Arab Street
Arab Street
4
About
Visitors who enjoy a little bargaining will find it here among the historic shops selling textiles, perfume and more. Along with traditional Muslim food offerings, some Western restaurants have settled into the area, creating a Singaporean blend of cultures. Make sure to stop at the island’s largest mosque, the Sultan Mosque, a landmark in the Kampong Glam Malay Heritage District.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Neighbourhood: Central Area/City Area
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Restaurants
7,133 within 5 kms
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852 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- TheLeongOhanaUnited States7,556 contributionsEarly Morning WalkWe visited Arab Street area in the morning and enjoyed a quiet stroll around the neighborhood. It was my second visit and glad there were no crowds at this hour so it was nicer viewing the colorful buildings, checking out the building artwork and walking around the outside of the mosque. We completed the circuit of all the streets in less than half an hour. We did find a couple of coffee shops open if one needed a caffeine fix before heading off to the next Singapore sight.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 October 2023
- Deelah HamidBandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam170 contributionsA photogenic placeA nice and a must place to visit, especially if you are looking for a photogenic place to take beautiful photos. There are a lot of restaurants, mostly Turkish dishes, some small shops to buy stuffs and even some small hotels if you want to stay there. We came during Ramadhan and it was really great. Many people came there to buy foods and drinks since there is a lot of choices.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 27 October 2023
- SSHyderabad, India125 contributionsLovely cafésThe prayers from mosque filled the area and drown all the noise. Beautiful walk with little cafés all around. The table lined streets have people waving menus at you and inviting you in and smell of kababs fills the air during lunch and early dinner The wall graffitis across are amazing and you’d be lucky to get a picture without someone in your frame. I do not mean it the wrong way it’s just shows how popular the place is with touristsVisited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 17 December 2023
- kami f7 contributionsAn area must be visited.Beautiful two story shops, restaurants and fantastic looking buildings. Many Turkish and Arabic restaurants. Beautiful Sultan mosque. An area where you can get good food and and buy souvenirs. Has a great atmosphere.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 11 February 2024
- GeorgiePerth, Australia375 contributionsArab Street shopping funLovely place to visit with heaps of shops, restaurants and cafes. So many things to look at and the locals are very friendly. I didn't go into the Sultan Mosque as it was not open to women at the time I was there, but it is very impressive from the outside. Not as crowded as Little India and Chinatown so this area is a hidden gem of Singapore and a must see.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 22 February 2024
- tinkle_24Northampton, United Kingdom1,785 contributionsGreat streets to wander round!Beautifully well preserved houses with its different coloured shutters. Plenty of cafes and restaurants. The first President Palace can be found in this area and well kept Sultan Mosque with its golden dome. Authentic teh tarik at the end of Busoroh Street.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 June 2024
- Zoe_JLWindsor, United Kingdom354 contributionsCould be missed, not a mustWe went to visit Arab street and didn’t spend more than an hour here. It was okay. Lots of people trying to get you to eat with them which I find frustrating. The mosque was nice and the artwork is very good. Found other areas of Singapore much nicer.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 23 June 2024
- Flametree16Singapore, Singapore63 contributionsKampong Glam a visual, aromatic and taste sensationKampong Glam is a lovely place to go with plenty of visual, aromatic and taste sensations to experience. A wander through the streets will surprise you with graffiti, street art and art displays in cafes, alleys and buildings. The prominent Sultan's Mosque is a photogenic icon at the end of Arab Street but also peeking through many alleys. Many shops with arrays of beautiful hand made glass, aromatic perfumes and decorative crockery. Plus restaurants and cafes with fantastic food, mostly Turkish but also a few other choices. A must try is the Baklava or Kunafa with a Mint tea or a Turkish Lemonade ( Mint and Lemon), you won’t be disappointed!Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.0
2,349 reviews
Excellent
723
Very good
1,132
Average
419
Poor
59
Terrible
16
Ray
Staines, UK798 contributions
Apr 2021
Arab Street is part of the Muslim Quarter. Singapore's founder Sir Stamford Raffle did the town planning back in the day and allocated different areas in Singapore to all early immigrants and locals according to their ethnic background so that's how this area came to be.
