The other coolest streets in Singapore

Haji Lane was named Singapore's coolest street in 2021, and one of the top 10 coolest street in the world. That's an impressive feat, but – we dare say – not surprising. Characterised by colourful shophouses, eclectic shops, and buzzy bars and eateries, Haji Lane is creative and fun. Check out the stunning street art on the walls at Mexican restaurant Piedra Negra and Singapura Club, go vintage-shopping at Nonmainstream and Grammah, or throw back a drink at Bar Stories and Good Luck Beerhouse. Or check out our latest and favourite discovery – a gummy bear shop called Bears & Friends. That's not forgetting the cultural riches just a stone's throw away: at Cuturi Gallery and Malay Heritage Centre, just to name a few. 

There's no leaving the Tiong Bahru hood off a list of coolest places in Singapore. Of all the streets in the area, Yong Siak Street takes the cake for its sheer concentration of cafés, art galleries, independent bookstores, and boutiques. Spend a leisurely afternoon browsing picture books at Woods in the Books, pick up locally-inspired trinkets and souvenirs at Cat Socrates, admire art at ArtBlue Studio and Hatch Art Project, then rest with a bite and a cuppa at The Butcher's Wife and Forty Hands. There are even fitness boutiques like Yoga Movement on the same street. 

Just next to the coolest street in Singapore is Arab Street, the heart of Kampong Gelam. While the adjacent Haji Lane is packed with hip bars, cool shops and trendy eateries, Arab Street is a mix of old and new. Check out Japanese coffee shop Arabica, dig in the rice bowls at Overrice, stock up on cookies at Guilt, pick up a bespoke perfume at Sifr Aromatics, and stop for a hearty Sichuan meal at Le Fuse – and then spend the rest of the afternoon browsing through bales of fabric at the famous stretch of textile stores on Arab Street, including batik importers Toko Aljunied and more. 

Joo Chiat Road was named after philanthropist Chew Joo Chiat and the area was once a small village of seaside retreats for the wealthy. Today the precinct has gained traction over the years for its blend of attention-grabbing shophouses, diverse dining options, and indie retail stores. Pick up quirky novelty items at Cat Socrates and eco-friendly beauty items at Oasis Skin and make a turn to stop by neighbourhood mini-museum The Intan. Foodwise, you'll be spoilt for choice: there's the iconic Mr and Mrs Mohgan's Crispy Prata, old-school themed local diner Sinpopo and also nasi padang from Hjh Maimunah. 

The shophouse-lined streets of Telok Ayer are filled hip cafés, restaurant and bars – making it one of the coolest streets in Singapore. Pay a visit to one of the oldest temples in Singapore, a heritage museum, sit at the street's most popular cafés like Sarnies, Plain Vanilla and Free The Robot or dine at the casual eateries like Park Bench Deli and Meatsmith. You can also catch a breather at the hidden park, Telok Ayer Green.

Adjacent to Telok Ayer Street, the vibes at Amoy are similar – if not the same. Home to some of the best eateries and bars like Native, Dumpling Darlings, Birds of a Feather, Nouri, The Bravery and the main highlight: Amoy Street Food Centre for your fix of char kway teow, lei cha, ayam penyet, hor fun, biryani, roast duck rice, curry puffs and more.

Duxton Hill is technically a neighbourhood, but we can't resist the charming tree-lined street at its very summit. Serene by day and buzzy by night, it's the perfect spot for a casual date night or hangout sesh with friends. Swing by Latteria Mozzarella Bar during the lunch hour to sample the affordable set menu and dine on some fancy Mexican at Lucha Loco. Want to go all out glam? Tuck into contemporary Indian cuisine at the sumptuous Firangi Superstar. 

Singapore's premium shopping belt and most famous street is known for glitzy malls, luxury boutiques, high street fashion outlets, shopping deals and promos, flagship stores and more. But there's also a lot more to Orchard Road than just retail therapy. From pottery classes to secondhand book shopping, there are some alternative things you can do in Orchard Road – including squeezing a hike at the lush Botanic Gardens.