Jaunted

I started from the Hotel Sofitel at Pointe 16 on Macau’s inner harbor, which is poised perfectly near tourist sites and casinos, but heading north on Rua Visconde Papo de Arcos you'll reach where locals live. Passing by family-run restaurants, hair salons, an appliance store and small boutiques gave me insight into how life is behind the scenes in Macau.

Walking out of the hotel, I headed northeast onto Rua da Rabiera do Patane, then onto Avenida do Almirante Lacerda. I found the four-story red brick building I was looking for- the lively Red Market, a bit of a touristy place where locals shop for vegetables, meats, and fresh fish. The Red Market is located on the corner of Avenida Almirante Lacerda and Avenida Horta e Costa, a great starting point and easily spotted on a tourist map, making getting lost then finding a way back quite simple.

The Red Market is impressive and a must-see, but be sure to head past it four blocks until you see the “Snoopy Bakery” on the left hand side of Avenida Horta e Costa. Simply turn right at the corner, cross the street and “get lost” in Macau’s historic Three Lamps district at Rotunda Carlos da Maia. Compact alleys and small bustling streets filled with local vendors selling everything from clothes to food, and all sorts of one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Plan at least a twenty-minute walk each way from the Hotel Sofitel Pointe 16, and give yourself several hours to explore the area. Enjoy “getting lost” in Macau, and always remember to say thanks—"obrigado" in Portuguese. Coming up tomorrow, I pick up the pace with heart-pounding Macau adventures!

[All photos: Stefanie Michaels]

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