Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

    • Events Calendar
    • Macau Weekend
    • Monthly Hotlist
    • Giveaways
    • Entertainment

    Recent Stories

    Vida RIca Bar Hot Dog Pop Up with Drink from Above
    Weekender: Wine & Dine, Cultural Happenings & More
    Macau Weekend
    100 Years Afternoon Tea The St Regis Bar Champagne Afternoon Tea giveaway
    Win a Stylish Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at The St. Regis Bar Macao
    Giveaways
    A Unique Taste of Baijiu at St Regis Macao
    Weekender: Dining, Cocktails, Exhibitions & More
    Macau Weekend
  • Dining

    Categories

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

    Recent Stories

    Champagne tea set The St Regis Bar
    100 Years Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Bar Macao: British Traditions & New York High Life
    Bars
    caffe b italian restaurant macau lunch dishes
    New Set Menu at Caffé B Macau: What’s for Lunch?
    Dining
    Mandarin Oriental, Macau_The Mandarin Cake Shop_Signature Cake_Pink Bloom
    That Takes the Cake! The Mandarin Cake Shop’s Cakes for Every Taste
    Cafes
  • Lifestyle

    Categories

    • Wellness
    • Weddings
    • Family
    • People

    Recent Stories

    Sheraton Fitness
    Best Hotel Gym Memberships in Macau
    Wellness
    Cartier LOVE necklace_18K pink gold
    Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for the Women in Your Life
    Lifestyle
    macau day trips ocean park hong kong
    Best Day Trips for the Whole Family
    Family
  • Culture

    Categories

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

    Recent Stories

    Cheong Kin Man Nighttime Facing the Camera
    Cheong Kin Man: The Story Listener in Search of New Narratives
    Artist Spotlight
    Portuguese Consulate that was a Hospital Right Angle Macao Archives
    Portuguese Heritage: From Catholic Hospital to Diplomatic Institution
    Culture
    Macau Youth Street Dance Association single shot x Macau Lifestyle
    Macau Youth Street Dance Association: Jarvis Mo on the Local Dance Scene
    Arts
  • Style

    Categories

    • Fashion
    • Jewelry & Watches
    • Beauty
    • Home

    Recent Stories

    Macau Lifestyle Morpheus Spa_Couple Spa Suite_02
    Best Facial Treatments in Macau
    Beauty
    CHLOE Mini Daria bag in Muted Brown
    Christmas Gift Ideas for the Women in Your Life
    Lifestyle
    Amalfi Coast coffee table books
    Inspiring Coffee Table Books for Your Home
    Home
  • Travel

    Categories

    • Macau
    • China
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • Europe

    Recent Stories

    hong kong junk Day Trips Macau
    Best Day Trips from Macau
    Asia
    macau day trips ocean park hong kong
    Best Day Trips for the Whole Family
    Family
    kun iam ecumenic centre macau
    Weekend Walking Tour of Macau Peninsula’s Alternative Cultural Sites
    Culture
  • Hong Kong

    Categories

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

    Recent Stories

    St. Regis Hong Kong, Premier Harbour Room 08
    Best Staycation Packages in Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
    Kerry Hotel Hong Kong
    Wake Up Here: Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
    Chen tianzhuo
    Chen Tianzhuo: Meshing Visual & Performance Art
    Artist Spotlight
  • Events
  • City Guide
  • 繁中
Culture
14 September, 2020
by Leonor Sá Machado

Off the Beaten Path: A Guide to Areia Preta

Mong Ha Municipal Park Stairs Macau Lifestyle

Areia Preta–often known by locals as Hac Sa Wan–used to mainly be an industrial area where one could find really cheap homes outside the busy city center. However, the area has been slowly revamped, now featuring some really cool spots. From coffee shops to supermarkets, a traditional local wet and cooked food market, and even a gaming arcade, there’s lots to do! While strolling around this area, get a breath of the freshest air in the middle of Mong-Há Municipal Park, give climbing a chance, or chill with some friends till 5:00am sipping cocktails at a local joint.

Walk the green walk

(See featured image above)

Mong-Há Municipal Park has several entrances and one of them is hidden behind a back alley set in Areia Preta, close to the Macau Design Centre and Solution Climbing. There, you’ll find a beautiful set of plants and flowers flowing through a staircase that leads to a very nice park right in the middle of this industrial site. Mong-Há Municipal Park includes lots of greenery, nice views across the city, but also fitness facilities and a kids’ playground.

It used to house one of Macau’s most important defensive lines from its fortress; its remains can still be seen up the hill. Considered one of the city’s main “green lungs”, it’s sought-after by locals–mainly the elderly who look for a peaceful spot to exercise or read the newspaper, kids with parents who head there to play and unwind, amongst other people. It has free admission, so don’t hesitate to go there for a different time.

