Just a few steps away from the vast opulent casinos of the Cotai Strip is Taipa Village (also known as Old Taipa). A hidden gem surrounded by towering palatial casinos, it can sometimes be overlooked. Take a break from the euphoria going on in these integrated resorts and visit the tranquil attraction that’s just a stone’s throw away. This destination holds the true essence of Taipa’s heritage.
A noteworthy attraction is the old houses of uniquely fused Portuguese and Chinese architecture lined up on one side of a street while trendy, hip businesses just across. Blending old and new, there are tons of exciting activities you can do in this fascinating village.
Take Instagrammable Photos
Vibrant walls, 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.
Try Different Cuisines
Countless eateries of diverse cuisines surround the village streets. You can find Korean, Italian, Argentinean, Mexican, and of course Chinese, and Portuguese cuisines. Whether your stomach is growling or you get a pang of cravings when you’re around, make sure to be open to trying out different cuisines.
Grab a Drink with Different Locals
Locals love to unwind and have a drink. A great way to meet and mingle with the locals is to grab a drink with them. You can get some classic grubs in places such as Old Taipa Tavern (also known as OTT) and Portugalia.
Chill on the Many Rooftops
There are many rooftops around the area to drink, eat, or hang out. Cozily decorated, these rooftops will look great in your photos. They also give you a great view overlooking the village. Some rooftops to check out are Quarter Square or Rooftop Macau if you prefer a laid-back vibe. Get some coffee and a book. Another rooftop you can visit is at Tapas de Portugal, where you could savor some Portuguese tapas and sip on cocktails.
Visit Temples, Churches, and Museums
Old Taipa remains rich in history and culture which consists of both Portuguese and Chinese heritage. Visit some of the museums to understand more about Taipa’s deep and harmonious past. This vicinity has also preserved some of Macau’s most beautiful temples and churches; it would be a sin not to visit one.
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 bike 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.
Go on a Foodie Trip
As you stroll along Old Taipa, it’s impossible to neglect the crowded food street, Rua do Cunha. Lining up 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 like almond cookies, egg tarts, pork jerky, and pork chop buns. And did I mention that you could sample all these snacks for free?
To know more about Taipa Village’s street snacks, check out our guide to the best snacks in Taipa Village.
