations or a new tea ceremony set, the Chinatown Street Market should be first on your list!
| Pro Tip: The best time to visit Chinatown Street Market is at night when the streets are lit up with traditional Chinese lanterns. The street market is a hub for tourists, so many people will flock to the area at this time. If you’re planning to do a lot of shopping, we recommend doing all your shopping in the afternoon but staying a little longer to watch the market light up at night! |
Bugis Street Market
Address: 3 New Bugis St, Singapore 188867
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Bugis Street Market is a haven for people who love buying accessories and cute items like small bags, stationery, postcards, and Singaporean mementoes.
The market is actually located on Bugis Street, a notable artery that houses several shopping malls and stalls, including the nearby Bugis+ and Bugis Junction.
It’s considered one of the best places to haggle your way through better deals, but most of the time, stores sell items for as low as $1 a pop. If you’re looking for a place to shop in bulk, it’s likely you’ll find it in Bugis Street Market.
| Pro Tip: Bugis Street Market is also known for its fruit stalls selling a variety of fresh fruit at affordable prices. At the end of Bugis Street, you’ll find mostly vendors selling durian, so if you’re looking to get the pungent fruit for yourself, make your way down to the end across Albert Centre. |
Tekka Centre
Address: Tekka Ln, Aya Shop, Singapore
If you’re a foodie, then make your way to Tekka Centre for rows upon rows of the freshest produce in the Lion City.
Tekka Centre is a hawker’s market, meaning most of their regular buyers are hawker stall owners, looking for fresh produce to turn into signature dishes.
It’s also a hotspot for halal-friendly produce shopping, as the market is located in Little India, an area with a strong concentration of Hindu and Muslim residents.
Aside from fresh produce and raw meat, Tekka Centre also has a retail wing selling affordable clothing from casual shirts to traditional Batik blouses. Many people then flock to the nearby hawker stalls to recharge after their shopping spree!
| Pro Tip: Despite having a strong concentration of Indian and Malay shops, there is a dedicated sign for Chinese goods within Tekka Centre. It’s located near the wet market side to the east of the shopping complex. |
Katong Square
– From theretrofactorysg
Address: E Coast Rd, #86-88, Singapore 428788
Contact Details: +6563876337
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:30 am to 12:00 am
People with a penchant for vintage items will turn to Katong Square as their favourite shopping destination. The lifestyle market has a plethora of stores selling pre-loved but authentic luxury items like watches, jewellery, and even household items.
It’s mostly popular among watch lovers who are on the lookout for good-quality replica timepieces from brands like Omega, Rolex, and Breitling.
Among the most unique shops in Katong Square are the handful of note and coin vendors, selling collectables and antique items that date back to colonial Singapore.
| Pro Tip: Every month, Katong Square hosts a bazaar, showcasing some of the best vintage items for sale! There’s no set date on when they’re going to host the next one, but you can tune into their website or Facebook page for updates! |
Little India Arcade
– From moghulsweets
Address: 48 Serangoon Rd, #02-07, Singapore 217959
Contact Details: +6562955998
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
In a 20th-century building, Little India Arcade is a vibrant marketplace selling a range of souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and local treasures crafted by Singapore’s Indian and Muslim communities.
Notably, Little India Arcade is renowned for its skilled henna artists. If you’ve ever wanted to experience traditional Indian art, this is the ideal place to either try it yourself or get a beautiful design on your skin!
| Pro Tip: One of the most popular stores inside Little India Arcade is Moghul Sweets Shop, a humble store selling delectable traditional sweets like jalebi, gulab jamun, and more. |
Tiong Bahru Market
Address: 52 Tiong Bahru Rd, Singapore 168716
When it comes to finding the best food in Singapore, there’s no better place to start your search than at Tiong Bahru Market. It’s home to multiple inductees to the Michelin Bib Gourmand Guide, such as the iconic Hainanese boneless chicken rice.
Aside from hawker fare, people flock to Tiong Bahru Market for its massive rows of fresh produce, fish, meat, and more on sale. The area is often busy, with tourists and locals dropping by to shop for fresh food or to fill their tummies with award-winning dishes.
If you’re an early bird, Tiong Bahru Market might be the place for you, especially if you want first dibs on hot breakfast food.
| Pro Tip: Tiong Bahru Market is open-air, so it can get really hot during noon or when the sun is out. It’s best to sit under the large ceiling fans to keep yourself cool. |
So Gelam Market
– From sherkzy.co
Address: Baghdad Street, Singapore
Operating Hours: Every last weekend of the month
Also known as the Kampong Gelam Bazaar, the So Gelam Market is a monthly local market that turns Baghdad Street into a bustling enclave for foodies and shopaholics.
The market opens every last weekend of the month and takes up the whole of Baghdad Street facing the Sultan Mosque. Many hole-in-the-wall shops and trendy restaurants put up stalls in the middle of the street to showcase their best products on sale.
One of the best features of the monthly flea market is the live performances that pop up each time. The flea market is also the best time for tourists to explore the vibrant street art scene of Kampong Glam, as the market is located near Haji Lane and Arab Street.
| Pro Tip: The So Gelam Market is particularly popular during the Ramadan season, which usually runs between March and April. Muslims flock to the flea market to break their fasts or celebrate with the community, so if you really want to see the flea market at its prime, plan your visit during the Ramadan season. |
