Macau Travel Guide

Located on the southeast coast of China, Macau is one of the two special administrative regions of China. It borders Hong Kong in the east, Guangdong province in the north and South China Sea in the east and south. With a population of 538,000 and covering an area of 29.2 km², it has the highest population density in the world. Macau is also the most prosperous area in Asia. Macau is composed of Peninsular and two outlying islands of Taipa and Coloane.
 

History

Macau derived its name from the word Magao, A-Ma Temple dedicated to Mazu (a sacred sea goddess respected by Macau people). The area was China’s territory since Qin Dynasty. The Portuguese asked for living here in Ming Dynasty and it was under the administration of Guangdong by central court. In 1887, Macau became colony of Portugal and returned to the People's Republic of China in 1999 as a special administrative region.
 

Attractions

Thanks to hundreds of years of fusion between European and Chinese cultures, Macau is rich in tourist attractions. Gambling by no means is the must when travel to Macau. Historic Centre of Macau with Chinese and western houses, churches, streets, fort and even a cemetery was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Senado Square, one of the four squares in Macau, is located in the area. A-Ma Temple is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Macau. It is a temple dedicated to Mazu, a sacred sea goddess respected by Macau people with a history of over 500 years. Ruins of St. Paul's is adjacent to the famous Mount Fortress and Macau Museum. The church was once the biggest Catholic Church in East Asia but right now only front facade and the grand stone stairs are left.

Macau Tower is an important landmark of Macau also a member of the World Federation of Great Towers. Fisherman's Wharf is Macau's first theme park as well as a shopping center. Other attractions in Macau worth a visit include Grand Prix Museum, Maritime Museum, Monte Fort as well as numerous temples.
 

Transportation

Macau International Airport is only 15 minutes drive from downtown. There are flights to/from Macau to cities in China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Haikou, Xiamen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Fuzhou and Chengdu and Taibei and Gaoxiong in Taiwan as well as international flights to Seoul and Inchon in Korean, Bangkok, Manila, Singapore and other places of Asia, Europe and America.

If you come to Macau from Shenzhen and Hong Kong, helicopter is the most convenient means of transport. The three ferry terminals in Macau operate scheduled ferry services to Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Public transport is well developed in Macau. Airport Bus No API, 26 and 21 take passengers to the Barrier Gate or the outlying island of Coloane. The city bus in downtown Macau charges differently in different regions and the service is available from 6:00am to 12:00pm. The flag fall for a taxi is $13 (1600 meters) and $1.5 per 230 meters is charged beyond.

Walking and bicycling are also good ways to go around the city.
 

Weather and Climate

Macau has a humid subtropical climate greatly influenced by the monsoons with distinctive dry and wet seasons. The average annual temperature is 22.7°C (72.9°F). Spring is warm and foggy, summer is hot and humid, and autumn is cool and sunny, winter is dry. July is the warmest month and January is the coolest month.
 

Food and Restaurants

Macau is a paradise for gourmands. Famous local dishes and snacks include Bacalhau, African Chicken, Galinha Portuguesa, Linguado Macau, Vegetable Soup, Paella and Clam Stir-fried with Garlic.

There are many choices for dining in Macau.

Recommended ones:
Alorcha: Paella, the Portuguese Seafood Rice and Clams Stir-fried with Garlic
Address: 289 Rua Do Almirante Sergio, close to A-Ma Temple

SOLMAR: the oldest Portuguese restaurant and the best place to taste African Chicken.
Address: Rua Da Praia Grande No. 8-10, r/c e s/loja

Clube Militar de Macau: popular with western diners.
Address: 975 Avenida Da Prais Grande
 

Shopping

Macau is a free port, thus a paradise for shopping. People come here for jewelry, brand label clothes, Chinese antiques, porcelain and pottery as well as wine, cameras, watches, knit-wear and other products at free duty prices.

The main shopping centers in Macau Peninsular are scattered around Av. Almeida Ribeiro, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Rua Pedro Nolasco da Silva and Av. de Horta e Costa such as Senado Square Area and Red Market. For shopping in Outlying Islands, people often go to Taipa Village. On Sunday, a bazaar is held here from 11:00 to 20:00, providing a wide selection of handicrafts, souvenir items, clothes, toys and other interesting things.
 

Nightlife and Entertainment

Gambling is Macau's biggest industry and the city got a name of Oriental Las Vegas due to its Casinos. Besides, it is a good choice to walk around the city since it is a beautiful city with clear streets, gardens and historical relics. People can also enjoy entertainment like Golf, Karting, Horse and Greyhound Racings.

Casinos in Macau
Lisboa Casino
Address: Avenida de Lisboa, No. 2-4, Hotel Lisboa

Pharaoh's Palace Casino
Address: Avenida de Amizade, No. 555, 3 andar, The Landmark, Macau

Macau Jockey Club Casino
Address: Estrada Governador Albano de Oliveira, No. 142, Grandview Hotel, Taipa

Bar Street near Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-sen is a bustling nighttime entertaining center. The street has bars and pubs, cafes, restaurants and food shops. Music bands and dance groups present live performances for guests along the street. There are many other places offer good options for nightlife such as Rua S. Domingos and Fishman's Wharf.
 

Accommodation

Most hotels in Macau are concentrated on the Peninsula. People can also find accommodations on Taipa and Coloane very easily.

Pousada de Mong-Ha
Address: Pousada de Mong-Ha

Regency Hotel
Address: No.2 Estrada Almirante Marques Esparteiro

Ole London Hotel
Address: No.4-6 Praca de Ponte e Horta

Hotel Taipa Square
Address: Rua de Chaves, Macau
 

Travel Tips

1. Mid-October to December is the best time times to visit Macau.
2. Macau Visa is needed to visit the city.
3. Passports should be valid for at least 30 days beyond the planned period of stay in Macau.
4. Macau has its separate entry and exit regulations.
5. The local currency unit is PATACA.