Things to do at Esplanade for Chinese New Year 2024
Esplanade has been the city’s go-to place for the arts since it unveiled its iconic spiky “durian” domes back in 2002. Fast-forward a few decades, and the theatres by Marina Bay still host some of the best acts the arts has to offer.
Even if you’re not an art aficionado, there are still plenty of reasons to drop by Esplanade Mall. And we’re not just talking about the free live performances and visual art installations that line the underground linkway. But those are all pretty dope too. Here are some fun things to do at Esplanade this Chinese New Year holiday with family and friends.
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1. Get in shape for the family reunion at Project Send
Work off those extra pounds and build upper body strength at the same time.
Image credit: Project Send
Located on the 2nd floor of the Esplanade Mall, Project Send is a bouldering gym with 10/10 views of the Bay. You’ll find rock walls specifically tailored to your level of expertise, from newbies to seasoned climbers. They’ve even got an in-house cafe, lounge, and gym with lockers and towels for rent.
Beta Cafe’s egg sando set features a sandwich consisting of 3 different textures of eggs.
Image credit: Project Send
For couples, there’s also a Love on the Rocks climbing and dining package ($68/pax). This is where you and bae will undergo a 90-minute guided climbing class followed by brunch at Project Send’s Beta Cafe. Don’t expect average protein shakes or boring salads here, as the cafe is helmed by a new head chef with Michelin-star experience.
Address: #02-29
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 7.30am-9.30pm | Fri-Sat 10.30am-1.30am (Closed on Sundays)
2. Impress the in-laws with their fav song on vinyl
Find something to play at the family reunion that doesn’t include “Gong Xis” or “Dong Qiangs”.
Image credit: @analog_vault via Instagram
If you’re looking for an album on vinyl or thinking of starting your own collection, The Analog Vault is probably one of the best places to start. Approach any of their uber friendly staff and they’ll give you a crash course in all things vinyl.
Find familiar titles from artists like Kendrick Lamar, Tyler the Creator, and The Roots. Ask for a recommendation and you might discover something new, or even a local artiste right up your musical alley. Find records from different genres, even movie soundtracks from as low as $15.
Image credit: @lwssom via Instagram
Now, if you want to prep your vocal chords for those impromptu family karaoke sessions, look to Lee Wei Song Music Academy. The 2 brothers who founded the academy have worked with stars like JJ Lin, Stephanie Sun, and plenty of other singers from Taiwan and China.
So, if you’re looking for singing lessons to impress at the next KTV session, they offer vocal classes for all ages and skill levels in English and Mandarin. For those interested in songwriting, you can even rent out one of their studios to record original works. Don’t worry, a producer will be on hand to assist you the whole time.
The Analog Vault
Address: #02-10
Opening hours: 1pm-8pm, Daily
Lee Wei Song Music Academy
Address: #02-12
Opening hours: 11am-8pm, Daily
3. Rent a bike to go sightseeing in the city on 2 wheels
Image credit: Kevin KW via Google Images
If you’re hosting relatives from overseas this CNY, hopping on a bicycle might be a fun way to explore the city. You can easily rent bikes from City Scoot at their kiosk or book a City Scoot bike online in advance. Sign-up for one of their guided tours from $50/person which takes you to key landmarks around the city, or go the free-and-easy route and play tour guide for a day.
Gardens by the Bay, MBS, Merlion Park, and Marina Barrage are all close to Esplanade.
Image credit: City Scoot Singapore
Choose from a wide range of bicycles and kick scooters with $2 add-ons for phone holders, helmets, and attachable lights. Kids won’t be left out either, with child seats and tricycles also available for rent. All bikes are sanitised and checked for optimal tyre pressure before you set off and even if it rains you won’t be charged beyond the price you pre-paid.
Address: #01-18
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-10pm | Sat-Sun 9am-10pm
4. Check out dining options along the bay for your CNY reunion
If all that singing, cycling, or climbing has worked up your appetite, Esplanade has some pretty great spots for meals no matter the occasion.
You get classic Singaporean chilli crab and Louisiana-style seafood bags at The Boiler.
Image credit: @salmonovertuna via Instagram
If you’ve been craving seafood, head over to The Boiler to share a seafood bag (from $56 for 2) filled with mussels, shrimp, clams, and smoked sausages, covered in one of their 4 signature sauces. There’s The Works with spiciness levels ranging from mild, medium, to ragin’ hot. Not a fan of spice? You can choose between Garlic Butter or peppa’ Butter to flavour your bag combo.
If you order a Bombdiggity bag ($179 for 4) during your birthday month, they’ll throw in a free lobster to celebrate too. And don’t worry about the mess, they’ll provide gloves and bibs so you can chow worry-free. It’s a solid, stress-free option for CNY reunion dinners too.
Image credit: Eatbook
If you’re in need of a caffeinated pick-me-up, you can enjoy a cafe mocha at Gloria Jean’s Coffees where there’s the option of dining al fresco. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, try the Crème Brûlée espresso chiller ($6.90) that blends caramel, white chocolate, and espresso. There are Italian sodas, fruit smoothies, and iced teas for non-coffee drinkers too.
The Boiler
Address: #01-13A
Opening hours: 11.30am-2.30pm & 5pm-10.30pm, Daily
Gloria Jean’s Coffees
Address: #01-13E
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 8am-10pm | Fri-Sat 8am-11pm
5. Geek out at this anime-themed cafe with monthly collabs
The ongoing collaboration with hololive production will end on 25th January 2024.
Image adapted from: ANIPLUS Cafe SG
ANIPLUS café is a popular stop amongst local anime fans for their collaborations with different animation titles like Spy x Family, Attack on Titan, and Hatsune Miku. They collaborate with a new title every few months, where you can receive exclusive goodies when ordering off their special menu.
Image credit: Steven Carlo via Google Maps
Get your hands on imported collectibles from fan-favourites like Jujutsu Kaisen and Blue Lock in their merch section. Merchandise from certain Chinese and Korean animation titles is on offer as well. You can even browse their collection of manga for free while you enjoy your anime-inspired meal.
Address: #01-13C
Opening hours: 11.45am-9.15pm, Daily
Head down to Esplanade to celebrate CNY 2024
In case you haven’t already realised, CNY falls on a long weekend this year – from 10th-12th February 2024. It’s a great opportunity to carve out some time to spend with your family and friends doing fun activities together. Whether it’s cycling, bouldering, or having an unconventional reunion meal, Esplanade has got you covered.
Image credit: Esplanade
Plus, from now till 25th February 2024, all Esplanade&Me members can kope an exclusive mandarin orange bag when they spend a minimum of $5 within a single receipt. These are spacious enough for a couple of oranges and all the red packets you will receive this CNY.
Registration is free and members get to enjoy priority booking for events and exclusive invites and promotions at Esplanade.
More happenings and promotions at Esplanade this CNY
Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Opening hours: 8am-11.30pm, Daily
Contact: 6828 8377
This post was brought to you by Esplanade.
Cover image adapted from: @analog_vault, @normalanjach via Instagram, Eatbook
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