Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

    • Giveaways
    • Entertainment

    Recent Stories

    Chef Ernesto Iaccarino
    Casa Don Alfonso Welcomes the Return of the Don Alfonso Family to Grand Lisboa Macau
    Events & Promotions
    Noite e Dia Cafe Christmas Buffet Dinner Turkey
    Festive Feastings, New Year Menus & More at Hotel Lisboa!
    Events & Promotions
    Lisboa Bend 90 degree turn macau grand prix
    69th Macau Grand Prix: Hotel Lisboa’s Fiery Grand Prix Packages
    Events & Promotions
  • Dining

    Categories

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

    Recent Stories

    Minibar and Lounge Interior Yellow Neon Signs Macau Lifestyle
    Sing Along: Best Places for Karaoke in Macau
    Bars
    Thai,Shrimps,Red,Curry.,Thailand,Tradition,Red,Curry,Soup,With
    The Best Thai Restaurants in Macau
    Restaurants
    Moo Creamery Founders Portrait
    Moo Creamery: Freshly-Made Ice Creams Delivering Original Flavors in Macau
    Dining
  • Lifestyle

    Categories

    • Wellness
    • Weddings
    • Family
    • People

    Recent Stories

    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
    Moo Creamery Founders Portrait
    Moo Creamery: Freshly-Made Ice Creams Delivering Original Flavors in Macau
    Dining
    start line photo
    Top Running Routes in Macau
    Lifestyle
  • Culture

    Categories

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

    Recent Stories

    Featured image: Chinese depiction of a woman from atlantic countries circa 18th century Source: Review of Culture
    Historic Women in Macau: Empowering Communities Across Time
    Culture
    Kenji Rukkit Gus graffiti street art outloud festival praca ponte e horta art one day macau
    One Day in Macau: Art Itinerary
    Arts
    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
  • 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

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

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

Nam Van Lakes Panoramic Photos Macau Lifestyle

There are lots of cool areas in the city worth seeing, like Sai Van and Nam Van Lake, for example, located close to the Macau Tower and many other must-visit spots! Exploring these lakes makes for an easy afternoon activity. From off the beaten path eateries, colonial architecture and heritage with historical importance, there’s a bunch to do around here. Read on and find more!

Jog Around the Lakes

(See featured image above)

With one of Macau’s most beautiful views, this is the perfect place to let kids roam around free and to let dogs get some fresh air. This is also one of the best places in town to jog, have a quick run or simply walk on the waterside. With a wide panoramic view across the city, the view extends to the Macau Tower on the right side, Mandarin Oriental, Macau and Nobre de Carvalho bridge in the middle, and the city center on your left hand side.

This area is designed is an almost circular way, so it’s possible–and lots of people do so–to start your run at Nam Van, pass the Legislative Assembly, the Macau Tower, and come back to the start through Sai Van water platforms, enjoying the view to Santa Sancha Palace, old Bela Vista Hotel and Penha Hill, while running across Avenida da República. Called Anim’Arte Nam Van, the zone also has pedalled boats you can pedal across the water! There are also some cafés with indoor and outdoor seating if you’re feeling hungry or thirsty.

Opening hours: 24 hours

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

CaffeB-7

Nam Van Dining: Exploring Authentic Eateries

Besides Caffé B–on the ground floor of Lake View Mansion building–which serves authentic Italian food, there are plenty of options around this area for people looking for a restaurant with a view or just a relaxing time. These include snacks, healthy dishes, or just a simple ham and cheese sandwich with orange juice!

We were there recently and tried out some of them, and here’re the best places to eat around Nam Van. Healthy Habits Superfood Cafe is great to have a salad–like a poke bowl–freshly squeezed juices and much more! You can also get great views of the lakes as well.

Healthy Habits Superfood Cafe 203 Avenida Comercial de Macau, R/C A Edifício La Bahia, Macau, +8532859 3386, www.facebook.com/healthyhabitscafe

Macau Tower and skyline

Bungee Jump from the Macau Tower

As one of the tallest towers in the world, this is an unmissable spot in Macau. Featuring lots of restaurants, it also includes one of the city’s most interesting activities: bungee jumping and other heights’ related adventures! With AJ Hackett, life gets exciting by the second. Not a fan of heights? Well, relaxing at the Portuguese terraced restaurant Tromba Rija or buying freshly baked bread are also some of the things you can do here.

Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00am–9:00pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am–9:00pm

Macau Tower Largo da Torre de Macau, Macau

Opening hours: (May 2020) Daily, 11:00am–7:00pm; (September to June) – Monday–Friday, 10:30am–7:00pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00am–8:00pm; (July and August) – Daily, 10:00am–8:00pm

AJ Hackett Macau Tower Level T1 – Adventure Zone, Macau Tower, Macau, +853 8988 8656, www.ajhackett.com/macau

Sai Van Lakes Docked Area Wood View to Penha Hill Macau Lifestyle

Unwind at Sai Van Lake

Feeling like you need to go offline for some time? We got this “secret” spot for you to enjoy then! Quite busy during after work times (around 5:00pm to 8:00pm), this spot is one of the best places in the whole city to put some headphones on, lay down on these platforms, feel the water coursing under, and just relax under the sun.

