Macau has indeed earned its spot on every traveller’s bucket list of places to visit.
Not only is it home to breathtaking sights such as Senado Square in Macau’s Central Area and the Ruins of St Paul which are both on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Chinese Colony is also home to some of Asia’s most luxurious casinos, giving Sin City a run for its money. This is where the rich and famous from all over the world gather to play, or watch a prestigious poker tournament such as the World Poker Tour or the World Series of Poker. In 2006, the WPT was brought to Macau and Singapore, opening more doors to Asia’s new gambling hub.
Here are some of Macau’s prestigious casinos:
MGM Grand
If you are a high roller looking for some serious casino action, make sure to swing by MGM Grand and check out their Golden Lion Club.
Starworld Hotel Macau
Starworld Hotel Macau was the venue for the Macau Asian Poker Tour (APT) in 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2013. In 2009, the Asian Poker Tour was held in Starworld Hotel, making Macau one of the world’s card sharks’ paradise.
Another major reason why tourists visit Macau is the local cuisine. Macanese cuisine is very distinctive, with Goan, Brazilian, Portuguese, and British influences, travelers can expect nothing short of fantastic and delectable dishes and pastry.
When in Macau, make sure to try these Macanese favorites:
Pic via alvin.lim
Portuguese egg tarts:
Where: Lord Stow’s Bakery located at 1 Rua da Tassara, Coloane Island, Macau
Margaret’s Café e Nata located at Edif. Kam Loi, Nam Van area
Roasted Black Pepper Duck
Where: Chan Kong Kei located at Rua Do Dr. P José Lobo 19
Pork Chop Bun
Where: Tai Lei Loi Kei at 18 Largo Governador Tamagnini Barbosa, Taipa Village
Classic deep-fried salted cod balls, stuffed squid, and barbecued chicken
Where: Restaurante Albergue 1601 at 8 Calcada da Igreja de S. Lazaro
Grilled sardines, minchi, and bacalhau a bras
Where: Riquexo at 69 Avenida Sidonio Pais, Macau
Roasted suckling pig, grilled fresh sardines
Where: Fernando’s at Estrada Nova de Hac Sa No. 9, Coloane
And what’s traveling without bringing home some mementos? Here are two of Macau’s top shopping destinations:
Pic via soeperbaby
The Grand Canal Shoppes
Venetian Macao, Av. Xian Xing Hai, Cotai, Macau
This shopping haven has taken inspiration from The Grand Canal in Venice, where travelers can take a ride at gondolas and marvel at the lovely sight surrounding them. High end shops such as Tiffany, Bvlgari, Just Cavali, Furla, and Hugo Boss among others.
The Red Market
Located at the intersection of Avenida Almirante Lacerda and Avenida Horta e Costa in the Macau Peninsula, you can find a wide array of clothes, shoes, and electronics shops at The Red Market.
And just when you thought that Macau is only about casinos, food, and shopping, it surprises you even more. Unbeknownst to many, Macau also boasts of beautiful beaches that can make one kick off their shoes and take a dip in the crystal clear waters. If you want to try something out of the ordinary, make sure to visit Hac Sa Beach (Black Sand Bay) in Coloane, which is popular for, well, its black sand.
Macau is indeed a destination that has it all, no matter what age group you’re in. Just like traveling to any destination, it’s imperative not to get overwhelmed by the places you need to see and things you need to do. What really matters is you get to enjoy your holiday, and make wonderful memories while at it.