The small Chinese city enclave of Macau is famous for its casinos and World Heritage –listed colonial architecture, but there are also many other attractions in Macau, as well as some nice beaches. This former Portuguese colony on the coast of Southern China near Hong Kong has witnessed hundreds of years of cultural exchange between European and Chinese cultures.
The territory of Macau, sometimes written also Macao, comprises of three main parts: the Macau peninsula and two islands: Taipa and Coloane that are connected to the peninsula by bridges. Macau town is a relatively small place full of churches, temples, museums, and old buildings as well as casinos that attract most of the visitors to Macau. Macau has become an extremely popular weekend trip destination for Chinese tourists who comprise the bulk of the massive annual 27 million tourist arrivals to this tiny Chinese territory.
Modern entertainment. The large casinos in Macau are major attractions of tourism in Macau. There are also plenty of choices for shopping in Macau, which is of great value. The main form of entertainment in Macau is gambling. The Macau casinos are situated mainly to the peninsula and into Cotai reclaimed land area. There are also frequent greyhound races that attract keen gamblers.
Other attractions in Macau include the high-rise Macau Tower with its nice views, Fisherman's Wharf with some theme-park activities and nice shopping, plus two nice beaches on Coloane Island. In addition to beaches, there are also public swimming pools all over Macau, and several hiking and bicycling trails on Coloane and Taipa islands. The two golf courses in Macau are both equipped with 18 holes.
Travel to Macau can be done either by air – Macau has an international airport – or by ferry from Hong Kong or mainland China.
The territory of Macau, sometimes written also Macao, comprises of three main parts: the Macau peninsula and two islands: Taipa and Coloane that are connected to the peninsula by bridges. Macau town is a relatively small place full of churches, temples, museums, and old buildings as well as casinos that attract most of the visitors to Macau. Macau has become an extremely popular weekend trip destination for Chinese tourists who comprise the bulk of the massive annual 27 million tourist arrivals to this tiny Chinese territory.
Sights & activities in Macau: casinos, historical buildings, beaches & golf courses
As the first and last European colony in China, Macau has lots to offer for those interested in colonial history. The old city center with its historic buildings has influences from both East and West. There is also a fortress and the oldest lighthouse in China, as well as a large Buddha statue on the seafront. The villages on Taipa and Coloane Islands are also home to colonial-era shops and houses. Macau hosts several museums that you can all visit with a same pass. Most of them are situated in the Macau Peninsula.Modern entertainment. The large casinos in Macau are major attractions of tourism in Macau. There are also plenty of choices for shopping in Macau, which is of great value. The main form of entertainment in Macau is gambling. The Macau casinos are situated mainly to the peninsula and into Cotai reclaimed land area. There are also frequent greyhound races that attract keen gamblers.
Other attractions in Macau include the high-rise Macau Tower with its nice views, Fisherman's Wharf with some theme-park activities and nice shopping, plus two nice beaches on Coloane Island. In addition to beaches, there are also public swimming pools all over Macau, and several hiking and bicycling trails on Coloane and Taipa islands. The two golf courses in Macau are both equipped with 18 holes.
Macau travel tips and practical information
Macau enjoys a subtropical and humid monsoon climate with big temperature differences between summer and winter. Weather in Macau is mostly dry in autumn and winter, while the summertime comes with lots of rain and occasional typhoons.Travel to Macau can be done either by air – Macau has an international airport – or by ferry from Hong Kong or mainland China.
Photo: kashmut, used under Creative Commons License (BY ND 2.0)
There are also frequent bus connections to Macau from mainland China.
Getting around. The Macau peninsula where most of Macau's tourism attractions are is easily explored by foot. The public transport in Macau is handled by buses and there are many taxis around. Car rental in Macau is also available, normally including a local driver.
Services & safety. There are plenty of hotels and nice restaurants in Macau. The town also offers many bars and nightclubs, but the most popular form of nightlife are the numerous casinos in Macau. Macau is considered a very safe destination. However, pick-pocketing and other petty crime exists. Outside hotels in Macau, only a few people are able to speak English.
Short history of Macau
In the 16th century China gave Portugal the right to establish a colony in Macau that was at the time a backward coastal area. Macao was the first European settlement in the Far East and it developed into an important port city with a lot of international trade. The Portuguese administration in the area lasted for over 400 years until 1999 when, according to an agreement signed by China and Portugal in 1987, Macau returned into Chinese rule. Macau is now a Special Administrative Region of China that enjoys a high degree of autonomy in all affairs except foreign and defense politics for the next 50 years. Like the neighboring Hong Kong, Macau now belongs officially to China, but has its own government, passports, visas, postal system, and currency.hint See also these nearby destinations: Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou
