Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

    • Giveaways
    • Entertainment

    Recent Stories

    Macau Lifestyle Wynn Macau Croiffle and Cruffin afternoon tea outdoors2
    Win an Exquisite Afternoon Tea Set at Café Esplanada
    Giveaways
    Macau Lifestyle Media - The St. Regis Macao - The St. Regis Bar - Jack's Club poster
    The Macallan Jack’s Club Jazz Experience at The St. Regis Bar
    Events & Promotions
    MGM Food Chinese New Year 2022
    Weekender: Welcome the Year of the Tiger, Visit Exhibitions & Much More
    Macau Weekend
  • Dining

    Categories

    • Restaurants
    • Local Eats
    • Cafes
    • Bars
    • Chef Spotlight

    Recent Stories

    Baked Pork Chop Rice rossio mgm macau copy
    Eight Must-Try Dishes at MGM MACAU You Don’t Want to Miss
    Dining
    cafe esplanada wynn macau croiffle
    The Variations Of French Croissant At Wynn Macau
    Dining
    st regis bar macao Tastemaker
    Where to Find Delicious Whiskey-Based Cocktails in Macau
    Bars
  • Lifestyle

    Categories

    • Wellness
    • Weddings
    • Family
    • People

    Recent Stories

    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
    Macau Lifestyle Macallan 12 MAC_2018_DC12_NEAT_Lifestyle_Photo_RGB
    Whisky Review: The Macallan Single Malt Whisky Double Cask Range
    Lifestyle
    steve-mccurry
    The Best of Two Worlds: The Macallan Single Malt Whisky Double Cask Range
    Lifestyle
  • Culture

    Categories

    • Arts
    • Heritage & History
    • Architecture
    • Artist Spotlight
    • Local Knowledge

    Recent Stories

    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
    st regis bar macao Tastemaker
    Where to Find Delicious Whiskey-Based Cocktails in Macau
    Bars
    Old Postcard circa 1900 from Macau Antique Postcards by Joao Loureiro
    Bela Vista Hotel: From Lavish Hotel to Wartime Refuge
    Culture
  • Style

    Categories

    • Fashion
    • Jewelry & Watches
    • Beauty
    • Home

    Recent Stories

    Wayuu Bag Macau
    Businesses in Macau: Taking Ideas to the Next Level
    Culture
    Longines Master Collection Now Shines in Macau
    Longines Master Moonphase Now Shines in Macau
    Jewelry & Watches
    Clara Brito on a Fashion Shoot
    Clara Brito: Taking Action Through Fashion
    Fashion
  • Travel

    Categories

    • Macau
    • China
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • Europe

    Recent Stories

    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
    Macau city
    A Stopover Guide: 24 Hours in Macau
    Travel
    Kenji Rukkit Gus graffiti street art outloud festival praca ponte e horta art one day macau
    One Day in Macau: Art Itinerary
    Arts
  • Hong Kong

    Categories

    • What's On
    • Dining
    • Things to Do
    • Hotels

    Recent Stories

    Grand Hyatt HK_French GourMay Staycation (3)
    French GourMay at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Offers a Bespoke Culinary Trip to France
    Dining
    The Upper House Salisterra Main Dining Room
    Salisterra Showcases Exquisite Mediterranean Cuisine at The Upper House Hong Kong
    Dining
    Artist Wu Yi – Tang Contemporary gallery- Macau Lifestyle WY1
    Wu Yi: A Painter’s Painter
    Artist Spotlight
  • City Guide
  • 繁中
Heritage
by Macau Lifestyle

The Best Things to Do in Taipa Village

taipa village art gallery ksenia kuzmina

Just a few steps away from the Cotai Strip’s vast, opulent casinos, there is Taipa Village, also known as Old Taipa. A harbor of tranquility surrounded by towering palatial casinos, it can sometimes be overlooked. Take a break from the overwhelming grandeur of these integrated resorts and visit the historic attraction that’s just a stone’s throw away. This destination holds the true essence of Taipa heritage. A blend of ancient and modern, this area is a true gem for curious visitors with tons of exciting activities. Keep reading to find out what are the best things to do in Taipa Village.

