Filled with heritage, arts and culture, Kampong Gelam is a treasure trove for those seeking cool collectables and antiques. The trick is knowing where to go; here’s where you can snag new and second-hand gems within the enclave.

 

Flame Vintage Store

Tucked away on Jalan Pisang, Flame Vintage Store is a fashion-forward Gen X’s dream. The store hawks vintage apparel of all sorts, from grungy band tees to Ralph Lauren polo shirts and Prada windbreakers. Prices are very reasonable, so you can shop without breaking the bank.

8 Jalan Pisang, Tel: +65 9382 6149 
Opening hours: Tue-Thu 2pm – 9pm; Fri-Sun 12pm – 9pm

 

Grand Bazaar Turkish Handicrafts

As its name suggests, this store carries a wide variety of authentic, handcrafted Turkish goods. Think intricate Aladdin-esque lamps, ornate handmade mosaic lights, artisanal kitchenware and even Mecca model art pieces. For culture lovers, check out their series of Turkish Ottoman Kayi Bork hats and Turkish Ottoman kilij swords.

61 Bussorah Street, Tel: +65 9635 7644
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily

 

Groundstory

At Groundstory, a popular art cafe along North Bridge Road, speciality coffee is on the menu, along with unique artisanal crafts from around Asia. Filling their retail space are gems like kiln-fired mugs, delicate jewellery, porcelain vases and more – head in for a cuppa, leave with a beautiful art piece (or two).

756/758 North Bridge Road, Tel: +65 6413 3981
Opening hours: Tue-Fri: 9am – 5.30pm; Sat 10.30am – 6pm; Closed on Monday & Sunday

 

Jamal Kazura Aromatics

Fans of niche fragrances love this heritage perfumer’s wide range of attars (non-alcholic perfumes) crafted from top-grade essential oils and sold in delicate hand-painted glass bottles. The over eight-decades-old store also retails massage oils, scented body soaps and shower creams. Scent customisation is available here too.

728 North Bridge Road, Tel: +65 6293 2350
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am – 6pm; Sat 10am – 2pm; Closed on Sunday

 

The Gem Museum

Known as Singapore’s first and most comprehensive private gemology museum, visitors usually flock here for enriching tours, workshops and exhibitions. But, the real showstopper here is the museum’s catalogue of gemstones, crystals, bespoke jewellery and other accessories – all affordably priced and up for grabs. What a gem!

26 Kandahar Street Level 2, Tel: +65 6734 3172
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 12pm – 5pm; Sat 11am – 3pm; Closed on Monday & Sunday

 

Mosta Records

Vinyl fans and music lovers, get grooving at Mosta Records! Established in 2017, the three-in-one retail, record and talent label has an eargasmic collection of new and used vinyl records. They carry most music genres, and prices are kept competitive. These folks are also the authorised dealer of Third Man Records, Death Waltz, Fat Possum Records and more indie brands, as well as Audio Technica turntables and accessories.

34 Arab Street #02-02
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12.30pm – 6.30pm; Closed on Sunday

 

The Gallery by Clay Journey

Founded by Singapore’s renowned ceramist, Steven Low Thia Kwang, the local art gallery is perfect for pottery-heads looking for exquisite ceramic works. Foremost an exhibition space, visitors can pick up the gallery’s curation of locally- and internationally- made pieces. Seeking a more educational experience? Sign up for their pottery workshops, and bring home your masterpiece!

71A Sultan Gate, Tel: +65 8699 2049
Opening hours:

 

The Heritage Store

Tucked away on the quieter street of Jalan Sultan is The Heritage Store, an antique establishment filled to the brim with yesteryear artefacts and memorabilia. The shop owner is an avid collector himself, which shows in his massive catalogue of items like rare lamps, typewriters, Chinese ornaments, coins, porcelain plates, and even old newspaper clippings and posters. Fair warning though, you’ll find it hard to leave without a trinket or two!

93 Jalan Sultan #01-01, Tel: +65 6223 7982
Opening hours: 1.30pm – 8pm daily