D'Almeida Street, Singapore (AI generated on 26 December 2025)
D'Almeida Street is a historic one-way road located in the heart of the Downtown Core of Singapore. Measuring about 121 metres in length, the street runs from Collyer Quay in the south to Malacca Street in the north. Situated in postal district 1, it is surrounded by some of the nation’s most iconic financial and commercial institutions. The closest MRT station is Raffles Place MRT Station, which provides convenient access to the East West Line and the North South Line.
The road lies within the Downtown Core Planning Area, an area synonymous with Singapore’s role as a global financial hub. As a one-way street, it serves mainly office traffic, linking Collyer Quay’s waterfront commercial district with the dense network of streets leading towards Raffles Place and Malacca Street. Its central location makes it a prime address for multinational corporations, banks, and professional service firms that dominate the area.
D'Almeida Street dates back to the early colonial era of Singapore in the 19th century. It was named after José d'Almeida Carvalho e Silva, a Portuguese doctor, merchant, and one of the first Europeans to settle in the colony. Arriving in 1825, he became a highly respected figure, founding the mercantile firm “Jose d'Almeida & Sons,” which was later known as d'Almeida & Co.1 His influence in commerce and trade during Singapore’s formative years ensured that his name would be immortalised in this central street.
The street’s name “D'Almeida” originates from Portuguese. It is commonly pronounced by locals as Dal-may-da. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is represented as /dælˈmeɪdə/. This pronunciation differs slightly from the original Portuguese, but reflects the Anglicised form that became entrenched in Singapore over the decades.
D'Almeida Street embodies the atmosphere of Singapore’s central business district. Its tall office towers, modern skyscrapers, and historic shophouse-style buildings capture a blend of past and present. By day, the street bustles with office workers, traders, and visitors to nearby banks, while evenings bring a calmer ambience as businesses wind down. The close proximity to Collyer Quay adds an element of prestige, with panoramic views of Marina Bay just a short walk away.
Although the street itself is lined mainly with office buildings, its surroundings feature several key attractions:
The area around D'Almeida Street is among the most expensive in Singapore. Real estate here consists mainly of commercial office spaces rather than residential properties. As of 2024, Grade A office rents in the Raffles Place area average S$10.90 per square foot per month2. A 2,000 sq ft (186 sq m) office unit would therefore cost around S$21,800 monthly in rent. Sale prices for prime office strata units in the CBD can exceed S$3,000 per sq ft3, reflecting the district’s global demand.
Residential real estate is rare along D'Almeida Street itself. However, nearby luxury apartments in Marina Bay and Raffles Place fetch prices of S$2,500 – 3,500 per sq ft, with a 1,200 sq ft (111 sq m) unit costing upwards of S$3 million. Rentals for similar apartments can start at S$6,000 per month4.
The closest MRT station to D'Almeida Street is Raffles Place MRT Station, about 300 metres away, providing access to the North South Line and East West Line. Other nearby stations include Downtown MRT Station on the Downtown Line and Telok Ayer MRT Station on the Downtown Line, offering excellent connectivity to all parts of Singapore.
Several bus stops are located around Collyer Quay and Raffles Place, serving services that connect to areas such as Bukit Timah, Geylang, Marine Parade, and Tampines. These stops ensure that despite its central location and heavy traffic, D'Almeida Street remains easily accessible by public transport.
A fun fact about D'Almeida Street is that it was one of the first streets in Singapore to be named after a non-British European settler, highlighting the cosmopolitan nature of the colony even in its early years. Today, the name serves as a reminder of Singapore’s diverse cultural and commercial heritage.
Want to share your Singapore travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
Join the Singapore Travel Tips Facebook Group
Latest Pages & Updates
Backtrack | HOME | Latest Updates |
Singapore Streets & Sights