Best Instagram-worthy Spots in Macao (Part 2: Cotai Strip & Surrounding Areas)

Macao is a destination of surprises. Its east-meets-west influence has created an exciting amalgamation of two cultures, making it an especially unique and special city to visit when in Asia. When wandering around the streets of Macao, you’ll soon see that it’s kind of like Asia’s own little slice of Europe with its colourful Portuguese influenced architecture and the world’s very first fusion cuisine - Macanese food.

HOW TO PLAN A HOLIDAY IN MACAO

If you’re interested in visiting Macao, you can easily combine this with a visit to Hong Kong, Shenzhen and/or Guangzhou. I would recommend 3 full days as there is so much more to do in Macao than visiting the casinos. The city’s historic centre is UNESCO world heritage listed and offers numerous stunning sights to see and wandering down the streets trying out Macanese food is definitely something you must do.

And if you’re after the most gorgeous sights in the city (or shall I say best Instagram-worthy spots to see), then be sure to check out my top spots below. This post is Part #2 and covers Cotai Strip & surrounding areas. If you’re looking for Instagrammable spots on Macao Peninsula, then check out Part #1 of this post here.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE COTAI STRIP AREA

If you’re looking for a convenient place to stay in the Cotai Strip area, then I recommend checking out either The Parisan or The Venetian, two iconic hotels which also double up as tourist attractions as well! Both hotels are owned under the same parent group and are actually connected via an indoor walkway. If I had to choose one over the other it’d be hard but I’d recommend The Parisian. But if you don’t stay at the hotel, you can still pop by as a visitor to see the Eiffel Tower and Venetian Canal!

TOP PLACES TO VISIT

The Parisian

The Parisian is a hotel in Cotai Strip however it’s also a popular tourist attraction as it has a replica Eiffel Tower at the front of the hotel, as well as a mini Arc de Triomphe on the hotel grounds as well. Definitely wander around the hotel and check out the various views - you can also head to the park opposite the hotel to have your own picnic at Trocadero Gardens moment without the crowds.

Taipa Village

Beautiful Taipa Village is a preserved area within walking distance of The Parisian (& The Venetian). This village used to be a place where fishermen made a living through fishing and handicrafts. Nowadays, there are plenty of pastel coloured buildings left standing including the mint green Taipa Houses Museum and pale yellow Our Lady of Carmo Church below. The area is really picturesque!

Rua Do Cunha

For all the foodies out there, make sure to viist Rua Do Cunha, a street filled with traditional eateries and food stalls in Taipa Village. Here there are plenty of local foods to try. My recommendations include serradurra (sawdust pudding) from Gelatina Mok Yi Kei, the curry fish balls from the stall on the opposite corner of it and almond cookies from Koi Kei Bakery.

The Venetian

If you want to find a slice of Italy in Macao, then head to The Venetian, a hotel inspired by the canal lined streets of Venice. Here you’ll find a beautiful hotel front inspired by San Marco Square, as well as a replica of the Venetian canals. When I was planning our trip, I actually thought it was an outdoor spot but did you know the canals at The Venetian in Macao are actually indoors? It totally blew my mind!

Coloane Ilhas

Wander along the colourful streets of Coloane Island and stop by the Coloane branch of Lord Stow’s Bakery for some famous Macanese egg tarts. This is Lord Stow’s original shop and you can watch as they serve the egg tarts piping hot from the kitchen. Take your egg tarts to the Chapel of St Francis Xavier and admire the architecture here as you munch on your breakfast.

Photos by Jess Cheung @ jyslakay.com + edited by me