This was my third time in Macau and I wanted to explore the city at my own pace this time. I usually visit with my relatives and we catch different shuttle buses to various casinos and hotels for sightseeing.
Our choice of transportation was the ferry and we purchased tickets online beforehand. However, if you prefer the bus, there is the new bridge that was built and a new bus route. I had initially thought they only do pick up at the airport station, but they may actually make a stop where the ferry is in Sheung Wan.
Leave about an hour before the ferry departs to make time for going through customs and security. We did finish a lot earlier. There is also food at the ferry terminal!
We had an 11am ferry, so we arrived at the terminal at around 10am. We picked the Old Macau side since we wanted to spend more time eating and checking out some scenic spots. On this side, you can see Casino Lisboa and The Wynn. The Taipa side has all the big casinos such as The Venetian.
Quick tips: HKD is accepted 1:1 with MOP, bring small cash for smaller restaurants and buses, check your hotel’s website to see if provide a free shuttle bus from the ferry terminal
Must-eats: Bamboo pressed noodles, pork cutlet buns, Portuguese egg tarts, milk tea
Here’s a brief summary of my itinerary:
🗓 MORNING – Hotel & Lok Kei Noodle
After arriving in Macau, I had thought our hotel had a shuttle bus but later realized it did not. We had to use some coins (about HK$6) to take a short bus ride. Since we couldn’t check in just yet, we walked to Lok Kei.
- Lunch @ Lok Kei Noodle: A Bib Gourmand restaurant known for the bamboo pole noodles since 1945
- We ordered the lo mein (tossed dry noodles) with the wonton shrimp roe – so good! Their beef brisket was very tender and flavourful too.
- They are one of the last remaining eateries that still knead their noodles with bamboo poles. The noodles were so chewy and bouncy!
🗓 AFTERNOON – Food Street, Milk Tea & Portuguese Egg Tart
For our second stop, we walked around Senado Square and a food and shopping street. There was lime and lemon tea and also Portuguese egg tarts everywhere.
- Sei Kei Cafe: Get the milk tea here! They’re also known for their charcoal-brewed claypot coffee.
- Paul Kei Portuguese Egg Tarts: So flaky! It’s not overly sweet, which is great if that’s what you prefer.
- So many shops sell beef and pork jerky as well.
🗓 EVENING – Ruins of St. Paul’s, Senado Square, Casino Lisboa, Portuguese Restaurant
To wrap up the evening, we walked by the Ruins of St. Paul’s, which is a famous landmark in Macau.
- We returned to Senado Square at night. The fountain is so pretty!
- I had a crispy pork chop bun at one of the street food stalls
- Casino Lisboa: If you keep walking down from there, you will arrive at Casino Lisboa. I love the shape of the hotel building!
- We walked around inside the building and casino. There are so many floors, so you may get lost. There is also a cafe on one of the floors and a few restaurants.
- Dinner @ Macao Galo: We wanted to eat authentic Portuguese food before leaving tomorrow and this place was nearby. We ordered the Baked Portuguese Chicken. I’ve had a similar baked rice dish in Vancouver, and the sauce is a golden and creamy coconut sauce.
Overall, Macau was a nice change of scenery after being in Hong Kong for a few days. There was a lot of delicious food concentrated in one area and it was easy to get around. However, we didn’t have enough time to visit the Taipa side which has a lot more hotels and casinos.
Other Links:
- Going back to Hong Kong? Read my 10-Day Hong Kong Itinerary: Island Hopping & Viral Food Guide
- Check out my foodie account @christyenjoys for more!
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