Singapore is a city-state that blends tradition with innovation—Confucian temples and neon-lit supertrees, hawker stalls and Michelin stars, historic shophouses and skyscrapers. Its roots stretch from a 14th-century maritime settlement to a British port in 1819, and finally to an independent nation in 1965. Today, it’s one of Asia’s safest and easiest places to explore with a family.

Chinese New Year (CNY) transforms the city into a festive carnival: lanterns glowing over Chinatown, lion dances drumming in malls, and late-night markets buzzing with snacks and souvenirs. Some small shops close on the first one or two days of CNY, but major attractions, malls, and many eateries stay open. Expect lively crowds, extended hours for celebrations, and a buoyant holiday mood.

Food is a national pastime—think Hainanese chicken rice, kaya toast, chili crab, laksa, biryani, and satay. The MRT is clean, fast, and air-conditioned; tap in with an EZ-Link card or contactless bank card. Pack light, breathable clothing, a compact umbrella, and comfortable shoes—you’ll walk a lot and it’s tropical year-round.

Singapore

Singapore’s neighborhoods are distinctive: Chinatown’s red-and-gold lanterns, Little India’s spice-fragrant lanes, and Kampong Glam’s Sultan Mosque and indie boutiques along Haji Lane. Marina Bay wows with skyline views, the Merlion, and evening light shows. For beach time, Sentosa offers palms, family-friendly shores, and easy thrills.

Food-wise, hawker centers are king: a dozen meals in one hall, each stall a specialist. Try Maxwell Food Centre, Amoy Street Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Old Airport Road. Cafés are excellent too—third-wave coffee meets Asian pastries.

• Where to stay (you’re at Amara Singapore): Great location in Tanjong Pagar—walkable to Chinatown, Amoy Street Food Centre, and the Downtown/Green MRT lines. For future trips or friends joining:
  • Marina Bay Sands for iconic pools and bay views.
  • Hotel Boss for value, near Kampong Glam.
  • Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore for lush family facilities.
  • Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa if you want to wake up on the beach.
  • Hotel 81 Chinatown for a budget pick in the heart of Chinatown.
  • Browse more stays: Hotels.com – Singapore or apartment-style options on VRBO – Singapore.
• Getting there and around: Although you’ve booked flights, others can compare fares on Trip.com (Flights) or Kiwi.com. Singapore’s MRT is your friend—buy an EZ-Link or use contactless.

Day 1: Arrival, Tanjong Pagar to Chinatown, and Marina Bay Night Lights

Afternoon: Arrive and settle at Amara Singapore. Stretch your legs with a short walk to Amoy Street Food Centre for a first hawker bite—try Han Kee Fish Soup (ultra-fresh sliced fish) or A Noodle Story (a Singapore-style ramen). Grab kopi-O or iced yuan yang at a kopitiam nearby.

Evening: Kick off with a guided riverfront night experience that’s fun and low-effort after a flight: Singapore River Cruise, Night Garden Rhapsody, Spectra Light Tour. You’ll catch the skyline from the water, then two signature light shows.

For a casual dinner after, head to Lau Pa Sat—the Satay Street (Boons Tat St) fires up skewers after dusk. Order satay (chicken or mutton), stingray sambal, and sugarcane juice. If energy remains, stroll the Helix Bridge for night photos.

Day 2: Multicultural Singapore—Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam (CNY Eve)

Morning: Breakfast like a local: kaya toast with soft eggs at Ya Kun or Tong Ah Eating House. Then join the 4-hour Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street Walking Tour—a lively primer on history, worship places, markets, and street art.

Afternoon: Refuel at Tekka Centre in Little India—try Allauddin’s Briyani (fragrant basmati and tender meat) or a banana-leaf thali. Browse colorful garlands, spices, and sarees on Campbell Lane.

Evening: Chinatown’s streets glow with lanterns on CNY Eve; expect countdown festivities and lion dances (programs vary annually—go early). Eat at Chinatown Complex Food Centre: Liao Fan Hawker Chan (soy sauce chicken), Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao (hand-pulled noodles and dumplings), and Chen Ji for carrot cake (fried radish cake). Tip: some small businesses may close early tonight and on Day 3/4; hawker centers and malls generally remain open.

Day 3: Sentosa Beach Day and Seafront Fun (CNY Day 1)

Morning: Coffee at The Populus (bold roasts, hearty brunch) or Nylon Coffee Roasters (tiny, serious coffee). MRT to HarbourFront, then Sentosa via the boardwalk or Sentosa Express. Lounge at Palawan Beach (family-friendly), cross the rope bridge to the “Southernmost Point of Continental Asia,” or try Siloso Beach for watersports.

Afternoon: Casual lunch at Coastes (feet-in-sand burgers and pasta) or Good Old Days Food Court for local sets. Add easy thrills: the Skyline Luge, Fort Siloso Skywalk (free, panoramic views), or Hydrodash inflatable waterpark. Bring swimwear and a small dry bag.

