• Following the Mosaic Pathway to St. Paul's Church: From Largo do Senado, Macau's main, colonial-era square, follow one of the wavy-patterned mosaic tiled streets through the old city uphill to the ruins of St. Paul's Church, Macau's most photographed facade.
  • Exploring Macau's Historic Center: I love Macau's old, twisting, narrow streets that lead past historic churches, temples, forts, stately squares, and mansions. If you don't take at least a few hours to roam its historic center, you haven't really seen Macau. See my recommended strolls.
  • Dining on Local Macanese and Portuguese Specialties: African chicken, spicy prawns, sole, and codfish are just some of the culinary treats for the visitor to Macau, all available at very reasonable prices. Portuguese wine, the perfect accompaniment to both Macanese and Portuguese food, is also a bargain.
  • Splurging for a Room at a Resort Hotel: After the traffic and crowds of Hong Kong, there's nothing more relaxing than gazing at the sea from your hotel room, sunning at an outdoor pool surrounded by greenery, and feeling tension and aches melt away under the expert care of a massage therapist.
  • Learning About Macau's History: The Museum of Macau is a delight, built into the ruins of a fortress and highlighting not only the history of Macau but also unique Macanese traditions, culture, architecture, and cuisine.
  • Visiting Lou Lim Iok Garden Early in the Morning: Get to this Chinese garden early in the morning, when you're apt to see locals practicing tai chi, playing traditional Chinese music, and taking birds for walks in cages.
  • Swimming on ColĂ´ane Island: Two public beaches, Cheoc Van and Hac Sa, feature lifeguards on duty, dining facilities, and public swimming pools. Afterward, retire for a drink or a Portuguese meal at Fernando's, a beach shack on Hac Sa.
  • Gambling on a Stroke of Luck at a Casino: Even if you don't gamble, it's a jaw-dropping experience to wander through Macau's big casinos, packed with Chinese visitors and with gaming tables and slot machines designed specifically for the Asian market. The biggest to date? The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel in Cotai with 3,400 slot machines and 800 tables, which together with its 3,000-suite hotel, Grand Canal Shoppes, convention facilities, and huge arena, comprise the second-largest building in the world.
  • Watching the Sun Set from Macau Tower: This 220m-high (722-ft.) Space Needle wannabe looks out of place in tiny Macau, but you can't beat it for its views: 360 degrees and 55km (34 miles) on clear days. Come for dinner in its revolving restaurant. Or, for the truly daring, there are adventure tours outside the tower, including a climb up its mast.
  • People-Watching After Midnight: After the sun goes down, Macau's nighttime revelers head to the Docks, a string of bars and discos with sidewalk seating. But the action doesn't really start hopping until after midnight.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.