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18 Top Things to Do in Macau: The Ultimate Macau Itinerary

The very first time I learned of all the incredible things to do in Macau, I was accompanied by an overwhelming assumption that the name was synonymous to gambling and casinos.

Several years ago, we had been traveling through China and arrived in Hong Kong, when we planned to take a day trip to check out all the things to do in Macau.

The weather had other plans for us when a large storm blew in and all the ferries were canceled.

Fast forward 4 years and we were given the opportunity to visit Macau. It was this trip that made us realize our previous assumptions were way off.

Yes, Macau has casinos and is the gambling capital of the world, but it also has an amazing history, beautiful culture, food and architecture that tells its heritage of Portuguese and Chinese influences.

Our words to you, don’t underestimate Macau. It’s an incredible destination to visit with so many wonders around every turn. We spent 3 days leaving no rock unturned, discovering its best sights, secrets and everything in between.

Everything you need to plan your own Macau itinerary can be found in this article. Are you ready?

Don’t leave home without:  Pocket Rough Guide Hong Kong & Macau (Travel Guide)

Day 1: Things to do in Macau

Table of Contents

After arriving and checking into our hotel the night before, we woke up ready to hit the ground running and find the best Macau attractions that have made this destination a must-visit. Naturally, we headed straight for the cultural heart of the city, the Historic District of Macau.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, the whole of this district is full of beautiful European style buildings, temples, and market streets. Ducking down side streets while out exploring is part of the fun as you make your way between the iconic sites.

You could easily spend two to three full days just exploring this area and not get bored, however, we’re going to share the highlights and some of our favorite places to visit in the Macau Old Town.

1. Senado Square

The heartbeat of Old Town Macau, Senado Square is an architectural wonder. I’ll never forget the first time I laid eyes on the street tiles laid in wave formations of white and black that lead you through the center of the square.

Used from the 16 th to 18 th centuries as a meeting place for the Chinese and Portuguese, the square presents a blend between Asian and European influences. The best time to visit is at night when the lights illuminate off the ground and buildings giving it an addicting vibe. It’s also a haven for night photography.

2. Ruins of St. Paul’s

The most recognized of all the sites in Macau is the Ruins of St. Paul’s cathedral. Dating back to the 17 th century, all that remains of the complex that once housed a cathedral and college is the façade of the entrance against a modern-day backdrop.

While it is essentially a ruin with not much to look at beyond the standing front, it is worth taking the time to admire the intricate details on the building that still stands. If you are into history and like to see crypts, you can purchase an admission ticket in the back and enter the excavated area under the church.

3. Fortaleza do Monte

This ended up being one of our favorite spots in Old Town Macau for the simple fact that it gives epic views of the surrounding area. Occupying 8,000 square meters adjacent to the Ruins of St. Paul the fort features 32 muzzle-loading canons pointed out over Macau.

It is free to enter the fort and once you reach the top you can enjoy panoramic views of Macau below you. Be sure to pay a visit both during the day and at night to get the perfect contrast of the city.

It is a sight to behold when you can see all the casinos lit up at night from the fort.

4. Macau Museum

Housed on the inside of the Fortaleza de Monte, the Macau Museum is a must-visit place that walks you through the entire history of the city of Macau, the territory of the former Portuguese colony of Macau and now the Special Administrative Region of China.

It’s a fascinating journey to take and gives some incredible insight into the influences that have graced this tiny area. There are several displays of authentic artifacts and plaques in both Chinese and English to accompany them.

5. A-Ma Temple

Thought to be the island’s namesake, the A-Ma Temple was built in 1488 and is one of the oldest temples in Macau. As far as temples in Macau go, this one is massive, featuring several worship areas and staircases that weave throughout the complex.

It’s free to enter and open to the public. It is an active place of worship, so be sure to be respectful during a visit. If you’re traveling independently of a tour group, I highly recommend a late morning visit to avoid big groups.

Day 2: Macau Itinerary

With the first day a wrap, it’s a good time to move on to some other areas of Macau. This is the part where I prove to you that Macau is a destination that is deserving of more time than a 7-hour day trip from Hong Kong will offer. It’s a wonderous place with much to discover and experience.

6. Fisherman’s Wharf

One of the most fun areas you can visit in Macau is Fisherman’s Wharf. While we went there expecting a stinky fish market and traditional practices, we were pretty shocked to arrive and find a theme park.

The massive complex features more than 70 stores and restaurants built in a world tour style experience that takes you from Africa to Europe and everywhere in between along Legend Boulevard. Of course, you cannot miss the Roman Amphitheatre either.

7. Macau Tower

This one is hard to miss and is definitely one of the top things to do in Macau. With a space needle construction, the Macau Tower features a revolving restaurant that offers panoramic views of Macau, as well as both indoor and outdoor observation levels.

It is also the place for all things adrenaline in Macau including the world’s highest commercial Bungy jump, where you can jump from the top of the Macau Tower at 233 meters. If you’re looking for something softer, they also offer a SkyJump, Skywalk and Tower Climb.

If none of that interests you (no judgment here!) then I highly recommend you set aside time to have lunch and enjoy the views. The buffet features a variety of global and local cuisine with a fantastic view.

8. Taipa Village

A hop, skip and a jump from the Cotai Strip is the Old Taipa Village. A hidden gem that is often overlooked in favor of the historic area and the casinos, this area blends many of the very things you came to experience in Macau.

