With a population of 667,400 (approximately) Macao is an epicenter of glitz and world-class luxury entertainment. Macao was a Portuguese colony for around 300 years, marked by wonderful events and cultural heritage starting from ancient Chinese temples rich in maritime-themed Portuguese tiles, to the biggest event of the year 'the Macao Grand Prix' in November and when you're hungry, it could be Chinese dim sum, Portuguese egg tarts or some Macanese minchi (ground meat stir-fried with potatoes) comes to the rescue.
So here I am sharing #20ThingsILoveAboutMacao the most.
1. Travessa da Paixão - The Romantic Lane
Being a traveler, I get attracted towards attractive and Instagrammable worthy streets. And this is one of those streets in Macao, unlike "The Ruins of St. Paul" which is mostly crowded, Travessa da Paixão gains less attention from the tourists making the lane even more calm and serene. These pastel colored buildings look very beautiful, especially during the daytime.
2. Cheaper hotel stays
Living the luxury lifestyle generally costs less in Macao. Several five-star hotels offer reasonable rates, often with extra privileges, making your stay even more efficient. Hotels like JW Marriott, Mandarin Oriental Macao and the Venetian Macao are some of them. you can also consider staying at one of the mansions at Sofitel Macao.
3. The House of Dancing Water
Here is the most exciting part of Macao,'The House of Dancing Water', the water show performed in the 'State-of-the-art theater' at City of Dreams. Prepare to be dazzled by a multi-media water show that brings together breathtaking music, acrobatics, theater, dance, and lighting effects.
4. Hac Sa Beach, Macao
'Hac Sa' Beach, literally means “Black Sand” is the largest natural beach situated in Coloane Island, looks just like its name. You can also buy local foods and barbecue from the many stalls along the beach.
4. Shopping
You can enjoy duty-free shopping in malls offering latest styles of clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, Chinese antiques and pottery as well as wine, cameras making Macao shoppers' paradise.
5. A-Ma Temple
The temple is well described in ancient Chinese texts, and paintings related to Macao.
In 2005, the temple became UNESCO World Heritage Site, making A-Ma temple, one of the oldest in Macau.
6. Ride on the Macau Shuttle Buses
Most of the hotels offer a free shuttle bus service between most tourist attractions. Yes! anyone can use these services for free, you don't have to stay in these hotels to avail these services.
7. Cuisine
Macau's unique tempting cuisine, is a perfect mixture of Cantonese and Portuguese cuisines like Sardinhas assadas, Chinese dim sum, Macanese minchi.
8. The Venetian Macao
The highlight of the city will light up your nightlife, 'The Venetian Macao' is the worlds biggest Casino resort. This resort is a perfect place to enjoy the after hours like never before, offering you high-class and spacious guest rooms, outdoor swimming pool in Macau.
9. Macao Streets during Night
Macao looks perfect during the night time where there are various places in that offers a beautiful setting for a picture during night. You can capture the reflection in the water for immensely beautiful pictures. Get ready with your camera and you will surely be rewarded because Macao's nightlife is not just about casinos and clubs.
10. Adventure Sports at Macao tower
One of the best experiences in Macao includes bungee jumping, ski jump, tower climb, and skywalk from Macao Tower, which offers a hypnotic view of the Macau skyline and is a must visit for all tourists.
11. Dolphin Watching
A rare experience that Macao offers, is to watch Pink dolphins in the Pearl River Delta which is home to Indo-pacific Humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis. They are found between Hong Kong and Macau.
12. Bridges of Macau
The long bridges in Macau are worth visiting.
13. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is just an hour away with the fastest Hong Kong–Macao Ferry.
14. Taipa Grand Trail
Do not miss Taipa Grand Trail, it is nature hike to see a breath-taking view of Taipa Island. It is the highest point of the island where you will witness the view of the Parisian Macao, Macao Tower, etc. The view over here is so glamorous.
15. Lantern Festival
Macao hosts Lantern Festival during the mid autumn season where you will also witness a national dance drama Thangka that depicts Thangka artists painting with their lives.
16. Art Events
The Macao Arts Festival lights up the city every early summer, bringing theatre, music, dance, multimedia, and circus together in an artistic wide form of events for an entire month.
17. Macau Giant Panda Pavilion
It is a zoo in Seac Pai Van Park, Coloane, Macau. Here you can watch giant pandas. If you are not visiting the Panda Land, then you are definitely not experiencing Macao completely.
18. Macau Museum
Macau Museum presents the history of the city, located on the hill of the Fortaleza do Monte in Santo António, Macau.
19. The Temple of the Goddess of Mercy: Kun Iam
The temple was built in 1627, dedicated to the goddess of Mercy. You will find three statues of Buddha that represents the Past, Present, and Future. You can also enjoy a garden with its Tree of the Loving Couples.
20. Fisherman's Wharf
Marching in the themed park of Macau- Fisherman's Wharf is an integrated waterfront, hotel, convention, dining, retail and entertainment complex.
