Macau Hotels - things to do and attractions
Things to Do in Macau: Macau Hotels travel guide on the best things to do in Macau. We’ve got all the best attractions listed with reviews. Have a look below for more details on Macau Attractions, restaurants, nightlife, bars, clubs, events and shopping.
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Top things to do and Attractions in Macau:
Glitzy Casinos, unspoilt beaches and top-class restaurants, Macau is a glorious slice of the Mediterranean tucked away on the South China Sea. A Portuguese colony for nigh on 500 years, Macau has retained much of its colonial charm – and if culture doesn’t interest you, there is always gambling. Find out what to see and do in Macau below.
Portugeuse Macau:
If you’re looking to explore the Portuguese angle, then there are a couple of streets that are a must. Largo do Senado, (Senado Square) contains some of the most quintessentially Portuguese buildings in the city, such as the Leal Senado Building and the Holy House of Mercy. The square is next to the main road, Almeida Ribeiro. Just north of the square lies the impressive ruins of Sao Paulo, (St Paul’s), once the biggest church in Asia. The church was destroyed by fire in 1835, but its impressive facade and staircase still make it worth the clamber up the hill.
Chinese Macau:
Those seeking the Chinese slant on the city should head for a stroll along Rua De Felicidade. This former red-light district is packed with traditional shops selling various jerky and cookies, as well as Macau’s oldest restaurant, Fat Siu Lau, which serves up a mean roasted pigeon. Another building worth visiting is, Temple da Deusa A-Ma, (A-Ma Temple), which is just next to the inner harbour at the bottom of Barra Hill The temple is over 600 years old and was errected before the Portugeuse ever arrived.
Casinos:
The majority of visitors come to Macau for one purpose only and that is to try their luck at the casinos. The ‘Las Vegas of the East’ has a dizzying range of gaming tables on offer; the monumental Sands; the newly opened Wynn and the more traditional Lisboa. Dress code is extremely relaxed at most of the major casinos, shorts and sandals are no problem.
Macau has long been a gambling haven for Hong Kongers and Chinese alike, however the spate of new Casinos is attracting gamblers from all over the world. Our Macau Casino Guide takes you through Macaus biggest and boldest casinos. From the historical Lisboa to the brand new Wynn , our Macau Casino Guide has the best places to give lady luck a run for her money.
Since being handed back to China in 1999, Macau gambling has undergone a boom. The city is now the world’s number one gambling operation, surpassing Las Vegas in 2007. Macau currently has more than 30 casinos, based both in the city centre and the Cotai Strip.
Macau Hotels - book & save up to 70%! - Venetian resort & hotel & casino
1. Venetian Casino Resort
The Venetian Macau signalled its intentions in a grand opening that boasted residency for Cirque du Soleil and attendance by Manchester Utd football club.
This is a resort that believes in extravagance. Unsurprising, considering this is the biggest casino resort in the world (bigger than anything in Vegas).
Inside you’ll find the regions’ premier shopping mall, a 3000 room hotel and gondoliers roaming canals along mock, Italian streets.
Not to mention the most generously sized gaming floor in the region.
Completely over the top and completely fun, this is the best of Las Vegas transported to Asia.
For those that like to see the shows and enjoy the food, as well as feed the slots, book a few nights at the Venetian.
Macau Hotels - book & save up to 70%! - City of Dreams Hotel & casino
2. City of Dreams Macau
Macau’s first destination for grown up gamblers, the City of Dreams forgoes the Gondoliers and Gladiators of its competitors to offer a more stylish more contemporary experience.
Its three hotels include The Hard Rock Hotel and Crown Tower, arguably two of the best in the city, while its five signature restaurants are elegant, exclusive and aimed at the epicurean.
The gaming floor is equally impressive and one of the biggest in the city.
If you’re looking for the penguin suit, James Bond gamblers experience, the City of Dreams is the place to sip you martini.