The village area features a seamless blend of Portuguese and Chinese architecture lining the streets with intermittent sprinklings of trendy, new places just across the street.

Taking the time to wander this area will reward you with small temples, colorful buildings, traditional food opportunities and a feel of the Macau of old. It’s a gem and it was virtually empty of tourists during our visit. Don’t miss it.

Lastly, if you’re looking to get into the nitty-gritty of Macau than we recommend a visit to the more overlooked than Taipa Village, Coloane.

Located far south of the Cotai Strip, this area features the modest Tam Kung Temple, colorful Chapel of St. Frances Xavier and the only beach in Macau, Hac Sa Park.

The streets here are quieter than any other you’ll find in the city and it’s a beautiful place to connect with the local life.

The most popular place to visit in Coloane is the Lord Stow’s Bakery, the very site that the first Macau-style egg tart was invented. This area is no stranger to the foodies that seek out the bakery stop, but if you continue to wander you will be highly rewarded.

You can visit the area independently by taking the local bus or hiring a taxi to the area. It is also possible to visit Coloane on a tour .

Day 3: More Things to Do in Macau

10. Casino Hopping in Cotai: Resembling the Las Vegas Strip, a rite of passage in Macau is a wander along the main street in Cotai. Take your time, enjoy the massive complexes and don’t forget to pop into a few of them along the way. Each one represents a massive complex with fine dining options and great shopping.

11. Visit the Grand Lisboa: Officially the oldest casino resort in Macau, this place is an icon and it would be remiss if you stroll through the iconic hotel on your visit. You’ll also notice the building from just about every vantage point in Macau as it also holds the title of the tallest building in the city.

12. Relax at the Pool of your Resort: Don’t spend all your time on the streets! Be sure to take some time to yourself and enjoy the lavish facilities on offer. Part of the fun in visiting Macau is indulging in luxury. You’ll find that no matter what resort you choose, you’ll be treated to a massive pool area.

13. Hike up Guia Hill: The perfect place to feed your outdoor adventure needs in the city. Enjoy some of the green space on offer while being rewarded with some fantastic views at the top.

14. Go Shopping: If it’s high-end fashion and designers you seek, then Macau is your answer. You’ll be hard-pressed to wander anywhere without labels like Gucci and Tiffany peering at you from the storefronts. All the stores feature authentic merchandise with Macau being the hot spot in Asia to obtain such brands.

Things You MUST Eat in Macau

15. Macanese Egg Tarts: no trip to Macau would be complete without trying one of its highly praised egg tarts.  An icon to the city, you haven’t truly visited until you have tasted the rewards that this tart can offer you. While they are literally available everywhere, we would recommend a visit to Lord Stow’s Bakery in Coloane, a place that sells more than 13,000 egg tarts a day.

16. Pork Chop Buns: consisting of a massive bone-in pork chop marinated in five-spice powder, garlic, sugar, salt, soy, white and black pepper fried then served on a buttered Portuguese bun, the Macau Pork Chop Bun is a must-try during your visit. While they can be found in a few different places, the best is found at Tai Lei Loi Kei in Taipa Village.

17. Almond Cookies: tender and crumbly, Macau-style almond cookies are produced from almond and mung bean flour making them both sweet and savory. Second, to egg tarts, these almond cookies are one of the most purchased items on Macau by visitors and you’ll easily find a Koi Kei shop on the streets to purchase them during your visit.  Not sure if you like them? No worries! Every shop offers tastings, of all their offerings, so be sure to stop in for samples.

18. Macanese Minchi: a blend of ground beef and pork, flavored with molasses and soy sauce, this dish is served with a fried egg on top and always served with white rice on the side. Depending on where you order it, you may also find potatoes and vegetables mixed into it.  A staple of Macau since it was first settled, every family has their own recipe. We gave the iconic dish a try at the Litoral Restaurant, located near the A-Ma Temple. It’s a small place but one of the best to eat Minchi in Macau.

If you’re a foodie and want to plan your visit around food, check out this guide to explore more about the unique cuisine options available in Macau.

Macau Travel Tips

One of the things that are overlooked is how to get around once you arrive in Macau. If you’re not visiting on a tour, you will need to figure out transportation. Something that surprised us about Macau is how big it actually is.

It is an easy assumption that you can walk everywhere, but this is not the case.

Getting Around in Macau

Free Shuttle Transport: if you are staying on the Cotai Strip in one of the lavish casino resorts like we did, you won’t be able to walk to most of the best sites in Macau. However, the upside is that the resorts offer an impressive schedule of free shuttle services to various drop points in Macau. Each resort has a different timetable and different drop points but will cover most of the areas that we’ve mentioned or at least drop you close to them. While we did utilize this a couple of times, we ultimately found the schedules to limiting and sought transportation in other ways.

Taxis: we ended up mostly using taxis during our three days in Macau. They are everywhere and regulated. Every cab has a meter and can offer a receipt. The only thing we struggled with was that not all drivers spoke English or knew the English names to places we wanted to go. As we had cellular service, we were able to use Google Maps to enter the destination and it would automatically translate for us, which was very helpful. Otherwise, taxis, albeit the most expensive option, are safe and a great way to get around Macau.

Public Bus: if you’re visiting on a budget than the public bus is a great option. There are hundreds of stops all-around Macau that will get you where you need to go. The challenge comes in the navigation of the bus routes, which is not easily done. We used the bus twice and despite ‘clear’ instructions from the hotel on where to get off, missed our stops. If you can find a bus stop map, this will help immensely, we were never able to locate one, as all the bus stops are labeled with a name and number.

