Macau has a popularity because the Vegas of the East and, certainly, thousands and thousands of holiday makers come yearly to town’s glitzy casinos. However the former Portuguese enclave has extra sights to supply than simply Baccarat tables and slot machines… From spectacular baroque-style cathedrals and outdated Chinese language temples, to adrenaline-boosting bungee jumps and delightful nature walks…
This text will take you thru 10 key sights you actually must attempt to see, when visiting Macau
1) A-Ma Temple is the place Macau presumably began from. Constructed in opposition to a rocky hill in entrance of the strait that separates Macau from mainland China, this 1488 temple was constructed to commemorate a miraculous occasion the place the legendary goddess A-Ma saved a bunch of seamen from a storm and introduced them safely to shore. Years later, when Portuguese explorers requested locals for the identify of the place, they had been answered “A-Ma Gau” (Actually, the Bay of A-Ma), and that is who the identify Macau ultimately happened…
2) Senado Sq. (Largo do Senado) is a big piazza, proper within the coronary heart of Macau. Paved with Portuguese model cobblestone, the sq. is surrounded by spectacular historic buildings, like Santo Domingo Church, The Cathedral, The Holy Home of Mercy, and Leal Senado Constructing, in addition to some improbable eating places, cafes and a small market, the place manufacturing unit retailers promote brand-name surpluses at a great worth.
3) Ruins of St. Paul’s, only a quick stroll from Senado Sq., is the one stay of Asia’s as soon as largest Catholic Church. Constructed within the 1580s by the Jesuits, this imposing facade boasts some fabulous statues and complex reliefs, primarily of Jesuit photos with oriental themes. In the back of the facade, there’s a small museum the place you possibly can see objects of excessive historic and creative worth, associated to the historical past of the catholic missions in Macau and the area.
4) Guia Hill towers proper above Macau Ferry Terminal, and is one in all Macau’s highest and greenest hills. Take the quick cable automobile journey to the highest of the hill, the place you possibly can get pleasure from some commanding views of Macau and its environs, stroll within the lovely park and go to attention-grabbing historic websites, such because the stays of Guia Fort, which was constructed within the early 1600s, following a failed try by the Dutch to raid on Macau, or the lighthouse that was constructed at 1864 and have become the primary western model lighthouse alongside the coast of China.
5) Fisherman’s Wharf is a big Enjoyable and Leisure advanced, that includes a youngsters leisure and exercise space, in addition to some eating places, cafes and casinos. The primary attraction right here, nonetheless, is a spread of European and coastal city architectures that replicate streets and suburbs from port-cities across the globe…
6) Macau Tower, one of many metropolis’s hottest vacationer sights, rises to a peak of 338 meters, and is the world’s tenth highest free-standing tower. Zoom to the higher commentary decks with one of many glass-fronted lifts and luxuriate in some breathtaking views. There are additionally two eating places and bars right here, the place you possibly can get pleasure from a very romantic sundowner. Journey lovers can elevate their adrenaline with Bungee Leap, Mast climbing, Skywalk or Skyjump… Down on the backside, there’s a fashionable shopping center, with just a few excellent eating places and a few slot machines…
7) The Macau Grand Prix Museum is a spot you simply have to go to, particularly if you’re right here with the youngsters… The museum provides you the chance to see all these legendary automobiles and bikes that made historical past on one of many world’s most demanding road tracks – Macau’s Guia Circuit, and to study extra concerning the drivers who truly drove these autos.
8) Taipa Village, on the island of Taipa, is one in all solely two conventional “villages” that also exist in Macau. Strolling via the pedestrian solely alleys seems like touring again in time, and there are some outstandingly good Portuguese-Macanese eating places you need to attempt.
9) The Venetian hosts the world’s largest on line casino advanced, with nearly 600,000 sq. ft of playing area, 3,400 slot machines and 800 playing tables… Apart from nearly limitless playing and gaming choices, there’s a improbable “Venice themed” buying enviornment there, referred to as The Grand Canal shoppes, the place you should buy worldwide model names, get pleasure from some nice eating places, bars and cafes, or simply journey a gondola…
10) Alto de Coloane and Coloane Village are each positioned on Macau’s greenest and most spacious island – Coloane. The “village” boasts a labyrinth of small pedestrian solely alleyways, the place little or no has modified through the years, and there are some lovely small Chinese language temples and church buildings, in addition to some excellent eating places. Not removed from the ‘village” on Macau’s highest hill, you possibly can go to A-Ma cultural village: An imposing advanced of lavishly decked temples and school rooms, dedicated to Macau’s hottest goddess, A-Ma. On prime of the hill, simply above A-Ma cultural village, there is a colossal statue of the beloved deity, that rises to a peak of 19.99 mtrs (commemorating the yr 1999, at which China regained sovereignty over Macau).