The early Arabs to land on these shores were traders and merchants mostly from Oman and Yemen but Muslims from other countries followed later. Which is why all the streets in this area are named after cities from Oman, Iraq, Afghanistan etc.
Currently it must be the trendiest and hippest neighbourhood of the Lion City Singapore because other than the usual Persian carpets, fine fabrics, colourful textiles and handicrafts, it has funky cafes and exotic restaurants that attract all fashion conscious crowds. Shopping aside, there is plenty to choose from Lebanese food to Turkish delights, Middle Eastern style shisha/hookah to Indonesian leafy veggies.
The early Arabs to land on these shores were traders and merchants mostly from Oman and Yemen but Muslims from other countries followed later. Which is why all the streets in this area are named after cities from Oman, Iraq, Afghanistan etc.
Currently it must be the trendiest and hippest neighbourhood of the Lion City Singapore because other than the usual Persian carpets, fine fabrics, colourful textiles and handicrafts, it has funky cafes and exotic restaurants that attract all fashion conscious crowds. Shopping aside, there is plenty to choose from Lebanese food to Turkish delights, Middle Eastern style shisha/hookah to Indonesian leafy veggies.
Written 15 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luvingmywine
Yokosuka, Japan218 contributions
Mar 2020
We went here twice in one week to enjoy the food (there was a Lebanese restaurant that was out of this world with such friendly and helpful staff).
There are a lot of places for nice housewares and we would have purchased more had we not had to fly back home. Enjoy!
There are a lot of places for nice housewares and we would have purchased more had we not had to fly back home. Enjoy!
Written 29 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindsey F
Peterborough, UK98 contributions
Feb 2020
What a beautiful place if you want any household textiles from fabric to carpets. I was after cottons for summer shirts and use the offcuts for my patchwork. You HAVE to haggle it’s part of the fun but the first trader insulted me by starting at $60/metre, ridiculous! Got the rest of What I wanted for $10 approx. Was very tempted by the most glorious rug, might have succumbed if we weren’t moving house and need to clear out.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MLSingapore
Singapore, Singapore231 contributions
Oct 2020
The Arab Street is terrible in term of shopping for middle east or Turkish lighting or plates. All the shop did not have price tag and the staff see you as a tourist and give you a super unreasonable price, and then pretend to be friendly with you and sell you an items with "big"discount".Its not worth the trip and nothing really outstanding there. For people who been to Turkey or middle east, the people there are much honest than Arab street, the product quality are way better than Arab street, and most importantly the price are way cheaper. For those who did not been to Turkey, my advice is go there only look but don't buy anything which will regret 100%. My friend brought a Turkish light and the plug is two pin and light bulb is not LED. The light became so hot after switch on for a while...
If you looking for something reflects the Singapore's multi- culture, Go Chinatown, there is a lot nice and long history shop which you can get nice and meaningful items in a very reasonable price, including Turkish lighting...
If you looking for something reflects the Singapore's multi- culture, Go Chinatown, there is a lot nice and long history shop which you can get nice and meaningful items in a very reasonable price, including Turkish lighting...
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
linfame
Singapore, Singapore759 contributions
Aug 2020
because of covid I thought it was appropriate to show places
in singapore... where it is fun to see and sketch... urban sketching
is a world wide wonderful thing to do... here it is .. Arab street
this place is the extension where you can enjoy your food alfresco
along the side street .. at the zam zam restaurant.
in singapore... where it is fun to see and sketch... urban sketching
is a world wide wonderful thing to do... here it is .. Arab street
this place is the extension where you can enjoy your food alfresco
along the side street .. at the zam zam restaurant.
Written 27 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheLeongOhana
United States7,556 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We visited Arab Street area in the morning and enjoyed a quiet stroll around the neighborhood.
It was my second visit and glad there were no crowds at this hour so it was nicer viewing the colorful buildings, checking out the building artwork and walking around the outside of the mosque.
We completed the circuit of all the streets in less than half an hour. We did find a couple of coffee shops open if one needed a caffeine fix before heading off to the next Singapore sight.
