Best Things To Do in Orchard Besides Shopping

Orchard Road is one of Singapore’s most well-known tourist attractions. Filled end to end with internationally renowned department stores and restaurants, it may feel like all there are things to do in Orchard is shop.

Take a closer look, however, and you can find a wide variety of fun things to do at Orchard Road that doesn’t involve shopping. Some of these activities are even free!

• Trapped Escape Room Singapore

Ever watched a horror movie and scoffed at how frustrating the characters on screen are acting? Well, at Trapped Escape Room Singapore you can put yourself (and your loved ones) to the test by trying to outsmart one of their escape rooms!

A cutting-edge experiential attraction, Trapped offers next generation technology where a team of players have to work together to solve mysteries, find clues and ultimately work their way to freedom. Players get to choose from eight different theme rooms and have an hour to escape from each room. A completely safe activity involving minimal physical exertion or stunts, this is an experience suitable for all ages.

Trapped Escape Room Singapore

Address: 2 Orchard Link, #02-02, *SCAPE, 237978

Tel: 6610 2089

Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (daily)

Admission: $27.90 to $31.90 (peak adult), $22.90 to $26.90 (off-peak adult), $18.90 (student)

• Cinema at The Cathay

Why watch a movie on your laptop at home when you can get the full cinema experience at The Cathay Cineplex? Enjoy state-of-the-art surround sound systems in the theater or indulge in Cathay’s Platinum Movie Suites, where you are able to watch a movie in your own exclusive lounge area on leather recliner seats, and even enjoy in-seat dining and bar service.

Cinema at The Cathay

Address: 2 Handy Rd., Level 5 & 6, The Cathay, 229233

Tel: 6736 7355

Opening hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Admission: $9.50 to $14.50 (adult), $7 (student), $5 (seniors)

BOUNCE Singapore

Here’s a new way of getting a workout in – try a trampoline park! Rekindle the child in you and bounce around a room with padded floors and walls without the fear of breaking bones. More than just a fun activity, trampoline parks are a good place to strengthen your core and get a thorough cardio workout.

At BOUNCE, three different areas have been designated for varying interests and levels of difficulty, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, will be able to enjoy a day at the park. Those interested in something more thrilling can head over to the Leap of Faith, where you jump from a raised platform and grasp hold of a trapeze suspended in mid-air. If this isn’t a fun things to do in Orchard Road, we don’t know what is!

BOUNCE Singapore

Address: 8 Grange Rd., #09-01, Cineleisure, 239695

Tel: 6816 2879

Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Mon. to Fri.); 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Sat.); 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Sun.)

Admission: $21 to $25.90 (adults), $14 to $20.90 (students), $12 to $17 (kids 4 years old and under)

Fort Canning Park

Did you know that there’s a park in Orchard? Within walking distance from Singapore’s civic district is Fort Canning Hill, a small yet historically important natural landmark that was once the site of Sir Stamford Raffles’ bungalow and an artillery fort.

Nature lovers can embark on the Colonial History Trail in Fort Canning Park. Along the way, you can expect to see landmarks such as the Government House built by Sir Stamford Raffles, a replica of the original lighthouse that used to stand on Fort Canning Hill and nine-pound cannons left by the British army.

Fort Canning Park

Address: River Valley Rd. 179073

Tel: 1800 471 7300

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Admission: free

Laser OPS

Laser tag has been all the rage as a stress relieving and exciting activity that’s great for team bonding as well. And at Laser OPS, the indoor arenas are unaffected by Singapore’s unpredictable weather and the laser gun ensures a painless and safe playing experience.

Working in teams, players seek to either capture the opponent’s home base or rake in maximum points from hits on targets. Simultaneously, players have to navigate a maze and exposure to potential mines en-route to their objectives. The six vibrating points on your safety vests simulate a painless hit when you are shot, creating an immersive and surreal experience.

Laser OPS

Address: 60A Orchard Rd., 238890

Tel: 8375 4143

Opening hours: 12 to 9 p.m. (Mon. to Fri.); 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Sat. + Sun.)

