Macau, the former Portuguese colony and weekend getaway near Hong Kong that was both the first and the last European controlled outpost in Asia, is now considered to be the world's number one casino gambling destination after having overtaken Las Vegas in gaming revenues in recent years. However and if you think Macau is just about casino gaming - think again as the enclave has much more to offer visitors in the form of historic sites to see as well as a unique cuisine that is available no where else in the world.

Getting Into Macau

Most visitors to Macau will arrive via ferry from Hong Kong - specifically from Hong Kong Island, Kowloon or from the Hong Kong International Airport. Visitors coming from China have the option of arriving by ferry, bus, car or they can simply walk across the border checkpoint while international visitors can fly directly to the Macau International Airport from major cities around Asia via several low cost airlines such as Air Asia, Air Macau, Cebu Pacific, Jet Star and Tiger.

Exploring Macau

The best place in Macau for non-casino gamblers to begin exploring the city would be Largo Do Senado (Senate Square), the main plaza. However and if you are coming directly from the ferry terminal, I should note that it's a bit of a hike to get there and you should probably opt to take a taxi or bus to save your feet and legs.

Once you arrive in Largo Do Senado though, you will feel as though you are in Europe rather than in Asia as the plaza is lined with restored pastel colored arcaded buildings built in Portuguese architectural styles. Largo Do Senado is also the location of the Macau Tourism Information Bureau's main office where you can stock up free maps and brochures as the city is full of twisting and winding streets that make it easy for visitors to get lost.

Largo Do Senado

From the Largo Do Senado, most visitors will trek up to the ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral - the enduring symbol of Macau that was destroyed by a fire in 1835 that just left the cathedral's intricately carved façade intact. The ruins of the cathedral and the long staircase in front of it are a must stop for both picture taking and some souvenir buying.

Beside the ruins, there is also a steep path and stair case up to the Fortaleza Do Monte - a fort built by the Jesuits to fend off attacks by the Dutch and other European powers. Those who make the trek will be rewarded with impressive views of the city while the Fort's Museum of Macau is also worth a visit by anyone interested in learning about the city's unique history.

For even better views of the city though, visitors should also trek to the top of Colina da Guia, Macau's highest point. This hill is also topped by another fortress, a lighthouse and a tranquil chapel that are all well worth a visit.

As for the rest of the Macau peninsula, its fairly compact meaning it's a great place to explore on foot - especially given that the city is filled with historic churches and narrow lanes lined with pretty colonial buildings. Be warned though: Wear excellent walking shoes as the Macau peninsula is very hilly and full of steep lanes and staircases. In fact, one day of walking around Macau wore out what was left of my walking shoes!

Eating Out

Besides seeing the historic sites, no visit to Macau would be complete without sampling the rich variety of local Macanese cuisine. Thanks to having once been part of the Portuguese Empire, Macanese cuisine combines Chinese, Portuguese, African, Brazilian and Indian (Goa) influences to create the ultimate fusion cuisine. In fact and in Macau, you will find spicy Chouricos sausages and salt codfish from Portugal, spicy prawns from Goa, African chicken, Feijoada stew from Brazil and of course plenty of Cantonese style Chinese food. For desert, a Macanese egg custard with a small cup of very strong European style coffee will be a must.

Gambling in Macau

Finally, no visit to Macau is complete without at least one stop at a casino. For Los Vegas resort style gambling, the more recently completed Wynn Macau, Sands Macau and Venetian Macao Resort Hotel are must visits but if you are looking for that older and more uniquely Macau feel, then the Hotel Lisboa is worth a stop.

In general though, casinos in Macau are characterized by mostly gaming tables for baccarat, some slot machines and a few roulette wheels. Moreover, remember to dress appropriately when entering a casino in Macau as generally speaking, visitors wearing open shoes or shorts will not be allowed in.

Nevertheless and even if you are like me and not a gambler, a day trip or weekend visit to Macau is a must as you will find plenty of other attractions that will keep you busy.

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