It was just a crazy unplanned idea to go on a weekend trip to Macau.
Well, they say, best moments happen when they are unplanned.
In 2014, ’twas my first time in Macau together with friends. After 4 years, coming back to this place (with hubby and friends too) offers a lot of new luxury establishments to enjoy. Either you are a gambler, which Macau can be a paradise for you, or you’re just a solo wanderer or couple traveler who would like to have fun and learn about the history and culture – it still one of that place to go.
Macau is a former Portuguese colony, and in 1999 it became a special administrative region of China. Its economy relies heavily on tourism, specifically the gambling industry, whose revenue has made Macau the world’s largest casino market, also consider as Vegas in Asia.
From Hong Kong, it took only 1 hour ferry ride to reach Macau. The speedjet boat is pretty comfortable and you can choose either Central or Kowloon Jetty to hop on the boat.
What to do in Macau?
For an overnight stay, we only had enough time to tour around the finest luxury Casinos and hotels, word class shopping centers, heritage Portuguese old street and Catholic Churches, not to mention the famous local Macau cookies and pastries.
Strike a pose at The Eiffel Tower.
The City of Lights, the City of Love. Paris is at the heart of romance, and the Eiffel Tower is at the heart of Paris.
Yup, we’re here in Paris… Parisian Macau! Want to experience a “Paris feels like..” come here in winter season and strike your best shot! If you got time to witness the panoramic view of the city, go to the observation deck at level 7 and 37.
Well, the place is not just for tourists but many come here for wedding prenup photoshoot.
Did you know: There are several replica Eiffel Towers exist in the world. Of all the replicas, The Parisian Macau’s Eiffel Tower is the tallest and most realistic. The height of The Parisian Macao Eiffel Tower is roughly equivalent to a 38-storey building and is approximately one half the height of the 324-metre-tall Paris tower. The base is about half the width of the 125-metre-wide base in Paris.
Hop on the Luxury Hotel-Casinos.
One of the things you gotta love about Macau is that – once you find out how you can wander around without even spending a penny. Macau is small, in terms of landmass aside from the glitz and glamour of it’s casinos trail. So it’s so easy to hop on the world class casinos and hotels. From Cotai (Galaxy, The Venetian, City of Dreams) to Macau Peninsula (Wynn Hotel and Grand Lisboa).
The Venetian, is definitely a must-see even for non-gamblers. It was so ostentatious and grandiose with its East meets West architecture. Combined with a myriad of sights and smells, your senses will surely go into overdrive.
Here’s the full list of Casino in Macau if you’d like to hop. Take your pick and make your own itinerary. Don’t worry – you do not need to spend money to get to these places; you can also take advantage of the free shuttles service of the casinos.Visit the historical landmark of Macau.
Definitely a must-have in your itinerary — the landmark of Macau, which is the Ruins of St. Paul’s & Monte Fort. It is quite a highly tourist congested spot, and many people buying the famous Macau cookies, egg tarts and dried meat from there.
The Ruins stands adjacent to the famous Mount Fortress and Macau Museum. The front facade and the grand stone stairs are the only remains of the greatest church.
Did you know: First constructed in 1580, St. Paul’s Church caught fires in 1595 and 1601. However, reconstruction started in 1602 soon after the church was burnt down. Completed in 1637, the church became the biggest Catholic Church in East Asia at that time. Unfortunately, a violent typhoon hit Macau in 1835 and the church caught fire for the third time leaving its glory a history. According to historical materials, St Paul’s Church, built with white stones, had a grand vaulted roof. It had three magnificently decorated halls.
Seek solace and spiritual inspiration through historical Catholic Churches.
Traveling is more fun if we offer a thanksgiving prayer. Travelers of all different beliefs across the globe visit historical places like Catholic Churches –seeking solace and spiritual inspiration and appreciating the woks of art as well.
In fact, there are many Catholic Churches that are closely located to each other in Macau Peninsula. Start your church architecture appreciation in St. Dominic’s Church along Largo de Sao Domingos, a few steps away from Ruins of St. Paul. Make your way towards Senado Square, cross the street, and then walk along Calcada do Tronco Velho. There you will see St. Augustine’s Church, followed by St. Joseph’s Church along R. do Seminario, and by St. Lawrence’s Church in R. de Sao Lourenco.
Here’s the list of Catholic Churches in Macau for your itinerary and if you intend to attend a mass too.
Europe feels at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Macau Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the largest hotel and casino complexes in Macau Peninsula. Located at Macau’s outer harbour, within 5- minutes’ walk from the Macau Ferry Terminal and Heliport. Actually it’s combined theme park and a shopping center.
If you love photo shoots and “Europe feels”, this one could be one of your options. And for your gastronomic adventure, you’ll find Indian, Thai and American restaurants here. Most boast terraces and some have sea views, both of which can be hard to find in a city that shuns dining al-fresco.
However, if you’re a bold daredevil, adventurous risk-taker, or fearless coaster fanatic, and looking for some intense terrifying rides then this is not a good choice.
Explore some of the most photogenic architectural structures in Taipa Village.
Well, there’s a lot more from casinos that you can visit in Macau, it’s easy to get lost eating, shopping, and sight-seeing the shows. But for the sake of 1-day itinerary, you don’t want to just spend all your 1 day in casinos, right? Okay, enough casinos, now pay a visit to some of the most photogenic architectural structures in Taipa Village and learn more about Macau’s colonial background.
Just a stone’s throw from the Cotai Casino stands Taipa Village, a cultural gem tucked away on tranquil Taipa Island. Here, you will be mesmerized by the pastel-colored houses, authentic street snacks and nostalgic Portuguese architectures.Though 24 hours is not nearly enough time to take in all of Macau’s attractions, this itinerary will help you make the most of your day. Enjoy your Macau trip. Ciao!
❤️
Leave a Reply