Macau has a reputation as the Vegas of the East and, indeed, millions of visitors come every year to the city's glitzy casinos. But the former Portuguese enclave has more attractions to offer than just Baccarat tables and slot machines... From impressive baroque-style cathedrals and old Chinese temples, to adrenaline-boosting bungee jumps and beautiful nature walks...
This article will take you through 10 key attractions you really have to try and see, when visiting Macau
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1) A-Ma Temple is where Macau presumably started from. Built against a rocky hill in front of the strait that separates Macau from mainland China, this 1488 temple was constructed to commemorate a miraculous event where the legendary goddess A-Ma saved a group of seamen from a storm and brought them safely to shore. Years later, when Portuguese explorers asked locals for the name of the place, they were answered "A-Ma Gau" (Literally, the Bay of A-Ma), and that's who the name Macau eventually came about...
2) Senado Square (Largo do Senado) is a large piazza, right in the heart of Macau. Paved with Portuguese style cobblestone, the square is surrounded by impressive historic buildings, like Santo Domingo Church, The Cathedral, The Holy House of Mercy, and Leal Senado Building, as well as some fantastic restaurants, cafes and a small market, where factory outlets sell brand-name surpluses at a good price.
3) Ruins of St. Paul's, just a short stroll from Senado Square, is the only remain of Asia's once largest Catholic Church. Built in the 1580s by the Jesuits, this imposing facade boasts some fabulous statues and intricate reliefs, mainly of Jesuit images with oriental themes. At the back of the facade, there is a small museum where you can see objects of high historical and artistic value, related to the history of the catholic missions in Macau and the region.
4) Guia Hill towers right above Macau Ferry Terminal, and is one of Macau's highest and greenest hills. Take the short cable car ride to the top of the hill, where you can enjoy some commanding views of Macau and its environs, stroll in the beautiful park and visit interesting historical sites, such as the remains of Guia Fort, which was built in the early 1600s, following a failed attempt by the Dutch to raid on Macau, or the lighthouse that was built at 1864 and became the first western style lighthouse along the coast of China.
5) Fisherman's Wharf is a large Fun and Entertainment complex, featuring a children entertainment and activity area, as well as some restaurants, cafes and casinos. The main attraction here, however, is a range of European and coastal town architectures that replicate streets and suburbs from port-cities around the globe...
6) Macau Tower, one of the city's most popular tourist attractions, rises to a height of 338 meters, and is the world's 10th highest free-standing tower. Zoom to the upper observation decks with one of the glass-fronted lifts and enjoy some breathtaking views. There are also two restaurants and bars here, where you can enjoy a particularly romantic sundowner. Adventure lovers can elevate their adrenaline with Bungee Jump, Mast climbing, Skywalk or Skyjump... Down at the bottom, there is a modern shopping mall, with a few very good restaurants and some slot machines...
7) The Macau Grand Prix Museum is a place you just have to visit, especially if you are here with the kids... The museum gives you the opportunity to see all those legendary cars and bikes that made history on one of the world's most demanding street tracks - Macau's Guia Circuit, and to learn more about the drivers who actually drove those vehicles.
8) Taipa Village, on the island of Taipa, is one of only two traditional "villages" that still exist in Macau. Strolling through the pedestrian only alleys feels like traveling back in time, and there are some outstandingly good Portuguese-Macanese restaurants you should try.
9) The Venetian hosts the world's largest casino complex, with almost 600,000 square feet of gambling space, 3,400 slot machines and 800 gambling tables... Other than virtually endless gambling and gaming options, there is a fantastic "Venice themed" shopping arena there, called The Grand Canal shoppes, where you can buy international brand names, enjoy some great restaurants, bars and cafes, or just ride a gondola...
10) Alto de Coloane and Coloane Village are both located on Macau's greenest and most spacious island - Coloane. The "village" boasts a labyrinth of small pedestrian only alleyways, where very little has changed over the years, and there are some beautiful small Chinese temples and churches, as well as some very good restaurants. Not far from the 'village" on Macau's highest hill, you can visit A-Ma cultural village: An imposing complex of lavishly decked temples and study rooms, devoted to Macau's most popular goddess, A-Ma. On top of the hill, just above A-Ma cultural village, there's a colossal statue of the beloved deity, that rises to a height of 19.99 mtrs (commemorating the year 1999, at which China regained sovereignty over Macau).
Macau Tour - 10 Macau Attractions You Just Have to Visit!
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