Walking: once you arrive in the areas you want to explore, by foot is your best option. This allows you to experience Macao from the street level. We found all the areas very walkable and safe once we were in the area we wanted to explore.

Accommodation in Macau

While there are hotels and resort complexes all throughout Macau, there are two main areas that people stay during a visit. Both offer their advantages so it really comes down to budget and personal preference.

Cotai Strip: the ‘new’ Macau and home to the most luxurious Macau casino hotels, this is where we stayed during our visit. It is an area with impressive buildings that take you around the world in a 20-minute stroll. Our room at Studio City was on the 18 th floor and overlooked the impressive Parisian next door. Yes, our room had a view of the Eiffel Tower de Macau.

Cotai offers resort-style, mega-complex accommodation options for the ultimate vacation experience. Each resort has a built-in casino, pool area, shopping and dining at your fingertips.

Old Macau Strip: if you want to be closer to Old Town and get a more vintage feel for Macau than this area might be the perfect fit. The casino resorts on this site are also impressive buildings that offer a great vacation experience. It’s an opportunity to stay in places like the Grand Lisboa and original Sands properties.

Budget accommodation: it IS possible to stay in Macau on a budget and the destination offers a wide variety of hotels, and even some hostels, if you look at your options beyond the casino resorts. Don’t let the price of accommodation deter you from giving Macau the time it deserves, at least 3 nights.

Arriving in Macau from Hong Kong by Ferry

While Macau does have an international airport, flights typically cost significantly more than if you fly into Hong Kong, so chances are pretty high that you are visiting Macau from Hong Kong and the best way to do this is by taking the ferry.

Macau has two ferry terminals, the Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal and the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal. Both terminals are used regularly and which one you buy your ticket for depends solely on where your accommodation is located.

If you’re staying in Cotai, you’ll want to book to the Taipa Ferry Terminal and all of the resorts offer a free shuttle from there to the resort.

The Hong Kong to Macau Ferries operate throughout the day, every day, from the two main terminals Hong Kong Sheung Wan and Kowloon China. The one you leave from will again depend on where you are staying in Hong Kong.

While we arrived at the Macau International Airport, we departed from the Hong Kong Airport after our trip. We had no issues booking and using the Turbo Jet Ferry from the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal directly to the Hong Kong Airport.

Travel Tips for First Time Visitors

• While Macau is technically part of China, you do not require a China Visa to visit. Many countries are offered visa-free or visa on arrival when traveling to Macau. As Americans, we were issued a 30-day visa-free entry. Be sure to check the Macau visa conditions that apply to your passport before traveling.
• You need a passport to travel from Hong Kong to Macau and will pass through immigration on both sides.
• Macau has its own currency, the Macau Pataca, although Hong Kong Dollars and US dollars are widely accepted.
• Macau casinos operate all gambling in Hong Kong Dollars only. Macau currency is not accepted at any casino.
• When using the ATM in any casino, you are only able to dispense money in Hong Kong Dollars. If you wish to withdraw Macau Pataca, you have to look for ATM’s outside of the casinos.
• If possible, travel to Macau during the week and avoid weekends. Many people travel from China to Macau on the weekends making the city chaotic and very busy.

Disclosure: This post was made possible in partnership with Expedia and iAmbassador. For more information on planning your Perfect Blend trip to Macao, be sure to check out the Expedia Macao microsite  for useful information. All opinions are 100% mine, as always.

More on China:

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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60+ Best attractions and things to do in Macau

This article was first published in September 2017 and it constantly being updated with the latest information. The last update was in November 2019.

The Las Vegas of the East? Not anymore.

These days, it’s more accurate to call Las Vegas America’s Macau than it is to do the other way around. After all, it’s been some time since the former sleepy fishing port and Portuguese colony of Macau surpassed Las Vegas as the world leader in gambling revenue and anybody with an interest in gambling will no longer ask, “Where is Macau?” instead asking, “What are the things to do in Macau?”

Introduction to Macau

This tiny city-state and Special Administrative region of China ( SAR ) is much more than just flashy casinos, there are a lot of attractions in Macau that would keep you busy for days (I spent 15 days) and its heritage rich past is a melting pot between East and West .

Macau is also a great extension to a  trip to Hong Kong  as it is only 1h away by ferry. If you are planning to visit Macau for a day only, I have written a complete one day itinerary to Macau from Hong Kong . 

If you travel to Macau as a non-gambler like me, the emphasis will no doubt be on learning more about its  Chinese and Portuguese heritage which has been  intertwined for centuries to create one of the most fascinating places in Asia. Let me burst the myths about the country being only about poker and baccarat by sharing a complete Macau travel guide including the best activities and hidden parts and without including any of the casinos, for I have been to Macau three times and have never spent a dollar (or a minute) in the tables or the slot machines.

And before we jump in, remember that, beyond gambling, shopping and heritage, some of the best things to do in Macau relate to  food , touted the first fusion cuisine in the world, the Portuguese influence imprinted some great flavours on Chinese dishes  to create fantastic combinations,  I even wrote an article about  where and what to eat in Macau .

There are just so many things to do in Macau, let’s get started! 

Where is Macau

Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China , strategically located on the southeast coast of China , across the channel from Hong Kong. The region is made of two main islands  linked between them by bridges, plus several other smaller ones. 

