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7 Leisure Activities For Business Travelers In Macau

Macau is famous around the world as being the Las Vegas of the East. The city boasts casinos such as The Venetian and City of Dreams, and more money is gambled in Macau than in Las Vegas. As a former Portuguese colony, Macau is also steeped in a rich culture and history with a number of landmarks to discover. Below are 7 leisure activities for business travelers in Macau.

1. The Venetian

• Great for: Get lost in the world’s largest casino
• Stay for: Overnight

The Venetian, modeled after its sister casino in Las Vegas, is colossal in every sense of the word. It is the largest hotel in Asia, the largest casino in the world, and by floor space, the seventh largest building in the world. Business travelers are recommended to set aside a whole night to explore the many things to do in The Venetian:

• Casino – Whatever game you like to bet on, The Venetian can cater for your tastes with over 6,000 slot machines and 800 gambling tables. During your stay, make sure to explore all four gaming areas including the Golden Fish, Imperial House, Red Dragon, and Phoenix.  
• The Grand Canal Shoppes – Built in the style of the Venice canals, The Grand Canal Shoppes is a shopping experience like no other. Although located in the heart of The Venetian, the painted sky and winding canals create a strong impression of being in Venice.
• Cotai Arena – With a seating capacity of 15,000, the Cotai Arena has hosted some of the world’s biggest acts in entertainment, including The Rolling Stones, Beyonce, and a number of boxing and UFC fights.

After a long night in The Venetian, business travelers may wish to relax by spending the night at the casino’s hotel. The hotel has 2,905 suites with the most luxurious Paiza suites reserved for premium guests. Room rates start at around MOP2,400 (USD305).

Getting there: Although The Venetian offers a complimentary shuttle bus from the airport and ferry terminal, there are normally large queues and visitors can find themselves waiting for a long period of time. There are taxis available, but those unfamiliar with the city and also the currency should be wary about becoming a victim of a taxi scam. For those who wish to have a driver pick them up on arrival and avoid being conned, it is advised to arrange a private car in advance.

2. AJ Hackett Macau Tower

• Great for: The world’s highest bungee jump
• Stay for: 2 hours

Thril-seeking travelers can head to Macau Tower where they can experience the world’s highest bungee jump. At 233m, the jump is certainly not for the faint-hearted, but those who do dare to make the leap will have an unforgettable memory.

Prices:

• Bungee jump (Includes Certificate, Membership Card, Exclusive T-Shirt, and Tower Ticket) – MOP3,488 (USD430)
• Second jump – MOP1,288 (USD160)

Opening Times:

• September to June – Monday to Thursday from 10am – 7.30pm, Friday from 10am to 9pm, Saturday to Sunday from 10am to 10pm.
• July to August - Monday to Thursday from 10am – 9pm, Friday to Sunday from 10am to 10pm.

Getting there: Somewhat isolated across the water from the Cotai Strip, the AJ Hackett Macau Tower is best reached by car. There are a number of taxis available outside of most hotels, but those wishing to make plans in advance can book a private car to drop them off and pick them up from the tower.

3. Ruins Of St. Paul’s

• Great for: Exploring a church dating back to the 1600s
• Stay for: 1-2 hours

Despite its reputation, Macau is not all casinos and gambling, as the city is home to a fascinatingly distinct history and culture from its time as a Portuguese colony. Although there are a number of sites and artifacts dating back to this period, the ruins of St. Paul’s are arguably the most famous historic site in Macau.

The church was built at the beginning of the 17th century by Jesuits and at that time was one of the biggest Catholic churches in all of Asia. Despite most of the church being destroyed during a typhoon in the 19th century, the iconic façade remains and St. Paul’s is now recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Site.

The ruins are free to visit and open all day long. From St. Paul’s, travelers can visit the nearby Museum of Sacred Art & Crypt. The exhibition is home to a wide collection of artifacts and statues from churches from Macau over the past centuries. The museum is MOP15 (USD2) and opens from 09:00 to 18:00, except for on Mondays when the museum is closed.

Getting there: The ruins of St. Paul’s are far away from the glitz and glamour of the casinos, so visitors may wish to arrange a private car to reach the church. Those who are interested to learn more about the story behind St. Paul’s, can also hire an English speaking tour guide at the same time.

4. Mandarin House

• Great for: Touring an important part of local history
• Stay for: 1-2 hours

The ruins of St. Paul’s is not the only UNESCO World Heritage Site to visit in Macau, with the city also home to Mandarin House, one of the most popular historic landmarks amongst tourists.

The 4,000 square meter building complex was the family home of the great Chinese thinker Zheng Guanying, but later was rented out, before finally the government stepped in to preserve this important piece of local history. What makes Mandarin House so unique is the fusion of Chinese and Western architecture that can be seen across the 4,000 square meters.

It is free to visit Mandarin House and is open to tourists from 10:00 to 18:00. The historic site closes on Wednesday so travelers should be mindful when planning a trip.

