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Things to do in Macau city

Explore the city's oldest religious temple

Located near the harbour, A-Ma Temple is Macau's oldest worship site and was a fixture here even before the city existed. Guarded by two stone lions, the religious complex includes a memorial arch, a prayer hall and a Buddhist pavilion and features various religious engravings, poetry and carvings, plus a lot of billowing incense.

Scare yourself with the world's largest bungee jump

Adventurers with a head for heights can enjoy/endure a 200kph (124mph) plummet from a Macau Tower platform (tel: +853 8988 8656; www.macautower.com.mo), which rises some 233m (765ft) into the sky. The world's largest bungee jump isn't for the faint-hearted, although neither is the climb to the tower's 338m-high (1,108ft) pinnacle.

See how Macau likes to drink and drive

In a rather odd arrangement, the Macau Wine Museum and the Macau Grand Prix Museum share a building. The former offers an insight into the city's Portuguese past as much as it does wine, whilst racing fans will enjoy seeing Ayrton Senna's car almost as much as the Grand Prix itself (www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo).

Snap some shots of the Ruins of St Paul

Once one of the most important Christian churches in Asia, three separate fires ravaged St Paul's and left it in a state of ruin. Even in disrepair, though, the early 17th century church is a spectacle, with a stone stairway leading up to the seemingly freestanding granite facade adorned with statues.

Visit the surrounding islands for a spot of hiking

Macau offers decent hiking on its outer islands of Taipa and Coloane. On Taipa, there is a selection of paved and unmarked trails, though serious ramblers may prefer the 8km (5 miles) Coloane Trail, which weaves around the island. With wonderful sea views and less taxing trails, Hác Sá Long Chao Kok is more suited to families.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Pousada de São Tiago

Built into what was once a 17th-century fort that defended Macau against hostile invaders, this traditional Portuguese pousada is a romantic place to stay. It commands a splendid view of the Inner Harbour, and the interior décor, with its flagstones, wooden rafters and blue tiles, is a delight.

Harbourview Hotel

Drawing rather incongruously on 18th-century Prague as a basis for its style and design, this 389-room hotel is nevertheless a smart, well-rated place to stay. Perks include a Jacuzzi and indoor pool, as well as a cocktail bar. It offers good value for money, and sits close to the Sands Macao.

Grand Emperor Hotel

With a gilded chariot at the entrance, doormen dressed as Buckingham Palace guards and myriad chandeliers, the Grand Emperor doesn't go in for subtlety. The rooms are more restrained, with wall-mounted plasma screen TVs and large bathrooms with walk-in rainforest shower. Facilities include a business centre, fitness centre and five floors of gaming.

Hotel Royal Macau

This newly renovated Macau hotel may be a little removed from the action, but it's all the more attractive for that reason. It's just up the hill from the wonderful Clube Militar de Macau restaurant and offers some good-value packages. It sits at the foot of Colina da Guia, Macau's landmark hill and the site of the historic Guia fort and lighthouse.

Ole London Hotel

This very pink, six-storey block with 60 rooms near the Inner Harbour boasts smart and spotless (if small) rooms. All rooms have private bathroom with hair dryer, TVs and a mini bar. Breakfast is included. Given its location and rates, the Ole London Hotel offers one of the best deals in town.

Parisian Macao

Open on the Cotai Strip since mid-2016 (and echoing its Gallic namesake in Las Vegas), the Parisian Macao features a half-size replica Eiffel Tower, complete with observation decks and nightly light shows. The hotel itself has a mind-boggling 3,000 rooms and suites, all furnished to a high standard, and there are numerous dining, shopping and entertainment options.