You can get to Macau via its international airport that opened in 1995 from which you can fly to several international destinations, or you can also arrive by road from mainland China. For more insightful facts about Macau and to understand what a Special Administrative region is read this article on the most interesting facts about Macau or facts about China .

The fascinating history of Macau for travelers

More than four times the size of Las Vegas in terms of gambling revenue , with Macau at US$37.9 billion and Vegas at US$6.5 billion at the end of 2018. Macau  has boomed in size and popularity since the first American casino operator landed in 2004, two years after the monopoly in gambling ended.

Today, over 30 million visitors come to Macau every year , 70% of which do so from mainland China, and mostly with the intention of gambling in one of the 25+ gambling facilities. But Macau’s gambling focus is a recent development. This Special Administrative region of China has reinvented itself several times through the centuries.

Macau’s first settlers

The first inhabitants of Macau were around  50,000 Chinese seeking refuge from the Mongol invaders in the 13th Century. During those times, Macau erected its oldest temple, also the oldest in the region, to the Goddess of Mercy which later became the A-Ma Temple , one of the most relevant Macau attractions today. The region was then a trading post but the majority of the population still lived from fishing and agriculture.  Macau did not properly develop until the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century .

Portuguese arrival in Macau

After several decades of disagreements and pacts with the Chinese Ming Dynasty , the Portuguese were finally allowed to settle in Macau and pay rent to use the area as a trading post, which they did until 1863.

During all that time, Macau remained under Chinese government administered by Portugal. The city flourished, especially when the Spanish and Portuguese crowns merged at the end of the 16th century and until 1640.

The Spanish King Philip II allowed for trade between Portuguese Macau, Malacca and Goa to continue to expand via Manila , then a Spanish colony, and Macau was at the center of the trade monopoly between China and Japan , carrying silver and silks between the two and protecting the vessels from piracy.

The Portuguese also brought Christianity with them as Macau was seen as a great entry port into the vast population of Japan and China. The Cathedral of St. Paul , the ruins of which are an emblematic attraction in Macau, was one of the first to be built by the Jesuit priests at the end of the 16th century and remains the most important place to see in Macau.

After two decades of fighting, in 1887, Portugal finally achieved full control of Macau and declared its independence from China. By that time, Macau had also become a major trading port for slaves from China sent off to South America.

When  WWII  expanded to Asia, Macau first became a neutral port , then a de facto protectorate of Japan which occupied the country for two years until 1943. The US attacked Macau via aerial bombings in 1945 when they suspected the sale of fuel to Japan. After the Portuguese complained, the US paid a fine to the government.

With the arrival of communism in China in 1949, Macau and Hong Kong remained independent territories as Beijing looked for a better time to resolve the situation in both regions with the British and Portuguese colonial powers.

During that time, Macau was also referred to as the Far East Checkpoint Charlie , after the Berlin Wall checkpoint between east and west Berlin, and it enjoyed a unique degree of openness to the outside world not fund elsewhere in the country. The famous Macau Grand Prix kicked off in 1959 first as a scavenger hunt through the city.

Gambling arrived  again in Macau only three years later when the Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau ( STDM ), a business association between Hong Kong and Macau businessmen still in existence today, got the monopoly rights to gambling in the city. But this was not the first time.

Gambling was first legalised in Macau in 1847, as an alternative to declining port revenues when the British development in Hong Kong provided a deeper port with a more advantageous trading route, but was later made illegal.

In 1980, the Portuguese proposed returning the territory of Macau to China, but the government postponed the decision and the region remained  a Chinese territory under Portuguese administration until the final handover in 1999, two years after Hong Kong.

Today, Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China, that is, an independent territory with full autonomy except for on matters of foreign policy and defense, for which it relies on China. This means that it has its own borders, its own passport, its own visa system and its own currency.

Travel to Macau – Tips for organising your trip

If you ever wondered what to do in Macau , this is the right place to come. With such a rich heritage and past, this SAR of China offers a lot activities. You can make it the perfect day trip from Hong Kong if you are visiting the larger neighbour, but I believe there are so many things to do in Macau that it deserves its own trip of at least three days .

The most important thing to know when organising your sightseeing in Macau is that the country is divided into two main parts.   Peninsular Macau , in the mainland, and the island of Taipa and Coloane , which are now joint by the Cotai strip, made of landfill. Although most of the historical parts of Macau are in peninsular Macau, Taipa and Coloane are home to lots of other interesting places so you should also include them in your itinerary.

I have split the list of things to do in Macau between Macau, Taipa, Cotai and Coloane to aid in the planning. You could be jumping up and down between the two by crossing the bridge, but you would be wasting a lot of time so it is best to organise your days per area.

Things to do in Macau peninsula

Exploring Macau means following in the footsteps of the first Portuguese and Chinese inhabitants which came to the area in the 17th and 18th century through the many buildings and structures in the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO-listed area with 22 buildings and spaces under the 2005 nomination. The best thing to do in Macau is exploring the UNESCO listed heritage buildings. I will highlight the best ones in this list and also include a few others that are worth stopping by.

Casa Garden

UNESCO-listed Casa Garden is one of the oldest buildings in Macau and was built in 1770 so it is a great place to start your journey through the best things to do in Macau.

The building was first the residence of a wealthy Portuguese merchant who then rented it to the British East India Company   when it was based in Macau in the early 19th century. Today, Casa Garden houses the Oriental Foundation which organises regular exhibitions so you can go inside and visit it. Check out their beautiful gardens with pretty flowers and plants and a pond.

