If you’ve ever driven past Textile Centre on Jalan Sultan, you would be forgiven for thinking it’s stuck firmly in 1977. With its brutalist concrete exterior, a ground floor dominated by car dealers, and upper levels packed with credit and insurance firms, it hardly seems like a lifestyle destination.
Once the undisputed crown jewel of Singapore’s wholesale fabric trade, the reality today is that most of the original textile shops have moved on. Yet, the building’s name stays, and beneath its faded, retro facade lies a self-contained ecosystem. For those curious about what it’s actually like inside today, Textile Centre has quietly evolved into a fascinating subculture hub.
If you are looking to skip the carbon-copy mega-malls this weekend, here is the ultimate guide to spending a surprisingly vibrant, full day inside one of Singapore’s most misunderstood heritage buildings.
Morning: Creative Energy and Living Heritage (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Start your morning by stepping away from the bustling city streets and into a quieter, more mindful space. On the upper floors, you’ll find Artify Studio, a sanctuary designed for adults looking to rediscover their artistic side without any intimidation.
Specialising in beginner-friendly art workshops, they offer everything from palette knife and oil painting to gouache and watercolours. If you want a bit of direction, their signature Guided Art Jamming sessions feature experienced, friendly instructors who will patiently lead you through creating a beautiful canvas painting.
If you prefer to experiment at your own pace, opt for the Unguided Art Jamming experience. With all materials provided—including canvases, acrylic paints, brushes, and aprons—all you need to do is turn up and let your creativity flow.
Once your canvas is drying, take a walk downstairs to pay homage to the few legendary institutions keeping the mall’s namesake alive. While the bustling fabric crowds of the 80s have thinned, a handful of master tradespeople remain.
Your first stop should be Sin Hin Chuan Kee, a trusted ribbon and sewing accessories supplier founded in 1965. Walking into this shop is like being a kid in a massive candy store; it is packed to the brim with a rainbow of custom ribbons, intricate lace, cords, buttons, and bows. It remains a vital hub for fashion designers, event planners, and DIY enthusiasts dreaming up big creative projects.
Just down the corridor, you’ll encounter the mall’s bespoke tailoring masters. Stop by Carmin Shirts, helmed by an old hand affectionately known as Uncle Chee. Even if you walk in with zero knowledge of sartorial language, Uncle Chee’s warm, sincere attitude will instantly put you at ease as he showcases fabrics across various price points. Highly recommended for affordable, slim-fitting bespoke blazers and wedding suits, his creations prove that old-school quality doesn’t have to break the bank.
For corporate needs, Lynn Style Fashion delivers impeccable tailor-made suits and uniforms. Their dedication to workmanship is so precise that repeat customers are frequently amazed to find that their neatly finished suits fit flawlessly from the very first try, requiring absolutely no alterations.
Artify Studio
Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #12-07 Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Wednesday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM | Thursday-Friday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM, 7 PM – 9:30 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM | Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM | Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays
Sin Hin Chuan Kee
Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #01-08 Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM | Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM | Closed on Sundays
Carmin Shirts
Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #01-18c Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 1 PM – 7 PM | Sunday: 3 PM – 7 PM
Lynn Style Fashion
Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #03-31, Floor 3 TEXTILE CENTRE, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Closed on Saturdays & Sundays
Lunch: A Global Melting Pot of Flavours (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
By midday, the building fills with the comforting aromas of its diverse, no-frills F&B scene. Textile Centre’s eateries perfectly reflect its eclectic mix of residents, office workers, and visitors.
If you’re craving robust, comforting northern flavours, pull up a chair at Aladdin Lanzhou Beef Noodle or Fan Hua Restaurant. For a more casual, modern bite and a quick caffeine fix, Belli Cafe offers a cosy respite. If you are visiting with a group of friends and looking for a proper feast, you can dive into a hearty session at FA Steamboat Claypot Buffet or try your luck with the comforting local dishes at Fortune Luck.
Aladdin Lanzhou Beef Noodle
Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #01-07 Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Open Daily 10 AM – 1 AM
Fan Hua Restaurant
Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #01-11 Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Open Daily 5 PM – 5 AM
FA Steamboat Claypot Buffet
Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #01-25 Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Open Daily 12 PM – 11 PM
Belli Cafe
Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #01-33B Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM | Closed on Sundays
Fortune Luck
Location: 200 Jln Sultan, Textile Centre #01-05A Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Open Daily 12 AM – 6 AM, 11 AM – 12 AM
Afternoon: Alignment, Nails, and Sharp Shooters (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
With lunch settled, consider dedicating the afternoon to physical wellness and recreation. Head up to E-Five Dance Pilates Yoga Studio. Established in 2016, this highly professional fitness studio has grown so successful it co-founded an international training academy.
The studio offers an engaging, multi-disciplinary lineup designed to burn fat, build core strength, and correct posture. Whether you want to try the mindful suspension of Aerial Yoga, the precision of a Pilates Reformer class, or express yourself in a rhythmic dance course, their passionate trainers provide tailored support for every body type.
Following your workout, reward your muscles at YaQi Beauty and Massage. Don’t expect over-the-top, pretentious spa gimmicks here—this place is celebrated for its highly effective, deeply therapeutic massage techniques. The patient masseuses possess superb technical skill, making it the perfect spot to melt away stubborn back pain. As a bonus, it doubles as a lovely nail salon. The welcoming staff take their time to deliver immaculate manicures and pedicures, even handing out cute nail stickers to add a bit of personality to your look.
Before evening sets in, unleash your competitive streak at Klassic Club. Tucked away on the second floor of the south side (take the lift to find it), this is a brilliant, no-nonsense sanctuary for casual players and serious shooters alike.
As the only billiards hall in the Kampong Glam and Kallang area, it features eight to nine pocket billiards tables and about a dozen snooker tables. The tables are flawlessly maintained, the cues are perfectly straight, and the rates are exceptionally reasonable. It’s cash-only and keeps canned refreshments on hand—a proper, old-school hall that stays open until 4:00 AM for the night owls.
EFive Dance Pilates Yoga Studio
Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #01-30 Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Open Daily 9 AM – 9 PM
YaQi Beauty and Massage
Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #01-03 Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Open Daily 9 AM – 4 PM
Klassic Club Pool Hall
Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #08-11 Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Open Daily 10 AM – 4 AM
Evening to Late Night: Secret Taprooms and Retro Vibes (6:00 PM – Late)
As night falls, Textile Centre reveals its best-kept secret. Hidden away in a quiet corner behind the escalators on Level 2 is AfterJourney Craft Beers.
Stepping inside this unassuming exterior feels like being transported into a thoughtfully curated, sophisticated “man-cave”. The aesthetic leans into a gorgeous vintage 1970s Taiwanese-Japanese fusion, featuring minimalist decor, comfortable seats, and the warm, immersive sound of vinyl music.
Boasting 16 unique craft beers on tap, the menu strikes a flawless balance between local craftsmanship (hoppy IPAs and smooth seasonal lagers) and international traditions from China to New Zealand. The incredibly friendly, well-trained staff are happy to walk you through flavour profiles to match your mood. Combined with tasty bar bites, it’s a beautiful, unpretentious space where a local community of craft beer enthusiasts is steadily growing.
To end your night with an injection of high-energy fun, head over to Rosegold KTV Nightclub. The interiors are unapologetically ageing, but the regulars don’t come here for modern aesthetics. They come for the warm, relaxed hospitality, the brilliant beer happy hour deals, and the fantastic, unpretentious vibes. It is a solid, soulful choice to sing your heart out, enjoy a few cold beers, and wind down a thoroughly unique day out in Singapore.
Afterjourney
Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #02-19 Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Monday: 4 PM – 11 PM | Closed on Tuesdays
Rosegold KTV Nightclub
Location: 200 Jalan Sultan Textile Centre Level 7 (use Lift 7 or 8, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 4 PM – 3 AM | Saturday: 4 PM – 4 AM | Sunday: 7 PM – 3 PM
Bonus Tidbit: The Bi-Weekly Flea Market
If you want to add an extra layer of discovery to your itinerary, try to time your visit with the flea market held every two weeks on the ground levels. The space comes alive with interesting local vendors selling everything from preloved toys and clothes to unique contemporary and classic accessories like vintage earrings, necklaces, and watches. You’ll also find an array of prepackaged local snacks, making it the perfect spot to hunt for a nostalgic bargain before starting your day.
Final Thoughts
Textile Centre is a vivid reminder that Singapore’s true character often thrives away from pristine mega-malls. All in all, this complex rewards anyone willing to explore its corners and it stands as a living, unpretentious slice of local history that offers the perfect, soul-filled antidote to the predictable weekend routine.