Take a look around Kampong Glam this weekend with the kids! Here’s what to do in this culturally rich enclave

Kampong Glam, also known as The Arab Quarter, is a fab area in Singapore with lots going on — packed with indie businesses, it’s buzzing with creative spirit and is a world away from the slick and shiny CBD or the crowds of Orchard Road. There might not be playgrounds or baby superstores, but there’s plenty of family-friendly fun to be had (including discovering street art, outdoor swings, an escape room for older kids and even a cat cafe!) So grab the kiddos and let’s eat and shop our way around Kampong Glam, including Arab Street and Haji Lane!

Top Attractions & Activities in Kampong Glam
Restaurants & Cafes in Kampong Glam
Shopping in Kampong Glam

Top Attractions & Activities in Kampong Glam

Sultan Mosque

Approaching Kampong Glam, it would be hard to miss the golden dome of Sultan Mosque (also commonly referred to as Masjid Sultan by the Malay community). This mosque has a long history that goes back to 1824, in the era of Sir Stamford Raffles! The mosque has a breathtaking exterior and interior structure, with a large prayer hall that can accommodate up to 5,000 people in mass prayer. You’re free to snap photos from outside the mosque, and during certain hours they also accept visitors. During Ramadan, there’s a special Food Bazaar that’s set up right in front of the mosque, and is well worth a wander through for some delicious food!

*Visitor information for Sultan Mosque is available here. However, due to Covid-19, the mosque is closed for tour visits until further notice.
3 Muscat Street, Singapore 198833

Malay Heritage Centre

The Malay Heritage Centre at 85 Sultan Gate is home to a number of permanent galleries, which cover elements of trade and Malay/Muslim culture. From its location in the heart of Kampong Glam, the Malay Heritage Centre provides a range of cultural exposure and learning opportunities for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. From batik workshops to traditional music and puppetry performances, there’s plenty of hands-on fun for kiddos.
85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501, www.malayheritage.gov.sg

Street Murals

Kampong Glam is teeming with funky street artwork at every corner. Start your walk at the famous Haji Lane, where you’ll find street art near some cool restaurants. At the junction of Haji Lane and Beach Road is a Mexican restaurant called Piedra Negra, which is a veritable burst of colours. Make sure you check out the interesting art along the exterior of this restaurant, too! At 29 Sultan Gate is a mural titled “Coffee Story” by artist Yip Yew Chong. The mural was commissioned by A.R.C., a coffeeshop which no longer exists there. However, the mural itself is a timeless depiction of the old-school ways by which kopi used to be (and still is) made and enjoyed with the local breakfast of kaya toast.

             Read more: A Kid-Friendly Walking Tour of Singapore’s Street Art Scene

Escape Room

If you’ve got older kids and are looking for some fun, try an escape room experience in the heart of Kampong Glam! Amazing Chambers has turned one of the Arab Quarter’s historical buildings into a home for escape rooms, all of which are themed with Singapore’s rich ancient history and culture. Amazing Chambers admits kids 12 and above, so this would be a great activity to try with your teens!
73 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198497, amazingchambers.sg

Swings

Behind Sultan Gate you’ll find a lovely open space with some shade and a couple of old swings which make for a nice spot to sit down for photo ops!

Meomi Cat Cafe

Meomi Cat Cafe in Kampong Glam is a cosy spot to chill out with some cute kitties! The $13/hour entry fee includes a drink so you can kick back and watch the cats climb, play and laze around in the intimate space. Kids have to be 6 years old and above to be allowed in and must be accompanied by an adult if they’re under 13 years old. Reservations required.
668 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188801, Tel: (+65) 6296 0339, IG: @meomicatcafe

Restaurants & Cafes in Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam has a mixture of cool cafes, bars, ice cream joints and laid-back eateries on every corner. It’ll be hard just picking a place to eat! But a good place to start would be the Central section of our Halal Restaurants Guide, where you’ll find many cafes and restaurants along Bussorah Street, Haji Lane, Arab Street and Beach Road – all located in the Kampong Glam area. Other top picks:

The French American Bakery – Yummy authentic bakes from a Muslim-owned kitchen.
49 Haji Lane, Singapore 189242

Hajjah Maimunah – One of the best places to check out for delicious nasi padang!
11 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199078

Limaa – Nutritious, healthy food, whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or thirst-quenching smoothies.
51 Haji Lane, Singapore 189244

The Straits Teppanyaki – Classy halal teppanyaki dining along Bussorah Street.
16 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199437

Twenty Grammes – Delicious waffles and ice cream you can smell just by passing by the cafe!
753 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198721

Momolato – Gelato made with fresh, natural ingredients. They even have keto-friendly ice cream.
34 Haji Lane, Singapore 189227

Konditori – Sweet and savoury artisanal bakes, from pastries to decadent breads.
33 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199451

Shopping in Kampong Glam

You may have heard of Haji Lane, but make sure you also check out what Arab Street has to offer when you’re in Kampong Glam! We’ve come across a number of great stores here offering beautiful home textiles like cushion covers and runners (Dilip Textiles and Sarvan’s Carpets are just a couple of the stores we frequent), and there’s no shortage of fabric shops to make yourself some beautiful custom baju kurungs. There are also more ‘trendy’ stores, including Bana Bana Café (731 North Bridge Road) along Jalan Pisang which offers beautiful home decor by a brand called Jannat by Zaryluq, including baskets, cushions and tableware; and of course don’t miss all the cool shops along Haji Lane!

So that’s a local’s guide to Kampong Glam! If you have any favourite spots to shoutout, send them my way at syazana@sassymediagroup.com and we’ll add it to this list!