Macau Shopping and nightlife

Macau is a popular shopping destination due to its free port status: there is no sales tax. Common buys include jewellery (particularly gold), Chinese antiques, porcelain, pottery, electronic gadgets, cameras, watches and beading work. For foodie treats, try dried seafood, abalone (which is something of an acquired taste), pastries or Portuguese wine – in particular vinho verde, literally ‘green wine’ and drunk while it’s very young. Chinese herbs and medicines are also widely available, although it’s important to be aware of what you are buying – some traditional remedies are made from endangered animals, and quite apart from any moral objections, it may be illegal to import them into another country.

There’s plenty of variety when it comes to places to shop. Several glitzy luxury goods malls have sprung up around several of the new casino resorts, including Wynn Macau and The Venetian. A rather more down-to-earth shopping experience can be had at the Red Market on the corner of Avenida Horta e Costa and Avenida Almirante Lacerda. It’s a three-storey building selling mostly food but also some clothing. There’s also a street market running from the Red Market through the Three Lamps District (also known as Sam Jan Dang). The stalls sell mostly clothes and fabrics. The best-known gold shops are along Avenida do Infante D Henrique, Avenida Horta e Costa and Avenida Almeida Ribeiro. For porcelain, try Rua de São Paulo.

Macau also has some good street markets. There’s a daily flea market in the lanes around Rua das Estalagens, near the ruins of St Paul's Church, as well as one every Sunday in Taipa Village between Bombeiros Square and Camões Square. These can be good for handicrafts, clothes and souvenirs, but always bargain over prices. There is an Artisan's Fair every Saturday evening in Santo Agostinho Square.