Watch world's largest water show
If you’re looking to be entertained in Macau, look no further than its longest running and most successful show, The House of Dancing Water. The production, the world’s largest water extravaganza, has been quite literally making a splash in Macau for over six years and is so good that even locals return to watch it time and time again. Created by renowned theatre producer Franco Dragone, the show is 90 minutes full of high-energy, mind-blowing stunts, stunning scenery and features some of the world’s greatest acrobats, dancers, divers, actors, and motorcyclists. With a stage that frequently converts from a solid floor to a giant performance pool, you’ll be wondering how they pull it all off.
Visit the A-Ma Temple
Although there are a number of traditional Chinese temples to visit in Macau, perhaps the most famous is the A-Ma Temple, believed to be the temple where Macau’s name is derived from. It’s the oldest temple in the city and is dedicated to the goddess Mazu, protector of seafarers and fishermen. The temple consists of the Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence, the Hall of Guanyin, and Zhengjiao Chanlin (a Buddhist pavilion). The variety of pavilions dedicated to the worship of different deities in a single complex make A-Ma Temple an exemplary representation of Chinese culture inspired by Confucianism.
Try Your Luck in a Casino
Macau is truly a casino city and is often dubbed “the Las Vegas of the East”. The most popular game of choice here is Baccarat and it dominates every single casino, taking up half or more of all the tables. Unlike Vegas where gambling is associated with a more fun element, the Chinese tend to treat it very seriously. There’s very little, if any, banter to be had and it’s rare to see any of them with a drink in their hands while at the tables. For those looking to bet big, there are VIP rooms as well where bets can start at as much 1 million HKD per hand.
Words highest bungy jump
There’s one BIG reason why adrenaline junkies often flock to Macau and that’s because it’s home to the Guinness World Record holder for the Highest Commercial Bungy Jump in the world. Situated at the top of the striking Macau Tower, jumpers leap from a platform 233m (764 ft) above the ground and experience the ultimate free fall experience. This is the ultimate in daredevil thrill-seeking. Macau Tower also offers alternatives like Skywalk and SkyJump activities, that are slightly less terrifying!
Try macanese cuisine
Macanese cuisine has a history of over 400 years and dates back to when Macau was first colonised by Portuguese invaders. Blending southern Chinese cuisine and Portuguese ingredients, spices and cooking techniques from Macau’s colonial days, they melded into a distinct style that became known as “Macanese”. Classic Macanese dishes include tacho (a fusion stew made with Chinese and Western ingredients) cappela (a baked meatloaf made with cheese, black olives and breadcrumbs, topped with crispy bacon) and Minchi, a delicious combination of minced beef or pork (or a combination of the two), diced potatoes stir-fried with onions, and Worcestershire sauce. A good place to try Macanese cuisine is Restaurant Litoral, possibly “the spiritual home of Macanese cuisine
Enjoy the many exciting shows on offer
Now, it goes without saying, cities with casinos are often known as cities of entertainment. Macau goes the extra mile to live up to its ‘Vegas of Asia’ nickname and often puts on some incredible shows and performances not unlike the ones in Vegas!
From singing and dancing performance, to magic shows and opera, you could easily fill an entire day with the many different types of performances you can find around the city! For example, there’s the light show in the foyer of the Galaxy Hotel, which never fails to leave me completely in awe.
Stroll through Senado Square
Senado Square is perhaps Macau’s most recognisable public spaces/centres. It is filled with many shops, heritage sites, restaurants and various snack and souvenir vendors. The streets inside Senado Square are a little narrower than usual and the paths are more maze-like but still easily navigable. You can window shop, stop by and sample same good dried meat at various shops, linger at a café and soak up the atmosphere and so much more.
Discover the urban parks in Macau
I’ve always maintained that Macau is a balanced city of modern infrastructure and enough quiet and natural spaces for those needing a quick reprieve from the bustling urban life.
In Macau, you’ll find many large and active urban parks to stroll about appreciate some peace and quiet. Already mentioned on this list is Seac Pai Van Park but that’s a more touristy selection. For the true ‘local’ urban park, try the Sun Yat Sen Park or Camoes Garden among others.
Go on a photography run at night
So, remember the Wynn Hotel that I mentioned way back at the start of the article? Psst, scroll back up and have a look, I won’t judge.
