Macao Shopping Spree: Feel Like You Own the World!
My skincare stash from Macao had run out, and with the May Day holiday coming up, I asked my bestie to join me on another wild shopping spree in Macao to restock for the whole year. At the same time, domestic tourist spots would be packed, so a trip to Macao for some sightseeing sounded just perfect. Having already experienced the thrill of splurging in Macao before, we came extra prepared this time with a few more suitcases, ready for an all-out shopping frenzy. A five-day itinerary gave us plenty of time to shop till we dropped. We booked our flights in advance, packed light, and off we went!
Right at the airport exit we spotted the hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus. Hauling our big suitcases aboard was a breeze. Thanks to our previous travel experience, this Macao getaway was blissfully easygoing. For our hotel, we deliberately chose The Venetian Macao. Last time we stayed at The Parisian Macao and loved it; this time we wanted to try The Venetian Macao with its water-town charm—would it bring a different kind of magic? The bus was quick, whisking us to the hotel entrance in just over ten minutes. With the weather so lovely, we took a leisurely stroll around the hotel grounds.
The scenery was genuinely stunning. Walking along the river, we admired how The Venetian looked even more exquisite across the water in the sunlight, its flowing lines radiating Western flair. The gentle ripples, the soft breeze—everything was picture-perfect. Savoring a rare afternoon moment, we officially kicked off our trip by heading first to explore that much-recommended gem, The Venetian Macao!
From the outside it was grand and luxurious, gilt lettering gleaming in the light. Still chatting with my bestie about how impressive the hotel looked, we stepped into the lobby. It was even more lavish than we’d imagined—a world of gold. The ceiling frescoes whisked you away to the West in an instant, and the various sculptures around the lobby seemed to say, "You’ve entered the realm of aesthetics." We wandered the lobby briefly, noticing how distinctive all the murals were. It was a pity we’d never studied fine art, or we’d have been able to savor the unique artistic atmosphere more deeply.
Check-in was speedy, and the front desk kindly told us we could switch room types if needed. Following the golden corridor, we found our deluxe king room. Opening the door, the room matched the photos exactly—the white and gold palette was elegant and cozy. At 70 square meters, there was more than enough space to spread out. The sunken living room design and the plush sofa demanded an immediate "slouch like Ge You" moment. Lamps, a TV, a dining table—everything we needed. For two sofa-loving, telly-watching homebodies like us, this was perfection. The bedside lamps gave off a soft glow, promising a deep, restful sleep.
The bathroom wasn’t small, though its style was quite different from the room—more cool-toned. Plenty of mirrors let you check your reflection from every angle. Toiletries were neatly arranged, and after using them my skin felt wonderfully fragrant. The bathrobes were especially soft and clung cozily. Both the bathtub and shower had just the right water temperature; we even poured in some milk for a luxurious, silky milk bath. After all, a good rest is essential before you can shop with real gusto.
One big reason we chose The Venetian Macao is that it’s connected to four major shopping malls, all within walking distance. With over 800 shops, covering fashion, cosmetics, sportswear, streetwear, home appliances, and more, brand quality is guaranteed, discounts are huge, and the exchange rate adds extra value—truly a shopper’s paradise. The skincare and beauty counters we wanted to stock up from were endless, giving us free rein to pick and choose. Each of the four malls has its own character. The Venetian Macao Shopping Centre is an all-rounder, from luxury labels to high-street brands, catering to every age group. Plus, with Venice-themed scenery, it’s a joy to shop while strolling along canals. The Parisian Macao’s shopping mall is French-inspired, reminiscent of Galeries Lafayette’s Champs-Élysées and Place Vendôme, filled with concept stores, designer boutiques, and French shops—perfect for fashion-forward trend lovers. The Four Seasons is the true luxury haven, where you can hunt for deals and be dazzled by countless big names. Lastly, The Londoner Macao features upscale children’s shops, department stores, and a play area, making it ideal for families. All four malls connect seamlessly; you can follow your preferences. Since we had plenty of time, we planned to explore them all. With so many must-visit stores, we’re highlighting a few that we found offered the best value. Grab a notebook and jot these down!
When it comes to skincare, DFS is a must. This mecca for beauty lovers is a favorite with personal shoppers too. Estée Lauder, Lancôme, La Mer—all the big brands are here, often with surprise discounts. Flash sales of 50% or even 70% off are not uncommon; a bottle of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence was hundreds of yuan cheaper than on the mainland, sending us into a buying frenzy. Estée Lauder sets also had discounts—basically, the more you bought, the more you saved. The store is vast and packed with products; you could easily spend a whole morning here without finishing. We headed straight for the brands with the biggest markdowns—Estée Lauder and La Mer—saving loads of time. Another big plus: even with the crowds, the service was excellent. The sales assistants helped pair products and threw in lots of free samples. Definitely check out Guerlain lipsticks—practically priced like vegetables!
