Shopping is the favorite pass time of Singaporeans and shopping should be one of the must to do activities of every tourist’s itinerary when visiting Singapore. When Singaporeans tell you that shopping is the national sport, they're only half joking. Shopping ranks right up there with eating as a favorite pastime. Many visitors to Singapore come with a view to seeing the sights rather than going on a bargain-hunting binge, yet somehow they always end up leaving with an extra bag or two. The famous Orchard Road features mall after mall of glitzy clothes, shoes, electronics goods, furniture, rugs, cosmetics, etc. There's always a big sale going on somewhere, the people all around you are laden with shopping bags - it’s impossible not to join in the fun.

When you're tired with going from shop to shop, there's always a cosy cafe somewhere where you can take a break and have a relaxing cuppa. Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Spinelli have all made their way here, or if you prefer a homegrown cafe there's always Delifrance, The Coffee Club or Prima Deli. There are even malls with shops that offer foot reflexology massages to soothe your poor aching feet - and prime them up for more street-pounding! If you're a shopaholic, you may want to time your visit to Singapore to coincide with the mid-year Great Singapore Sale, when it seems that the whole island is going at a discount. All major shopping centres and boutiques mark down their prices during this period, which can last for up to a month. You may do well to fight the crowds and shop right at the beginning of the Great Sale - shoppers in the know say that's when the best buys are to be had.