Macau has long been referred to as the ‘The Las Vegas of Asia’, it is true that Macau features the biggest casinos and posh hotels, but this destination offers more than the lights, sounds, and thrills of gambling. Here, we list down all the Macau’s attraction and some travel guide for you!
Ruins of St Paul
Picture: www.thousandwonders.net
Traveling Macau without visiting the Ruins of St Paul literally means not visiting Macau attractions at all, it’s one of Macau’s best-known landmarks. In 2005, they were officially listed as part of the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Senado Square
Picture: jrrny.com
Senado Square (Largo do Senado) is a public square in Macau. It is paved with wave-patterned mosaic colored stone created by the Portuguese, located in the central area of the Macau Peninsula. In 2005 it was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as it forms part of the Historic Centre of Macau.
Venetian Macau
Picture: wwcdn.weddingwire.com
The Venetian Macao is the biggest casino in the world, it has the function of performance, entertainment, shopping, exhibition, accommodation and large-scale gaming. Don’t forget to get a map from your concierge otherwise you’ll get lost.
A Ma Temple
Picture: laikatourist.com
The A-Ma Temple, located in the southeast of the Macau Peninsula, is the oldest temple here. It was constructed in the year of 1488 of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to commemorate Mazu, the sacred sea goddess who blesses the fishermen.
Macau Fisherman’s Wharf
Picture: wikimedia.org
Macau Fisherman’s Wharf is located at Macau’s outer harbor, within 5-minutes’ walk from the Macau Ferry Terminal and Heliport, this is the largest leisure and themed entertainment complex in Macau Peninsula.
With an area approximately 133,000 square meters, the European-themed architectures combine dining, shopping, entertainment, accommodation, convention and exhibition facilities, and it creating a unique and multicultural experience to visitors from around the world.
Travel Guide
How to Get to Macau From Hong Kong
It’s all about the ferries. There are ferries from Hong Kong to Macau 24 hours a day, and the boats run as frequently as every 15 mins during peak hours. The journey only takes between 60-70 minutes and costs less than HK$200. Most ferries to Macau end up in downtown Macau, although you can also take the Cotaijet ferries that head to the casinos on the Cotai Strip.
How Long Should You Stay in Macau?
There is plenty to see in Macau. At least enough to fill up a weekend, but accommodation options beyond the luxury hotels are poor. If you can snag a good Macau hotel at a good price, then stay over at least a night, otherwise, you can see the best of the city in a day.
Do You Need a Visa for Macau?
Most nations are entitled to a visa-free stay in Macau; nationals from the US are allocated a 30-day visa free stay in Macau on arrival. European and Japanese nationals are allowed a 90-day visa free stay, and UK nationals six months.
The queues at immigration are short and the immigration officers speak English.
What’s the Currency in Macau?
Macau’s official currency, the Pataca, is pegged to the Hong Kong dollar at an official exchange rate. The official rate of exchange between the two hovers around parity, and you are unlikely to lose much if you deal only in Hong Kong dollars.
Keep in mind small shops and restaurants will accept Hong Kong dollars, but change will be in Patacas. All Macau casinos work exclusively in Hong Kong dollars. If you have Patacas at the end of your stay, try and change them in Macau as they can be difficult to offload in Hong Kong.
Which Language Is Spoken in Macau?
Chinese and Portuguese are the two official languages and most signs are displayed in both. In reality, almost no one speaks Portuguese anymore, English is spoken widely, if not as widely as in Hong Kong. Cantonese is the predominant Chinese dialect, although staff inside hotels and casinos will also be able to speak Mandarin.
Which Casinos Should You Visit in Macau?
If you just want to see one or two casinos to get a taste of the atmosphere, there are a couple to look out for. For a little bit of local flavor with the high rollers head for the Grand Lisboa, while the mock canals and gondoliers at the Venetian are the best for a bit of American glitz and glamor.
Article sources: www.tripsavvy.com