We searched for ages to find this shop. Mainland China has very few SABON outlets, but its products are hugely popular online. The body lotion and body scrub are replenish purchases for me. With Macao’s favorable exchange rate, they’re even cheaper than buying through a daigou. For the scrub, I recommend the natural sea salt and essential oil version. After a shower, you apply it, leaving a layer of oil on your skin. Rinse again and your skin stays moisturized without any dryness. With long-term use, it becomes velvety smooth—and it’s so affordable. If you enjoy aromatherapy, try their diffusers. This year I picked up a lavender one; I used to prefer subtler scents, but after sniffing this in-store I loved it. Even bought one for my sister—felt like I’d discovered a treasure. As for hand cream, I didn’t buy much since it’s not the season, but it leaves hands soft and fair, well worth remembering for later.
If you’re not careful, Coach bags can look a bit old-fashioned, but with a 40% off promotion, plus an extra 10% off if you buy two items, and the great exchange rate, it’s a solid deal overall. Coach window displays are always so eye-catching; I can’t pass without going in. The new arrivals were lovely. Without the exchange rate and discounts, I’d have spent a fortune, but luckily the pieces I liked were part of the promotion. The sales assistants were friendly too, and purchases here can be serviced on the mainland. If you’re a Coach fan, don’t miss it!
This additive-free Japanese brand is a favorite of mine and my girlfriends. We’re obsessed with their cleansing oil and foundation. Even for a nine-to-fiver, they perform brilliantly. I have to rave about the foundation—my skin is the classic oily type that needs constant blotting, but this foundation gives amazing oil control. We stumbled upon the store while wandering; it was quite spacious. Luckily, it wasn’t crowded when we went, so a consultant gave me a beautiful makeover. On top of that, an 12% discount came with a pile of samples. For a skincare junkie like me, it was irresistible, and many new releases were also on sale—even more surprising than I’d expected!
I’m head over heels for this lipstick shade—it makes my skin look so fair.
And here’s the beloved foundation, with a close-up for you: the oil-control is outstanding!
Sustaining an all-out shopping spree requires stamina, so over our five days we made sure to eat well. On the first day we hit the highly rated Parisian Buffet; the next day we tried the much-buzzed-about Yu Lian Gong, where we experienced true sophistication and sampled all kinds of delicacies. For the following two days, we sought out more down-to-earth snacks, mainly on Rua do Cunha, satisfying our taste buds with a parade of street food. Both shopping and dining were fantastic.
Yu Lian Gong meets the standard of a Black Pearl restaurant. Thank goodness we’d booked ahead; otherwise, we might have waited one or two hours for a table. The interior is classy, with plenty of atmosphere, and the menu is extensive, featuring both Cantonese cuisine and seafood hot pot. We were too worn out from shopping for hot pot, but they actually had a 728-pataca hot pot for two, loaded with seafood, beef, and lamb, all very fresh—we’d love to try that next time. We mainly ordered Cantonese dishes. The presentation was exquisite, and the flavors blew us away. Dishes came out quickly, so we didn’t have to wait. After the meal, we sat and listened to music, savoring the deep pleasure of good food. Pure bliss.
Marinated cherry tomatoes, complimentary appetizer, delicate and sweet-sour.
Pumpkin cream sauce prawn balls—a must-order and this restaurant’s signature dish. The prawns were fresh, smooth and tender, coated in a pumpkin purée that tasted almost like salted egg yolk, a wonderful combination.
Peach gum sweet soup—on the sweeter side; dessert lovers shouldn’t miss it.
Wild rice and crab meat with scallop in rich broth, poured over rice. Deep, savory flavor, fresh broth, the rice plump and delicious.
Coconut honey crispy skin hand-shredded chicken—not greasy thanks to the coconut.
Char siu with cured meats—authentic Cantonese taste.
The Parisian Buffet is ranked extremely highly. The price is reasonable, the setting elegant, and the variety immense: barbecue, seafood, Chinese, Western—you name it. The seafood looked notably fresh, especially the salmon, which was outstanding—thick-cut, generous portions, and unlimited. The mini egg tarts were adorable; downing five at once was no big deal. Desserts came in all sorts of creative designs, totally tempting, and the ice cream was to die for. I’m in love!
Next time I’ll continue exploring other parts of Macao I haven’t visited yet, and try a different style of hotel—like The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao, Conrad Macao, Sheraton Grand Macao, or St. Regis Macao, all under the Sands Macao umbrella. As our trip came to an end, we headed back with hearts overflowing with contentment. We’d stocked a whole year’s supply of skincare, picked up brand-new handbags, and snagged all sorts of essentials. That feeling of a great harvest is something you only get in a shopping paradise like Macao. Macao is absolutely worth every shopper’s trip—so exhilarating and fun!
Travelogue Contents: 1. Staying at the beloved Venetian Macao 2. Crazy shopping malls 3. DFS 4. SABON 5. Coach 6. FANCL 7. Food zone below 8. Yu Lian Gong 9. Parisian Buffet Travel tips Hotel guide Strategy guide Flight guide Website directory Travel guide Cruise guide Corporate travel guide Join Our Affiliate Program Distribution partnerships Links Corporate gift cards Insurance agency Hotel partnership Destination and scenic spot collaboration More collaborations About Ctrip About Ctrip Ctrip Hot Topics Contact Us Careers User Agreement Privacy Policy Business License Safety Center Ctrip Content Center Intellectual Property Trip.com Group Algorithm Disclosure