Admission: $15 to $18

Emerald Hill Road

The former home to many of Singapore’s wealthy Peranakan community, Emerald Hill is a heritage-rich conservation area hidden within Orchard Road. Explore the Instagram perfect shophouses, many of them featuring unique Chinese Baroque architecture that has been carefully conserved over the years. What is there to do in Orchard Road, this one’s a must-see.

From bars tucked away in Peranakan shophouses to art studios, there’s much to do at Emerald Hill to keep you entertained. Pop over to No. 5 Emerald Hill to rest your feet and grab their signature Old School Martinis, consisting of familiar flavors such as Chendol Martini ($14) and Pulut Hitam Martini ($14).

No 5. Emerald Hill

Address: 5 Emerald Hill Rd., 229289

Tel: 6732 0818

Opening hours: 12 to 10:15 p.m. (daily)

Singapore Art Museum

Singapore’s first fully dedicated contemporary visual art museum, Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is home to some of the world’s most important collections by local, Southeast and East Asian artists. At SAM, you can browse through various permanent collections alongside changing exhibitions that offer a well-rounded aesthetic experience of modern Asian art.

Located right in the heart of the city and accessible from multiple train stations, SAM is the perfect place to spend a lunch break or a weekend soaking in the rich culture of Asian art.

Singapore Art Museum

Address: 71 Bras Basah Rd., 189555

Tel: 6697 9730

Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Mon. to Thurs., Sat. + Sun.); 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Fri.)

Admission: $10 (adult), $5 (concession)

Sandbox VR

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is something straight out of a science-fiction movie. Immerse yourself in a futuristic experience at Sandbox VR where you can see and physically interact with not just virtual characters, but your real life friends in a simulated environment.

Experience worlds beyond your imagination, manifested before your very eyes and be immersed into scenes from your favorite games and movies such as Star Trek. Sandbox VR uses movie quality, real-time motion capture rigs – which means that every movement of your limbs will be captured in-game, allowing for a well-rounded immersive experience.

Sandbox VR

Address: 181 Orchard Rd., #05-31, Orchard Central, 238896

Tel: 9832 5988

Opening hours: 12:30 to 9:45 p.m. (Mon. to Fri.); 10 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. (Sat. + Sun.)

Admission: $32 (Mon. to Thurs.), $45 (Fri. to Sun.)

The Istana

Just a 10-minute walk from the Dhoby Ghaut train station is The Istana, the official residence and office of the President of Singapore. Translating to “palace” in Malay, the Istana building was built by the British colonial government to house its governors back in 1869. Today, the building has been expanded to include six function rooms used for ceremonies and to receive foreign dignitaries and guests.

Be on the lookout for open-house dates on the Istana website if you are keen on exploring within the residence itself. Otherwise, a stroll past its intricately designed white gates make for a relaxing afternoon walk. Either way, these things to do in Orchard Road should be on your bucket list.

The Istana

Address: Orchard Rd., 238823

Tel: 6235 8577

Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Mon. to Fri.)

Admission: free

Amazing Castle

Amazing Castle takes your average arcade to the next level with a modern technological twist. The playspace combines traditional arcade games and classic playground mechanics to create a unique experience that is entertaining for all.

Activities at the Amazing Castle include Shoot The Goblin, a carnival-inspired game of hitting goblin enemies with ball tosses, made more difficult by its mechanical moving parts. Games like IQ Basketball combine physical activity – shooting some hoops – with trivia questions that are answered based on which basket you sink your basketball into.

Amazing Castle

Address: 201 Victoria St., 188067

Tel: 6951 3056

Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (daily)

Admission: $5 to $39 (for 1 to 9 games on weekdays before 6 p.m.), $6 to $40 (for 1 to 9 games on weekdays after 6 p.m.), $7 to $50 (for 1 to 9 games on weekends)

Grab a few friends and hit the town this weekend! You might even stumble onto new hobbies and explore Singapore through a different lens with these unexpected things to do in Orchard.

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