Smart spending
Five things to do
1. Cotai Strip You don’t have to be a gambler to appreciate the grandeur of Macau’s many casinos. Walking down the Cotai Strip is like walking through Las Vegas. Whether you’re admiring the enormous sculptures made from flowers at the Wynn Palace resort, sitting on the observation deck of the replica Eiffel Tower at The Parisian, or travelling down the Grand Canal on a gondola at The Venetian, you’ll be blown away by what outrageous sights the strip has to offer.
2. Taipa village: Macau was colonised in 1887 by the Portuguese, who had been occupying the land since the 1500s. It was given back to China and granted autonomy in 1999, making present-day Macau an eclectic, visually mesmerising mix of European and Chinese cultures. For a visual feast, Taipa village is a must. It consists of narrow cobbled streets, old Catholic churches and colonial houses painted in pastel pinks, yellows and blues.
3. Portuguese tarts: Sink your teeth into a sweet, eggy treat. To not do so would be a travesty. You’ll find egg tarts all over Macau but the best is said to be at Lord Stow’s bakery in Coloane.
4. Wynn Palace performance lake: Just like at the Las Vegas Bellagio, the Wynn Palace has its own performance lake with a free daily show. Water is shot out of 300 jets and dances to the rhythm of a mix of popular show tunes and traditional Chinese music. With fireballs, coloured lights and 3 million litres of water, this will definitely be a trip highlight. Tip: If you want to get the best view, line up for the Wynn’s Sky Cab – a cable-car ride around the palace (yes, this hotel has its own cable car).
5. Ruins of St Paul’s: Located on a hilltop in Santo António, the ruins of the 17th century Catholic church complex is one of Macau’s best-known landmarks. It was the largest church in Asia until 1835 when it was destroyed by fire during a typhoon. The stone facade is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its statues, ornaments and engravings have been restored, making it a treasured and highly visited icon for Macau.