Think Mustafa Centre Is The Only Place To Do Late Night Shopping In Singapore? Think Again!

Calling all night owls or those who are wide awake because they just remembered how they were supposed to shop for a particular thing for the next day, but totally missed out on it.

Most of us would automatically think of convenience stores or the iconic Mustafa Centre and how they operate around the clock. But sometimes these places don’t have what we want to shop, or they could be too far. I mean, it won’t make sense to head all the way to Little India if you’re from the far reaches of Boon Lay or Woodlands!

We’ve been there ourselves and it is not a fun place to be when you need to do some late night shopping in Singapore but your only recourse is 7-11. Which is why we’ve got you night owls and last minute shoppers covered with our list of the places where you can shop til you drop while everyone else is tucking in for the night (or partying away).

Whether you’re just here to visit Singapore, looking to shop for snacks to keep you and your buddies company through the night, some last minute ingredients for that weekend lunch gathering of yours tomorrow, or to simply shop Japanese goods because you can - take your pick from our list and get ready to head down to your nearest late night retail haunt!

9 Spots & Night Markets To Enjoy Shopping In Singapore Once Night Falls

1. Mustafa Centre

One of Singapore’s very first 24-hour shopping centres is also perhaps its most renowned one. Mustafa Centre is located in the heart of Singapore’s little India and it was established all the way back in 1971, where it started off as a small shop selling ready-made clothing.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the founder of Mustafa Centre, Haji Mohamed Mustafa, originally peddled dumplings before moving on to tea and bread, and only then did he dabble in ready-made clothing after? He was actually inspired by his son who opened up his own stall selling handkerchiefs right next to his tea and bread stall!

Fast forward to today, Mustafa Centre is now a massive retail hub that operates around the clock, making it a go-to destination for both late-night shoppers and tourists. Shoppers can expect to find an extensive and eclectic range of products across the six floors of its establishment along with a food centre for your late night supper run.

You’ve got the vast electronics floor selling cameras, smartphones, computers, home appliances, and also half of the floor featuring kids toys of all sorts. Then there’s a section dedicated to jewellery and accessories in both traditional Indian design and modern international designs, and a whole floor dedicated to clothing for men, women, and children from various international brands, and it also includes traditional Indian attire.

Not forgetting the essentials such as cosmetics, skincare, over-the-counter medication, groceries, homeware, and travel essentials. It’s really a retail haven for late-night shoppers, and its vastness has often caught unprepared shoppers off-guard with unplanned hours of retail therapy.

One of the best things about visiting Mustafa Centre at night is how the atmosphere is more relaxed and peaceful as opposed to how it is during the day - ridiculously crowded. In a way I suppose you may also consider Mustafa Centre to be the Southeast Asian version of Harrods in how they offer almost everything you may need.

Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily

Address: 145 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore 207704

Nearest MRT Station: Farrer Park MRT and Little India MRT (both on the North East Line/Purple Line)

2. Bugis Street Market

If you’re looking for a unique experience of night market meets indoor retail therapy, then you won’t want to miss out on the Bugis Street Market. This unique street market is one of Singapore’s largest and most famous night markets that is found just a stone’s throw away from the Bugis MRT Station along the Downtown and East-West MRT Lines.

While it was historically known for its nightlife back in the 1950’s, the Bugis Street Market has since transformed into a bustling shopping destination that is popular amongst youths and tourists seeking affordable trendy goods, snacks, accessories, and souvenirs.

Think two floors of fashion apparel like those you may find in the latest Asian fashion trends, a myriad of little stores selling trendy costume jewellery, hats, belts, and bags, shops selling beauty essentials from Taiwan, Korea, China, and Japan. You even have electronic shops selling mobile phone accessories, headphones, and other small gadgets.

But of course, those looking for their snack fix can opt for the ever popular bubble tea, local food like freshly made local kaya balls or waffles with your choice of chocolate spread, peanut butter, and more, fruit stalls for the healthier ones amongst us, and snack stalls selling local favourites such as salted egg fish skin and more.

One of the best things about shopping in the Bugis Street Market is how the place is fully sheltered from the elements, with air-conditioning all around even though it is semi-outdoors. While the market typically operates from 11am to 10pm on weekdays and up to 11pm on weekends, the entire market venue serves as a 24-hour pedestrian walkway for those commuting between MRT stations.

Opening Hours: 11am - 10pm, daily (Sometimes up to 11pm)

Address: 261 Victoria St, Singapore 189876

Nearest MRT Station: Bugis MRT (Downtown Line/Blue Line and East-West Line/Green Line)

3. Katong Square Lifestyle and Vintage Market

Katong Square is a unique one when it comes to late night shopping because of its operating days and what it features. While the square itself is home to a mixture of boutiques from local designers, stores selling Peranakan-inspired crafts, and service centres like spas and salons, what we’re actually looking at here is the Katong Square Lifestyle and Vintage Market.

This particular market is organised by Retro Factory and is held during the first weekend of each month over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until late night depending on the crowd. The Katong Square Lifestyle and Vintage Market features a huge variety of vintage clothing, jewellery, antique cameras and telephones, Peranakan-inspired tiffin containers, vinyl records, collectibles, and countless more quirky goods.

The surrounding eateries also tend to stay open until late, making it a popular spot for shoppers to head over for dinner or support and a drink or two with the occasional happy hour promotions during the evening.

While it isn’t available daily, you should definitely make it a point to visit this market for a unique late night shopping experience. I mean, how often are you going to find a fun, vintage marketplace after hours? That said, if you do want to shop vintage and antiques around the area beyond the Katong Square Lifestyle and Vintage Market days, you can always visit the Katong Square Antique Centre which is open daily from 12pm - 8pm.

Opening Hours: 7:30am - 12am, daily (Katong Square only, flea market hours may vary)

Address: E Coast Rd, #86-88, Singapore 428788

Nearest MRT Station: Marine Parade (Thomson–East Coast Line/Brown Line)

4. Jewel Changi Airport

If you’re staying around the east side, then the Jewel Changi Airport is one of your best bets for some late night shopping. This world-renowned mixed-use development with a popularity on par with the iconic Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer, is an architectural marvel that is open 24 hours, so visitors can come by and enjoy views of the iconic HSBC Rain Vortex.

This particular waterfall is renowned as the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters high, and one can also explore the Shiseido Forest Valley indoor garden which rivals that of the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay while marvelling at the waterfall.

Even though most of the shops in the vicinity are closed by 10pm, what you can do is visit the on-site Don Don Donki and FairPrice Finest which have their doors open up til 11pm. But if retail therapy isn’t your game for the night, then take a visit to the cinema instead, which closes at 12 midnight.

The Jewel Changi Airport is best visited around 7pm onwards during weekdays for some late night shopping as it isn’t as overly crowded by that time. Another reason to do so involves the mesmerising light and sound show which comes on every evening at about 7:30pm, which runs hourly until 10:30pm. Some F&B outlets even operate 24 hours to curb those late night hunger pangs, so you won’t be out of options during your visit here for sure.

Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily

Address: Singapore Changi Airport

Nearest MRT Station: Changi Airport Station (East-West Line/Green Line)

5. Sheng Siong

Ask anyone and they’ll most certainly be highly familiar with Sheng Siong, a household supermarket chain that is known for offering a wide range of affordable groceries and household goods. It was founded in 1985 where it started as a single shop that was bought over from the older Savewell Supermarket. But today, it has over 60 outlets island-wide with quite a number of them operating around the clock.

Sheng Siong is particularly popular amongst locals when it comes to shopping for fresh local groceries. They have an indoor wet market section which features fresh produce, seafood, and an assortment of meat at competitive prices throughout the day and night.

But that’s not all! You can also shop for frozen food, pantry staples, household items like cleaning supplies and toiletries, snacks, beverages, skincare, and beauty essentials. Some branches even offer over-the-counter medication and supplements for those with too hectic a schedule to shop during the day.

Since Sheng Siong is often crowded during the day, late-night shopping here tends to be an enjoyable and relaxing experience that is also quick since you won’t have to wait for long at the cashier. One of the things shoppers look forward to here are their regular offers and discounts which are available throughout the day so this can be an absolute boon for late-night bargain hunters!

6. Don Don Donki

Don Don Donki is a popular one amongst the more boujee ones amongst us and basically anyone who loves all things Japanese. Don Don Donki is known as Don Quijote (pronounced don-kee-ho-te) in Japan, and it is an incredibly popular Japanese discount chain store that opened its very first outlet in Singapore back in 2017.

Today, there are several Don Don Donki outlets located across Singapore which stay open up until the wee hours of 11pm or 12 midnight like the ones at Clarke Quay Central, City Square Mall, and JEM at Jurong East. But only one particular outlet remains open around the clock for 24 hours and that’s the one at Orchard Central at Orchard Road.

Shopping at Don Don Donki is a particularly interesting experience. For one, there’s a jingle that consistently plays in the background which WILL get stuck in your head for a good few days. Then you have its labyrinthine layout which is packed with countless Japanese goods and vibrant signs that showcase its attractive discounted price.

You can get anything from authentic fresh Japanese groceries and produce, candies, ready-to-eat meals like sushi, bento boxes, and salads, Japanese skincare and cosmetics, household goods, cleaning supplies, home decor pieces, clothing, bags, novelty items like cooling bed sheets, and even supplements from Japan!

