Mirella Pandjaitan
Jun 30, 2025
Overcomplicating a situation becomes unbearable when one is far away from the confines of personal comfort. Nobody wants that—neither do I. Tiny in proportions yet mighty in accessibility, Singapore is renowned for its contemporary flair. Whatever you seek is available in a literal few steps away…
I landed in a place where glamour and heritage intertwine elegantly—none other than a shopper’s haven, Orchard Road. The smooth 25-to-30-minute drive from Singapore Changi Airport was swift, just as my three days and two nights vanished before I knew it. But it dawned on me: staying at COMO Metropolitan Singapore truly opened my eyes to all the possibilities that perhaps one day, I might someday need to fall back on.
The pulse of modern Singapore beats loudest in Orchard’s 2.5-kilometre belt.
Out of all the savvy resting bases right in the heart of Singapore’s premier chic boulevard is COMO Metropolitan Singapore, where sleek design meets serene opulence. Immaculate for the discerning traveller. This boutique-style escape’s personalised service and a calm, exclusive atmosphere make it a stylish sanctuary for someone like me who wants the buzz of the city just outside—but not inside—my stay.
What a missed opportunity to immerse myself in the belt’s wonders if I opted to simply let the hotel become my entire destination in every waking hour of my visit. The streets’ echoes somehow grew louder and louder once the dark clouds stopped their roars of terror. My long-sought goal might've seemed unlikely to others at Orchard. Needless to say, imagine not having to complicate yourself whenever a thought or a desire comes rushing through your blood!
And so, I allowed my legs to glide through the automatic doors from my sanctuary to the magic in the air on Orchard Road—the kind woven from the scent of high-end perfumes, the rustle of shopping bags, and the quiet thrill of being somewhere unforgettable.
Weaving through Orchard Road
Step inside gleaming, expansive malls where retail therapy is a curated world of luxury, innovation, and indulgence. Flagship boutiques and designer emporiums sit alongside sleek malls, while homegrown labels and avant-garde concept stores add a fresh, local twist. Beyond retail, Orchard dazzles with acclaimed restaurants, art installations, and lush, tree-lined avenues that invite leisurely strolls. Every visit here is both indulgent and inspiring.
Things to do in Orchard
Orchard is a destination to savour. COMO Metropolitan Singapore truly exudes comfort (more about my memorable retreat here); nonetheless, excess contentment shouldn’t ever be dismissed!
Let’s approach this as a thought experiment, based on my findings frolicking in the area.
Do you have a medical purpose in Singapore?
Singapore is a premier destination for medical tourism in Asia due to its world-class healthcare infrastructure and cutting-edge medical technologies. Patients are presented with unparalleled treatment experiences set against a backdrop of dynamic culture and impeccable service.
If your answer is “Yes”, you’re caught in a streak of good luck. One of the backdrops in question is Orchard, which encompasses a myriad of medical centres, from health screenings to hospitals. COMO Metropolitan Singapore happens to be at the core of it all.
Mount Elizabeth Hospital is a mere seven-minute walk from the hotel. This is wholeheartedly a remarkable medical centre. Integrating top-tier healthcare with luxury, it’s widely recognised for its advanced treatments in cardiology, oncology, and neuroscience, attracting international patients seeking expert specialists and state-of-the-art technology.
The hospital’s seamless experience comes with an extra notch of reverence; from personalised concierge services to private recovery suites, making even the most complex procedures feel supported and comfortable. Mount Elizabeth clearly sets a high standard for what world-class medical care can be.
Then again, I discovered more medical centres are less than 20 minutes away on foot from COMO Metropolitan Singapore! Check out the list here.
Are you a true foodie at heart?
Food is a basic necessity, yet food can mean more than that as well. Hence, true foodies visiting Singapore can’t miss nibbling on the fiery tapestry of affluent cultural heritage that meets bold, innovative flavours, that is Singaporean cuisine.
To elaborate on your “Yes” answer, you can cherish an exclusive gastronomic journey that reflects Singapore’s robust spirit at Orchard. This gastronomic playground includes upscale restaurants with exquisite French, Japanese, and Italian fare as well as cosy cafes serving artisanal coffee and pastries. Not to mention, the sizzling aroma of hawker centre delights, such as chilli crab and Hainanese chicken rice. The choices are endless!
