Once upon a time, if you mentioned Macau to most in Britain, ‘I didn’t know you owned a cow?’ might have been the most likely response. But the ‘The Las Vegas of Asia’ has, in recent years, become one of the world’s great tourist destinations for those seeking glitz, glamour and gastronomy.
Just a short ferry ride from Hong Kong, this once peaceful city is in danger of outgrowing its older sibling, with the opulence and ostentation turned up to 11 and a sense of fanfare at the forefront of everything the area has to offer.
There are now more than 40 casinos in Macau and the city even has its own answer to strip, Cotai, with glittering skyscrapers offering all sorts of delights on either side of the boulevard. Moreover, with a mix of Ancient Chinese history and Portuguese influences from colonial days gone by, there’s much more to this city than just giant casinos.
It can, therefore, be a little difficult to narrow down the abundant entertainment options to fit one holiday-sized itinerary. Well, we’re here to help, with our guide to the best things to do Macau.
Revel In The Razzle Dazzle
Even if you don’t intend to have a flutter in the casinos, you’d be crazy to miss the buzz and excitement of the strip. The Grand Lisboa, for instance, is more famed for its awe inspiring architecture than for long nights spent at the blackjack table, so it’s definitely worth a visit. The sheer spectacle of the lights all turning on at night, in unison, is worth the trip alone. While you’re there, be sure to check out the nightly light show hosted in the foyer of the Galaxy Hotel, and take in a show, too – fireworks, magic, singing; you name it.
If you are going to try your luck at the table, be sure to have a little practice first. More is gambled in this former Portuguese colony than anywhere else in the world, so learning the rules of poker, a few blackjack hands or having roulette terms explained in advance will stand you in good stead for the good times ahead. However, remember the house always wins so always gamble responsibly.
Dine Eclectically
Though Macau boasts a number of multi-Michelin starred establishments, you don’t have to spend big to eat like a king in the city. Indeed, the most famous edible delight on offer here actually hails from Portugal; the classic, world famous pastel de nata – or custard tart to those monolingual among us. There’s nowhere better to try this treat than Lord Stow’s Bakery in the Venetian Macao Resort.
In fact, there’s plenty of fine Portuguese cuisine on offer, owing to their mass migration to Macau in the 1980s. Grilled cuttlefish or sardines makes a cracking lunch before a day’s sightseeing, that’s for sure.
If you’re looking to eat like the locals do, then you can’t go wrong with roast duck; crisp skin, peppery sauce, tender meat, and sold on many street corners.
Macau’s famous pork chop bun at Sei Kee Café is as good a first bite as any, and will only dent your budget to the tune of £2.50. A cheap and cheerful bowl of springy fresh egg noodles with pork braised in a five spice mix at Leong Heng Kei is even cheaper and no less delicious.
For a wider selection of dishes, go to Wong Kun Sio Kung where plates range from 30 to around 120 macanese pataca (MOP), meaning getting fed really well won’t reach much over a tenner, even if you arrive with a huge appetite. This place is famous for its noodles with dried shrimp roe and the noodles are made by the traditional bamboo pressing method. People also come here for the sea crab congee, which is as good as it sounds.
But if fine dining is your thing, then Macau has got you covered, big time…
Read: 5 of the best casino restaurants in Macau
Explore Old Taipa Village
If you want the perfect microcosm of Macau, where Portuguese and Mediterranean influences blend seamlessly with their Chinese counterparts, then Old Taipa Village is the place that encapsulates it all. Here, churches rub shoulders with temples but seem to rub along happily together; rissoles and dim sum adorn neighbouring menus and you could be forgiven for forgetting which continent you were in. Amazing stuff. Be sure to check out Pak Tai Temple; quaint and majestic, somehow simultaneously.
If you want to delve into the fascinating history and culture of Macau, then you’re in luck, as there are a number of great museums here that offer free entry. These include (though not exhaustive); the Macau Tea Culture House, the Grand Prix Museum, Wine Museum and Treasure of Sacred Art Museum.
The official Macau Museum isn’t always free, but you can enter free of charge on the 15th of each month, so time your trip accordingly if that’s your jam. The Macau Museum of Art, Museum of Taipa and Coloane History, and Taipa Houses Museum are all free on Sundays, too, if you’re looking for even more spend free discovery.
And if you’ve still got it in you, you can delve even deeper into the past at Macau’s temples. The A’ma Temple is Macau’s most famous and oldest; admission is free, but there is a donation box. Be sure to check out Pak Tai Temple too; quaint and majestic somehow simultaneously.
Go Saint-Seeing
Although the Ruins of St. Paul is one of the must-visit spots for some sightseeing, there are many other churches dedicated to saints which are well worth your attention. On Largo de Sao Domingos, just a short walk from the Ruins, St. Dominic’s offers stunning architecture and historical intrigue. St. Augustine’s, St. Joseph’s and St. Lawrence’s Church are all in close proximity, too, meaning you can get five saints in one sitting and still be home (or to a fancy restaurant) for supper.
Stroll Senado Square
Just a short walk from the Ruins of St. Paul, and protected on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as part of the Historic Centre of Macau, Senado Square has a rich history, and even richer visitors. Shopping, souvenirs, snacks; there are plenty of ways to empty your purse over the 3’700 square metres.
It’s also visually stunning, with a monochrome, wave-patterned floor and fountain as the focal point, flanked by grand, pastel-hued colonial architecture. Visit during festival season, particularly Chinese New Year, and you’re in for an even more captivating visual spectacle, as the whole square gets decked out in red and gold latterns. Just stunning, and a wonderful way to finish our look at the best things to do in Macau.
Before we leave you, though, we’ve still go those famous custard tarts on our mind, but this time, we’re going to the source; check out our guide on what to eat in Lisbon and take a trip with us to Pastéis De Belém, where the original recipe is kept in a secret room!