





Singapore: Haji Lane (Street Art District)
The Vibe:Colour‑splashed creative canvas of Singapore’s urban art
In the alleys of Kampong Glam, a network of walls has been transformed into an open‑air gallery where local and international artists tell stories through spray paint and murals.
Walk past bright graffiti, the faint smell of aerosol paint, and the chatter of artists and photographers. Colourful facades and layered textures create a constantly evolving visual feast.
- Listed in street‑art guides as Singapore’s pioneering graffiti quarter.
- Home to Jaba’s iconic Aztec mural and many works by the ZNC graffiti crew.
- Muscat Street’s Gelam Gallery is recognised as Singapore’s first outdoor art gallery.
Persona Fit
- Families: Colourful murals entertain children; keep youngsters close as alleys are narrow.
- Couples: A creative stroll with plenty of photo spots and cafés for a relaxed date.
- Seniors: The uneven pavements and crowds may be challenging; visit during quieter mornings.
- Photographers: Vibrant street art and changing works offer endless subjects.
Highlights
- Admire Didier ‘Jaba’ Mathieu’s futuristic Aztec mural on the side of Piedra Negra – the district’s most iconic piece.
- Follow the Arab Street–Haji Lane linkway to spot the Ultraman–Merlion mural by DPLMT — Hidden Gem.
- Seek out old‑school graffiti by the ZNC crew along the alley near Arab Street for a glimpse of Singapore’s early street art scene.
- Explore Gelam Gallery on Muscat Street, featuring over 30 murals with QR‑coded artist stories — Hidden Gem.
- Look up at the El Lío mural on Ophir Road, a giant futuristic face painted by Jaba that spans several storeys.
- Stop outside Blu Jaz Café to see a mural portraying Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara and a jazz band, painted in 2024.

Adeline Ee
Our Singapore Local Expert
Table of Contents
- Take the MRT to Bugis (East‑West or Downtown lines) and walk about 5–10 minutes to reach Haji Lane.
- There are multiple access points; start from either the Beach Road end, Arab Street linkway or Muscat Street. There are no ticketed gates.
- For those needing wider paths, use Baghdad Street and North Bridge Road instead of the narrow alleys.
Food & Coffee Shops
Blu Jaz Café: Live music, tapas and a mural‑covered façade.
Piedra Negra: Mexican dishes and cocktails under the Aztec mural.
Good Luck Beerhouse: Craft beer and bao buns with street‑side seating.
Moosh Softserve: Creative soft‑serve desserts and sweets.
Blu Jaz Café: Live music, tapas and a mural‑covered façade.
Piedra Negra: Mexican dishes and cocktails under the Aztec mural.
Good Luck Beerhouse: Craft beer and bao buns with street‑side seating.
Moosh Softserve: Creative soft‑serve desserts and sweets.
Insider Tips
Best Time: Early mornings or weekday afternoons provide better light and fewer people for photographing murals.
Hack: Carry cash; some artists sell prints and small shops may not accept cards.
Hidden Gem: Scan the QR codes at Gelam Gallery to hear artists describe their works.
Optional tip: Respect the art – never write on or stick anything to the murals; ask permission before photographing locals.
Best Time: Early mornings or weekday afternoons provide better light and fewer people for photographing murals.
Hack: Carry cash; some artists sell prints and small shops may not accept cards.
Hidden Gem: Scan the QR codes at Gelam Gallery to hear artists describe their works.
Optional tip: Respect the art – never write on or stick anything to the murals; ask permission before photographing locals.
Photography Tips
Natural light in early morning or late afternoon enhances colours; avoid harsh midday sun.
Use a wide lens or panoramic mode to capture large murals in tight alleys.
Drones are prohibited; use handheld or mini tripods and be mindful of pedestrians.
Don’t use flash inside adjacent galleries; adjust ISO instead.
Natural light in early morning or late afternoon enhances colours; avoid harsh midday sun.
Use a wide lens or panoramic mode to capture large murals in tight alleys.
Drones are prohibited; use handheld or mini tripods and be mindful of pedestrians.
Don’t use flash inside adjacent galleries; adjust ISO instead.
Things To Do Nearby
Sultan Mosque — a landmark with guided tours and prayer halls.
Malay Heritage Centre — exhibits on Malay history and culture.
Kampong Gelam Park — green space to relax between walks.
Arab Street — textile shops and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Sultan Mosque — a landmark with guided tours and prayer halls.
Malay Heritage Centre — exhibits on Malay history and culture.
Kampong Gelam Park — green space to relax between walks.
Arab Street — textile shops and Middle Eastern cuisine.





