FOR more than 400 years, Macau has been a living testimony to the co-existence of East and West. A city with magnificent heritage buildings and Mediterranean atmosphere, its open-minded attitude and fusion cuisines has made it a popular and versatile destination for travelers from near and far. On top of that, visas are easy to get, and the tourism hub is only a short flight or train ride away. Still wondering wether to spend a weekend in this vibrant city? Here’s a 48-hour guide to the peninsula and its two islands that might be just what’s needed to win you over.

Day 1

9:30am

Senado Square

Hop on a taxi and drive to Senado Square. It is the most popular place for locals and visitors. Walking on the path paved by old Portuguese stones and surrounded by pastel-colored, neo-classical buildings, you are thrown a few centuries back in time. Take a stroll to nearby Kuan Tai Temple, which will give you a glimpse into the importance of each ethnic community in Macau. Here, the local Chinese community was able to actively participate in general civic affairs.

11:30am

Rua da Felicidade

Although the fancy view and harmonious Mediterranean atmosphere might make you forget the time, your empty belly should make you groan by now. Walk straight and you will arrive at Rua da Felicidade, where a plethora of local snacks awaits you. Some must-tries are Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese egg tarts) and pork chop buns. We’d also recommend a nibble of braised pig’s feet noodles, crabs congee, rice pudding and da cai gao (vegetable jelly).

1pm

Livraria Portuguesa and Pin-To Livros

At the corner of Rua de Pedro Nolasco da Silva, Macau’s first concrete road, you will find Livraria Portuguesa, a book store as unique as the city itself. Spend your afternoon peacefully browsing through the shelves, read books and picture albums as traditional Portuguese tunes build the perfect backdrop. Make your way through the bookcases to the second floor as well, and spend some time listening to the CDs on offer here. Pop your favorite into one of the CD players, lean back and relax.

Other bookshops worth a visit include Pin-To Livros and Pin-To Musica on Largo do Senado. Located on the second floor of Yongxing Building, the bookstore is a little hidden and far enough from the bustling shopping streets to offer some tranquility. “Pin-To” means “where to go” in Cantonese, a fitting name for a bookshop with such a vast variety of titles. Pin-To Livros also sells second-hand CDs, with a large choice of alternative music on offer. And who knows, maybe that long-lost album you’ve been looking for for years will be yours again?

5pm

Lego exhibition

If you are a lego fan, you can’t miss the Macau × Lego Exhibiton at Senado Square and Macau Science Center, which will run through December 28. At Ritz building, the exhibition features three sets of lego models of Macau World Heritage sites and street views including Largo do Senado which is played up by lighting effects, a 1.4-meter replica of the Ruins of St Paul’s and Rua de Felicidade. Don’t forget to stop by the selfie booth and the “Macau Attraction × LEGO mini-figures” photo display, which features photographs of the LEGO models taken by local photographer António Leong.

Other lego models are displayed at Macao Science Center, including the starting point of the Guia Circuit of the Macau Grand Prix and a lego-built map of Macau Peninsula.

8pm

Dinner

Besides local food, the city is also a kaleidoscope of international cuisines. The Rua de Abreu Nunes — also known as “Thailand Street” — houses many Thai restaurants offering curry, boiled fish and Tom Yum Goong (a traditional spicy Thai prawn soup). The Three Lamps District (Rotunda de Carlos da Maia) has become a favorite place for a number of overseas Chinese from Myanmar, who have brought the secrets of their cuisine with them.

9pm

Entertainment

For some evening entertainment, Galaxy Macau presents a unique portfolio of entertainment and relaxation experiences once your belly is full. UA Galaxy Cinemas features 10 state-of-the-art screens, including five Director’s Clubs with 3D capabilities. China Rouge is an exclusive members-only performance lounge inspired by the decadent era of old Shanghai, while Live Entertainment’s stage performances are more accessible.

Do save some time for shopping. The Promenade at Galaxy Macau features more than 100,000-square-meters of retail space with more than 200 shops from luxury flagship stores and designer boutiques to high-end lifestyle brands.

Day 2

9am

The Ruins of St Paul

As one of the most-visited sights of Macau, the Ruins of St Paul refer to the facade of what was originally the Church of Mater Dei, built between 1602 and 1640 by Jesuits and destroyed by a fire in 1835. The ruins of St Paul’s College stood adjacent to the church. Close by, the archaeological remains of the old College of St Paul bear witness to what was the first Western-style university in the Far East. It is a popular spot to take wedding photos and has been the backdrop for many movies.

11am

Fortress

To get a panoramic view of Macau, take a quick hike up the 52m high Mount Hill. Atop is Fortaleza do Monte, a fortress built from 1617 to 1626 to defend the Jesuit’s properties. The fortress was the city’s principal military defense structure, equipped with cannons, military barracks and an arsenal that held enough ammunition and supplies to last a two-year siege by pirates, who roamed the oceans at the time. In the 17th and 18th century, the fortress was also the home of several Macau governors. More recently, it served as a weather observatory.

12:30pm

Macanese food

When in Macau, do as the Macanese do and try some local cuisine, a unique combination of Portuguese and Chinese, which includes ingredients and spices from Europe, Africa and South East Asia. Renowned for its flavor-blending cooking techniques and big on grilling and roasting, Macanese food is typically seasoned with turmeric and cinnamon, while a dash of coconut milk tops off the scrumptious aroma and taste. The cuisine dates back 450 years, and is known for signature dishes like “Galinha à Africana” (African chicken), chili shrimps and Jook-sing noodles or zhu sheng mian.

3pm

A-Ma Temple

It is said that when the first Portuguese sailors landed on the southwest tip of the peninsula, they asked the locals what the place was called, and were told “mage,” a reference that the bay was the home to goddess Matzu, patron of seafarers and fishermen. The Portuguese then named the peninsula Macau. A-Ma temple, built in the 15th century, is one of the oldest temples in Macau and one of the most notable as it brings Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and folk beliefs together.

5pm

Shopping

As the last stop, get some souvenirs for your friends and family that represent the local culture but are also more than just trinkets that will gather dust. Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro (popularly-known as “San Ma Lo”), Rua da Felicidade and Travessa do Auto Novo near Senado Square are the places to get almond cakes, egg rolls or some peanut candies. For a more savory delight, roasted sliced meat is a favorite among locals. Some of the snacks are prepared right in front of you and will stay fresh until you’re back in Shanghai.

Where to stay:

For travelers on a budget, downtown Macau offers a range of economy hotels and hostels. Among the most popular are Macau Ole London Hotel, Victoria Hotel, Heisha Hostel and Zhuwan Hostel, all featuring clean rooms and free Wi-Fi.

For a more upscale-experience, try one of the six top-notch hotels at Galaxy Macau that combines spectacular entertainment, business and leisure travel.

The six hotels — The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, Banyan Tree Macau, Hotel Okura Macau, Galaxy Hotel and Broadway Hotel — offer a total of 3,600 luxury rooms, suites and villas.

ESPA by The Ritz-Carlton, Macau specializing in therapeutic massage experiences helps you restore inner and outer glow.

If you are an outdoor water sports fan, check out the Grand Resort Deck that features the 575-meter-long Skytop Aquatic Adventure River Ride, a wave pool and a white sand beach.

Venues:

Livraria Portuguesa

Address: No.18 Rua de Pedro Nolasco da Silva

Pin-To Livros and Pin-To Musica

Address: No.31 Largo do Senado

Ritz Building

Address: No.9 Largo do Senado

Macau Science Center

Address: Dr Sun Yat-Sen Ave