Macau Museum

To interactively grab the essence of the history of Macau, head to this excellent museum housed in the Monte Fort. On the first level, the Genesis of Macau exhibit takes you through the early history of the territory, with parallel developments in the East and the West compared and contrasted. The highlight here is the elaborate section devoted to the territory’s religions. On the second level (Popular Arts & Traditions of Macau), you’ll see and hear everything from a re-created firecracker factory and a chá gordo (fat tea) of 20 dishes enjoyed on a Sunday, to the recorded cries of street vendors selling items such as brooms and scrap metal. Do not miss the recording of the Macanese poet José dos Santos Ferreira (1919–93), known as Adé, reading from his work in the local dialect. The top-floor Contemporary Macau exhibit focuses on the latest architecture and urban-development plans.