Macau Attractions

Macau is known for being the Las Vegas of Asia and heading to the casino ranks highly on most people’s list of things to do when they come to the region. Gambling is not allowed in China so many mainland Chinese can be seen in Macau on the weekend. The main area for casinos is between the Jetfoil terminal and Avenida do Doutor Mario Soares - not that you’ll be able to miss them – touts pointing you in the right direction are everywhere. The Lisboa is the largest casino in Macau and also home to one of Asia’s most expensive restaurants - Robuchon a Galera. The restaurant has three stars and was the first establishment in China to win the Wine Spectator's "Grand Award." The Venetian is the fourth largest building in the world by area and the largest single structure hotel in Asia. The opulence of the place is incredible and well worth seeing, even if it does feel slightly tacky. The artificial sky and “Venice” style canals is truly bizarre. Designer shops line the water banks. All sense of time is lost in this place so just surrender and enjoy the experience. There is much more to Macau than gambling, there is a wealth of history to explore. Check out the historical church of Sao Paulo and visit the museum of the fortress - Fortaleza do Monte. The buildings date back to the seventeenth century and were built by Jesuits. Taipa, the nearby island is also worth a visit – if only for the delicious Portuguese style food. This old (and very small) village feels like a throw back to a time a time gone by. From noon to 9pm on Sundays street vendors line the roads selling an array of souvenirs and handicrafts. If you want some peace and quiet check out the beaches on Coloane island. It’s a bit of a faff to get there but it you are rewarded with an oasis of calm. You can cycle to the beaches from Coloane village or take a local bus (numbers 21a, 26a or 15). If you happen to be in Macau on the third weekend in November check out the Macau Grand Prix. See the Macau tourism website for more information: www.macautourism.gov. Advanced booking is recommended. Failing that, why not have a go at go-karting and great your very own "mini" prix experience at kartodromo de Macau. Like its neighbour Hong Kong, Macau has a large horseracing scene and races are held during the week in Taipa from September to June. The first races start at 12.35pm. From June to August races are held in the evening and start around 7pm. The great news is that entrance is free for the ground and first floor stands, and the minimum bet is $10 – perfect if you’re on a budget. Adventure lovers should check out the world’s largest bungee jump at 233m. www.ajhackett.com/macau/bungy. The jump is off the Macau tower and will set you back around $217.

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