Kampong Glam — the Arab Quarter

Kampong Glam is Singapore's Malay-Arab quarter — historically the center of the Malay sultanates and Arab traders. Today, it is a fascinating blend of tradition and hipness: The golden Sultan Mosque towers over streets full of street art, vintage shops, craft coffee bars, and the best Haji Lane in the city.

Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan)

The Sultan Mosque (1824, current building 1932) is the largest and most important mosque in Singapore — its golden dome dominates the neighborhood. Non-Muslims may visit the front area (not during prayer times). The dome is made of glass bottles — a symbol that even poor community members contributed to the construction. Free, appropriate clothing (robes are provided at the entrance).

Haji Lane

The Haji Lane is Singapore's hippest street — a narrow alley full of street art, indie boutiques, vintage shops, tattoo studios, and craft cafés. Here you can buy handmade jewelry, vinyl records, and designer clothing that you won't find anywhere else. On weekends, the alley transforms into a pedestrian zone with live music. The sharpest contrast to polished Singapore — and that's exactly why it's so popular.

Arab Street & Bussorah Street

The Arab Street and the neighboring Bussorah Street offer carpet dealers, perfumeries, Turkish lamps, and shisha bars against the backdrop of the Sultan Mosque. In the evenings: chairs on the street, tea or Turkish coffee in hand, view of the illuminated mosque — one of Singapore's most atmospheric scenes.