My first visit to Macau was in 1995. My how things have changed since then! The Macau Tower is literally the highlight of the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre. This new exclamation point can be seen everywhere in tiny Macau and from neighboring China, as well. The Macau Cultural Centre is perhaps the most architecturally funky new building in town, although the under-construction Macau East Asian Game Dome (nicknamed the "Macau Egg") may make a run for this title soon.
The Ruins of the Church of St. Paul are still the most important historical monument in Macau. After years of archeological excavations, the site has been reorganized and spruced up with a small museum and smart di
...Read More
My first visit to Macau was in 1995. My how things have changed since then! The Macau Tower is literally the highlight of the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre. This new exclamation point can be seen everywhere in tiny Macau and from neighboring China, as well. The Macau Cultural Centre is perhaps the most architecturally funky new building in town, although the under-construction Macau East Asian Game Dome (nicknamed the "Macau Egg") may make a run for this title soon.
The Ruins of the Church of St. Paul are still the most important historical monument in Macau. After years of archeological excavations, the site has been reorganized and spruced up with a small museum and smart displays of old relics. A small portion of the old city wall is located just west of the ruins.
Macau is hilly, like a miniature version of the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. Be prepared for a walk along many twisting and steep streets. You can also take the public buses, which provide quite a cheap mode of transportation. Also inexpensive is the cable car up to Guia Hill, the highest of the seven hills of Macau. A walk down this hill will keep you in good company with its population of athletic joggers.
Macau has historically drawn locals from Hong Kong with its collection of casinos. Its flashiest casino and hotel combo has for years been the Lisboa, with its quirky cylindrical tower. Now Macau is trying to lure a larger scope of gambling-mad travelers from the West with an onslaught of bigger and better Vegas-style casinos.
The islands of Taipa and Coloane are part of Macau. While Macau proper has a decidedly urban buzz to it, these two formerly remote dots are like the countryside. Continued development (bridges, landfill, and even the Macau airport on Taipa) connect them more and more with the "mainland".
Quick Tips:
One can use Hong Kong dollars in Macau, as the value of that currency is virtually aligned with the Macau pataca. You may lose about three percent of your value by using Hong Kong money, but you will save yourself the hassle of changing money (Macau patacas are not legal tender in Hong Kong).
Ever since the "handover" of Macau from Portugal to China in 1999, it is now officially labeled a Special Administrative Region (SAR), just like Hong Kong. Most visitors will not need a visa to enter Macau, unlike the more restrictive policies for entering China.
Try a nata, a Portuguese-style cream custard tart that has a close culinary cousin in Chinese bakeries, the egg custard tart.
Best Way To Get Around:
There is plenty of hydrofoil and ferry service between Hong Kong and Macau. Note that the fares are higher in the evening and during the weekend. The ride is typically about an hour long on a hydrofoil, which can be a rough and rolling ride if the seas are a bit shifty.
You can use Hong Kong coins on the local buses of Macau, but try to bring small-value coins along, since the bus drivers do not give any change back. No double-deckers here, but the buses are cheap and provide reasonable service throughout Macau. Many of the roads do twist and turn somewhat, so if you are in a hurry go for a taxi rather than a bus.
Macau is fairly compact, but you will do lots of walking if you do not wish to ride any buses or taxis. The walking is fairly pleasant on level ground, but the seven hills of Macau definitely can make your strolls more strenuous.
Read Less