Jalan Besar

Introducing Jalan Besar

Jalan Besar, located in central Singapore, boasts many well-preserved old buildings reflecting diverse architectural styles. For example, shophouses built around the 1920s are ornately decorated with Greek capitals, dentil ornaments, and Arabic motifs. Shophouses from the 1930s to the 1950s exude the simple lines of Art Deco. Jalan Besar is also home to numerous temples, showcasing a variety of architectural styles.

Climate and best time to travel

Singapore enjoys a warm climate year-round, with temperatures typically ranging between 24-31°C.

Travel in all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

【Recommended attractions】

→Jalan Besar Stadium

This is a well-known local sports venue with fitness equipment and a swimming pool, where people can watch football games.

→Pétain Road

Located in Little India, Petain Road boasts old-style buildings from the 1930s. Its exterior walls are decorated with a patchwork of colorful floral tiles, giving it a retro Nanyang Nyonya feel and making it a great spot for photos and check-ins.

→ New Jinya Midnight Bar

Located at the junction of Serangoon Road and Balestier Road is a blue two-storey shophouse with a curved exterior. The first floor houses the New Jinya Midnight Bar, and the second floor is the Singapore Science Academy campus.

→Guangshun Company Machinery Iron Works

An old factory on Cavan Road, built in the Art Deco style, with a stepped gabled roof, possibly topped by a flagpole.

【Recommended Play Time】

2-3 hours

Tickets

Free and open

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

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Most Popular FAQs for Jalan Besar

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Jalan Besar is a historic district in Singapore, historically known for its textile trade and as a hub for the Indian and Malay communities. It features colonial-era shophouses, cultural landmarks, and vibrant street life, reflecting Singapore’s multicultural heritage.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

• Located in the central part of Singapore near Rochor and Lavender MRT stations.
• Accessible by MRT (Lavender or Rochor stations), bus routes along Jalan Besar, taxi, or walking from nearby districts like Little India or Bugis.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The area is open all day; shops and cafes typically operate from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Evening is ideal for nightlife, while mornings are quieter for sightseeing.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Exploring Jalan Besar is free. Fees apply only for specific attractions, museums, or guided tours, which can be booked online or onsite.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is not required for general exploration. For guided tours or museum visits, booking 1–3 days ahead is recommended during peak periods.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

2–4 hours is usually enough to walk through the streets, enjoy food, and explore cultural sites. A half-day allows a more relaxed experience with additional cafes or attractions.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Heritage shophouses and colonial architecture.
• Street art murals along Jalan Besar and nearby lanes.
• Hawker centers like Jalan Besar Market & Food Centre.
• Nearby Little India and Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple.
• Local cafes and boutique shops.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided walking tours are available in English and sometimes in Mandarin. Audio guides are not commonly provided.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Colorful shophouse facades along Jalan Besar.
• Street murals and wall art in side streets.
• Rooftop views from select cafes or buildings.
• Night shots of illuminated signs and street scenes.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start from Rochor MRT station and walk along Jalan Besar.
• Explore side streets for street art and shophouses.
• Stop at a hawker center for local food.
• Visit nearby Little India or temples.
• End with a cafe or bar in the evening.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night exploration is popular for dining and nightlife. No permanent light shows exist, but special events may occur during festivals.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Mornings and weekdays are less crowded. Weekends, evenings, and festival periods see more visitors, especially near popular food centers and nightlife spots.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities include public toilets in malls and hawker centers, cafes for refreshments, seating areas, and boutique shops.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Most streets are pedestrian-friendly. Elderly and children can navigate easily. Some shophouses or side lanes may have steps; wheelchair access is limited in older buildings.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted at hawker centers and small shops. Credit cards and mobile payments (PayNow, GrabPay, contactless cards) are widely accepted in cafes, malls, and restaurants.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Jalan Besar Market & Food Centre for local hawker food.
• Cafes such as The Lokal, Plain Vanilla Bakery, and boutique coffee shops.
• Nearby restaurants in Little India offering Indian cuisine.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

• Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some cafes and Indian restaurants.
• Halal-certified eateries are common in Little India and nearby areas.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Hotel 81 Dickson
• ibis Styles Singapore on Macpherson
• Heritage hotels and boutique hostels in Little India area

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Little India
• Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple
• Bugis Street and Bugis Junction
• Singapore Art Museum (a short taxi ride)

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops sell postcards, local crafts, textiles, spices, and small keepsakes, especially around Little India and boutique stores.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• MRT stations nearby (Rochor, Little India) for city-wide travel.
• Taxis and ride-hailing services (Grab, Gojek).
• Walking to nearby attractions within 10–15 minutes.