"Take in the European architecture and the bustling crowds at Senado Square. There are few places like this; the bright colonial buildings are gorgeous and make you think you are in Madrid or Lisbon, but the exquisite Chinese signs and temples blend seamlessly and create a rare multicultural environment.
Forget James Bonds’ trip to Macau in Skyfall, which was all shot in a studio in England, for a real-life movie experience head to Rua de Felicidade, where part of Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom was filmed.
The Mandarin’s House is a massive private residence that was built around 1869 for a wealthy Chinese merchant family. It gives a glimpse at what life was like for a prosperous family during the late 19th century in China, and it is an extraordinarily large home, containing over 60 rooms and covering approximately 4000 square meters. Admission is free.
One of the earliest European-style theaters built in Asia where plays and musicals were performed.
One of the famous local specialities to try when visiting Macau is the (Portuguese style) egg tart, first made famous by creator Andrew Stow's back in the 1990’s and now a must-try inclusion to the local food scene.
It was originally the house of a Portuguese merchant who enjoyed raising pigeons. His house served as a beautiful backdrop to the hundreds of flying pigeons that he raised. From afar, the pavilions and buildings in the compound looked like nests. After the death of the merchant, his residence was donated to the government, commemorating the great Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes, which is where the name of the garden comes from.
Macau’s most expensive show is also its most extraordinary. The House of Dancing Water was created and directed by legendary show-maker Franco Dragone and blends elements of theatre, dance, acrobatics and water stunts with Chinese mythologies and other Asian elements.
The gaudiest casino isn't on the Cotai Strip but the peninsula jutting from the Chinese mainland. The lotus-shaped Grand Lisboa is regularly named one of the world's strangest buildings.
Enjoy a world-class show at any of the casinos at prices far cheaper than those offered at Las Vegas. Singers, dancers, and magicians are always performing in Macau, and tickets and plentiful and affordable.
Macau may not be the first place you think of to take the kiddies, but with such an abundance of entertainment on offer for the adults, the smart resorts have upped their family-friendly credentials in recent years. Traditional customs are an important part of life in Macau. Chinese New Year is widely celebrated with street parties and exciting parades filled with dragons and drummers; while the Macau International Dragon Boat Festival combines a traditional celebration with the exciting pace of a sporting event.
The painted sky that hangs over the Venetian Macao’s canals is truly breathtaking and many visitors are surprised that it’s not actually real. Yes, of course, you could just go outside and see the real thing but in here you can enjoy the air conditioning.
Visit the Sun Yat Sen Memorial House, where Sun and his family lived and worked. It is a three story mansion that exhibits many of Sun’s personal items, such as papers, clothes, books, photographs, and speeches, and teaches visitors many intriguing facts about Chinese history.
New Year is also a great excuse for fireworks and firecrackers: the Macau Tower and Taipa waterfront are the best vantage points.
Jardim de S. Francisco is one of the beautiful and interesting gardens that you've probably never heard of in Macau. Located behind the Grand Lisboa hotel, this well landscaped and architecturally interesting city park is much enjoyed by local residents but is off the radar for most tourists.
The 2200-room Galaxy Macau resort on the Cotai Strip is home to the world's largest rooftop wave pool. Frolic in waves of up to 1.5 metres or stroll the beach of imported white sand.
There are few more charming neighbourhoods in Macau than historic Taipa Village. Wander the warren of tiny alleyways and lantern-lit piazzas
With almost 30 world-class casinos, Macau delivers nonstop action.
Many people travel the short distance from Hong Kong to Macau to purchase Portuguese bread and the small Portuguese custard tarts called natas.
With 25 World Heritage sites crammed into the compact Macanese peninsula, it's an enthralling place to ramble around and explore."
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