Fortresses, Food and Wine in Macau, China - 24-Hour Travel Guide
The colorful Largo do Senado is a great place to start your day in Macau
A view of the city from Fortaleza do Monte
Beer clams make a tasty Macanese lunch (courtesy Flickr: _Nezemnaya_)
Meadering the back streets is the best way to experience Macau
Overview - Though many have never even heard of it, Macau is a peninsula and a set of two Chinese islands that have a longer history than even Hong Kong. Rented from China by the Portuguese in the 1550s, Macau was established as a trading port and refuelling point for European ships centuries before Hong Kong would make its entrance onto the international scene. Left in the wake of this colonial history are linguistic, culinary and architectural legacies from the Portuguese. Today, you’ll get a taste of the history and traditions of Macau.
Breakfast - Hopping off the ferry from Hong Kong, you’ll no doubt be famished. Start of with a taste of the unusual at Leitaria I Son, a milk bar where milk comes with everything. Whether you order chocolate, eggs, ice cream or fruit, your meal comes with fresh milk, making for a spectacularly satisfying breakfast. Try their speciality: double boiled milk pudding.
Morning - Macau is infinitely walkable, so start your day off in Largo do Senado, the central square on Macau Peninsula. Here, the Portuguese influence is obvious in the distinctly European buildings that edge the square. From here, it’s an easy walk up to Fortaleza do Monte, a fortress relic dating to the 17th century. Set atop the highest hill in Macau, the fortress offers the best views of the peninsula and islands, and you’ll want to spend some time strolling around the old ramparts, and perhaps a walk through the Museo do Macau, also located here.
Lunch - Macau’s Portuguese heritage makes dining here a pleasure. For lunch, sample some traditional Macanese food at A Lorcha on the Rua do Almirante Sérgio. They serve authentic and tasty dishes like Spanish paella and beer clams. You might also be interested in sampling caldo verde, a Macanese vegetable soup or bacalhau, which is dried salted cod. You should also sample a glass of Macanese white wine with your lunch!
Afternoon -
This afternoon, hop on a bus to check out Taipa and Coloane, Macau’s two islands. Though small, they each offer some interesting sightseeing spots in their own rights. The best course of action is to simply wander the back streets at will, taking in the atmosphere as you go. Taipa Village is settled at the east side of Taipa island, and you’ll want to check out the Feira do Carmo market square, as well as Tin Hau temple, where there is a colonial church and an old promenade.
Once you reach Coloane, you will be in the mood for its peaceful ambience. The island is mostly parkland and beaches, with a few colonial remnants scattered here and there. Several parks, including the large Parque de Seac Pai Van, and temples are also worth a look. Look around for small shops offering bicycle rentals, as this can be a pleasant way to explore quiet Coloane.
Dinner - Back on Macau Peninsula, you’ll be hungry and ready to sample Macau’s most famous dish, African Chicken, at Henri’s. Though slightly touristy, the food is well worth it, and you can enjoy a tasty bottle of red wine (or two) at one of the outdoor tables. Come ready to eat, drink and relax!
After Dark - Surprisingly, Macau does not have a wild nightlife. Most of the after-hours activity takes place in the casinos. However, there is some fun to be had at a burgeoning bar street along the waterside near Porto Exterior. Kick back with a tasty beer and, if you’re lucky, you might catch some live music, as well.
Sleep -
Few people actually stay the night in Macau, unless they are hard-core gamblers, in which case the casino hotels are an okay bet. The newly built Wynn Casino and hotel is gorgeous but pricey, while a few youth hostels and guesthouses are scattered around central Macau Peninsula. Your best bet is to make Macau a day trip from Hong Kong, rather than an overnight stay.