Orchard Road District Complete Guide: Homejourney 2026
Your definitive resource for exploring, living, and investing in Singapore's premier shopping and residential district. Homejourney verifies all insights for safety and trust.
Executive Summary
Orchard Road District, Singapore's iconic shopping Singapore hub in the Core Central Region (CCR), blends world-class retail, luxury Orchard property, and vibrant living. This exhaustive Homejourney guide covers attractions, dining, property trends (S$2,500-$4,000 psf for freeholds), transport, and insider tips for tourists, locals, and buyers.[1][2][3]
From MRT connectivity to 2026 rental yields at developments like 3 Orchard By-the-Park (S$12,000-$25,000/month), discover why central Singapore remains a top choice. Homejourney prioritizes user safety with verified data, helping you navigate confidently.
Table of Contents
- 1. Overview & Quick Facts
- 2. Things to Do Nearby
- 3. Food & Dining
- 4. Shopping
- 5. Practical Information
- 6. Property & Living
- 7. Insider Tips
- 8. Nearby Attractions
- 9. FAQ
1. Overview & Quick Facts
Orchard Road spans Districts 9, 10, and 11 in CCR, anchored by Orchard MRT (NS22) on the North South Line and Thomson-East Coast Line connections.[3][4] It's Singapore's premier Orchard Road boulevard, 2.2km long, famous for luxury malls and high-end residences.
Key MRT Stations & Exits
- Orchard MRT (NS22): Exit A for ION Orchard (1-min walk); Exit D for Paragon (2-min walk).
- Orchard Boulevard MRT (TE13): Phased opening by 2026, 5-min walk to 3 Orchard By-the-Park.[4]
- Somerset MRT (NS23): Exit B for 313@Somerset (immediate).
Operating hours: 5:40 AM - 12:00 AM daily. All stations offer barrier-free access, elevators, and bicycle parking. Use Exit E at Orchard MRT for direct underpass to Wisma Atria.[3]
Quick Facts Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| MRT Lines | North South (NS), Thomson-East Coast (TE) |
| Length of Orchard Road | 2.2 km |
| Property PSF (2026) | S$2,500-$4,000 freehold condos[1] |
| Best Exit for Shopping | Orchard MRT Exit A |
| Population Density | High expat/residential mix |
Homejourney's verified data ensures accurate planning. Search Orchard property via Property Search .
2. Things to Do Nearby (Within 15-Min Walk)
Orchard Road buzzes with energy: shop, dine, or relax in green spaces. Key landmarks are steps from MRT exits.
Attractions & Landmarks
- ION Orchard: 2 Orchard Turn, 1-min from Orchard MRT Exit A. Luxury flagship stores, rooftop sky garden.
- Emerald Hill: 10-min walk from Somerset MRT. Historic Peranakan shophouses—perfect photo spot.
- Botanic Gardens (UNESCO): 15-min walk from Orchard Boulevard MRT. Free entry 5 AM-12 AM.
Parks & Photo Spots
- Orchard Road Pedestrian Mall: Stunning night lights, Christmas displays (Nov-Dec).
- Wheels of Time: Sculptures near Ngee Ann City, Instagram-famous.
No major temples nearby, but cultural vibes at Emerald Hill. Galleries at malls like Takashimaya.
3. Food & Dining
From hawker eats to Michelin stars, Orchard offers variety. Price guide: $ (under S$10), $$ (S$10-30), $$$ (S$30-60), $$$$ (S$60+).
Hawker Centres & Food Courts
- Orchard Road Food Court (ION B4): 2-min walk Exit A. Hainanese chicken rice at Ah Tai (S$6).
- 313@Somerset Food Street: 5-min from Somerset MRT. Laksa at 328 Katong Laksa ($).
Restaurants & Cafes- Din Tai Fung (Paragon B1): Xiao long bao classic ($$). Open 11 AM-9:30 PM.
- PS.Cafe (Orchard Hotel): Truffle fries, avocado toast ($$$). 10-min walk.
