Four hundred years of integration between Chinese and Western history and culture have made Macao a splendid place today including the old Historic Center of Macao, stately churches, quiet streets, flashy gambling casinos, and mouthwatering food. Here, we have recommended the top 10 things for you to do in Macau.
1. Have a Glimpse at the Luxurious Casinos
Reputed as being "the Las Vegas of the East", Macau is famous for its gambling and it has plenty of huge casinos. Even if you're not interested in gambling, the splendid appearance of these casinos is well worth seeing and taking pictures of, especially when the lights go on at night. For those who want to take a chance with their luck, just go ahead…and remember not to get too addicted to it.
Most casinos are located in the hotels and resorts. You can have fun there, such as shopping, boating, and watching wonderful entertainment shows, even if you are not interested in gambling. Here are some of the most famous casinos in Macau:
The Venetian Macau- Grand Lisboa Casino - one of the most famous casinos
- The Venetian Macau - the biggest casino resort in the world
- Wynn Palace - as its name suggests, it's palatial and elegant
- City of Dreams - one of the biggest and best designed casinos
- Sands Macau - Macau's first Las Vegas-style casino
2. Explore the Historic Center of Macau
The Historic Center of Macau is the oldest, largest, best-preserved, and most concentrated architectural complex of Eastern and Western styles to exist in China. All of the architectural structures in the center are close to each other, being within walking distance.
It includes the ruins of the oldest church and monastery in China, the oldest Christian cemetery, the oldest Western-style battery complex, the first Western-style theater, the first modern lighthouse, and the first Western-style university.
Monte Forte- A-Ma Temple is the oldest Taoist temple in Macau. The temple is dedicated to Mazu, who can help merchants and fishermen head off dangers on the roiling sea.
- The Ruins of St. Paul's was the greatest church in Macau and combined the architectural styles of Europe and the East. Unfortunately, it burned down in 1835, only leaving its large and beautiful facade and the front stairway.
- Monte Forte is the biggest remaining old structure and houses the Macau Museum. The 100-by-100-meter stone fort has superb sunset and casino views from the top.
- Senado Square is one of the four main squares in Macau and one of the best places to see the old area of Macau. You will find splendid pastel colored classic buildings, shops, and restaurants there.
3. Visit Interesting Museums
Although Macao is a small island, there are more than 20 museums of various themes, such as art and culture, religious beliefs, and traditional customs. They show the wonderful and diverse culture of Macau. People can understand the city from different angles.
The Macau Museum- The Macau Museum: You can learn about everything from the history and culture of the former colony to the latest architecture and urban planning for the region.
- The Maritime Museum: You can learn about the maritime history of Macau as well as ancient Chinese ship construction methods and overseas exploration.
- The Macau Wine Museum: This includes a section on the history of wine production, a wine collection section, and a wine exhibition section.
- The Grand Prix Museum: displaying over 20 cars that once participated in the Grand Prix competition
- The Fire Services Museum: displaying old fire engines, old fire helmets, fire uniforms, and all kinds of ancient firefighting tools used in Macau during the early days
- The Taipa Houses-Museum: It is a museum collection of Portuguese colonial period houses. The distinctive furniture, room decorations, and old photos on the walls give you a good idea of how the colonists lived back then.
4. Satisfy Your Taste Buds with Macau Food
Portuguese egg tartMacau's cuisine is a mixture of Chinese and Portuguese and, over the centuries, the Macau people developed their own style of food by using local and imported ingredients. There are many kinds of baked Macanese foods, such as cakes, bread, and tarts.
Don't miss:
- Lord Stow's Bakery's Portuguese egg tarts
- Gelatina Mok Yi Kei's (莫義記) durian flavored ice cream and sawdust pudding
- Rua do Cunha - a famous street where you'll find all kinds of Macau snacks
5. Leave Your Footprints on Hac Sa (Black Sand) Beach
Leave your footprints on Hac Sa (Black Sand) Beach.Hac Sa Beach is located on the south side of Coloane. It got its name due to its distinctive smooth black sand. In recent years, however, the beach has been eroding so the Macau government has filled it with some yellow sand to prevent it from disappearing. You can spend some quiet time there.
Looking at the quiet bay, stepping on the soft black sand, and being bathed in the sea breeze is very pleasant. If you go there at night, you will have the chance to see the beautiful stars shining in the sky. There are many activities to do, such as camping, swimming, and enjoying a barbecue.
6. Take a Romantic Stroll Along Travessa da Paixão with Your Loved One
Travessa da Paixão is about 50 meters long and has a history of more than 80 years. The buildings on both sides are in a European style, painted in red and yellow with a romantic atmosphere. According to Macau folklore, if you go through the lane, you will soon fall in love. When walking down the lane, you can see many couples taking their wedding photos.
7. Feel Your Heart Beat Faster at Macau Tower
Macau TowerMacau Tower is the tenth tallest sightseeing tower in the world with a height of 338 meters. There is a very challenging activity: bungee jumping. Jump from a height of more than 200 meters and plunge towards the ground at a speed of 200 kph to get your adrenaline pumping. If you're not ready for the challenge of bungee jumping, you can test your nerves on Skywalk.
If you are not interested in such exciting adventures, there are other activities waiting for you: sightseeing, a movie theater, a revolving restaurant, shops, and game machines.
8. Enjoy the Night View of Macau on a Figure-8 Ferris Wheel
The Golden Reel is the world's first figure-8 Ferris wheel. It is 130 meters high, taking about 15 minutes to complete a ride. When night falls, the Ferris wheel emits a golden light, looking like two hot planets hitting the outside of a building. You can enjoy the most beautiful night view of Macau in a science fiction-themed viewing carriage.
Giant panda eating bamboo9. Watch Pandas in the Giant Panda Pavilion
These interesting and unusual animals live in a plush house alongside other animals in a small zoo in Seac Pai Van Park. Watch pandas munching bamboo, walking, rolling around, and lazing on rocks in their enclosure. It is a good place for children to visit.
10. Visit Macau Fisherman's Wharf
Macau Fisherman's Wharf is a theme park. Wandering in the park, you will feel like you are marching in the streets of ancient Rome, and the next second you will feel like you are walking through a palace in the Tang Dynasty. There are also many themed restaurants and bars there.
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