Venturing beyond the 852? Ferry across to Taipa Village, Macau for a fulfilling day trip filled with mouth-watering local food and stunning sights.
While our coastal neighbour is best known as a casino empire, there are plenty more things to do in Macau beyond the glitz and glam of the Cotai Strip. The island of Taipa is home to a peculiar combination of cultural and heritage sights, quaint cafes, as well as hip design spots and art galleries. If this sounds like your kind of weekend getaway, then find out what to do in Taipa Village, Macau with our guide!
Your ultimate guide to Taipa Village, Macau
Taipa Village, Macau: A living record of Macanese history
Before land reclamation and the construction of the Cotai Strip, Taipa was disconnected to its southern neighbour, Coloane. Since the Southern Song dynasty, Hokkein-speaking fishing communities from Mainland China had made Southern Taipa Island their home. Between 1840s and 1850s, Taipa was officially annexed to Portugal and later became part of its colony, together with main Macau island and Coloane.
Due to Taipa’s history of Hokkein settlement and Portuguese colonisation, you’ll find a unique juxtaposition of cultures on the island today. Grand churches exist in harmony with Chinese temples, while cobblestone streets lined with pastel-coloured colonial villas connect Portuguese shops with stores offering Macanese delights.
Things to do in Taipa Village, Macau
1. Pak Tai Temple
Much like Hong Kong’s fishing communities, those residing on Taipa Island also worshipped a pantheon of water deities for protection while out at sea. Pak Tai Temple is one of the major Chinese temples in Taipa. To this day, inhabitants gather at the temple for the Feast of Pak Tai on the third day of the third lunar month, where Chinese opera and other celebratory performances take place.
Pak Tai Temple, Largo Camoes, Taipa, Macau
2. Taipa Houses Museum
Learn more about Macau’s colonial history and culture at the Taipa Houses Museum! This complex is made up of five charming green houses built in a distinct colonial style. Inside these quaint houses, you’ll find a series of exhibition halls, detailing the lives of Macanese communities in Taipa and Coloane throughout the centuries.
Taipa Houses Museum, Avenida da Praia, Taipa, Macau
3. Carmo Garden
Connecting Taipa Houses Museum with the rest of Taipa Village is Carmo Garden. This picturesque urban oasis is the ideal place to unwind with a leisurely stroll after a long day of exploring. In the garden, you’ll also spot a statue of the Portuguese poet Carmoes, a small fountain, and plenty of shaded areas to chill under.
Carmo Garden, Avenida de Carlos da Maia, Largo do Carmo, Taipa, Macau
4. Former Iec Long Firecracker Factory
Iec Long Firecracker Factory is where you can discover more about Taipa’s industrial age. While the island’s main industry was fishing, Taipa became a hub for producing fireworks and firecrackers between the 1920s and 80s. Today, the revitalised factory houses various exhibits detailing the firecracker industry in Taipa and beyond.
Former Iec Long Firecracker Factory, Rua de Fernão Mendes Pinto, Taipa, Macau
5. Rua do Cunha
When it comes to shopping in Taipa Village, Macau, you can’t miss Rua do Cunha. This narrow pedestrian street is home to a diverse range of souvenir shops, trinket stores, and local snack shops. Whether you’re hunting down the perfect almond cookies, egg rolls, or cherikoff, seek and you shall find at Rua do Cunha.
Rua do Cunha, Taipa, Macau
Best restaurants and cafes in Taipa Village, Macau
1. Sei Kee Cafe
You may be familiar with Hong Kong’s cha chaan teng fare, but have you tried its Macanese equivalent? Sei Kee Cafe is the ideal place to sample local fare in Taipa Village. Apart from its hearty mains, we recommend ordering a traditional claypot coffee or tea to go with your meal. Trust us when we say: this rivals Hong Kong’s very own pantyhose milk tea!
Sei Kee Cafe, G/F, 1 Largo dos Bombeiro, Taipa, Macau, p. +853 6569 1214
2. Lord Stow’s Bakery
Did you even go to Macau if you didn’t try its Portuguese egg tarts? While being based off of the Portuguese pasteis de nata, this iconic treat was actually created by Englishman Andrew Stow in the 1980s. As the pioneer of this fusion treat, there’s no better place than Lord Stow’s Bakery for your first taste. Psst – we’ve heard Lord Stow’s handmade cookies are equally delicious! Don’t forget to grab some as souvenirs on your way home.
Lord Stow’s Bakery (Rua do Cunha), 9 Rua do Cunha, Taipa, Macau, p. +853 2857 6580
3. Mok Yei Kei
Located right at the entrance to the shopping hub Rua do Cunha, Mok Yei Kei is one of the most popular spots for refreshing desserts in Taipa Village. Everything is made fresh each morning by the owners, Mr and Mrs Mok, and sold on a first-come-first-served basis. Chow down on the best-selling Serradura pudding, cool off with a scoop of handmade ice cream, or choose from 10 available flavours of agar-agar jelly while you’re there.
Mok Yei Kei, 9A, Rua do Cunha, Taipa, Macau, p. +853 6669 5194
4. Rooftop Macau
Need a short break during your day out at Taipa? Head to Rooftop Macau for a pick-me-up! This quaint rooftop cafe serves a diverse menu of coffee, specialty drinks, cakes, and other baked treats. We’ve heard the waffles and Basque burnt cheesecake are out of this world!
Rooftop Macau, 49 Rua Correia da Silva, Taipa, Macau, p. +853 6886 7498
5. Tapas de Portugal
Hankering for tapas? Tapas de Portugal is where you need to go for your next meal in Taipa Village! Among the distinct Portuguese tapas and mains, you can delight in items such as Grilled Squid with Garlic Olive Oil, Cured Salmon Tartare, and Portuguese Duck Rice. Here’s a tip: choose to dine at the rooftop terrace for a full al fresco experience!
Tapas de Portugal, 22A Rua dos Clerigos, Taipa, Macau, p. (+853) 2857 6626
6. Manuel Cozinha Portuguesa
Venture further out from Taipa Village for Manuel Cozinha Portuguesa’s Portuguese fare! Having served the local residents for over 30 years, this homely cozinha is an iconic eatery in the neighbourhood. Now helmed by chef-owner and Macanese native Palmira Pena, Manuel Cozinha Portuguesa serves spreads of revamped Portuguese home dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients.
Manuel Cozinha Portuguesa, 90 Rua de Femão Mendes Pinto, Taipa, Macau, p. +853 2882 7571
