05 Must Do Activities for a Complete Macau Experience – Explore Macau

Just around the corner from Macau's major casino strip lies a charming and historic village called Taipa Village. The village is home to museums, churches of colonial origin and Chinese temples. It is one of 'the' places to see Macau for what it really is; a veritable east meets west kind of nation. A stroll through Taipa Village will take you back in time. Visit the Taipa House Museum which used to be the residence of Portuguese governors and other civil servants. Look through the alleys, concealed lanes for glimpses of the past and eat almond cookies and candy from the bakeries.

A-Ma Temple is the most famous Chinese temple in Macau. The temple is easily accessible as it is located a mere 10-minute drive away from hotels such as the Hotel Okura Macau. The oldest temple in the city, A-Ma is a place of worship for devotees of the goddess Mazu who for all intents and purposes is said to protect seafarers and fisherfolk. The temple consists of a number of pavilions designed to worship different deities. The temples key attractions are the gate pavilion, the hall of benevolence, the prayer hall as well as Zhengjiao Chanlin.

The House of Dancing Water is a stunning 90-minute display of energetic stunts and beautiful scenery. It has been creating a splash in Macau for quite a while and it is the world's largest aquatic show. Creator Franco Dragone uses his dancers, motorcyclists, dancers and divers to put on a spectacular act.

Macanese cuisine was first brought into life when the Portuguese colonized Macau over 400 years ago. Macanese cuisine is a delectable mélange of southern Chinese cooking and Portuguese techniques. Some of the classic dishes you should try including 'tacho', a stew inspired by both Chinese and Portuguese ingredients and 'minchi', a dish made with either minced beef or pork or sometimes both along with stir-fried onions, diced potatoes and a generous dash of Worcestershire sauce. Capela is another classic made out of baked meatloaf mixed with cheese, bread crumbs and black olives. Chefs top this dish with crispy bacon to make it extra appetizing.

There is a saying in Macau that gives the notion that to truly see Macau, you need to visit the Senado Square. The area is decked with pastel-hued neo-classical buildings and mosaic tiled floors (wave patterned) that symbolize Portuguese influence. You can simply sit somewhere in the square and observe life pass by in its true Macau spirit. If you visit the square during Chinese New Year celebrations or Christmas, you can enjoy dragon and lion dances as well as fireworks. Don't forget to take a few photographs to take back your impression of Macau home.