Haji Lane is an indispensable part of every Singapore itinerary, and there is little surprise why that is. With colourful street art lining the walls, chic nail bars galore, novel boutiques selling all manner of trinkets and fashions, as well as great eats and drinks tucked away, it is easy to lose yourself amid its vibrant hustle and bustle for a day, while feeling the pulse and rhythm of the island.
As we discovered the best places to eat, shop, and savour the sights on Haji Lane, we also got in touch with Aditya Aggarwal, a Singapore-based software engineer, who let us in on lesser-known places and insider tips!
How Haji Lane became a bustling hipster alley
“Haji Lane is an amalgamation of different cuisines, cultures, and food outlets. It appeals to folks from all nationalities and generations,” Aggarwal says.
Nestled in Singapore’s Kampong Glam neighbourhood, Haji Lane originally housed Haj pilgrims from nearby islands like Java, from the 1800s to 1960s. The pilgrims lodged in the shophouses and worked as hawkers to raise funds for their journey to Mecca. Later, for a decade until the 1970s, the promising lane provided shophouse homes for the needy. Today, most shops’ original facades remain, with narrow store entrances extending remarkably in length walking inwards. This represents the former government’s rule where real estate was taxed based on the number of roadside windows the property had.
Haji Lane Shopping guide
Talking about the booming shopping scene on Haji Lane, Aggarwal says, “There are many boutique shops that sell jewellery, clothes, paintings and souvenirs. It is where I’ve found the most unique stuff in all of Singapore.”
Be it the local vintage-cum-rework brand Vintagewknd or Spring Summer Fall Winter (SSFW), which specialises in gemstone accessories and arm candy, trust Haji Lane to offer offbeat shopping experiences that are hard to resist. If you fancy exotic resort wear and boho swimsuits, consider Bellakini Swimwear Boutique for suave prints, the perfect beach bags, hats, and much more!
Also, explore our guide to thrift shopping in Singapore.
Visitors can even design their own wallets, passport holders, and keychains at Crafune. Other must-visit shops on the lane include Flame Vintage Store (for vintage staples from big brands), Hygge for cosy home decor and customised gifts, and Superwasted for upcycled clothes at different prices every week.
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The best coffee, croissants, and conversations: Restaurants & Cafes on Haji Lane
Journey across the globe through finger-licking staples from diverse cuisines. For Mexican flavours, head to Piedra Negra and Mamacitas – their wholesome burritos, tacos, and delicious guac are bound to please your palate. Aggarwal fondly recalls his meals at Piedra Negra, saying, “I’d like to give the restaurant a shoutout for the most amazing guacamole, made right in front of you, along with freshly prepared Tortilla chips and chilled beer. Their menu is quite extensive, and almost everything tastes good. Towards the evening, the place transforms into a street filled with amazing murals, people dancing to old classics and having the time of their lives.”
Pita Bakery also comes highly recommended by Aggarwal. “It’s a small family-run business that dishes out multiple flavours of Pita bread, the best falafels, and the spiciest harissa sauce,” he says.
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If you’re craving a bite of Middle Eastern fare, look no further than The Halal Corner for pocket-friendly meals and the Turkish diner Pasha Mezza & Grill. Also, explore our food guide to the places that serve the best Hainanese Chicken Rice in Singapore.
For the best selection of craft beer and finger food, consider Black Sheep & Co. Bar and Goodluck Beer House. The latter is also popular among locals for its innovative cocktails and Asian appetizers. Also explore Haji Lane’s Blue Jaz Cafe – this bar cum cafe weaves an eclectic vibe with live music, an expansive bar-food menu, and indoor as well as al fresco seating options.
Top it all by feasting on flaky croissants and French pastries at The French American Bakery. Aggarwal also recalls the sumptuous fare at Shalaby Sweets Turkish & Arabic Delights. “They sell Baklava imported directly from Turkey; a must-try when you’re in Haji Lane,” he says.
