Top 5 Reasons to Visit Macao

Explore the cultural crossroads of Europe and China at more than 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Macao -- a small peninsula in southeast China. Among the best-known are The Ruins of St. Paul’s, once one of Asia’s largest Catholic churches, and A-Ma Temple, whose red-hued walls date back to 1488.

As the first and last European colony in Asia, Macao was peacefully returned to China in 1999 after being under Portugal’s influence since the 1500s. Macao's story reaches back even further, though, to the Qin dynasty, nearly 2,200 years ago. Discover its legacy at museums including the Maritime Museum, Handover Gifts Museum, and Wine Museum. 

Macao's calendar teems with eye-catching and exhilarating happenings. Watch the Firework Festival, where international teams compete for the most creative and grandiose burst. Sit on the edge of your seat at the Macao Grand Prix, an annual Formula 3 event on the longest Grand Prix track in the world. Revel in the tradition of events like Chinese New Year and the annual Dragon Boat Festival.

For a city of only 11 square miles, Macao likes to go big! Marvel at the 846-foot-tall glittering gold Grand Lisboa tower; the world’s first and only figure-eight Ferris Wheel at Studio City; and the Galaxy Resort, which houses the world’s longest lazy river. For another ‘big’ attraction, check out the Giant Panda Pavilion to see these larger-than-life teddy bears.

Macao introduces taste buds to a fusion of influences from Portugal, China, Mozambique, Malaysia, and India. Portuguese egg tarts and pork chop buns decorate menus along the street to the tables of Michelin-starred restaurants (there are 19!). Every November, local delicacies takes center stage at the Macao Food Festival.