Macau is often associated with glamorous resorts and lively casinos. And we won’t argue with that — throwing some dice, luxuriating in a lavish suite and waking up to room service sounds like a great escape.
But there’s much more to discover while you’re there. Macau is brimming with gorgeous Eastern and European architecture, UNESCO-listed landmarks, modern restaurants, cocktail bars and independent boutiques that celebrate the city’s multicultural heritage.
In the 1500s, the Portuguese settled in the territory where Chinese villagers had lived since the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) and developed an international trade hub. Over time, their traditions intermingled alongside influences from other overseas Portuguese territories, creating the rich cultural tapestry you see today.
From pastel-painted churches to fusion dishes that tantalize the taste buds, the East-meets-West legacy remains alive. Here are a few of our favorite ways to experience it.
Explore
Most travelers make a beeline to Senado Square, which is understandable. This beautiful (albeit busy) cultural and retail hub is part of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macau and is encircled by grand Portuguese buildings, mosaic-tiled pavement, Chinese temples and shophouses, offering a great first peek at the city’s fascinating heritage.
After surveying this must-visit destination, head to Barra Square along the Inner Harbour. In this scenic square, the ancient A-Ma Temple is hard to miss. Sprawling across the forested hillside, the UNESCO-listed complex honors the Chinese Goddess of the Sea, believed to protect fishermen and sailors, and is one of the oldest temples in Macau, dating to 1488.
The square is also home to many remnants of Portuguese culture, such as the distinctive mosaic pavement and Maritime Museum. The latter chronicles the city’s long relationship with the sea, with exhibitions on everything from fishing equipment to structures, tools and ship models.
Dine
Nothing captures Macau’s multicultural history quite like Macanese cuisine. The food tradition combines Chinese and Portuguese influences with ingredients from former Portuguese colonies in parts of Malaysia, Indonesia and Africa. It is considered one of the world’s first fusion cuisines.
While you’re in Barra Square, stop into Restaurant Litoral for a traditional lunch. Opened in 1995, the family-run eatery crafts Macanese dishes using recipes passed down from the owner’s grandfather, Macanese chef Americo Angelo, who’s often credited with inventing one of the city’s most famous dishes: galinha à Africana (African chicken). In addition to this must-try signature, don’t miss the duck rice, minchi (stir-fried minced or ground meat and vegetables) and Macanese stew — all washed down with sangria.
For contemporary Portuguese with a side of glamour, reserve a table at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Mesa, the only restaurant in the world designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld. Hidden away inside Five-Star The Karl Lagerfeld, this ornate epicurean address celebrates the city’s East-meets-West history in the décor — with details like Chinese-style birdcage lanterns, arched ceilings and bold geometric patterns — while the menu offers refined takes on dishes like piri piri chicken and octopus à lagareiro.
Drink
After dinner, make your way to the Four-Star Vida Rica Bar, the Four-Star Mandarin Oriental, Macau’s elegant cocktail lounge. This posh place boasts lofty ceilings, epic sunset views and ultra-creative tipples.
To see for yourself, slip onto a plush stool at The Counter (the speakeasy within the main bar), where an affable mixologist will explain the cocktail concepts. We’d recommend a drink from the “Sensing the Multiverse” menu, which reimagines the city’s various UNESCO-listed landmarks as multi-sensory cocktails with alluring aromas, aesthetics and flavors.
For example, The Foundation (an effervescent mix of sparkling wine, aperitif wine, banana and coffee) channels Macau’s 17th-century Guia Fortress to display a blend of Chinese and Western motifs. Meanwhile, The Reflection (a potent combination of tequila, an Italian liqueur, five-spice powder, pomelo, agave and olives) transports you to the A-Ma Temple, a center of worship and tradition for centuries.
Shop
São Lázaro, one of Macau’s most charming neighborhoods, is the place to go for indie boutiques and creative finds that borrow inspiration from the city’s unique culture.
At Stardust Journey, local designer and pattern enthusiast Joviania António uses a “paper marbling” technique to create kaleidoscopic scarves, shirts, eye masks, cushion covers and more. You might spot a vibrant rendering of the Ruins of St Paul’s on a scarf or the city’s distinctive tiles reimagined as a pillow cover.
After perusing António’s maximalist textiles, pop into minimalist En Masse. The owners of this sleek lifestyle boutique have a luxury vegan leather bag label called O.N.E. that features subtle nods to Macau’s heritage. In the Rococo collection, for instance, the bags’ sinuous shape, Chinese-inspired clasps and patchwork reflect architectural elements across the city. In addition to feeling chic and versatile, these bags are made with eco-friendly materials such as corn leather, recycled canvas and recycled plastic.
Unwind
With its abundant gardens and shady parks, Macau has no shortage of serene corners. One of the most beautiful is Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, where you can glimpse Eastern and Western details while you watch residents doing tai chi or performing Cantonese opera.
In this atmospheric garden, elegant Chinese-style archways and bridges find harmony with European-style buildings, such as a sunny-yellow Iong Sam Tong pavilion and the Macao Tea Culture House.
Book a treatment at Five-Star The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau if you’re looking for a more indulgent way to unwind. Inside this urban retreat, mosaic-like metal wall décor and cozy leather lounge chairs reminiscent of bird cages echo the city’s past. Meanwhile, the services lean toward traditional Chinese remedies using jade, bamboo and herbal concoctions to restore your qi.
For an utterly divine afternoon, the Caviar and Pearl Experience works wonders. The 120-minute ritual begins with a facial that employs pearl powder, caviar and a chilled jade roller to revitalize the complexion and make you feel like royalty. After your facial comes a body scrub and massage, leaving you feeling rested and ready to explore even more.
