The best things to do in Kampong Glam in 2026 are the golden-domed Sultan Mosque, the murals and boutiques of Haji Lane, the textile and carpet shops of Arab Street, the Malay Heritage Centre in the old Istana Kampong Gelam (reopened in April 2026), palm-lined Bussorah Street and the bargain stalls of Bugis Street market.
Kampong Glam is Singapore's historic Malay and Arab quarter, a few compact streets around the Sultan Mosque between Bugis and Nicoll Highway MRT stations. Come in the late afternoon: browse the shops, visit the mosque outside prayer times, then stay for dinner as the cafés and restaurants fill up. During Ramadan, a lively evening bazaar takes over the area. For where to eat and stay, see our Kampong Glam restaurants and hotels guides.
Singapore's grand golden-domed mosque, the heart of the quarter.
Completed in 1928, the Sultan Mosque, with its golden dome and Saracenic style, is Singapore's best-known mosque and stands at the end of Bussorah Street.
Visitors are welcome outside prayer times; robes are provided.
Good to know: Avoid Friday midday prayers.
3 Muscat St, Singapore 198833
Murals, indie boutiques and bars in a narrow lane.
Haji Lane is a narrow lane of brightly painted shophouses covered in street art, with independent fashion boutiques, cafés and small bars.
It is busiest and most atmospheric in the evening.
Good to know: Shops open late morning; bars come alive after dark.
Haji Ln, Singapore 189244
The story of Singapore's Malay community, in a former palace.
The Malay Heritage Centre occupies the Istana Kampong Gelam, the former palace of the Malay sultans, and tells the history and culture of Singapore's Malay community. It reopened in April 2026 after a major refresh.
Its grounds are a calm space in the busy quarter.
Good to know: Visit first to understand the neighbourhood.
85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
Textiles, carpets, perfume oils and batik.
Arab Street has long been the place for textiles, with shops selling silks, batik, lace and carpets, plus perfume oil shops and rattan and basketware stores.
It is good for distinctive souvenirs.
Good to know: Bargaining is acceptable in many of the shops.
Arab St, Singapore 199748
A palm-lined pedestrian street framing the mosque's golden dome.
Bussorah Street is a pedestrian mall lined with palm trees and restored shophouses, with the Sultan Mosque's golden dome at its end, one of Singapore's most photogenic views.
Its cafés and Middle Eastern restaurants have outdoor seating.
Good to know: Sunset is the best time for photographs of the mosque.
Bussorah St, Singapore 199436
A bustling covered market of cheap clothes and snacks.
Bugis Street is a crowded covered market of hundreds of stalls selling inexpensive clothing, accessories, souvenirs and snacks, opposite Bugis MRT.
It is a good place for bargain souvenirs.
Good to know: Combine with Bugis Junction mall across the road.
3 New Bugis St, Singapore 188867
A striking blue-and-white tiled mosque.
Masjid Malabar, built by Singapore's Malabari Muslim community and completed in the 1960s, is covered in blue-and-white tiles with a golden dome, at the corner of Victoria Street and Jalan Sultan.
It is a short walk from the Sultan Mosque.
Good to know: Visit outside prayer times and dress modestly.
471 Victoria St, Singapore 198370
A historic mosque with a leaning minaret.
Built in the 1840s and named after the wealthy Malaccan merchant who funded it, the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque blends European, Chinese and Malay styles, and its minaret leans slightly.
It is a national monument.
Good to know: It is about ten minutes' walk from the Sultan Mosque.
4001 Beach Rd, Singapore 199584
Visit the Sultan Mosque and the Malay Heritage Centre, browse Haji Lane's boutiques and street art, shop for textiles and carpets on Arab Street, and eat Malay, Turkish and Middle Eastern food.
Yes, outside prayer times. Dress modestly; robes are provided at the entrance for visitors who need them. Friday midday prayers are busiest.
Yes. The Malay Heritage Centre reopened in April 2026 after renovation, in the former Istana Kampong Gelam palace.
Its narrow lane of colourful shophouses with street art murals, independent boutiques, cafés and bars, one of Singapore's most photographed streets.
During the month of Ramadan, an evening bazaar of food stalls sets up around the Sultan Mosque; dates move each year with the Islamic calendar.