Macau is not just an Eastern clone of Nevada. It's a unique place where Portuguese azulejo tiles meet Chinese red lanterns, and Michelin-starred restaurants coexist with tiny shops that have been serving the same dish for decades. If you're looking for a destination that will change your perception of Asia, Macau is the perfect candidate.

To ensure a smooth journey, it's worth buying tickets to Macau in advance, with a layover in one of China's major aviation hubs, or considering tickets to Macau, choosing a flight via Beijing or Guangzhou.

How to get to Macau

There are no direct flights between Russia and Macau, but the transportation logistics here are meticulously organized. You have three main scenarios:

1. Via Mainland China (Transit).The most comfortable way. You fly to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu, and then transfer to a domestic flight to Macau Airport (MFM). In this case, you cross the border once and immediately find yourself in the thick of things.

2. Via Hong Kong (Ferry or Bridge). A huge number of flights arrive in neighboring Hong Kong. From Chek Lap Kok Airport, you don't even need to go through Hong Kong immigration control: you simply transfer to a high-speed ferry TurboJet or Cotai Water Jet, which will take you to Macau port in an hour. The second option is a bus across the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macau Bridge. This 55 km engineering marvel is a sight in itself.

3. On foot from Zhuhai. If you are already traveling in China, you can take a high-speed train to Zhuhai city and simply cross the border via the Gongbei border crossing. You literally enter a building in one country and exit in another.

Why you should fly to Macau

Historic Centre under UNESCO Protection

Macau's Old Town is a living museum. The walk begins at Senado Square, paved with wavy mosaic. Here, it's easy to forget you're in Asia: neoclassical pastel-colored buildings stand all around. The main symbol is the Ruins of St. Paul's. Only the carved facade remains of the magnificent 17th-century temple, resembling a theatrical set. Climb up to Monte Fort to see the city from above and examine the old cannons that once defended the colony from Dutch pirates.

Cotai District: City of the Future

If the old center is the soul of Macau, then Cotai is its untamed energy. This is reclaimed land between Taipa and Coloane islands, home to some of the world's most incredible hotels.

• At The Venetian, you can ride a gondola under an artificial sky that always remains blue.

• At The Parisian, there's a replica of the Eiffel Tower (half the original size), with an observation deck at its summit.

• The Morpheus hotel, designed by Zaha Hadid, impresses with its futuristic architecture, devoid of a single straight line.

Gastronomy: From Street Food to Michelin

Macau is the first city in Asia to be designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Here, you absolutely must try Macanese cuisine. It's a blend of Portuguese traditions and Chinese ingredients. Order