Haji Lane, Singapore Overview

One of the narrowest streets in Singapore, Haji Lane is a chic alleyway splattered with colourful independent boutiques, cafes and quirky stores, sitting in the heart of Kampong Glam. The Bohemian street is lined with yoga centres, tattoo parlours, and vintage Egyptian restaurants attracting the young crowd who visit Haji Lane to shop at Singapore's nifty shops or just hang out with friends. The colourful graffiti splashed all across Haji Lane is another major attraction beckoning indie-minded shoppers looking to buy trendy and affordable brands.

The close-knit Haji Lane community is very different from its modern neighbours of Bugis Street or the sleepy Arab Street. The lane maintains a vintage rustic style mixed with the new edgy hipster look with hints of Peranakan architecture that attracts millions of pedestrians to stroll through the quaint street, even if it's just for the lively vibe. The unique stores at Haji Lane and the colourful atmosphere which is further emphasised by the graffiti on the walls of the alley makes it a hotspot for clicking pictures and hence is a must-visit for all photographers.

Shopping at Haji Lane

Haji Lane has long since been known as a shopping hub for all those looking for something different to adorn their wardrobes. The lane has several quirky stores inspired by different regions and eras and exotic products that are unique and exclusive to Haji Lane. Another concept that distinguishes this lane is the fusion stores that sell a variety of stuff and don’t stick to the quintessential way of selling only one line of products or service. Some of these eye-catching shops include-

Wicked Laundry
The edgy turquoise store is a hotspot for all the fashion-forward individuals. The store is known for its handmade products that are distinct and add a little pop to every outfit. As the products are handcrafted, special care is taken for each piece, and the quality is exceptionally high.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Saturday-Sunday: 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Fabulous Fads
Fabulous Fads is a Britain inspired store that stays true to its name by showcasing a fabulous clothing line along with selling top hats, and handbags. The main aim of the store is to bring to Singapore, fashion often seen on the streets of Europe. With great attention to detail, the store is a perfect fit for individuals looking to shop for dresses and clothes inspired by the 50s and 60s.

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday-Sunday: 11:00 PM to 8:00 PM

A Thousand Tales
This fusion shop is highly deceiving upon entering. On the first level, the store seems like a high-end furniture store selling minimalistic Scandinavian furniture, but upon climbing the stairwell to the second floor, one will discover the chic cafe. The cafe's name is Cafe Fables and Bar Stories and is just the place to get comfortable with a light meal and beverage.

Dulcet Fig
The Dulcet Fig has been a comfy spot for shopping for various people since its opening in 2007. The store has found not only a soft spot in the local’s hearts but also the cats that are frequent visitors here. The shop sells reasonable vintage products that range from SGD 20 to SGD 35.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday- 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Sunday- 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Cafes

I AM Cafe
The most famous cafe in Kampong Glam, I AM Cafe is the perfect place to hang out with your friends and enjoy the delicious halal food that is offered here. The Amsterdam inspired cafe is also extremely famous for its aesthetically pleasing dishes and colourful palette. A must try at this cafe is its rainbow cake which is displayed on several social media websites.

Bergs
Bergs is a famous joint for burger lovers. The gourmet burgers that are a speciality for this place are inspired by the various places all over Asia and Australia that its owners have travelled to.

Shop Wonderland
Shop Wonderland has always been an intriguing place for several people due to its one of a kind concept. The store houses a cafe called the Pantry on the first floor that serves quirky food and also boasts a beautifully cared for florists shop as well as a store on the ground level that visitors often stroll through.

Hokkaido
Hokkaido is a hole in the wall ice cream shop on Haji Lane that is perfect for individuals looking to beat the heat with different flavours of ice cream. The shop serves ice cream puffs that are very famous among the locals and that make a delicious dessert.

Masjid Sultan

Majestically standing in the heart of Kampong Glam near Haji Lane, Sultan Mosque is one of the most important and beautiful mosques in Singapore. Also called Masjid Sultan, it is built in Indo-Saracenic Revival style of architecture and boasts a series of magnificent golden domes. Both regarding its glorious appearance, and the sheer size, the Sultan Mosque is a must-see when visiting Haji Lane

Read more about Sultan Mosque

History of Haji Lane

Haji Lane's vintage look is mainly because it retains a lot of its rich history in small but distinct ways. The lane was used to house poor Malay families and provide lodging to pilgrims on their annual pilgrimage to Mecca. This is also the reason for the lanes name- 'Haji' as it means a Muslim man who has completed a pilgrimage to Mecca.

This inspired the Middle- Eastern style cafe, Cafe le Claire, to open up and revive the area's nightlife. The only cafe in Kampong Glam that would risk opening at night during that age, the cafe was a monumental success as well as a trend starter. Though Cafe le Claire shut down eventually, it was an inspiration for several other stores, cafes and shops to open shop at Haji Lane and make it the trendy, busy alley it is today.

How To Reach Haji Lane

MRT: Nearest MRT Station- Bugis Station (Exit B)
From Bugis Station, head on to Rocher Road past Bugis Junction Mall until crossing the North Bridge Road. 5 minutes of walking from North Bridge Road and crossing the Ophir Road crossing, you will reach Haji Lane.

Bus: Nearest Bus Stop- Bugis Bus Stop
Bus Nos.- 2, 7, 12, 32, 33, 51, 61, 63, 80, 130, 133, 145, 175, 197, 851, 960 and 980.