10 things to do in Macao or Macau, the former Portuguese colony in China

After landing at Hong Kong International Airport, one can drive to Macau taking the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB). This is a 55km stretch, comprising a bridge tunnel, which is the world’s longest sea crossing.

Relish Portuguese egg tarts at Lord Stow’s Bakery

Lord Stow’s Bakery, Rua do Cunha, Macao. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Macao’s famous Portuguese egg tarts can be sampled in Coloane at Lord Stow’s Bakery which was started by Andrew Stow. Priced at 11 Macanese Pataca (MOP) or Rs 115 each, the tarts have a flaky crust and contain a sweet custard that is caramelised on top. The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Macao also have a Lord Stow’s Bakery & Café.

Indulge in luxurious retail therapy at Sands Shoppes Macao

Sands Shoppes Macao on Cotai Strip offers the largest luxurious duty free shopping in Macao. With 850 retailers vying for your attention, one can choose from Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Rolex, Cartier, Chopard, Bobbi Brown and Giorgio Armani to name a few.

Discover London, Paris and Venice in Macao

The Londoner Macao. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

At the Cotai Strip, The Londoner Macao has picture perfect spots like Big Ben, the iconic original double decker bus of 1966, the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and a London themed tea time installation. At The Parisian Macao, don’t miss the evening grand illumination show where the Eiffel Tower’s replica is lit up. One can even go up to its observation deck on level 37 for bedazzled panoramic views. The Venetian Macao has mastered streetmosphere and offers fascinating gondola rides.

Relish a gourmet meal at Cotai Strip

Cotai Strip, Macau. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

In addition to chic shopping, Cotai Strip offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience. Fine dine at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, The Huaiyang Garden serving Huaiyang cuisine by celebrity master chef Zhou Xiaoyan, Hiro by Hiroshi Kagata offering Japanese or Brasserie serving French cuisine.

Experience a gemstone massage at Iridium Spa

The Iridium Spa at The St Regis Macao offers a signature massage with gemstones and customised massage oils. The gemstones used range from pearl, ruby, sapphire to aquamarine, tourmaline or citrine to rejuvenate and rebalance your body. The duration of this unique massage is 80 minutes or 110 minutes.

Spend time at Senado Square

Senado Square. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Senado Square or Senate Square is part of the Historic Centre of Macau which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk on its mosaic tiles to reach The Ruins of Saint Paul's. This is the façade of a holy Catholic complex dating back to the 17th century.

Explore iconic landmarks

A-Ma Temple, Macau. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

A-Ma Temple is the oldest Temple in Macau and a UNESCO World heritage Site. Within walking distance are the Moorish Barracks built in 1874 and Mandarin’s House which is the family home of Zheng Guanyin, a Chinese literary figure. The Chapel of Our Lady of Penha was built in 1622 and St. Lawrence’s Church with Portuguese architecture dates back to the mid- sixteenth century.

Get adventurous at Macau Tower

Macau Tower. (Photo: Stas Kulesh via Unsplash)

The Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center or Macau Tower takes soaring to heights quite literally. The top of the 338 metres in height tower can be reached in a minute by taking the glass fronted elevator. In addition to the scenic 360-degrees view of Macau, one can get to see mainland China as well. For an adrenaline high, try bungy jumping or the skywalk.

Shopping for souvenirs

Other than the typical postcards, key chains and fridge magnets, souvenirs in Macau include cookies, candy and meat jerky. Delectable almond cookies, cashew cookies and crunchy peanut candy which comes with the option of sesame or coconut, line the shelves of Macanese stores. The most well-known of these stores is Koi Kei Bakery which has multiple outlets including one at The Parisian Macao. Meat jerky is pork or beef which is marinated with a blend of condiments to give it a distinctive sought after flavour.

Getting there and around

The best time to visit Macau is October-December and March-April.

Cathay Pacific has direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru to Hong Kong. The duration of the flights are 5 hours to 5 hours and 35 minutes. The flights from Hong Kong to India are 6 hours and 10 minutes to 6 hours and 25 minutes. Air fare is about Rs 45,000 for the round trip (this fluctuates depending on the date).

Street food is reasonable in Macau. One can have a meal for Rs 700. For fine-dining, head to Cotai Strip. Sands Shoppes Macao has a food court. Accommodation is available from Rs 4,000 for a night. A three nights-four days Macau package, including airfare on a budget airline, costs about Rs 1 lakh.

Macau has an excellent network of public buses with the fare at 6 MOP or Rs 63. These buses connect the Peninsula, Coloane and Taipa. All the major hotels have a free shuttle service. Taxis are also available.