Imagine a mix of Turkish fare, luxury boutiques, and captivating street art. It seems hard to imagine all of the above in one place. Right? Nevertheless! You can experience this all while wandering the vibrant Arab Street in Singapore. In the heart of historic Kampong Gelam. Arab Street is famous for its colourful textile shops, mouthwatering scents, welcoming Arab Street cafes, and a vibrant ambiance. It is a nice spot to learn more about Singapore’s rich history and culture. Arab Street is a gateway to some of the city’s most popular landmarks. So, what is Arab Street Singapore known for? What are some of the most prominent landmarks in Arab Street? Are there authentic Arab Street restaurants to feel the vibe of the neighbourhood? Well, and to indulge in delicious Arab Street food, of course. The BusyKidd team invites you to discover Arab Street in Singapore with its landmarks, dining venues, and other attractions – and experience a unique Middle Eastern feel right in the heart of The Lion City.
Related Reading: Check out our guides to Halal Food: Best Cafes And Restaurants in Singapore, Chinatown in Singapore.
Middle East In The Heart Of Singapore
Image Credit: Tripadvisor.com
Arab Street is a bustling hub. It is a destination for sightseeing, art, shopping, dining, and entertainment. The street is situated in the Kampong Glam neighbourhood, within the Central Region of the city. Arab Street refers to the street itself and to the surrounding area. Bussorah Street, Haji Lane, Bali Lane, and other streets are part of this district.
Sir Stamford Raffles designated this area for Arab traders and the Muslim community two centuries ago. It was a center for the textile, carpet, and spice trade. Gradually, the neighbourhood developed into a multicultural hub, which blended Arab, Malay, Indian, Chinese, Javanese, and Bugis influences.
Arab Street remains a key Muslim center in the city. It features the soul and heart of Kampong Glam, the magnificent Sultan Mosque. The area is known for a unique combination of authenticity and modernity. It has lively streets with colourful traditional, well-preserved shophouses and significant landmarks. You can also see a creative modern touch in the form of incredible graffiti and other street art in the area. Many Singaporeans and city guests adore this place for its vibrant vibe and multiple cosy Arab Street restaurants and inviting Arab Street cafes and bars for every taste. Visitors can enjoy a whole lot of thrilling things to do in Arab Street Singapore. Captivating entertainment, charming live music, and various exciting events constantly take place in the neighbourhood.
Arab Street is located in the historic Kampong Glam district. BTW, the district was named after the gelam tree. It grew abundantly in the area. The local people used the gelam tree for boat-making, firewood, and medicine.
Which MRT station is best for Arab Street Singapore? Bugis MRT Station on the East-West line is the nearest MRT station. It is located within a 5-7-minute walk from the area.
Is Arab Street open at night? You can explore Arab Street Singapore whenever you wish. Furthermore. It is absolutely stunning at night. Imagine Turkish lamps, incredible aromas of Arab Street food, live music. Many restaurants and cafes stay open till late. Some roads around the street may be closed to traffic on weekends. This makes the area a real paradise for strolling, sightseeing, people-watching, and enjoying the moment. And it is absolutely safe.
What are the best things to do in Arab Street Singapore? Let us check them out!
Best Things To Do In Arab Street
Arab Street is the heart of the Kampong Gelam quarter. It is known for its historical landmarks, architecture, art, shopping, and dining venues. This blend of history, culture, and exciting activities has something for visitors of all ages and interests.
Sightseeing
The street itself is a prominent landmark. You can take a leisurely walk along the street. Admire traditional shophouses, colourful textiles, bright carpets, and chic boutiques. Inhale the aroma of spices, freshly brewed Middle Eastern coffee, and Arab perfumes. Enjoy the atmosphere buzzing with friendly greetings, chatter, and laughter. Watch people. Immerse yourself in the street’s bustling life.
See Murals and Street Art. Create Your Own Masterpiece
Image Credit: Motion Art Space via Instagram
Arab Street and Haji Lane are literally an open-air art gallery. Colourful, vibrant, and absolutely Instagram-worthy. The area offers a unique mix of Malay-Arab heritage with a modern creative twist. Traditional batik patterns, portraits of local community members and scenes from local life, contemporary modern art – every masterpiece of street art tells the story and inspires. It is like history and art came together to help you completely merge with this area’s vibe. And comprehend one of multiple sides of Singapore’s multicultural soul.
Have you got enough inspiration? Head to Motion Art Space to turn this inspiration into your very own masterpiece of art. Enjoy a unique, therapeutic art jamming experience. Create abstract pieces of art using physics, specifically pendulums and spinning tools. The experience is totally family-friendly.
- More Details: Motion Art Space
Visit the Street’s Prominent Landmarks
Arab Street is a heritage area with deep roots in Malay and Arab communities. So, it is a must-visit landmark in itself. Nevertheless. There is a choice of places that deserve your attention. The Sultan Mosque, with its stunning golden dome, is on top of the list. Malay Heritage Centre, Vintage Camera Museum, Haji Lane, Bussorah Street – where do we begin? However, be patient. We will return to each of these landmarks a little bit later.
Relax in Cosy Arab Street Cafes
Arab street cafes are another love. Whether you are in search of a quick bite, refreshing beverages, something for your inner sweet tooth, or traditional Middle Eastern coffee – you are in the right place. Many boutiques have their own cafes offering a combination of shopping, dining, and enjoying nice talks. There’s even a haven for true cat lovers. Indescribable aroma and vibe are everywhere.
Indulge Yourself in Authentic Cuisines
Dining is among the main reasons why people love this area so much. And the choice is truly diverse. Middle Eastern, Turkish, Lebanese, Mediterranean cuisines – this is just the beginning of your culinary adventure through Arab Street restaurants. The focus is, of course, on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Many options are halal-certified – and open till late. It is a real paradise for foodies.
Go Shopping
Image Credit: Tripadvisor.com
Are you looking for a place to enjoy shopping? Arab Street is known for its traditional textiles, Persian carpets, custom perfumes, unique handicrafts, and more. Even if you are not going to buy anything, you should absolutely explore the shops.
Textile shops offer a wide range of incredible, high-quality fabrics, including silk, cotton, and batik. Each shop is like an art gallery bursting with colours and patterns. Souvenir shops sell traditional handicrafts, Persian carpets, antiques, customised perfumes, and other unique items to gift to your nearest and dearest (or to yourself). You can even visit artisanal fragrance shops and create your one-of-a-kind custom perfume.
By the way, be sure to bargain – to get the best deals.
Enjoy Live Music, Entertainment, and the Vibe
Arab Street is a bustling entertainment hub. Many venues in the area invite visitors to enjoy cultural performances, live music, DJ sets. A variety of genres is ensured, from cosy acoustic music to electrifying dance music. Whether you are looking for a place to unwind in a relaxing atmosphere or dance the night away, there is a choice for you.
Take a Tour
You can take a tour of Arab Street and the surroundings. This will help you dive even deeper into the neighbourhood’s captivating story. And better understand it.
Guided tours highlight the rich history of the area, focus on its street art, Middle Eastern food, and other aspects of its vibrant life. Some tours explore the unique architecture of the neighbourhood. The tours prove the street’s significance within the neighbourhood.
A tour of Arab Street is a combination of history, culture, architecture, shopping, and dining. It is a nice option for tourists, history geeks, and architecture lovers. And for active Singaporeans exploring various sides of our city’s multicultural life.
Daytime is nice for sightseeing, visiting the mosque, and shopping for textiles, crafts, and souvenirs.
Evening is good for admiring the vibrant street art, enjoying live music and entertainment, and dining.
It is a welcoming place to visit at any time of the day or night.
Arab Street offers a wide selection of activities for everyone. And, as we have already mentioned, it has several landmarks which are important not just for the area but for the entire country. Let’s take a virtual tour of these places.
Arab Street: Prominent Landmarks Not To Miss In The Area
Sultan Mosque
Image Credit: Mohamed Nassrat via Google Reviews
The Arab Street mosque, Sultan Mosque, is a symbol of our nation’s multicultural heritage – and an undisputed highlight of the area. It is a significant historical and architectural landmark – and a prominent centre for the Muslim community in Singapore.
The mosque impresses with its magnificent golden dome and intricate architecture. It is an excellent place to plunge into history, admire the beauty, and broaden your horizons.
The entrance is free. Ensure you are dressed modestly when visiting the Sultan Mosque.
Malay Heritage Centre
Malay Heritage Centre is a cradle of history and culture of the Malay community – and a place to experience its contribution to Singapore. The centre is situated in a beautiful building – the former royal palace, Istana Kampong Gelam. Malay Heritage Centre features many artifacts, interactive multimedia, and educational programmes.
Malay Heritage Centre is currently closed for renovations. It is planned to reopen in April 2026.
Vintage Camera Museum
Image Credit: Vintagecamerasmuseumsg.com
Have you ever been inside a camera? We mean, physically? We suppose you haven’t. Well, there is such a unique opportunity in Kampong Gelam. The neighbourhood boasts Asia’s biggest camera museum – and it is situated in a unique, giant, vintage camera-shaped building.
Explore a collection of unique cameras from the 19th century to the early 2000s. The collection includes spy cameras, rare cameras, specialised equipment, and replicas of the world’s largest camera and pigeon cameras. There is also a ‘Click Art’ section and a collection of iconic images.
Haji Lane
Image Credit: Tripadvisor.com
Haji Lane Singapore is part of the Arab Street area. It is a narrow, vibrant alley. It is famous for its indie Haji Lane shops, eclectic Haji Lane cafes and restaurants, and colourful street art. The street is highly ‘Instagrammable’. It is a popular place for sightseeing, admiring the art, enjoying finger-licking Haji Lane food, and shopping.
As for shopping. The alley is known for its unique shopping opportunities. Vintage clothing, handmade accessories, local fashion brands – you can find many unique items here.
Haji Lane is enchanting at night. There are lively Haji Lane bars with live music, DJ sets, and a stunning vibe.
Haji Lane is just a short stroll from Bugis MRT Station.
Bussorah Street
Bussorah Street is a vibrant pedestrian-only street known for its Malay-Arab heritage. The street is famous for its diverse selection of dining venues, unique shops, and lively atmosphere. It is especially charming in the evening, adorned with beautiful lights and penetrated with an energetic vibe.
Gedung Kuning (aka the Yellow Mansion), Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, Kampong Glam Bazaar, and many other landmarks deserve your attention as well. If you want to learn more about the history of this district, uncover its incredible secrets, and discover all its hidden gems, we highly recommend that you take a tour of the area.
Finally! Let us move on to Arab Street food. After all, the selection of authentic Arab Street restaurants, cafes, and bars is exactly what attracts so many people.
Arab Street Food
All Things Delicious
It is a well-known halal-certified bakery and cafe – a true hidden gem in the bustling neighbourhood. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dinner – and for a quick bite during your fascinating explorations of Kampung Glam. Salads, nibbles, pastas, desserts – there is something for every taste and time of the day. Its extensive selection of cakes, scones, brownies, and other freshly baked options will make you return to All Things Delicious again and again.
Blu Jaz Cafe
If you are in search of delicious Arab Street food, a choice of drinks, lively atmosphere, and exciting entertainment, Blu Jaz Cafe is the right place to go. The cafe serves a mix of food, with finger food, kebab, seafood, pasta, and burgers. Along with mouthwatering food, Blu Jaz Cafe’s guests can enjoy brilliant entertainment: live music, comedy nights, and DJ sets.
Tarik at Arab Street
Tarik at Arab Street is a popular Muslim-owned teahouse. It is known for its signature pulled tea. Teh Tarik is a must-try highlight. Iced options are also available. As well as a choice of delectable snacks, such as Kaya Butter Bun, Epok Epok (Puff), and others.
This bustling Arab Street cafe is a nice spot to visit for a cultural tea experience and delicious quick bites.
Meomi Cat Cafe
Yes, it is a true haven of cuteness and joy for all cat lovers. Meomi Cat Cafe is a cosy spot with charming atmosphere and the loveliest inhabitants ever.
We should admit that this cafe is not for a hearty dinner. Nevertheless. It deserves a visit. It is a nice spot to enjoy interacting with well-cared-for cats while having a drink. Tasty cakes are available as well. It will be a fur-tastic experience.
Children must be at least seven years old to visit Meomi Cat Cafe. Age verification may be required.
Rumah Makan Minang
Image Credit: Rumah Makan Minang via Facebook
It is a renowned halal restaurant. It serves authentic Indonesian Minangkabau (West Sumatran) cuisine in a casual setting. Ayam Balado Hijau, Paru Belado, Lemak Siput Sedut, and other masterpieces won’t leave anyone indifferent. A burst of flavours and scents is guaranteed.
The Malayan Council
The Malayan Council is among the most popular Arab Street Restaurants. Actually, it has multiple locations islandwide and is deservedly considered among the city’s best places to indulge yourself in halal dining.
Roti Kirai Beef Ribs, Asam Pedas Seafood Aglio Olio, and Lamb Mandhi Kabuli are among the restaurant’s signature dishes. There is a menu for the youngest visitors and for those with a sweet tooth.
Antalya Turkish and Mediterranean Restaurant, Cappadocia Turkish and Mediterranean Restaurant, Tarboush Restaurant, Positano Risto, and many other dining venues in the Arab Street area are all excellent places for a delicious dinner, refreshing drinks, and an incredible vibe.
Arab Street is an absolute must-visit area for all Singaporeans and visitors to the city. It is an integral part of Singapore’s heritage. And a charming place to better understand its history, culture, and its people.
Have you already explored Arab Street? Well, we bet you will return there more than once. Do you need more ideas of vibrant places to discover in Singapore? What about exciting things to do at Orchard? Or thrilling attractions in enchanting Little India? And what about authentic Chinatown? There are so many places to visit in The Lion City. Stay tuned! BusyKids knows a lot about things to do at Orchard, in Little India, Chinatown, and other vibrant districts of the city.
Image Credit: Tripadvisor.com
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