Macau — Where to Go
Top Things to See
Church of St Paul's
The ruins of the Church of St Paul's are probably the most famous sight in Macau. The church was originally built in 1602 and rebuilt in 1835 after a disastrous typhoon (www.macauheritage.net/info/indexe.asp).
Guia Fortress
See the oldest lighthouse on the China coast: the 17th-century Guia Fortress (www.macauheritage.net/info/indexe.asp).
Gate of Understanding
The massive Gate of Understanding (designed by Charters Almeida), stands at 40m (130ft) high over the Praia Grande Bay. This is a symbolic structure representing the goodwill between China and Portugal.
Kun Iam Tong
Explore the complex of temples known as Kun Iam Tong, the biggest and wealthiest of Macau's temples. It dates from the time of the Ming Dynasty, about 400 years ago, and contains, amongst other works of art, a small statue of Marco Polo.
Macau Museum
The Macau Museum seeks to embody the life of Macau and its people from the first settlement to the present day. The museum contains a vast collection of historic and social memorabilia (www.macaumuseum.gov.mo).
Portuguese architecture
Admire Macau's Portuguese buildings: the finest expression of Portuguese architecture is probably the Largo do Senado Square, making the heart of the city a pedestrian paradise (www.macauheritage.net/info/indexe.asp).
São Domingo's Church
São Domingo's Church, built in the 17th century and renovated in 2002, is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Macau. A Museum of Sacred Art, on three floors of the renovated belfry, is home to 300 works of sacred art illustrating the history of the Catholic church in Asia.
Macau Tower
Enjoy panoramic views - or bungee jump - from the Macau Tower, an entertainment and convention center situated on the waterfront on the Nam Van Lakes. The 338m (1,109ft) tower is the 10th tallest freestanding tower in the world.
Top Things to Do
Gambling
For most visitors, gambling is Macau's great attraction. Around 28 casinos now operate under government franchise. Both familiar Western games and popular Eastern games are on offer, plus slot machines - known as ‘hungry tigers' by locals. The largest casinos also have live music, lounge bars and several restaurants.
Racing
The Canidrome is Asia's only greyhound racing stadium (www.casinocity.com/mo/macau/canidro). The Macau Jockey Club organizes flat horse races on the island of Taipa (www.macauhorse.com). The Far East's gala motorcycle and Formula III car racing event, the Macau Grand Prix, is held in November (www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo).
Taipa
The island of Taipa is a busy, colorful place with interesting shops and colonial Portuguese offices in narrow streets and alleys, where many traditional crafts are still followed. Pou Tai Un Temple is one of the best endowed and most picturesque temples in Macau.
Festivals
Macau's colorful festivals include the Dragon Boat Festival in June; the International Fireworks Display Contest, which sees 90 countries competing for honors in September/October; and the Macau International Music Festival, which presents works in Chinese and Western styles throughout October.
Colôane Island
The larger of Macau's two islands, Colôane Island is perfect for a day trip. Nature trails thread among the hills in Seac Pai Van Park, which also has a walk-in aviary (http://nature.iacm.gov.mo, in Chinese only). The best of the beaches is the black-sand Hác Sá. Enjoy spectacular views from the A-Ma Statue, which stands on the highest point on the island.