Go on a photo hunt

On a small piece of land that Taipa Village occupies, there is an overwhelming number of photogenic spots. Vibrant walls, colorful houses, nostalgic-looking alleyways, elegant buildings–Taipa Village has it all. A great mix of the old and new, it provides gorgeous photos ops for your Instagram feed. Pick an outfit and don’t forget a friend with a photographer’s eye! 

Portugalia-Restaurant-steak-a-portugalia-with-french-fries.jpg

Photo credit: Portugália

Embark on a gastronomy tour 

Whether you are up for dinner in the restaurant or crave local street food, Taipa Village has it all. As you stroll along, it is impossible to ignore the crowded food street, Rua do Cunha. Lining the street are more than a dozen food stores waiting for you to try what they offer. Most of them sell Macau’s most famed snacks or pastries such as almond cookies, egg tarts, pork jerky, and pork chop buns. And did we mention that you could sample all these snacks for free? Don’t be shy and dive into the delicious world of Macau’s traditional street snacks. 

Besides little stalls spreading tempting aromas around, Old Taipa boasts countless restaurants of international cuisines. You can find Japanese, Italian, Argentinean, Mexican, and of course, Chinese, Macanese, and Portuguese cuisines. Make sure to be open to trying out different cuisines and arrive at Taipa Village hungry!

Also read: Great Places to Eat in Taipa Village

Goa Nights

Goa Nights

Grab a drink and meet the local crowd

A great way to meet and mingle with the locals is to grab a drink with them. Get a humble pint of beer at Old Taipa Tavern, a casual pub commonly known as OTT, where both expats and locals gather to chat and have a good time. For a cocktail, there is no better place than Goa Nights, an Indian restaurant and bar with an outstanding team of bartenders. Try out the cocktail series inspired by Macanese and Goan cultural landmarks or ask them to surprise you with a drink that caters to your taste. 

Bella Taipa rooftop

Bella Taipa

Chill on one of the Many Rooftops

Notably, Taipa Village has the highest concentration of rooftops in Macau to drink, eat, or hang out. What’s a better spot to chill on a warm evening? They also give you a great view overlooking the village. Check out Rooftop Macau if you prefer a laid-back vibe. If you are looking for date ideas or somewhere to hang out with your group, visit Tapas de Portugal, where you could savor some Portuguese tapas and sip on wine, or book a table at Bella Taipa, an Italian restaurant with amazing Aperol Spritz.  

Quarter Square Espresso Coffee Close Up

Quarter Square

Fuel up with coffee

Besides restaurants and food stalls, Taipa Village boasts a myriad of cute little cafes and stylish coffee shops. One of our favorites is  Quarter Square, a cafe and showroom with trendy merchandise. From poor over to flat white, their coffee is brilliant. Take some to go or sip it at their rooftop. You can even bring your four-legged companion to Quarter Square and meet its PR director, the adorable french bulldog Copper who is often napping in an armchair there. If dogs make you uncomfortable, there are many more coffee shops at Taipa Village that serve aromatic coffee and friendly vibes. 

Also read: Best Places for Coffee in Taipa Village

Iec-Long-Firework-Factory-taipa-village

Iec Long Firework Factory

Learn more about the city’s history 

Old Taipa remains rich in history and both Portuguese and Chinese heritage. For artifacts and information, visit the Museum of Taipa and Coloane History, located in a former Municipal Council of the Islands headquarters. Now it’s a charming mint green colonial building that hosts a collection of relicts on the history of two islands. Hungry for more history? Go up the picturesque staircase surrounded by magnificent trees on Rua Direita Carlos Eugenio to find yourself at Taipa Houses Museum, a complex of five Portuguese-style houses representing the colonial era living. “Macanese Living Museum”, the “Exhibitions Gallery”, the “Creative Casa”, the “Nostalgic House” and the “House for Reception” are free to visit, don’t hesitate to enter and see what exhibitions they have inside. 

