Almeida Ribeiro Street (Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro) is the commercial heart of Macau, a vibrant avenue that cuts through the UNESCO-listed Historic Center of Macau. Known locally as Sun Ma Lo, Almeida Ribeiro Street started life as a narrow, winding alley before receiving a makeover in 1918. Today, colonial-style landmarks sit next to traditional Tang buildings and present a fascinating architectural landscape alongside retail and dining attractions.
Begin at Largo do Senado, a busy square where pastel-hued neoclassical buildings with arcaded facades house shops and restaurants. Take a photo next to the fountain and admire the square’s mosaicked floor pattern. The resplendent Holy House of Mercy dates back to 1569 and has exhibitions of religious artwork. Events, such as Christmas markets and the Chinese New Year, bring color and entertainment to the square all year round.
Along the street, neon-lit signs advertising businesses in Chinese offer an interesting contrast to the European architecture. Note the tiled patterns of the pavements, which depict sea creatures, sailing ships and waves. Browse the antique dealers, electronics stores, jewelers and liquor shops.
When hunger strikes, fill up on dim sum, noodle soups and meat jerky. Satisfy your sugar cravings with egg tarts and peanut cookies. On weekends, take a detour on Cinco de Outubro street for the Hong Kung Night Market. Find street food vendors serving up an array of seafood snacks and stands selling handicrafts, clothes and vintage toys.
Another interesting thing to do is to visit the Heritage Exhibition of a Traditional Pawnshop Business. This free museum showcases the history of pawnshops in Macau by recreating an authentic shop setting environment. Learn about the work of the first Chinese charity established in Macau at the Tung Sin Tong Historical Archive Exhibition Hall.
Almeida Ribeiro Street is located within about a 15-minute walk from Macau’s major hotels and casino resorts. Several public bus lines stop at intervals along the avenue.
