When it comes to Macao, most tourists first think of the Peninsula's old town area or the large resorts on the Cotai Strip. But if you want to experience the collision of "Traditional Macao" and "Luxury Macao," Taipa is definitely the best starting point — this outlying island of just 7.6 square kilometers has transformed in recent years from an unremarkable fishing village into a hot new tourism destination where old and new intertwine, making it worth your special trip to "enter."
Taipa is divided into two completely different worlds: The northern old town area preserves the most authentic Portuguese-style atmosphere of Macao, with century-old pastry shops and traditional snacks hidden in the alleyways; The southern Cotai area is the arena for the world's top-tier resorts, with luxury fully on par with Las Vegas. This "穿越半世紀" experience is Taipa's most unique charm.
Rua do Cunha (Kun Ye Temple Street) is the core of Taipa's old town area. This short, more than 200-meter-old stone-paved street is lined with pastry shops, gift shops, and traditional tea restaurants. Compared to the crowds at St. Paul's in Macao Peninsula, the pace here is much slower, perfect for a leisurely stroll. 【明記餅家】(Ming Kee Pastry) is a time-honored brand that locals have loved since childhood. The almond cakes are freshly baked, and as soon as you open the packaging, you're greeted with a rich almond aroma. They cost around MOP$35-$50 per box, making them the top souvenir to bring home.
If you want to taste authentic Macao desserts, the clay pot coffee and thick toast at 【世紀咖啡】(Century Coffee) are the classic combination. The owner insists on using traditional clay pots for brewing coffee, giving it a particularly rich flavor. Paired with crispy thick toast, it makes a perfect Taipa afternoon tea. The address is at the intersection of Rua do Cunha and Sheng Yang Street, usually open from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Leaving Rua do Cunha, about a 10-minute walk brings you to 【St. Francis Xavier's Church】, the most representative colonial-era building complex in Taipa. The mint-green Portuguese-style villas stand by the lake, and the reflection on the water surface is hailed as one of "Macao's most beautiful scenery." Free admission, open daily from 10:00-19:00 (closed on Mondays). If you love architecture or photography, it's recommended to come during sunset hours when the soft light is perfect for capturing shots.
Crossing a street from the old town area, you enter another world — the Cotai Strip. Here you'll find Macao's newest large resorts, with 【The Venetian Macao】being the most iconic landmark. Gondolas sway on the canals, the gondoliers' Italian songs echo through the arcade, instantly transporting you to Venice. Free admission to visit. The large artificial sky inside keeps things bright even on rainy days, making it perfect for family outings.
If you want to experience an even more luxurious atmosphere, 【The Londoner Macao】and 【The Parisian Macao】are just one street apart. The Londoner recreates the exterior of the UK Parliament Building and Big Ben, with luxurious interiors and themed rooms that amaze; The Parisian features a miniature Eiffel Tower, with light shows starting at 7 PM every half hour. These resorts are not just attractions but the core of Macao's economy — according to 2024 data, over 70% of Macao's gaming revenue comes from the integrated resorts in Cotai.
If you want to have a high-value lunch in Cotai, you can choose 【North Flavors】or the buffets inside various resorts. MOP$150-$300 can get you a decent buffet lunch, while dinner buffets usually cost MOP$300-$600. It's worth noting that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in North America, but as an important sports betting hub in Asia, Macao's resorts continue to upgrade their sports-themed entertainment facilities. Sports enthusiasts should pay special attention.
For practical information, to reach Taipa's old town area, you can take Macao buses: routes 11, 15, 22, 28A, 33, and 34 can all reach Rua do Cunha, with a fare of MOP$6. It takes about 30 minutes from the Macao Peninsula. To reach the Cotai Strip, you can take the Taipa Light Rail, getting off at "Cotai East" or "Pak Lok" stations, with fares ranging from MOP$4-$10 depending on distance. From Hong Kong, you can take the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge shuttle bus (commonly called "Golden Bus"), with a one-way fare of about MOP$58-65, taking about 40 minutes directly to Macao city.
Macao International Airport is located in northern Taipa, with flights to major Asian cities. You can take a taxi directly from the airport to the Cotai resort area, with a fare of about MOP$50-$80.
Travel tips: Shops in the old town area generally close early, with Rua do Cunha shops usually closing at 6 PM. If you want to explore the old shops, plan to go in the morning or early afternoon. The Cotai resorts are open 24 hours, and nighttime visits have a unique atmosphere. Macao's summer (June-September) is hot and often sees typhoons, while winter (November-February) is cooler and more comfortable — it's the recommended travel season. If you have enough time, consider staying overnight in Taipa, experiencing the slow pace of the old town area to the luxurious nightlife on the Golden Light Avenue, and fully感受 these two completely different aspects of Macao.
