Kampong Glam is a a lively area steeped in history and culture. Once home to Malay royalty, it is now is a mix of old and new, combining traditional charm with modern style. You’ll find the stunning Sultan Mosque and vibrant street art here. It’s a unique part of Singapore’s history and closely associated with Malay culture.
Let’s dive into this trendy spot where old meets new. We’ll show you the best places to visit, eat, and shop. Whether you’re into history, food, or fashion, you’ll find something you love in Kampong Glam.
What to Do & See at Kampong Glam
Sultan Mosque
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Standing tall in Kampong Glam, Masjid Sultan is a sight to behold. Built in 1824, this magnificent structure is the largest mosque in Singapore. Its grand dome and intricate Islamic architecture draw visitors from far and wide.
The mosque’s dome has a unique base made of glass bottles. This clever design shows the blend of traditional and modern in Singaporean Islamic architecture. It can hold up to 5,000 worshippers during mass prayers, making it a key place for the Muslim community.
Visitors can explore the mosque outside prayer times. Inside, you’ll see beautiful interiors that reflect Singapore’s rich Islamic heritage.
If you’re into religious history or love stunning architecture, Sultan Mosque is a must-see in Singapore.
Go Mural Hunting around Kampong Glam
There are many different murals decorating the streets of Kampong Glam. Here are some places to note if you wish to explore the street art found in the historic district.
Yip Yew Chong’s Mural
Just next to Sultan Mosque is Yip Yew Chong’s Kampong Glam mural, one of the more recent additions to the area’s lively streets. This is a must-see that can be viewed along Muscat Street. It brings the area’s rich culture to life with vibrant colours and detailed scenes. These scenes depict daily life and local history.
Walking along, we’re pulled into a world of visual stories presented in the mural. The mural shows traditional trades and the lifestyles of the past on the side of the building. It feels like a trip back in time.
Yip’s art does more than make the area look good. It keeps local stories and traditions alive for the future. This mix of art and history turns the streets into an outdoor gallery. It’s ideal for photos and learning about Kampong Glam’s history.
The mural deepens our connection to the area’s spirit. It shows how street art can celebrate and protect cultural heritage. We suggest taking your time to see every detail of this masterpiece.
Gelam Gallery
Yip’s mural is not the only one at Kampong Glam. In fact, hidden away in the back alleys of Muscat Street is Gelam Gallery, a hidden gem. This narrow alleyway reminds us of Hosier Street in Melbourne, Australia. It’s a place where over 30 stunning works by local artists shine amidst the grittiness of the back alley. Walking through, we see walls full of colours and different art styles.
The gallery has a wide range of urban art. You’ll find everything from pop culture pieces to bold, earthy creations. Each mural shares a special story, showing off Singapore’s rich culture. The walls become canvases for artists, turning the dull alley into a feast for the eyes. Exploring this outdoor gallery, we see how art can transform spaces.
Motion Art Space
Motion Art Space, located at Arab Street, is the place for some therapeutic art. It makes use of pendulum swings and different tools to create a unique piece of art even your art teacher is impressed with. We were given the chance to experience the process and it was good fun plus the chance to add some personalised décor in your home.
There are plenty of techniques you can try – pouring, dripping, pattern-making or just free-styling – while creating your own special art work. With just a small push – the magic of gravity and inertia will work for you to form curves, arches, circles, elliptical patterns that would be otherwise impossible using freehand. Find out more about the experience at Motion Art Space.
Haji Lane
Taking a walk down Haji Lane feels like an experience in itself. There are many cute little shops to check out. You can view a gummy bear shop, check out vintage records, or create cute photo stickers too! Take your time to stroll and browse.
Meomi Cat Cafe
If you love super cute kitties, Meomi Cat Cafe will scratch your itch for some time with the furballs. The cats are also friendly as well and they are well taken care of. Do take note that children must over 7 years old with photo ID in order to enter in.
Type8ar
Tucked away on the second floor along Haji Lane, Type8ar is an ode to analogue technology. It’s home to over 50 vintage typewriters, each with its own unique story.
At Type8ar, you can get hands-on with the typewriters. It’s a chance to feel the joy of typing on these mechanical wonders and they conduct workshops for those eager to learn more about vintage typewriters.
The Heritage Shop
One of the things that we love to do while at Kampong Glam is to explore The Heritage Shop. It’s a treasure trove filled with vintage antiques that take us back in time. Inside, shelves are full of historical artefacts from Singapore’s rich past.
The shop’s collection is perfect for history lovers and those just browsing. The shop is chockfull of nostalgic items. From old photos to unique ornaments, each piece has its own story.
The Heritage Shop is like a living museum. We can get a sense of history once inside and it never fails to fascinate the history buff in us.
