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Described by Forbes as “Vegas on steroids”, Macau is known for its opulent casinos, but there is so much more to the city than meets the eye.
Macau is rich in history and home to an eclectic mix of museums, top-notch resorts, adrenaline junky activities and unique cuisine.
If you’re planning to make a trip and want to see what’s beyond the slot machines, check out our guide to Macau.
Where to stay
There are a whole host of casino-affiliated hotels to choose from, but if you’re looking for something more low-key, the chic Mandarin Oriental Macau is the place for you.
This five-star resort is known for its impeccable service, outstanding restaurants, a tranquil spa and wellness centre and 213 luxurious rooms and suites. Does it sound like we’re leaving something off the list? You guessed it—there’s no casino.
Other great options to consider include Banyan Tree Macau (complete with in-room luxury pamper experiences and a manmade beach with metre high waves), Grand Coloane Resort Macau (for seclusion and a spot of golf at the nearby Macau Golf and Country Club), and Pousada de São Tiago (a boutique hotel which is a converted 17th-century fortress).
Get your adrenalin going
While you may get a rush from playing poker, there’s plenty of ways to get your blood pumping outside of Macau’s casinos. For those with a sense of adventure, you can jump off the city’s tallest building, AJ Hackett Macau Tower, to complete the world’s highest bungee jump.
For those who don’t want to take the plunge, but still want to tread on the wild side, opt for the Skywalk. This option lets you make your way around the perimeter of the tower whilst strapped into a harness. Your bravery will be rewarded with the best view of Macau.
Explore Macau’s rich history
The architecture in Macau, harking back to its former Portuguese colonial days, is truly unique and definitely worth exploring. Venturing away from the expansive resorts and into the nearby villages is recommended to anyone looking to experience the city’s preserved Portuguese culture.
Senado Square is paved with traditional Portuguese mosaics and a gorgeous fountain in the centre. This square used to be the official civic square years ago when Macau was still a colony, but today it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions.
About ten minutes’ walk from Senado Square are the ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Dating back to 1602, this church was destroyed in a fire in 1845 but the façade of the building still stands today.
Adjacent to the ruins you’ll find the Macau Museum. This is the place to go to learn about Macau’s history. Browse through interactive exhibits to get a full overview of Macau’s past and how it came to be what it is today.
Discover Macau’s eclectic cuisine
Drawing from both Asian and Portuguese influences, there are several specialties that will tantalise your taste buds.
First on the list is the traditional Portuguese Egg Tart. This rich, flaky pastry filled with egg custard and a caramelised top will leave you feeling like you’ve hit the jackpot. While they’re found on almost every corner and at every restaurant, we suggest sampling one at Lord Stow’s Bakery.
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, stop by the Mandarin Oriental Macau’s restaurant Vida Rica. A fusion of French, Cantonese and Portuguese, its most popular dishes include caviar wrapped in lobster jelly with avocado and mango sauce, Alaskan spider crab and its extensive dim sum selection.
To uncover the wonders of Macau, contact your personal travel manager, or find one near you.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
