A guide to Macau for non-gamblers will no doubt place emphasis on the Chinese and Portuguese culture, intertwined to create one of the most fascinating places in Asia. With unique food offerings, sights to see, and thrilling activities, it is little wonder if the city is developing into one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia.
Walking around the city centre, you will take in numerous heritage buildings, often in various shades of pastel colours, in addition to the Portuguese-style cobblestones that pave most of the pedestrianised zones.
Walk around old Taipa Village
Before the huge hotels and casinos started sprouting as mushrooms in Macau, Taipa had narrow lanes and alleys and colored colonial houses. All these can be found in the Old Taipa Village, one of the two traditional ‘villages’ that still exist in the peninsula.
Just a stone’s throw away from The Venetian Macao, this tourist attraction is also the home to the Taipa Houses Museum, Rua Do Cunha, Our Lady of Carmel Church, and Carmel Garden.
Take big thrills
Although Macau might be tiny, it is big on attractions. For thrill seekers with a head for heights, you can experience the world’s highest commercial bungy jump from the top of Macau Tower. Operated by world-renowned AJ Hackett, you can take the leap from 233 metres above the ground. They also offer less terrifying activities as a skywalk around the outer platform of the tower and a skyjump, which is similar to a bungy jump, but has a more controlled decent experience.
View Senado Square From leal Senado Buiding
Should you have time to come back to Ruins of St. Paul and Senado Square the following day, make sure to drop by the Leal Senado building right across the square. Its windows on the second floor offer an amazing view of Senado Square and neighboring structures. You may also check out the courtyard garden, as well as the ceremonial meeting room that leads to an elaborate library.
Visit Macao Giant Panda Pavilion
Macao Giant Panda Pavilion comprises two indoor activity quarters and one outdoor yard for the inhabitation of the giant pandas and a indoor exhibit area.
Two viewing paths of different elevations align along the front edge of the fan-layout indoor activity area, accessible to two streams of visitors. Please purchase tickets in advance due to the limited number of admission.
Have a ‘Venetian’ shopping experience
There is a shopping mall inside the hotel that is modelled after the city of Venice. The ‘streets’ are made of smooth cobblestone, the ceiling is painted to look like the afternoon sky, the buildings have a strong Renaissance era feel to them.
The place itself is not some pea-sized mall either. It is a full-sized shopping paradise filled with a variety of special shops and restaurants. From snacks and classy meals for two, to well-known casual sportswear and even luxury designer brands.
Munch on Portuguese egg tart
The Portuguese egg tart would not be Macau’s most famous food for nothing. Consisting of a flaky outer shell and a rich, creamy egg custard filling, this pastry is found everywhere, and can be eaten while strolling around the city. Price per piece varies depends on where they are sold. For example, Koi Kei Bakery, which has branches all over Macau, sells them at HKD $9 each.