It was my second visit and glad there were no crowds at this hour so it was nicer viewing the colorful buildings, checking out the building artwork and walking around the outside of the mosque.
We completed the circuit of all the streets in less than half an hour. We did find a couple of coffee shops open if one needed a caffeine fix before heading off to the next Singapore sight.
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lakehouse15
Byron Bay, Australia132 contributions
Dec 2022
A very colourful place to walk through with the aroma of spices and coffee surround you. Many eating options as well as retails opportunities. The colours and unique shops were great to see. Plenty of local culture to experience
Written 11 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flametree16
Singapore, Singapore63 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Kampong Glam is a lovely place to go with plenty of visual, aromatic and taste sensations to experience. A wander through the streets will surprise you with graffiti, street art and art displays in cafes, alleys and buildings.
The prominent Sultan's Mosque is a photogenic icon at the end of Arab Street but also peeking through many alleys.
Many shops with arrays of beautiful hand made glass, aromatic perfumes and decorative crockery. Plus restaurants and cafes with fantastic food, mostly Turkish but also a few other choices. A must try is the Baklava or Kunafa with a Mint tea or a Turkish Lemonade ( Mint and Lemon), you won’t be disappointed!
The prominent Sultan's Mosque is a photogenic icon at the end of Arab Street but also peeking through many alleys.
Many shops with arrays of beautiful hand made glass, aromatic perfumes and decorative crockery. Plus restaurants and cafes with fantastic food, mostly Turkish but also a few other choices. A must try is the Baklava or Kunafa with a Mint tea or a Turkish Lemonade ( Mint and Lemon), you won’t be disappointed!
Written 14 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barry C
Perth, Australia81 contributions
Oct 2022
Capadocia Turkish restaurant was great and offered fine, freshly made food. The street has many Turkish restaurants all eager to attract the small number of customers walking the colourful street. If we had more time, we could have tried some other restaurants in the same area as they all looked very promising and offering the best of middle eastern food.
Written 26 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aslam_Sherif
London, UK759 contributions
Aug 2019
When you walk through the streets it feels like you are in middle east. Sultan Mosque is the big attraction in the area which brings many tourists to this area to pray in the mosque. There are many Arabic and Turkish restaurants and cafes near the mosque. There are shops selling rugs and clothes there are also many souvenir shops. Malay neighborhood very interesting as shops selling handicraft, Arabic and Turkish items. This is a must visit if you are in Singapore.
Written 21 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
May I know if we need to prepare a lot of cash over there? Can we just choose to use cashless payment?
Written 7 October 2023
I cannot speak specifically for Arab street since some shops may stay open longer than others, but usually shops will close between 9pm and 10pm esepcially in malls. Street shops often close a bit earlier, some as early as 8pm but since this is a tourist spot with a lot of people around at night many shops may remain open till a lot later. This is a very busy area at night with lots of bars and restaurants in the adjacent Haji Lane and North Bridge road so expect lots of open eating places at night too.
Written 19 October 2019
They open around 10am and stay open till late depends on the day of the week also
Written 22 September 2019
Hi I have a tattoo sleeve that is Christian based should I cover it when in Arab street? I'm not religious but it's dedicated to my late mother in-law who was.
Written 23 July 2019
I don't think it will be an issue. There are lots of people with tattoo's these days. I have them on my wrist and no comments were made. If you do feel uncomfortable maybe carry a long sleeve top in your bag.
Written 23 July 2019
Hi,
Bugis Street MRT Station is just around 500 meters away from Bugis Street. That should be the closest.
Written 27 December 2017
alloggerò al Singapore beach destination mi sembra vicino a piedi .Quanto tempo per visitare questo quartiere?
Written 6 June 2017
Подскажите пожалуйста, может осталось ещё какое-нибудь кафе , где можно покурить кальян?🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Written 28 May 2017
Hi. Any hotel or homestay nearby arab street suitable for family with kids? Thank you.
Written 3 July 2016
Yes the Parkroyal on Beach Rd and the serviced apartments if your staying seven days or more
Written 25 July 2016
Конечно, это же араб стрит;) можно даже устроиться на мягких подушках прямо на улице, а можно и в помещении покурить
Written 8 May 2015
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