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Shopping in Macau city

Macau can't yet compete with Hong Kong in shopping terms, but it is taking giant strides, combining high street stores with intriguing markets, side-street Cantonese pharmacies, antique and curio shops and funky boutiques.

Key areas

The main shopping areas in peninsular Macau are along Avenida do Infante Dom Henrique and Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro. Other shopping zones can be found along Rua da Palha, Rua do Campo and Rua Pedro Nolasco da Silva. The charming Livraria Portugues (18-22 Rua Sao Domingos) stocks excellent books on Macau. For neatly packaged Chinese medicinal products, visit Eu Yan Sang (48 Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro). Asian Artefacts (9 Rua dos Negociantes) in Coloane village is excellent for bric-a-brac and antique furniture, as well as the Ruins of St Paul's district. 

Markets

The most popular flea market in Macau is situated near the Ruins of St Paul's where ad hoc stalls can be set up featuring everything from antique pottery and statues to posters, toys and stamps. Taipa Flea Market takes places every Sunday between 11am and 8pm in Bombeiros Square in Taipa Village. Dozens of stalls sell hundreds of surprise items from traditional delicacies to souvenirs and accessories. Also head to the Red Market for food and clothing.

Shopping centres

Upscale hotels, such as Wynn Macau, Grand Emperor, Landmark and Macau's hospitality stalwart, Mandarin Oriental, all feature brand shopping malls. The Grand Canal mall at the Venetian Macao Resort in Cotai features hundreds of luxury stores flanking man-made canals while Fisherman's Wharf, with its estuary views, attracts luxury shoppers too.

Opening hours

Most of the large hotel shopping centres are open daily from 10am to 11pm.

Souvenirs

Antiques, furniture, fashionwear, confectionary, sweets, dried seafood and sweetmeats, Portuguese wines, traditional crafts, artwork and jewellery - such as silver, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, all of which are available duty-free - are popular souvenirs.

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Pousada de São Tiago

Built into what was once a 17th-century fort that defended Macau against hostile invaders, this traditional Portuguese pousada is a romantic place to stay. It commands a splendid view of the Inner Harbour, and the interior décor, with its flagstones, wooden rafters and blue tiles, is a delight.

Harbourview Hotel

Drawing rather incongruously on 18th-century Prague as a basis for its style and design, this 389-room hotel is nevertheless a smart, well-rated place to stay. Perks include a Jacuzzi and indoor pool, as well as a cocktail bar. It offers good value for money, and sits close to the Sands Macao.

Grand Emperor Hotel

With a gilded chariot at the entrance, doormen dressed as Buckingham Palace guards and myriad chandeliers, the Grand Emperor doesn't go in for subtlety. The rooms are more restrained, with wall-mounted plasma screen TVs and large bathrooms with walk-in rainforest shower. Facilities include a business centre, fitness centre and five floors of gaming.

Hotel Royal Macau

This newly renovated Macau hotel may be a little removed from the action, but it's all the more attractive for that reason. It's just up the hill from the wonderful Clube Militar de Macau restaurant and offers some good-value packages. It sits at the foot of Colina da Guia, Macau's landmark hill and the site of the historic Guia fort and lighthouse.

Ole London Hotel

This very pink, six-storey block with 60 rooms near the Inner Harbour boasts smart and spotless (if small) rooms. All rooms have private bathroom with hair dryer, TVs and a mini bar. Breakfast is included. Given its location and rates, the Ole London Hotel offers one of the best deals in town.

Parisian Macao

Open on the Cotai Strip since mid-2016 (and echoing its Gallic namesake in Las Vegas), the Parisian Macao features a half-size replica Eiffel Tower, complete with observation decks and nightly light shows. The hotel itself has a mind-boggling 3,000 rooms and suites, all furnished to a high standard, and there are numerous dining, shopping and entertainment options.