Tony Bourdain's Guide to Macau

Explore Macau like Tony Bourdain.

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A Portuguese colony until 1999, Macau is a unique fusion of Asian and Mediterranean culture, architecture and cuisine. Since Portugal’s handover of Macau to China, the city has undergone a dramatic transformation, and huge casino-hotels have sprung up everywhere. While casinos are illegal in both China and Hong Kong, they are legal in Macau, and visitors flock to the small city-state to try to win some big pataca (Macau’s currency). On his trip, Tony went bungee jumping, raced a go-kart, and as always … sampled the local cuisine.

Before planning your trip to Macau, check out the places and restaurants that Tony visited.
Getting There
Macau is accessible by land, sea or air!

By land, there are 2 points of entry: the Portas do Cerco (or Border Gate), where you can cross from China to Macau on foot, and the Cotai Frontier Post (or the Lotus Bridge), where you can cross the border and take a shuttle over the bridge. If you plan to drive a car over, be advised you are required to have both a Macau driver’s license and a China driver’s license. Also, remember, the 2 countries drive on opposite sides of the street! Visitors can also take a bus from Guangzhou, Shenzhen or Dongguan cities.

By air, visitors can fly into the Macau International Airport, off the shore of Taipa Island.

The most common way to get to Macau is by ferry. Catch a boat from Shenzhen, Wanchai or Hong Kong.
Getting Around
There are a number of ways to explore Macau.

By Bus
Buses travel 40 different routes around Macau from 6:45 a.m. until midnight.

By Car
Avis Rent A Car services are available in Macau, with car rental fees starting at 500 Macanese patacas (or about $60) per day. Taxi There are over 700 taxis in the small city, and fares start at just 10 Macanese patacas.

By Bike
Bikes are available for rent in Taipa Village.
Where to Go
Macau International Go-Kart Raceway
At the Macau International Go-Kart Raceway, fans can get in on the fun. The track offers rental go-karts, giving visitors the chance to experience the thrill of racing.
Address: Estrada de Seac Pai Van, Coloane, Macau
Visit the website

Macau Tower Bungee Jump
Take the plunge from the top of the Macau tower, the highest bungee jump in the world.
Address: Largo da Torre de Macau, Macau, China
Visit the website
Where to eat
Antonio's
This Michelin-recommended Portuguese restaurant is located in the old village of Taipa. Tony had the tenderloin steak, Portuguese-style, which is served with a fried egg on top.
Address: Rua dos Negociantes No. 3, Taipa,
Visit the website

The Eight
Tony had dim sum at this Michelin-starred restaurant with friends Johnny Fok, Jeffrey Ng and Tingi Ko.
Address: Avenida de Lisboa, Se, Macau
Visit the website

Lord Stow's Bakery
This legendary bakery is best known for its world-famous egg tarts. Many other egg tart bakeries have popped up around Macau, but none can compare to Lord Stow’s.
Address: Mercer Street, Coloane, Macau
Visit the website

Tai Lei Loi Kei (Pork Chop Bun Café)
There is usually a line around the corner from Tai Lei Loi Kei, but it’s worth the wait. Tony tried a pork chop bun, which is … you guessed it … a deep-fried pork chop served in a bun.
Address: Lorgo Gov. Tamagnini Barbosa No. 18, Taipa, Macau

Fernando's
This loud and fun Portuguese restaurant serves delicious roasted suckling pig, Portuguese chorizo and grilled fresh sardines -- all with homemade fries.
Address: Estrada Nova de Hac Sa No. 9, Coloane, Macau
Visit the website
Where to Stay
Mandarin Oriental Macau
If you want to escape the crowds of Macau, the Mandarin is the place to do it. The hotel doesn’t have a casino, but it has all the amenities of a big resort.
Address: 956-1110 Avenida da Amizade
Visit the website

Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel
The casino in this Venetian hotel is 3 times the size of the largest casino in Vegas, and the hotel itself is the second largest building in the world. You won’t run out of things to do here --the Venetian has multiple pools, a 15,000-seat arena, a Cirque du Soleil show and even a mini-golf course.
Address: Estrada da Baia de N. Senhora da Esperanca, Cotai Strip
Visit the website

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