Macau: my recs as a frequent visitor
Been to Macau a number of times and here’s my complete guide!
Where to stay]
Hotel Central Macau - super retro, very old school Macau vibes, excellent location, rooftop bar with 360 view of the city.
Andaz Macau - excellent service, they do turndown service + little surprises every night (very cute). 5-star yet cheaper compared to other neighbouring hotels.
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What to buy]
1. Lululemon - cheaper than SG, always worth checking
2. Snacks from Koi Kei Bakery/Choi Heung Yuen Bakery - I recommend egg thin biscuits (金钱饼), almond biscuits, nougat. You can try in-store and see what you like. There are outlets almost everywhere.
3. Lord Stow’s Bakery biscuits are great too. I always buy when I go.
4. Sasa - Cheap skincare. Fresh toner is $68 at Sephora SG, here only ~$30.
5. Recommend trying out OPAL hair conditioner can get from Watsons/Mannings. Cheap and good. Tried and tested!
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Where to go]
1. Senado Square - shopping street, ruins of St. Paul, cafés and restaurants.
2. Old Taipa Village - cafés, lots of street food, and Nike factory outlet with very good discounts. Bought a pair of running shoes at $50 ONLY (RTP $200).
3. Hotel hopping is a must.
Besides Venetian, Londoner, Parisian, there’s also:
• Studio City Macau - movie themed, famous figure-8 Ferris wheel (not expensive, can try)
• City of Dreams Macau - same hotel group as Studio City, mermaid theme, house of dancing water (famous show)
• Galaxy Macau
• Wynn Palace - cable car that goes past a fountain (iirc one way is FOC)
• MGM Macau
• Lisboa Macau
4. Casino ofc hahaha - free drinks and food (some need membership). You can sign up on the spot for free, most of the time you get free gifts no need to gamble.
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Other Tips]
There are two sides:
New Macau (Cotai Strip - more upscale hotels, Taipa) and Old Macau (Senado area)
Plan your time well, best not to keep travelling back and forth!!
Getting around: monorail, public bus, taxi available BUT honestly just use the hotel shuttle buses and walk. It’s free and you don’t need to be a hotel guest.
Note: shuttles usually don’t go hotel-to-hotel unless same hotel group (e.g. Sands: Venetian ↔ Londoner ↔ Parisian). If you want to hop between different hotels, take a shuttle to common areas like ferry terminal then switch OR just walk~
If got time, can go HK. Most people go by ferry but I recommend the Golden Bus over the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge quite an experience. Quick, safe and affordable (process is like going to JB), convenient especially if you are heading to HK airport, Disneyland or City Gate Outlets.
Ask me anything!
Cheers,
Belle
Macau offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern entertainment that keeps me coming back. Beyond the popular casinos, I recommend exploring local Macanese cuisine like the iconic pork chop bun and Portuguese egg tart, which you can find at spots like Lord Stow’s and Tsui Wah. These dishes perfectly capture Macau’s Portuguese-Chinese heritage. For those interested in shopping, don’t miss checking out Sasa for affordable skincare, where I often find fantastic deals on brands like Fresh toner. The OPAL hair conditioner available at Watsons or Mannings is a hidden gem for great hair care at low prices. When visiting Old Taipa Village, try street food and hunt for sneakers at the Nike factory outlet—I've scored amazing discounts there. Getting around Macau is easiest with hotel shuttle buses, which are free and convenient even if you're not a guest. Just remember shuttle services are usually limited to hotels within the same group. Walking between hotels or using the monorail and public buses is also an option. If your schedule allows, take the Golden Bus over the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge for a quick and smooth journey to Hong Kong, especially convenient if you’re heading to the airport or Disneyland. Make sure to plan your trip with a focus on either Old Macau (Senado area) or New Macau (Cotai Strip) to avoid unnecessary commuting. Hotel and casino hopping is a fun way to experience different themes and amenities—from the House of Dancing Water show at City of Dreams to the spectacular figure-8 Ferris wheel at Studio City. Lastly, be sure to enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere at Senado Square and soak in the old-world charm combined with great shopping and cafes. Macau’s blend of new and old delivers an unforgettable travel experience that goes far beyond the casinos.
omg take me there