Macau is a part of China resting 60km southwest from Hong Kong, which is known as a popular tourist destination. The name Macau is a derivative of the term ‘Magao’ meaning A-Ma temple – a shrine devoted for the Goddess of Sea revered by the Macanese – Macau inhabitants.

The city is also a Freeport, which means here you can buy goods for duty-free prices making it a shoppers’ paradise indeed. You can buy a wide range of items available at cut-prices or bargain prices including antiques, cameras, haute couture, dried seafood, electronics, herbs and remedies from China, jewelry, leather goods, porcelain, Portuguese wine, pottery, souvenirs and watches. You can also ask for a certificate to ensure the authenticity of costly antiques and a warranty / guarantee for the extravagant jewelry and gold accessories.

There are several shopping hotspots in Macau such as Senado Square Area found downtown, towards the North of Avenue Almeida Ribeiro, Red Market – the pedestrian street at the joint of Av. Almirante Lacerda and Av. Horta e Costa, Rua de Sao Paulo Area near the St. Paul’s Cathedral and the New Yaohan Department store resting opposite the Macau ferry terminal are to name but a few.

Macau boasts of a wine museum – the Macau Wine Museum – featuring 1115 brands of wines from the world over, with its oldest being ‘Martle’ produced in 1815. You can taste about 50 different newly brewed wines here and be enlightened about them, prior to making your purchases.

You can discover jewelry shops teeming with gold, pearl and crystal jewelry of attractive designs and grades in the vicinity of St. Paul’s Cathedral as well as around Av. Almeida Ribeiro and Av. Horta e Costa areas.

Explore the Senado Square and Rua do Cunha areas for a firsthand taste of delectable dim sum – various light dishes of Chinese specialty served with Chinese tea. You can also choose from an assortment of appetizing food items to take back to your family and loved ones.

You will be surprised to discover some renowned designer labels, if you visit the areas around Av. Almeida Ribeiro and Av. Infante D. Henrique. Even some of the luxury hotels in the neighborhood house boutiques that sell duty-free items such as fashion wear, perfumes, cosmetics and electronics. If you are looking forward to buying durable items, especially electronic goods visit the certified shops and don’t forget to ask for receipts and quality certificates.

And for a unique evening shopping experience try the Fisherman’s Wharf launched in 2004, in the Outer Harbor of Macau – a hotspot for nightlife. And the neighboring islands Coloane and Taipa and their resorts housing modern shopping malls and showrooms amidst the vivacious entertainment zones.

There is a wonderful selection of hotels in Macau. Some of the luxury hotels in Macau including The Venetian Macau Resort Hotel provide spacious cozy abodes furnished with modern amenities spiced with a range of sumptuous cuisines. A centrally located hotel in Macau can offer easy access to many of the city’s attractions and shopping hotspots.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.