5 Top Reasons To Visit Macau

The Asian continent certainly has no shortage of amazing places to visit, from the neon-lit, urban jungle of Tokyo down to the sandy beaches and beautiful temples of  Penang. Indeed, attempting to list even half the Asian destinations worth exploring would be a big enough project to warrant a whole website unto itself. Sometimes though, with so many options available, it can be easy to overlook even the most beautiful and interesting ones. Here we have the top reasons to visit Macau on your next holiday.

The Cotai Strip

Dubbed the “Las Vegas of Asia,” Macau naturally has quite the gambling scene. Though gamblers these days have been drawn to the generous bonuses and convenience offered by online casino sites, primarily based in Europe, Macau’s Cotai Strip proves that online casinos haven’t fully taken over just yet. Yes, there’s plenty of opportunity for gaming (the Venetian Macau has the world’s second-largest casino), there are also all sorts of additional attractions on the Strip. Visitors can take gondola rides through mock Venetian canals, visit Warner Bros. rides, and enjoy innumerable shops, spas, and five-star restaurants.

Macau Science Center

For those who prefer looking past Macau’s glitzy neon lights and up at the stars, there’s good news: One of the city’s main attractions happens to be the world’s highest resolution planetarium. Situated in the Macau Science Center, the planetarium’s 3D films were even confirmed by Guinness World Records as having the highest quality in the world. This makes it, in its own way, a one-of-a-kind attraction, and one of the few places on Earth where you can feel (we imagine, at least), a little bit like an astronaut in orbit – at peace among the stars, in stillness and quiet.

The Historic Center of Macau

With influences from both Portuguese and Chinese culture, Macau’s history is nothing short of fascinating. That’s why one of the region’s numerous top attractions is the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Center. This site offers history buffs a peek at how the city’s unique historical blend has influenced its culture, customs, architecture, and overall atmosphere. At the Center, one can step back in time at the Ruins of St. Paul, where the façade is the only part that remains of the old church, but still a spectacular sight to behold. You can then continue the afternoon at the historical residential complex known as “Mandarin’s House,” where 600 rooms ensure there’s always something to see.

Taipa Village

This quaint cultural district offers a variety of heritage buildings, shops and restaurants, all just a short distance from the city’s casinos. Can’t-miss offerings at Taipa Village include the Pai Tak Temple and the Taipa Village Art Space. For foodies though, the narrow pedestrian street of Rua Do Cunha is the real gem of the village, given that this is where the best of Macanese cuisine is showcased: delectable street food skewers, pork chop buns, steamed milk pudding, and even Portuguese egg tarts await!

Macau Tower
Built in 2001, Macau Tower offers an endless array of shops and restaurants, as well as a movie theater to keep tourists entertained. The 58th floor even boasts an observation lounge that gives you a spectacular panoramic view of the city. For some of our more daring readers though, Macau Tower also offers adrenaline rushes in the form of a 764-foot bungee jump and a 17-second “sky jump” over the cityscape. If you’re up to the excitement, activities like these can certainly make your trip to Macau unforgettable.