Trust us – you won’t be short of things to do on your holiday here, but to get you thinking about it, here are our top eight to try!
1. The House of Dancing Water
Billed as a show like no other on earth, The House of Dancing Water show, created for City of Dreams by Franco Dragone, is a ‘must-see’ experience – quite simply it’s amazing! The dazzling costumes and special effects are fabulous but it’s the cast (and the millions of litres
of water they use as their main prop!) that will have you agog with delight … don’t miss it!
2. Cruise the harbour
A cruise on Macau’s harbour allows you to dream about the olden days when Portuguese traders sailed across the seas to trade with the Chinese, although these days, Macau’s skyline, with Macau Tower, Sai Van Bridge and the Maritime Museum is a little more stratospheric. Cruises depart from Ponte No. 12 (Port-Interior), Rua do Visconde Paco de Arcos.
3. Go hiking
Active couples will enjoy trekking the hills of Taipa and Coloane, which have marked walking and jogging trails. Guia Hill in particular has plenty of panoramic vantage points from which to admire views over the city, the islands and the Pearl River.
4. Golf, anyone?
Tee off in the footsteps of Nick Faldo at the Macau Golf & Country Club,on the south side of Coloane Island. The 18-hole championship course has hosted the Macau Open since 1998 and has views of the South China Sea and Pearl River. It has a Pro Shop, spa, restaurant and bar.
5. Visit Europe for a Day
Everyone should spend some time at the fabulous Venetian Hotel and Resort with its atmospheric canals, restaurants and shops. Revel in the opulent surroundings, take a gondola ride with a singing gondolier – it’s just like being in Venice – and indulge your taste buds for lunch at one of the 20 fabulous restaurants here.
6. A day at the beach
Yes, Macau has beaches on Coloane Island. Cheoc Van Beach has restaurants, a swimming pool, a Portuguese Inn and a surf club where you can hire equipment for canoeing and windsurfing. Hac Sa beach is popular for windsurfing and jet skiing. You can rent a boat or a jet skiat the Nautical Entertainment Centre. There’s a park nearby with tennis courts, a swimming pool, picnic area, children’s playground and several Portuguese and Chinese restaurants.
7. Macau Grand Prix
The Macau Grand Prix is a glittering event and a fun time to be in town. Engines roar around the city streets, which are decked out with colourful banners and decorations. The event is held on a grand scale, with 226 drivers and riders from 34 countries and regions participating in seven races. Of course, there are parties, celebrations and performances as part of the programme. The Macau Grand Prix is held every November.
8. Ride a pedicab
Riding a tricycle rickshaw is a romantic way to tour the city’s waterfront. Pedicabs were the main means of transport during the 1930s when Macau was a fishing village and are still popular today.The best place to hire one is at the Macau Ferry Terminal or opposite the main door of the Lisboa Hotel. But be sure to agree on a price before the trip.
For more information on planning your trip to Macau, visit Macau Government Tourist Office