Opening hours: 24 hours

Mong-Há Municipal Park Mong Há, Macau, +853 2833 7676

Choi Tung Kei Comidas Restaurant Areia Preta Minchi and ice tea Macau Lifestyle

A foodie’s haven

From local eateries to fresh fruit stalls, healthy food restaurants to brunches for queens and kings, this area has everything to offer people to whom food is life. We’ve had one of the best Chinese-style minchis in town. Seasoned with soy sauce and lots of caring, the potatoes are soft on the inside, while the meat has been stir-fried for just the perfect amount of minutes. Besides delicious, it’s fulfilling and gets you ready for exploring the area! They also serve other local specialties, such as French toast with peanut butter, pineapple bread with butter and baked goods.

Other choices include great brunch meals at Terra Drip Bar. In spite of its name–specializing in coffee-based beverages–it serves wholesome food and has dishes for all kinds of diets: omnivore, vegetarian, and even vegan! Their scrambled eggs are magnificent and go really well with a cappuccino. There are also some other local stalls along the way and while we love Cantonese food, there’s not enough space for everything in one day! However, one should also head to Iao Hon Market’s food court. With two entire floors filled with tiny restaurants, they serve everything from stir-fried noodles with beef to instant noodles with meat and egg, pork chop buns and grilled ribs, there’s an entire world to explore there!

Iao Hon Market Food Court 2/F and 3/F, Iao Hon Market, Intersection of Avenida da Longevidade with Rua do Mercado de Iao Hon, Macau, +853 2848 2758

Estabelecimento de Comidas Choi Tung Kei 192 Av. de Venceslau de Morais, Areia Preta, Macau, +853 2871 8416

Terra Drip Bar 364 Rua 1 de Maio, Macau, +853 2847 3623, www.facebook.com/terra-drip-bar

Communications Museum Outdoor Photo Macau Lifestyle

Visit the Communications Museum

Filled with interesting and curious stories on the different communication tools and the history of this area of expertise in Macau, the Communications Museum is set in a quiet zone of Areia Preta, close to Companhia de Electricidade de Macau (CEM) headquarters. Here, you’ll find everything about Macau Post Office’s history, but also how the first phones came to the region and a showroom of the incredible stamp collection techniques and promotion of the Macao Philately, which is, in fact, very rich. Kids and adults can have a blast in here, especially with all the experiments and cool technology present there!

Opening hours: Daily, 9:00am–5:30pm

Communications Museum 7 Estr. de Dom Maria II, Macau, +853 28718063, www.cmm.gov.mo

Also read: Macau Post: A Story Dating Back to 1798

reservoir macau

Jog around the Reservoir

With a stunning view of the other side–Mainland China–this is one of the best jogging trails you’ll find in Macau. When Coloane’s greenery seems too far away, why not head here and experience total relaxation time right in the middle of this busy district? The reservoir is a very sought-after area; everyone goes there to jog, play with dogs and kids, read the newspaper, or just take a glance at the other side.

Opening hours: 24 hours

Reservoir Park Close to Estrada do Reservatório

Solution Climbing Gym Wall Interior Wide View Lifestyle

Solution Climbing: an Urban Sports Experience

Wondering if climbing is your jam? At Solution Climbing, you can try figuring this out! Usually packed with people interesting in this cool sport, this small gym tucked away on an alley at Areia Preta area is the perfect setting to try out a new activity! It’s also very cool to head to with kids and teenagers, people looking to let some steam off. There are shoes you can rent and your time there is paid per hour. There are also instructors available to help everyone out, as well as scheduled classes to learn climbing on a deeper level. Solution Climbing’s team also organizes a series of events, such as outdoor climbing and bouldering! How cool is this?

Opening hours: Monday, 1:00pm–10:00pm; Tuesday–Friday, 5:00pm–10:00pm; Weekends, 1:00pm–9:00pm

Solution Climbing 14 Travessa das Hortas, Macau, +853 6339 5377, www.facebook.com/Solution-Climbing-GYM

Also read: Fantastic Activities for the Whole Family in Macau

Also read: Awesome Activity Classes for Adults in Macau

Also read: Things to Do on a Rainy Weekend in Macau For Kids

Also read: Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau

Novo Jogo Gaming Arcade Areia Preta interior Racings Macau Lifestyle

Have a blast at a hidden game arcade

Who would’ve guessed there are still old school, vintage-like gaming arcades in Macau? We’re genuinely happy to have found this one! Tucked away on a narrow street in Areia Preta is Novo Jogo–Portuguese expression meaning New Game–is this two-story spot with so many games you might need more than one day to try them all. From car racing to dance competitions, horse races to chance games, and vintage fighting videogames, there’s an entire universe to explore inside this arcade. Remember the SEGA games fever? They’re still very much alive at Novo Jogo! Head there with friends and experience the afternoon of a lifetime! Macau Pass is also accepted as payment for the games. A fan of gaming? Well, don’t miss the chance to join a bunch of friends here, as it’s also open throughout the night, until 5:30am!

