A Complete Guide To Macau’s Taipa Village

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To assume there is little more to Macau than its attention-grabbing casinos would be a mistake. The city has a rich history as the one of the first East-meets-West territories in the world, and a unique assimilation of Portuguese and Chinese influences have given the city a one-of-a-kind character that you’ll be remiss not to explore. One of the best places to see and experience the authentic side of Macau is at Taipa Village.

Located just a stone’s throw away from the main casino strip, Taipa Village is Macau’s leading destination for culture and heritage. Here, among its winding lanes and pedestrianised alleys, Macau’s East-meets-West character is on full display. From Chinese temples to colonial churches, to some of the best Portuguese and Macanese restaurants in town, as well as museums, art galleries, and great souvenir shops, all within walking distance of each other.

Taipa Village is accessible by a short taxi ride from the ferry terminals. Alternatively, The Venetian and Galaxy resorts are located across the street from Taipa Village (within walking distance). Free shuttle busses also run from Studio City , Galaxy Macau or Wynn Palace to Taipa Village.

Taipa House Museum

Taipa House Museum is a prime example of the Portuguese architecture that has influenced much of Taipa Village. In 1992, it was recognised as one of the top eight sights to see in Macau. Built in 1921, the distinctive green and white houses once served as a residence for the Portuguese governor and other high-level civil servants and their families. Today, it has been converted into a museum complex displaying various artefacts and exhibits that commemorate life during Macau’s colonial period.

Pak Tai Temple

Pak Tai Temple has a rich history dating back to 1844. It’s dedicated to the deity Pak Tai, who worshippers believed had the power to abate disasters like floods and fire. Since most of Macau’s population used to earn a living through fishing, Pak Tai, the Taoist god of the sea, was a very significant deity for them. Today, it’s the temple most worth seeing in Taipa with its own worship pavilion for followers to pay tributes, which is rarely seen elsewhere on the island. In addition, during the celebration of the annual Feast of Pak Tai on the 3rd day of the 3rd month of the Lunar Calendar, performances of Chinese opera are usually held in a mat shed in front of the temple.

Our Lady of Carmo Church

Located on elevated ground next door to the Taipa Houses Museum, Our Lady of Carmo Church is the only Catholic church in Taipa. Built in 1885, it still operates today and is a distinctive neoclassical structure with its exterior painted in pastel shades of yellow. In recent years, it’s become a popular backdrop for wedding photos. The church and its grounds are an ideal spot to come for a place to relax, with nice views overlooking the Taipa Houses Musuem and the nearby lake. The church is open for English mass on Saturdays (6:30pm) and Sunday (10am).

Our Lady of Carmo Church is the only Catholic church in Taipa | © Taipa VillageMuseum of Taipa and Coloane History

Located in a beautiful 1920s administration building, the Museum of Taipa and Coloane History houses exhibits across two floors that showcase findings and relics uncovered from different archaeological excavations over the past years. There are also displays dedicated to past industries that were once common on both Taipa and Coloane Islands. Overall, it’s an interesting place to learn a bit about how Taipa and Coloane used to be two separate islands, not connected by the Cotai Strip like they are today.

Taipa Village Art Space

This great little gallery was opened to help promote the cultural and creative industries in Macau, allowing local and international artists to showcase their work. A lot of the art showcased here gives insight into the local culture and heritage of Macau. For example, one recent exhibition – Macau’s Firecracker Industry – featured a unique collection of watercolour paintings from renowned local artist Lio Man Cheong depicting Macau’s long-flourishing firecracker industry, from its growing prominence in the late 19th century to its prosperity in the early 20th century.

If you’re keen to try local Macau specialities and delicious Portuguese cuisine, Taipa Village is a must-visit locale. You’ll find some of the best restaurants in town here, alongside a number of hole-in-the-wall eateries selling a diverse mix of street food and popular local snacks.

La Famiglia

This gem of a restaurant located in the heart of Taipa Village is one of the best places to try authentic Macanese cuisine. With a culinary legacy dating back more than 400 years that mixes both Portuguese and Chinese flavours, Macanese cuisine is considered the original fusion food. Here, with acclaimed Macanese cook Florita Alves at the helm, you can try some of the tastiest homestyle Macanese dishes in town. Don’t miss classics such as minchi (sautéed minced pork), capela (a Macanese-style meatloaf), and African chicken. In addition, a generous selection of wines and cocktails are also on offer to complement the array of Macanese flavours. When the weather’s cooler, head to the rooftop bar on the third floor for panoramic views looking out over the charming village below.

Goa Nights

This new Indian tapas-style restaurant opened in April and has already become a local favourite. It’s not hard to see why, as the quality of the food, drinks and service are all exceptional. The restaurant boasts a delicious Indian tapas menu consisting of Indian and Goan traditional flavours – like Macau, Goa was also a former Portuguese colony. We recommend you try the Goan-style clams, pulled pork vindaloo bao, chicken tikka nachos, and tempting larger-plate dishes such as railway lamb curry. For dessert, don’t miss the sublime bebinca – a layered cake sometimes referred to as the ‘queen of Goan desserts’. Craft cocktails designed by renowned bartender and mixologist Chetan Gangan are also available, which are uniquely inspired by the different trading posts that the Portuguese established on their past voyages. All in all, a unique and well-considered dining/bar concept for Macau; it clearly shows they’ve put a lot of thought and attention into making it one of the best.

Comida Portuguesa O Santos

For tasty Portuguese cuisine in a relaxing and unpretentious atmosphere, look no further than Comida Portuguesa O Santos. Chef Santos grew up in Portugal and opened this restaurant in 1989 after moving to Macau – it has since become a local institution and a popular eatery with the local Portuguese community. Service is friendly, and prices reasonable. Standout dishes include the suckling pig, duck rice, codfish fritters, and the clams with a nice glass of white wine; the desserts are great, too.

Sei Kee Café
Sei Kee Café is known for serving some of Macau’s most iconic dishes, namely the pork chop bun and clay pot-brewed coffee and milk tea. The café, with its friendly service and reasonable pricing, is also a popular spot for locals, as many of the dishes trigger a nostalgic feeling. Do try the pork chop bun (the Macau equivalent of a hamburger) consisting of a succulently marinated pork chop coupled with a warm, chewy bun – a winning combination.

Cunha de bazar

This four-storey souvenir store often entices passers-by with its eye-catching exterior. Inside, they sell traditional gifts and souvenirs created by local Macau-based artists. On the ground floor, you’ll find traditional snacks such as almond cookies and jerky. The 1st floor is dedicated to goods bearing the image of Macau’s Soda Panda, a popular local cartoon character, and the remaining floors are dedicated to ceramics, notebooks and sketches created by local designers.

O-Moon

This Macau-themed souvenir store is brimming with character and is a treasure trove of useful and functional products. From postcards to ceramic coasters, leather bags, stationery, accessories and more, this is the place to come if you want to to take a little memento of Macau home with you. A majority of the products take on the blue-and-white theme of the classic Portuguese tiles that you can find dotted all over the city, which is a well-considered touch.