Haji Lane

Haji Lane is a narrow shophouse lane in Kampong Gelam, in the Rochor planning area, and at just over four metres wide in parts URA describes it as reputedly Singapore's narrowest street. The lane takes its name from the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca: its two-storey shophouses, among the earliest in the district and built in the simple Early style, once housed Muslim pilgrims passing through Singapore. Kampong Gelam, the former seat of Malay royalty, was gazetted as a conservation area on 7 July 1989.

The shophouses hold independent boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants, and many walls carry large painted murals, part of a street-art scene that STB says has made Kampong Gelam a regular haunt for street artists. Gelam Gallery, which STB calls Singapore's first outdoor art gallery, fills a back alley beside Muscat Street with more than 30 works by local and international artists. Sultan Mosque, Arab Street and Bussorah Street are a few minutes' walk away, and Bugis MRT station is close by. Shops open through the day, and the lane takes on a different character after dark, when its bars and live music spots fill up.