Nestled on the southern coast of China, Macao is a unique and utterly fascinating destination. A rare jewel, with its fusion of Eastern and Western cultures and traditions, this former Portuguese colony has become known as “the Las Vegas of the East”. It’s much more than just an entertainment paradise, though.
A trip to Macao is a trip through time and tradition — its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture speak tales of the past, while the futuristic skyscrapers on the Macao Peninsula stand as monuments of its dynamic present. If Macao is a destination on your bucket list for 2024, here are some essential tips that will ensure you get the most out of your trip.
Before you Go
While we wish international travel was as easy as simply hopping on a plane, that’s not always the case. Luckily, taking a trip to Macao doesn’t require as much advanced planning as some other regions, but there are still a few things you can do in advance to ensure the journey and your vacation time are as enjoyable as possible.
Check Entry Requirements
As of August 2023, vaccination certificates are no longer required to enter Macao. Foreign nationals from a list of 41 countries, including the UK, US, Ireland and Australia don’t need a visa to enter, but your passport must be valid for at least 90 days or more from the date of your stay. The official Macao Tourism website can tell you more.
Snag a Cheap Deal
With the cost of living on the rise seemingly everywhere, foreign travel isn’t getting any less expensive. But, its still possible to find some sweet deals on flights to Macao and accommodation as long as you start your search in time. Head to Kayak, Expedia and Trip Advisor to get the latest on money-saving deals.
Swot up on Macao
Here in the digital age there is no excuse for not knowing about the culture, traditions and heritage of each destination you visit. Macao is one of the most culturally diverse regions in the South China sea and you’ll find plenty of resources online to get you up to speed.
During your Trip
When you arrive in Macao, you’ll quickly discover that there’s so much to see and do. Here are our recommendations for the top attractions and places to visit:
Discover the Historic Centre of Macao
It’s only fitting that you begin your trip to Macao with a journey back in time at the Historic Centre. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to several cultural highlights, such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s, a 17th Century Portuguese complex that included a college, and the “Mater Dei ” church that was dedicated to St Paul the Apostle.
Visit the A-Ma Temple
Continue your journey into Macao’s past by heading to the A-Ma Temple in São Lourenço. Built in 1488, the temple is one of the oldest in the region and is even thought to be the inspiration for its name. First dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, it was fittingly erected with the stunning backdrop of the South China Sea.
Experience Modern Day Culture
After discovering Macao’s distant past, bring yourself up to date by checking out the Macao Cultural Centre, situated in the heart of the city on Avenida Xian Xing Hai. Dedicated to arts and culture, the center regularly hosts world-class concerts and performances, from classical ballet to Fringe festival events. Throughout 2024, a number of exciting events are scheduled, including a traditional Guqin program performed by the Artistic Director of the center, Zhao Jiazhen.
Explore the Grand Casinos of the Cotai Strip
Ok, so here in the era of digitalization hardly any country can claim to be a casino gaming Mecca. Traditional casino games like blackjack have become a core sector in the global iGaming industry, and there are now plenty of innovative variants based on this classic table game alone that are readily available at online platforms across the globe. In Macao, however, casino gaming remains an integral part of local culture, and no trip to the region is complete without at least one visit to the Cotai Strip.
Indulge in Local Cuisine
As well as being known worldwide for the unparalleled entertainment extravaganza of Cotai, Macao also has a reputation among foodies for its delicious local cuisine. The region has a truly unique gastronomic identity: you’ll find everything from traditional Chinese dishes like pork buns and sweet almond cookies to distinctly European recipes at street food vendor stalls.
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