What to do in Bugis Singapore? — 10+ where to go & best things to do in Bugis Singapore

September 7, 2023

The Bugis Street neighborhood is considered a prominent symbol, representing the country of Singapore with its remarkable history. Before World War II, this place was where Japanese prostitutes gathered. From the 50s to the 80s, the area became one of the most famous locations in the world as it was jammed with transgender people who wandered around there at night. The scene was featured in the movie Bugis Street (1995), which makes the neighborhood even more popular. So, where to go in Bugis Singapore and what to do in Bugis Singapore? Let’s check out our suggested 10+ must and best things to do in Bugis Singapore as follows!

Bugis and Kampong Glam Singapore — Bugis Street in the heart of Singapore | what to do in bugis singapore

Today, Bugis Street in Singapore is one of the top tourist destinations recognized as the number one choice by tourists and locals when looking for a place to explore, hang out, and indulge in shopping activities. If you want to come here and experience it, let’s continue reading to find the 10 best things to do in Bugis, Singapore that give you the most satisfying trip.

National Museum of Singapore at night | what to do in bugis singapore

Enjoy shopping at Bugis Junction shopping mall (# what to do in bugis singapore)

Located right in the heart of Bugis crowded with shoppers, Bugis Junction has various stores to ensure all needs and preferences of visitors are met. If you are a shopaholic, we recommend that you pay a visit to Bugis Junction when you have the opportunity to travel to Singapore.

In addition, Bugis Junction is also known as a commercial center with a unique and beautiful design. This is because it integrates the central indoor and outdoor architecture in a modernistic style while also meeting the need for the conservation of historical areas.

Besides, at Bugis Junction, there are also various cafes, shops, and restaurants, ensuring you will have a day of walking around without getting bored as you visit Bugis, Singapore.

Address: 200 Victoria Street, Singapore
Phone: +65 6557 6557
Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM

Enjoy a signature cocktail at the rooftop bar Loof

Signature cocktails at Loof Bar | what to do in bugis singapore

This is one of the rooftop bars designed and decorated in a classic style, bringing a bit of nostalgia from the old days of Singapore. There is even a store at Loof that specializes in old-fashioned sundries to serve the demand for souvenirs of tourists.

The cocktails here are mixed and modified according to the preferences of local people. Coming here, you can enjoy local dishes as well. Let’s have fun and chill out in a relaxed atmosphere while admiring the city skyline – one of the most beautiful views you may have in Bugis, Singapore.

Address: 331 North Bridge Road, Singapore
Phone: +65 6337 9416
Hours: 5 PM – 1 AM / Fri & Sat: 5 PM – 2 AM

Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple (# what to do in bugis singapore)

Construction began in 1884, this beautiful Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple is a wonderful representation of traditional East Asian temple architecture. People come to this temple to worship the goddess Kuan Yin or Avalokitesvara, also known as the Goddess of Mercy.

For your info, the temple is always crowded with worshippers coming here to pray on New Year’s Eve. In addition, Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple is a symbol of architecture and carries a strong historical remark of the Bugis area in Singapore before World War II. The reason is that it is one of the few buildings constructed at that time that was not affected by the war.

If you decide to visit this attraction, you should pay special attention to your belongings and personal items because a large number of people flock here while the temple premises are quite small and cramped. Additionally, in case you want to have breakfast after visiting and praying at the temple, the famous Albert Center Market will be the best spot to drop by.

Address: 178 Waterloo Street, Singapore
Phone: +65 6337 9227
Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM

Hajjah Fatimah Mosque (# best things to do in Bugis Singapore)

Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, Bugis | what to do in bugis singapore

Construction of the Haijah Fatimah Mosque took place in 1846 by a Malaccan businesswoman of the same name to express gratitude for being saved during a brutal attack and burglary that had happened at her home. Moreover, this mosque is also considered a part of Singapore’s historical architectural heritage with its eclectic style, harmonizing both Muslim and European cultures. The fusion style helps enhance its charm and beauty.

Hajiah Fatimah Mosque is located peacefully among the modern buildings in the area. In addition, the mausoleum of the sponsor who built the mosque is also located here, making Hajiah Fatimah Mosque one of the most significant architectural heritages with a long history in Bugis, Singapore.

