"FOR HISTORY & CULTURE
Macao doesn’t just have a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Historic Center of Macao – which takes up much of the peninsula – has remained intact for a very long time, and provides a unique look at how the meeting of East and West has developed over nearly five centuries. In stark contrast to Hong Kong, famous for burying its history under new skyscrapers, Macao has done the exact opposite by celebrating the past as well as its future. There are very few places that can boast such a pristine window into days gone by.
A visit to Macao must include a walking tour of this entire area, where I advise you carry a camera, make sure to take your time, and seek out the many architectural treasures that can be found here. I like to check out the alleyways; they often lead to interesting and unexpected little areas, like quaint public gardens and tiny civic squares – I find there is great satisfaction to be gained in these little discoveries. You won’t get lost, but you can certainly lose yourself as you follow your nose through these captivating back streets – especially, if like me, you like to stray off the beaten path.
As you wind your way through old Macao you will see some breath-taking buildings, such as the 16th-century Leal Senado Building (Portuguese for Senate Pavilion) which served as Macao’s first seat of government and has, over the course of its life, been a post office, a museum and even a prison, before becoming a government office once again.
Another picturesque point of interest is nearby Senado Square, which features Portuguese cobblestones that, for a moment, almost fool you into thinking you actually are in Lisbon – until the dulcet tones of spoken Cantonese bring you back to China, that is.
Ruins of St.Paul’s
Macao’s most famous landmark is the lone façade of the Ruin of St Paul’s, the remains of a 16th-century Catholic Church. Although certainly impressive, I do recommend visiting the museum at the Monte Fortress first. Here you can see the original fortifications that protected the first Jesuit settlers from pirates in the early 1600’s, as well as visit the Museum of Macao, which will helps put everything you see in the Historic Center into context. If you are feeling mischievous you can look down the barrel of one of the cannons and wonder why it seems to be pointing directly at the Grand Lisboa Hotel!
If possible, don’t just stay in Macao. Towards the south, and across a choice of three fine bridges, lies Taipa, and beyond that Coloane. Originally these were two separate enclaves, but when someone had the bright idea to fill the channel between them and create one island, it began a radical transformation which culminated in the creation of Asia’s entertainment capital – The Cotai Strip.
Taipa VIllage
Taipa Village
Once in Taipa, head to Taipa Village where you will see another slice of old Macao. These narrow walking streets exude character and are home to many fine restaurants, some of which have been there for generations; I particularly like the old Taipa Houses, built in 1921 to house senior civil servants.
You can also take a wander down Rua do Cunha, packed with old restaurants and a bustling Sunday flea market, full of trinkets and curiosities; this energetic street is the beating heart of Taipa Village. Antonio, my favorite restaurant in Macao – lauded for its piquant Portuguese dishes – is just two minutes’ walk away.
A-Ma Cultural VIllage in Coloane
A-Ma Cultural Village in Coloane
Finally, do not miss out on Coloane. This is Macao’s green lung and offers hiking (notably to the A-Ma cultural village), beaches and golf, if you are so inclined. Coloane is also the home of my second favorite restaurant in Macao, Fernando’s, as well as being home to the illustrious Lord Stow’s Bakery – the place to get Portuguese egg tarts – which can be found in Coloane Village.
A quaint little town, Coloane Village is centered around the village square – known as the Largo do Presidente Antonio Ramalho Eanes – which features a small statue of Cupid. If you go down to the waterfront you will see a stretch of water about 650-feet wide. The land on the other side? That is mainland China!
House of Dancing Water
House of Dancing Water
FOR FAMILIES
Macao has something to offer all kids, young and old, and all of my favorite hotels below have excellent facilities for children and do not, themselves, cater to gaming. If you do not want your children to be exposed to gambling it is very easy to avoid, as under 18’s are expressly forbidden from entering all casino floors, and protective screens mean they won’t see anything.
Along with all the cultural highlights introduced above, ripe with memorable photo opportunities, there are also some specific experiences that I think are perfect for families.
The first one is The House of Dancing Water. No matter where you are from, and no matter what you have seen, this will be one of the most spectacular expositions you have ever witnessed. With a story that opens with an entire sailing ship rising up from the waters of a 3.7-million gallon pool, and supported by an 80-strong international cast – who perform mind blowing stunts and some vertigo inducing high dives – the logistics alone are mind-boggling. I was fascinated at how in one scene the stage was a deluge of water and then, only moments later, in the next scene the stage was bone dry. I spent 90 minutes wondering how deep the hole in the ground must be to fit everything in. This show is an absolute must see.
The view from the Macao Tower
The view from the Macao Tower
The Macao Tower offers thrills and spills. Thrills, because of the 360-degree view from 1000 feet in the air, and spills because you are invited to throw yourself off the side on the end of a bungee cord. For the slightly less daring, you can promenade along the Skywalk – circling the top of the tower and back again. Be warned though, there are no railings, you are at the mercy of your safety line.
If your younger children are pining for some familiarity after being away from home for a while, the DreamWorks Shrekfast is something to consider. I won’t say it is the best breakfast buffet you’ve ever had, but they will see all of their favorite characters including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Puss in Boots in a show that will definitely keep them smiling. You will laugh as well, but try to contain yourselves – remember this for the children!
Tai Lei Loi Kei - serving Macao's famous Pork Chop Buns since 1968
Tai Lei Loi Kei – serving Macao’s famous Pork Chop Buns since 1968
FOR ITS FOOD
There are so many incredible places to eat in Macao. From incredible street food vendors to the glittering array of Michelin star restaurants, as well as those restaurants which have received honourable mentions in the revered food guide and the many kitchens run by chefs who have earned stars from previous restaurants – it is not possible to go hungry here.
While you are exploring Macao, you must try a pork chop bun. This is simply a pork chop wedged into really good crusty bread. If I am in Macao I will have one of these without fail, and I would quite happily skip the hotel breakfast to chow down on this local speciality. My number one place to buy a pork chop bun is Tai Lei Loi Kei, in Taipa Village, just a short walk from Cotai.
I have already mentioned the Portuguese restaurant Antonio, and Fernando’s, the maestros of Macanese flavours, as my first and second favorite restaurants respectively. However, some of the very best Chinese food can be found in Macao too. Jade Dragon, at the City of Dreams in Cotai, has two Michelin stars and is, to my mind, one of the best Chinese restaurants I have ever eaten in; somewhere you simply must try if you love southern Chinese cuisine."
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