Although many tourists might not think of Macau as a family destination, there’s actually plenty for families to do here which can make for an enjoyable experience for kids and adults alike. The interesting blend of Asian and European cultures provides a learning opportunity for youngsters in an environment that also features abundant outdoor adventures and sports. Go-karting, swimming, cycling, hiking and fun at amusement and theme parks are all on offer.

Go-karting
The Macau Motor Sports Club karting circuit is located at the end of the causeway that links Taipa with Coloane. Local residents and foreigners come to the track at weekends to enjoy the thrill of go-karting, or to watch the races from the grandstand. Driving lessons are also available.

Swimming
A number of swimming pools can be found in various parts of Macau, and are open to visitors as well as local residents. The pools provide enjoyable and safe spots for family members to swim together. Some of the venues include: Hac Sá and Cheoc Van swimming pools on Coloane Island; Estoril swimming pool, located on Estrada da Vitória; and Sun Yat Sen swimming pool in Sun Yat Sen Park. You’ll also find swimming pools which are open to the public at the Tamagnini Barbosa Sports Centre and at Macau’s Olympic Aquatic Centre.

Theme Parks
There are several theme parks in Macau providing wholesome entertainment for families. The rides at these parks are great fun for kids and adults alike, who can enjoy people-watching, the pleasant weather and some of the tasty treats that are on offer. Fisherman’s Wharf Amusement Park and its Legend Wharf Theme Park draw the largest crowds.

In addition to visiting Macau for its casinos, many tourists are drawn to the territory for its rich cultural heritage. There are many examples of Portuguese colonial architecture, ancient Buddhist temples, museums and forts to visit. There are markets to explore and cultural activities to join in, from film festivals to karaoke.

Cinemas and Theatres
Macau Tower boasts ultra-modern facilities with cinemas that screen all the latest international hits. At the Cineteatro complex, both Chinese films and international favourites are screened. The Cultural Centre’s small auditorium focuses on art films and classics, particularly during film festivals. Annual film festivals are held from September to December and include the European Movies Festival and the Portuguese Movies Fortnight; both events featuring prominently on Macau’s cultural events calendar.

Karaoke
Karaoke clubs are popular entertainment venues for locals and visitors alike. There are lots of karaoke clubs to choose from, with most being located in the centre on Estrada do Repouso and Rua dos Pescadores, and also on Taipa Island, close to the Jockey Club. The karaoke clubs are reasonably-priced and offer package deals that include a room, drinks and snacks. Most venues are clean and pleasant and offer opportunities for you and your friends to show off your singing voices.

Macau Museums
Macau’s museums range from those with a focus on Macau’s colonial history to those exploring nature and music. The territory’s history and rich cultural legacy is fascinating, making museum visits among the most popular of the cultural activities here. The Macau Museum of Art showcases various art forms, but specialises in visual arts. Located near the outer harbour in Macau’s Cultural Centre, the art museum was opened in 1999. Its collections fill the huge interior and feature Chinese calligraphy, ceramics, contemporary art, copperware, European paintings and photographic art.

Macau is well known for its dining venues and boasts a number of excellent restaurants offering up a variety of cuisines. When the Portuguese settled here, they brought with them their cuisine as well as that of their many other colonies including Angola, Brazil and Goa. As a result of these influences, the city is unique in Asia in offering visitors a real adventure in dining. Two dishes that are local favourites are African chicken and bacalhau, or salted cod.

You’ll find lots of places serving up Cantonese fare as well as cuisine with a Portuguese influence. There are street stalls that serve up strips of barbecued pork and others that specialise in milk puddings. The alleyways off Largo do Senado are loaded with small Chinese eateries. You’ll need to point to what you’re interested in or take your chances as the menus are almost always in Chinese.

One restaurant in Macau that gets top ratings is A Lorcha, located near the A-Ma Temple on Rua Do Almirante Serigo, which is famous for its clams, charcoal-grilled meats and African chicken. Reservations need to be made in advance if you want to dine here, as it’s very popular.

Formerly a club for officers in the Portuguese military, Clube Militar is now an upscale restaurant.

For something more casual, you might try the nearby Cafe Toscana, serve up pasta and pizzas with wine on a small alley off Largo do Senado. Just steps away are a couple of gelato shops, should you fancy an ice cream after your meal.

If you’re in search of home-style food in a casual and comfortable place, Fernando's in Coloane is a unique eatery where reservations and credit cards are not accepted. The highlight here is salad with freshly baked bread, followed by prawns and chicken served over chips.

Another option in Coloane is Nga Tim, located in a lovely outdoor setting near St Francis Xavier Church. Both Chinese and Portuguese dishes are available here, which you can enjoy along with great views of the waterfront and the church plaza. Prices are reasonable and credit cards are accepted.

Macau is a great place to shop, and you can find most anything here from luxury items and antiques to electronics. In fact, luxury items are better-priced here than in many other countries in Asia. Some of best-value purchases include cameras, electronic items, mobile phones, porcelain, cashmere sweaters, silk clothing and 24-carat gold jewellery.

If your interest is in Chinese antiques and collectibles, there’s an excellent selection of shops selling antique coins, stamps, printed materials and furniture. Tea and coffee can be purchased by the box in many shops around the centre. In the same area you’ll see numerous Chinese pharmacies specialising in traditional medicines.

Macau boasts loads of facilities for indoor and outdoor sporting activities including football and jogging to swimming and hiking. On Coloane Island there’s a youth centre with sporting facilities that are open to the public. At Guia Hill there’s a jogging track and fitness equipment available. Trails on Taipa and Coloane islands are popular with both hikers and joggers.

Cycling
On Taipa you’ll find two hills suitable for cycling. The larger of the two is on the island’s east side, near the airport, and features unpaved trails that are best suited to mountain bikes. The island’s smaller hill is on the western side and features a road circling it that’s paved and well-suited to bicycles.

On Coloane you’ll find a large hilly area at the centre of the island that’s criss-crossed by a number of unpaved trails offering various degrees of challenge to mountain bikers. This is a popular destination that tends to get crowded at times, so an early start is advised. It’s possible to hire bicycles on Rua Governador Tamagnini Barbosa in Taipa village although the selection isn’t very good.

Golf
The Macau Golf & Country Club is situated close to the Western Resort Complex on the south side of Coloane Island. Ranking as one of Asia’s most beautiful courses, golfers can enjoy a view over the Pearl River and Hac Sá Beach while they play. Amenities include a pro shop, bar, restaurant and spa. The club is open to local residents and foreign visitors as well.

Swimming
There are two beaches on the south side of Coloane Island that are popular at weekends. Hac Sá is a large, black-sand beach on a bay where you’ll also find the Westin resort. Cheoc Van (‘Bamboo Bay’) is a smaller and more attractive alternative with a golden sand beach. At the latter, there’s a cordoned-off area set aside for swimmers where you can watch devoted members of the Winter Swimmers practicing throughout the winter months. In addition, there are also public swimming pools throughout Macau that welcome visitors.

Trekking
Guia Hill attracts trekkers to its numerous trails, as do the hills of Coloane and Taipa. The trails are safe and offer splendid views over the islands, Pearl River and the city, and provide an opportunity for nature lovers and photographers to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors in such close proximity to the city.

Water Sports
At Cheoc Van Beach at the south end of Coloane Island you’ll find facilities for canoeing and windsurfing. At the longer Hac Sá Beach facilities for jet-skiing and windsurfing are available. Hac Sá Nautical Entertainment Centre, located near the reservoir park, hires boats and water scooters. Families visiting the centre can enjoy the barbeque and picnic area, children’s playground, nature trails and the snack bar.