To savour Macao’s delectable and varied flavours, a day trip will not suffice. The city where East tangos with West is worthy of at least a two-day tour for you to discover its beauty, from UNESCO World Heritage site the Historic Centre of Macao, cuisine that delights your palette, to the booming entertainment scene that makes it Asia’s own Las Vegas.
Start your day bright and early at the landmark Senado Square, distinguished by its wave-like Portuguese pavement. Located at the heart of Macao, a former colony of Portugal, the town square is part of the Historic Centre of Macao and the venue of choice for festive celebrations such as the dragon dance at Chinese New Year and the lantern display at the Mid-Autumn Festival. For a slice of local flavour, awaken your taste buds with a bowl of steaming hot porridge sprinkled with peanuts from a food vendor’s cart.
For a slice of local flavour, awaken your taste buds with a bowl of steaming hot porridge sprinkled with peanuts from a food vendor’s cart.
Stroll through the storied lanes around the Historic Centre of Macao, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting 30 architectural sites that show off the city’s history and its marriage of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. From Dom Pedro V Theatre to St. Dominic’s Church, and the Ruins of St. Paul’s to Mount Fortress, the Historic Centre of Macao is a true melting pot of heritage where East meets West.
Besides architecture, Macao’s cuisine also strikes that intricate balance between Chinese and Portuguese cultures. The city is dubbed foodie paradise for a good reason – it is home to seven Michelin-starred restaurants. Experience the best Macao’s food scene has to bring to the table by indulging in authentic delicacies at any one of the Michelin-starred or - recommended restaurants for a dining experience that will stay with you long after your trip.
To keep your energy brimming for the rest of the day, do not settle for a quick fix at a coffee chain. Instead, linger at one of Macao’s speciality coffee bars and soak up the buzzing street scene while baristas roast their own beans for a distinctive aroma.
Macao is equipped with an array of museums – for those with a penchant for the arts, visit Macau Museum of Art, which showcases the works of both veterans like Xu Bing and emerging artists like the homegrown Peggy Chan. The museum has also been joining forces with Beijing’s Palace Museum on exhibitions since their collaboration on Qing dynasty artifacts back in 1999. To learn more about the city’s history, be sure to check out the Maritime Museum or the Taipa Houses Museum.
After museum hopping, treat yourself to some fine dining at a restaurant that embraces dynamic ambience with exquisite cuisine. From the three Michelin-starred Robuchon au Dome, tucked away in the iconic Lisboa Hotel dome with breathtaking views of the city; to Vida Rica at Mandarin Oriental, where you can gaze out at the South China Sea and Nam Van Lake; to Albergue 1601, which serves up authentic Portuguese delectables in the quaint St Lazarus Quarter – any of these eateries will be love at first bite.
Treat yourself to some dining at a restaurant that embraces dynamic ambiance with exquisite cuisine.
Dazzle your senses by wrapping this perfect day with a walk through the sparkling night scenery. You will be awe-inspired at popular attractions like Wynn Macau’s Performance Lake, a charming blend of water fountains with colours, fire and music, and Studio City’s auspicious Golden Reel, the highest eight-shaped ferris wheel on earth.
Usher in a delightful second day in Macao with a visit to Lord Stow’s Bakery in Coloane Village. Do not miss out on their famous egg tarts, an absolute must have when in Macao. Founded in 1989 by English gentleman Andrew Stow, the bakery has since become a city staple and has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike with its Portuguese egg tarts with an English twist. Handcrafted cookies and jams are also available if you are on the prowl for sweeter treats and unique souvenirs.
Don’t miss out on their famous egg tarts, an absolute must have when in Macao.
From Coloane Village be sure to hit the historic Coloane Trail. At an astonishing 8100m, it is the longest walking trail in Macao, ready for you to explore its multiple facets in a circuit. The route features picturesque spots such as Coloane Village, Hac Sa Beach (the largest natural beach in town, known for its unusual black sand), the Chapel of St Francis Xavier, and the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion.
Nicknamed Happiness Street, Rua da Felicidade was once the city’s red-light district. Its signature eye-popping red shutters have a mystique about them and have attracted filmmakers from far and wide. It’s easy to find another meal fit for a star as the street is dotted with renowned restaurants for you to indulge your palate after your morning trek.
Unleash the dare devil in you at Coloane Karting Track, the only go-kart track in Macao and its sister city Hong Kong, which plays host to international games and has a reputation as one of Asia’s most thrilling tracks. Don't forget to put your helmet on and fasten your seat belt for a joy ride that stretches 1.2km.
Named after Tristão da Cunha, the Portuguese explorer, Cunha Street at the heart of Taipa Village is where the souvenir shops are located, from Koi Kei Bakery to Choi Heong Yuen Bakery. Go on a bite-sized gastronomic adventure with a walnut butter cupcake and a sip of refreshing coffee or tea.
From the ancient A-Ma Temple, which honours Mazu, the goddess of the sea, to Tam Kung Temple, famed for its porcelain figures and architectural details such as its spouting bowl fashioned from bronze, to Lin Kai Temple, which celebrates Ua Kuong, the god that shields you from fire and takes you time-travelling back to the 17th century, your Macao trip will not be complete without exploring these unique temples.
Enjoy the elegance and glamour of the Sands, which led the first wave of extravagantly designed hotels in the city at the start of the millennium. Make your way from sightseeing in this luxurious enclave to the hotel’s celebrated Macanese restaurant Copa, famed for its superb steaks and selection of fine wines.
The night is still young - kiss Macao goodbye with the House of Dancing Water performance at City of Dreams. Created and directed by Belgian director Franco Dragone, who rose to fame with his Cirque du Soleil productions, the House of Dancing Water will make you swoon with acrobatic feats and a story as romantic as the city’s skyline.
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A small slice of Europe nestled in South East Asia, the territory of Macao packs in countless great experiences, from stunning city views to irresistible cuisine
Read MoreTradition meets culture in modern Macao. East and west blend through art, history and culture. Discover the amazing adventures Macao has in store for you.
A destination where timeless traditions meet cosmopolitan modernity, Macao’s fascinating blend of Eastern and Western cultures can be traced through its history, art, design and cuisine. Discover your passion in the Colours of Macao, an interactive showcase of the city’s most exciting highlights.
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