Things To Do in Macau (Part 1)

Macau used to be a “day trip” thing for me where I would take the morning ferry from Hong Kong and head back at night after some eating and sightseeing. Last week however, rif and I spent five in Macau where we went sightseeing, shopping and hunting for food places. We spent the first two nights in Macau Peninsula and the remaining two nights in Taipa.

Here’s a list of things to do and eat around Macau Peninsula:

SEE: Senado Square

Senado Square during the day

The square come night time

Apparently, “you haven’t been to Macau if you haven’t seen Senado Square”. One of the most popular spots in Macau, Senado Square is a great place for photography, shopping and sightseeing. The square is surrounded by pastel coloured neo-classical buildings that give the atmosphere a European feel. There’s plenty to eat and shop around the area too.

EAT: Tai Lei Loi Kei

Pork chop polo bun

Macau is known for egg tarts and pork chop buns, and the best pork chop bun can be found at Tai Lei Loi Kei. Opt for either toasted bun or polo bun with a juicy piece of marinated pork chop at the centre. My personal favourite has got to be the polo bun version and the bun is softer and more buttery. Blog post here.

EAT: Ngao Keo Ka Lei Chon

Crab congee

Chicken chop rice

Curry beef brisket noodles

It took us a while to locate this restaurant by foot from Senado Square (it’s a 10-15mins walk) so if you’re unsure, get a taxi to take you there. This quaint restaurant is a local favourite, famous for its crab congee and beef brisket curry with noodles. Both were quite good but it was the simpler chicken chop rice with creamy corn gravy that won my vote.

Address:
G/F, 1 Rua de Cinco de Outubro, Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro
Tel: +853 2895 6129

SHOP: Koi Kei Bakery

Most popular place to buy biscuits in Macau

Try the egg tarts too!

Although they have branches in Macau and Hong Kong, the ones along “biscuit street” or Dasanba Street offers the most samplers for almond cookies, pork jerky and other local snacks. Walk along this narrow street to take in the sight of bustling Macau and munch on freshly baked treats while you’re at it. It is along the way to the Ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral. Blog post here.

Biscuit samples

The popular “biscuit street” in Macau

SEE: Ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral & Mount Fortress

Ruins of St. Paul’s

This is a must visit spot in Macau, considered to be the most famous landmark in the city. Getting there is easy from Senado Square – just follow the signage provided and you’ll be fine. On weekends, it is extremely crowded so try going on a weekday to enjoy the view. From the cathedral, I suggest climbing the steps towards Mount Fortress to see Macau city from the top.

En route Mount Fortress

EAT: Lai Kei Ice Cream

Old school ice cream sandwich

This old school ice cream place has been around since the 1960s, with plenty of memorabilia on display to add to the nostalgia. The ice cream is simple — a reminisce of the ones available during those childhood days. Try the coconut flavoured ice cream as well as the Neapolitan ice cream sandwich.

Address:
12-12A, Avenida Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida
Tel: +853 853 2837 5781

SEE: Macau Tower

View of the tower from below

Macau Tower is the 10th tallest sightseeing tower in a world that houses a movie theatre, conference centre and revolving restaurant among others. The tower soars up to 233 meters above ground level and also offers the world’s tallest bungy jump for daredevils. Admission to the tower is MOP160 per adult.

EAT: Wong Kun Sio Kung

Shrimp roe dried noodle

With a mention in the Michelin Guide for three years running, prices at Wong Kun aren’t cheap. People come here for the shrimp roe dried noodle as well as the curry crab and from the photos adorning the walls, it has received visits from local and HK celebrities. The noodles are made using the traditional bamboo method, making eat bite springy. A plate of shrimp roe noodles with wanton would set you back about MOP88.

Address:
G/F, 310A R. do Campo, Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro
Tel: +853 2837 2248

EAT: Yee Shun Dairy Company

Ginger milk pudding

Egg pudding

If you’re a fan of steamed ginger milk pudding and egg pudding, drop by Yee Shun along Senado Square. You can have your dessert hot or cold, but I personally like mine hot as the ginger flavour of the pudding is more pronounced. Like Hong Kong, the puddings are just mildly sweet so you get to taste the milk and egg, rather than sugar.

Address:
GF, 381 Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro,
Macau.
Tel: +853 2837 3104

EAT: Cafe e Nata Margaret’s

Best egg tarts on Macau Peninsula

Flaky, eggy perfection

Margaret’s is said to serve the best Macanese egg tarts on the Macau Penninsula and is the main rival of Lord Stow’s in Coloanne. This little cafe is located in an alley not too far from the Grand Lisboa and serves an array of baked goods apart from egg tarts. The tarts (MOP10 each) are deliciously flaky with a creamy, buttery egg custard centre. One is never enough! 🙂

Address:
G/F, 17A Rua Alm Costa Cabral R/C, Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro

SEE: Grand Lisboa

The view of Grand Lisboa, from Mount Fortress

If you aren’t into gambling, you should still visit Grand Lisboa – the tallest building in Macau. Come night time, the building lights up and adds colour to the city. The interior of the building is opulent to cater to the gambling crowd, and there are 54 floors to this flower-shaped hotel.

Address:
Avenida de Lisboa, Macau
Tel: +853 2828 3838

I hope this list is helpful for those who plan to visit Macau. Stay tuned as I update my list of places to see and things to eat in Taipa! 🙂

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