A Guide to Haji Lane Leading to Its Hidden Gems: Street Art, Restaurants & Shops
Haji Lane is where Singapore’s creative vibe shines brightest. It’s not just a street; it’s a canvas showcasing our diverse culture and artistic flair.
If you’re into art like I am, you’ll love the vibrant atmosphere, with shophouses decked out in vibrant graffiti. So with this guide, let’s explore Haji Lane’s charms together.
Just a friendly reminder: Haji Lane and Arab Street might be neighbours in the Kampong Glam hood, but they’re not twins! So don’t get them mixed up when you’re navigating through the colourful chaos of this vibrant neighbourhood.
Best Time to Visit
Based on experience, the best time to hit up Haji Lane is usually late morning or early afternoon, especially on weekdays. That’s when the vibe’s just right—still buzzing but not too crowded.
This allows you to explore the area when it’s less crowded, making it easier to browse through the boutique shops, enjoy a leisurely coffee or meal at the cafes, and appreciate the street art without feeling rushed.
Additionally, visiting during weekdays may offer a more relaxed and authentic experience compared to weekends when it tends to be busier with both locals and tourists.
How to Get There
By bus: Bus lines 2, 24, 30, 51, 7, 854, and 966 serve Haji Lane. The nearest bus stop, Lengkong Tiga – Blk 102 (83341), is a 5-minute walk away.
By train: The East-West Line serves Haji Lane Singapore. The nearest metro station, Kembangan (EW6), is a 12-minute walk away.
By taxi/taxi alternative: Hail a taxi or rideshare anywhere in Singapore, or pre-book through 6-DIAL-CAB at least 30 minutes before your trip.
On foot: Near Kampong Glam, visitors can head to Arab Street where they’ll find Haji Lane nearby, marked by a colourful archway.
What to Do
Tour the area on foot or a bike
— Media from bikearoundtoursingapore
Haji Lane, though short and narrow, deserves at least a couple of hours or a half-day of exploration. While walking is great, consider a bike tour if Haji Lane is just one stop on your itinerary.
Generally, you can expect prices to range from around S$30 to S$100 or more per person for a standard bike tour lasting a few hours.
Some tours may include extras like guided commentary, snacks, or entrance fees to attractions, which can affect the overall cost.
Take in the lane’s unique street art
As you stroll down the Haji Lane, you’ll be greeted by a riot of colours splashed across the walls. So take your time, soak it all in, and let Haji Lane’s street art work its magic on you.
“Faces from the Past”
Location: 36 Haji Lane, Singapore 189229 (Google Maps)
“Faces From the Past” is a mural by Mohammad Azlan Ramlan, also known as Ceno2, It depicts the heritage of Arab Street and the multi-ethnic identity of The Singapura Club, a restaurant serving Asian and North Indian cuisine.
The mural prominently features an old man in a turban, along with other Singaporean historical icons. It’s pretty hard to miss!
“Bejeweled: An Homage To Kampong Intan”
— Media from ts1
Location: 12 Baghdad St, Singapore 199669 (Google Maps)
“Bejeweled” was commissioned by the National Heritage Board for the 2019 Singapore Heritage Festival. The mural commemorates Baghdad Street’s history as a hub for trading diamonds and precious stones.
It was one of Sufian Hamri’s (also known as TraseOne) most challenging projects, from logistics to completion within 36 hours!
“El Lio”
— Media from didierjabamathieu
Location: 241 Beach Rd, Singapore 189753 (Google Maps)
“El Lio” (‘The Chaos’) is an intricate mural commissioned by the owner of Piedra Negra, a Mexican restaurant. It portrays the indigenous Aztec people who were dominant in Mexico before the 16th-century Spanish conquest.
It was created by Didier “Jaba” Mathieu, a Colombian-born graffiti writer and street artist.
“Ultraman & Merlion”
— Media from yippi312_art
Location: 26 Haji Ln, Singapore 189219 (Google Maps)
Now this one is my favourite.
The Ultraman and Merlion mural, located in the heart of Haji Lane, was created for a Singapore Tourism Board campaign celebrating the Merlion’s 50th birthday in September 2022. It’s one of the most kid-friendly murals in the area.