Address: 4004 Beach Road, Singapore
Phone: +65 6297 2774
Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM

Improve your knowledge at the National Museum of Singapore

National Museum of Singapore | best things to do in Bugis Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest museum in the Merlion nation, which construction took place in 1849. This museum focuses on Singapore’s history with exhibitions that take you back in time, exploring this island nation decades ago.

national-museum-singapore-2 — | best things to do in Bugis Singapore

Goh Seng Choo Gallery — | best things to do in Bugis Singapore

A wide variety of cultural, artistic, and historical artifacts are displayed here, as well as antiques ranging from old books to specimens. When coming here, you can easily get lost because the museum is designed following Neo-Palladian and Renaissance styles.

National Museum of Singapore2 — National Museum of Singapore | best things to do in Bugis Singapore

In addition, the National Museum of Singapore also hosts film screenings and other seasonal art performances periodically.

Address: 93 Stamford Road, Singapore
Phone: +65 6332 3659
Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM

Bugis’ Haji Lane (# where to go in bugis singapore)

Shopping on Bugis’ Haji Lane | best things to do in Bugis Singapore

Upon visiting Singapore, you will not be able to miss the hipster-style streets here. Both sides of Haji Lane have renovated shophouses, mainly serving fashionistas or those looking for unique items. Even if you are not a fashion-savvy person, Bugis’s Haji Lane is still an ideal place for you to explore ancient shophouses with many different designs here.

Credit: flyphotographer | where to go in bugis singapore

Address: Haji Lane, Rochor, Singapore

Visit the Malay Heritage Center in Bugis, Singapore (# best things to do in Bugis Singapore)

Malay Heritage Center in Bugis, Singapore | where to go in bugis singapore

The destination houses both a museum and a cultural center, which specialize in displaying the heritage of the indigenous people of Malaysia. Coming to the Malay Heritage Center, you can enjoy exploring and learning about the long and ancient traditions of the Malaysian people, even those who have lived in the Bugis area for a long time when this area was not yet named as it is now.

There are galleries displaying works of art, film, theater, and other creative products in both historical and contemporary styles. The Malay Heritage Center is located in the Kampong Glam neighborhood, the original settlement of Malaysians coming to Singapore. So, if you want to learn more about Malay culture and customs, this is a suitable place for you.

Address: 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore
Phone: +65 6391 0450
Hours: from 10 AM – 6 PM / Mon: Closed

Bugis Village

Crossing the street as soon as you exit Bugis Junction shopping mall, you will immediately encounter countless stalls crowded side by side in a narrow lane that takes an entire stretch to the farthest corner. There are handicrafts, souvenirs, phone cases, snapbacks, and so on. Thanks to the diversity of goods, Bugis Village is always busy and bustling with tourists.

Bugis Village is a flea market, located close to a street market, a great place for you to find good items at cheap prices originating from all over Asia. The merchants are mainly young women.

Address: Bugis Street, Singapore
Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM

Explore the unique Arab Street

The unique Arab Street | where to go in bugis singapore

Arabs were also one of the first groups of settlers in Singapore and the Arab Street neighborhood is a testament to their presence in the Merlion nation.

It is considered one of the coolest areas in Singapore due to recent redevelopment, helping maintain its original identity and scenery. The cafes here are located along the avenue in front of a large and magnificent mosque. In addition, there are also gift shops selling exotic items, and even a museum displaying artifacts related to local life in Singapore in the 60s and 70s.

Address: Arab Street, Singapore

Find the past in Chijmes

cHIJMES_Colour_Screen-69 — Chijmes, Bugis

Chijmes (Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Middle Education School) is a symbol of Bugis, Singapore as it stands proudly among office buildings and shopping centers.

Previously, Chijmes was a convent and a girls’ school in 1852, but the was demolished and became a crowded square with many restaurants, bars, and cafes.

The main hall is rented out as a venue for a wedding

In addition, the airy and dreamy area here is also very attractive to visitors. Besides, the change in the interior is a special feature at Chijmes, particularly as the outside space contrasts with the surrounding areas. The large Chijmes Hall is available for rent as a venue for events with a beautiful Gothic design.

Address: 30 Victoria Street, Singapore
Phone: +65 637 7810
Hours: 8 AM – 3 AM / Sat & Sun: 8:30 AM – 4 AM

The Bugis neighborhood in Singapore is one of the outstanding and unique symbols of the Merlion island nation. If you have the opportunity to come here, don’t miss the 10 most memorable experiences that we have just recommended you.

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Are you finding more top things to do in Singapore: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Singapore travel blog — The fullest Singapore travel guide blog for a budget trip to Singapore for the first-timers.