Malay Heritage Centre (Closed for Renovations till 2025)
Once the residence of the Malay royalty in Singapore, Istana Kampong Gelam is better known today as the Malay Heritage Centre. The building was completed in 1843 and is currently undergoing renovations till 2025.
Kampong Glam Restaurants
Kampong Glam’s food scene is full of amazing flavours. In fact, one of the best things to do at Kampong Glam is to sit back and simply enjoy the vibes of the area while spending time at a restaurant or cafe.
Warong Nasi Pariaman is one of the oldest nasi padang spots in Singapore. It is always busy and bustling so try to arrive early so that you can sample the food before it sells out.
Be transported from the streets for Kampong Glam to the streets of New York at Overrice where the NY halal food cart scene is represented with dishes like chicken over rice. You can even get a can of Dr Pepper here!
Kampong Glam is synonymous with Türkiye food and you will find a huge concentration of them along Bussorrah Street in front of Sultan Mosque. We would normally head into either Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant or Sultan Turkish Restaurant to get our fill of Türkiye food.
For those looking for a jet setting sushi experience, there is Sushi Airways. It is quite a small restaurant on the second floor of a shophouse so it is best to make reservations in advance. In addition to their interesting decor, you will also be able to get some fresh sashimi here.
Prince Coffee House is a throwback to the 1970s with a menu of both Western and local Chinese dishes. It is an old school Hainanese eatery and you can expect to find Fish and Chips and Grilled Pork Chop on the menu, as well as a decent selection of Chinese dishes on the menu.
The Coconut Club along Beach Road offers atas nasi lemak. It comes with fragrant rice, tender chicken, and zesty sambal, making a perfect mix of flavours.
Blu Jazz is worth a mention for those who love jazz. They also serve food together and look out for when musicians are playing.
Cafe Hopping & Bakeries
Kampong Glam is perfect for coffee lovers and those with a sweet tooth. It’s filled with cafes and bakeries offering unique tastes and experiences. You’ll find everything from artisanal coffee to specialty desserts to satisfy any craving.
Birds of Paradise is a top spot for ice cream lovers. They offer botanical-inspired flavours that are a refreshing change from usual gelato. Cafe Margaret is great for a cosy coffee break. They serve aromatic brews in a charming setting, and their bakery treats go well with their coffee.
The French American Bakery went viral with their marshmallow hot chocolate. They bring Paris to Singapore with their freshly baked croissants and pastries.
Konditori Artisan Bakes & Pastries also offers Scandinavian-inspired treats that are both beautiful and delicious. Their cinnamon buns are a must-try.
Margaret Cafe is another spot at Kampong Glam that you can check out if you wish to relax with some Korean-inspired pasteries.
Looking for a quick coffee or a relaxing afternoon tea? Kampong Glam’s cafe scene has it all. With so many choices, you might want to come back just to try everything!
Shopping in Kampong Glam
Textiles & Carpets
Kampong Glam is a paradise for those who love textiles. It’s filled with traditional fabrics that highlight Singapore’s rich culture. Walking along Arab Street, you’ll see colourful Malay textiles everywhere.
Batik stands out with its unique wax-resist dyeing. These fabrics have intricate patterns and bright colours. They’re great for making unique clothes or home decor.
Shopping here feels like entering a world of vibrant colours and patterns. You’ll get lost in the beauty of these traditional fabrics, each with its own story. Whether you’re into fashion or just want a special keepsake, Kampong Glam’s shops offer a memorable shopping trip.
Kampong Glam is also home to carpet shops that take us to the vibrant bazaars of the Middle East. Here, we find a wide range of Persian rugs, each with its own story. These rugs add warmth and character to any room with their intricate patterns and rich colours.
Turkish carpets are also a big draw, with their long history of weaving. Their bold designs and soft textures make them popular with those who value quality.
Buying a carpet here is more than just shopping. It’s a way to connect with the area’s deep cultural roots. Every rug or carpet we pick is a reminder of our time in this magical part of Singapore.
Thrift Shopping
Haji Lane is a haven for those who love vintage clothing and unique fashion. It’s in Singapore’s Kampong Glam district and is perfect for thrift shopping. The street is filled with colourful stores, each offering special second-hand items.
Walking down Haji Lane, you’ll find quirky boutiques and shops full of second-hand treasures. They have everything from retro outfits to elegant vintage dresses. You might find rare accessories or pieces that make your outfit stand out.
Visiting Kampong Glam: A Mix of Old & New
Kampong Glam is a special place in Singapore, full of history and culture. It invites us to explore its many wonders. In this story, we have only just covered some of our favourite spots. To learn more about, visit the Kampong Gelam website.
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