Macau is a nice place but can be daunting as although it’s small it’s rather compact.
With regards to where to stay, the newer hotels will provide the best facilities and also the bigger room sizes. For example the President hotel on Macau side is cheap but we are talking about interiors from the 90s. However something like the Banyan Tree gives you huge rooms, all of which have their own indoor pools (oh except a few which have their own outside pool). Banyan Tree when I was there price wise was comparable to a good Melbourne hotel (but with much larger rooms).
Macau is easy enough to get around by foot but also the public transport is easy to comprehend. Pretty much every bus stop has english & chinese on it so you can find which bus takes you where.
All the new and larger hotels also provide free shuttle buses. Even as a local you can use them to get around Macau. All the ferry ports have them as well.
With regards to where to go and what to see there are two distinctive areas. Taipa (which is essentially the middle bit) has all the new stuff. If you’re looking for shopping the Venetian has a pretty big shopping centre in it with not just expensive brands but also middle stuff as well. Gambling and relaxing is basically the new Taipa.
Macau itself is where you’d go if you want to see the old Portuguese influence. Hotel Lisboa used to be the only casino in Macau but the main hall has a rustic appeal to it. If you’re not a gambler it’s still worthwhile seeing. Macau tower is a reasonably new attraction but you can have nice views of the place or if you’re brave you can also bungie off the tower.
The ruins of st paul is an old church that burnt down where only the front facia remains. You can also see the archaeological dig in the area finding remains of the church and historical artefacts.
From here you can either go up the hill to the Museum which is small but gives you the story or Macau. From memory there were a couple of borrowed terracotta warriors from China as well. If you prefer shopping go down the hill. You can’t miss it cause there are tourists everywhere. The first part is mainly food. You’ll have samples put to your face. As you continue on the shopping turns to clothing and footwear. As you continue you also come to a well preserved area which is all shopping but the buildings are historical. If it weren’t for all the tourists (and they are mostly chinese) you’d think you were in Europe. In the area there are a couple of western churches (think church not cathedral) but with a bit of asian influence. Also right at the end of the walk you’ll find an old Government house. Free to enter, also has a bit of history explained inside about the building and it’s purpose.
If you want a cheap place to drink with a bit of atmosphere that isn’t in a casino find the statue of A Ma. It’s on a waterfront and the bars / clubs behind are ok. Most have live music but will vary.
Speaking of A Ma you can also visit the temple. It’s a bit more out of the way but only a 20 minute walk from Hotel Lisboa. You can also take a bus here.
If you need some fresh air and a bit more outdoor activity then you need to go to Coloane. Coloane unlike Macau and Taipa has a moratorium on it that no new highrises are allowed to be built. There are hiking trails and beaches. Take a trip to the ‘black sand beach’ known as Hac Sa. The beach sand is black (duh!). You’ll also find camping facilities here, tennis courts, pools, mini golf etc… While on the beach try the best food there. Pork in a bread. It’s a deboned BBQ pork chop served in a bread roll. Doesn’t sound like much but it’s so good. Last place in Coloane is a massive temple again dedicated to a ma.
“In the 16th century the Portuguese landed near the temple. They asked the local inhabitants the name of the land, but the locals misunderstood, thinking that the Portuguese were asking for the name of the temple. So they answered “A-Ma-Gau”, meaning “Bay of A-Ma”, on which A-Ma Temple is located. That’s where the name “Macau” is believed to derive. In modern Cantonese, “Macau” (Ou Mun) means “gateway of the bay”."
Food is plentiful in Macau. The more casino the area you go the more expensive it gets. If you can find a Macanese restaurant give it a go. It combines Portuguese and Cantonese cooking. Feel free to try my uncles Thai restaurant (Tuk Tuk). If you are picky get the Yummy Macau app (it’s run by my cousin).
Last tourist thing to do. There is a Macau F3 museum. You can see cars driven by Mansell, Senna, Hill etc… If you’re partner isn’t interested in this there is also a wine and beer museum in the same building. Entry fees for both (alcohol is also served as part of your entry fee). Also if you want to have a feel for the circuit jump in a taxi and ask them to do a lap for you. Should cost you about $10 AUD.
I hope that helps!
Oh, nearly forgot. Soon the ferries i’m assuming will disappear when the bridge is finally operational meaning you can catch a bus across. The ferry was fun but you didn’t really want to be on it on a choppy day!