I’d say that Don Don Donki is my personal favourite out of all the late night shopping spots on this list because of two reasons. The first one is how it’s a great supper spot for late night hunger pangs because their ready-to-eat meals are often heavily discounted late at night, and the quality is almost on par with your usual Japanese restaurants too. Second would be its vibrant atmosphere which makes it feel like a lively shopping experience even during the wee hours of the AM.

7. FairPrice

Locals would know FairPrice by heart and it’s really no surprise. FairPrice, also locally known as NTUC, is Singapore’s largest supermarket chain with over 200 outlets across the island. You’ve got various formats of FairPrice, such as FairPrice Finest, FairPrice Xtra, and the convenience store styled FairPrice Shop and Cheers. It’s also your average Singaporean’s go-to when it comes to groceries.

Late night shoppers can expect to find a wide range of fresh produce, meats, fruits, seafood, dairy products, and bakery goods, along with a generous selection of imported goods especially during the festive season. Not forgetting the usual household essentials, care products, and their more affordable in-house “FairPrice” brand goods for those on a budget.

Since FairPrice is the local go-to grocery haunt, it tends to get pretty crowded during the day. Which is why night time is one of the best times to pay a visit to FairPrice if you already have a tight schedule to begin with. You’ll not only get to skip the long lines, but you can also head on over quickly to the self-checkout machines for an even quicker shopping experience.

Having said that, do note that not every FairPrice outlet operates 24 hours. The ones that do operate around the clock are the FairPrice Xtra outlets in AMK Hub, NEX in Serangoon Central, and Jurong Point.

8. NEX @ Serangoon

This is more of a special mention for those with erratic schedules and need that extra 30 minutes beyond what malls in Singapore typically offer. NEX is one of the rare malls in Singapore that operate right up to 10:30pm, which is also directly integrated with the Serangoon MRT Station and bus interchange. This not only makes it one of the most accessible late-night shopping spots, but also one of the most convenient ones due to its offerings.

Think dining, entertainment, services, and shopping, all in one roof, along with two 24 hour supermarkets, namely FairPrice which offers groceries and household essentials, and Cold Storage which has a larger collection of premium and imported products.

NEX also tends to extend their operating hours with late-night shopping promotions during major shopping events like the Great Singapore Sale and the festive holidays. So with the integrated public transport system, ample parking, on-site cinema, and various dining options, it’s no wonder why NEX is a local favourite when it comes to late night shopping!

Operating Hours: 10:30am - 10:30pm, daily

Address: Serangoon Central, 23, Singapore 556083

Nearest MRT Station: Serangoon MRT (North-East Line/Purple Line and Circle Line/Orange Line)

9. Chinatown Street Market

The Chinatown Street Night Market is one of Singapore’s most vibrant and bustling open-air local night markets in the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown district. The fact that it is centred around streets such as Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Street, and Trengganu Street indicates how vast it simply is.

This particular night market offers a unique blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern attractions, a refreshing sight to the typically modern sights of Singapore. It’s one of the rare spots rich in history with its restored shophouses, heritage sites, and lanes which makes it one of the most popular locations to visit for both locals and tourists.

While the Chinatown Street Market operates throughout the day, it only truly comes alive upon sundown where colourful neon lights are abundant, festive decorations gleam brilliantly, and the sweet and savoury aroma of freshly cooked food permeates the air.

What awaits shoppers at the Chinatown Street Night Market are countless souvenirs and gifts like traditional Chinese handmade crafts, magnets, keychains, postcards, traditional clothing like cheongsams, qipaos, and silk robes, handcrafted jewellery in oriental designs, oriental home decor, and of course, antiques and collectibles. Not to mention the possibility to shop rare traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, teas, and wellness products in one of the many Chinese medicinal shops strewn about.

With many stalls selling the above and the abundant array of street food options from the resident food stalls and hawkers, the Chinatown Street Night Market is everything a late night shopper could ask for. Knowing that, do take note that the night market typically operates from 9am to 10pm, but its hours are extended during festive seasons like Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival right up to 12 midnight for certain vendors.

Having said all that, do remember to stay hydrated with your favourite thirst quencher in the Montigo Ace Bottle when you're exploring the Chinatown Street Night Market as the open-air nature of the night market and type of food found there can easily get you uncomfortably dehydrated if you're not careful!

Bonus Tip: Some vendors are open to bargaining if you’re already purchasing multiple items from them! And the street food here is often more affordable compared to the popular Lau Pa Sat.

Opening Hours: 9am - 10pm, daily

Address: 29 Smith St, Singapore 058943

Nearest MRT Station: Maxwell MRT (Thomson-East Coast Line/Brown Line) and Chinatown MRT (Downtown Line/Blue Line and North-East Line/Purple Line)