Sassy’s Quick Guide To Macau

Hop on a ferry or bus to Macau where palatial hotel resorts, exuberant casinos, local delicacies and exhilarating shows await!

Whether youre visiting Macau for the first time or have been waiting three years to revisit our neighbouring SAR, were glad to bring your our updated guide to where to eat and stay in Macau. From newly opened resorts, local delicacies, historical sites and exciting attractions, here are all the best things to see and do while youre there.

Macau (or Macao)is a no-brainer pick when it comes to a short and easy getaway. Its similar to Hong Kong in the sense that it is also a Special Administrative Region, meaning it has its own currency, administration and legal system to the rest of China. Like Hong Kong, Cantonese is widely spoken there and Hong Kong Dollars is also widely used and accepted, which approximately converts 1:1 Macanese Pataca (MOP).

Editors Note: Stay tuned for more updated Macau content from us as we reacquaint ourselves with the region.

Jump To:Getting To MacauWhere To StayWhat To EatWhat To Do

Read More:City Breaks In Asia 5 Direct Flight Destinations From Hong Kong

Getting to Macau has never been easier. Not only can we go by ferry, but since the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge opened back in 2018, we can also go by bus, which operates 24/7.

Most people know about the ferry from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, but you can also get the ferry from the Kowloon China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui and Hong Kong International Airports SkyPier. There are two ferry operators to choose from:

If you get seasick easily, a good alternative is to travel to Macau via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). Those choosing to stay on land can either take public transport to the Hong Kong Port (more details here), then catch a shuttle bus to Macau Port. From there you can take public transport to your final destination. Alternatively, you can take a cross-boundary coach or hire a cross-boundary car (see the list of cross-boundary hire car operators here)to take you directly from Hong Kong to Macau.

There are also a number of bus services that can get you straight to your hotel in Macau:

Sassy Tip:Those driving in a private car to the Hong Kong Port can book a parking spot hereand enjoy 30-minute complimentary parking within any 3-hour period.

Read More:5 Direct Flight Destinations From Hong Kong You Might Not Have Thought Of

Macau is made up of one peninsula and two islands, however, the area between the two islands, Taipa and Coloane, created an additional area known as Cotai. As such, when we speak of Macau, we refer tofour main districts, namely Macau Peninsula, Taipa, Cotai and Coloane. Most attractions, sites and casinos are located in the first three districts. Coloane, however, offers a more cultural experience of Macau. Colonial buildings running along the sides of the cobblestone streets of this coastal village give visitors a glimpse of the citys Portuguese past.

Read More:The Best Hotel Staycations In Hong Kong

Be prepared to be transported to the City of Love. From the Eiffel Tower to the iconic windmill in Montmartre, The Parisian is an impressive replica of the French capital. This five-star hotel oozes opulence and has everything you need under its roof, from casinos (naturally) to shops, restaurants and even a water park for the little ones.

The Parisian Macao, Estrada do Istmo, Lote 3, Cotai, Macau, +853 2882 8833, http://www.parisianmacao.com

Hotel Pousada de Coloane is a quaint boutique hotel that offers an experience that couldnt be further away from the extravagant hotels along the Cotai Strip. Hotel Pousada is a former manor house from the 1930s. Located on the beachfront in the southern bay of Macau, this is a lovely hideaway for an idyllic stay with a touch of history.

Hotel Pousada de Coloane, Cheoc-Van Beach Coloane Island, Macau, +853 2888 2143, http://www.hotelpcoloane.com.mo

The Londoner Macao encompasses two new all-suite hotels The Londoner Hotel and Londoner Court alongside Sheraton Grand Macao, St. Regis Macao and Conrad Macao. With a grandiose faade, complete with a life-sized Big Ben, a red double-decker bus (flown in from the UK!) andphone booths for picture taking, its worth passing by in the least for the Gram.

Sassy Tip: Be sure to catch the light and sound spectacular, where the buildings outer faade comes to life with dazzlinglighting effects choreographed to classic British-themed musical scores, running hourly from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.

The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo. s/n, Cotai, Macau, +853 2882 2878, http://www.londonermacao.com

As the regions very first integrated resort, modelled after its sister casino resort in Las Vegas, The Venetian hardly needs an introduction. Its best known for impeccably replicating a number of Venetian landmarks, including an impressive network of canals and gondolas that run through the building.

The Venetian Macao, Estrada da Baa de N. Senhora da Esperana, s/n, Taipa, Macau, +853 2882 8877, http://www.venetianmacao.com

Dont be fooled by the rapid emergence of new cafs, Macau has a long-standing coffee culture, taking roots from its colonial era. Sei Kee Caf and Cafe Namping are some nostalgic options. For more hip and up-and-coming spots, check out Chaa, Chillout Macau and Brew Lab.

Sei Kee Caf, 1 Largo dos Bombeiros Voluntrios, Macau, +853 6569 1214

Cafe Namping, 85A, 85 Rua de Cinco de Outubro, Macau, +853 2892 2267

Chaa, R/C A, Mei Lei Court, 84 Rua das Estalagens, Macau, http://www.instagram.com/chaa.macau

Chillout Macau, 2 Patio do Mainato, Macau, http://www.instagram.com/Chillout.macau

Brew Lab, 106 Rua do Matapau, Macau, http://www.instagram.com/brew_lab_macau

From Portuguese egg tarts to beef offal, Rua do Cunha has it all. Be mentally prepared for a dense crowd, but dont let this put you off as the queues tend to move quickly since there are often several vendors selling these local delicacies. Our advice is to not jump into the first queue you see. Do a quick scope of the area you might be surprised by what youll find further down the street. Also, remember that you didnt come all the way to shop at boutiques you can find in Hong Kong. Pastelaria Fong Kei is a local favourite. This century-old pastry shop can only be found in Cotai so make sure to get there early before some of their best sellers get sold out for the day.

