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Caption: M A C A U GET TO KNOW THE CULTURE BEHIND THE CASINOS
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Caption: Like any rough roguish character, Macau has a hidden softer side. One that only needs a little coaxing to reveal but yields much in the way of reward. Thanks to some 440 years of Portuguese rule, there’s a layer of European influence infused into every experience. This medley of East meets West is what makes it one of the most fascinating (and picturesque) metropolises we’ve ever visited.
You might come for the casinos but you’ll fall in love with the culture.
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Caption: The Ruins of Saint Pauls
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Caption: Originally the Church of Mater Dei, this stunning facade is another ornate gem for the Jesuit architectural digest. Often referred to as Macau’s ‘acropolis’, thousands flock to the steps beneath the structure to admire the oriental-meets-European motifs.
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Caption: TIP:
Peak times here are around lunch time, so if you prefer your Instagrams to project the image of minimal crowds and sweet artsy isolation then we suggest avoiding this time. Though there is something to be said for the people watching. We perched on the side, eating a couple of Portuguese tarts (how VERY Macau-ian) and watched the world go by for half and hour, spying one of the cutest families to ever use a selfie-stick...
Assess…
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Caption: (Is this not the most adorable family in the world?)
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Caption: Senado Square (or Largo de Senado)
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Caption: Keep your phone charged because it only takes a second in Senado Square to realise that you’ve died and gone to Instagram heaven. The ancient cobblestone pavements! The rainbow-hued and perfectly preserved Portguese buildings! The juxtaposition of it all against glaring neon Chinese signs advertising Canton and Macanese food! It’s almost a bit Disney-town for how out of place this seems in China but it’s a working town square (albeit a little bit touristy) and a popular place for locals to convene.
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Caption: The 'Red Market'
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Caption: Do you watch Game of Thrones? If so, then you’ll know that anything with ‘Red’ in the title is a giant clue to what awaits you within the walls of this unassuming building in the middle of Lacerda.
Not going to sugar-coat it, it’s real Macau in the rawest sense and is really only for travellers who don’t shy away from reality. Put simply, it’s where locals who want their fish so-fresh-they’re-alive shop. We’ll leave the rest to your imagination but will say that we were informed that it used to be even more real but with each passing generation the Red Market gets a little less red. So there’s that at least.
These are the most tame photos from our edit…
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Caption: Long Wa Tea House
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Caption: Not keen to get your George R. R. Martin on at The Red Market? Can’t really blame you. Literally across the road and up a flight of stairs you’ll find the Long Wa Tea House, where you’ll be instantly whisked back into the romance of the European-influenced Macau of the 1930s. It’s an art-deco treasure and one of last of the real tea houses, complete with wrap-around balcony, decorated with bonsai plants. Grab a booth by the window, sip some tea and feel positively noir.
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Caption: Restaurant Antonio in Old Taipa Village
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Caption: Mention restaurant Antonio to anyone in Macau or Hong Kong and it seems everyone has a story to tell from this place, fuelled by chef Antonio’s boundless energy and welcoming spirit (and a well-earned Michelin star to boot). Don’t be surprised to find him out front with a cold Portuguese beer, entertaining and posing for photos with crowds of foodie fans. One of the best parts of a trip to Antonio is the stroll through Old Taipa Village. If you need a bit of a break from the OTT glam of the casinos the romance of the colonial houses, churches and temples will fix you right up.
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Caption: A traditional sampan boat floats beneath the glitz of the Grand Lisboa
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Caption: So you want the full-on high-glitz high-rolling Macau vibe but not sure if you want to completely entrench yourself in the thick of things on Avenida de Lisboa (Ground Zero for the gambling crowd)? The Sheraton on Cotai is the perfect happy medium. Yes, you’ve got a pumping casino floor but overall this feels a lot more laid back. Probably because the whole Cotai Strip was designed with families in mind. Basically, you check-in here and it’s a one-stop all-you-can-enjoy buffet of fine-dining spots, multiple swimming pools, and boutique shopping. In keeping with the friendly tone, The Sheraton is buddies with The Venetian (joined by an over-road bridge) so you’re 5 minutes from those squint-and-you’re-in-Venice (jokes) canal side strolls.
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Caption: Finish your day with a sunset from the top of the Macau Tower
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Caption: When it comes to Macau, there's always so much more to the story.
Put this city of contrasts on your to-do list and let it reveal its treasures.
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Caption: Read more of our Macau tips at citizensoftheworld.cc
Insta: @citizensoftheworld
Snapchat: COTWlive
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Caption: Photography: Dominic Loneragan
Words: Meghan Loneragan
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