There are numerous compelling reasons why a day trip to Macau should be on your radar, whether you are staying in Hong Kong, visiting Hong Kong, or even simply traveling through Hong Kong. The UNESCO World Heritage List includes 22 monuments in the Historic Center of Macao, which was a Portuguese colony until 1999 and is now part of China’s Macau Special Administrative Region.
Macau is separated from Hong Kong by around 60 kilometers of ocean, but in contrast to Hong Kong, which was colonized by the British, there is more than just a taste of Portuguese flavor that lingers in the air in Macau. Macau is a melting pot of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, and it shows in every element of the city, from the architecture to the cuisine to the culture itself.
Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China that is simple to explore on one’s own, and going on a day trip to Macau that one has planned on their own is a great way to spend the day. Is it just necessary to spend one day in Macau? The consensus of opinion is that it is not. Here are a few reasons why you might consider going to Macau for just the day, even if you’re pressed for time.
If you are someone who enjoys gaming, then you likely already know about Macau. It is often considered to be the gambling capital of the world since it is home to a large number of hotels and casinos that together bring in billions of dollars each year. The city of Macau is sometimes referred to as the “Las Vegas of Asia,” and for this reason, the gambling industry contributes significantly to the city’s economy. There are casinos located all across Macau, and they are every bit as magnificent (or extravagant, depending on how you look at it) as the casinos that can be found in Sin City. Macau is known as the “Gambling Capital of the World.”
It is interesting to note that the expansion of the online casino industry occurred at the same time that Macau became known as a worldwide destination for gambling. While on vacation, Internet gambling contributed to a greater knowledge of traditional games, which may have led to an increase in the number of people feeling compelled to play them. Planet 7 Casino is the best destination for a full Macau experience without leaving your home.
The following places of interest focus a lot on architecture and design, which are two of Macau’s most unique qualities.
Senado Square
Senado Square is a well-known destination in Macau due to the fact that it offers fashionable clothing, well-known food, and a breathtakingly beautiful setting. On significant days such as the Chinese New Year, which occurs in February, fireworks displays and dances featuring lions and dragons are often put on display. The Macau Cathedral can be found on one side of the plaza, and St. Dominic’s Church can be found at the end of the paved road; both are excellent places of worship that should not be missed. A museum of paintings, sculptures, and liturgical ornaments that represent the history of the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Asia may be found on the third level of the church.
Macau Tower
Include a visit to Macau Tower in your Macau day tour schedule if it’s a clear day, since it’s the best site for a view from the sky or, if you dare, a bungee jump. The viewing deck is a great spot to gaze down and observe how this old Portuguese colony has expanded. The Golden Reel at Studio City is Asia’s first figure-eight Ferris wheel, and riding it is another option for getting an aerial view of Macau.
Moorish Barracks
The Moorish Barracks were built to house Indian troops from the state of Goa who were sent there, and are evidence of yet another cultural mashup. The pointed arches and ivory pillars, which were designed by an Italian architect, are supposed to make a reference to the strong link that existed between Macau and Goa when the two areas were sister provinces under the rule of the Portuguese Empire.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Not quite the noisy and odorous fishing wharf that you may be picturing, but then again, nothing in Macau really matches the profile of what you might expect. This very gentrified section of Macau is home to hotels, casinos, shops, and restaurants, as well as some fairly peculiar buildings designed in the Roman style. It is an excellent place to start your day in Macau and is located about 800 meters down the shore from the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal.
Ruins of St. Paul’s
An outstanding landmark that you just cannot miss if you find yourself in Macau. The Jesuits from Portugal constructed St. Paul’s Church, which caught fire less than 200 years after it was finished being built. Almost the whole structure was consumed by the flames. One of the stone façades is all that is left of what was once one of the largest churches in Asia; it is now a spooky looking building. You are not barred from entering the subterranean crypt.
Lilau Square
On the slope of Penha Hill is a charming residential neighborhood centered on a small plaza. The beautiful apartment buildings and duplexes designed in the art deco style are all that is left of this area’s heyday as a fashionable neighborhood among Portuguese people. In the past, this location was home to a freshwater spring. The square fountain was Macau’s first known source of spring water when it was discovered.