Inside Bugis Street’s creative side: Street art, markets, photobooths, and plenty of things to do

From vintage gems and live music performances to colourful murals, Bugis Street bursts with expressive character
Bugis Street
Photograph: Time Out Singapore
Time Out Singapore in partnership with Bugis Street
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Remember when hanging out at Bugis Street meant squeezing through packed aisles and hunting down the perfect sugary munch to refuel? Same. But these days, the old stomping ground has levelled up. In recent years, a new creative pulse has taken over the district – louder, bolder and far more playful than before. 

Now, Bugis Street is a buzzing maze of street art, a vintage market and quirky photobooths that make every visit feel like discovering a brand-new version of a place you thought you already knew. From thrift gems to vibrant murals to experiences you can’t replicate anywhere else, this is Bugis Street at its most expressive, and you'll want to explore it with your favourite people in tow. Here’s where to start.

Thrift, dig and discover at Resurrack Vintage Market

Where: Bugis Street Art Lane

Weekends at Bugis Street hit differently when Resurrack rolls into Art Lane. This multi-zone, vintage marketplace is a magnet for cool kids, fashion trawlers and anyone with an appreciation for clothes that tell a story. Discover small local businesses here and browse through their racks of pre-loved retro windbreakers, Y2K tops, handcrafted accessories, and one-off pieces you’ll never see again. It’s the sort of place where you can also come for style inspiration and leave with a new wardrobe personality. 

But the market isn’t just about shopping – the vibes here are immaculate. Local musicians set the soundtrack with live performances, local artists showcase handmade crafts, and small businesses get their moment in the spotlight. You'll also find interactive experiences such as jagua tattoo and live caricature sessions. And with colourful street art down this lane and the iconic pastel spiral staircase in the backdrop, it's the perfect spot to snap a group photo with your besties too. 

Time Out tip: Resurrack opens from 3pm, so swing by earlier in the day for the rare finds and activities, then loop back at 4.30pm when the performances start.

Snap something fun at Standard Photo Studio’s themed photobooths

Where: Bugis Street Level 2

If you’re looking for a playful spot to capture memories with your crew, Standard Photo Studio’s photobooth pop-up is your next stop. There are four themed rooms, each with its own personality. Take your pick from the Hawker Room for those born-and-bred Singapore vibes; a Claw Machine Room with pastel arcade energy; a dramatic Spotlight Room that gives soft studio glam that'll leave you starry-eyed; and a minimalist Box Room perfect for group shots that don’t look like school photos. There are also plenty of accessories to add some playful touches to your shots. 

After printing your snaps, stick around for a little DIY moment like making your own keychains to immortalise your photo strips. Think of them as pocket-sized memorabilia, perfect for your loved ones or as a charming add-on for your tote.

Wander through Bugis Street’s murals and hidden art corners

Where: Bugis Street Art Lane and surrounding passages

If you’ve wandered through Bugis Street lately, you'd notice that the street art scene has quietly been shaking things up with more pops of colour, transforming walkways into photo-friendly mini-galleries. Bugis Street Art Lane is where it goes full technicolour. Expect bold strokes, pop-art characters, graphic collages and murals by local multidisciplinary creative studio Mural Lingo that feel like stepping into someone’s daydream. Some artworks lean quirky and playful, while others hint at deeper themes around culture, identity and youth expression. 

Don't miss the 'River Trade' mural towering above Café O, which depicts a Bugis merchant on his ship with goods like tortoiseshell, birds' nest, sandalwood, beeswax, cotton and coffee – a nod to the area's trading history.

Ready to explore Bugis Street’s creative side? Plan your trip and start exploring these vibrant, expressive spots, from vintage markets and photobooths to murals and hidden gems. Discover more here.

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