If you thought Macau was just a place for casinos and gambling, think again!
This tiny city-state, which only sits at 11 square miles, has an exciting heritage of both Chinese and Portuguese origin. These two cultures have intertwined over the years to create one of the most fascinating places in Asia. The number of tourists visiting Macau for sightseeing has increased in recent years.
Are you planning a trip to Macau for the first time?
Here are tips on where to go, when to go, how to get there, and what to do to maximize your time for a vacay you won’t forget!
Macau Tower
The Tower and Entertainment Center is definitely worth a mention in any Macau Travel Guide. Located near the stunning lakeside of the southwestern shore, Macau offers tourists a chance to get a glimpse of the glorious skyline of the city from an aerial view of 338 meters.
There are many adventure activities to do in Macau. For example, you can test your fear of heights with the famous Macau bunjee jump, which ranks as the highest commercial sky jump in the world.
Besides this, you can experience dining uniquely in the highest revolving restaurant in the world.
How to get there
Board a passenger car to Macau Tower or take the 9A, 21, 18, 22, 32, and 26 buses.
Budget
The entrance fee is free for the mall, cinema, and eateries. Make sure to carry around 15USD for the viewing lounge and adventure deck.
Open Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM on weekdays, 9 AM to 9 PM on weekends and holidays.
Senado Square
If you want to have a deep understanding of Macau’s history, then Senado square should be at the top of your Macau travel guide. This open space is at the very center of Macau’s historic center and is directly across from the Municipal Affairs Bureau building.
Here you will find most ancestry buildings, churches, and half priced traditional food in Macau. Senado Square has witnessed many important events in Macau. When here, you can pay St. Dominic’s church a visit or pop into Macau Cathedral just a few blocks away.
How to get there
Take any of 3, 3X, 4, 18A, 26A, or 33 buses to a place called Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro. The square is a walking distance from there.
Budget
The entrance is free. You might, however, carry some cash if you plan to buy anything from the shops.
Open Times: 24 hours a day, but most shops close around 9 PM.
Gondola Ride
Located just 3 kilometres from the international airport, the Venetian Macau is one of the favorites with many tourists looking to have a shot in the Gondola ride.
Here you can ride a real gondola while your captain sings as you journey through San Luca, Marco Polo, and Grand Canals of Shoppes. Many tourists even say that this gondola ride is better than the one in Venice, Italy.
How to get there
You can use the free hotel shuttle to go to the Venetian Macau airport.
Budget
There is a fee of 17.09USD
Open Hours: The best time to visit there is between 11 AM to 11 PM.
Ruins of St. Paul’s Church
A mere mention of Macau summons an image of St. Paul’s Church Ruins and rightly so. These ruins are the most photographed and visited area by tourists visiting Macau.
Considered as an iconic historical symbol of the heritage of the nation, the ruins of St. Paul’s Church are an attraction you should not miss. It represents the hard times the Chinese community underwent in the Portuguese era.
Away from the rich history, the ruins are also an architectural wonder. The church has a blend of renaissance motifs with oriental style facades.
Besides the ruins, there is a staircase leading to the Monte Fortress and Macau Museum.
Don’t forget to follow it.
The area also has several shops and stores, and the food plus drinks are fantastic there.
How to get there:
You can board the 8A, 18A, 18B, or 26 buses to get there. If you are in Senado Square, signs are pointing to the direction of the ruins. You can follow it on foot.
Budget
Entry is free for the façade of the church of Master Dei.
Open Hours: The best time to visit is before 5.30 PM since there are no admissions after that.
City of Dreams: The House of Dancing Water
Everybody knows.
Cities popular with casinos excel in entertainment, and Macau is no different.
The House of Dancing Water is the crown jewel of Macau, even ranked as one of the best places to visit on Macau. This small city goes the extra mile to live up to the name of ‘Vegas of Asia’ with the extraordinary shows and performances. Some even better than those of the original Vegas.
Here you can experience singing and dancing performances, to magical concerts and the occasional opera. This 2,000- seat, custom-built theatre is home to some of the world’s greatest dancers, divers, gymnasts, circus artists, and motorcyclists.
The dynamics of the stage also allow it to change from a big pool to a bare stage in seconds. All this depends on the type of show.
Undoubtedly, the House of Dancing Water deserved a place in this Macau Travel Guide as one of the best places to visit in Macau.
When you arrive in Macau, make sure to visit. The sheer technical brilliance and extraordinary shows will leave you in awe.
How to get there
You can take the 26A bus, which takes about 16 minutes to reach the City of Dreams.
Budget:
If you are willing to view the shows, the prices vary depending on where you are going to sit. You can see the prices here.
