With a busy work schedule every week, you want to make good use of your weekend to relax and have fun! Lucky for us, Macau is only an hour away by boat from Hong Kong. In this blog, I will share with you my weekend escape to Macau, Asia's very own Las Vegas.

Just like Hong Kong, Macau is a special administrative region of China and was a colony of Portugal. But unlike Hong Kong, Macau is a tourism-oriented city with dozens of casinos and tourist attractions attracting millions of tourists every year. Apart from casinos, I love Macau's traditional attractions and food!

Need not to say, the world famous Venetian Hotel is one of the must go destinations in Las Vegas. Guess what, we have the same in Macau! Venetian Macao has one of the biggest casinos in Macau; Concert Arena which attracts world class performers including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Justin Beiber and etc; exhibition centre; and its signature Grand Canal shopping mall with Gondola and Italian singing!  

Traveller tips: Do leverage on their complimentary shuttle bus from Ferry Terminal

Photo: www.rogermadsen.com

The Taipa Houses-Museum was built in 1921, which had been the residences for high superiors and Macanese families. Nowadays, it is a popular place tourists and wedding pictures. Apart from the Museum itself, it is also a great spot for taking picture of nearby salt marsh and skyline of Macau's major casinos. 

The Guia Fortress is a 17th century colonial miliary fort chapel and lighthouse complex. It is in the St Lazarus Parish, Macau. The complex is part of the UESCO historic centre of Macau World Heritage Site. This is another popular place for tourists and wedding pictures. 

Tips for travellers: I usually take a bus 22 (There is a stop right outside Taipa Houses Museum and arrives at Flora Garden) and get off at Flora Garden. From there, you can take a Cable Car up hill, follow with a short hike to Guia Fortress. This is a very easy family friendly route!

The most Chinese of all of Macau's gardens is the Lou Lim Ieoc Garden. It was built by a wealthy 19th century Chinese merchant, Lou Kau, and was inherited by his son Lou Lim Ieoc in 1906. When the family fortunes declined the garden fell into ruins, but it was eventually purchased and restored by the government and opened to the public in 1974.

Ruins of St. Paul's is the landmark of the city. It attracts millions of tourist every year. the Ruins of St. Paul’s was officially listed in 2005 as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Historic Centre of Macau. Originally built in the 16^th century, the complex of St. Paul’s College and the Cathedral of St. Paul burned down and was rebuilt multiple times before the third and final fire during a typhoon in 1835 left it beyond repair. All that remains are the iconic stone façade and the grand staircase leading up to it. 

Senado Square has been Macua's urban centre of centuries. It is still the most popular venue for public events and celebrations today. The square is surrounded by pastel-coloured neo-classical buildings, creating a consistant and harmonious Mediterranean atmosphere. 

Apart from luxury Michelin restaurants like you would expect from a casino town, there are also many traditional street food in Macau! Frankly, I spent most of my meals on street food and traditional cuisine!

Margaret's Cafe e Nata Portugese Egg Tart (瑪嘉烈蛋撻)

Photo: www.tongyue.com

Fat Siu Lau Restaurante (彿笑樓餐廳)

Photo: Serafina S. @Fat Siu Lau Restaurant

Where to stay?