Hotels in Arab Street District

Exploring Arab Street District

The Arab Street District is one of the most visited and iconic areas of Old Singapore. This colourful and vibrant area of downtown Singapore is awash in magnificent history and tremendous shopping options. Everything from jewellery to fabrics, to leathers and perfumes can be found within the historic shops that line this street. Several landmarks are located close to the street, including the famous Sultan Mosque.

The area got its name from the large Arab population that traded and resided here during Singapore’s early colonisation days. Today, it is one of the most intriguing districts of Southeast Asia. Hotels crowd the area, making it easy for tourists to find the right accommodation for their tastes. Queen Street Bus Terminal rests at the western end of Arab Street, while Bugis and Lavender MRT train stations make it easy for tourists to get into and out of the district quickly.

Sights nearby

Arab Street District is located in the heart of Singapore, just a few minutes by public transport to most landmarks of the downtown district. Hotels also rest just a short distance from several important attractions near Arab Street.

- Bugis Street Shopping District

Bugis Street is commonly regarded as the largest shopping district in Singapore. It was formerly used as a centre for hawker dining in the city state, but new laws in the 1990s dismantled these operations, allowing for Bugis Street to be redeveloped into a thriving shopping haven. The site is home to many shopping spots, restaurants and nightlife venues, including the famous Bugis Village and Bugis Square. It is not surprising that plenty of popular hotels are located close to this street, including PARKROYAL on Beach Road, which is only 600 metres away.

- Sultan Mosque

Nestled upon North Bridge Road and Muscat Street, just a few minutes on foot from Arab Street, is Singapore’s grandest religious structure – Sultan Mosque. Known locally as Masjid Mosque, it’s not hard to find, as the site boasts a large, alluring dome at the front of its façade, and a large prayer room. It was constructed in the 1960s, and is currently one of Singapore’s most iconic man-made sites.

- Malay Heritage Centre (Istana Kampong Gelam)

Built in 2004, the Malay Heritage Centre captures the historic essence of Singapore and the region’s rich Malay heritage. The centre was previously used as a palace for the regional Sultan, but today it is operates as a popular museum which showcases artefacts, dioramas and exhibitions. Tourists on a budget can try staying at the Hotel 81 – Heritage, which is only 200 metres from the heritage centre.

Eating and drinking and shopping nearby

Arab Street District is among Singapore’s most visited spots for shopaholics. The stores along the main street here are mostly known for their silk and batik merchandise, although jewellery, crafts and a range of other items can also be found. For even greater shopping facilities, head over to Bugis Street, which can be reached on foot in minutes. There are a few places to enjoy a cold beer close to Arab Street, but this area’s dining culture offers more of an attraction. The hawker centres are worth checking out, and Arab Street’s halal cuisine is simply amazing. For a more upscale dining experience, check out the restaurants in hotels like Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road, and the four-star Village Hotel Bugis.

Public transport

Arab Street District can be traversed on foot, although getting to and from this neighbourhood is best done via public transportation. The main roads leading from this district, including Beach Road, Ophir Road and Victoria Street, offer bus routes that connect commuters to all areas of downtown Singapore and beyond. The Queen Street Bus Terminal is the largest bus station in the area. Also nearby are the MRT stations of Bugis and Lavender.