Macau may be regarded as the world’s number one gambling mecca, but casinos and Pachinko parlors aren’t the only attractions in this magical place. If you’re looking to live the life of a high roller, or just dive into the more colorful and cultural side of the city, there are an endless amount of Michelin-starred restaurants, old heritage sites to discover, and an entire landscape of architectural beauty to explore.
It’s also one of the best places in the world to get a shopping fix! So save some space and prepare to load up your suitcases with everything from designer attire to comestibles, jewelry, books, artwork, souvenirs, and memorabilia from these popular high streets and Macau shopping hotspots.
The Promenade
Renowned for its huge network of world-famous casinos like Wynn Palace, The Venetian, and The Plaza — the Cotai Strip is the city’s centerpiece when it comes to gambling and high roller entertainment. It’s also home to the Promenade, which is one of the city’s largest shopping malls and a key feature for visitors at the Galaxy casino. The multi-floor complex features over 200 shops ranging in both luxury and affordable boutiques, main street outlets, cinemas, cafes, and restaurants.
The mall is also connected to 5 adjoining hotels; the Banyan Tree, Galaxy, Okura, JW Marriott, and the Ritz Carlton, all of which run regular promotions for shoppers to win spa and wellness breaks, gourmet dinners, and free cash to spend at the stores.
The Grand Canal Shoppes
Also on the Cotai Strip at the Venetian is the cityscape replica of Venice and its popular tourist area, the Grand Canal Shoppes. There are more than 330 retail stores to explore here, consisting of luxury brands like Victoria’s Secret, Zara, Vivienne Westwood, and Rolex, plus high street vendors like H&M, Marks and Spencer, and Atrium to name a few. For soccer fans, there is also a dedicated Manchester United store that offers an interactive football experience and the chance to purchase collectibles of your favorite teams and players.
To refuel and get some additional culture and entertainment on your visit to the Shoppes, be sure to head to the food court modeled on the famous St. Mark’s Square. Follow up with romance on a private gondola ride and admire the stunning waterways and canals!
One Central
One Central offers another premiere shopping experience and is the only high-end mall located on the Macau Peninsula. With a span of 200,000 sq ft, the 3-story complex is connected to both the Mandarin Oriental and the MGM Grand Macau and is relatively close to the Cotai Strip. There is a similar selection of cosmetic, jewelry and domestic shops, along with lavish boutiques such as Gucci, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, plus an array of cheaper stores specializing in men’s, women’s and children’s fashion. Make sure you don’t skip lunch as the complex has some fantastic restaurant options located on the top floor. Choose from Chinese, Thai, Korean, plus a delectable selection of other local and world cuisines.
The Boulevard at Studio City
Inside the Studio City hotel, guests can wander the 35,000-square-meter shopping area known as the Boulevard. While the Parisian is known for imitating the streets of Paris and the Venetian for its Venice style canals, the Boulevard is modeled on — yep, you guessed it — New York City. The shopping area features all of the common ruralities of the Big Apple cityscape, including trees, benches, and direct access to famous attractions such as the Golden Reel, 4G Batman Ride, Warner Brothers Fun Zone, and Legend Heroes Park.
There is an excellent mix of eateries, confectionery stalls, bars, cafes, and plenty of affordable and top-end retail outlets for purchasing clothes, shoes, makeup, jewelry, and other luxury boutique items.
T Galleria
T Galleria, aka, the Shoppes at Four Seasons, are open from 10 am to 11 pm daily, with extended hours on weekends. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the complex, which houses a selection of both affordable and luxury high street stores that are all Duty-Free. Shoppers can pick up everything from brand cosmetics, clothing and accessories, watches, jewelry, and similar goods, along with a range of top places to eat and relax after a long afternoon exploring the city sites.
As is the case with other shopping departments in Macau right now, this place can get quite busy due to the volume of daytrippers and seasonal tour groups. Try to avoid peak times and get there early if you can.
The Red Market
One of Macau’s most acclaimed hotspots is the city’s historical Red Market. Open since the 1930s and situated across three crowded floors, the market is essentially a maze of dozens upon dozens of food stalls selling everything from beef, pork, seafood, and poultry, to sundries, vegetables, and other local fresh produce. It’s a great opportunity to sample some of the city’s specialty dishes and snacks, or simply take in the sweet aromas and delicate flavors of Macau.
Unlike all of the other buildings in the area, the Red Market (as the name suggests) is famous for its distinct red-colored brick exterior, which was designed by Julio Alberto Basto during the colonial period. The market is certainly worth a visit if you’re a foodie fan, and it’s open every day from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm.
Senado Square
Another shopping ground worth a visit is the Largo do Senado, also known as Senado Square. It’s one of the city’s most notable attractions due to the magnificent old buildings in that area. Tourists can explore the famous white-tiled St. Dominic’s Church and the Holy House of Mercury, then head to Monte Fort and the Macau Museum to get a real feel for Macau’s history and cultural heritage.
The Plaza is also located nearby, which offers a great mix of shops, cafes, restaurants, and other amenities that will easily fill out your day.
An Additional Option to Consider
Macau is undoubtedly one of the best places to shop in the region; however, a day trip to Hong Kong is an equally great experience if you’re prepared to make the journey! Sites like Chinahighlights and Viator.com offer affordable packages and will happily facilitate your shopping spree from start to finish!
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