Macau Hotels

The Las Vegas of Asia, Macau is one of the recent exploding business hubs in Asia. This tiny island is known for its rich culture that was influenced by the Portuguese as well as its gambling. Being the only place in China that allows gambling, it is understandable that in such a short time, its revenue grew seven times more compared to Las Vegas.

Apart from gambling, Macau is a place that has a distinct culture because of the way it blends Chinese and Portuguese traditions and it is a guaranteed great experience.

How to Go

There are a couple of ways to get to Macau and that is by sea, air, and car. Most tourists come from Hong Kong via ferry which is just an hour away. There are four docks in Hong Kong and two options in Macau depending on your priority whether it be a cultural trip or gambling.

Flying in is also another option because the Macau International Airport services several carriers. You shouldn’t worry about the distance since it’s a compact destination, you will get to where you want to be in no time.

Getting Around

Tourists are often surprised by the efficiency of the Macau transport system. The first-ever city LRT is still being built, but there are still a lot of options available for you.

The public buses in Macau operate in loops that take you to the most scenic spots all over the peninsula. It goes around the major island as well as Taipa and Coloane. Taxis are readily available in ranks as well. There are over 1,100 taxis in the city so getting one wouldn’t be too hard.

Top Things to Do

If there is one word to describe Macau, it would be glamorous. In the Cotai strip, you will see a flurry of lights coming off from different casinos like The City of Dreams, Wynn, and the Venetian. People will be dressed up and roaring to have a go at the slot machines and poker tables. Not only that, but inside each one would be an array of luxury shopping and dining to amp up the overall glamour of the casinos.

Going outside to explore the island, it becomes evident how Macau embraced Portuguese culture and almost all things European. Several buildings in the general vicinity are built in a manner that seems to transport you to a quiet European town.

In the Macau Peninsula, you will find the old town that has the Ruins of St. Paul’s Church, Macau Museum, and Senado Square. All three are a glimpse into Macau’s historic past, the remnant of when it was a booming Portuguese port country. The museum will give a more in-depth account of this, detailing its history with trade in various parts of the world. The A-Ma Temple should also be on your itinerary because it’s the oldest temple in the area that was built in 1488.

In the nearby islands of Taipa and Coloane, you will find villages heavily influenced by the Portuguese. Taipa is home to distinct Macanese architectural homes while Coloane has the colonial villages as well as the famous beaches of Hac Sa Beach and Cheoc Van Beach. Both of which are a treat for tourists since people don’t really think of beaches whenever they go to the peninsula.

What to Eat

The cuisine in Macau is an amazing marriage between Portuguese and Chinese. On the opposite side of Senado Square is Rue de Felicidade. A former red-light district and local gambling center, this street has been developed and turned into foodie central. You will find the oldest restaurants in Macau in this street that still serve specialties like tian fawan and shrimp eggs.

The region is most known for its Portuguese egg tarts though. You will find these everywhere from restaurants, hotels, and street vendors. Among the good choices would be in Lord Stow’s. The pork chop buns are a hit in Macau too. The best ones are in Tai Lei Lok Kei.

Nightlife

Understandably, for a city that’s all glitz and glam at night, the party scene is what fuels it too. Most clubs here host local and international DJs that make the most hypnotic beats. Club Cubic is a popular stop for people gambling in the City of Dreams. It’s a two-level club that has different themed nights.

Meanwhile, Vida Rica overlooks the Macau skyline that’s framed by its tall windows. For a more casual night out, Duffy’s Irish Pub is just around the corner from these famous stops and they serve great beers, spirits, and cocktails. They also have live music and sports events.

Where to Stay

Macau is divided into four neighborhoods — Macau Peninsula, Cotai, Coloane, and Taipa. If it’s your first time to book a hotel in Macau, go and stay in Old Macau located in the main peninsula. This will bring you near different historic sites making it easier to go around. A highly pedestrianized city, it would make walking to and from certain destinations easy.

On the other hand, Cotai would be the best place to stay in if you’re after the nightlife and gambling. This area is littered with the biggest casinos and going from one to another would be easy. Coloane would be the hippest spot with a lot of underground bars popping up that offer a more relaxed vibe compared to the crazy and glamorous life in Cotai. Not to mention they are also close to the beaches where you can relax. Taipa is the best location for families booking a Macau hotel. It’s quieter than the rest, but this is also the best place to observe how locals live.

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