Well, there was a reason I was there when the water show caught me by surprise. You see, the huge pond in front of the hotel, for those who know how to work a camera, serves as a good prop for an immensely beautiful photograph.
Exploring St. Pauls
The 17th century Jesuit church looks beautiful during the day but is a sight to behold at night. Sit with your loved ones at the fa-ade and enjoy the experience of the most quintessential things to do in Macau at night. However, make sure to visit the ruins during the daytime as well to explore the museum.
Visiting various Chinese Temples
Macau is full of ancient Chinese temples which are dedicated to the Buddhist, Taoist, and Chinese Folklore faiths. The A-Ma Temple, Lin Fung Temple, I Leng Temple, and Na Tcha Ancient Temple some of the best places to visit in Macau. They are among the most impressive temples and attracts pious devotees from across the world. When in doubt about what to do in Macau, explore the heritage Chinese temples.
Strolling through Taipa village
Located near the Cotai Strip, the historical Taipa Village is one of the best preserved area and offers an authentic flavor of this otherwise glamorous city. A popular part of the Macau city tour, the Taipa Village has pedestrianised alleys, where one can enjoy long walks as they browse through the temples, museums, and souvenir shops.
Visiting umpteen museums
Offering an insight into the rich traditions and customs of Macau, the spellbinding museums are often ignored by travellers who mostly know of the city because of its casinos. Among the indispensable and most fun things to do in Macau is visiting the umpteen museums. The Grand Prix Museum, Macau Wine Museum, Museum of Sacred Art & Crypt, Maritime Museum, and Treasure of Sacred Art introduce travellers to the many aspects of the history and culture in Macau.
Admiring The Hac Sa Beach
Located on the south coast of the island, the Hac Sa Black Sand Beach is the largest natural beach in Macau. It is one of the top tourist destinations in summer. The name of the beach came from the natural black sand on the beach. Head to the peaceful and splendid shore after spending the night at the casinos for a peaceful and tranquil morning.
Guia Hall
Guia Fortress is another well-known tourist attraction in Macau. The fortress features an old military fort, a chapel and the popular Guia Lighthouse. It was constructed in the 1600s and is largely influenced by Portuguese architectural styles, like most other Macaus architecture. Located on the highest point of peninsular Macau, the fortress offers a mesmerizing view of the cultural cauldron that is Macau. Multiple murals within the chapel show Macaus connection to both western and east Asian cultural roots which makes this place a must-visit for every tourist.
Spending an evening at Casa Do Mandarim.
Mandarins House is a must-visit place for those who love cultural heritage and rediscover the historical origin of a place. What makes Casa Do Mandarim special is that it is a direct link between modern-day Macau and its historical beginnings. The place is now a free museum which exhibits the history of Macau. It will take you back to how people used to live in the past and is truly some of the unique things to do in Macau
Fun day at ecological park.
Seac Pai Van Park is one such ecological park which is not only a famous tourist attraction but also plays an important role in educating visitors about nature conservation. The place houses many land and aquatic animals with its main attraction being the giant panda. You can spend a good time viewing the pandas and yes, dont forget to bring a jacket as it can get little chill inside, inspite the pavilion doing its best to mimic the ideal living conditions of the pandas.
Fishermans wharf
Located near Maritime Terminal, Fishermans Wharf is a themed shopping mall and park, designed following Euramerican fisherman’s wharfs. Spread over sprawling 28 acres, the Fishermans Wharf has three sections; namely, Dynasty Wharf, East Meets West and Legend Wharf and is definitely one of the best places to visit in Macau.
Macau museum
Located in Monte Fortress, Macau Museum is a huge display area, exhibiting items and souvenirs of different communities and nationalities. The museum also exhibits how different sects of people had lived here in harmony, preserving their own culture and ethos. Offering an insight into history and culture, it has become one of the best places to visit in Macau with family.
Kun Lam statue.
Kim Iam statue is a 20 m tall bronze statue of Goddess of Mercy emerging from a lotus. This work of art is located in outer harbor causeway and is one of the spectacular places to visit in Macau in one day. The lotus structure is an ecumenical center, which shares various pamphlets on Buddhism and preaches the religion too.