Evening: Sunset along Siloso. For budget eats, return to the mainland and try Seah Im Food Centre (Hokkien mee, nasi padang) opposite HarbourFront, or grab VivoCity’s Food Republic hawker hall. If you missed Spectra on Day 1, swing by Marina Bay after dinner for the later show times.

Day 4: Wild Singapore—Zoo by Day, Night Safari After Dark

Make it a full, hosted wildlife day with transfers using Singapore Zoo & Night Safari Day (Tickets & Transfer). The award-winning open-concept zoo is lush and shady, with animals in naturalistic habitats; plan keeper talks and tram rides. Eat at Ah Meng Restaurant (local fare, kids’ picks) inside the zoo. As night falls, the Night Safari brings nocturnal creatures to life via walking trails and tram routes—an eye-opener for teens and adults alike.

Day 5: Mangroves, Kampong Glam, and a Festive Night Stroll

Morning: Head to the northeast for a nature adventure: Mangrove Kayaking Adventure in Singapore at Pulau Ubin. It’s beginner-friendly and a refreshing contrast to the city—watch for herons, mudskippers, and mangrove life. Before or after, eat at Changi Village Hawker Centre (famous nasi lemak at International or Mizzy’s; try goreng pisang).

Afternoon: Explore Kampong Glam: admire the golden dome of the Sultan Mosque, shop textiles and perfumes along Arab Street, and browse indie boutiques on Haji Lane. For lunch, try Zam Zam (murtabak) or Hjh Maimunah (kampong-style Malay dishes like beef rendang and sambal goreng).

Evening: If the seasonal River Hongbao festival is running, it’s typically held around CNY at large open spaces like the Meadows at Gardens by the Bay—expect lantern installations, snack stalls, and performances (dates vary yearly; check the program locally). Dine nearby at Satay by the Bay—order satay, barbecued stingray, and sugarcane juice—and cap the night with the Garden Rhapsody show if you’d like a second viewing.

Day 6: Museums, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Choose a final dose of culture: the National Gallery Singapore (Southeast Asian art in a stunning colonial complex) or the Peranakan Museum (colorful hybrid Straits Chinese culture—beadwork, ceramics, wedding regalia). For a quick brunch, try Tiong Bahru Bakery (kouign-amann, excellent croissants) or My Awesome Café on Telok Ayer (salads and hearty sandwiches in a retro clinic building).

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping on Orchard Road or design-forward souvenirs at Design Orchard. If you’re heading to the airport early, Jewel Changi’s food courts are convenient and varied. Depart in the afternoon—MRT to Changi is efficient, or prebook a transfer if carrying bulky luggage.

Optional Add-Ons and Flexible Swaps

• Prefer a shorter foodie evening with shows? Consider Night out with 6 Food Tastings, Spectra & Garden Rhapsody Shows for bites plus lights in one go.

  

• Want more guided flexibility with a teen? Book a Private Customized Singapore Car Tour to tailor museums, neighborhoods, and snack stops.

Dining Shortlist Near Your Hotel (Budget-Friendly)

• Maxwell Food Centre: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice; Zhen Zhen Porridge; Hum Jin Pang (fried dough). Cheap, iconic.
• Amoy Street Food Centre: Han Kee Fish Soup; J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff; Hong Kee Beef Noodle.
• Chinatown Complex: Hawker Chan (soy sauce chicken), char kway teow, and claypot rice stalls galore.
• Tanjong Pagar Road: Keisuke ramen outlets (many styles) and local tze char at Kok Sen (big flavors; book or go early).

Chinese New Year Tips

• Crowds & closures: Day 1–2 of CNY can see some small family-run shops closed; major attractions and most hawker centers remain open. Book timed-entry attractions and night shows in advance.
• Etiquette: If you visit temples, dress with covered shoulders/knees and speak softly. You may see incense offerings and lion dances in malls and public squares.
• Budget note: Your 50/100 budget is well-served by hawker centers; save splurges for one or two special experiences (e.g., river cruise night, zoo + Night Safari).

Included Viator Experiences in This Itinerary

• Singapore River Cruise, Night Garden Rhapsody, Spectra Light Tour

  

• 4-hour Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street Walking Tour

  

• Singapore Zoo & Night Safari Day (Tickets & Transfer)

  

• Mangrove Kayaking Adventure in Singapore

  

In six days, you’ll taste hawker classics, stroll historic quarters, unwind on Sentosa’s beaches, and marvel at Singapore’s nightscape—plus enjoy Chinese New Year’s color and energy. With easy MRT access from Amara, this plan balances budget and highlights, keeping things fun for adults and a teen. Safe travels and happy feasting—Gong Xi Fa Cai!