Arab Street District Travel Guide

As well as being the heart of the city’s Arabic community, the bustling Arab Street District has been a busy centre of trade in Singapore since the 19th century. A trip here will expose visitors to many different aspects of Middle Eastern culture, from lively markets selling traditional Arabic goods to impressive historic and architectural sites. Located within easy walking distance of the city centre, this compact and unique area should be part of any Singapore tourist itinerary.Stroll down during the day to experience the district at its busy best. Vendors and shoppers crowd the streets, doing deals on everything from alcohol-free perfume and lamps to handcrafted carpets and Muslim clothing. The Middle Eastern atmosphere is enhanced by glittering minarets on rooftops and the intoxicating fragrances of spices and flavoured tobacco. If you’re looking for some more modern retail therapy, pop across to nearby Haji Lane for the best in designer boutiques and clothes shops.Any visit to Arab Street should include a trip to Sultan Mosque – the largest in the country – whose magnificent architecture attracts thousands of tourists every year. The cavernous main hall can hold up to 5,000 people and, if you aren’t dressed appropriately, don’t worry the welcoming guides will provide robes for both males and females. If you still haven’t got your fill of culture, amble across to Istana Kampong Glam, the beautiful former Malay palace dating from 1843.As night falls, food lovers take to the streets to sample the fare at the district’s multitude of restaurants. Traditional Turkish, Lebanese and Moroccan eateries are all to be found in abundance alongside the ubiquitous Malay and Indian establishments – a veritable feast of culinary choice!Arab Street District has limited on-street parking but is well served by public transport just hop on the East-West MRT line or one of the many buses that run here.