1. Appreciate art and design at Albergue SCM
Albergue SCM is located in the St. Lazarus District, which has been transformed in recent years into a cultural district that supports the development of the local creative industry. Originally a small church, it now is a public space that hosts creative and community events, from art fairs and music performances to poetry-reading seminars.
Location: Albergue Scm, No. 8, Calçada da Igreja de S. Lázaro, Macau
2. Jog along a wetland in front of colonial houses
There is a small lake right in front of the Taipa Houses Museum. The other side of the lake is a Wetland Ecological Viewing Zone and a great jogging trail. The route is about 2km long with the casinos’ neon lights in the background.
Location: Wetland in Avenida da Praia, Taipa, Macau
3. Learn about colonial history at a UNESCO world heritage site
Together with the historic Camoes Grotto park and Old Protestant Cemetery, the Oriental Foundation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, well hidden in the concrete jungle in the city of Macau. The mansion is a great photo shooting spot and a place to learn about the colonial history of Macau.
Location: Casa Garden, Rua do Regedor, Macau
4. Walk through the local market in Three Lamps District
The market begins from the Rotunda de Carlos da Maia. The market is filled with stores and street vendors that offer different kinds of local snacks, fresh produces and goods. The wide variety and creativity may even surprise the locals and there are queues outside some restaurants during weekends.
Location: Rotunda de Carlos da Maia, Macau
5. Try pork knuckles and ginger stew with a twist
Have you heard of a pork knuckle and ginger stew? It is a traditional Cantonese dish prepared for women who just give birth. Now, it is a typical snack that could be found in many dim sum restaurant. Here, in the Three Lamps District market, Fung Kei has a unique recipe for this stew and takes it to the next level, adding other delicious ingredients from pig ears, intestines, and more. If you want to try out some local food, this is the place to be.
Location: Rotunda de Carlos da Maia, Macau
6. Ride the shortest cable car in the world
The Guia Cable Car is the world’s shortest cable car system in the world. It brings you from the entrance of Flora Garden to the top of Guia Mountain, the whole ride takes merely 60 seconds.
Location: Guia Cable Car, Av. de Sidónio Pais, Macau
7. Enjoy a panoramic view of the concrete jungle
Macau is the most densely populated city in the world. Guia Hill is the highest point on the Macau Peninsula and a perfect viewpoint to enjoy a panoramic view of the concrete jungle, right in front of the historic Guia Lighthouse.
Location: Guia Lighthouse, Top of Guia Mountain, Macau
8. Stroll through the only Black Sand Beach in China
Located on Coloane Island, Macau’s backyard, the Hac Sa Beach is the only black sand beach in China. Enjoy a walk on the beach and the dramatic view of the South China Sea.
Location: Hac Sa Beach, Estrada de Hac Sa, Coloane
9. Enjoy a natural escape at Long Chao Kok
The Long Chao Kok Coastal Trail is located in the southernmost part of Macau. The walking trail is surrounded by peculiar rock formations and offers a breathtaking ocean view. It is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas.
Location: Long Chao Kok Coastal Trail, Rua de Hac Sa Long Chao Kok, Macau
10. Join a free guided tour at the Macau Museum of Art
Although Macau is tiny, the only art museum is quite large. The museum has a great permanent collection of Chinese paintings, seals, ceramics, bronzes from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties that tourists rarely get to see. You can join a free guided tour in the weekend to get a better understanding of these unearthed cultural relics in Macau.
Location: Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, Macau
11. Enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine by the beach
While Macau is tiny, there are many secret restaurants that are off the tourist track yet taste incredible. Miramar is a beachside restaurant with a fantastic waterfront view and delicious, authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Location: Mirama, Zona Nordeste da Praia Hac-Sa, Coloane
12. Taste Portuguese food at the yard of a Portuguese chapel
Nga Tim Café is a small restaurant on the side of the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier – it is a great place to soak up the romantic atmosphere of old Macau and try some authentic Portuguese food.
Location: Nga Tim Café, Rua Do Caetano, Coloane
13. Have afternoon tea in a former Portuguese fortress
Pousada De Sao Tiago is a restoration of a Portuguese fortress built in the early 17th century. The building now hosts a hotel with 12 luxurious suites, each in a different style and theme. You may not stay in the hotel; however, it is a lovely experience to enjoy afternoon tea at the terrace and take a historic tour in the quiet neighbourhood.
Location: Pousada de Sao Tiago, Avenida da Republica, Macau
14. Enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine in a nostalgic brick building
For decades, Fernando has received raving reviews, and it attracts a celebrity clientele. The restaurant is located in an old red brick house in Coloane village, and the interior walls are decorated with their collection of old photos, currencies, and testimonials.
Location: Restaurante Fernando, Coloane, Macau
15. Hunt for goodies at the Taipa Sunday Flea Market
The Taipa Sunday Flea Market has been in the neighbourhood for over a decade, and it’s popular among locals. Apart from art and crafts stalls and local food, the market has street performances and entertainment for tourists to enjoy.
Location: Taipa Flea Market, Bombeiros Square, Taipa, Macau
16. Photoshoot with the façade of a cathedral in the background
Love Lane is a small lane leading to the famous Ruins of St. Paul’s. The lane is only 50 meters long, with a row of historic buildings painted in vibrant colours on the side. The site is featured in many local movies and is a great photo spot with the Ruins of St. Paul’s in the background.
Location: Love Lane, Travessa da Paixão, Macau
KNYCX Journeying
Any thoughts, tips or questions?