Haji Lane in Singapore is the spot to be! On our very first visit we couldn’t believe our eyes. The unique street is filled colorful murals, funky Haji Lane cafes, and a mix of great food from around the world. It’s a place that sticks out among the high rises, and a must-visit on your trip to the city. Here’s why you’ll love Haji Lane everything you need to know!
What is Haji Lane in Singapore?
Before we can get into all the fun Haji Lane cafes and restaurants you should know the backstory. The slender street is named after “Haji” which is the famous pilgrimage taken by Muslims to Mecca.
Up until the late 1970’s, the nearby Bussuroah Street and Sultan’s Mosque was a meeting place for pilgrims to prepare for their journey. For this reason, the entire area of Kampong Glam is historic in Singapore.
Even with the new age businesses, Haji Lane is home to some of the city’s oldest 2 story shophouses. In recent years, this part of Singapore began to reinvent itself.
Today, you’ll find Haji Lane covered with art from local artists, and a fun hipster atmosphere. Even if you’re not going to buy or enjoy some delicious Haji Lane food, it’s still an experience simply walking down the popular street!
→ 23 Unique & Fun Things to do in Singapore
How to Get to Haji Lane Singapore
If you’ve never been to Singapore you should know it’s a super easy city to get around! Whether you’re using the Grab Taxi service or hopping on the MRT subway, you’ll have no problem finding your way to all the amazing attractions.
We typically walk everywhere in Singapore and did so on our most recent visit to Haji Lane. Our fun route on this day was from Merlion Park to the iconic Raffles Hotel where we tried the famous Singapore Sling!
However, you may want to take the MRT to the Bugis Junction and walk the 5 minutes from there. This area isn’t so close to the city center as other attractions like the Marina Bay Sands. So if you want to save some time, taking the MRT subway to Haji Lane in Singapore is the way to go!
There is also a popular bike tour that takes you through the city and and over to Haji Lane. Either way, it will be easy to include it as a stop in a 2 day Singapore itinerary like this.
Why You’ll Love Haji Lane
Now that you know a little bit about Haji Lane in Singapore, it’s time to get into the good stuff! From the moment you turn the corner onto the walking street you’ll be greeted with an explosion of colors.
At first glance it may not look that long. Yet, the amount of Haji Lane cafes, restaurants, and quirky clothing shops can easily take up an hour or two.
It’s plenty busy during the day, but at night the real party starts! You’ll find a fun mix of tourists and young ex-pats all making their way to Haji Lane.
We felt a different energy here than other areas like Clarke Quay which also has a good amount of bars. The colorful murals and music really make it stand out, and there are many delicious places to eat, too!
Popular Restaurants & Stops on Haji Lane
The Haji Lane cafes, bars, and restaurants are the main draw of the street. Still, there are a several fun shops to pop in and out of.
Haji Lane is a great place to visit if you want to explore some small boutique shops and grab lunch. Here’s some of our favorite cafes and restaurants to enjoy on this amazing street.
Haji Lane Cafes & Restaurants
- Piedra Negra Mexican Restaurant
- Good Luck Gastropub
- Pasha Mezza and Grill Turkish Restaurant
- MADD PIZZA
- Black Sheep & Co
- Momolato Ice Cream Shop
- Shalaby Sweets Turkish & Arabic Delights
- I am…
Haji Lane Murals & Street Art
While there are so many great Haji Lane food options, what really sets it apart is the wonderful street art! The murals depict a variety of different ideas and cultures that are fun to explore.
The way the colors pop from the wall is truly unique! Our favorite is the work done by Piedra Negra Mexican restaurant, as it displays the indigenous Aztecs in a remarkable way. The same Colombian artist Didier Jaba Mathie’s work can be found all along Haji Lane in Singapore.
If you love the art at Haji Lane in Singapore then be sure to also take a trip to Chinatown. There are dozens of murals around this area of the city done in a different style than you’ll see in Kampong Glam.
Exploring Around Haji Lane in Singapore
As we mentioned earlier, the area around Haji Lane is known as the Arabic section. Make sure to take a walk down Bussuroah Street and see the incredible Sultan’s Mosque. This is the largest of its kind in Singapore and if you’re lucky you may even hear the Call to Prayer!
The nearby Bugis Street Market is worth visiting as it’s one of the largest and cheapest places to go shopping in Singapore. Also, the Haji Lane food options are diverse and plentiful. Yet, don’t miss out on the amazing Arabic food in this part of the city!
Have any questions about this article or want to share your own experience on Haji Lane in Singapore? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where to Stay in Singapore
Luxury – Marina Bay Sands – We stayed at the Marina Bay Sands for Jake’s 30th birthday and it blew away our expectations. Aside from the luxury amenities, swimming in the rooftop infinity pool will be the highlight of your visit!
Iconic – Raffles Hotel – As one of the most historic hotels Southeast Asia, staying at the Raffles Hotel will be an experience like no other. Enjoy a Singapore Sling and take in the amazing architecture of this landmark built in 1887.
Fun Vacation– Parkroyal on Pickering– It doesn’t get much more green and lush then Parkroyal on Pickering! This fun vacation spot is literally one of the greenest hotels in the world. Plant life covers the entire property to make for a unique stay in Singapore.
Boutique – KēSa House – Located in Chinatown, this fantastic hotel was built in 1920’s. Enjoy the incredible setting in the heart of the city in a traditional building on Keong Saik Road.
Hostel – Hipstercity hostel – Fun hostel in downtown Singapore with both private and dorm rooms. Great place to meet other travelers to explore the city with.
PIN FOR LATER ↓
Singapore Travel Planning
Activities: 23 Fun Things to Do – Butterfly Garden – Chinatown – Supertree Grove – Gardens by the Bay – Marina Bay Sands – Merlion Park – Singapore Jewel – Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool
Hawker Centers: 8 Must Try Hawkers – Maxwell – Old Airport Road – Tekka Centre – Chinatown Complex – Lau Pa Sat – Liao Fan Hawker Chan
Light Shows: Gardens by the Bay– Marina Bay – 2 Best in Singapore
Travel Tips: Singapore Airlines Review – 15 Wild Laws – Changi Airport
Flights: We always find deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Athens to Singapore for $230 USD, and Singapore to Thailand for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities all over Singapore. You can book everything from a Singapore Highlights Bike Tour to a Gardens by the Bay E-Ticket, and even a private food tour with 10 tastings!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Here’s all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists! Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
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