Outside the house is a large park which is often full of locals who have brought their birds in cages. Sit down and take it all in. Casa Garden is closed on weekends.

Church of St Dominic (also St Domingo’s Church)

Right in the middle of Macau’s historic centre , this yellow baroque church with white ornaments and mouldings was founded by three Spanish Dominican priests from Acapulco , Mexico , in the 16th century, and was one of the first two to be built, together with the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral. Today St. Dominic’s Church is one of the most popular places to visit in Macau.

The current structure dates from the 17th century and is the same location where, in 1822, the first Portuguese newspaper (The China Bee) was published on Chinese soil. The former bell tower of St. Dominic’s Church now houses a small Museum of Sacred Art with 300 artefacts on exhibition which you can explore for free by going up the stairs. Each floor has displays.

The church can also be thanked for the expansion of the worshipping of Our Lady of Fatima to Malacca and East Timor. The building is part of the UNESCO list for Macau and it is one of the most popular landmarks in Macau, permanently surrounded by people. However, go inside and upstairs and you will not hear the crowds outside.

Street of happiness

Not far west of Largo do Senado is Rua da Felicidade (Street of Happiness). This area with shuttered terraces which reminded me of Singapore’s shophouses, was once Macau’s main red-light district  and was filled with brothels, opium dens and other illegal activity. The area was renovated and cleaned out in the 90s to today’s quaint and nostalgic look with the white walls, the red shutters and the dark/black wood.

The street was made famous by Hollywood and several scenes from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom  (what an amazing movie , so much nostalgia!) that are meant to take place in Shanghai but  were shot here as at the time, access to China was not possible. The government has plans to repaint the famous red shutters in the original colour – green. But whether it’s wise to change the distinguishing feature of such an iconic landmark remains to be seen.

Aside from the few restaurants in the street, look our for some old stores selling second hand items such as old landline phones and clocks. You can’t figure out if they cater to those stuck in the past or are selling them as collectible memorabilia.

Lou Kau Mansion

Continuing with the stunning buildings, one of the most interesting things to do in Macau is exploring the few of the heritage mansions that are open to the public. Lou Kau Mansion is one of them and it was one of the places to see in Macau that I enjoyed the most, I could decorate a room in my house in the same style as this mansion.

Built around 1889, this UNESCO-listed Xiguan-Chinese mansion belonged to a successful merchant of the time, Lou Wa Sio known as Lou Kau , who also owned other buildings in the city and was the wealthiest person in Macau at one point thanks to being the first one to be awarded a gambling franchise from 30 years from 1882 to 1912. The Lou family also controlled the Macao welfare Lottery and the Wei Seng Lottery businesses for a similar period of time.

Lou Kau died at the age of 59 when he killed himself because of financial difficulties and the building is soaked in the stories of the rises and fall of his fortune and its  fascinating past . The mansion and Lou’s story is said to be a fine example of a Chinese saying, “fu wu san dai”, “wealth does not last longer than three generations” as his son inherited the company and tried to continue in his father’s footsteps by expanding in gambling and opium trade, two popular vices of China in the 20th century. But his son, Lou’s grandson, in turn, lost it all.

The building design itself is unique and one of the most beautiful in Macau . Built in grey brick and wooden carvings with details, Lou Kau Mansion is made of three halls and two courtyards that were typical of the architectural style of the time. The rooms further inside, more protected from the outside view, were reserved for the elderly. Although the house is mostly Chinese in its design, it also incorporates elements of Western and Latin American influence.

Opened every day but Monday from 10am to 6pm. Cultural performances and events are regularly scheduled at the mansion.

Guia Fortress, Guia Chapel and Guia Lighthouse

For a generous dose of views and a completely different experience in Macau, climb up to Guia Fortress and learn about defending the city and about the Portuguese history in Macau. If you have been to Lisbon, the fortress will remind you of the city too.

UNESCO- listed Guia Fortress was key in fending off invading Dutch armies at the beginning of the 17th century and was in use until 1976 when the Portuguese retreated from Macau and the fortress was left as is. Today, the fortress is the highest point on the island and so it is a great place from where to have panoramic views of everything below.

The Guia complex is made of a fortress, a chapel and a lighthouse that is not open to the public but was built much later, in 1865. The lighthouse is the oldest modern lighthouse in China .

The most interesting part of the complex is the Chapel of our Lady of Guia which was founded by Claris nuns in the 1622 and is almost intact. The name of the chapel, and of the fortress, means guidance in Portuguese and eludes to the position of the entire complex on top of the mountain, used as guiding point for ships and pilgrims. 

The frescoes inside the chapel were discovered in 1998 and are a perfect example of Macau’s rich and intertwined past, with a blend of motifs of Western and Chinese origin depicted together in orange paint. Entrance to the chapel is free and you can just go in and to the small room on the left side where the frescoes are.

Opened everyday from 9am to 6pm. The chapel opens from 10am to 5pm. There is a Tourism information center within the complex.

Macau Design Center

This former factory is the city’s first and most innovative “multi-functional design center”. The Macau Design Center opened in 2014 in a very large space spread over several floors that house retail points for local designers, a cafe, a bookstore, a reading area and a performance area. 

For freelancers and digital nomads in Macau , there is also space available for rent and several venues for events. It is hip and modern, something of a breath of fresh air to the tandem of casinos and heritage buildings and reminds me a lot of artsy Albania .

