If you are interested in  Portuguese culture,, Portuguese Settlement is unquestionably the place to go. 30 minutes walk east from central Melaka (Malacca) is the Portuguese village, also known as the Portuguese Settlement. This is an area of town populated by the descendants of the Portuguese who ruled Melaka from 1511 to 1641. Except for Christmas, when residents decorate their houses with colorful lightings, Christmas trees, and Nativity displays. The majority of tourists who come here are drawn in by the authentic Portuguese cuisine especially in the evening. Since it is near the seaside and has a beautiful view of the Malacca Straits, a slew of courtyard-style restaurants have sprouted up around the area and you can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine.