Arab Street Singapore: Overview, Culture & Why It’s Famous

The Arab Street in Singapore was founded in the 1800s when Yemeni and Indonesian Arab traders moved to this place. It was a major trading post of silk, fabrics and traditional goods. The lane is today amongst the most popular Singapore attractions, and it is located in the centre of Kampong Glam, which is the Muslim quarter of Singapore.

The avenue is overtaken by the Grand Sultan Mosque, which has its marvellous golden dome, surrounding the boutique stores, rug traders, textile boutiques, Instagram-tinged cafes, and the traditional Middle Eastern restaurants. Arab Street Singapore is a picturesque contrast to the efficient skyline in Singapore, reminding visitors that the heart of the city is in its diversity of history.

Fun Fact: A good number of the stores on Arab Street, Singapore, are owned by families who have resided here their entire lives.

• A combination of heritage + contemporary style.
• Real Middle East, Malay and Arab culture.
• Iconic Sultan Mosque
• Vibrant murals & photo spots
• Affordable shopping & cafes
• Rich spiritual and architectural value.

Arab Street, Singapore, is a place to be on your itinerary list in Singapore.

1. Sultan Mosque – The Most Iconic Landmark of Arab Street, Singapore: Sultan Mosque is one of the most crucial Islamic sites in Singapore, which stands tall at the end of Arab Street in Singapore. It is the visual and spiritual centre of Kampong Glam with its giant golden dome and its great prayer hall.
Tourists have an opportunity to appreciate the building or go in (outside prayer hours) to have a quiet time of contemplation. It is readily one of the most photogenic. 

2. Haji Lane – Street Art, Boutiques & Instagram Spots Near Arab Street Singapore: Haji Lane is the hippest alley in Singapore, and it is just a few steps away, on Arab Street. It is thin, artistic and loaded with standalone shops, street art and cafes. This is your dream backdrop in case you are seeking aesthetic photos. Visitors consistently praise the vibrant murals at Haji Lane.

Perfect for:

• Street-style photography
• Thrifting & vintage finds
• Quirky cafes
• Handmade jewellery 
• Haji Lane + Arab Street, Singapore = culture-meets-Gen Z.

3. Textile & Carpet Shops – Traditional Shopping on Arab Street, Singapore: Arab Street Singapore has a long history of trading textiles, and it has not lost its pace. Today, you can find:

• Handmade Persian rugs
• Luxurious silks
• Traditional batik prints
• Embroidered fabrics
• Abayas, kaftans and scarves

Shopping at Arab Street, Singapore, is much more personal and meaningful as compared to malls, and this is exactly what makes this place of attractions so special.

4. Middle Eastern & Turkish Food – Best Places to Eat on Arab Street, Singapore: A trip to Arab Street, Singapore, cannot be complete without food. These are legendary restaurants in Singapore. Visitors often highlight the aroma of freshly baked baklava along the street.

MUST-TRY dishes:

• Turkish kebabs
• Falafel wraps
• Mandi rice
• Shakshouka
• Baklava
• Mint tea & Arabian coffee

Eating at Arab Street, Singapore = touring the Middle East without having to go to the Middle East.

Arab Street Singapore is open around the year, although the most acceptable experience is during:

• Evenings: golden hour (5 PM - 7 PM)
• It is after sunset when cafes are lit.
• Fridays: to a cultural atmosphere.
• When they are in Ramadan and Hari Raya.

Singapore is warm all year round; hence, it is preferable to experience it either in the morning or in the evening.

Access to Arab Street is very easy anywhere in Singapore:

• MRT: Bugis Station (5 minutes walk)
• Taxi: 10-15 minutes from Marina Bay
• Bus: There are several routes.
• Walking: Ideal in case you are visiting central Singapore.

Arab Street Singapore have good links with other attractions in Singapore, such as Little India, Bugis Street and Marina Bay.

Not to be left out of your Singapore itinerary are: when visiting Arab Street, Singapore.

• Bugis Street Market
• Little India
• National Gallery Singapore
• Marina Bay Sands
• Gardens by the Bay
• Kampong Glam Heritage Centre.

The cultural bridge in Singapore in Arab Street, Singapore, links most of the iconic attractions in Singapore.

• Visit Sultan Mosque
• Buy fabrics and perfumes in Arab Street in Singapore.
• Explore murals at Haji Lane
• Arab Street Turkish brunch in Singapore.
• Take beautiful pictures of the street on Instagram
• The ideal combination of culture + memory-making.

• Wear simple clothes when travelling to the Sultan Mosque.
• Carry cash for small shops
• Come hungry (a meal can not be resisted)
• Go during the middle of the week to avoid too many people.
• Bugis and Little India with a visit.
• Respectful clothing inside mosques
• No loud photography during prayer times
• Avoid blocking store entrances during photo sessions

Arab Street Singapore is the best attraction site in Singapore since it has:

• Cultural depth
• Visual beauty
• Historic storytelling
• Affordable shopping
• Unmatched food
• Spiritual significance

Arab Street, Singapore, is not as lifeless as the malls. It relates you to tales, voyages and lives.

Going to the Arab Street in Singapore is not merely a sightseeing experience but rather a culture-enveloping experience that makes your Singapore holiday complete. You may be going on a honeymoon, a trip with your best friends, or you may be going alone, but you must not leave out the Arab Street Singapore attractions in your list.

To ensure a smooth sail through, combine a trip to the Arab Street with carefully selected Pickyourtrail’s Singapore tour packages.