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Haji Lane nightlife
When at Haji Lane, dancing to the DJs at bars and eclectic streets is not a page out of the ordinary. “The good thing about Haji Lane is that the entire street transforms into a club. They have Piedra Negra that plays classics all night. If you’re into Jazz, there’s Blu Jaz Cafe with an amazing live band performing every weekend,” says Aggarwal. For street food inspired by Indian flavours coupled with creative cocktails, consider Flying Monkey. Next, enjoy customised cocktails inspired by Banana Split, Black Forest Gateaux, Pancakes syrup and bacon at Bar Stories.
A short walk from Haji Lane will take you to Atlas, a bespoke bar that Aggarwal recalls as “one of the best in all of Asia”. “It will transport you to Egypt till the time you’re there.” He also recommends the Bollywood Club ‘Magic Carpet’ located nearby.
Street art and photography at Haji Lane
The alleys of Haji Lane embody a vibrant avatar with every nook and cranny smeared in colourful graffiti and wall art. Whether you’re in the mood for a feel-good walk through innovative imagery or seeking a full-blown photo op for Instagram, the murals promise to play along. “There’s a mural that reads ‘Art should comfort the disturbed, and disturb the comforted’. I don’t have a picture of it, but it is something,” says Aditya. Try visiting in the afternoon when the sun shines warmly on the murals.
At the back of Piedra Negra, between Haji Lane and Beach Road, admire the Mexican Aztec murals putting a creative spin on the region’s culture and livelihood. Thereafter, check out the Ultraman and Merlion mural near the Black Sheep & Co Bar. The superhero version of Merlion in this mural is a delight to watch! Lastly, add the quirky Italian Bakery murals to your list – the perfect backdrop to savour an icy Americano.
You can also check out Korean-style photo booths like Pickypic Photobooth and Solace Studios for uniquely themed rooms and self-service photo booths. Or, check out the vinyl record collection at Musicology Records. Talking about the recently added photo booths along the trendy stretch, Aggarwal remarks, “Make the most of photo booths for as low as SGD 10. You can grab some props and get some, maybe drunk, photos clicked on one of the unmanned photo booths.” Also, make sure to visit the Sultan Mosque, among the most beautiful buildings in Singapore, before you head home. Come sunset, the mosque lights up beautifully, evoking serenity and admiration.
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Best time to visit Haji Lane to avoid crowds
To dodge the crowds, visit Haji Lane in the afternoon or early evening hours. The lane remains relatively less crowded on weekdays, as opposed to public holidays and weekends. When asked about opportune times to visit, Aggarwal says, “You can spend an entire evening, starting with exploring all the little boutiques, while having baklava or grab a coffee from % Arabica, and hang out until late in the night.”
Haji Lane Location and how to reach
Stretching between Beach Road and North Bridge Road, Haji Lane is located within the Arab Street District. The easiest way to reach the lane is by taking an MRT train via the East-West (EW12) or Downtown (DT14) Line to Bugis Station, located 750 m from Haji Lane. You can also reach the prominent tourist landmark via public buses numbered 10, 100, 133, 197, 33, 851, 851E, and 857.
Find on Google map here
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(Feature Image Credit: Klanarong Chitmung/Shutterstock)
Related: Singapore’s Theme Park Delights: The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide
This article first appeared here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While Haji Lane is decked in street art and murals throughout, the best spots to click pictures include the Mexican Aztec murals, the art at the Italian bakery, and the Ultraman and Merlion mural.
The best brunch spots at Haji Lane include Piedra Negra, Pasha Mezza and Grill, and Mamacitas.
The most romantic diners at Haji Lane include Piedra Negra, Cafe Margaret, and Pita Bakery, among others.
Avoid visiting Haji Lane during peak hours such as evenings on weekends and public holidays. Instead, for relatively empty alleys, consider the afternoon and early evening hours of weekdays.
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