Eye catching Singapore Street Art and where to find it

We have uncovered the most vibrant, well-known street art and hidden gems scattered across Singapore that celebrate artistic expression. From Little India to Joo Chiat Road, you’ll be able to plot your path to discover incredible urban art that celebrates the essence of Singapore’s dynamic art scene.

Little India is where you will find the biggest collection of street art in Singapore with artists drawing on the neighbourhoods Indian cultural heritage. Almost every alleyway off Serangoon Road between Little India MRT and Singapore MRT is adorned with street art. An illustrative masterpiece by Colombian-born street artist, Didier Jaba Mathieuthis (Jaba) entitled “Daily Delivery” on Baboo Lane shows a migrant worker pushing a trolley filled with traditional tiffin lunch boxes in congested traffic.  

Here, you'll also discover Nadiah Alsagoff’s “Jasmine of the City” mural. This beautiful, two-story high mural shows a labourer working at the base of the plant. The mural suggests the labourer’s longing for his home country, but his need to provide for his family takes precedence over his homesickness. On Belilios Lane you will find a series of murals illustrating daily life in this predominantly Indian community ranging from the tea sellers, garland makers and clothes-washers.  

A tribute piece on Hindoo Road vividly depicts Indian culture using a map featuring imaginary landmarks and cultural buildings. Also on Hindoo road is a portrait of Tamil film star, Rajinikanth, a “Working Class Hero” by Zero, one of the pioneers of Street Art in Singapore. On Kerbau Road you can see a brightly hued mural of buffalo in a field of wildflowers.

Race Course Road features a twenty-metre, eye-catching mural created by Jaxton Su, which he executed with the help of migrant workers and art students. Its a tribute to the area’s old race course history and depicts a jockey trying to control a runaway thoroughbred galloping through a fruit and flower stall.  

International street artists such as Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic and American artist Elmac have also left their mark on Little India. Zacharevic’s illustration of a small boy dangling a fishing line with a hundred dollar bill on the end, tempts passersby to make a grab for the lifelike money on Perak Road. And Almac’s massive “Light” mural on Rowell Road, is a sombre depiction of life in Little India.  

Just two kilometres from the Little India MRT Station you will find Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt which puts you close to traditional shophouses, cafes, and amazing street art. It is also just a few minutes’ walk from Bendemeer MRT station, providing easy access to the cultural hubs of Haji Lane and Little India.    

Joo Chiat is a blend of old and new in East Singapore and you will be introduced to the neighbourhoods traditional Peranakan culture. On Joo Chiat Road in an open air public parking area there is a poignant mural of a mother cradling her child by design house, Tell Your Children. Its inspired by the buildings history as a former maternal and child care clinic. A gang of brightly coloured feral street cats created by Jaba for the 2022 edition of Artwalk can also be found in the car park. Also for Artwalk 2022 is a Joo Chiat Road artwork by Boon inspired by traditional Peranakan crockery featuring multi-hued phoenixes and peonies. 

Further down Joo Chiat Road is where you will find the much photographed Koon Seng heritage shophouses, a pastel-coloured row of residential houses depicting classic Peranakan style architecture. Here is where you will find a work by Jaxton Su at The Kway Guan Huat Popiah Stall. His mural depicts the traditional way to make Popiah spring rolls. 

On a shophouse near the intersection of East Coast Road and Joo Chiat Road you will discover a colourful abstract mural by Wayward Cloud. It could be a lion’s head or a dragon – the interpretation is up to you. At the intersection look out for Medley Alley an eclectic mural created by Nicia Lam, Valerie Neo, Novena Angela and Yillish Lam. On a bright yellow background a pair of metaphoric wings made up of colourful patterned tiles, a nod to Peranakan heritage, represent the evolution of different generations. A playful mural by Ernest Zacharevic entitled Jousting Painters dominates a corner of  Joo Chiat Terrace and Everitt Road. The mural features two lifelike boys riding what looks like hastily doodled horses. 

Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy is located in the vibrant Katong area, on the doorstep of Joo Chiat Road. The hotel is surrounded by quaint heritage buildings, cafes and restaurants and offers spacious guestrooms, a relaxing pool area, fitness centre and on site restaurants and bars. The MRT station is conveniently located across the street, so getting anywhere is super easy and the beach is a ten minute walk away. 

Local artist Yip Yew Chong, who grew up in Chinatown, has created many murals in the precinct. His work often reflects the lifestyles of early Hokkien immigrants. From Chinese tea ceremonies to street opera, his murals brilliantly depict Hokkien history and culture. One of his first murals, which you will find down the narrow alley that runs behind Lucky Chinatown, shows elements of the Mid-Autumn Festival. 
 

Further along the alleyway towards Smith Street is his “Letter Writer” mural,  a nod to the Chinese calligraphers who wrote letters for immigrants wanting to communicate with their families back home. Walking up Smith Street, you will see his personal tribute to growing up in Chinatown and what his family home looked like. It even shows family members including his Grandmother, aunt, and siblings.
 

Make your way towards Ann Siang Hill where you will find Yew Chong’s most famous mural which stretches over forty metres along Amoy Street behind the Thian Hock Keng Temple. It features beautiful illustrations of Kampong history and includes a modern day Chinese wedding ceremony. Look out for Jaba’s zodiac animals on the side of the Coconut Club. At the top of Ann Siang Hill is SCULPTUREATWORK’s Iron Caricatures, which crisscross the side of a building.

At Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre everything is within reach. Located on Club Street between Chinatown and the CBD, the hotel provides a great base for exploring Chinatown’s vibrant street life, eclectic restaurants and cafes, historic temples, and dynamic street art. 

