Hey, Faithfuls! So, after wandering around Europe, I was itching to travel to Asia again. When I saw a promo on Singapore Airlines for a round-trip ticket from Singapore to Macau for under S$300, I knew that was a sign. The last time I visited Hong Kong was when I was still in school, so I was really excited to experience Macau this time.

With its unique blend of East and West, Macau has always intrigued me. Its contrasting experiences—from the lavish Cotai Strip to the more traditional side of Coloane and the Historic Centre—create a destination that feels both familiar and exotic. I spent a total of four days exploring these two contrasting sides.

We stayed at The Venetian’s Bella Deluxe Suite, which cost ~$600 per night, making it a splurge-worthy experience for us. The room was massive, featuring two queen-sized beds, a comfortable living area, and an elegant marble bathroom. The hotel also provides complimentary shuttle bus services so we can explore the Cotai area and nearby attractions.

The Venetian is more than just a hotel, and is really a destination in itself. We spent one whole day wandering through the canals and faux Venetian streets, shopping at the Grand Canal Shoppes, and peeping into the casinos. I'm not exactly into gambling, so I didn't enter the casinos, but you can try your luck there!

You’re also close to neighbouring resort attractions like City of Dreams and MGM Cotai, where you can continue exploring Cotai’s nightlife.

Besides The Venetian’s famous casino, you can visit neighbouring casinos at Studio City, Wynn Palace, and Galaxy Macau. Each casino has its own vibe, from Wynn Palace's luxury offerings to Galaxy's vast, multi-faceted entertainment complex.

While I was at The Grand Canal Shoppes, I made sure to try the famous egg tart from Lord Stow's Bakery. In 1989, British pharmacist Andrew Stow and his wife Margaret Wong opened this small bakery in Coloane, where they sold Portuguese tarts inspired by the traditional pastel de nata.

Over the years, Lord Stow’s Bakery became synonymous with egg tarts in Macau, and the queues outside the shop can be long. The tarts are deliciously flaky, with a creamy custard filling that’s sweet and smooth.

And yes, while the Venetian canals are indoors, that doesn’t take away from the romantic charm. Take a gondola ride along the winding waterway, and enjoy the serenades from the talented gondoliers! We paid for a private 15-minute boat tour, which came with a free box of butter cookies.

Besides visiting The Venetian, we also went to The Parisian Macao, which is a half-scale Eiffel Tower replica with panoramic views of the Cotai Strip. I think it can't beat the real thing in France, but it does make for good photos.

After snapping pictures here, head over to Churchill’s Table at The Londoner Macao. This British-themed restaurant offers an English afternoon tea experience that’s perfect for those who appreciate a touch of whimsy.

On Fridays, weekends, and public holidays, the afternoon tea transforms into the Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea Set, priced at ~S$90 for two people. True to its name, the afternoon tea is inspired by Alice in Wonderland and comes with performances by the Mad Hatter, Alice, and other Wonderland characters. 

The high tea was one of the highlights of my trip for sure—the desserts were good and the ambience was superb. I was so full after that!

Leaving Cotai, we journeyed to Coloane, which is the more laid-back and historic side of Macau. This part of the city has an old-world charm with its colonial architecture, narrow alleys, and pastel-hued buildings. We chose to stay at Hotel Lisboa, which offered a nostalgic experience that felt different from the sparkly lights of Cotai.

We booked a Royal Tower Room at Hotel Lisboa for ~S$150 per night, benefiting from off-peak rates. The room was a pleasant throwback with vintage fabrics, handcrafted furniture, and an imperial-style bed that made us feel as though we’d travelled back in time.

The room also came with perks like free in-house movies, local calls, and a complimentary mini-bar stocked with snacks and drinks. The bathroom was equipped with Hermès amenities and felt especially indulgent. I LOVED the Hermès amenities, especially the Hermès soap.

While Hotel Lisboa is known for its heritage charm, it also boasts a casino, but in a more classic setting. Staying here allowed us to easily explore nearby attractions on foot, making it a convenient choice for our time in the old city.

What to do in Coloane, Macau

While in Coloane, we visited Senado Square, which is the heart of Macau’s historic centre. This UNESCO World Heritage site is lined with pastel-coloured colonial buildings, Portuguese mosaic-tiled pavements, and vibrant shops selling local snacks and souvenirs.

While we were there, we got to experience one of Macau’s more quirky attractions, which is buying takeaway wine through a “wine hole.” Inspired by traditional Italian buchette del vino, where wine was once served through small windows, this concept has made its way to Macau’s Old Town!

Just a short walk from Senado Square, you’ll also find the Ruins of St. Paul’s, a lasting icon of Macau’s historical heritage. You can climb up for panoramic views or explore the small museum nearby. This place was super crowded, though, so you'll be lucky to snap a photo without tourists in the background.

If you wanna get away from the tourists, you can also head over to Coloane Village, which offers a peaceful retreat from Macau’s bustling areas. Here, we visited the Old Protestant Cemetery, which is an often-overlooked historical gem in Macau. Established by the British East India Company in 1821, it was created to provide a resting place for Protestants in the then predominantly Roman Catholic colony. Here, you’ll find graves of British and American sailors, missionaries, and traders who played a role in Macau’s early history.

Nearby, St. Anthony’s Church—a charming Catholic church close to Camões Garden—offers free admission and is a significant landmark of Portuguese heritage!

Of course, you have to try Macau's street food! Alongside Portuguese egg tarts and pork chop buns, you’ll find traditional offal dishes—an adventurous choice for food lovers looking to try authentic local fare.

Many souvenir shops nearby offer free samples of popular snacks, like almond cookies and beef jerky, so you can taste them before buying.

If you're looking for a proper meal, check out one of Macau's many cha chaan teng restaurants, AKA Hong Kong-style diners. These casual eateries are popular for their fusion of Cantonese and Western dishes, serving everything from milk tea, pineapple buns, and macaroni soup to baked rice dishes and Hong Kong-style French toast.

Other things to note when travelling to Macau

For getting around, public transport in Macau is easy to use, and the city offers a mix of buses and taxis. Many major hotels also offer free shuttle buses to and from the ferry terminal and airport. We relied on buses and our hotel’s shuttle service for most of our travels. For a unique experience, hop on one of the minibuses connecting Macau’s older neighbourhoods.

Spending four days in Macau

Some people say Macau is boring, but I found it to be quite unique, with so much to offer. I only wish I had an extra day to really take my time and explore the city. While I probably won’t be coming back any time soon, the egg tarts from Lord Stow’s Bakery will definitely live in my mind rent-free for the next few months...

Thanks for reading, and see you next post! Also, if you feel like booking a flight, check out these AirAsia MOVE flight deals!