Last year, Macau attracted almost 25 million tourists, and some 27.4 million tourists will visit the city this year, according to the Pacific Asia Travel Association's predictions, with the majority coming from China's mainland.

Five years ago, Macau surpassed Las Vegas as the biggest gaming city in the world, making it the wealthiest city in Asia.

Gambling and shopping are the main reasons Chinese mainland tourists visit Macau, yet the city, built on a fusion of nearly 500 years of a Portuguese presence and thousands of years of Chinese culture, is a charming destination. So step out of the hotel and uncover the treasures of Macau.

Heritage and culture

The Portuguese may be gone but they are not forgotten. They left their mark in architecture, culture, language, food and wine, and the best way to discover the city's Sino-European cultural identity is to explore the historic center of Macau by foot. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes to climb up and down the winding cobblestone streets.

The historic center is a collection of more than 20 sites that represent the architectural legacy of the city's cultural heritage. In 2005, this area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The walk starts at Macau's urban center, Senado Square, a paved area enclosed by the General Post Office, the Leal Senado and St Dominic's Church.

Follow the street signs to the ruins of St Paul's, the city's most famous sight, and a perennial favorite on postcards.

Built between 1582 and 1602, St Paul's Cathedral was one of the largest Catholic churches in Asia at the time but was destroyed by a fire during a typhoon in 1835. The blaze also destroyed the adjacent St Paul's College, the first Western-style university in the Far East. Don't forget to climb to the back of St Paul's and walk along the remains of the city's 16th century defensive wall. To get away from the crowds at St Paul's and enjoy a tranquil moment, duck into Na Tcha Temple, a tiny gray and red temple built in 1888.

Walk back and reach Lou Kau Mansion, sitting pretty in a narrow lane off Senado Square. Built in 1889, this was the home of Lou Kau, a prominent Chinese merchant who owned several imposing properties in the city. The Chinese residence is a hidden jewel in the center of the old "Christian City," with architectural characteristics of a typical xiguan Chinese residence - an architecture style of southern China - its decorative motifs integrating Western influences.

A pleasant walking tour of the historic area doesn't mean you need restrict yourself to heritage sites. Step off the beaten track and you soon find yourself lost in quaint little lanes and exploring something unexpected. There are many corners, hidden lanes and lush gardens to check out while soaking up the authentic flavor of this multifaceted city. Wander far enough and you'll eventually find your way to the famous A-Ma Taoist Temple on the southwest tip of the Macau peninsula.

Other must-dos in Macau

Watch a spectacular stage show - Macau is home to various stage spectaculars. "The House of Dancing Water" is a must-see, following five years of development, two years of rehearsals, and with production investment running at more than US$250 million. Created and directed by one of the greats of grand theatrical shows, Franco Dragone - best-known for his work with Cirque du Soleil - combines theater, dance, gymnastics and high-performance diving in "The House of Dancing Water." Book in advance for better seats for Macau's biggest-budget show.

Bungee jump - Extreme sports fans flock to Macau's highest point, the Skywalk X, for an adrenalin-inducing bungee jump.