Macau may be one of China’s most-visited destinations, yet it’s typically under served by Western travelers. In fact, virtually all of China is under served by Western visitors, with just a few million making the trip each year.
But that’s slowly beginning to change. China has made it easier for international visitors to get travel visas, which has led to a general increase in the number of travelers interested in visiting the Middle Kingdom.
And Macau is increasingly featuring towards the top of the list of must-visit Chinese destinations, and that’s no accident. Macau offers a little bit of everything, making the city appealing to a wide range of travelers. The fact that it’s easy to get to — it’s a short ferry from Hong Kong — makes it even more appealing.
Curious what you might be missing out on? We’ve put together a list of just some of the reasons why Macau should be added to your travel dream list.
Why Macau Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List – There Are Plenty of Events Going On
Macau offers boatloads of cultural events all year round, so depending on when you’re planning on taking your trip, you’ll likely find that there’s something going on. Chinese New Year is a big celebration, with parades and street parties taking over the city. If you like sporting events, then coincide your trip with the Macau Grand Prix, which takes place in November (which is also widely considered to be the best time to visit the city).
Why Macau Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List – It’s Full of History
Macau has a fascinating history. It’s Chinese now, but it was once a Portuguese colony, and the European influence remains. That makes simply walking around a pretty interesting experience, since you’ll quickly go from modern skyscrapers to historic sites and back again. Some of the major historic sites you must visit while in Macau include the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Senado Square, and the A-Ma Temple. A tour of those attractions, which takes just a few hours, is the perfect way to build up your appetite. And talking of which…
Why Macau Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List – The Food Is Excellent
Macau was recently named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, which is another way of saying that the food is absolutely delicious. In the restaurants of Macau, you’ll come across dishes that simply don’t exist anywhere else, with food that expertly blends traditional Chinese and Portuguese ingredients. Whether you’re a fine dining or a street food kind of eater, you’ll find plenty of delicious dishes on offer.
Why Macau Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List – It’s The Las Vegas of the East
Macau is known as the Las Vegas of the East, but that moniker may not do it justice. The casinos in Macau are bigger and more profitable than their Las Vegas counterparts, so maybe Macau is the real Las Vegas.
What’s good about Macau’s casinos is that they’re designed to cater to more than gamblers. As with Las Vegas, you’ll find top-quality restaurants and some of the best shows in China taking place in Macau’s casinos. In any case, it’s very much stopping by to try your luck!