This is a guest post
Many cities have tried to reinvent themselves as tourist destinations but few have been as successful as Macau. The former Portuguese colony’s economy is now largely fueled by tourism, with much of the growth in recent years coming from mega casinos and poker. While it is poised to pass Las Vegas as the world’s top gambling destination based on annual revenue, Macau has much more to offer tourists than just baccarat tables and slot machines.
With nearly five centuries of history behind it, there’s plenty to see in Macau once you get past the glitz and glamor of the modern casino developments. Ancient temples, churches, statues, and plazas dot the port, including top destinations such as the Plaza Senado, St. Francis Xavier Chapel, the ruins of St. Paul’s, the A-Ma Temple, and the Guia fortress, where you can enjoy a slice of both the Portuguese and Chinese history of Macau. There are also some world-class museums and art galleries are in Macau, such as the Museum of Macau and the Museum of Art.
If you’d like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the villages of Taipa and Coloane give visitors a glimpse into the past, with villagers living much the same way as they have for centuries. Nearby islands also host very popular beaches such as Hac Sa beach, where you can enjoy the nearly four kilometer long black sand beach as well as popular restaurants such as Fernando’s, which is famed for its Portuguese menu and comfortable, laid-back atmosphere.
For the more active adventurer, Macau offers up plenty of opportunities for swimming, karting, windsurfing, canoeing, and horseback riding, as well as the chance to sit in the stands or gallery for events such as the Macau Open golf tournament, the Macau Grand Prix, and the Macau International Marathon.
This post was written by an author from Pokerjunkie.com, who writes reviews of Macau Casinos.
Feature photo courtesy of cm28689 on Flickr.
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