A vibrant arts enclave
The Bras Basah.Bugis precinct is the arts and heritage district in Singapore's civic centre, and home to museums and monuments.
The Bras Basah.Bugis precinct is the arts and heritage district in Singapore's civic centre, and home to museums and monuments.
Once the home of Bugis traders and merchants, the district is now home to bustling shopping malls like Bugis Junction.
As one of Singapore's oldest neighbourhoods, Bras Basah is full of interesting history.
Brimming with affordable clothing, souvenirs and street food, Bugis Street constantly draws crowds looking for a great deal.
Call it the Triple B if you must, but the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct is the place to go for a slice of Singapore’s rich heritage, preserved architecture and palpable energy.
Head here for fine museums, national monuments and other institutions, such as art schools and the Central Public Library.
One of Singapore’s oldest districts, Bras Basah derived its name from the Malay term ‘wet rice’ which were once laid out on the banks of Bras Basah River (known as the Stamford Canal today).
The founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, picked the area to be the European part of Singapore Town. To the growing multicultural communities, it was also ideal for schools and places of worship.
The adjacent Bugis Street, named after the seafaring Bugis people from Indonesia who came here to trade with local merchants, has a colourful past. Historically, it was the haunt of sailors, hawkers and military personnel.
Today, you could spend days just soaking in the vibe of this buzzing district. The Bras Basah.Bugis neighbourhood is home to museums such as the National Museum of Singapore and Peranakan Museum, and national monuments like the Armenian Church and Central Fire Station, Singapore’s oldest fire station.
The School of the Arts, Singapore Management University, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and LASALLE College of the Arts are here as well, and visitors may wish to visit the latter to admire its distinctive architecture and soak in the creative vibes.
Get in on the action with the annual Singapore Night Festival in August, with late-night openings and special events.
Learn more about the country’s history and culture at the National Museum of Singapore, which is also an architectural icon.
Built in 1835, the Armenian Church is the oldest Christian church in Singapore and an architectural masterpiece.
Sitting prettily on Middle Road is Artichoke, which serves up unpretentious Middle-Eastern inspired fare.
Shop for high street brands at Bugis Junction then cross the connecting bridge to Bugis+, with its massive, crystal-like façade.
Pick up a bargain deal at the revamped Bugis Street, with over 600 shops offering everything from chic fashion to beauty services.
A whimsical retail store that sells a charming variety of accessories, stationery and knick knacks, Cat Socrates is a great place to visit if you’re hoping to pick up a souvenir or two.
Visit kapok NDC—a lifestyle and design boutique— to peruse a range of local threads and bespoke accessories.
Drop by one of these centres in downtown Singapore to get more information about Singapore, purchase tickets to attractions and tours or pick up a souvenir. Find out more
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