Macao is a smorgasbord for visitors and begs to be savoured on foot. Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes or flip-flops.
Although there may be nearly 500 hundred years of pleasantly mixing Portuguese architecture, culture and cuisine with China, Macao is only a ferry ride from the fast-lanes of Hong Kong, while offering guests a place that is remarkably, worlds-apart.
The ferry from Hong Kong takes less than an hour, and turns back the clock by nearly 500 years in the crossing.
For nearly 500 years now, Portuguese, European and Chinese cultures have been living harmoniously side by side in some very compact quarters, and yet the longevity rate for the ‘locals’ is among one of the best in the world.
The ‘locals’ in Macao live to be an average of 84.3 years which should say something significant about the pace of the place.
Looking towards Ruin’s of St Pauls.
Some very clever folks in the Macao government, seeing the eye-pleasing architecture and surroundings of the historic centre asked UNESCO for World Heritage status, and Macao was nested on the world listing in 2005.
This ‘thumbs-up’ to Macao put the city on the international ‘must see’ map, among some very handsome, well-preserved destinations.
The city’s historic monuments are one of the city’s biggest draws, a wonderful example of the early encounter between Portuguese, Chinese and European civilizations.
Colonial Macao
When melded into its great access to eating and shopping while on foot, Macao puts the full platter within every visitor’s reach.
The old heart of the city is compact and a walking tour along cobblestone streets visitors can easily enjoy the key sites.
Macao may boast about 600,000 year-round residents, but it also lays claim to fabulous cobblestone laneways, soft pastel coloured colonial mansions, art deco buildings and lush parks.
Macao has managed to create a fabulous fusion of Chinese and Portuguese motifs. Just be prepared to walk between them- it’s not far.
Macao is perfect for stepping out on walks.
Must-see venues include the iconic Senado Square, the Ruins of St. Pauls, the beautiful churches and temples, fountains and the old city wall to name-drop only a few.
Sites are open daily and ‘on the house’ or free to visit. Download the APP- Its Free!
Macao is a marvellous ‘melting-pot’ city that’s very easy to explore. It’s been almost 5 centuries since the once sleepy fishing port was equitably colonised by the Portuguese.
There’s a lot more than fish on offer nowadays so don’t expect to lose weight when you visit!
Macanese cuisine combines Chinese and Portuguese styles and the eating opportunities are extraordinary.
Macao is the birthplace of the much-loved egg tart. ‘Just right’ and not too sweet, these tarts boast a crispy outer pastry and both locals and visitors are known to que up for samples.
Historic colonial Macao.
Bet you can’t eat just one!
Macanese cuisine is unique to Macao and combines the best of the best in melding Chinese and Portuguese ingredients, tossed in alongside influences from Brazil, Goa and other former Portuguese colonies.
If ‘variety is the splice of life’, Macao offers-up heaps of it.
Just follow your nose, as there’s plenty of sizzling seafood’s, rabbit, chicken and delicious duck.
The strong Portuguese influence is apparent in flavouring, while also taking advantage of turmeric, cinnamon, coconut and chili. Dishes are often baked or roasted to simmer, allowing the flavours and spices to develop.
The Bottom Line
Please, Visit Macao.
It’s fabulous, it’s pleasing to get about in, and it’s safe!
Getting lost is hard to do, and there is a new APP which you should apply before you put on the comfy walking shoes to explore Macao for yourself. Send us a postcard. We love hearing from you!
For more information visit www.visitmacao.com.au
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