Spontaneous Adventure in Macau: Our Unplanned Journey
During our time in Hong Kong, we contemplated our next destination after several days of sightseeing. One of the suggestions that resonated was a visit to the neighboring territory of Macau.
A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
During our time in Hong Kong, we contemplated our next destination after several days of sightseeing. One of the suggestions that resonated was a visit to the neighboring territory of Macau.
Poor old Macau. When this 30.5-square-kilometre region is not overshadowed by its brasher neighbor Hong Kong, it’s often associated with its Vegas-style casino-stuffed Strip.
It’s fair to say that the battle for Macau’s best casino currently boils down to The Venetian Macau vs City of Dreams Macau.
Let’s cut to the chase; there are very few shows in Macau. Unlike Las Vegas, where shows and buffets are part of the attraction, Macau is primarily about the gambling experience. Most visitors in Macau are usually here to gamble extensively.
However, things are improving, with more shows now available than ever before. The flagship House of Dancing Water at the City of Dreams casino and resort has been joined by the Vegas-inspired House of Magic at Studio City. Additionally, Macau has become a regional hotspot for attracting significant musical and sporting events. From renowned musicals straight out of the London West End to exciting UFC events, there are plenty of big-name shows happening each week.
The Cotai Strip is Macau’s answer to the Las Vegas Strip, featuring all of Macau’s largest casinos, hotels, and clubs. This area is designed to replicate the atmosphere of Nevada’s famous strip, and it has been remarkably successful. Consequently, the Cotai Strip is home to several blockbuster casinos and boasts the largest casino in the world, where more gambling takes place than anywhere else on the globe.
Day trips from Hong Kong are a great chance to see more of the real China – it’s just across the border. Shenzhen and Guangzhou are the most popular destinations thanks to their proximity, while Zhuhai is gaining an increasing number of fans. The easiest day trip from Hong Kong is a short hop across the water to Macau where you’ll find a combination of Las Vegas casinos and Lisboa architecture less than an hour away.
Macau has been far more protective of its colonial heritage than Hong Kong and, for the most part, the churches, squares and government buildings constructed by the Portuguese are still standing throughout the city.
Your greatest expense when in Macau will probably be your accommodation. Although there is an abundance of places to stay, many options tend to fall on the higher end of the price range. Casino hotels, like the Venetian, may provide good value; however, they are not cheap.
Macau’s food culture has long been overshadowed by the all-conquering Cantonese cuisine across the water in Hong Kong. However, while high-end restaurants have recently put the city on the foodie map, Macau has been a treasure for those knowledgeable about Asian cuisine. Unlike most former colonies, where British, Dutch, or French influences merely added hints of flavor, Macau has created a unique culinary style by merging Southern Chinese and Portuguese ingredients and techniques, resulting in Macanese cuisine.