Located in the middle of a regular residential street, the center looks like any other building from the outside but when you walk in you feel the artistic air through the paintings and works hanging from the common staircase. The polished concrete of the building contrasts with the colorful works displayed, and lured me upstairs.

There are ongoing exhibitions, musical events and all sorts of things going on to promote local artists, giving them a space to showcase their work, interact and grow. You can check the agenda on their website. The rooftop garden is channels the idea of a thriving collaborative space with some benches and greenery. Ad even if there is nothing going on, you can enjoy the art displayed in the common areas. More information here .

St Lazarus Church district

The area around St. Lazarus Church is as pretty as it is authentic . The first building in its location was created to serve lepers. Today the area is filled with colourful colonial buildings and quaint cobbled streets with plenty of hip artsy shops and events happening. The St. Lazarus district is very near the main tourist spots in Macau yet usually less crowded.

Mercearia Portuguesa

This charming Portuguese corner shop  has a small but quaint selection of quality products and specialty foods including honey, chinaware, wooden toys and jewellery from Portugal with vintage packaging and pretty designs. The store is tiny and tucked inside a Portuguese colonial building in the traditional yellow that is located in a quaint courtyard .

From the moment you walk in you feel transported back in time. The furniture is vintage and the store is neatly organised, as if you were in the living room or kitchen of your grandma. The products are all beautifully packaged in individual designs and stores behind glass cupboards, just like my grandma used to store the china. When you walk in you want to buy anything just because of how pretty it is. The shop is a good example of what the St. Lazarus District has to offer.

The owners of the store are famous  Portuguese filmmaker and actor Ivo Ferreira and actress and former spouse, Margarida Vila-Nova, both of whom are regulars to Macau and have filmed and acted in several movies shot in the city, including the director’s last, Empire Hotel , entirely filmed in Macau.

Travessa da Paixão (Love Lane)

This small lane by the Ruins of St. Paul is interesting because of its name, which translates from the Portuguese as Passion Lane , or Love Lane. It is a pedestrian lane with a small incline and some steps but without any traffic, lined on both sides with pastel color colonial buildings. In the middle are large plant pots. It is not rare to see couples taking pre-wedding pictures here.

Despite its proximity to the most famous tourist spot in Macau, the lane is usually empty. Pop in for a photo op.

Macau Gaming History Gallery

Opened by the  S ociedade  de Jogos de Macau (SJM) in 2018,  The Macau Gaming History Gallery is located inside the Hotel Lisboa’s Crystal Palace hall and showcases the city’s gaming history along with a few vintage items.

You will be able to see slot machines from the 70s, old photos of Macau’s casinos, and the evolution of casino staff uniforms. The gallery also recovers old games that are no longer played, like Chinese Keno lottery balls and Sap I Chi.

Admire the largest cushion cut diamond in the world

And talking of the Hotel Lisboa…

The hotel belongs to the wealthiest Macanese tycoon, Stanley Ho, and is one of the flashiest hotels I have ever seen and a major tourist spot in Macau. Entering the lobby is like walking into a buzzing gold market. There is people everywhere, either guests or, the vast majority, coming to one of the many restaurant, including several Michelin-awarded ones, or simply taking the hotel in. 

One of the most incredible things to see in Macau is the largest cushion cut diamond in the world, named after its owner (it is so large that I had to Google it to make sure its size was in fact real). The diamond, The Star of Stanley Ho , weighs in at a whopping 218.08 carats. It is on display at the lobby of the hotel and you just need to follow the crowds to find it.The largest emerald cut diamond in the world was announced in 2019. It measures 302.37 carrots and was cut by prestigious diamond dealer Laurence Graff who also owns the Delaire Graff, the luxurious winery near Cape Town , South Africa. 

Sam Kai Vui Kun

Sam Kai Vui Kun also known as Kuan Tai Temple, is a small temple tucked away at the back of St. Dominic’s Market that is believed to have been constructed before 1792. The temple is associated with trade and commerce in the area and new edicts from Chinese Mainland authorities were announced in front of the temple so it is an interesting place to visit in Macau.

The entrance is located in a small alley and often hidden by several rows of motorbikes and cars parked in front of it. Inside, you will find a small space filled with the smell and smoke of large incense spirals and several traditional elements of Chinese architecture of the time that are also found in other temples in Macau. It reminded me of the hidden Siang Cho Keong Temple in Chinatown Singapore . 

Observe the grey brick facade, the green glazed tiles of the roof that are common in most temples in Macau, and the pretty drawings illustrating Chinese legends. The red, golden, grey colors give a sense of mysticism and despite its location in the busiest district in Old Macau, the temple is usually quiet with just a few devotees making their offerings and prayers.

The temple is open from 9am to 6pm daily and beware of the strong incense smoke in such small space.

Pawn shop Museum

I stumbled upon the Pawn Shop Museum almost by accident, wandering the street of Old Macau, a fine example of how the best things to do in Macau, beyond those found in most list, are those we stumble upon while simply wandering Old Macau, instead of ticking items off a list.

The Tak Seng On Pawnshop, translated as The Virtue and Success Pawnshop, opened in 1917 by a wealthy merchant. The house was taken over by the Macau Government and restored into a heritage shop, preserved as it was when it was still operational.

If you go in you can still see the furniture and the setup of the store, with dividers to preserve customers privacy and counters to record purchases and pledges.

The museum is not very big, as only the front office is open to the public whereas the storage tower where the goods would have been kept is closed. Entrance is free and the museum is open from 10,30am to 7pm daily with the exception of the first Monday of the month.

