Let’s go to Macau’s Kitchen! Introducing how to enjoy the hidden tourist spot, Red Market

Macau, with its remnants of the colonial Portuguese era scattered throughout, offers a unique charm. In the southern part of Taipa and Coloane, luxury hotels and casinos line the streets, contributing to the special atmosphere of the city.

In this blend of old and new, the most "Asian" vibe is arguably given off by the markets in the historical district. This time, we will introduce "Red Market," one of Macau's most famous markets.

1. What is Red Market?

Red Market is a public market located in the northern part of downtown Macau, near the border with mainland China. It is called "Red Market" because of its red brick-like building. The exterior features an Art Deco style, exuding a sense of grandeur. The market was built in 1936 and has been in use since 1939. Although there are about ten markets in Macau, Red Market is the most famous and supports the local community's daily needs.

However, the area around Red Market is rarely visited by tourists. The charm of the area is discovering the local, non-touristy side of Macau, giving a glimpse into everyday life.

2. How to get to Red Market

To get to Red Market from downtown Macau, take a bus from Senado Square, the main tourist hub. It takes about 20 minutes. From the nearest bus stop, "New Road," you can take buses 3, 4, 6, 26A, or 33 and get off at the "Red Market" stop. Taxis are not too expensive either, so if you’re in a hurry, consider taking one.

Red Market, being a local market, tends to be crowded in the mornings. Its hours are from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM, but individual shops may vary in their hours. Many stores close early, so it’s recommended to go as early as possible.

3. Shopping at Red Market

Red Market is not your typical "tourist market." It is a local market frequented by the people of Macau on a daily basis. Because of this, tourists are few, and you get a chance to experience a side of Macau that is not just about World Heritage sites and casinos, but something more authentic.

On the basement level of Red Market, you’ll find vegetables and grains. The first floor offers fresh seafood, while the upper floors sell meats like pork. Typically, shopping at Red Market is by weight.

In the vegetable section, fresh vegetables are stacked high. The vibrant colors of the produce are impressive, and you’ll also find many vegetables.

Seafood is all fresh, with live fish sold in large tanks, as expected. The fish displayed are caught daily from nearby waters, ensuring they are fresh.

Meat is sold in large chunks. Whole chickens are displayed with their feathers removed, and sometimes they are even sold live. Naturally, it’s quite different with the scent of livestock and visible blood. It’s best to prepare yourself for this experience.

4. The surroundings of Red Market

Surrounding Red Market, you'll find small shops selling fruits, clothing, and more. In the evening, food stalls also appear. Nearby, you’ll find Lung Wah Tea House, a popular Hong Kong-style dim sum restaurant, which is a great stop for breakfast or lunch.

To the south of Red Market, around San Va Leng, you’ll find a mix of vegetable stalls, clothing shops, dried goods, and leather bags. There are many street vendors, making it a great spot for food strolling. It’s a small area, so walking around Red Market and its surrounding area makes for a pleasant exploration, and you can enjoy the authentic atmosphere of Macau. The area is home to a Myanmar community, giving it a different vibe as well.

◎ Summary

We introduced Red Market, where you can catch a glimpse of local life in Macau. Although Macau is a small city, just a short distance away from the main tourist areas, you can discover entirely different views. Taking the time to explore such places is one of the joys of travel.

Why not wake up a little earlier and add a stroll through Red Market to your travel itinerary? It’s a great way to see a different side of Macau.

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Let’s go to Macau’s Kitchen! Introducing how to enjoy the hidden tourist spot, Red Market