With the tower behind and a fantastic, unique view of the Sai Van area in front of you, we guarantee there’s no better place to unwind from a hard and stressful day or week. During late afternoons, locals usually flock here for some jogging or picnic, so beware of possible crowds later in the day. You can reach these water platforms through the Sai Van Lake Square or across Praia Grande avenue.

Opening hours: 24 hours

Sai Van Lake Square Largo da Torre de Macau, Macau

Heritage Buildings along Av da Republica Sai Van Lakes

Check some heritage architecture spots

Get your cultural fix with some of the best colonial architecture in this area! Well mixed with the surroundings, some of these buildings can easily go unnoticed, so we’re here to show them to you and what they are. Scattered along Avenida da República–Republic Avenue, in English–these tell stories of a past city. The one on the right is now abandoned but it used to be the headquarters of Macau’s Red Cross.

You can actually still see the original plaques and inscriptions! Cool, right? The Lady of Bom Parto Fortress was demolished in the mid-20th century, now remaining a part of the fortification. However, you can also spot the former Hotel Bela Vista, now the home of the Portuguese consul. The first is a photo of one of the old Ricci School. This beautiful building in colonial style was also a residence. These are all reminders of the combination of cultures and architectures that happily co-exist in Macau. Unfortunately, none are open for visits, but they’re marked with plaques in Chinese, English, and Portuguese, explaining its heritage and architectonic value.

Chapel of Our Lady of Penha facade

Stroll through Penha Hill & Church

Penha Hill was one of the first places where the Portuguese settled. Along with the Portuguese consul’s residence, Santa Sancha Palace (home for Macau’s Chief Executive) there are several other structures built in a colonial style. Unfortunately, Santa Sancha and the former Bela Vista Hotel aren’t open for visits, but you can see explanatory signs outside. Built in the mid-19th century, it was home for barons and more! We let you know more about the bright pink structure here.

This is the perfect area to stroll around. Let’s not forget where the name of the hill came from: a church located on one of the highest points–62.7 meters above sea level–in the city. This religious monument is set really high and besides getting on a bus, one can also walk there. Almost like an urban hike! Exploring these residential and less roamed areas of Macau is one of our favorite things to do around, so be sure to check it out as well. We went to the church and tell you all there is to know about this religious spot, so read more about that here. Also, the view from up there is absolutely amazing, as it embraces the Macau Tower, a wide panoramic view of the lakes and a big part of the city covered in buildings; great for enjoying a sunset while resting after that steep stroll.

Opening hours: Daily, 9:00am–5:30pm

Our Lady of Penha Chapel Hilltop of Penha Hill, Macau

Ali Curry House Outdoor Area Panoramic Macau Lifestyle

Grab a bite with a view across Sai Van lake

It may look like a somewhat deserted area, but Sai Van Lake has, in fact, lots of places to grab a bite! One of them is Ali Curry House. With a wide menu, it serves a bit of everything: from Chinese to Macanese, Portuguese to international–pasta, sandwiches–there’s a world of food to try at this place. Facing the lakes towards Macau Tower and the newly built courthouse, this is a good spot to relax for a bit, as it also has an outdoor area quite popular amongst both locals and tourists.

However, if you’re more into authentic Macanese cuisine, we suggest the restaurant right beside this one: Henri’s Galley. With one of Macau’s most famous dishes, African chicken–a Macanese recipe–it also has a few tables outside. The staff is nicely dressed as they have been for more than 40 years and the restaurant is decorated with maritime and local motifs. Another place to consider is the newly opened Tabuchi. This Japanese eatery serves traditional dishes such as ramen, sushi, fried and grilled fish, oysters, and other delicacies.

Opening hours: Daily, 12:30pm–10:30pm

Ali Curry House 4 Avenida da República, Macau

Opening hours: Thursday–Tuesday, 12:00pm–10:00pm

Henri’s Galley 6 Avenida da República, Macau

Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 7:00pm–11:45pm

Tabuchi 4D–F Avenida da República, Macau, www.facebook.com/tabuchimacau

Macau Governments Headquarters Exterior Wide Macau Lifestyle

Learn About the Government’s Headquarters

Upon approaching Praia Grande avenue, you’ll see a bright pink, tall, and powerful looking building. Welcome to the Government’s Headquarters! Opened just a few times a year for public visits, this spot has a beautiful and interesting history worth knowing. Let your loose your curiosity and check out this spot. If you want to learn more about it, read this piece we have on its history and what it used to be before presently hosting official governmental happenings. The building is surrounded by beautifully trimmed flowers and plants, while it also allows great views towards Nam Van Lake.

Government Headquarters 131 Avenida da Praia Grande, Macau

Hotel Riviera Macau Lobby Elevators Macau lifestyle

Sleep Local: Stay at Riviera Hotel Macau

Tired of casinos and enormous resorts? Feel like a lord and stay at the Riviera Hotel Macau, this smaller-scale hotel is located right in front of the former Bela Vista Hotel. With breathtaking views across Nam Van, Sai Van, and the Macau Tower, this is a less advertised accommodation option allowing for relaxing and wonderful walks around the area.

