7 Awesome Things to Do in Macau

in Asia, Travel Blog, Travel Guides by Two Monkeys Travel -

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7 Awesome Things to Do in Macau

Just an hour away from Hong Kong by ferry, Macau is another
special administrative region of China. The influences of its former
Portuguese colonial masters have been successfully weaved into its
Chinese heritage, as seen in its buildings, food, and tradition.
Because of the presence of many casinos and high-end shopping
centers in such a small peninsula, Macau earned the nickname Las
Vegas of Asia.
Check out our recommended list of BUDGET Hotels in Macau.

But there is more to Macau than gambling until the wee hours. Here
are seven awesome things you can do in this wonderful destination.
ACCOMMODATION: Where to stay in MACAU? Here are 89
HOTELS in Macau you can choose from or you can check our list
of cheap Hotels in Hongkong where you can stay,
Munch on Portuguese egg tart
 Photo by WESLY LAGDAMEO

The Portuguese egg tart wouldnt be Macaus most famous food for
nothing. Consisting of a flaky outer shell and a rich, creamy egg
custard filling, this pastry is found everywhere, and can be eaten
while strolling around the city. Price per piece varies, depending on
where they are sold. Koi Kei Bakery, which has branches all over
Macau, sells them at HKD $9 each. Of course, you wont settle at
eating just one.

Visit the Ruins of St. Paul at night

Anyone who includes the Ruins of St. Paul in their itinerary would
usually visit it during the day, but why not check it out after sunset?
The churchs front faade and grand stone stairs have a different
charm when the sun goes down and the city lights are turned on.
Theres a slight disadvantage though the nearby Monte Fort and
Macau Museum closes at 6:00 p.m., but you can always come back
the next day and marvel on its daytime beauty.
Admission is free!

If what youre looking for is a conveniently located luxury hotel in

Cotai Central, Macau, you may consider booking your
accommodation in one of the best 5-star hotels in Macau.
How to get there: Take the No. 3, 3A, 4, 8A, 10, 10A, 11, 18, 19,
21A, 26A, 33 buses to Senado Square. Once there, just follow the
signs to Ruins of St. Paul. If you are coming from Sofitel Macau at
Ponte 16, walk along Av. de Almeida Ribeiro until you reach
Senado Square.
View Senado Square from Leal Senado
building
Should you have time to come back to Ruins of St. Paul and
Senado Square the following day, make sure to drop by the Leal
Senado building right across the square. Its windows on the second
floor offer an amazing view of Senado Square and neighboring
structures. You may also check out the courtyard garden, as well as
the ceremonial meeting room that leads to an elaborate library.
Admission is free!

Take advantage of the casinos free

shuttles

Just because you arent interested in trying your luck in the slot
machines doesnt mean you can no longer avail of the free shuttles
provided by the casinos. Whether coming from the Macau Maritime
Terminal, Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal, or Macau International
Airport, you can ride any of the shuttle buses that wait for arriving
guests.

Each casino shuttle has an assigned parking space; just choose

where you want to go and hop on. The bus leaves once it is full, but
dont worry if you cant make it on the first bus as another one would
arrive in 5-20 minutes, depending on the hotel you want to visit.

Walk around Old Taipa Village

Before the huge hotels and casinos started sprouting like
mushrooms in Macau, Taipa Island had narrow lanes and alleys
and colored colonial houses. All these can be found in the Old Taipa
Village, one of the two traditional villages that still exist in the
peninsula.
 Rua do Cunha and Our Lady of Carmel Church

Just a stones throw away from The Venetian Macao, this tourist
attraction is also the home to the Taipa Houses Museum, Rua Do
Cunha, Our Lady of Carmel Church, and Carmel Garden.

Admission is free!
Address: Avenida da Praia, Macau

Carmel Garden
How to get there: The best way to get to Old Taipa Village is to
walk from The Venetian Macao. Exit at the hotels West Lobby, then
turn right towards the escalator. Once you are on the other side, you
will see a moving walkway or walkalator that will take you directly to
the village. Just follow the signs to the specific area you want to go
to.
Go back in time in the Fishermans Wharf
Want to see The Colosseum but cant afford to go to Rome? Then
visit its replica in the Fishermans Wharf. Located across Sands
Macao and near Macau Maritime Terminal, this 111,500 square
meter theme park is divided into three sections: Dynasty Wharf,
East Meets West, and Legend Wharf. It also offers a wide array of
shopping centers and restaurants, making it the perfect location for
your Instagram-worthy photos.
Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do
in Fishermans Wharf.

Admission is free!

How to get there: Take bus no. 1A, 3, 3A, 8, 10, 10A, 10B, 17,
28A, 28B, 28BX, 28C or 32, and get off at Macau Fishermans
Wharf. If you are coming from Sands Macao, just cross the street
and viola, youre there!

Appreciate architecture by church hopping

The Ruins of St. Paul isnt the only church worth visiting in Macau.
In fact, there are numerous houses of worship that are closely
located to each other.
Start your church architecture appreciation in St. Dominics Church
along Largo de Sao Domingos, a few steps away from Ruins of St.
Paul. Make your way towards Senado Square, cross the street, and
then walk along Calcada do Tronco Velho. There you will see St.
Augustines Church, followed by St. Josephs Church along R. do
Seminario, and by St. Lawrences Church in R. de Sao Lourenco.

St. Dominics Church, St. Lawrences Church and St. Augustines

Church

Dont let the casinos and high-end hotels stop you from visiting
Macau. There are a lot of tourist attractions that you can check out
without burning a hole in your pocket. If you plan to visit Hong Kong,
allot at least a day for a Macau tour. Youll never regret it!