The mural, a collaboration between DPLMT and Tsuburaya Productions, commemorates 55 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan, coinciding with Ultraman’s 55th birthday.
Where to Eat
Bar Stories
Address: 55-57A Haji Ln, Singapore 189248 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6562980838
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday and Sundays, 5.30–11.30 PM; Friday to Saturday, 5.30 PM-midnight
Price: $$
Established in 2009, Bar Stories was among the pioneers in Singapore’s craft cocktail scene. Nestled in a cosy space, it provides an intimate setting for easy conversation with the friendly team.
It’s a hidden gem away from the crowds. For introverts like yours truly, it offers a thrilling experience with unique customised cocktails.
Piedra Negra
Address: 241 Beach Rd, Singapore 189753 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6591990610
Hours: Daily, noon-midnight
Price: $$
Piedra Negra is a vibrant spot worth visiting, especially if you crave fresh, delicious guacamole served alongside hearty burritos and frozen margaritas. Plenty of tables outside allow patrons to take in the vibe of the area.
It’s also conveniently situated at the start/end of Haji Lane. It’s easy enough to spot and attracts both locals and tourists alike.
Pita Bakery
Address: 29 Bali Ln, Singapore 189865 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6566356256
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 AM–9 PM; Friday to Sunday, 9 AM–9.30 PM
Price: $
For authentic falafel in Singapore, this is the spot to hit (it’s just parallel to Haji Lane)! Pita Bakery’s freshly baked pita bread, made from a recipe seven centuries old, pairs perfectly with hummus, baba ganoush, tahini, and falafel.
It’s so good it often gets sold out way before its closing time.
Bears & Friends
Address: 78 Haji Ln, Singapore 189270 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6590583345
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11.30 AM–8 PM; Friday to Saturday, 11.30 AM–9 PM; Sundays, 11.30 AM–7 PM
Price: $$
Check out the candy shop on Haji Lane for traits as vibrant as the lane itself. Bears & Friends imports top-notch fruit gummies from Germany, which are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free.
Grab a cup and indulge guilt-free with favourites like fruit juice bears and sour peach hearts. Don’t miss their best sellers: jam-filled brain gummies and green apple frog gummies!
Where to Shop
Crafune Leather Goods & Workshops
Address: 38 Haji Ln, #02-01, Singapore 189231 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6591075168
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–6 PM
Price: $$
For something uniquely yours, you can create your own leather goods at Crafune!
This indie boutique offers workshops and ready-made items like wallets and passport holders crafted from high-quality, vegetable-tanned leather. You’re allowed to choose leather colours and customise your pieces with stamps.
Drunken Balloon
Address: 82 Haji Ln, Singapore 189272 (Google Maps)
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–6.30 PM
Price: $$
At the end of Haji Lane, you’ll find Drunken Balloon, a vibrant shop with orange and red balloon sculptures. Despite its party-like exterior, inside you’ll discover a treasure trove of retro memorabilia, colourful toys, board games, party supplies, and quirky novelties.
It’s a great go-to spot for entertainment and party essentials.
The Alternative Store (Athma Soulutions)
Address: 59 Haji Ln, Singapore 189252 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6596356353
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, noon–8 PM; Friday to Saturday, noon–9.30 PM
Price: $$
The Alternative Store (Athma Soulutions) offers a diverse range of products including incense, prayer flags, jewellery, dreamcatchers, crystals, Buddhist statues, and ethnic clothing from across Asia.
The shop also features its own Singapore-designed label, Going OM. It’s a destination for those seeking earthy objects, clothing, and accessories, where spirituality, art, culture, and fashion converge.
Cotton Boutique
Address: 16A Haji Ln, Cotton Boutique, Singapore 189209 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6566859467
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11 AM–6 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM
Price: $$
At Cotton Boutique, you’ll find yourself in dress heaven with high-quality fabrics, including lightweight options perfect for Singapore’s climate. My mom loves this shop, as it allows her day-to-night dressing.
The shop specialises in 100% cotton African fabric cloth and offers a selection of unique, design-focused clothing and accessories suitable for various occasions, from day to evening and work to weekend.