- Corner House (Botanic Gardens): 2-Michelin star French ($$$$). Reservations essential.
Try kaya toast at Toast Box in malls. Homejourney locals recommend early lunches to skip queues.
4. Shopping
Shopping Singapore epicenter with 10+ malls linked underground.
Major Malls
| Mall | Location/Walk Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| ION Orchard | Orchard MRT Exit A (1 min) | Louis Vuitton, Apple Store |
| Ngee Ann City (Takashimaya) | Exit B (2 min) | Japanese luxury, basement food |
| Paragon | Exit D (2 min) | Gucci, kids' brands |
| 313@Somerset | Somerset MRT (1 min) | Uniqlo, trendy fashion |
| Orchard Central | 5-min walk | Streetwear, rooftop garden |
Supermarkets: Cold Storage at Paragon. Specialty: Jewellery Row at Orchard Plaza (bargain watches).
Explore via Projects Directory for retail-linked Orchard property.
5. Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays 10 AM-4 PM for low crowds; evenings for lights. Avoid weekends 2-6 PM. Great Year Round (28-32°C).
Getting There
- From Changi Airport: MRT 45 mins (East West to Tanah Merah, NS to Orchard).
- Bus: 36, 77, 106 from airport (S$2.20).
- Parking: Limited; ION S$4.50/hr first 2 hrs. Use mall carparks.
- Nearby MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (5 mins), Novena (10 mins).
6. Property & Living
Central Singapore premium: CCR Orchard properties hit S$2,500-$4,000 psf for freeholds, rentals S$12,000-$25,000/month at 3 Orchard By-the-Park.[1][4] Foreigners face 60% ABSD but condos unrestricted.
Housing Types
- Luxury Condos: Freehold like 3 Orchard By-the-Park (2016, 78 units).[4]
- Good Class Bungalows: Tanglin area, ultra-exclusive.
Schools & Healthcare
- Schools: Anglo-Chinese School (Primary), 10-min walk; Hwa Chong Institution (1km).
- Hospitals: Mount Elizabeth Novena (15-min MRT).
Expats choose for proximity to malls/CBD. Check financing at Mortgage Rates . Homejourney verifies listings for safe buys.
7. Insider Tips
Locals avoid Orchard MRT rush hour (7-9 AM); use underpasses year-round. Money-saver: Free mall lounges/aircon. Hidden gem: Emerald Hill pub crawl (quiet bars). Combine with Botanic Gardens picnic.
- Post-shop at Tanglin Market (1km, fresh produce).
- Free shuttle buses between malls.
- Aircon servicing tip for homes: Book via Aircon Services .
8. Nearby Attractions & Itineraries
1-Day Itinerary: Morning ION/Paragon shop, lunch ION food court, Botanic Gardens, dinner PS.Cafe.
- Combine with: River Valley (10-min MRT), Marina Bay (20 mins).
Link to Sentosa guides for weekends: .
9. FAQ
What is the best MRT exit for Orchard Road shopping? Orchard MRT Exit A for ION Orchard (1-min walk).
Orchard property prices 2026? S$2,500-$4,000 psf freeholds; rentals S$12k-$25k/month.[1][4]
Is Orchard Road safe at night? Yes, well-lit with security; Homejourney verifies safe living areas.
Schools near Orchard Road? ACS Primary, Hwa Chong—top-rated, 10-min walk.
Parking in Orchard? Mall rates S$4.50/hr; limited street parking.
Best time to buy Orchard condo? Monitor URA data via Projects ; CCR stable 2-3% growth.[5]
How to get to Orchard from airport? MRT 45 mins, cheapest option.
Foreigners buying Orchard property? Condos allowed +60% ABSD.[1]
Hidden food spots Orchard? ION B4 chicken rice, Paragon Din Tai Fung.
Homejourney's verified search: Start at Property Search .
Next Steps with Homejourney
Ready for Orchard Road? Use Homejourney's safe platform for property searches, verified agents, and market insights. Prioritizing your security, we guide every step transparently. Explore Property Search today.