3. The Sands Macau
Macaus first Las Vegas style casino, with live bands, free drinks, buffets and all the other trappings associated with the finest Las Vegas Casinos. The Sands is now officially the biggest Casino in the world, and it has set standards high, a massive main gaming floor, as well as a wide range of minimum bets on a variety of games, makes it a good bet for the everyman. The Sands also has a reputation for looking after its high rollers in superfluous style. On the down side main, the main gambling hall feels like an aircraft hangar and lacks character, while its location near the Hong Kong ferry pier sees it crammed at weekends. Avenue da Amizade
Macau Hotels - book & save up to 70%! - Grand Lisboa Casino & Hotel
4. Casino Lisboa
One of Macaus oldest casinos, and a veteran compared to its newer American cousins, the Lisboa was looking more than a little rundown of late, and in the face of increasing competition, treated itself to a facelift.
Re-opened in early 2007, the Lisboa is a lot less foreboding and thankfully a lot brighter.
The Lisboa is still markedly different from the Las Vegas style Casinos popping up the territory.
Low on glitz and glammer, and instead packed with a warren of rooms hiding seasoned gamblers.
Similar to European Casinos, the Lisboa is worth a visit for a glimpse of times gone by. Those looking for the Las Vegas experience should look elsewhere. 2-4 Avendia Lisboa.
5. Galaxy Rio Casino
Not necessarily the biggest or the best, but certainly one of the most enjoyable. The Galaxy Rio Casino is more refined than its brash Las Vegas cousins and its petite size helps it keep an intimate atmosphere. Set in downtown Macau, the casino attracts a seasoned crowd of loyal followers and is the better for it. A lack of gaming tables keeps most punters at the bigger casinos, but for a more elegant gaming experience you cant beat the Galaxy Rio. Opposiute Ho Yin Garden, Downton Macau
Macau Hotels - book & save up to 70%! - Wynn Macau Hotel & Casino & Resort
6. Wynn Macau
The Wynn has made a big splash on the Macau casino market since its opening 2006.
The casino is markedly smaller than most of its rivals, almost half that of the Sands, although it is currently increasing its size, but it has proved small is beautiful.
An award-winning design, both inside and out, has had the gambling worlds cream of the crop flocking to the Wynn to enjoy superior service Las vegas style and some of the highest stakes gambling in town.
Minimum stakes are generally high but the Wynn is a cut above the average.
Beaches:
Macau’s ‘other’ two islands contain the majority of the regions beaches. One of the best is Hac Sa beach, which stretches for miles and has ‘relatively’ clean water.
Hac Sa beach is on Colane island and it will take you at least 30 mins to get there from Macau proper.
Macau’s minibuses frequently change their routes and numbers. Currently number 56 is the best bus out to the island, but it’s best to check.
Restaurants:
Macanese cuisine is unique; a blend of Chinese and other Asian flavors, as well as influences from Portugal and its colonies. Despite the misleading name, Macau’s most famous speciality is African Chicken, which is chicken baked in coconut and peanut paste, with garlic and chillies.
For a taste of Macanese cuisine, and excellent African Chicken, Henri’s Gallery has over thirty years of experience and the taste justifies the expense.
For a taste of Portugal, Fernando’s is a must. Set-up on the edge of Hac Sa beach, the restaurant is famous from here to Lisbon.
Now Here’s our Top 10 MUST DO’s in Macau other than Casinos!
We’ve put together our hit list of the Top 10 things to do in Macau and of course we’ve already explained to you more about Macau, but just in case if you haven’t heard of it, it’s a very tiny peninsula on the south coast of China. It isn’t China – it is a SAR (special administrative region), just like Hong Kong is.
Macau was for a long time a Portuguese territory – when Portugal had it’s old colonial empire. Much of this culture and influence from this country still remains despite it belonging now to China. So similar to Hong Kong with it’s unique British/Chinese meld, you have the same here in Macau, only Portuguese. It is definitely a MUST DO daytrip from HK, and if you avoid those casinos, you will have plenty of time – but of course you can visit them but here’s a tip on things to do other than just the casinos!
