Outside the Casino Doors: Why We Love Macau

PHOTO: Pastel-colored houses are just one of the many surprises you'll find outside the casinos in Macau. (all photos courtesy A Cruising Couple)

Macau is often synonymous with one thing alone: gambling. Referred to as the ‘Vegas of the East’, Macau’s casino scene has actually overtaken its American counterpart in terms of both revenue and size. Considering that the special administrative region of Macau is the only place in China where gambling is legal, it’s no wonder that streams of prosperous tourists and busloads of wealthy Chinese arrive at the casino doors with dollar signs in their eyes.

Though I don’t think there’s anything wrong with trying your hand at a game of roulette or two (always our game of choice), there’s much more to Macau than high-end casinos and high-rolling gamers alone. Macau is a city rich in cultural diversity, a perfect example of what happens when East and West collide. A former Portuguese colony and an important trading port between China and Europe, Macau boasts a uniquely Mediterranean flare, complete with perfect piazzas and pastel-colored homes, without foregoing Moorish barracks, traditional Chinese temples, and a population of primarily Chinese.

To truly experience the cultural richness of Macau, you’ll have to go outside the casino walls. Here are our top tips on how to make the most of your experience:  

1. Macau’s Historic Center

A stroll through this World Heritage Site is the perfect way to get acquainted with Macau’s diversity. The pastel colored houses and cobblestone-laden alleyways are as quaint as could be, and there are plenty of stops along the historic route to keep you wondering if you’re in Europe or Asia. Don’t miss the A-Ma Temple, a complex of pavilions with Confucian, Buddhist, Taoist and other folkloric beliefs. Continue on to Lilau Square, one of the first Portuguese residential areas. You’ll then pass momentous churches on your way to bustling Senado Square. End the tour at the Ruins of St. Paul (pictured above)—all that’s left of the church is the façade, known as Mater Dei. For more, don’t miss our ultimate guide to the Historic Centre of Macau.

2. Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Macau is a foodie’s delight. Its unique cultural influences have given rise to a variety of great dishes and flavors unique to the city. Don’t miss the Egg Tarts (pictured above), Macau’s most famous and widely available delicacy. Lord Stow’s Bakery is famed with creating the smooth and savory baked pastry. A Lorcha is another great place to go for some typical Portuguese fare—we always go with the clams with garlic and African chicken. Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to try Macanese food. Available readily throughout the city, it’s a dynamic fusion of Portuguese, Cantonese and Chinese cuisines, often featuring coconut, turmeric and cinnamon.

3. Climb the Macau Tower

Climb the elegant Macau Tower, the tenth tallest free-standing building in the world, not only for great panoramic views of the city, but also for its cinemas, cafes, restaurants and malls. The 60th floor has a constantly rotating panoramic café—go for the view, not the memorable food. If you’re feeling particularly daring, strap yourself into the world’s highest bungee jump or Skywalk from 770 feet up in the air.

4. Visit a Museum

Fancy a bit of cultural enlightenment? Don’t miss a stop at the Wine Museum or the Grand Prix Museum. Located adjacent to each other, these two stops make great outings on a rainy day. Entrance to the museums is free; however, after exploring the difference between Chinese and Portuguese wines through the interactive exhibitions, a wine tasting for 10 Macau dollars is available. Asia isn’t particularly known for its wine, but these are particularly nice.

5. The House of Dancing Water

The House of Dancing Water is a bit of a splurge, but a memorable one at that. Created for ‘The City of Dreams’, The House of Dancing Water is a water-based stage production, similar to Cirque du Soleil—with just a bit more liquid involved. Featuring amazing acrobatics, actors, dancers, motorcyclists and more, this is one show you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere outside of Macau.

6. Hotel Hopping

Just because you’re stepping outside of the casinos doesn’t mean you need to avoid the hotels all together. Similarly to what you might find in Vegas, each hotel in Macau is an attraction in itself, boasting art galleries, exhibitions and shows. The Venetian (pictured above, which happens to be five times bigger than the Vegas Venetian and one of the largest buildings in the world) boasts gondola rides, always a crowd favorite. Sands, MGM, the Grand Lisboa and the Wynn are other popular names in the luxury casino hotel segment. Finally, don’t miss walking around the Fisherman’s Wharf, where a 130-foot-high erupting volcano and a mini version of Amsterdam quaintly coexist.

Have you visited Macau? Is it on your destination bucket list yet?