Things to do at Arab Street
Arab Street’s abundance of shops, cafes and sights is no doubt what makes it a go-to spot for tourists in Singapore.
But there’s more than just touristy things to see and do here. With a restaurant serving Middle Eastern izakaya, a pendulum art studio and even a cat cafe, Arab Street holds many gems that are unique even for us well-seasoned Singaporeans.
Note: PH2A regulations may affect the opening hours and operations at some of these places.
– Activities –
Unleash your inner Picasso at Motion Art Space
There’s something satisfying about splattering and dripping paint willy-nilly over a blank canvas. For $69, Motion Art Space allows you to experience this satisfaction by providing you with the materials to create your own pendulum art.
In traditional pendulum art fashion, squeeze bottles and wooden trays are at your mercy. You don’t even need to worry about having an artistic bone because the point of it is to just get messy!
Address: 36A Arab Street, Singapore 199735
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11AM-8PM | Sat – Sun 10AM-8PM
Telephone: 8448 9750 (Advance booking is required)
Play with felines at a cat cafe
Image credits: @meomicatcafe
Cat cafes are probably every animal lovers’ go-to destination. Meomi Cat Cafe is home to adorable kitty cats that’ll accompany you as you sip a cuppa. For $13/hour ($7 for kids), you also get a complimentary drink, with the options such as earl grey tea and orange juice.
Address: 668 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188801
Opening hours: 11AM-8PM, Daily
Telephone: 6296 0339
– Shopping –
Customise your own perfumes at Sifr Aromatics
You can purchase ornamental perfume bottles ($75) to store your unique concoctions
Image credit: @sifr_aromatics
Sifr Aromatics has a selection of perfumes (from $45) and candles (from $35), each with a wide range of scents. It makes a great stop for your shopping trip especially if you’re looking to freshen up your living space, or if you’re just looking for a personalised gift for someone.
One of their highlights is their custom perfume consultation which starts from $250 so you can create your own signature scent
Address: 42 Arab Street, Singapore 199741
Opening hours: Wed – Sat 11AM-8PM | Sun 11AM-5PM (Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)
Telephone: 6392 1966
Decorate your home with beautiful Turkish lamps
Image credits: @astrid_yau_irene
With their beautiful, one-of-a-kind mosaic patterns, Turkish lamps are a feature you’ll spot quite prominently along Arab Street. You’ll no longer need to travel all the way to the likes of Istanbul to get your hands on them, because Dwiz has a wide selection of ornamental lamps, candle holders and ceramic plates.
Address: 53 Arab Street, Singapore 199750
Telephone: 6292 5854
– Dining –
Quench your thirst with Machi Machi Bubble Tea
Machi Machi’s Cream Cheese Series
Image credits: @machimachi_singapore
In case you don’t already know, Machi Machi happens to be Jay Chou’s favourite bubble tea shop. It’s easy to see why: not only does their BBT come in pretty Machi Machi cups, but their Cream Cheese Series (from $5.50) has a layer of milk and cheese foam that sits on top of ice cold tea.
Other selections include a Black Milk Tea with Mini Taro Balls ($5.50) and a Jasmine Green Tea with Plum Jello ($6.50). Their menu also varies from a range of freshly pressed teas and lattes to save you from the hot weather.
Address: 25 Arab Street, Singapore 199724
Opening hours: 11AM-7.30PM, Daily
Get authentic halal Swedish food at Fika Swedish Cafe
Left: Pickled Herring Plate ($14); Right: Scandinavian interior for homely vibes.
Images adapted from: @fikacafesg, @fikacafesg
Swedish food in Singapore isn’t only available at Ikea. Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro is located right at the intersection of Arab Street and Beach Road, and serves authentic Swedish food that is also halal certified.
Its menu includes items like Gravlax, Kale and Potato Pancakes ($10) and Roasted Turkey Salad ($19). Pair this with a homely interior inspired by Swedish design, for a warm and cosy atmosphere.
P.S. Fika has delivery available during PH2A.
Address: 257 Beach Road, Singapore 199539
Opening hours: Sun – Thur 11AM-10PM | Fri – Sat 11AM-11PM
Telephone: 6396 9096
Fika Swedish Cafe And Bistro website
Gorge on fusion izakaya at Habibi-San!
Image adapted from: @habibisansg & @habibisansg
The name Habibi-San! is a combination of an Arabic term of endearment and a Japanese term of respect. They specialise in Middle Eastern izakaya, a unique combo that entices you through the mouth-watering pictures on Habibi-San!’s Instagram feed.
Their menu consists of a variety of dishes like Fremantle Octopus ($23) and Saffron Chawanmushi ($17). Main courses aside, Habibi-San! also has a good selection of desserts, including the ever interesting Sakura Malabi ($13), a cherry blossom milk pudding with rhubarb jam.
P.S. Habibi San! currently offers delivery as well.
Address: 55 Haji Lane, Singapore 189248
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 5.30PM-10.30PM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 6298 0838
– Sights –
Admire the architecture of Sultan Mosque Singapore
Image credit: @rabindra
Sultan Mosque is a landmark you cannot miss on Arab Street. Though primarily functioning as a place of worship, it has since become known for its Quran recital competitions and guided tours.
Its exterior isn’t the only thing that’s impressive – this mosque has stood here for nearly 200 years, and can accomodate 5,000 worshippers, pre-Covid. While the mosque hase suspended guided tours and general entry due to Covid-19 restrictions, do keep a lookout for updates on their website.
Address: 3 Muscat Street, Singapore 198833
Opening hours: Sat – Mon 10AM-12PM & 2PM-4PM | Fri 2.30PM-4PM
Telephone: 6293 4405
Get a dose of culture at Arab Street
Just a quick glance at the area can reveal that Arab Street is bursting with cafes, shopping and activities to keep you occupied for the whole day. With its accessible location, it makes for a go-to location for a day out with friends or a fun-filled date.
Getting there: From Bugis MRT, take exit D. Arab Street is just a 5-minute walk from the station.
Check out these other popular spots near Arab Street:
Cover images adapted from: @meomicatcafe, @habibisansg
