More than just gambling in Macau

Let me just clarify from the get-go: there’s more to Macau than casinos. Macau – often viewed by its haughty Hong Kong neighbours as a quaint backwater settlement – is relaxed and laid-back. The ruins of St Paul's Cathedral is Macau’s most famous landmark. Because of its small size, pedestrian-friendly layout and East-meets-West factor, it’s easy for visitors to enjoy strolling through the narrow cobbled alleys, past grand baroque churches, balconied colonial mansions, open plazas dotted with Mediterranean-style cafés filled with palm-readers, caged birds and pipe-smokers. And because of this time-warp feel, Macau has always been overshadowed by its glitzy near-neighbour Hong Kong – which is precisely why it’s so attractive.