For a lot of travellers, Macao is the proper vacation spot for a fast day journey from Hong Kong, because of its shut proximity to the town and its popularity for memorable and entertaining experiences. Nonetheless, have been right here immediately to inform you that theres extra to find in Macao than what a day journey can provide.
In any case, this vibrant metropolis isnt simply dwelling to a culturally-rich UNESCO World Heritage Website, it is usually a UNESCO Inventive Metropolis of Gastronomy, making it the proper vacation spot for each tradition vultures and avid foodies! If youre undecided how a lot time to spend in Macao or what to do there, dont fret! This 4D3N itinerary to Macao and Hong Kong is simply what it is advisable to plan the proper journey!
Arrival in Hong Kong + Ferry Switch to Macao
Upon arriving at Hong Kong Worldwide Airport, as an alternative of heading previous immigration and into the town, head to the SkyPier the place you’ll be able to hop on a ferry to Macao. There are a number of ferry service suppliers to select from, however among the hottest ones are TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet.
| Theres no higher time to journey to Macao from Hong Kong than now! Thats as a result of from now until 30 Jun 2023, Hong Kong residents and worldwide travellers visiting Hong Kong can take pleasure in a free return bus or ferry journey from Macao to Hong Kong!
All you must do is journey to Macao from Hong Kong, keep not less than one evening there, and your return journey to Hong Kong is freed from cost! Simply current your legitimate identification paperwork (akin to your passport) when buying your tickets and youre all set! With Macao being a UNESCO Inventive Metropolis of Gastronomy and being dwelling to a UNESCO World Heritage website (the Historic Centre of Macao), its excessive time to find Macao as greater than only a day-trip vacation spot! Journey to Macao |
Day 1: Exploring the Historic Centre of Macao on foot
A-Ma Temple Lilau Sq. & Mandarins Home Dom Pedro V Theatre (and St. Augustines Sq.) Senado Sq.
Do you know that the Historic Centre of Macao is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Checklist? Unsurprising contemplating the wealthy historical past and heritage within the space! To your first day in Macao, lets take an immersive stroll by means of time and uncover the intricate historical past of Macao. Begin your strolling tour of the Historic Centre of Macao by getting your self to the well-known A-Ma Temple.
This historic temple, inbuilt 1488, is among the oldest landmarks within the metropolis, and considered one of its most revered non secular websites. It’s devoted to the Goddess of the Sea and boasts intricate carvings in its hallowed pavilions and halls. Coupled with gorgeous views of the encircling sea, its simple to see why the temple is considered one of Macaos must-visit points of interest.
The internal courtyard of Mandarins Home | Picture credit score: Macao Authorities Tourism Workplace
Subsequent, stroll on foot to the close by Lilau Sq., a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Zone in Macao. Right here, youll discover picturesque environment and loads of conventional buildings, together with the well-known Mandarins Home, a well-preserved conventional residence that was as soon as the household dwelling of Zheng Guanying, a famend reformist from the late Qing dynasty, making it a must-visit for historical past and tradition buffs.
Simply a few minutes from Lilau Sq. is the enduring Dom Pedro V Theatre, identified for its mild inexperienced exterior and wealthy historical past. Surrounding the theatre is St. Augustines Sq., the place you will see that extra colonial buildings that can assist you soak within the ambiance. The subsequent step on this waking tour of the Historic Centre of Macao is Senado Sq., arguably the very coronary heart of Macao!
Picture credit score: Macao Authorities Tourism Workplace
The historic sq. doesnt simply boast gorgeous structure and wealthy cultural historical past (akin to Sam Kai Vun Kun Temple), its additionally the place most vacationers go to search out the most effective eateries and memento outlets, and to benefit from the vibrant nightlife of the town. Throughout particular seasons (like Christmas), Senado Sq. comes alive with extravagant decorations and thrilling road performances too!
At this level, its the proper time to dig right into a scrumptious and reinvigorating lunch. And theres no higher place to search for meals than at Senado Sq.. Whether or not it’s springy wonton noodles made utilizing a generations-old bamboo press approach, juicy pork chop buns, or luxurious Macanese delicacies like African rooster, youll discover loads of choices right here!
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Ruins of St. Pauls Mount Fortress Macao Tower
Picture credit score: Macao Authorities Tourism Workplace
After refilling on mouthwatering noodles and juicy wontons, lets make our solution to probably the most iconic landmark in Macao the Ruins of St. Pauls. As you head in direction of the vacationer hotspot, youll cross by vibrant alleys full of outlets promoting loads of souvenirs, together with Macaos well-known almond cookies.
Finally, youll spot the majestic construction coming into focus, together with loads of avid travellers pining for an opportunity to seize an image of the gorgeous ruins. Time your time exploring the realm and immersing your self within the environment.
One of many newer additions to the Ruins of St. Pauls is an immersive exhibition that mixes 3D modelling, digital actuality, and augmented actuality to revive the ruins to their former glory! As you take a look at the exhibition, youll journey by means of time and uncover what the ruins used to appear to be centuries in the past!
Picture credit score: Danieldep by way of Canva Professional
The final cease on this strolling tour of Macaos Historic Centre is to your proper: Mount Fortress. From the highest, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a facet view of the Ruins of St. Pauls in addition to a top-down view of Senado Sq.. Spend a while taking within the sights, and ensure to take loads of pictures in your Instagram feed!
As soon as youre prepared, lets backtrack to the doorway of Senado Sq., and search for some meals for dinner. One specific dish that it’s best to attempt is Macanese Minchi, a homey dish that consists of stir-fried minced meat (often pork or beef), potatoes, and onions. The aromatic dish is commonly served with rice for a filling meal. Alternatively, you’ll be able to dig into savoury curry crab too!
Earlier than retiring for the evening, head to the well-known Macao Tower and go to the commentary deck for a surprising view of the Macao skyline at evening! Not a foul solution to spend your first day in Macao, eh?
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Do you know that other than having a historic centre thats on the UNESCO World Heritage Checklist, Macao can also be an authorized meals paradise? Thats as a result of, on 31 Oct 2017, Macao was designated as a UNESCO Inventive Metropolis of Gastronomy! Thats not too stunning contemplating Macaos wealthy culinary historical past that mixes the cultures of a number of corners of the world. Whether or not its Cantonese and Macanese delicacies, worldwide fusion dishes, or mouthwatering road meals hidden between Macaos alleyways, Macao is a gastronomic vacation spot that may fulfill any foodie! Whats extra, Macao is dwelling to loads of Michelin-stared connoisseur eating places that may absolutely tickle even the pickiest tastebuds! Click on right here to take a look at among the must-try delicacies in Macao and the place to search out them! That’s, if theyre not already on this listing, after all! |
Day 2: Uncover the thrills of Cotais newest points of interest
Your second day in Macao is one full of thrilling experiences you wont quickly overlook! For the reason that previous few years, the Cotai space in Macao has seen loads of thrilling new additions to its urbanscape, making it a scorching new spot for adventure-seeking travellers.
First, lets head to GoAirborne, Macaos first-ever indoor skydiving centre! Yep, you learn that proper! Right here at this contemporary facility, you’ll be able to take pleasure in indoor skydiving from 12,000 to three,000 ft within the air! Dont fear if its your first time as a result of there are additionally supervised classes and lessons for first-timers. Even children as younger as 4 are capable of benefit from the expertise!
Alternatively, you’ll be able to head to ZIPCITY Macau the place you’ll be able to hop on a 388m zipline on the first city zipline attraction within the Asia Pacific area or spend a splashing good time on the model new Studio Metropolis Water Park the primary of its variety in Macao, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in loads of enjoyable points of interest and rides, together with a 20m excessive slide tower that includes zero-gravity freefall!
After that, lets sluggish the tempo down a bit with a go to to the whimsical teamLab SuperNature exhibition area in The Venetian Macao. This 5,000 sqm interactive area is dwelling to loads of immersive digital paintings that permits you to expertise visible arts in a brand new and Insta-worthy means. Spend your time gazing at (and interacting with) vibrant masterpieces and dont overlook to take a number of pictures for the gram!
Exploring the quaint district of Taipa
After your thrilling morning of thrill and journey in Macao, head to Taipa Village the place you’ll proceed discovering all that Macao has to supply. However earlier than that, lets refill our power with a very good lunch! Our suggestion? A mouthwatering bowl of beef brisket noodles, one of many must-try dishes in Macao! Youll discover loads of eateries promoting this hearty dish in Taipa. Dont overlook to pair it with chili oil for an additional kick!
Picture credit score: Macao Authorities Tourism Workplace
After lunch, take a while to discover Taipa. In comparison with the principle vacationer hubs from yesterday, Taipa exudes a extra laidback atmosphere, however one that’s equally as enchanting in terms of wealthy cultural heritage. Begin your go to with the Taipa Homes Museum, the place you’ll be able to be taught extra in regards to the fascinating historical past of the realm.
Exterior of Our Girl of Carmel Church | Picture credit score: Macao Authorities Tourism Workplace
Then, head to the historic Our Girl of Carmel Church, which boasts a brilliant yellow facade and structure akin to what one would discover look forward to finding in Portugal, a throwback to the citys previous. Since youre right here, take the prospect to discover Taipa Village, a bustling space the place youd discover loads of eateries and outlets, such because the Taipa Flea Market and the well-known Lord Stows Bakery which sells scrumptious Macanese egg tarts.
Picture credit score: Macao Authorities Tourism Workplace
Lastly, lets head again to the Coloane space and hit up Hac Sa Seaside for a soothing night to finish your second day in Macao.
Day 3: Macao Grand Prix Museum Macao Big Panda Pavilion + Again to Hong Kong
Picture credit score: Macao Authorities Tourism Workplace
Your last day in Macao begins with a visit to the favored Macao Grand Prix Museum, which reopened in June 2021 after present process main renovations and growth. Boasting a model new look, the museum now homes 4 zones that concentrate on completely different facets of the game. Right here you’ll be able to take a look at race automotive fashions utilized by well-known racers and be taught extra in regards to the historical past of this world-renowned sporting occasion.
Whats extra, in March 2023, as a part of the celebrations of the seventieth anniversary of the Macao Grand Prix, the Macao Authorities Tourism Workplace (MGTO) collaborated with Madame Tussauds Hong Kong to exhibit wax figures commemorating eight famend racers on the Macao grand Prix Museum, including but extra causes to go to, particularly for racing followers!
After that, lets head to our last cease in Macao Macao Big Panda Pavilion in Seac Pai Van Park, the biggest pure inexperienced space in Macao. Because the identify suggests, that is the place you’ll be able to meet Macaos cuddly pandas and observe them in a secure, comfy setting. Aside from that, youll additionally see a number of different animals like crimson pandas, lemurs, and extra.
After spending a while exploring the realm, head to the Taipa space and bask in but extra luxurious Macanese meals. This time, why not deal with your self to a connoisseur dim sum expertise at a Michelin-starred restaurant like Jade Dragon? Or maybe youd desire digging into Macaos well-known roast meets (siu mei) or bask in genuine Portuguese delicacies? No matter your selection, youll discover loads of choices in Taipa.
After that, lets bid farewell (for now) to Macao and board the ferry at Taipa Ferry Terminal for Hong Kong!
Exploring the bustling Mong Kok District of Hong Kong
In case you have solely a restricted time to discover Hong Kong, as is the case on this itinerary, dont fret! The secret is to fill your time with experiences that totally immerse you within the Hong Kong atmosphere. And theres no higher means to try this than to go to the colourful district of Mong Kok on the Kowloon Peninsula!
For these not within the know, Mong Kok is a vacationer hub thats teeming with exercise, particularly after the solar units. Right here, youll discover the citys well-known road markets, just like the Girls Market, Temple Road Evening Market, and Sneaker Road Fa Yuen Road Market. Aside from haggling for quirky garments and souvenirs with road market distributors, Mong Kok can also be a foodies paradise in its personal proper.
Beef brisket noodles in Hong Kong
Whether or not it’s stylish eating places or hole-in-the-wall eateries, theres loads of road meals to take pleasure in. For instance, you could possibly wolf down Hong Kongs signature beef brisket noodles, deal with your self to egg waffles, bask in conventional desserts, and eventually wash all of it down with milk tea!
After exploring the bustling evening markets and consuming your means by means of Mong Kok, head to the Victoria Harbour on the southernmost tip of the Kowloon Peninsula. Right here, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a scenic, postcard-worthy evening view. If you happen to arrive at 8pm, the buildings on either side of the harbour mild up in a blinding show of LED lights and lasers known as the Symphony of Lights. Its one of many must-see sights in Hong Kong!
Day 4: Discovering Central + Residence Candy Residence
And identical to that, weve come to the ultimate day of our brief escape to Macao and Hong Kong. At present, earlier than therapeutic to Hong Kong Worldwide Airport for the flight again dwelling, lets discover considered one of Hong Kongs hottest areas Central.
The Central District of Hong Kong is a bustling space of economic buildings however nestled between these skyscrapers are among the citys hottest points of interest. One among them is Victoria Peak, a must-visit vacation spot in Hong Kong, particularly because it now has a number of new points of interest.
View from atop Victoria Peak | Picture credit score: Manson Yim
Take the Peak Tram journey up (newly refurbished in 2022), the place you will see that experiences akin to Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, the model new Monopoly Desires, the worlds first Monopoly-themed attraction, and Sky Terrace 428 which provides unimaginable panoramic views.
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Take your time to discover this basic location earlier than heading to the airport to catch your flight again dwelling. I dont learn about you however I believe it is a nice 4 days effectively spent, dont you suppose?
Lengthen your keep in Macao and be rewarded with a free return bus or ferry journey to Hong Kong because of the Macao Treats promotion! From now until 30 Jun 2023, worldwide travellers to Hong Kong can redeem a free return ticket to Hong Kong in the event that they keep in a single day in Macao! Its the proper alternative to discover the great metropolis of Macao with out having to squeeze every part right into a one-day journey! What are you ready for? Its time to find this culturally wealthy metropolis to your hearts content material! Journey to Macao |
Dropped at you by Macao Authorities Tourism Workplace