Mandarin’s House

This is one of the nicest places to see in Macau. Built around 1869, Mandarin’s House , with over 60 rooms , was the family home of Zheng Guanying, a literary figure who influenced emperors like Dr Sun Yat Sen and Chairman Mao who cited his works as an inspiration. 

The compound is the largest in the UNESCO-listed Historical Center of Macau , and also the largest private residence in the country. It measures 4,000 square meters of courtyards, master and servant rooms, a garden and several halls.

The house is a typical Guangdong residence with many Western and elements and it is similar to Lau Kau Mansion. When it was built, the harbour was visible from the house. In the 50s, Zheng’s descendants  moved out and rented the place which was divided up by many tenants, at one point amounting 300.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful features of the Mandarin House is a variety of Chinese  “moon gates” , which separate the various spaces in the house. One of them was re-erected recently to mimic the one that is believed to have been there before and removed in 1950. The building is located next to one of the first Portuguese piazzas in Macau, for an extra dose of multiculturality.

Visiting the Mandarin House is one of the nicest things to do in Macau because it not only provides a bit of insight into the lives of the wealthy in Macau’s prosperous 19th century, but also a connection to the rest of China. Its peaceful courtyards and gardens are also a nice place for a stop.

Open daily 10 to 6pm and closed on Wednesdays. Tours are conducted in Cantonese in the weekends. As the government set to renovate and restore the building, the house’s website is a good resource and also produced this useful leaflet . 

Tai Fung Tong Art House

One of the best things to do in Macau is simply wandering the streets and finding new and interesting places. Like, Tai Fung Tong Art House, an exhibition center that was built by a philanthropist almost a century ago and is housed in the Choi Lok Chi Mansion. The building is unique in its design and incorporates elements of European architecture so it is worth admiring. Open daily from 2pm to 6pm.

Macau Tower

At 338m, Macau Tower is the highest point in Macau . Located at the southern point of Peninsular Macau, it offers sweeping views across the sea . There is an observation deck on the 58th and 61st floors and other options for the real thrill seeker, like bungy jumping off the highest jump in the world or sky walking on the outer facade.

Biblioteca Sir Robert Ho Tung

Sir Robert Ho Tung’s library is a pretty building tucked at the end of a street with a quiet garden. The building dates from the 1894 and was originally the residence of Carolina Cunha until Sir. Robert Ho Tung, a businessmen from Hong Kong, acquired it in 1918.

He moved into the house during the WWII and upon his death, the building was donated to the Government of Macau, as indicated in his will, together with enough cash to buy books and convert the house into a public library. It opened as such in 1958.

The library may be nothing like El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires , but it is a peaceful place to read or study and is also home to rare Chinese books from the Ming Dynasty as well as first edition Chinese-English and Chinese-Portuguese dictionaries. There are also Christian books from the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.

Tap Seac Square and Gallery

This beautiful square is surrounded by some of the most important neo-classical buildings from the 1920s including Macau’s Instituto Cultural  Cultural Affairs Bureau , Tap Seac Health Centre, Central Library, Library for Macau’s Historical Archives and Tap Seac Gallery , which opened as a private residence in the typical neo-classic European style.

The Square is also home of the Glass House, repurposed into the home of creative entrepreneurs and artists and quite in contrast with the rest of the yellow and maroon buildings the surround the square. Tap Seac Square is also a place to check out during celebrations like Chinese New Year when it is decorated for the occasion.

Na Tcha Temple

UNESCO-listed  Na Cha Temple is usually mentioned as the best symbol of the Sino-Portuguese past of Macau . The small temple measuring only eight by four meters, sits right next to the iconic Ruins of the Church of St Paul, the most famous attraction in Macau.

Legend has it that Na Tcha was the greatest warrior from the Emperor of Heaven, powerful with his spear and fire wheel. One night, as the epidemic was taking its toll among the Chinese and Portuguese residents of Macau, a citizen received a message in a dream informing him that everyone had to drink water from Mount Hill with Chinese medicine and they would beat the epidemic. 

Na Tcha Temple was built in 1888 by the local residents to express their gratitude for bringing an end to the epidemic.  The temple is open from 8am to 6pm.

St Joseph’s Seminary and church

Another UNESCO-listed site, St Joseph’s is further from the other historical buildings in the center of Macau and so it is usually less popular . The church was consecrated in 1758 as part of the Jesuit seminary and was designed in the typical white-and-yellow facade style. Together with the Ruins of St. Paul, this is the only other European baroque building in China.

The Ruins of St. Paul

The Ruins of St. Paul is the most beautiful place to see in Macau and visiting it is the top thing to do in Macau. It is also the most easily recognisable image of the city. The ruins are all that remains of the former Church of Mater Dei and St. Paul’s College built between 1602 and 1640 and destroyed by fire in 1835.

The facade is located on a small hill up 68 steps. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 2005 and it is the most important building in the 22 included in Macau’s UNESCO nomination.

The facade is beautiful even in ruin, and is made of five levels topped with a triangular pediment which symbolises divine ascension . On it, there are motifs and representations from the bible, from mythological scenes as well as Chinese characters and lions, Japanese chrysanthemums, and Portuguese nautical motifs. The College of St. Paul was the first western university in the Far East and had a complete curriculum ready to prepare the missionaries to do work in Japan and the rest of China.

You can visit the Sacred Art Museum and Crypt behind and underground as well as admire the facade from the steps below. The museum and crypt are open from 9am to 6pm but the ruins are good all day long, and especially pretty at night when the steps are emptier from the tourist rush.