Macau Hotels - Sao Paulo Cathedral in Macau
Sao Paulo Cathedral in Macau
This cathedral is only a façade – the rest has been destroyed – but it certainly is one of the top things to do in Macau – it is the city’s iconic symbol. It is beautiful sight of architecture and the perfect place to sit and enjoy a snack or just soak up in all of the hustle and bustle. Don’t miss it.
Macau Hotels - Things to Do - Eat a Portugese Egg Tart
Eat a Portugese Egg Tart
One of the famous things to do in Macau is of course to eat a traditional Portuguese egg tart. I had plenty, and I’m afraid to report they are not as good as the food in Lisbon, but they are still very yummy. You can get them hot from vendors all over the city. They are perfect for on-the-go snacks, so grab a couple to enjoy on the beach or while hiking around the peninsula.
Macau Hotels - Things to Do - Check out the awesome beaches!
Check out the awesome beaches!
Yes it’s true, once of the favourite local’s things to do in Macau is to enjoy a spot of time on the beach – or some swimming. Hac Sa is the black sand beach pictured above (oh that sand feels so lovely between your toes), and Choec Van is the ‘bamboo bay’ beach. On a really hot day, you will enjoy the refreshing waves.
Macau Hotels - things to do & attractions - Milk Pudding - yes it's AMAZING.
Milk Pudding – yes it’s AMAZING.
Of all the things to do in Macau, this our favourite. Leiteria i Son is a milk bar on the Senate Square – it’s not exactly like the milk bar in Clockwork Orange, but it is similarly strange. They staff acts like everyone who arrive know what’s going on, but that’s certainly not the case You see, you can order the bowls of egg pudding or egg custard, but for each you can get them both warm or cold. They also have these amazing milkshakes that are served in a metal container – it’s just milk and pulpy blended fruit juice, but oh they’re so good.
Macau Hotels - Things to do & attractions - View the A-Ma Template
View the A-Ma Template
Similar to the Sao Paulo cathedral, A-Ma is a well worn tourist item on most things to do in Macau lists you’ll find. But I did enjoy it, more so than many of the cathedrals in Hong Kong, mostly because it’s so spacious so you can wonder around to different rooms and terraces.
Macau Hotels - Things to do and attractions - Get your camera out and take a photo of Senate Square
Get your camera out and take a photo of Senate Square
The square’s certainly one of the things to do in Macau. Just look at those waves in the cobblestones; and the European architecture surrounding it is truly stunning. There are lots of wee shops and restaurants leading off the streets from here, so just wander and explore.
Macau Hotels - Things to do & attractions - Take a walk to the Guia Fortress
Take a walk to the Guia Fortress
Get some perspective and enjoy a fantastic view at the Guia Fortress, probably the highest of things to do in Macau (apart from the cheesy bungy jump that you have a fantastic view of). They say this was the first lighthouse in China; this was built in the 1600s to ward off attacks from neighbouring China.
Macau Hotels - Things to do & attractions - Try some Dried Meat, mmmm.
Try some Dried Meat, mmmm.
If those egg tarts aren’t your thing and the Portugese were great it at then you should try the dried meat – it’s so popular it’s actually one of the things to do in Macau that’s hard to avoid. That’s because you’ll vendors out in front of their shop encouraging you to try a slice – they literally cut a piece of with a pair of scissors! Hysterical. Don’t be afraid to ask for a taste – there are lots of choices, and you might be surprised as to what you like or don’t like.
Macau Hotels - Things to Do & attractions - Go up to the Mount Fortress
Go up to the Mount Fortress
We chose this photos as it’s a canon aimed at a casino. Be as you can see, if one of the things to do in Macau you’re looking for is the view, this is it; nestled right in the midst of the city, the fortress has great views over the architecture (both old and new).
Macau Hotels - Things to Do and attractions - Shop till you drop!
Shop till you drop!
Last but not least is the shopping, a popular thing to do. In Macau, you’ll find those good luck roosters everywhere, and they’re a nice souvenir if you’re looking for one. As for clothing and the like, you might prefer the shopping in Hong Kong more. Over on Tapia (one of the islands that makes up the peninsula), you can find lots of traditional craft shops.
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