Hey everyone! It’s your girl, Li Wei, back with another exciting adventure from the heart of China.
This time, we’re venturing just a little outside the mainland to a place that’s often called the “Las Vegas of the East”: Macau!
It’s a great starting point for a larger China itinerary, perhaps even as part of a china travel itinerary 2 weeks long.
What is Macau Best Known For?
Macau: More Than Just Casinos
Before we dive in, let’s answer that burning question: What exactly is Macau best known for? The short answer is gambling.
The casinos are definitely a major draw, attracting visitors from all over the world.
But beneath the glitz and glam, you’ll find a rich history as a former Portuguese colony, a vibrant culinary scene (think china food plate displays!), and stunning architecture that blends East and West.
It’s this unique combination that makes Macau so compelling.
Is Macau Worth Visiting for Tourists?
A Unique Cultural Experience
Absolutely! Macau is definitely worth visiting for tourists! It’s a great place to visit for a day trip, but is even better if you have a few days to explore.
It offers a unique cultural experience that you won’t find anywhere else. From the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center to the modern marvels of the Cotai Strip, there’s something for everyone.
So, is Macau worth visiting? In my opinion, a resounding yes! If you’re planning a larger china travel plan, be sure to allocate a few days to Macau.
Macau: A Blend of East and West
Exploring Macau’s History
Located just an hour west of Hong Kong, Macau served as a Portuguese colony for over 400 years, leaving an indelible mark on its culture, cuisine, and architecture.
Today, it’s a Special Administrative Region, just like Hong Kong, with its own government and currency.
This unique history is what sets Macau apart, and it’s what makes exploring the city so rewarding. Perhaps, if you have more time, you can extend your trip with a hong kong china itinerary.
The Best Things to Do in Macau
Immerse Yourself in History at the Ruins of St. Paul’s
No trip to Macau is complete without visiting the iconic Ruins of St. Paul’s.
These majestic ruins are all that remain of a 17th-century Jesuit church, once the largest Catholic church in Asia. Destroyed by fire in 1835, the surviving facade is a testament to Macanese history and culture, with intricate statues, portals, and engravings.
Don’t forget to explore the Museum of Sacred Art & Crypt to see religious artifacts from the 16th to 20th centuries.
Li Wei’s Tip: Escape the crowds by popping into the nearby Na Tcha Temple, nestled right behind the Ruins. It’s a quiet contrast to the bustling tourist hotspot. You can easily add this to your china itinerary 10 days.
Ascend to Monte Fort for Panoramic Views
For breathtaking 360-degree views of Macau, head to Monte Fort, one of the oldest and largest stone forts in the city.
Built in a unique trapezoid shape with cannons at each corner, this impenetrable fortress offers stunning vistas of the Ruins of St. Paul’s, the Guia Lighthouse, the Grand Lisboa Hotel, and even glimpses of mainland China.
The views are especially stunning at sunset, making it a great great wall sunset alternative if you can’t make it all the way to Beijing!
Li Wei’s Tip: After soaking in the views, explore the gardens below and visit the Macau Museum to learn about the city’s fascinating history, from its early fishing days to its modern transformation.
Seek Blessings at the Ancient A-Ma Temple
Step back in time at A-Ma Temple, one of Macau’s oldest temples, built in 1488.
Dedicated to the goddess of the sea, A-Ma, this temple is built into the hillside, comprising six main sections, each offering a unique glimpse into Chinese religious practices.
This would be a fantastic place to pick up some souvenirs from china related to blessings and good fortune.
Li Wei’s Tip: Try your luck at the golden basin on the rooftop! Locals believe that if you toss a coin in and it makes a unique sound, you’ll receive good fortune.
Admire the Serene Beauty of the Church of St. Joseph
Tucked away from the main tourist areas, the Church of St. Joseph is a stunning example of Baroque architecture.
With its scalloped canopy, grand staircase, and striking white-and-yellow facade, this church offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Inside, you’ll find intricate altars, mesmerizing Solomonic spiral columns, and a collection of rare holy relics. Remember to check the dress code before visiting religious sites; a modest asian wedding gown white big is a good example of respectful attire (although perhaps not practical for sightseeing!).
Step Back in Time at Lung Wah Tea House
For an authentic taste of old Macau, visit Lung Wah Tea House, a traditional Cantonese dim sum restaurant that has been serving locals since the 1960s.
The interior is filled with artifacts and decor from that era, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Macau’s past.
This is one of the few traditional tea houses remaining in Macau, making it a truly special experience. Be sure to try some chinese tea in chinese teacups!
Find Tranquility at Lou Lim Ieoc Garden
Escape the city’s chaos at Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, a serene Suzhou-style garden in the heart of Macau.
With its traditional Chinese landscaping, bamboo groves, rock sculptures, pagodas, and ponds, this garden offers a peaceful retreat where you can relax, practice tai chi, or simply enjoy the scenery.
A Taste of Macau’s Cuisine
Indulge in Street Food in Taipa Village
For the best Macanese street food, head to Taipa Village.
Sample local snacks at Koi Kei Bakery, famous for their almond cookies and jerky. Try the succulent pork chops at Tai Lei Loi Kei, or indulge in durian ice cream and serradura at Mok Yi Kei.
Don’t forget to grab some freshly made mochi from Mochi Macau. Remember to have some money in chinese letters prepared!
Indulge in Portuguese Egg Tarts
No trip to Macau is complete without trying the iconic pasteis de nata (Portuguese egg tarts).
Visit Lord Stow’s Bakery, established in 1989, for traditional Portuguese tarts. Also, check out Koi Kei Bakery and San Hou Lei for variations on this classic treat.
Planning Your Trip to Macau
How Many Days in Macau is Enough?
So, how many days should you spend in Macau? Well, that depends on your interests. A day trip from Hong Kong is definitely doable to see the main highlights like the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Senado Square.
However, to truly experience all that Macau has to offer – from its historic temples to its vibrant street food scene – I recommend spending at least 2-3 days.
This will give you time to explore the city at a more relaxed pace and discover some hidden gems. A good way to experience more in china in 2 weeks, is to allocate fewer days in some cities and make your way around at a steady but efficient pace!
Macau After Dark
And what about things to do in Macau at night? Well, the casinos are obviously a big draw, with their dazzling lights and high-energy atmosphere.
But there’s also plenty of other nighttime activities to enjoy, such as strolling along the Senado Square, which is beautifully lit up at night, or catching a performance at one of the many theaters in the Cotai Strip.
Macau for Couples
Looking for romantic things to do in Macau for couples? Consider a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Taipa Village, enjoying a delicious Portuguese dinner, or taking a romantic gondola ride at the Venetian Macao.
Macau is a truly unique destination that offers a fascinating blend of East and West. While the casinos are certainly a major draw, there’s so much more to discover beyond the gaming tables.
From its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center to its vibrant culinary scene, Macau is a city that will surprise and delight you. For a longer 3 weeks in china, you could add trips to multiple locations and discover other cities as well.
So, next time you’re planning a trip to Asia, be sure to add Macau to your list. You won’t regret it! Maybe look for a travel agency in chengdu china or elsewhere to help you plan a larger trip!
What are your favorite things to do in Macau? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more travel adventures from China and beyond!
Safe travels!
If you’re looking for more Asian travel guides, check out our Ultimate 14-Day China Travel Guide or our guide on Unraveling the Exotic Charm of Yunnan in a Seven Day Journey.