Opening hours: Daily, 10:30am–5:30am

Novo Jogo 80 Rua Alegre, Areia Preta, Macau, www.facebook.com/gameworldmacau

Isquare Electronic Shopping Outdoor Entrance Macau Lifestyle

Check for the latest in electronics

iSquare is the to-go place for all things electronic: from the latest versions of computers to Xiaomi products, iSquare has everything you need. Cables and monitors, mice and connecting devices, external discs and USB pens, nothing’s missing from one of Macau’s last electronics shopping mall. There’s also a very cool sports gear outlet close to their Xiaomi shop, on the first floor. Close to Iao Hon Market, it’s ideal for people looking to renovate their home electronics after getting some local food at the market’s food court area.

iSquare Electronics Shopping Mall 173A Av. Leste do Hipódromo, Edifício Mei Lin Bloco III, Macau, +853 2843 0499, www.facebook.com/isquare.macau

Also read: Macau’s Electronics & Gadgets Hubs

Iao Hon Market Exterior Wide From Afar Macau Lifestyle

Experience the local life at Iao Hon Market

One of the best markets in Macau when it comes to fresh goods–fish, meat, vegetables and fruit, this spot also has affordable clothing downstairs, as well as a food court on two of its floors. Iao Hon Market is a must-visit venue when looking to experience local aspects of Macau. Besides the products it sells, you can also witness the elderly reading the newspaper with a cigarette resting on their lips, people rushing to buy the freshest fish on the ground floor and, of course, lots of dried good really popular in Asia, such as fish, herbs, and others.

Opening hours: 7:00am–8:00pm

Iao Hon Market Intersection of Avenida da Longevidade with Rua do Mercado de Iao Hon, Macau, +853 2848 2758

Also read: Best Markets in Macau

Areia Preta Park Library Exterior Frontdoor Macau Lifestyle

Relax at a public library

Tired of walking outside? Well, here’s a good place to hide from the heat or rain of the streets! Wong Ieng Kuan Public Library–located in Areia Preta’s Park–is fitted with lots of facilities and seating areas for people to just unwind while in this area. Pack yourself one of your favorite readings and head there for some calm and quiet before checking out all there is to do around town.

There are several branches of this library, but this one’s located in a park that also features fitness facilities, as well as a playground to keep the little ones busy.

Opening hours: Monday, 2:00pm–8:00pm; Tuesday–Sunday, 8:00am–8:00pm

Wong Ieng Kuan Public Library Avenida 1º de Maio, Areia Preta Urban Park (south side), Macau, +853 2845 1830

Also read: Read On: Best Libraries in Macau

crowne plaza macau

Stay at Crowne Plaza Macau

Thinking of staying a few nights over, but would rather stay close to the Gongbei border? Crowne Plaza Macau sits a 10 minutes walk from the border with Mainland China, so it’s ideal if you’re thinking of visiting the neighboring city of Zhuhai or even taking transportation to somewhere in the country. Crowne Plaza is a decadent hotel set in this old district offering beautiful waterfront views to the other side, great dining deals, and more.

Crowne Plaza Macau Rua da Pérola Oriental, The Residencia Tower 7, Macau, +853 2888 6888, www.cpmacau.com

Tags

  • Areia Preta
  • macau
  • what to do
  • where to go

Related Posts

Georg Jensen New Yaohan furniture stores macau
Lifestyle

Best Furniture Stores for the Urban Dwellers of Macau

Chan Hin Io Macau photographer
Artist Spotlight

Chan Hin Io: Capturing Macau’s Essence From Within

Chou Kei
Dining

Local Eats: Where to Have Instant Noodles With Egg & Luncheon Meat in Macau

oldest restaurants in Macau Fat Siu Lau
Dining

10 of the Oldest Restaurants in Macau

Trending Posts

100 Years Afternoon Tea The St Regis Bar Champagne Afternoon Tea giveaway
Giveaways

Win a Stylish Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at The St. Regis Bar Macao

Culture, Heritage, Local Knowledge

Macau Jockey Club: A Local Fixture Since 1977

Portuguese pastries Macau pao lo ovar
Dining, Local Eats

Where to Find the Best Portuguese Pastries in Macau

Sheraton Fitness
Wellness

Best Hotel Gym Memberships in Macau

  • Editor's Picks

    100 Years Afternoon Tea The St Regis Bar Champagne Afternoon Tea giveaway Giveaways

    Win a Stylish Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at The St. Regis Bar Macao

    Macau Lifestyle has partnered with The St. Regis Macao for a fabulous giveaway where the winners can have an extravagant afternoon tea!

