Diane Hutton
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Macao. Nestled on the southern coast of China, the Special Administrative Region of Macao is quite something. It offers a mix of Eastern and Western heritage and 21st-century luxury. Famed for its unique fusion of Portuguese and Chinese influences, it draws millions of visitors from across the globe every year - we’re apparently magnetized by its historical sites, delicious cuisine, and dynamic modernism. It’s also made a name for itself due to its array of megacasinos, offering high-stakes gaming that’s even begun to outshine Las Vegas.
Here in the digital age though, how much does that matter? Tons of games and gaming experiences have gone digital. That’s true whether you’re battling through dystopian worlds in a VR title or heading to a virtual casino to play slots or other gambling staples. This 24/7 access to and subsequent modernization of classic games has shaken up the industry and we’re seeing the brick-and-mortar casino becoming almost irrelevant… which might put you off visiting the physical locations on your holiday. Fortunately, though, there are tons of things to do and enjoy here that don’t involve setting foot inside a casino!
A Brief History of Macao
First up, before we dive into the incredible things to see, do, and experience in Macao, let’s take a trip back through time and get to know the history of this region a little more…
Macao's history as a cultural melting pot goes all the way back to the 16th century. Portuguese traders settled on the peninsula at this time, and for over 400 years, Macao was a Portuguese colony. Its architecture, cuisine, and traditions still show this pretty clearly — look for cobblestone streets and pastel-colored colonial buildings for a glimpse of its past. While the region was handed back to China in 1999, it still retains its fascinating cultural heritage, hence why it's such a unique destination to visit!
Visiting Macao - The Basics
You’ve got multiple options for visiting Macao. Planning a short excursion? Take a day trip here from Hong Kong - you’ll easily be able to combine a trip to two iconic destinations in China! If you want a bit longer, no worries; you can simply choose to visit Macao and Macao alone. There’s plenty to do here to ensure a jam-packed extended stay.
Visa Requirements
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Lots of countries, e.g. the US, Canada, EU member states, and Australia, have visa-free arrangements with Macao for short stays. Even so, it’s never a bad idea to check the latest entry requirements on the Macao Tourism Office’s official website before booking anything!
When to Visit
Ideally, you’ll want to plan your trip around the autumn months so you can avoid the humidity. The spring months can be quite pleasant too — just be prepared for additional levels of humidity!
Where to Stay
Choosing where to stay can be a little tricky because each district in Macao has its own flavor… and picking is no mean feat!
First up? The Cotai Strip. The luxe side of Macao, with its world-class hotels, high-end shopping, and huge entertainment complexes. Coloane, meanwhile, is much more laid-back, with its lovely beaches and ample hiking trails providing all the R&R you could need… and that’s not even mentioning its Giant Panda Pavilion!
Most visitors tend to make the Peninsula their base, as it's well connected to all the other districts and it's where most of the city’s main attractions lie.
Exploring Macao
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the good stuff: exploring Macao! As you might’ve already guessed by now, Macao is a destination that’s really diverse in its offering — which comes in pretty handy when finding things to do here that don’t involve hitting the casinos.
Begin your visit in Macao’s past by heading to the Historic Centre of Macao. This UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses the old town and iconic landmarks like the Ruins of St. Paul’s. And nearby? You’ve got Senada Square, also a cultural highlight. If you time your visit right, you might get to witness its renowned fireworks displays and lion and dragon dances. Or, for a complete cultural contrast, head to the A-Ma temple. Built in 1488 and dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, the temple is one of the oldest in the region.
More cultural fusion awaits in Taipa Village and it will be of particular interest to the foodies among you. Dining here is a whirlwind for your tastebuds. Choose from Chinese and Portuguese street food — pastel de natas are a must! — or treat yourself to a meal at the likes of Antonio’s or O Santos Comida Portuguesa. Tackling the antiques and crafts stalls at the Taipa Flea Market is always easier with a full stomach!
For nightlife and entertainment, the Cotai Strip is where it's at. Here, you’ll find things like the Cotai Arena, Club Para, and the Broadway Theatre. There’s even a replica of the Eiffel Tower, with daily tours and evening light shows.
Finally, to round off your trip, make sure you spend some time in Coloane. Retreat to the black sand Hac Sa Beach for a little sunbathing, or perhaps take on the Coloane Hiking Trail if you’re feeling a bit more energetic? As well as the Giant Panda Pavilion, you can also get to know Macao’s wildlife and ecosystem at Seac Pai Van Park.
