Macau: The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian
Ever heard of Venice Piazza? I'm sure you've heard it somewhere, or if not, you've already took a selfie in the infamous "bridge". I'm not actually fascinated with Venice Piazza in Mckinley but rather I'm just overwhelmed on how many visitors it has everyday. Working in Mckinley for quite some time now, I would notice the number of people coming in and out of the grand canal. And so when we had a day trip in Macau, I didn't miss the chance to see the Macau counterpart of this famous "pasyalan" spot in Taguig.
Ticket to Macau
We allot our 2nd day in Hong Kong to have a day trip in Macau, which by the way is accessible by riding a ferry from Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal at Sheung Wan. We bought our ferry tickets from the Klook app and had no problems traveling between two places. I just showed the printed voucher to Klook's partner for ferry then we're off to go. We departed Hong Kong at 9AM and arrived in Macau at around 10 to 10:30. The weather that day was gloomy and it was also raining from time to time. To be honest, upon arriving in Macau, we don't know how we will tour the area because we don't have any maps or anything. It was my fault for not being prepared. HAHA. I did a little research though on how to go to The Venetian from Taipa Ferry Terminal.
Bad angle. Sorry.
Going inside the lobby of the Venetian
From the ferry terminal, we took the Venetian shuttle which is free for all. Actually, all the big hotels around Macau has a free shuttle that will transport you from the terminal to their respective hotels. Not only that, City of Dreams offers free shuttle services to every Macau tourist attractions! And yes, even if you're not their guest, you're allowed to ride. In that alone, we saved travel expenses from going to and from different locations in Macau. :)
The interiors of the hotel going to the casino
Just look at the details of the ceiling!!
Gondoliers serenading them.
Macau being known as the "oriental Las Vegas" is famous for its world class casinos and hotels. And with the weather starting to get hot, we first went to The Venetian Hotel to witness this Italy inspired architecture. And true enough, every details in the hotel is soooo like Italy. Not that I already went to Italy but those stuff I see in the movies and travel blogs I've read, the ones I saw in the Venetian is close to the real thing. Wondering why this hotel is open for public? I'm not really sure too but did you know that the Venetian is the 3rd largest building in Asia and 7th largest in the world? With that being said, this hotel has made its name to be one of the tourist attractions in Macau. This is where you would probably see the richest people in China and in Asia.
This is one of those times I wished I was born with all the riches in the world. HAHA. One luxurious night here would be enough. :)))
Gondoliers performing
The clouds above are painted. so it's not really an open area.
We didn't explore the whole Venetian because it would probably take a lot of time but instead we stroll around their Grand Canal area where our Venice Piazza counterpart in Manila is. I won't compare this two that much because its a world class hotel we're talking about but all I can say is, the one we have in Taguig is not that bad. By means of physical features, our grand canal in Taguig is so-so. Average. And in terms of how big it is, then the one we have in Manila is definitely smaller. The Grand Canal in Venetian is also quite amazing because did you know that it's in the 3rd floor of the hotel? And all that water stuff is also cool because they also have gondola rides and gondoliers which will serenade you while riding the famous boat.
Even the ceiling it true to its theme. Of course what is the Venetian without its world class shops and restaurants.
Any batman fans here? :)
After strolling around the grand canal, we just bought a mini souvenir for ourselves then we're off to see other attractions that Macau has to offer. I would say Macau is very small you can see its entirety in just one day. The free hotel shuttles also made the experience stress free because you don't need to look for ways to travel into other places anymore. After the Venetian, we went to City of Dreams to ride a shuttle going to Senado Square and the famous St. Paul Ruins. But that's for another post. ;)
It really pays to do your research prior to travelling because we had a hard time finding a good place to eat lunch. Wanted to eat authentic Chinese food pa naman here. Hehe.
Wish we had stayed until night time too because they say the lights here at night are overwhelming, especially that these big hotels surrounds most of Macau's area.
So now that I've visited The Venetian in Macau, maybe I can go to Italy next to see the real thing? HAHA. Dream big!
11 comments
Hi, Maaya, looking at your photos, I can see how much fun you guys were having while there in Macau and at the Venetian. I have never been there and the last time I was in Hong Kong, I had no thoughts of going. Still it would have been nice if I did. Happy that you had fun!
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Thanks for the memories. I also remembered my visit to Venetian Macau. We were also lucky that we were able to watch Cirque du Soleil. Didn't ride the gondola since it was a little expensive.
ReplyDeleteWow, Macau looks like a great destination. I would love to see the Venetian. It looks just like Venice! And the dogs are funny too. I didn't know that Macau was known as the Asian Las Vegas, but it makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI've been to Las-Vegas but not to Macau! Haha
ReplyDeleteIt looks exactly the same as the Venetian In Las-Vegas.
When I get to China i'll make sure to visit Macau. It looks like a really cool place.
Wow , I never knew that there is another Venice somewhere . I knew about the one in Las Vegas ( it is Las Vegas ?! ) and of course I know the real Venice . But this one there is so unbelievable amazing ! What a great venue to go to . Such a pomp , just stunning ! Brilliant photos !
ReplyDeleteThe place looks so amazing! It looks like a great destination for couples and families. Maybe E and I can drop by when we plan our HK visit since it seems easily accessible from HK.
ReplyDeleteThis place looks great. Will try to go here as well. Haven't seen the one in McKinley yet. Will try to visit it sometime
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos! Everyone that I know that has gone to Macau talks about how beautiful this place is! I actually haven't been to the one in McKinley Hill either and I'm wondering if its worth it? Hehe. Luckily a few weeks ago I was able to see the real Venice canals and nothing can really compare to the original, it was unreal. Definitely go see it one day! :D
ReplyDeleteJust like the Venice replica here in the Philippines. Hehe. If you visit Venice for real soon, be prepared with a bit of stink from the canal. Not really heavy (maybe only when I was there) but I would recommend more the one from Asmsterdam. Hehe
ReplyDeleteMacau is in my travel list and would really love to go to the Venetian! I wonder if the "Venetian McKinley" will look like that or looks like that already.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. My mom and I are planning a Hong KOng trip and perhaps we go first to Macau and experience "Italy." Ihihi. Saw how much fun you had. Good luck and yes, next visit on your list should be Italy na.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog! Comments are very much appreciated. :)