Macau is leading the world in several different ways. It has the second-largest economy of any other city or region in the globe. With the second-largest economy, you can obviously count on Macau being one of the wealthiest cities in the world, too. It’s one of the most densely-populated places, but that shouldn’t deter you from coming to visit.
Just like New York City, the large population in Macau is one of the things that makes the city so cool. Being the last region in Asia that was owned by Europe, Macau brings its Cantonese traditions, sights, and smells to the table.
Blending Portuguese and Chinese tastes and cultures have given us what is probably the very first places to ever introduce fusion cuisine into the world. About 450 years ago, Portuguese settlers discovered the island, and as a result, the region of Macau is doused heavily with Catholic temples and Cantonese dining hot spots that have earned Macau the proud titles that it carries today.
Not only does it have some of the best food and sightseeing, but Macau is also home to the largest casino in the world. The gambling epicenter in Macau runs head to head with that of Las Vegas, while some might go as far to say that Macau is THE leader of the pack when it comes to the place it holds in the world’s entertainment industry.
There are so many things to do in Macau that I could practically write a book on just each individual thing alone. So, in a broad way, I would like to share with you some of the most fun and exciting things to do while visiting Macau.
1 – Bicycle Tour Ride
If you’re looking for an amazing way to experience and discover Macau, as well as one that includes getting decent exercise, then a bicycle tour in Macau is your best bet. You can experience the city with all of your five senses, bringing back the childhood nostalgia of riding a bicycle.
Now, I know that not everyone is into riding bikes, but I really want to push you on this one, even if you think it’s not for you. Macau is just such a packed-in city that getting around by car can be a pain, so you’re going to have a much better experience if you hop on a bike and ride around the city. Plus, you’ll get some light exercise, so it will be good for you!
The bike tour in Macau is designed to be fun while also providing an educational opportunity into the city’s rich history. The tour includes a ride through Old Taipa and the Cotai Strip, two famous regions that are within the city of Macau. But don’t worry, they’re not going to make you ride fast or make you run out of breath. You’ll absolutely be able to take it easy and enjoy your time there. It’s better than walking to be honest!
Once you’ve fully explored Taipa and the unique insights into its local life, the ride continues into the hilly terrain that comes along while exploring Cotai. Ride through some of the colorful backstreets that really give you a taste and sight for the cultural diversity of Macau. All of your gear is included when purchasing your ticket for the bicycle tour in Macau.
2 – Take the Macau Day Trip From Hong Kong
If you’re staying in Hong Kong, then don’t miss out on this opportunity. Take break from real money gambling and meet your tour guide at your Hong Kong hotel, where you will make your way into the ferry terminal. From there, you’ll board a fast ferry that will take you on a 60-minute ride across open oceans.
Get ready for a full day of sightseeing once you step foot onto the formerly-owned Portuguese colony. You’ll take a journey through Guia Circuit and see the famous holding spot for Macau Grand Prix. You can pay a visit to the world famous A-Ma temple, which is actually how Macau got its name and is something you absolutely have to see if you go all the way there. Don’t forget to take pictures to show to your friends back home!
You will stop by the 11th tallest tower on Earth, Macau Tower. The Macau Tower is the tallest structure in the region. The views are way worth it, so be sure to get out and make your way to the top floor and stand out on the observation deck.
Enjoy your visit to the Ruins of St. Paul, an ancient complex that was originally the site of the Cathedral of St. Paul and St Paul’s College. Built in the 1600s, taking a trip to the top of the ruins offers incredible views of the beautiful stone carvings and structural remnants of the famous site.
The last stop of the tour will take you up to the Macau Casino. You’ll have plenty of time to sit down and play a hand, or you can take your time soaking in all of the fun and excitement before embarking on your fast ferry ride back to your Hong Kong hotel.
3 – Macau Golden Reel Ferris Wheel
Here is a cool and unique thing to do while visiting Macau. Visit the Golden Reel Ferris Wheel. This Ferris wheel is the leader as the world’s tallest figure-eight Ferris wheel. There are just so many awesome things to see and do in Macau! It’s great for couples who love casino games, but families with children can easily have just as amazing of a time.
All types of tourist will enjoy this attraction, which is the world’s tallest figure-eight Ferris wheel. It also includes 17 vintage-themed cabins for your viewing pleasure during the ride. Known to the world as “Golden Reel,” the Ferris wheel sits sandwiched between two Studio City towers in Macau.
While the number eight is often seen as a symbol of fortune in Chinese culture, the wheel’s design comes from an imaginary Hollywood-inspired tale.
“Two flaming asteroids crashed through the building facade in tandem,” forming a pair of rings, a quote from the Studio City company.
The views under the lights during the ride can make for an ultra romantic time for you and your lucky guest, and all of the glass is fully transparent for families to enjoy amazing views of the surrounding areas.
4 – Lord Stow’s Bakery
There is an abundance of food choices available all throughout Macau. With so many resorts, a lot of the world-renowned restaurants in Macau sit inside some of the largest casinos in the world and feature unique tastes that are native to Macau.
For the pastry lover, Macau has become a pilgrimage for pastry lovers who love to visit some of the famous bakeries in Macau each week. One of the most famous bakeries in Macau is their very own Lord Stow’s Bakery. Based on the Portuguese pastel de nata, the world famous “egg custard tart” was invented by an English pharmacist turned baker by the name of Andrew Stow.
The bakery sells about 13,000 of these tarts a day. The treat comes with a flaky pastry crust, delicious egg custard centers, and crispy crème brulee tops. When the treats are served twice as hot, they have a tendency to taste twice as delicious. This is a must-visit for anyone that is planning a trip to Macau.
There Are More Awesome Activities in Macau
To really be able to give each asset of Macau the time that it deserves, you would need to spend a lot more time going into specific details. There are plenty of amazing things about Macau that have not been mentioned here.
Hopefully, I have sparked your interest and you will spend some time browsing some of the highlights that Macau has to offer. Maybe you have already visited Macau and have a lot of awesome stories that you would love to share with the world!
If you’ve visited Macau, or maybe you’re a Macau expert, please feel free to share your experiences in the comment section down below!
Michael Stevens
Michael Stevens has been researching and writing topics involving the gambling industry for well over a decade now and is considered an expert on all things casino and sports betting. Michael has been writing for GamblingSites.org since early 2016. …