Last Updated: January 26, 2022
Hong Kong vs Macau (Very Different Cities)
Hong Kong and Macau are two of China’s most famous cities and they have a similar history as well, making the choice between visiting Hong Kong vs Macau a tough one.
Before we dive into the details, you should know that no matter which one you visit, Hong Kong or Macau, you’re in for a real treat. And, they are so close to each other, that you can do a day trip to either whilst you’re there. So I guess the choice is more of, where is best to base yourself on your trip, Hong Kong or Macau.
Join me as we take a deep look into Hong Kong vs Macau so you can get a sense of each and choose the best one for your next visit to East Asia or the People’s Republic of China.
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About The Cities
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is home to around 7 million people and the city sprawled out across a group of mountainous islands on the south coast of China.
The Hong Kong colony was once a British colony and while under the command of the Brits became a melting pot where Asian and Western cultures met and a major business hub in the forest.
In 1997, the Uk’s lease on Hong Kong ran out and the city was returned to mainland China. Hong Kong hasn’t changed much under Chinese government rule in terms of tourism and it still has all the attributes that make it so special.
Leading up to the change to “one country, two systems”, China promised that under Chinese rule, Hong Kong would not be forced to adapt the People’s Republic of China’s socialist economic system. There has been a lot of changes since then, and lately, a lot more Hong Kong protests can be seen in the news.
Today, Hong Kong continues to be business hub for Southeast Asia and a place where Asian and Western cultures meet to create what I think is quite a special vibe. It has a lovely atmosphere, excellent access to nature thanks to its stunning islands and coastline, plus a great food and nightlife scene.
Macau
Macau sits around 62 km to the west of Hong Kong on the other side of the Pearl River Delta. It’s an autonomous region of southern China and like Hong Kong, it didn’t always belong to mainland China.
Unlike Hong Kong, Macau was a Portuguese colony up until 1999. At that time, Portugal, in line with their decolonization policies, handed it back to the Chinese. And although the Portuguese language is easily seen throughout the country, Macau is currently run by a chief executive called Ho Iat Seng, under China’s rule.
Macau is a city that was built by the Portuguese and this is very much reflected in its architecture with the old town being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the years, Macau came to be known as the “Las Vegas of Asia” as it’s home to huge malls and casinos that cover the Cotai Strip on the island of Cotai and then join the other islands of Coloane and Taipa.
Verdict
While Hong Kong and Macau were once not owned by mainland China, that is about as far as their similarities go. Hong Kong is a business center with skyscrapers while Macau is more of a historical city with a big gambling industry and duty-free shopping on the side. They couldn’t be more different in my eyes.
In Macau, you’ll feel like you’re walking through an old Portuguese town while in Hong Kong, you’re in a city from the future.
Things To Do
Hong Kong
Hong Kong isn’t a place you’re going to find yourself twiddling your thumbs as there are just so many great things to do. Something I love about Hong Kong is how it’s the tallest city in the world with so many skyscrapers but it’s seamlessly integrated into nature.
Being built across a group of islands, pretty much every building in Hong Kong is by the sea or at least has a view of it. The best place to see Hong Kong in all its glory is at Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island. Victoria Peak is where the rich and famous of Hong Kong live but at the top of the hill is Victoria Peak Garden and an amazing view across the city.
From the top, you’ll see the skyscrapers that line the water both on Hong Kong island and cross the other side of Kowloon Bay and all the other islands that make up the beautiful city that is Hong Kong.
While you’re on Hong Kong Island, head to the area of Tai Ping Shan which is just down from Victoria Peak. It’s full of museums and cultural sites including Lung Fu Shan Environmental Education Centre, Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum, Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts, Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, and more.
One place that’s a must-visit is Man Mo Temple which was built by wealthy merchants in 1847 as a dedication to the Gods of Literature and War, Man & Mo.
The best way to see Hong Kong in my eyes is from the top deck of the Star Ferry. The ferry will take you around some of the islands and you’ll be able to see amazing views of Hong Kong from the water. You can also use the ferry network to go island hopping to some of the more remote islands such as Cheung Chau where you’ll find old traditional fishing villages.
One final must-do in Honk Kong is hiking along the Dragons Back Trail. Also on Hong Kong Island, the trail beings at Cape Collinson Crematorium in Chai Wan and then follows a ridgeline giving you views of the South China sea and Tai Tam bay.
Macau
Spending time in Macau is all about seeing beautiful architecture while wandering around the old Portugeues center, engaging in the history of the region, and spending time on some stunning white sand beaches and in some old forests.
Macau’s old Portuguese center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s where you’ll find most of the historical and architectural sites of the city. If you have ever been to a Portuguese town such as Lisbon, Porto, the walking around Macau is going to be quite similar.
Some places you should stop at include the remains of St. Paul’s Cathedral which is considered the finest Christian building in the Far East and what remains after a typhoon destroyed it in 1835 is a beautiful Renaissance façade.
Another place you are likely to wander through, and perhaps without noticing, is Senado Square which is the heart and soul of Macau. Things to take in while you’re there are the old Senate building which is regarded as the best Portuguese architecture in Asia, and the 17th-century St. Dominic’s Church.
You should also visit the A-Ma Temple and Fortaleza do Monte while you take in the city and luckily they are right next to each other. The A-Ma Buddhist Temple was built in 1488 as a dedication to the Goddess Matsu. It’s divided up into 6 easy sections and features peaceful gardens areas for meditation and contemplations and wonderful architecture and sculptures.
Fortaleza do Monte houses the Macau Museum and showcases the archaeology and anthropology of Macau, teaching you how Macau came to be the way it is. It was built in 1626 and used to be the main hub for the Portuguese military in Asia before it was turned into a museum.
For a slice of nature, you can head to the Giant Panda Pavilion to see protected pandas and you should certainly go to Coloane Island where you’ll find beautiful white sand beaches, pine, and eucalyptus forests, and farmland.
Verdict
Both Hong Kong and Macau are brimming with things to do and you’ll be very entertained no matter which one you end up visiting. I’d say that Macau is more suited to host Roy buffs and those that want to walk around a beautiful old city while Hong Kong is more for nature lovers who like the fast pace of a cosmopolitan city.
What’s the food scene like?
Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s food scene is one of the best in the world and it’s diversely mixed between more than 60 Michelin Star restaurants and great local down-to-earth restaurants too. Whether it’s fine dining you’re looking for, a small eatery full of locals and traditional dishes, or any cuisine from across the world, Hing Kong has it. Plus, you can dine with a view at 30 stories up.
If you want to try some of the best local food in Hong Kong but don’t fancy the prices of a Michelin Star, then Tim Ho Wan restaurant is the place to go to.
This is an affordable Michelin Star restaurant that serves up the best dumplings in Hong Kong. You’ll need to get to Tim Ho Wan about 30 minutes before it opens to reserve a spot and then it’s time to treat yourself to a baked bun with barbecue pork, steamed shrimp dumplings, and lots more.
If you’re on a budget or want to eat locally then Tsim Chai Kee is the place to go. It’s a tiny local join that seats just 10 people and specializes in just noodles with 4 dishes and 3 kinds of noodles to choose from. The broth and the quality of the noodles will blow your taste buds away.
For that one night of your trip when it’s time to treat yourself, go to Aqua on the 29th & 30th floor of the Kowloon building. They serve amazing Japanese and Italian food and the view of Hong Kong’s city skyline and the islands is second to none.
Macau
Macaus is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, meaning it’s heaven on earth if you’re a foodie. The dishes in Macau are all unique to the city as they have evolved over the last 450 years. No surprise, since it is a former Portuguese colony, Macau cuisine has become a fusion of Chinese and Portuguese cuisine with influences from across the globe.
If you want to experience the true taste of Macanese food, you have to head to Riquexo. It’s an old local favorite run by Aida de Jesus a 103-year-old lady known to be the godmother of Macanese food. The recipes used evolved from Portuguese dishes but unavailable ingredients were substituted with Chinese counterparts. Think braised pork with turmeric gravy and potatoes and you’ll get the idea.
Another thing you have to try is Macau’s national dish, African Chicken which is a spin-off from Piri-Piri chicken which originates in Mozambique.
The street food of Macau is so good that it’s been named in the Michelin Guide and it’s available all around the city. Sun Ying Kei which is in Taipa Village is a great place to sample all of it and some dishes you have to try include jerky and bakkwa (salty dried meat), curry fish balls, and pork chop buns.
Of course, you’ll also find more traditional Chinese food in Macau, and having some dim-sum at Long Wa Tea House is kind of a must.
Macau is also one of the most affordable places to go to a Michelin Star restaurant in the world and you have 20 to choose from. I’d highly recommend King in the AIA Tower as it serves some of the best Cantonese food you might ever eat in your life.
Verdict
Well, you’re split for choice between both food scenes of Hong Kong and Macau. Both serve up some amazing fine dining options while also having great local cuisine too. Macau’s food scene is a little more interesting though as it has a unique taste that’s been built up over hundreds of years.
How’s The Nightlife
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the best cities in Asia to party in. Hong Kongers have the choice of underground dance clubs, sophisticated rooftop bars, trendy bustling areas, as well as the amazing light shows put on over Victoria Harbor.
If you’re looking for a trendy night out in Hong Kong, you should head to the Lan Kwai Fong and Soho areas of Central Hong Kong. Having a local Chinese drink at OZONE, the highest rooftop bar in the world is a must. If you want to see some amazing DJs and party until late, Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island is the place to be.
Something worth catching before the night gets too fun is Hong Kong’s Symphony of Lights, the world’s largest permanent light show.
Macau
Macau, like Hong Kong, is one of the best cities to party in, in Asia. Known for its casinos, you can spend your nights at gambling tables or you can dive into the great bar, food, and club scene. There is a party to be had pretty much 24 hours a day in Macau.
Hong Kong vs Macau – The Verdict
Choosing between Hong Kong and Macau is a hard choice but there is one common difference that keeps showing its head, Macau’s depth of history which is showcased in the great things to do there, and its amazing local food.
Luckily, the longest bridge in the world connects Hong Kong and Macau and there is a high-speed ferry too. No matter which one you visit, spending a day and a night in the other is a real option meaning you can experience the best of both.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
