When it comes to Macau souvenirs, most visitors instinctively think of The Venetian or the area around the Ruins of St. Paul's. However, the alleys and lanes of the old town area in Cotai actually hide many local shops selling products you won't find in large shopping malls. These shops may be small in size but they have their own character—some only serve neighborhood customers, some insist on handcrafting, and some have been operating for thirty years without change.
The souvenir shopping experience in Cotai actually presents a completely different atmosphere compared to Macau Peninsula. On the Peninsula, due to high rents (it's understood that shop rentals account for 40-60% of costs), many long-established shops have been forced to relocate or close down.，反而是路氹老街區還保留著較多原汁原味的本地小店。近年通關新政也讓內地旅客更容易前來選購，加上中國出境遊持續升溫（2026年預計突破1.75億人次），這些社群小店反而成為想要「深度體驗」的遊客新寵。
特色亮點：
The biggest characteristic of souvenir shops in Cotai's old street district is being "grounded." Instead of crowding the busy casino districts, you can slowly discover treasures within the old walls of Taipa Village. Most of these shops are family-run, and their selection logic isn't about selling what's trending—instead, the老板 only sells items they have personally tried and used themselves. The prices are also much more approachable, with a box of almond cookies starting from MOP$30, unlike in tourist areas where prices can easily exceed a hundred.
Another advantage is "rarity." Some products from these long-established shops are hard to find substitutes for on the market—such as handcrafted Portuguese ceramics, locally made jams, or even some dried meat that grandmothers have been marinating for decades. These items make distinctive gifts and have commemorative value for personal use as well.
Recommended Locations:
1. Taipa Old Village Tofu Shop (Three-Decade Local Heritage Store)
Located near Taipa's waterfront road, this unassuming shop without a sign is locally known as "Uncle Tofu." The store is only a dozen square feet, but the tofu puffs, soy milk, and peanut tofu are all handcrafted. The owner wakes up at five every morning to grind soybeans, insisting on no preservatives. The most popular item is the boxed tofu puffs (MOP$15/$25/$35 in three sizes), vacuum-packed and can be safely brought back to Hong Kong. Many mainland tourists buy eight to ten boxes at a time to give to colleagues. The issue here is that the store is extremely small and hard to find—first-time visitors should call ahead to confirm the location.
2. Portuguese Ceramic Gallery (Next to Taipa Houses Museum)
Right across from the Taipa Houses Museum, this shop specializes in handcrafted Portuguese ceramics. The owner is a Portuguese-Macanese who imports limited-edition porcelain plates and cups from Europe, featuring designs that blend Eastern and Western elements—perfect for gifting or personal use. Prices range from MOP$80 to MOP$500, depending on size and craftsmanship complexity. The advantage here is that you "won't easily find the same item"—souvenirs in casino shopping malls are mass-produced, while each piece of ceramic here comes with a numbered certificate. The downside is that the owner has a strong temperament and doesn't accept bargaining—if you see something you like, you need to make a decision on the spot.
3. Almond Cookie Specialty Store (Neighborhood Favorite)
Hidden in a narrow side street, this almond cookie shop lacks the flashy packaging of chain brands but has earned thirty years of unwavering praise from local residents. The cookies are hand-baked fresh every morning, coming out of the oven around 3 PM—get there late and they'll be sold out. The taste is sweet but not cloying, with peanut fragments in the filling that the owner specifically sources from the mainland. The price is MOP$38 for a box of six cookies, and Octopus cards are accepted. This shop is especially suitable for "those who know their goods"—since it's not on the main tourist route, tour groups won't disturb you, and you'll always get freshly baked products.
4. Local Winery (Taipa's Traditional Jam Shop)
Located near the Cotai Municipal Market, this jam shop's specialties are lychee preserved in honey and turmeric sauce. The owner is a retired teacher who now turns her hobby into a career, producing small batches of jam with locally sourced ingredients. The jam flavors here are completely different from what you'd find in supermarkets—the sweetness is moderate, the fruit aroma is rich, and the prices are reasonable, starting at MOP$28 per jar. The most recommended is the limited-edition pineapple sauce, which is only available during pineapple season (approximately April to June), and tourists often call ahead to reserve in fear of missing out.
5. Creative Handcraft Workshop (Trendy Artisanal Shop)
In recent years, several handcraft workshops featuring local artists have emerged in Cotai, selling designer-original postcards, tote bags, phone cases, and other small items. Unlike traditional souvenir shops, the merchandise here has a more modern feel, appealing more to younger crowds. Prices start at a friendly MOP$20, making them perfect for personal use or gifts for friends of similar age. These small shops are concentrated along the Cotai Strip near the Venetian Macau side, about a ten-minute walk from the Taipa Houses Museum.
Practical Information:
Regarding transportation, the main public transport in Cotai is the Macau Light Rail (MOP$6-12), with the Taipa line covering stations like Cotai Arena and Lotus Port. If coming from Macau Peninsula, you can take bus routes 11, 22, or 28A (MOP$6), or simply take a taxi (approximately MOP$50-70 from Senate Square to Cotai). Both Macau Pass and MPay are widely accepted at these small shops, making payment quite convenient.
Regarding business hours, it's important to note that most shops in the Cotai old street district don't open in the morning—they typically start operating after 2 PM and close around 7 PM. The peak season for buying souvenirs is during spring and summer (April to October) because the weather is stable and carrying items is more convenient. In winter, be mindful of rainy days, as many street-level shops will close early.
Regarding expenses, the recommended souvenir budget is at least MOP$100-200 per person. If you're getting the combo of almond cookies, jam, and ceramics, MOP$400-500 can already get you quite a丰富. If you're looking to buy luxury brands at casino shopping malls, the prices are similar to Hong Kong, sometimes even more expensive—so there's no advantage.
Travel Tips:
For souvenir shopping in Cotai, the best rhythm is to first visit Taipa Houses Museum in the morning for photos (the atmosphere there is great and the photos turn out well), then browse the ceramic gallery on the way, followed by having crab congee for lunch at a tea restaurant. Around 3 PM, you can catch the almond cookies coming out of the oven and join the queue—this way, you can cover all the recommended shops in one day.
If you have extra time, you can also visit the fishing rafts near the ferry terminal along the Cotai Strip, where some grandmothers sell self-made shrimp paste and salted fish—very local souvenir options. However, note that these are mostly cash transactions with no electronic payment options.
For elderly visitors, the slopes in the Cotai old street district are relatively gentle, making it much easier to navigate than Macau Peninsula. The Chinese government is now promoting the silver economy, and age-friendly facilities are more developed in newer areas. However, some of the cobblestone paths in the alleyways can be quite slippery—it's recommended to wear non-slip shoes.
One final reminder: many of these small shops don't accept reservations or have online stores, so if you see something you like, buy it on the spot—next time you visit, it might already be sold out or have increased in price.
Macau Key Data
Macau 2023: 28.7M visitors, GGR MOP 183.6B, 22 UNESCO monuments, 14 Michelin stars (2024).
| Indicator | Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Visitors | 28.7M | MGTO |
| GGR | MOP 183.6B | DICJ |
| UNESCO | 22 | UNESCO |
| Michelin | 14 | Michelin |
