More than the “Las Vegas of Asia”, Macau is a unique destination where the East meets the West, and where the new meets the old. Beyond the glittering casinos are centuries-old temples, UNESCO landmarks brimming with history, and a thriving culinary scene. So pack your bags and board that ferry! Come to Macau and try your luck at the baccarat tables, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, take a stroll through the tranquil Taipa Village, and then retire at the Banyan Tree Spa for a soothing escape. 

SHOPPING 

Cunha Bazaar in Taipa Village

Tucked in Taipa is a four-story marketplace of authentic Macanese delights. From the local Choi Heong Yuen snacks to the crafted souvenirs at Macau Creation – including postcards and coasters that capture the city’s essence – Cuhna Bazaar promises the perfect memento for guests wishing to take home a piece of Macau.

 33 R. do Cunha, Macau

Casa de Bolos Man Kei

Behold, the beloved Macanese joint that has welcomed returning locals and Hong Kong visitors for decades. Patrons come for the signature Curry Egg Rolls, made fresh daily with a proprietary curry sauce. Balancing the savoury with the sweet are their traditional Macanese pastries like the Red Bean Pastry, Taro Sweetheart Pastry and the Phoenix Cookie – all made with a modernised recipe that reduces fats and oils without compromising taste. 

G/F, 23-24 Rua do Cunha, Taipa

A Porta da Arte

Housed in a refurbished 60-year-old building that was once a tin factory, this unique boutique store showcases a collection of art, crafts, clothing, and gourmet products, including offerings from Chinese ethnic minorities, Taiwanese indigenous peoples, and Portuguese-speaking countries. Designed by top local artists, A Porta da Arte invites visitors to explore its array of spaces, from the tranquil Triangle Coffee Roaster on the underground level to the relaxing rooftop oasis, OUTCHAT, which provides a peaceful refuge from the animated surrounding alleys.

42 Rua dos Ervanários

He Jianguo Art Studio (何建國藝術工作室)

A revered destination for exquisite jade sculptures and jewellery, this art studio was founded by acclaimed artist and master craftsman He Jianguo. The studio has direct connections with jade suppliers from Myanmar and around the world, ensuring the highest quality raw materials. Showcasing He Jianguo’s award-winning jade carving works, the studio offers a comprehensive range of services, from custom-made jewellery and wedding designs to corporate souvenirs, catering to the discerning tastes of both local and international clientele.

G/F, 39 Rua dos Ervanários

Centro de Desenvolvimento E Venda Va Lun

Visit the Macanese tea emporium that celebrates the rich diversity of Chinese tea culture. Established in 1965, this boutique boasts a collection of premium teas, such as Lapsang Souchong and other sought-after varieties. With a commitment to quality and a network spanning Macau, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas, the tea dispensary is a must-visit for tea connoisseurs.

G/F, 108 Rua de Cinco de Outubro

Senado Square

At the intersection of Macau’s diverse cultural influences is Senado Square, a UNESCO site that showcases a fusion of Portuguese and Chinese shops in a uniquely Macanese retail experience. Nearby, the Rua De S.Paulo Area caters to sneakerheads and offers a trove of antique porcelain, Chinese furniture, and local delicacies.

Largo do Senado

Venetian

The Venetian features the Grand Canal Shoppes, a complex that hosts over 330 stores, catering to a variety of tastes, from well-known brands to high-end luxury offerings. Aside from an impressive shopping selection, The Venetian’s ambience is famous for its artificial sky and charming Venetian-style decorations, and for offering guests the opportunity to explore the premises through a serenaded gondola ride.

Estrada da Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança, Taipa

DINING 

Robuchon au Dôme

Diners can expect a truly decadent dining experience with impeccably prepared dishes at Robuchon au Dôme. This 3-star Michelin restaurant is lodged atop the Grand Lisboa Hotel, flaunting a magnificent view of the city. Famed for its elaborate menu of contemporary French dishes, Robuchon also offers one of the best wine lists in Asia and exceptionally crafted French desserts.

43F, Grand Lisboa Hotel, Avenida de Lisboa

Feng Wei Ju

Specialising in Hunanese and Sichuanese cuisine, Feng Wei Ju is a 2-star Michelin restaurant that showcases an open kitchen so diners can watch the chefs hand-pull noodles. The menu offers a variety of traditional Chinese dishes, particularly the mouthwatering Fragrant Boiled Fish.

5F, StarWorld Hotel, Avenida da Amizade

Estabelecimento de Comidas Chan Pou Hou Lei Si

This 28-year-old eatery has won the hearts and palates of locals and visitors alike, both of whom loyally return for handmade wontons and meticulously prepared curries. Their floral plates and aluminium bowls evoke nostalgic gastronomic memories of an old-world Macau, while their menu offerings maintain a steadfast devotion to the rich culinary heritage of the Macanese-Portuese community, with dishes like Baked Ribs with Rice, Galinha à Portuguesa with Rice, and Stewed Oxtail with Rice.

Shop G-6, G/F, Edf. Heng Long, 29 Rua Quatro do Bairro Iao Hon, Macao

Estabelecimento de Comidas Frangi’s Grill

This local favourite breathes new life into once-forgotten World Heritage dishes, with standouts like the Marinated Portuguese Fried Pork and the restaurant’s signature Beef Ribs with Butter and Honey, which pairs beautifully with its Bitter Buckwheat Noodles. Diners seeking an indulgent yet healthy meal will delight in the aromatic Pan-Fried Boneless Chicken with Sesame, while those craving something sweet can savour the silky Coconut Milk and Milk Pudding.

Unit W, Chun Fok Village (Wai Chin Kok), 47 Rua do Regedor, Taipa

Portas Do Sol

Inside the Lisboa Hotel is Portas Do Sol, a renowned fine-dining Chinese restaurant known for their traditional dim sum dishes. Aside from famous classics like their Egg White Almond Tea – praised for a strong almond aroma and creamy, sweet taste – the dim sum menu also includes unique savoury dishes such as the Pork Liver Beef Sausage, Quail Egg Siu Mai, and the Litchi and Phoenix Tail Shrimp.

Lisboa Hotel, 2nd fl, 2-4 Avenida de Lisboa Macau Peninsula

Rossio

For those craving seafood, Rossio, situated within the MGM Mall, has a varied menu that features both modernised and traditional Portuguese-Macanese specialities. The restaurant’s outdoor seating area overlooks a vibrant indoor piazza, providing a picturesque setting for a relaxing lunch. With labour-of-love dishes like Bacalhau, Octopus, and African Chicken, Rossio is a surefire choice for those seeking a taste of Portu-Macanese cuisine.

MGM Grand Macau

Estabelecimento de Comidas Chion Chau

Established over 50 years ago, Comidas Chion Chau is a long-treasured institution among Macau residents, heralded for its commitment to handcrafted culinary traditions. The crown jewel of Chion Chau‘s menu is its legendary 243-layered Egg Tart, featuring a delicate, flaky crust that gives way to a rich, creamy custard filling – a perfect accompaniment to a soothing cup of Pu’er tea. Beyond this signature item, the bakery also offers a collection of freshly baked bread, cookies, and pastries, each crafted with precision to preserve the authentic Macanese flavours.

G/F, 55A Rua de Cinco de Outubro

Lord Stow’s Bakery

Earning a spot in the Macanese culinary zeitgeist, Lord Stow’s iconic egg tarts are now 35 years old – and only growing in popularity. Offering a unique spin on the traditional Hong Kong and Portuguese versions, Lord Stow’s egg tarts feature a rich, gooey custard with a caramelised top, encased within a flaky, crisp pastry crust. The bakery’s flagship store in Coloane has even earned a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide, though its more casual Taipa Village branch still draws long queues for the freshly baked treats. 

Rua do Cunha, 9-E, Pak Hung, G/F, Taipa

Rua de Cinco de Outubro

This charming street, named after the 1910 Portuguese Revolution, is home to various local eateries, bakeries, Chinese medicine shops, and small retailers, providing a more authentic experience for those craving something “non-touristy”. Explore the Hong Kung Temple, browse the lively night market, or indulge in local specialities like the acclaimed Nam Ping’s Char Siu Sandwich, all while soaking in the street’s enduring Chinese character and community spirit.

Rua de Cinco de Outubro

Café Leon

Café Leon, a Michelin-listed institution, has been a cherished fixture in Macau’s culinary landscape since its inception in 1989. Helmed by a team of seasoned chefs, Café Leon’s menu showcases a delightful fusion of traditional Macanese specialities and innovative Chinese-Western fusion dishes, all presented in generous portions that have earned the establishment a loyal following.

79 Rua do Regedor, Taipa

SIGHTSEEING & ENTERTAINMENT

The Book Lounge