Rua do Cunha, Taipa, Macau

Read More:Sassys Guide to Taipa Village, Macau

This family-run noodle shop has an unsuspecting storefront yet, for 50+ years, Cheong Kei has been serving arguably the best fine noodles in town. You have to try its signature dish: noodles with dried shrimp roe. All dry noodles come with a bowl of soup, which is cooked with dried prawns and plaices for over eight hours. The best thing about this is that you can ask for refills free of charge.

Cheong Kei (), 68 Rua da Felicidade, +853 2857 4310

If you cant make it to Paris, why not try La Chine, an award-winning Cantonese restaurant tucked inside the Eiffel Tower at The Parisian? Located on the sixth floor, La Chine offers a sophisticated location for a romantic lunch and dinner, as well as a panoramic view of the surroundings. The menu, curated by Executive Chef Ben Lui, is a fusion between fine French and Chinese cuisines.

La Chine, 6/F, Eiffel Tower, The Parisian Macao, Estrada do Istmo, Lote 3, Cotai, Macau+853 8111 9210, http://www.parisianmacao.com

For an evening option that provides a coastal contrast to the glamour of modern Cotai, head over to Fernandos,an authentic Portuguese restaurant located at the southern tip of Hc Sa beach in Coloane. This charming eatery serves a variety of seafood and other Portuguese staples with a plentiful wine range to pair. Accompanying the dishes is aconvivial, rustic atmosphere, ideal for a stroll along the sand before or after your meal.

Sassy Tip: If you dont manage to make a reservation in advance, we recommend arriving early and putting your name down on the waiting list before popping yourself down in their courtyard for a drink or two whilst you wait for your table.

Fernandos Restaurant, 9 Estrada de Hc S. Coloane, Macau, +853 2888 2264

Located within Sheraton Grand Macao,The Conservatory combines three dining experiences under one roof namelyThree Bottles, Chaan, and The Sweet Shop, offering an array of British-inspired and authentic Cantonese fare. Out by the restaurants main entrance, youll find an old-school sweet shop with shelves lined with lolly-filled jars and a vintage cart servingunique and seasonal flavours ofhomemade ice-creams perfect for a sugary pitstop betweenexploring.

The Conservatory, 1/F, Sheraton Grand Macao, The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo. s/n, Macau, +853 8113 1200, http://www.theconservatorymacao.com

During the day, The St. Regis Bar plays host to a classy afternoon tea, featuring three tiers of sweet and savoury pastries and cakes, finger sandwiches and divine hand-crafted scones. In the evening, the bar dims and is buzzing with live jazz music and the jovial clinks of cocktail glasses. The Macau-inspired mural behind the bar makes for the perfect backdrop for your obligatory cheersing boomerang.

The St. Regis Bar, 2/F, The St. Regis Macao, The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo, s/n, Cotai, Macau, +853 8113 1300, http://www.thestregisbarmacao.com

Despite being known as the Las Vegas of Asia, there is so much more to Macau than just casinos. Having been a Portuguese colony for almost 600 years up until 1999, Macaus identity is deeply rooted in its Cantonese culture but also heavily influenced by Western Europe. This is particularly evident in the colonial buildingsscattered around Macau and the fact that Portuguese is a co-official language there.

If this is your first time visiting Macau, a good place to start would be Senado Square, a popular shopping and dining area that is also part of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site. On the way to the Ruins of St. Pauls, youll walk past St. Dominics Church, where royal weddings took place back in the day. Once you reach the ruins, make sure to go up those stairs to see a display of how the church used to look, and admire the view from a higher vantage point before you make your way back down.

Dont get sucked into the souvenir shops just yet. Make a right turn at the bottom of the hill and pass by Travessa da Paixo for a romantic pitstop. With colourful houses lining both sides of the street, this is a popular photo spot. You might also want to check out Calada do Amparo (), a colourful alleyway just off Rue de So Paulo. This creative walkway will lead you down to Rua dos Ervanrios, a street offering a glimpse of old Macau with a growing number of hipster coffee shops.

Macau is the perfect place for adrenaline junkies. From zip lines to bungee jumping, theres something for everyone. If you prefer quieter activities, make your way to The Venetian, where the popular Japanese immersive art space teamLab SuperNature resides or enjoy the spectacle of The House of Dancing Water, an impressive production with an international reputation.

ZipCity, R89 and R100, Retro Zone, Lisboeta Macau, Rua da Patinagem, Macau, +853 2888 6785, http://www.zipcity.com/home

Skypark Macau by AJ Hackett, Level T2, Adventure Zone Macau Tower, Macau, +853 8988 8656, http://www.skyparkglobal.com

teamLab SuperNature, Cotai Expo, Hall F, The Venetian Macao, Macau, +853 2882 8818, sandsresortsmacao.com

The House of Dancing Water, Grand Hyatt Macau at City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau, +853 8868 1788, http://www.thehouseofdancingwater.com

Main image courtesy of Yuyeung Lau viaUnsplash, image 1 courtesy of CHUNYIP WONGvia Getty, image 2, 5, 7, 8 courtesy of Chantelle Pang, image 3, 4, 6 courtesy of Sassy Media Group.

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Sassy's Quick Guide To Macau