If you’re planning an overseas trip and are looking for fun and excitement, you can’t go wrong in choosing Macau as your destination. The administrative region of the People’s Republic of China is known for its amazing gambling and tourist activities; think of it as Las Vegas and China rolled into one. If Macau sounds like your cup of tea, jump on a plane and head to these must-sees when you arrive:

1. Avenida Horta e Costa
Macau is as well known for its gold jewelry as it is for its amazing casinos. Head to this famous street and you’ll have your choice of gold and diamond jewelry and amazing watches. Best of all, Macau is a duty-free port. You can use the money you would otherwise pay for tax to purchase an even better piece of jewelry!

2. Casino at Venetian Macao
Located on the Cotai Strip, the 40 story hotel is both a casino and amusement complex. 550000 square feet of space house 3400 slot machines and over 750 gaming tables. Expect large crowds as this is, by far, the busiest casino in the region. Take a break from gambling to take a Gondola ride on a Venice-like canal or to take in Zaia, a production put on by Cirque de Soleil.

3. Macau Palace (Floating Casino)
You’ll find this fabulous floating casino moored in the Outer Harbor. Slot machines can be located on the top floor as well as baccarat tables, blackjack tables, a dai-siu table and sic bo table. This barge is fairly small and less crowded than the larger casinos in the area. It’s a great place to gamble without the hustle and bustle of tourists.

4. The House of Dancing Water
This 85-minute show is an absolute breath-taker. The emphasis of this love story is on special effects; lights and water jump across the stage to the delight of onlookers. Acrobatic entertainers, coupled with dancing water, make this show fantastic for adults and children alike. Pay a bit extra to get seats close to the stage but plan on getting wet; towels are provided!

5. Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral
The 16th-century cathedral has an amazing face with carvings by Japanese monks. Considered the most famous landmark in Macau, it shouldn’t be missed. Visitors report that the ruins are in stark contrast with modern day Macau and are a wonderful reminder of the Portuguese history of the region. Food carts line the lane to the ruins; be sure to buy lunch and sit back for a bit of people watching.

6. Macau Giant Panda Pavilion
No trip to China is complete without seeing the country’s very own Giant Pandas. The park features 660 square meters of indoor space and 600 square meters of outdoor space for their two resident pandas, Kai Kai and Xin Xin. Tourists can walk to the adjacent park and see other exotic animals like toucans and peacocks. Ticket prices are reasonable and the experience is fabulous for families.

7. Largo do Senado
This square is at the heart of Macau and home to neo-classical buildings painted in soft hues popular in Portuguese construction. The area is surrounded by fabulous shops where tourists can buy electronics, clothing and jewelry. Spend at afternoon walking around the streets and see what mementos you can find.

Macau is an amazing tourist destination and perfect for anyone who wants to see China combined with the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. Whether you spend your time gambling, shopping or sightseeing, your vacation will be an experience like no other.

Author Tanya Peterson resides in NYC and is a travel writer as well as a content contributor for watchrepairny.com, a Manhattan provider of fine services such as Rolex watch repair and engraving since 1978. Tanya travels to exotic destinations to add unique pieces to her growing antique jewelry collection.