Located on the southern coast of China, Macau has a population of around 680,000. It is the most densely populated region in the world, with 39.14 million visitors in 2019.
It is known as the Vegas of the east because of its opulent casinos and poker rooms, but gaming is only part of the attraction; it is rich in history with beautiful colonial architecture, age-old temples, and stylish modern palaces that tell the story of its Sino-Portuguese heritage. Walking through the cobbled streets, you will find beautiful, tiled plazas, dazzling shopping malls with a host of exotic goods, and a mix of Macanese and other cuisines from around the world.
We can now show you some of the places that would make Macau a delightful spot to take your vacation.
Visit The Sky Tower
The Macau Tower is an essential landmark in the city, with fabulous views across the Peral River Delta and Macau Peninsula. It is a popular place to visit if you have a head for heights and look at the spectacular views from the top. Not only a convention and entertainment center, one of its primary functions is to hold up various masts and aerials. Be adventurous by taking the tower walk on level 61 or feel the adrenalin rush with a 223-meter bungee jump from the giant observation deck, then sample the delights of the revolving restaurant to calm down again.
Have a Casino Experience
Credit: WiNG, MGM Grand Macau Access to Casino, CC BY 3.0
MGM Macau is the ultimate statement of style and sophistication; situated on the peninsula, it is ideally placed for visiting the historical area and other attractions in Macau. Its glass exterior reflects the hues and ocean swell of the South China Sea. Being both stylish and comfortable, the casino is the place to be for a hand of poker or a roll of the dice at the gaming tables, but remember, the smarter you play, the luckier you will be. A dozen in-house restaurants allow you to experience authentic cuisine from countries such as Italy, Korea, and Malaysia, to name a few. The iconic Lions Bar sees live shows and DJs every night to keep you entertained.
Reflect at The A-Ma Temple
Credit: WiNG, A Ma Temple 200907, CC BY 3.0
While Macau is known for its casinos, such as the one mentioned above, it is also an area steeped in history and culture. One of the top things to do in Macau after you cash out at the casino is to visit the A-Ma Temple. The oldest and largest of the three Buddha halls was constructed during the Ming Dynasty to commemorate the sacred sea goddess Mazu. Mazu blessed the fishermen to bring them good luck and prosperity; now, her statue in Hongren Hall is a place of worship. Stone lions guard the treasures here; if you walk around the grounds, you can enjoy some of the poems carved in the stone along the cliff.
Take a Day Trip to Taipa Village
Not far away from the Cotai strip is the captivating old fishing village of Taipa. Consisting of narrow alleys with old-style streetlamps, there are plenty of things to see and do here. The colorful markets and street vendors combine with independent restaurants and some good casinos. Try some authentic Macanese cuisine on the Rua da Cunha, the food street. To the east of Taipa, on a hill looking over Coloane Island, is Our Lady of Carmel church, built in the late 19th century in a neo-classical fashion.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy our article titled ‘12 Unexpected Destinations for Overseas Adventure Travel’, which explains some other locations that have unexpected delights.