There’s another secret we’d like to share with you: there’s a fantastic deck on their second floor. Part viewing point, part bar, it’s just the perfect spot to have a cocktail or an iced coffee under the disappearing sun, watching the nightlife take over Macau. Riviera Hotel Macau is decorated in an art nouveau style, bringing us back in time. There are buses and taxis available a minute away, but you can always walk down the hill towards Avenida da República and Sai Van area.

Riviera Hotel Macau 7-13, R. do Comendador Kou Ho Neng, Macau, +853 2833 9955

Pousada de Sao Tiago Outdoor in Sai Van Macau Lifestyle

Learn More about Pousada de S. Tiago

What is now known as one of Macau’s most historical hotels–Pousada de S. Tiago–got its name because of what was there before: the São Tiago da Barra Fortress was built there in the 17th century and later destroyed. However, some elements remain, like a chapel inside the hotel’s grounds. Some other elements were preserved and can be seen and visited when inside. This colonial-style accommodation looks like some of the most classic hotels in Portugal, which is a reminder of the Portuguese culture left in Macau.

*Pousada de São Tiago has been closed since March 31, 2017, due to construction works related to the city’s transportation system.

Pousada de S. Tiago Avenida da República, São Tiago da Barra Fortress, Macau, +853 2837 8111

Macau Drone shots Macau Tower view

Enjoy Sunset Time with Cocktails at Sky 21

A visit to Macau will never be complete without a Sky 21 cocktail while overlooking this bar’s unique views across the city: with 180º and 360º wide panoramas across Nam Van Lakes and traditional Macau neighbourhoods, this is a must-visit. We’ll even let you in a secret: when the skies are clear and the sun is shinning, you’ll most probably be able to witness a beautiful sunset in the city. So head to Sky 21 with some friends, grab the menu and choose refreshments plus snacks, lay back and just enjoy a peaceful brake from all that’s happening downstairs!

Sky 21 21/F AIA Tower, 251A – 301 Avenida Comercial de Macau, Praia Grande, Macau, +853 2822 2122, www.sunfnbgroup.com/en/sky21

Tags

  • Heritage
  • macau
  • Nam Van Lake
  • Penha
  • sai van lake
  • Sightseeing

Related Posts

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

São Lourenço Macau
Culture

St. Lawrence Church: Roots of Catholicism in China

Camões Bust in Grotto
Culture

The Camões Phenomena: All the Way From Portugal to Macau

hac-sa-reservoir-park
Family

Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau

Trending Posts

Dining, Local Eats

Where to Find the Best Portuguese Egg Tarts in Macau

Cuppa Coffee Macau
Dining, Local Eats

Good Morning Macau: Best Cafes for Breakfast

Kenji Rukkit Gus graffiti street art outloud festival praca ponte e horta art one day macau
Arts, Culture, Macau, Travel

One Day in Macau: Art Itinerary

Dining, Local Eats, Restaurants

Macau’s Best Buffets

  • 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!

    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!

    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.

    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!

    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.

    Pataca currency Local Knowledge

    The Pataca Story: The Peculiar History of Macau’s Currency

    The Pataca is special as not many countries the size of Macau would have their currency. Read on to find out about the origins of the Pataca.

    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.

    Vintage Around Exterior Front View Macau Lifestyle Culture

    Where to Shop Vintage in Macau

    If you’re a fashionista obssessed with all things vintage, this selection of the best vintage shops in Macau is for you. Happy shopping!

    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!

    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.

    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.

    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!

    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!

    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.

    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!

    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!

    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!

    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!

    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.  

    Nam Ping Exterior Frontdoor Macau Lifestyle Dining

    Nam Ping: A Local Foodie Haven Nestled in Old Macau

    Set in Rua de Cinco de Outubro, Nam Ping is nestled in the city center, opened for more than 30 years, serving simple, mouthwatering dishes.

    Studio City Vinca Foot Spa Foot Massage Chairs Blurred Background Macau Lifestyle Lifestyle

    Best Places for Foot Massages in Macau

    Foot massages are a special treat especially when you’re feeling stressed and fatigued so get your fix at these amazing places in Macau!

    Rooftop Macau Upstairs Terrace Dining

    Best Rooftops in Macau to Relax At

    Chilling on a rooftop with a cold drink is the best way to spend a day. Here’s a list of some of the hippest trending rooftops in Macau!

    Chou Kei Dining

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

    Instant noodles taste much better topped with a fried egg and luncheon meat! Here are the best places in Macau to have this delicacy.

    _Aesop_Skin_Care_PLUS_2021 – SC+ family Beauty

    How Aesop’s the Skincare+ Range Is Revolutionizing Self-Care

    Self-care is good skincare. At the forefront of this is Aesop’s The Skincare+ Range that’s guaranteed to nourish and improve the skin.

    banyan tree macau_Spa_Royal Treatment Room Lifestyle

    Macau’s Best Spas

    Macau is a wold-class destination and this extends to its spas as well. Check out our list of spas in Macau offering the best in relaxation.

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

COPYRIGHT © 2023 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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