Macau
Macau in Two Days: Between Portuguese Charm and the Lights of the "Las Vegas of the East"
Macau in Two Days: Between Portuguese Charm and the Lights of the "Las Vegas of the East"
If you are in Hong Kong, Macau is not just a day trip, but a leap into a world where Portugal meets China in a unique mix in the world. All you need is 60 minutes of comfortable ferry ride to transition from the concrete jungle of Hong Kong to the cobbled plazas and mega-resorts of this former Portuguese colony.
The most classic and evocative way to reach Macau is the fast ferry (Hydrofoil).
Tip: Bring your passport and a sweatshirt: the air conditioning on board is legendary for its intensity! Who would have thought that taking a ferry here had the same rules as boarding a plane? A series of bureaucratic formalities began, lines left and right, visas to fill out, we almost got stranded... We were the last to board... Just in time!
After completing the various customs formalities, we immediately headed to Fisherman's Wharf, a disappointing, small amusement park, very fake...
The atmosphere changes immediately. Bilingual signage (Chinese and Portuguese) welcomes you to a city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the Chinese, like ivy, are covering up all that remains of the Portuguese past... and you sometimes see old colonial balconies completely covered in Chinese signs...
Morning:
Start from Senado Square (Largo do Senado)With its black and white wave mosaics, you'll feel like you're in Lisbon. From here, walk towards the Ruins of San Paolo: what remains of a 16th-century cathedral destroyed by fire. It is the symbol of the city and its stone façade is a masterpiece of sculpture.
Don't miss: Go up to the Fortress of the Mountain (right next to the ruins) for breathtaking views of the old city and contrasting modern skyscrapers.
We take a bus to the temple of A-Ma, an ancient place of prayer from the 17th century…
Afternoon:
After a lunch of Bacalhau or Macanese fusion cuisine, head to the A-Ma Temple, the city's oldest temple, dedicated to the sea goddess from whom Macau takes its name.
If you're looking for a thrill, the Macau Tower offers the highest view of the city and, for the bravest, the highest commercial bungee jump in the world – it scares me!
The second day is dedicated to the islands, connected to the peninsula by scenic bridges.
Morning:
Explore Taipa VillageHere, pastel-colored colonial houses house art galleries and historic pastry shops. Continue on to the village of Coloane, even more peaceful and authentic.
Afternoon and Evening:
The day ends in luxury Cotai Strip, the Asian answer to Las VegasEven if you're not into gambling, the architecture of the resorts is incredible:
Error: No feed found.
Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.