What to do in Macau

Play in the Casino

When you are in Macau, this activity is practically inevitable – you have to visit the casinos. After all, the gambling industry is what makes Macau; it is Asia’s number one gambling destination.

In this country, the megacasino business, which annually attracts more than two million tourists from China alone, is the prime economic booster. Some of the largest gaming houses in the Macau Peninsula are the Sands Casino Macau, Wynn Macau Casino, and Galaxy Starworld Casino, all of which are fully equipped with slot and gaming machines and offer popular games such as three-card poker, blackjack, baccarat, Caribbean stud, and roulette.

Visitors are sure to hit the jackpot with these casinos, which offer pure entertainment and guaranteed pampering.

All gaming clubs are duly licensed by the government and operate under standard gaming rules. Casinos in Macau are open for 24 hours a day and do not charge admission fee. Foreigners must be at least 21 years old to enter a casino and are obligated to follow specific house rules regarding etiquette and attire.

Apart from gaming clubs, horse and greyhound racings are also widely popular in Macau.

Visit Chinese Temples

Macau boasts of more than 40 suburban Chinese temples throughout the country. These fascinating worship houses cater to different Chinese folk beliefs such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

A visit to these Chinese temples would make for a pleasing and sobering experience even to non-Chinese visitors. Exposure to the unique practices performed inside these sacred grounds, such as smoking incenses, lighting fire paper candles, reciting mantras, and offering personal prayers, would broaden one’s mind when it comes to other religious and folk beliefs.

Watch Cultural Performances

What better exemplifies a country’s vibrant cultural wealth better than its cultural performances?

In Macau, the country’s history – from the European settlement to the subordination to China – is displayed through dazzling and vivid traditional presentations.

Every Saturday and Sunday, foreigners and natives alike are treated to Portuguese folk dances and Chinese lion dances. These dances are performed in destinations categorized by the UNESCO as a Historic Centre of Macau. These destinations include A-Ma Temple in Barra Square and the Ruins of St. Paul.

These 20-minute presentations are free for everyone’s viewing. Be mesmerized with shows that relay the story and experiences of the country through colorful costumes, lively music, and dancers sporting sunshine smiles.

Hunt for Great Finds

For those looking for the best products at the most affordable price, Macau is the best shopping destination. Since export manufacturing is one of the country’s leading income generators, products are relatively cheaper here than the rest of the major cities in other parts of Asia.

Shopping in Macau centers around antique furniture. The best place to hunt for antiques – authentic or imitation – is at Monte Fort, particularly in Senado Square and Ruins of St. Paul.

Most of the shops have comprehensive indexes of classic and popular designs of genuine antiques, while some can be specifically made for special purchase.

An authentic piece of furniture comes with a free certificate of authenticity.

Aside from antiques and furniture, Macau also abounds with stores and shops for clothes, jewelry, accessories, and electronic gadgets. Macau’s prime shopping districts are the Senado Square and the Red Market, where stores and shops specializing in different types of merchandises offer quality products with pocket-friendly price tags.

Try the Macau Tower Adventures

Grab the chance to experience the extreme adventures offered by Macau’s chief skyscraper, the world-famous 338-meter-high Macau Tower. Muster enough courage and take a free fall through the highest bungee jump in the world. Drop 223 meters from the takeoff deck and experience the next best thing to flying at the rate of a whopping 200 kilometers per hour.

When air diving proves to be too unachievable, try the safer thrill: ascend through a hundred meters of vertical steps to reach the pinnacle of the world’s 10^th tallest free-standing skyscraper and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.

You could also try the Macau Tower Skywalk X. With a group or even by yourself, tread on the glass floor along the outer perimeter of the tower and enjoy the view of the city 223 meters below.