    LondonerMainLR Hotels

    Unveiling The Londoner Macao: The Newest Jewel in Cotai’s Crown

    The Londoner Macao is a unique addition to the vibrant skyline of Macau meticulously designed, making it a true celebration of timeless British design.

    chef sebastien bernie holding pink bloom cake mandarin oriental macau Chef Spotlight

    Of Cakes & Fitness: Mandarin Oriental, Macau’s Pastry Chef Sebastien Bernis

    We asked Mandarin Oriental, Macau’s pastry chef Sebastien Bernis to share which cakes sell the best, how he leads his team and more!

    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!

    Mandarin Oriental, Macau_The Mandarin Cake Shop_Signature Cake_Pink Bloom Cafes

    That Takes the Cake! The Mandarin Cake Shop’s Cakes for Every Taste

    The Mandarin Cake Shop’s cakes will make your heart beat faster and complement any ocassion! Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself!

    taipa village stairs ksenia kuzmina Macau good news 2020 Culture

    Macau Recap: Good Things That Happened in 2020

    This 2020 has not been all grim and dark.Here’s some of the happy and optimistic news and events that happened in Macau this year!

    Chef Daniel brooker sofitel macau at ponte 16 portrait meat Chef Spotlight

    Around the World in 14 Years: Sofitel Macau’s Executive Chef Daniel Brooker

    We talked with executive chef Daniel Brooker of Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 about his achievements and Sofitel’s role on the gastronomy map.

    hiro ramen venetian macau lifestyle Dining

    Get Warm: Best Ramen Spots in Taipa

    We have composed a list of the best ramen spots in Taipa to warm your heart and soul, the Japanese way, with a hot bowl of ramen!

    Sichuan Moon Chinese Restaurant Macau Dining

    The Most Outstanding Chinese Restaurants in Macau

    We’ve dedicated this page to the best restaurants serving Chinese food that entices even the most discerning palates from all over the world.

    Cotai Picture Wide Macau Lifestyle Macau

    10 Free Things to Do in Macau

    Glamorous and buzzing Macau has a lot to offer even for those on a shoe-string budget. Find out the coolest and free things to do in Macau.

    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.

    AJ Hackett Macau Skywalk giveaway Macau Lifestyle Local Knowledge

    Everything You Need to Do in Macau at Least Once

    Take a dive into this article and find out what to do to spend your precious time in Macau and maximize it to enjoy the city at its fullest!

    African Chicken from Riquexo Macau Lifestyle Dining

    Macanese Craze: Where to Get African Chicken in Macau

    African chicken is a truly Macanese dish, even though it doesn’t sound so. We’ve toured Macau looking for the best and here they are!

    ramen pro macau lifestyle Dining

    Delicious Ramen Spots in Macau

    A hot bowl of Japanese ramen would surely satisfy any noodle craving. Slurp away at these ramen places in Macau!

    Collage of Calcada do Amparo Area Wall Paintings Macau Lifestyle Arts

    Colorful Macau: Best Street Art Hotspots

    Looking for something different to discover in the city? Explore the lesser travelled paths of Macau to find stunning local street art.

    The Moss Natural Life - handmade soaps sustainable shopping macau Wellness

    Sustainable Shopping in Macau

    If you are looking for places to shop for packaging-free, eco-friendly and sustainable items in Macau, here is a good list to embark on your journey.

    quarter square coffee on table exterior Dining

    The Ultimate Guide to Macau’s Best Coffee Shops

    Coffee makes the world go round and even if you don’t fancy it, it definitely brings people together so here are the best coffee shops in Macau!

    10-things-to-do-in-coloane-chapel-francis-xavier Culture

    10 Beautiful Catholic Churches in Macau

    Other than the glitz of the casinos and hotels, the beautiful Catholic churches show a different, historical side of Macau.

    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.

    The Cheesecake Factory Macao pancakes Cafes

    Great Places for Pancakes in Macau

    Looking for pancake places around Macau? Hunting for butter-browned, soft and fluffy pancakes? We think you’ll be satisfied with our list!

    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!

    Waffles with Coffee at Rooftop Macau Exterior Macau Lifestyle Cafes

    Best Waffle Spots in Macau

    Best shared with your friends or perhaps on a first date, here are the best waffle places in Macau for your next catch up session.

    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. 

    Macau Youth Street Dance Association single shot x Macau Lifestyle Arts

    Macau Youth Street Dance Association: Jarvis Mo on the Local Dance Scene

    We speak to Jarvis Mo, the president of the Macau Youth Street Dance Association, about the street dance culture in Macau, and more!

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

COPYRIGHT © 2021 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok