Macau: Macau

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A romantic and mysterious past attracts modern visitors to Macau.

In the 1500's, foreign barbarians (otherwise known as the Portuguese) used Macau as Europe's big bartering outpost in Asia. Among the cargoes that passed through the country were exotic spices, silk, tea, porcelain and precious gems. In the 1800's, newly legalized casinos continued the territory's lineage of luxury. In the 1900's, the peninsula was a den of sin, sex, and spies; casinos, brothels, opium parlors, and secret agents saw Macau as an island of pleasure.

Today, Macau's economy is still based on gambling and the export of luxury items, though now the goods are textiles, toys, and electronics purchased by Mainland Chinese and foreign tourists. While the casinos remain, they share the peninsula with religion and nature. Macau is home to one of Asia's oldest and most devout Christian communities, as well as many Buddhist priests. Church spires dot the rolling hills that attract hikers, and the city is a blur of pastel buildings on tree-lined avenues.

When to go:
Weather is mild in the high tourist season of October through late December. January thru early March is cold and rainy, and late March and April the weather changes on a dime. June through September is the humid and rainy hurricane season.

What to Do:
History/Ruins:
Unlike Hong Kong, Macau has a lot of historic sites to visit. One of the most important attractions is the symbol of Macau: the ruins of St Paul's Church. Temples, churches, and fortresses are located around the peninsula. Look for St Dominic's Church, the Kun lam Temple, and the Monte Fort.

Museums:
The Macau Maritime Museum has several boats on view, while the Grand Prix Museum is the place to go if cars are your thing. The Wine Museum promotes wines of Portugal.

Shopping:
Serious shoppers should head to Hong Kong. While Macau has plenty of places to buy duty free things, the selection of goods is much better outside of Macau.

Food/Culinary Info:
Macau's cuisine blends Chinese and Portuguese favorites. Bacalhau (codfish) is served in every possible way. Portuguese sardines, soups such as caldo verde and sopa alentejana, and various rabbit dishes are usually served at Macau eateries. In addition, some kitchens prepare baked quail, curried crab, giant prawns in hot sauce, and Macau sole.

Adventure:
Macau has a lot of pawnshops, and if you are in the market for high-end goods like jewelry or watches, you could take your chances at bargaining with the pawnbrokers.

Nightlife/Bars:
Casinos are the main attraction at night, and it is fun to wander through them, even if you don't gamble.

Cost:
Macau's currency is the pataca, though Hong Kong dollars are accepted everywhere.

Getting Around:
Macau has its own airport, but it is much easier to get there by ferry or hydrofoil. Ferries depart several times an hour. Walking is the best way to see the area once you arrive.

Safety:
You might hear about the Triad gangs (from Macau, Hong Kong, and China) who are battling for gambling-related businesses, but their activities do not affect law-abiding tourists. The only safety concern for visitors is pickpockets. Stay on guard when in big crowds.

Language:
Mandarin is now the official language of Macau, but everyone speaks Cantonese and Portugese, and some people speak some English. Street signs are bilingual (in Chinese and Portuguese).

Party/Social Scene:
Casinos are the central venue for socializing - even if you don't gamble.

Other Info:
Click here for weather forecast from Weather.com.