China and Hong Kong day 19: Macao.

Submitted by maria on Sun, 26/06/2016 - 18:53

Today we visit Macau, although it is better known for its casinos, it stands out for its heritage as a Portuguese colony with ancient fortresses and Catholic churches that blend with Chinese tradition. Although they have their own currency (pataca) Hong Kong dollars are accepted.

Nowadays the fastest and cheapest way to get to Hong Kong is by boat (you can also go by helicopter, although it's not suitable for all pockets), however the one they say will be the longest bridge in the world that will join both cities is being built.

 

Macau

Macau

 

 

We went from Central, although they also leave from Kowloon, with the company TurboJet. You can book them online. They leave every 15 minutes, it takes just over an hour. The air conditioner makes them as good as Asiatic so we recommend you to take something to keep you warm.

 

The Venetian

The Venetian

 

 

Once in the port of Macao the casinos offer free buses for you to visit them. We choose the one that takes us to The Venetian, a spectacular complex with a spectacular reproduction of Venice and its canals where you can even take a gondola ride. This colossus has a huge casino in which to try your luck, and also a large shopping centre.

 

Interior of The Venetian

Interior of the Venetian

 

 

The buildings of the nearby casinos are also impressive (Grand Lisboa, MGM Macau...).

 

Parking The Venetian

Parking The Venetian

 

 

On the way back to the city centre we take a taxi. In the historical centre of Macau, the ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral stand out, currently only the façade remains.

 

San Pablo Cathedral

San Paul´s Cathedral

 

 

We walk around until the Largo do Senado square, and we get lost in the crowd, the amount of tourism in this city is very high. We see the Post Office building, the Senate Palace, Santo Domingo Church and other colonial buildings that catch our eye.

 

Macau from the Cathedral

Macau from Cathedral

 

 

We stop for lunch and enjoy the famous Macao style pastries from Belen. We didn't have time but if you can look for Rúa da Felicidade, it's a typical Chinese street that has hardly been transformed.

 

Macau

Macau

 

Lisbon Casino

Macau

 

 

We arrived at the Lisbon casino and took a taxi back to the port. We go back to Hong Kong.

 

Hong Kong from the boat

Hong Kong from the boat

 

 

We take a bus and go up to Victoria's Peak to see the sunset over the Hong Kong bay. It's a must.

 

Hong Kong from Victoria´s Peak

Hong Kong from Victoria´s Peak

 

Hong Kong from Victoria´s Peak

Hong Kong from Victoria´s Peak

 

 

We return by bus but get off first and walk around Soho.

 

Soho

 Soho

 

 

Accommodation: HK is an expensive city our friends stay in the Island for 60 euro double room with bathroom. The cheapest areas to stay are in Kowloon: Chunking Mansion, Tsim Sha Tsui or Yau Ma Tei.
Boat tickets to Macau HK$343 round trip per pax.
Food: pork chop sandwich at 25 HK$ each. Bethlehem cake dessert 9 HK$.
Water and soft drinks for 10 HK$ each
Dinner: pizza 45 HK$ each giant slic
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