Getting there: Mandarin House is located a short drive from the ruins of St. Paul’s, so travelers planning on visiting both may wish to hire a private car to avoid finding taxi after taxi. To fully understand the history of Mandarin House, it is suggested to book an English speaking tour guide.

5. Senado Square

• Great for: Wine and dining in Macau’s most famous square
• Stay for: An evening

Known as Largo Do Senado from Macau’s time as a Portuguese colony, this paved town square has been a meeting place for the people of the city since the 16th century. The square consists mainly of European style architecture and statues that have been immaculately maintained over the years.

In the area of Senado Square, business travelers can also find some of Macau’s finest authentic Portuguese restaurants:

• Escada Restaurant –A colonial townhouse restaurant that is renowned for its Portuguese Suckling Pig. While there, travelers are recommended to try a glass, or jug, of the local Sangria.
   
• Boa Mesa Comida Portuguesa –Travelers can find all types of authentic Portuguese cuisine across Macau and at Boa Mesa Comida Portuguesa, they can find some of the finest seafood dishes in the city. The restaurant’s signature dishes include the Clam Soup and Octopus Salad.

Getting there: Senado Square is actually located nearby the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Mandarin House. Travelers with more than half a day to spare can plan to visit all three landmarks and arrange a private car with an English speaking tour guide to show them around.

6. City Of Dreams

• Great for: A casino renowned for its world class entertainment
• Stay for: Overnight

Business travelers looking for a casino other than The Venetian can make the short trip across the Cotai Strip to visit the City of Dreams. The city’s second largest casino boasts 450 gambling tables and 1,514 machines spread over 39,000 square meters, while there are plenty of entertainment options for those not wishing to gamble.

• House Of Dancing Water – A water-based show like nothing you have ever seen before, The House of Dancing Water takes places on a purpose built stage and involves a cast of over 80 gymnasts, divers and motorcyclists.
   
• Club Cubic – City Of Dreams is host to Club Cubic, one of Macau’s largest and most exclusive nightclubs. The club regularly hosts some of the top international DJs and is considered one of the places to be seen in the city nightlife.

Business travelers may also wish to consider spending the night at the City Of Dreams, with the mega casino boasting three hotels:

• Nuwa – Nuwa was previously the Crown Towers, but the new brand has retained all of the luxuries of the two tower hotel. Arguably the best place for fine dining in the city, Nuwa boasts three restaurants with Michelin stars. Travelers can enjoy Chinese at the two starred Jade Dragon, French cuisine at the two starred The Tasting Room, and Japanese food at the one-starred Shinji by Kanesaka.
   
• The Countdown Hotel – Formerly known as the Hard Rock Hotel,The Countdown Hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and offers a spa experience. Wave restaurant is a popular poolside hang out during the day while The Bar is the perfect stop for a drink at happy hour or quick night cap.
   
• Grand Hyatt Macau – For travelers looking for privacy and relaxation after a long night at the casino, the Grand Hyatt Macau comes highly recommended. Guests can enjoy private dining at the Grand Club on the 37th floor or unwind at the Isala Spa.

Getting there: Just like The Venetian, City of Dreams offers a free shuttle service from transportation hubs such as the airport and ferry terminal. The bus can be crowded, however, and visitors can be waiting for almost 30 minutes for the bust to arrive. For those in a rush to catch a flight or get on the ferry, it is advised to book a private car for the journey.

7. Taipa Village

• Great for: Catch a glimpse of Old Macau
• Stay for: Day out

For those looking for a break from the wild entertainment and high risk fun of the Cotai Strip, travelers are recommended to take a trip to Taipa Village and spend a day enjoying the way of life in Macau that came before the mega casinos arrived. The small village is a quaint combination of colonial buildings and ancient temples, which are navigated by narrow lanes and market squares. Taipa Village has a number of points of interest for sightseeing business travelers to explore:

• Our Lady Of Carmo Church –This beautiful Catholic Church was completed in 1885 and the three story building with its yellow stucco walls remain intact to today for visitors to enjoy.
   
•  Taipa Houses Museum – Travelers can learn about the history of Taipa through the exhibition in these stunningly preserved colonial residences. The museum is free to visit and, while it is closed on Mondays, they are open 10:00 to 19:00 the rest of the week.

Arguably the most popular spot in Taipa Village is Rua da Cunha. The food street is well known across the city for its authentic Macau cuisine:

• Almond Cookies – On Rua Do Cunha, travelers can find all sorts of local preserved fruit, candies, and cookies. If you are to try just one sweet, however, then the almond cookies come highly recommended. Created by being compressing the dry batter in a custom mold, these local cookies are sold piping hot.
   
• Pork and Beef Jerky – Another firm favorite amongst locals and tourists alike, is the port and beef jerky sold by a number of street vendors. Flavors vary from black pepper pork to chili beef to the especially delicious honey pork.

Getting there: Taipa Village is located in the shadow of the mega casinos of the Cotai Strip and can be reached by foot in twenty minutes. To be able to truly appreciate the rich culture and history of the area, however, it is suggested to arrange an English speaking tour guide.

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