You don’t need special goggles to see the real Macao. All you need to do is download a little app, put on your best walking shoes, and be guided around this pocket-sized multi-cultural wonderland.
You can download the app for iPhone from the App Store for Android devices from Google Play, and then be guided around the streets of Macao along eight interesting walking tours that will immerse you into the real Macao.
You’ll see all the main sights and attractions, of course, but also get off the beaten track and experience its authenticity and charm, as well as stumble upon mouth-watering hole-in-the-wall eateries and quaint shops selling nick-nacks and memorable souvenirs.
And don’t worry if your phone dies and you get a little lost, as the city’s small size means you’re never too far away from wherever you were meant to be.
Here are eight different self-guided walking tours in Macao in the Step Out program that will give you a taste of this vibrant and multi-cultural destination.
1. FOOTSTEPS INTO THE HISTORIC CENTRE
On the Footsteps into the Historic Centre self-guided tour (estimated time to walk the circuit is around 30 minutes) you’ll take a walk through the historic centre of a city that’s been shaped and influenced by many different cultures and stumble upon such key sights such as St. Dominic’s Church, Sam Kai Vui Kun (Kuan Tai Temple), the Opium House and much more.
2. CROSSROADS OF CHINA AND PORTUGAL
Take a walk through the Crossroads of China and Portugal itinerary (approx. 24 minutes to walk) and you’ll learn about the fascinating history of the Portuguese who once called this country home. Along the way you’ll see St. Augustine’s Square, St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church, Lilau Square and many other interesting historical landmarks.
3. ENCHANTING STORIES OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH
Download the Step Out app, walk the Enchanting Stories of Our Lady of Fatima Parish tour, and learn how Portugal and China and their respective cultures came to embrace each other at this lovely old church whilst walking through the old neighbourhood. On this 25 minute tour, you’ll also visit Areia Preta Triangle Garden, Lin Fong Temple, the Lin Zexu Memorial Museum of Macau and the Kun Iam Ancient Temple and Temple of City God.
4. BYGONE DAYS OF TAIPA VILLAGE
Wander amongst the historic buildings and narrow lanes of Taipa Village and get a feel for Macao’s old time village life on the Bygone Days of Taipa Village tour. Visit the Museum of Taipa and Coloane History, Pak Tai Temple, Rua do Cunha and, of course, stop for a snack to eat at one of the charming tiny eateries along the way. Estimated time to complete the walk is around half an hour.
5. AN EXPERIMENT OF CREATIVITY
On the An Experiment of Creativity self-guided tour you’ll get to explore a beautifully presented neighbourhood right in the heart of the city, stopping off at old temples and gardens for a little piece of inner-city tranquility. Key attractions along this route include Kun Iam Temple, Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, St. Lazarus Church and many others.
6. A LEGACY OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Dig under the skin of Macao’s vibrant and artistic side on the A Legacy of Arts and Culture (approximately 35 minutes to complete) self-guided tour. Listen to local folk music along the way as you visit the Macao Museum of Art, Handover Gifts Museum of Macao and the Macao Cultural Centre.
7. THE MARRIAGE OF EAST AND WEST IN ST. ANTHONY’S PARISH
See for yourself just how well Chinese and Portuguese architecture stand side by side together on The Marriage of East and West in St. Anthony’s Parish tour in the heart of Macao. In the area you’ll be able to tick off the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Camões Garden, a section of an Old City wall and much more.
8. NOSTALGIA IN COLOANE
Take the Nostalgia in Coloane self-gudied walking tour (takes approx. 30 minutes to complete) on an empty stomach and graze your way around this old neighbourhood at tiny eateries as you stop by the Ancient Temple of Kun Iam, Chapel of St. Francis Xavier and Coloane Pier where you can enjoy a more substantial meal whilst looking out over the sparkling sea.
For more information on Macao, check out www.visitmacao.com.au
What is your favourite part about visiting Macao? Tell us in the comments below…
This article was brought to you by:
