This tiny lane, hidden away in the heart of the Muslim quarter, is easy to miss, but that would be a shame if cool boutiques and cafés are your thing. Haji Lane is a world away from Singapore's massive, glamorous high-rise shopping precincts. Once an empty street of pre-war shop-houses, Haji Lane has been given a new lease of life by local designers and young entrepreneurs setting up pop-up boutiques selling everything from vintage clothing, to records, to words of art, to the latest in urban fashion. Much of the stuff on offer is proudly designed and made in Singapore.
Haji Lane is next door to Arab Street with its carpets, shisha cafes and Muslim attire, but the vibe on Haji Lane couldn't be more different. In the last few years it has become one of the coolest spots in town, with art galleries and chic cafés sitting alongside the shops. Likened to New York City's Meatpacking District or London's Shoreditch, Haji Lane is a smaller version of these hip hangouts and is as underground as Singapore gets.
It is well worth spending the afternoon browsing around the area. Because there is quite a high turnover when it comes to boutiques, there is always something new to wander into. As well as a great selection of independent fashion labels, there are specialist music stores where pop music is banned, and some great galleries. And don't forget to look up as there are shops on the second floors of many of the charming shop-houses. To truly soak up the atmosphere, sit down with a drink and watch the locals bustle by.
Haji Lane is located within the Arab Street district and runs between Beach Road and North Bridge Road. The area is served by buses and the Bugis MRT station is just a few minutes' walk away. The shops do not have set opening times, but most are open every day until late.
