Last updated on January 29th, 2023 at 09:29 am
Macau is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination and there are a whole lot of reasons why. Just 60 kilometers from the bustling hub of Hong Kong, Macau is an entirely different cultural experience. One colonized by Portugal, much of Portugal’s influence remains, from some of the best pasteis de nata that you can buy, to stunning colonial architecture, Macau is at times like walking through a slice of Portugal.
Not only this, but the recent investment in Macau’s infrastructure means that there are dozens of top-class hotels and resorts to stay in, as well as a casino industry to compete with Las Vegas. If you’re looking for a holiday destination that will keep you amused for hours then you won’t be disappointed by this tiny island. We’ve got the definitive guide on Macau’s most important sites to see so that you don’t miss out on anything at all.
Marvel at the Ruins of St Paul’s
First on your list should be a visit to the ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral. This building used to be a stunning renaissance cathedral, but now all that is left is the magnificent facade. Somehow this makes it even more beautiful, as you walk through the neatly manicured hedges up to the face of the building, you’ll be struck by how delicate it seems.
This cathedral was built back in 1637 and survived intact and in use until it was destroyed by a typhoon in 1835. It’s worth spending some time admiring the ornate carvings above the door and seeing how many different figures you can find. There will be plenty of people providing guided tours if you’d like to find about more about their story and significance.
Once you feel like you’ve properly taken in the building, stand atop the steep granite steps and be sure to take a photograph of yourself at this impressive monument. Here we feel no shame in a holiday selfie, especially in front of a building with as much cultural significance as this one.
Play at the Casino Lisboa
Next up, we’re going to enjoy one of Macau’s more modern tourist destinations, one of its great casinos. Although Macau has a fascinating collection of historic tourist attractions, one of the things that Macau is most famous for is its casinos, and is often known as Las Vegas of the East because of this. So it’s essential that you visit one.
The Casino Lisboa is a grand building and one of the top gaming destinations on the island. If you’re a beginner, then it’s worth getting in a little practice beforehand so that you don’t feel overwhelmed when you walk in. Playing online is a great place to get your head start and https://www.asiabet.org/ has lots of information on casinos, with a focus on the ones in Asia, meaning you can play from your hotel room.
They include information on bonuses, the choice of games, and also the deposit and withdrawal methods in all of their reviews, so you can be sure you’re getting the full picture. Once you’re feeling well-practiced in a game or two you can unleash your skills on the casino and see how you get on.
People Watch in Senado Square
For our final stop, we’re heading to Senado Square, or Senate Square in English, a World Heritage site. This huge square is an important political place as it looks at the old Senate building and its magnificent library. It’s worth taking in the magnificent colonial architecture and if it’s possible during the time of your visit, take a look inside.
Whilst nowadays the Senate building isn’t used as it was once intended, it is instead occupied by the council, meaning that this square isn’t such a political space anymore, but rather a great place to grab a coffee and a pastel de nata and watch the world go by. The square is lined with boutiques, restaurants and plenty of coffee shops, so pick a spot and enjoy some people-watching.
Once you’re finished, you’re perfectly located for an afternoon of strolling through the old town of Macau’s cobbled streets, so take your time and enjoy soaking up the atmosphere.