Although those famed, open-air hawker centres aren’t found in Orchard (the nearest, Newton Food Centre, being at least a 20-minute walk from the hotel), indoor hawker centres will suffice. March to ION Orchard. You wouldn’t be able to resist its striking architecture, upscale retail offerings, and an immersive shopping experience that blends fashion, art, and fine dining.
The mall aims to keep Singapore’s cherished hawker traditions alive and thriving through Hawkers’ Street. This curated culinary destination unites Singapore’s most celebrated hawker legends, including Michelin-acclaimed favourites, all in one convenient location. I tasted heritage with every bite of a sumptuous bowl of Yong Tau Foo. Be sure to place your order before 9 PM!
A notable mention to expect with pleasure is Killiney Kopitiam, Singapore’s iconic Hainanese coffee shop with roots dating back to 1919. Take a light, eight-minute stroll to Nge Ann City or Lucky Plaza for six minutes to relish in their timeless breakfast ritual—crispy charcoal-grilled toast slathered with kaya, perfectly soft-boiled eggs, and a touch of soy sauce for that comforting, nostalgic flavour.
Orchard’s culinary scene is both decadent and rewarding, depending on your mood for refined elegance or casual street eats.
Read also: Singapore’s Michelin-Approved Hawker Stalls to Try
Do you speak fluent fashion?
Orchard Road undoubtedly promises a bounty of shopping treasures. Once a hushed stretch lined with fruit orchards and pepper farms, nowadays, it has blossomed into Singapore’s premier shopping boulevard. Its name, rooted in the area’s pastoral past, contrasts beautifully with the modern luxury and energy that define it today. The opening of TANGS in 1958 marked the beginning of Orchard Road’s journey to becoming a retail icon. Succumb to a diverse array of malls, each with its own unique charm and offerings, ensuring that everyone discovers something perfectly suited to their style and budget.
Being snuggled at Bideford Road doesn’t dismiss COMO Metropolitan Singapore’s aura for style gurus. Club 21 is etched within the hotel’s first and second floors. Here, you’re bound to encounter a curated, exclusive collection of avant-garde and designer labels, incorporating cutting-edge style with impeccable service. Go outside, and there are at least 20 shopping malls to dive into a shopping extravaganza! A full list is here.
One prominent option is Paragon. Strut towards the first building facing Orchard Road. Ascend the outdoor escalators behind Ah-Falah Mosque, just across from one of Paragon’s entrances. Pass through a double door to a charming passage through the glass link bridge. Your concerns over drastic weather changes because of this glass link bridge. By day, it quietly connects Paragon, but as evening falls, it transforms into something truly enchanting, bathed in soft lights.
Paragon effortlessly unites discerning elegance with fiery character. Within its walls, luxury boutiques and sophisticated galleries coexist alongside practical amenities. Families will take immense pleasure here since shopping isn’t the only activity to do—a spacious, well-appointed Playground and Kiddy Rides are on Level 5. Is it time to retreat to the hotel? Simply follow the signs to Level 3 for effortless access to this luminous walkway.
What else is part of Singapore's soul?
Orchard’s greatest charm also lies in how breezy it connects you to the rest of Singapore. Multiple MRT stations line the boulevard, and a steady stream of buses and taxis is at your service. Need a convenient fix to discover more of Singapore’s gems? The Hop On Hop Off bus is tremendous!
A bonus is based on a recommendation made by the hotel staff: go to Emerald Hill before the sun retires for a promenade of old-world charm served with tasty sips. I woefully didn’t have time to visit. But I did a little digging. Emerald Hill is cradled behind Orchard Central. This charming detour from the retail rush is where time slows down. Once a nutmeg orchard turned elite enclave for wealthy Peranakan families, this storied street now makes an ideal spot to sip, stroll, and soak it all in.
I was told that cosy cocktail lounges and lively tapas bars inhabit the sloping lanes, pastel-hued shutters, and ornate tiles of the multicoloured Chinese Baroque and Art Deco shophouses, mostly built between 1900 and 1920. Come for the heritage, stay for the happy hour—Emerald Hill delivers a scene that’s as timeless as it is trendy, merely 10 minutes on foot from COMO Metropolitan Singapore.
It’s possibly true what they say: A few stylish hours at Orchard Road might just leave you with more than bags in hand — they’ll leave you with memories, moments, and stories worth telling, regardless of your purpose.