Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

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

    Recent Stories

    Grand Club Grand Hyatt Macau Spring Tea Grand Set
    March in Macau: Dining, Arts, Culture & Family Events
    Monthly Hotlist
    Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau view from street
    Win a Bavarian Gastronomic Experience at Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau!
    Giveaways
    Vida RIca Bar Hot Dog Pop Up with Drink from Above
    Weekender: Wine & Dine, Cultural Happenings & More
    Macau Weekend
  • Dining

    Categories

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

    Recent Stories

    The Manor Stories of the Sea Seventh Chapter Sea Urchin, fusilli Gentile red mullet bottarga, arugula ginger emulsion
    Where to Have the Best Pasta in Macau
    Dining
    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
  • 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
Arts
16 November, 2020
by Macau Lifestyle

Nam Van: Creative Scene in Macau

Nam Van Lakes water and Walking Area Macau Lifestyle

Nam Van always had the reputation for being a quiet and peaceful place in the city. Well, it’s time to change your perception, as this area had a major revamp and it’s now a certified hotspot where people do all sorts of things: from urban street art photography to paddleboat rides on the lakes or a picnic by the water, there are some pretty cool things to do in this boardwalk zone, that’s set close to the city center!

Waterfront Walks and Paddle Boat Rides

Anim’Arte Nam Van is the name the government gave to this area–combining the Portuguese words “arts” and “animation”–and besides restaurants and large open areas–where amateur artists sometimes casually perform–there are also some fun water activities to do, especially when with kids or looking for a different romantic move. We’re talking about those bird-shaped vessels set on the water, ready to be rented and taken to the horizon!

Paddleboats made to look like swans and regular ones are available for renting from 11:00am to 6:00pm (until 7:00pm from June to September) and the minimum age for paddlers is five years old–children aged between five and 12 have to be accompanied by an adult. There are some for two persons and others fitting four, so choose wisely who you bring on this fun experience. Each paddleboat costs MOP $20 (for two people) or MOP $40 (for four) for a 30-minute ride.

You can roam across the lakes and enjoy exclusive views you can’t find elsewhere. Take a waterproof bag with you, and bring along your camera or phone and start shooting amazing photographs of the city from the lakes!

Also read: Off the Beaten Path: Exploring Sai Van & Nam Van Lake

Nam Van Lakes Seating Area Macau Lifestyle

Dine local & Western

The businesses present at this spot have been changing as the years pass. There are now three restaurants serving snacks and light meals, but also full on dining menus, beverages and more. On the more local and Asian-inspired cuisine, there’s Café Super Mario, offering Hong Kong and Macau typical dishes like macaroni with beef or pork, rice with stir-fried vegetables, French toast with condensed milk and peanut butter, amongst others. It has an outdoor area so one can enjoy the breeze while dining overlooking the water.

At Seek Your Choice Bistro, chef’s carefully selected a series of French and European inspired foods for all to have a good taste of these cuisines in Macau. Overlooking the lakes and featuring a seating area outdoor, it’s perfect when you want to take your friends out and don’t know where to go. You’ll be amazed by the amount of dishes on offer! They have a set lunch menu–perfect for those working in the area–which includes pasta, risottos, salads and more.

Winner of a Merchant Award, Nam Van’s Café New Green View is the restaurant’s second branch, with the first one set in the NAPE area. It boasts an extensive menu filled with local delicacies, worth a try. There are other options nearby, namely Padre Modern Cuisine and for modern Italian food, Caffé B.

Also read: Great Places to Eat Around Nam Van Lake

Amazing Creation & Collection, M Dimensions and Happy Arts Company Limited Happy Art Studio are some of the shops you’ll find at Anim’Arte. From Portuguese-inspired products to Macau-based brands, there’s an array to get to know and shop, so head there if you’re looking for affordable knickknacks and little things for your home or to gift as a present.

Happy Art Studio isn’t so much a selling point as it is a creative studio catering to kids and their parents. Featuring lots of fun and ludic workshops, Happy Art Studio specializes in activities mainly in Cantonese.

Graffiti “Verão Colorido” apresentado no Anim’Arte NAM VAN

Street Art to Appreciate

You can easily walk to Nam Van Lake from busy San Ma Lou–Senado area. If you are into creativity and want to buy some products that are made in Macau or just want to be inspired, Nam Van can be a cool option. The city has had a boom of street artists coloring the city with beautiful graffitis and drawings. One of the places with some of these creative works is the Nam Van Lakes.

Also read: Colorful Macau: Best Street Art Hotspots

Walk from the restaurants along the boardwalk, a look under the arcades a bit further: you’ll find interesting and meaningful paintings on the walls and pillars along the way. These are not only great for pictures but also to up Macau’s game when it comes to urban art and the beauty that lies in it. These can be visited 24 hours a day, as they’re located in public, open areas. However, they’re best appreciated during the day as colors are more vivid.

If you keep walking from Anim’Arte, you’ll pass by historical buildings (on the other side of the street), eventually reaching Macau Tower and Sai Van Lake, yet another area that’s been unofficially coined by locals as a must-go place when it comes to running, jogging and a romantic afternoon getaway. Jogging is a very popular thing to do around here; from fitness aficionados to older adults, you can spot lots of people walking and running up and down this area. A short 10-minute walk from Senado Square and other major sites, it’s a beautiful place to take the kids out for a bike ride, or even a picnic under the sun with loved ones and great homemade food.

There are these wooden platforms in the water overlooking Sai Van bay, as well as the former Bela Vista Hotel and Santa Sancha Palace. These are reachable through Sai Van Lake Square, in front of the tower. It’s also a fantastic spot to catch Macau’s beautiful sunsets and take cool photos of the area.

Also read: Great Picnic Spots in Macau


Anim’Arte 744B Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van, Macau

This article was originally written by Annie Anastacia in 2016 and updated by Leonor Sá Machado in November 2020.

Tags

  • Arts Macau
  • Crafts in Macau
  • Creativity in Macau
  • Macau arts
  • Macau Crafts
  • Macau Creatives
  • Nam Van
  • weekend in macau

Related Posts

hac-sa-reservoir-park
Family

Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau

Aerial silks warrior pole and aerial studio taipa macau
Wellness

Warrior Pole and Aerial Studio: Dance and Acrobatics in Macau

capoeira classes macau
Lifestyle

Where to Practice Martial Arts & Boxing in Macau

Cartier LOVE necklace_18K pink gold
Lifestyle

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for the Women in Your Life

Trending Posts

Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau view from street
Giveaways

Win a Bavarian Gastronomic Experience at Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau!

Monthly Hotlist, What's On

March in Macau: Dining, Arts, Culture & Family Events

Macau's Best Steakhouses SW Steakhouse- Wagyu Braised Beef Cheeks
Dining, Restaurants

Macau’s Best Steakhouses

Bars, Dining

100 Years Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Bar Macao: British Traditions & New York High Life

  • Editor's Picks

    Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau view from street Giveaways

    Win a Bavarian Gastronomic Experience at Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau!

    We’ve partnered with Taipa Village Macau and Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau to give away vouchers to enjoy the best of Bavarian gastronomy in Macau!

    Featured image: Chinese depiction of a woman from atlantic countries circa 18th century Source: Review of Culture Culture

    Historic Women in Macau: Empowering Communities Across Time

    We all have an idea of what being a woman during the earlier centuries meant. These prominent women in Macau proved that their gender wasn’t a hindrance.

    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.

    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