However, you don’t need museum crawl to feel the historic spirit of Taipa Village as there is plenty of it on the streets. Take a look at the Iec Long Firework Factory. Now an abandoned building that closed down in 1984, it used to be an important economy booster for the whole city, one of five firecrackers factories of Macau. Also, don’t pass by Feira do Carmo, a vibrant market space in the past and a stunning meeting square today. Decorated with Portuguese tiles and the majestic resting dragon sculpture, this square is where Eastern and Western cultures meet. 

church igreja de nossa senhora do carmo

Our Lady of Carmo Church

Explore the spiritual side of Taipa

This vicinity has preserved some of Macau’s most beautiful places of worship; it would be a sin not to visit one. There are five Chinese temples dedicated to various Taoist deities, including Taipa’s oldest Tin Hau temple built in 1785. To explore the Portuguese spiritual landmark, visit Our Lady of Carmo Church, a beautiful Catholic church, and a popular backdrop for the newlyweds’ photo sessions. 

taipa village bike rental ksenia kuzmina

Ride a Bike

Taipa Village is filled with beautiful sights, and what better way to take them all in than riding a bike? Navigate your way through its scenic streets and narrow alleyways with a bicycle and travel back in time. If you don’t own one, do not worry. You can easily rent a bike around Taipa Village, starting at MOP $20 per hour. Check out the rental shop next to Pak Tai Temple. 

Also read: Top Outdoor Activities to Do With Kids in Macau

taipa village murral ksenia kuzmina

Look for art on the narrow streets of the village 

While walking through atmospheric streets nad lanes of Taipa Village, keep your eyes open as there is street art here and there. Look out for a mural of a world-famous Portuguese artist Vhils, known for his signature urban portraits on cities’ walls. When you enter Old Taipa from its historic center side located in front of Galaxy Macau, walk along Rua Governador Tamagnini Barbosa towards Macao Federation of Trade Union. On its front wall, you will see a stunning traditional azulejos panel with ships, painted in white and blue. Taipa Village Art Space is not to be missed either, tacked between colorful houses and busy streets, this cozy gallery often exhibits local artists and photographers, so it’s a perfect chance to get acquainted with the Macau art scene.  

Also read: Your Ultimate Macau Art Guide

O-Moon Ceramic Coaster 2

Souvenir shopping

If you are a tourist in Macau, there is no better area to buy souvenirs for friends and family than Taipa Village. Opt for traditional pastries and cookies on Cunha Bazaar, buy a stylish T-shirt with an artistic print at Quarter Square, or visit a dedicated shop O-Moon that sells original souvenirs with Macau motifs. Magnets with azulejo, shoulder bags, keychains, coasters with the city landmarks–there is plenty of cute stuff that will make a great gift or an excellent souvenir for you to remember your time in Macau. 

This article was originally written by Nisa Reita in April 2018 and updated by Ksenia Kuzmina in August 2020.

Photo credits: Ksenia Kuzmina, Taipa Village, Leonor Sá Machado.

Tags

  • Bar
  • bikes
  • food trip
  • Guide
  • instagram
  • local
  • ride bikes
  • Taipa
  • Taipa Village
  • things to do

Related Posts

Chong Sai Pharmacy Outside Macau Lifestyle
Culture

Former Chong Sai Pharmacy: A Hidden Corner of Macau History

Macau skyline and Nobre de Carvalho Bridge
Macau

What to Do When Traveling Solo in Macau

Priest Manuel Teixeira Source Wikipedia
Culture

Father Manuel Teixeira: A Man of God, Macau, History & Books

Santa Rosa de Lima
Culture

Santa Rosa de Lima: Convent Turned School

Trending Posts

Baked Pork Chop Rice rossio mgm macau copy
Dining, Restaurants

Eight Must-Try Dishes at MGM MACAU You Don’t Want to Miss

Culture, Heritage, Local Knowledge

Herbal Tea Shops: One of the Oldest Professions in Macau

cafe esplanada wynn macau croiffle
Dining

The Variations Of French Croissant At Wynn Macau

Giveaways

Win an Exquisite Afternoon Tea Set at Café Esplanada

  • Editor's Picks

    ladies night macau Bars

    Where My Ladies At: The Best Ladies’ Night Offers in Macau

    From free-flow champagne to free Prosecco bottles, check our list of the best ladies’ night offers in Macau.

    Salvador Dali Alice in Wonderland Macau Lifestyle hidden artwork Macau Arts

    Art Masterpieces in Macau You Did Not Know Existed

    Some pieces of art are in the most prominent spots, but there are some artwork that remain hidden in Macau. Here’s where you can find them!

    Cuppa Coffee Macau Dining

    Good Morning Macau: Best Cafes for Breakfast

    As breakfast is the most important meal of the day, here’re our favorite cafes in Macau to head to for a hearty breakfast!

    Coloane hiking trail Culture

    Guide to Coloane’s Hiking Trails

    Coloane is home to most of the hiking trails in town. We walked them all and came up with the most comprehensive Coloane hiking trails guide.

    Wayuu Bag Macau Culture

    Businesses in Macau: Taking Ideas to the Next Level

    Macau is a small city, but it sure has a lot of new businesses popping up. We rounded up a list of cool businesses to check out and support!

    start line photo Lifestyle

    Top Running Routes in Macau

    Make the effort to get up 30 minutes earlier from tomorrow onwards and check out any of these stunning running routes in Macau.

    The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge Gin Collection Bars

    Best Places for Happy Hour in Macau

    After a long day at work, you need a relaxing place to unwind. We have the best places in Macau for happy hour deals on drinks and snacks!

    Flora Garden playground Family

    The Best Playgrounds for Kids in Macau

    Macau is full of parks and leisure areas that feature some amazing play areas. Here’s a list of the best playgrounds in Macau for the tykes!

    Zics Macau Brand Source Facebook page Fashion

    Macau Fashion Brands: Celebrate Local Design

    Discover some Macau fashion brands that are making waves due to the fabulous designers behind each of their fresh and genius creations.

    Maria do Leste Bloody Mary from St Regis Macao Updated Photo 2020 Bars

    Shaken or Stirred: Macau’s Best Cocktails

    The world of mixology often proves to be as diverse and surprising as the one of gastronomy. Exercising talent and immense creativity, Macau’s bartenders keep creating signature cocktails that impress us with both flavors and presentation. If you are tired and bored with mojitos and negronis and need tips on what else to try, check out our guide to Macau’s best cocktails. 

    sound-of-century-vintage-sound-machines-museum Arts

    Macau’s Quirkiest Museums

    When art and history collections are inspected, it’s time to learn things that even locals might not know. Read on to plan a visit to Macau’s quirkiest museums.

    sw-steakhouse-barcounter-cocktails-macau-wynn-palace Bars

    SW Steakhouse Bar at Wynn Palace: Home of Barrel-Aged Cocktails

    Known as one of the best restaurants for juicy prime cuts, SW Steakhouse at Wynn Palace also features a bar with must-try cocktails.

    Negroni bar patua mgm cotai macau lifestyle Bars

    Where to Have an Unforgettable Negroni in Macau

    Check our list of the best bars in Macau that serve the Italian bitter-sweet cocktail, Negroni, from classic recipes to original twists!

    elysee bakery croissants macau Cafes

    Where to Find the Best Croissants in Macau

    Is there a more popular and beloved French pastry than the almighty croissant? We doubled our fitness hours and tried dozens of pastries to come up with the list of the best croissants in Macau!

    sponge-cake-macau-lifestyle-chinese-pastries Dining

    A Tour of Traditional Chinese Pastries in Macau

    Every tourist coming to Macau can make a fast conclusion that cookies and pastries here are held in high regard. Where do you start, and what do you eat? To get acquainted with a curious word of local sweets, check our guide to the Chinese pastries in Macau.

    The Manor Stories of the Sea Seventh Chapter Sea Urchin, fusilli Gentile red mullet bottarga, arugula ginger emulsion Dining

    Where to Have the Best Pasta in Macau

    If you’re craving for Italian-style pasta, here’re the ones that have tickled our taste buds and discover the varieties in Macau!

    Santa Rosa de Lima Culture

    Santa Rosa de Lima: Convent Turned School

    Santa Rosa de Lima is a well-known school in Macau, but did you know what it was in the 19th century? Discover more about this place here!

    Signature cocktail - Patuá mgm cotai macau Bars

    Bar Patuá at MGM Macau: Language of Mixology

    Whether it is cool cocktails, stunning design, or engaging conversations with a bartender, Bar Patuá has a lot to offer. Learn more in our review!

    girl with dog and cocktail cafe Cafes

    Best Pet Friendly Cafes in Macau

    Unwilling to leave your fur child behind while you stroll the streets of Macau? Here are pet-friendly cafes in Macau for you to bring your furry friend to!

    hac sa beach coloane Picnic spot Macau Family

    Great Picnic Spots in Macau

    Picnics are the best way to enjoy nature, good company and food. Here’re the best picnic spots in Macau for your friends and family to enjoy!

    Jetfoil TurboJET Urzela Culture

    Macau Ferries: Travelling To & From Hong Kong Since the 1950s

    Did you know that Jetfoils were originally for the military? Find out more about these Macau ferries that travel between Hong Kong and Macau!

    Korlouyeah Interview Feature Photo Artist Spotlight

    Korlouyeah: Photographing Macau’s Motions & Emotions

    Korlouyeah is a local web editor who photographs Macau and its people. We sat down with the artist to know more about his creative eye.

    Tsung I Macau Culture

    Jao Tsung-I: Prominent Sinologist & Literature Researcher in Macau

    Jao Tsung-I was a key figure in the study of ancient literature and history, as well as a prolific Chinese calligraphy artist.

    LP World Sketches Luisa People

    Sketching the World Around Her: Luísa Petiz of LP World Sketches

    Find out how Macau charmed Luísa Petiz and inspired her to sketch its beauty along with updates on exhibitions of her works!

    63c4f00b-ca84-4eda-8f54-1fc5b633bee6_l Architecture

    Macau’s Tap Seac Square by Carlos Marreiros

    Have you ever wondered about Tap Seac Square, its history, and what used to be there? Find out more about its history and right here!

    Minchi Marmitas Come Macau Culture

    Marmitas.Come: Home to Authentic Portuguese Takeaway in Macau

    Marmitas.Come is a local shop specializing in authentic Portuguese food for takeaway. Read on and find out their story and future plans!

    Camões Bust in Grotto Culture

    The Camões Phenomena: All the Way From Portugal to Macau

    Portuguese poet Camões is well-known in Macau. But do you know why? We tell you some interesting facts about the author’s life!

    macau tourist guide Local Knowledge

    A Quick Guide for First Timers to Macau

    Is it your first time in Macau? Check out our guide for the essential things to know, planning tips, directions, and places to visit!

    beijing memory li xiao feng mandarin oriental macau art Arts

    Art at Mandarin Oriental, Macau: Porcelain Dresses & Contemporary Glass Installations

    Read on to see how Mandarin Oriental, Macau, highlights its style and identity with art and design masterpieces by different artists.  

    fit in the box healthy meals macau Dining

    Best Places for a Healthy Meal in Macau

    Eating smart is the best way to achieve a healthier outlook. These healthy food spots in Macau would make any meatless Monday much easier!

  • About
  • The Team
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us

COPYRIGHT © 2022 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Receive Macau Events Agenda, the Hottest Giveaway Offers and the Latest Article Updates!