Hand-drawn map of Macau and the Chinese coastline (ca. 1750)

Macau is linked by bridge to the island of Taipa, which is in turn linked to the island of Coloane. The terrain is rocky and hilly. Hong Kong sits just over 60 km (37 miles) away to the east while, to the north, the province of Guangdong is marked by the massive Barrier Gate erected by the Portuguese in 1849. The total area is only 23 sq km (9 sq miles). The city of Macau covers most of the undulating hills of the peninsula and is the administrative centre for the province. Macau's main claim to fame these days is playing host to the millions of visitors each year who are attracted by the legalized gambling.

Macau was once an important centre of trade but saw its fortunes decline after the 1840s being unable to compete with Hong Kong. Guia Fortress and Lighthouse, as well as the ramparts and cannon of Monte Fort stand as a tribute to those days. As does the most famous landmark in Macau, the ruins of Saint Paul's Church, which was meant to be the greatest monument to Christianity in the Far East when construction began in 1602. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the church in 1835 leaving only the facade and main staircase intact. Taipa House Museum features the history of Portuguese involvement in the region while the Asian aspect of water travel is covered by the Maritime Museum. Should history prove too dry for your tastes, have a look at the Wine Museum or, for something completely different, the Macau Grand Prix Museum.

Nightlife in Macau is a lively mix of activity and international musical flavours. Many bars, shops and restaurants are open all night. Live bands pumping out Brazilian, Latin or African music will have you swaying to the beat while just down the street, discotheques throb to Asian top 40 hits for your dancing pleasure. Many fine hotels host nightly cabaret performances among other live entertainment extravaganzas. Try your luck at one of the Casinos or sample a mouth-watering cuisine from any number of fine dining establishments catering to international appetites.

In Africa and India, the Portuguese learned how to use local spices resulting in some of Macau's most popular dishes including African and Goanese chicken, and piquant prawns, baked or grilled with peppers and chillies. The combination of Portuguese, Indian, and even Malay and Chinese cuisines make up the unique style known as Macanese cuisine. To accompany your meal Macau's restaurants offer a variety of Portuguese red and white wines and sparkling 'vinho verde' as well as port and brandy, all at remarkably low prices.

Macau is a free port (no sales tax is charged) where shopping is unavoidable. You can purchase luxury items cheaper here than in most other cities in the region. Jewellery (particularly gold and jade), Chinese antiques, porcelain, electronics, mobile phones, watches, and silk clothing are available at very reasonable prices. Bargaining is expected on many items although most shops will have the same minimum price. The main shopping area is located along the Avenida do Infante D Henrique and Avenida Almeida Ribeiro, Sao Domingos Market, Rua de Palha, Rua do Campo and Rua Pedro Nolasco da Silva. There is an Artisan's Fair every Saturday evening in Santo Agostinho Square. Manufacturing for the export market makes Macau a Mecca for the abundance of goods available at bargain prices.

This five-story building comprises five separate exhibition galleries. The collection includes Chinese calligraphy and art, Western paintings, and pottery, exemplifying the influence of the various cultures on Macau. The aim of the museum is to demonstrate the style that has developed from these influences.

Leal Senado, Macau

This is one of the more exciting places in Macau. It is located in the heart of the city's shopping district. The square is great for pedestrians, since few cars are permitted in the area. Surrounding a circular fountain, a wave-pattern mosaic, flows across the tiled pavement of this pleasant square.

This is the largest casino in Macau with four floors of excitement. You also have access to the bars, restaurants and shops if gambling is not your thing.

A-Ma Temple

This is the oldest Chinese temple in Macau. Legend has it that a poor girl miraculously saved a ship from a vicious storm, and where the ship landed a temple was built in her honour. The girl mysteriously disappeared only to reappear at the temple as A-Ma, the Goddess of the Sea and Queen of Heaven.

Located on Taipa Island, this modern racecourse hosts internationally renowned races and seats 18,000 spectators. There is an air-conditioned grand stand where European and Chinese meals are served.

This is a beautiful wooded garden with trails wandering through ferns, flowerbeds, and great banyan trees. A bronze monument of the famous Portuguese poet, Luis de Camoes, stands in the garden.

This beautiful Buddhist temple built in 1627 is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. The temple is significant as the place where the first treaty between the United States and China for trade and friendship was signed in 1844.