When it comes to entering Taipa, many tourists head straight for the luxurious resorts on the Cotai Strip, but the real "Taipa flavor" is actually hidden in the alleys of the old town. This is the most densely woven area of traditional and modern Macao — walking the entire stretch of Rua do Cunha is like half the history of Macanese street food.
The Taipa Old Town area is small but condenses the most down-to-earth daily scenery of Macao. From Portuguese cobblestone paths to charming old shops run by friendly locals, every corner has a story. Below are a few food destinations truly worth adding to your itinerary, guaranteed not to be the kind of "tourist must-visit" standardized list.
Rua do Cunha
This short 200-meter street is the busiest food hub in Taipa. Lined with old bakeries, wonton noodle shops, and local specialty stores, it's usually crowded on weekends. We recommend visiting on weekday mornings when it's less crowded and easier to browse. The almond cakes, dried meats, and egg rolls here are at least 30% cheaper than those in Cotai resorts, making it your first stop for souvenirs.
Seng Cheong Restaurant
Hidden in a small alley off Rua do Cunha, this is an old classic that locals have been eating at since childhood. The signature water crab congee is the house specialty — one bowl is packed with crab meat and crab roe, priced around MOP$60 for students. To save money, order a regular boat congee with a side of squid cake, and you'll still get authentic ingredients. The dinner service is often packed, so we recommend arriving before 5:30 PM.
Portuguese Restaurant Little Dumbo
Located on the edge of Taipa Old Town, the décor follows a home-style Portuguese dining aesthetic. The bacalhau croquettes and Portuguese roasted chicken are the signatures — a two-person set with appetizer, main course, and dessert runs about MOP$200-300. Although the tourist ratio has been increasing year over year, prices remain reasonable, nearly half the cost of Portuguese restaurants in Cotai resorts.
Casas do Penha (Five Houses of Taipa)
Strictly speaking, this isn't a restaurant but a cluster of mint-green colonial-era Portuguese villas. Situated beside a lotus pond in the wetlands, the best time to take photos is during dusk. The villas house a small exhibition with free admission where you can learn about Macanese culture. After visiting, there's a pavilion across the street where you can sit and发呆, waiting for the sunset.
Antonio's Restaurant
If you want to experience authentic Macanese cuisine, this is a hidden gem beyond the MICHELIN-recommended picks. Nestled in the residential area's alleys, the signature African chicken and curry crab are the house favorites, with per-person spending around MOP$150-250. Reservations are required, otherwise you might make the trip for nothing.
Practical Information
Regarding transportation, taking a taxi from Macao Airport to Taipa Old Town is recommended — fares around MOP$30-40, with a 10-minute ride. If coming from the Macao Peninsula, take buses 11, 22, 28A, or 30X to Taipa town center, with fares at MOP$6. The Taipa Line of the Light Rail is now operational with the "Lotus Road" station, about a 5-minute walk to Rua do Cunha.
For operating hours, most shops in the old town generally open at 10 AM and close at 9 PM, with many closed on Wednesdays — best to confirm before heading out. During peak festive seasons (Chinese New Year, National Day, New Year's Eve), crowds explode; if you want a leisurely visit, avoiding these periods is recommended.
For budget, visiting and eating your way through Taipa Old Town, one person can get by at around MOP$300-500 total. For accommodations, the Cotai Strip area resorts are recommended — during low season, five-star hotels with tax included run around HK$800-1500 per night, offering better value than the Macao Peninsula.
Travel Tips
July to September is typhoon season in Macao — monitor weather forecasts before your trip, as shops in the old town may close during severe weather. Comfortable walking shoes are important, as cobblestone paths can tire your feet. Also, both Macao dollars and Hong Kong dollars are accepted here — exchange only as much Hong Kong dollars as you need, as exchange losses tend to be smaller.
Finally, don't over-schedule your itinerary. The essence of Taipa Old Town lies in "slow" — walk slowly, eat slowly, take photos slowly — that's the right way to experience it.