Street murals are painted across many streets in Kampong Glam. The neighbourhood is like a giant, outdoor gallery. While you’re taking in the imaginative artworks stop off for some traditional Malay dishes at one of the sidewalk cafes. 
 

Haji Lane is a hot destination for street art, bars, cafes, and boutiques. Easily the most famous mural along this bohemian street is Jaba’s anime Aztec design. Haji Lane is also home to an Ultraman and superhero version of Merlion, Singapore’s national mascot, which was created by the artist collective DPLMT. Plastered over the walls of the Singapura Club is a monochromatic mural created by Ceno2. Ceno2 also created an eye-catching mural of a man holding a camera for the Vintage Camera Museum, which is located in a quirky building on Jalan Kledak shaped like a Rollei camera. Stroll down to Beach Road where you’ll discover a massive Aztec art piece by Jaba covering the exterior of Piedra Niegra, a Mexican restaurant. 

Other notable murals in Kampong Glam include, “Boogie in the Dark,” commissioned by Gelam Gallery, in an alley off Kandahar Street, created by the talented street artist trio consisting of Nicia Lam, Yullis Lam and Novena Angela. The brightly coloured mural portrays sea creatures celebrating diversity at an underwater disco. Next to The Aliwal Arts Centre, a multi-disciplinary arts centre on Aliwal Street, is a colourful Batik-inspired artwork with loop colours by Slacsatu. 

The larger neighborhood of Bugis, the city’s art and heritage district, is where you can find even more street art. Down a side alley between Peranakan Museum and the former Substation you will see Sing Along If You Know The Words by SpeakCryptic done in his signature black and white style. This mural is inspired by the artists own memory of The Substation, Singapore’s first independent contemporary arts centre. 

On the lower section of the alley’s walls is “All Good” by Hellopigu and a fun animal artwork by Suan Toh Bee. Pedestrian Armenian Street features a large stylised mural, created by art studio LABSIXFIVE of the interior of a Peranakan shophouse entitled Rasa Sayang (which roughly translates to ‘feeling of love’). Waterloo Link -  an  alleyway that connects Queen Street and Waterloo Street features a mash-up Solidarity project featuring street art by both Singaporean and Thai artists such as Antz, Demo 365 and Klax from Singapore  and Bangkok street artists like Alexface and Bon, easily identified by their distinct characters. 

Bugis is a great neighbourhood to stay in when visiting Singapore as it offers four different MRT subway lines and a selection of nearby attractions and landmarks within walking distance. Enjoy an affordable stay at Mercure Singapore Bugis which features different loft accommodation and a twenty-five metre pool on the 7th floor. 

The Bugis MRT Station is within easy walking distance making it easy to access the Green and Blue lines. This urban art and epicurean neighbourhood offers amazing local food options and restaurants in the area of the hotel. 

Tiong Bahru is a heritage neighbourhood with oodles of local flavour from its low rise, art deco buildings to its fantastic food. You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted Tiong Bahru Bakery’s freshly made croissants. Three of Yip Yew Chong’s commissioned murals offer a nostalgic reflection of what the area was like in the old days. “Bird Singing Corner” at 61 Seng Poh Lane is the neighbourhoods most talked about mural and features six bird cages hanging above four men drinking Kopi in a typical Kopitiam coffee shop.

“Home” on Tiong Poh Road, is a true to life replica of his Chinatown home and “Pasar (market in Malay) and The Fortune Teller”, which is located outside the Tiong Bahru Market and brings to life the quintessential essence of this area. Whilst viewing this expansive mural, stop off to explore the market where you’ll find fresh flowers and  sundry items on the first floor and a hawker centre filled with delicious local dishes on the second floor. Yew Chong’s level of detail in each of his murals is astonishing and his life-size characters make it possible for you to feel as if you are part of each scene. Tiong Bahru MRT Station features more artworks by Yew Chong, called "Memories of Old Places" - a collection of murals that depict scenes from Tiong Bahru history. 

Every year in January, Singapore Art Week is the biggest celebration of visual arts in Singapore. Over the ten-day art season you can enjoy light installations, performance art, and new and exciting street art. Arts House Limited stages the Aliwal Urban Art Festival (AUAF) at the Aliwal Arts Centre in Kampong Glam during the last weekend of Singapore Art Week. Here you will find yourself immersed in a series of commissioned street art installations. The Artwalk Festival in Little India and Joo Chiat is jointly presented by LASALLE College of the Arts and Singapore Tourism Board. The festival is largely responsible for the proliferation of street are in these cultural precincts. Every year the organisers commission new, mural works by local artists plus a host of international street artist installations. The next  Singapore Biennale  is planned to run from 31 October 2025 – 29 March 2026.

Navigating Singapore is easy and the efficient MRT and bus networks connect you to the city’s main street art neighbourhoods. Tickets can be purchased at any MRT station, or you can use your mobile wallet or bank cards. Or if you are looking to visit a specific location use an e-ride like Grab, Gojek, or Zig.

You can do a Private Street Art Tour or join Jane’s Art & Architecture Kampong Glam walking tour which takes you on a guided tour of the neighbourhood’s striking street murals. Wok ‘n’ Stroll takes you on a walking tour of Little India and Kampong Glam’s street art with curated food stops. While appreciating artworks by Yip Yew Chong and Ernest Zacharevic you’ll be enjoying Nasi Padang and Biryani and delicious Little India snacks like masala vada and vegetarian dosa.

The best time to visit the different street art locations is during the week, preferably early in the morning before it gets too hot, or late in the afternoon. Happy hunting!