The special administrative region of China, Macao is a city mix of Chinese & Portuguese cultures and commonly known as "The Las Vegas of Asia" for its giant casinos and malls. But, like every city, Macao has lot to offer other than the casinos and gambling which is not known to us. As a traveler, I have my own bucket list of Macao which I share now for #20ThingsILoveAboutMacao
1. The House Of Dancing Water
This show combining water stunts, aerial arts & acrobatics is a worth to visit in Macao. The show is located in the casino resort "City Of Dreams" which is just the opposite of Venetian. With a 270-degree view theater, be thrilled from every perspective: zoom onto the performers from a special angle at C Reserve, get up close and personal at B Reserve, or sit back and enjoy a panoramic view at A Reserve.
2. Step back in time for Portuguese Culture : Coloane Village
Coloane village is perfect place to experience the Portuguese culture of Macao. This village is full of narrow lanes & Portuguese style houses. The most beautiful is Francis Xavier Church along with Chinese temples such as Tam Kung, Tin Hau and others.
3. Macanese Cuisine : Blend of Chinese & Portuguese ingredients
The world's first fusion cuisine is found in Macao. Its a blend of Southern Chinese (Cantonese) & Portuguese cooking style. Some of the signature dishes are minchi & African chicken. If you love to try new food, Macanese cuisine is worth to try.
4. Try Macao edible icon : Egg Tarts
Known as "Pastel de Nata" in the native language, Egg tarts are very common in Macao and can be found in almost every bakery. It is a must to try in my bucket list. They are said to have their own unique flavour of Macanese cuisine on top of Portuguese influence.
5. Have a walk around Senado Square
Senado Square is one of the largest public squares of Macao, triangular in shape & the busiest. It is filled with shops, heritage sites, restaurants and various other items. The buildings have western facades and very amazing architecture influenced from western European style.
6. Macao Tower - Be adventurous or foodie
If you are looking for an adventure in Macao, you can experience freefall with the world's highest bungy jump on Macao tower. Otherwise, just enjoy the dinner buffet at city's highest and only 360 degree revolving restaurant and take the stunning views of the city as the restaurant rotates.
7. Try your luck at Venetian
Venetian is something definitely not to be missed if you visit Macao. Being the casino capital of the world, one should make a bet at Venetian casino. The casino space is around 34,000 sq metres. If you dont like gambling, you can spend time in shopping, various restaurants, entertainment shows, swimming pools, etc.
8. Visit black sand beach
The best known beach in Macao is "Hac Sa" beach which means black sand in Chinese. This beach is famous for its black sand. It is located near Coloane Island and worth to visit in summer. You can also take a dip there.
9. Take a snapshot at Ruins of St. Paul
Located within the Senado Square, this place is the most photographed spot in Macao. An iconic landmark of the city, this church was built in early 17th century.
10. Taipa Village
Taipa Village is the best place if you want to know the history of the city. This village has architecture mix of Chinese and European style. Take a wander through the alleys and winding lanes to discover great Portuguese and Macanese restaurants, the village museum, art spaces, Chinese temples, colonial churches, street food stalls and souvenir shops.
11. Go on top at first Western style lighthouse in China at Guia Hill
Take a short cable car ride and go to the top of the hill to see some beautiful views of the city. This spot is important to visit in Macao because this has a first Western style lighthouse on the Chinese coast. You can also visit Guia fortress along with the lighthouse.
12. Visit the city oldest temple A - Ma
The oldest Taoist temple built in 1400 in dedication to Matzu, the patron goddess of seafarers and fishermen, which makes sense, seeing that Macau is a port city! There are legends which claim Macau got its name from the temple when a few Portuguese seafarers misheard the pronunciation of the locals in describing the temple and just ran with it when naming the port city.
13. Give your visit at Kun Iam Temple
Macau’s oldest temple was founded in the 13th century, but the present structures date to 1627. The roof ridges are ornately embellished with porcelain figurines and the halls are lavishly decorated, if a little weathered. Inside the main hall stands the likeness of Kun Iam, the Goddess of Mercy; to the left of the altar is a bearded arhat rumoured to represent Marco Polo.
14. Spend some time in Macau Science Centre
Opened in 2009, this interesting science centre boasts interactive exhibits as well as a planetarium. The main building’s prominent asymmetrical conical shape and spiral walkway make it an iconic landmark of Macau and is clearly visible upon arriving to Macau via ferry from Hong Kong. Spend a couple of hours viewing the informative exhibits and educate yourself while you’re at it!
15. Become the part of Macao various festivals
Macau boasts various unique festivals, many of which you can enjoy without having to spend a single cent. The annual Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, Macau International Dragon Boat Race, Macau Arts Festival, and Macau Food Festival are just some of the many exciting large-scale events that the region is famous for holding.
16. Don't miss the famous Pork Chop Bun
A pork chop bun is one of the most popular and famous snacks in Macau, and has been described as a Macanese specialty. The bun is extremely crisp outside and very soft inside. A fried pork chop is filled into the bun horizontally.
17. The Feast Of Na Tcha
The Feast of Na Tcha continues what is one of Macau’s most distinctive cultural traditions, featuring several religious rituals and folk activities dedicated to Na Tcha, often considered the patron deity of children. The festival is celebrated with three days of activities at the Na Tcha Temple located near the Ruins of St. Paul’s. Associated events include a Lion Dance Parade touring several places in Macao and Taipa. The Prince Na Tcha Parade, featuring a golden dragon guard and celestial beauties scattering petals in abundance, is another fixture also dedicated to Na Tcha taking place during this period: it starts from the Na Tcha Ancient Temple on Calçada das Verdades, before heading to Senado Square.
18. Gondola Rides at Venetian Macao
You are going to love this because everyone wants to go Venice and try gondola there. It's very impressive how they have replicated Venice in the Venetian - grand facade, blue sky and the boatman playing music. It's a very romantic must to do activity at Macao.
19. Experience Golden Reel Ferris Wheel
Built into the front of Studio City – a new, Hollywood-inspired entertainment center – this golden wheel is mean to resemble a running film reel. Of all the wonderful things to do in Macau, this is definitely one of the most breathtaking!
20. Spectate Pandas at Macao Giant Panda Pavilion
Animal lovers will adore a visit to the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion, with two 330 sqm indoor areas, as well as a 600 sqm outdoor space for the pandas to explore. There are two different viewing levels, which ensures that it never gets too busy either for the visitors or the giant pandas.
