K-Pop Destinations: Follow In INFINITE's Footsteps And Visit Macau

Welcome to 'K-pop Destinations,' the series that helps readers travel across the world. We'll show you where hit shows and videos are filmed, where top performers are giving concerts, or where your favorite stars take their vacations. That way, the next time you take a vacation, you can make sure to incorporate a little K-pop travel into your getaway.

News broke this week that INFINITE performed in Macau as part of the Asian Film Awards. It seems only fair that we pack our bags and go, too. The city lies just west of Hong Kong and is known as the center of Asia's gambling universe, but there's a lot more to do there than just make bets.

First, though, let's get there. If you're coming from other parts of Asia, you might be able to get a cheap flight into Macau's relatively small International Airport. But the most popular way to get there is by boat or ferry, either via Hong Kong or one of a few port cities in mainland China. If you're prone to seasickness, you might want to pop a Dramamine before you go - this ride can get a little bumpy.

There are plenty of luxury hotel casino duos to stay in if you want to splurge. (If you want to stay at the same place where INFINITE performed and where stars like Lady Gaga and Beyonce have stayed, head to The Venetian. The City of Dreams - home to the House of Dancing Water, which is the world's largest water show and a popular tourist attraction - is another popular spot for young people that want to live large and make the most of their stay.

But if you're just looking for a simple (and much cheaper) room, check out some B&Bs in the Chinese or Portuguese side of town. The rooms will be relatively barebones, but will be clean and often include some local characters and maybe even breakfast.

Then, do what most people do once they hit Macau - gamble. You'll have no trouble finding the little strip of casinos in Macau, and there will be no shortage of people trying to entice you to try theirs. The Venetian, the Hotel Lisboa, the Sands Macao Hotel, the Wynn Macau, and the T Galleria are some of the most popular and buzzed-about casinos in the city, and all will give a good taste of what it's like to roll the dice and rub shoulders in Macau.

If you're a gambler, brush up on your baccarat. It's the ruling game in most of Macau's casinos, and although it's a game of chance, you'll want to be on top of the ways of the game before you try your hand in a fast-paced Macau casino.

If you're traveling with people who want to gamble but it's just not your thing, you can still check out the casinos with them. Many of the big ones have some or all of the following attractions: shops, restaurants, water and light shows on the grounds, mesmerizing fish tanks, and spas.

Now for the non-gambling. Macau's history is rich, thanks in part to its strategic positioning in the world. Portugal took control of the city for some of its past; it also has ties to mainland China and Hong Kong. That turbulence has created the strange little mix of Europe and capitalism and rustic Asia that is Macau, and it's possible to get a taste of all three in your stay.

Head to the Sao Pao Cathedral for a taste of the European Macau. On the way, you'll wind through cobblestone streets jammed pack with vendors trying to sell you anything from an espresso to lucky coins.

Even though the cobblestones and the architecture and the handful of European-style cafes ooze more Paris than Shanghai, it's still impossible to forget you're walking through an Asian street. The mazelike alleyways packed with people selling bubble tea, the K-pop blaring on speakers, and the smell of steamed buns (not to mention the handful of neon Cantonese signs) give this area a multicultural kookiness and warmth that is unlike many other destinations.

The city has welcomed travelers from hundreds of nations, INFINITE, and other K-pop stars. Next up? Give it a chance to welcome you!

Tags
INFINITE
Macau
k-pop destinations
k-pop destinations
Hong Kong
The Venetian
casino
gambling
hotel
travel
Asian Film Awards
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