Fortaleza do Monte

Also known as Mount Fortress , Fortaleza do Monte was another crucial structure to hold off an invasion from the Dutch in 1622 and is also included in UNESCO’s list. The fortress was equipped with enough canons, ammunition, and arsenal sufficient to hold a siege lasting up to two years.

Mount Fortress inspired the Chinese to build similar structures to defend their long coast elsewhere. The area was demilitarised in 1965 and the government built the Macau Museum on site in 1998 . The museum is an interesting stop in your visit. The Fortress is right above the Ruins of St. Paul so a nice way to arrive at the ruins is to do so while wandering down from the fortress.

The fortress is open 7am to 7pm and the Museum from 10am to 6pm.

Leal Senado Square and building

Leal Senado, located on the most famous road in Old Macau, Largo do Senado , is the most important tourist spot in Macau and one of the most popular places to visit. The square receives its name from the Leal Senado building presiding over it which was the municipal chamber named as such because of the City’s Portuguese nickname, bestowed by King John IV in 1654 for its loyalty to the crown during Spanish occupation.

You can go in and visit the building from the inside. There is a small patio at the back, beautiful blue tiled stairs and large halls in the upper floor. From here you can also take beautiful photos of Leal Senado Square below through the windows.  The building is open from 9am to 9pm and has public bathrooms

The square was remodelled in 1990s, made pedestrian and paved with a wave-patterned mosaic of colored stones that is so typical of Macau. The area is filled with shops, restaurants and people at all times of day and night. During Christmas, it is decorated like any other European city. Here is also where a lot of the street food carts can be found. 

The Holy House of Mercy

The Holly House of Mercy is a  well established institution located on Senado Square and founded by the first Bishop of Macau in 1559 to tend to the orphans and widows of the sailors who died at sea. The facade is grand and beautiful and painted in white instead of the common pale yellow of other buildings.

Inside you can visit the Museum of the Holy House of Mercy.

A Ma Temple

A Ma Temple is a  Taoist temple built in 1488 , well before Macau was created, by seafarers who dedicated it to Matsu, their goddess. The name Macau is said to originate from this temple. When the Portuguese arrived, all the locals could repeat was “A-Ma-Gau” (bay of goddess A-Ma), which the Portuguese interpreted as the name of the area. Similar to Thian Hock Keng Temple in Singapore which is a place of worship of the Chinese sea goddess Mazu (Ma Cho Po).

The temple has expanded throughout the centuries and is today a varied and rich mixture of Chinese architectural styles and religious motifs . As the temple grew, more deities were added from the various Chinese beliefs, from Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and other traditions.

A-Ma is always crowded with people, worshippers and tourists alike, who can be seen lighting incense. As the temple is located on Barra Hill, it perfectly integrates with the lush and green surroundings. One of the nicest things to do in Macau is to join the spirituality and write a wish to hang in the tree of wishes. You can buy the red cards at the temple. Or perhaps you can light some incense, also on sale at the temple.

The temple is open from 7am to 6pm, go early to avoid the crowds.

Kun Iam Temple

Kun Iam Temple, originally called Pou Chai Temple or Puji Temple, is  Macau’s oldest temple  and was founded in the 13th century, but the present structures date back to 1627 as indicated in a wooden table.

The Buddhist temple hosts the likeness of Kun Iam, the Goddess of Mercy and it is an emblematic Macau attraction because it was the place where the first Sino-American treaty was signed, in its terraced gardens, in 1844. 

The temple is not to be confused with the statue of the same goddess, located elsewhere. As this is further away from the main tourist spots in Macau, the Kun Iam is much less crowded than A-Ma and in fact I could not believe it was almost empty when I visited, safe for devotees. When you walk pass the temple, you don’t have a feel for how large it is inside. 

Spend some time in one of the three main halls or in the large garden courtyard taking it all in.

Kun Iam Statue

The Virgin Mary–like 20 meter statue emerges in bronze casting from a 7 meter lotus located on a man-made island in the outer harbour. The structure sits atop an ecumenical center and it was designed as a symbol of friendship and respect among all peoples .

St. Lawrence Church

Built by the Jesuits in the mid-16th century, this is one of the three oldest churches in Macau . The church used to be called Feng Shun Tang, the Hall of the Soothing Winds, for the families of Portuguese seafarers who used to come here to pray and wait for their loved ones to return from the sea.

Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

This wharf is the largest entertainment complex right off the ferry terminal in Macau Peninsula. It has over 150 stores and restaurants in several buildings styled like Cape Town ’s waterfront. If you need a bit of an escape from the rest of the historical buildings but do not fancy the casinos, Macau’s Fisherman’s Wharf might be a good place to meet halfway.

Macau Wine Museum

Divided into a Historical information centre, a Wine Cellar, a Museum and an Exhibition centre , the Macau Wine Museum Includes displays of Portuguese wines and a wine tasting stations. Over 1,100 types of wine are on display at the only museum in Macau where beverages are allowed. About 90% of these are of Portuguese origin, including the oldest bottle – the Porto 1815. For MOP$15, you can have a tasting of selected bottles. There is also a rundown of Portugal’s various wine regions, and a (rather bland) display of wine racks, barrels, presses and tools. Closed from 1st July 17 for renovation until further notice so do check that it is still open before going.

Grand Prix Museum

The Macau Grand Prix Museum is right next to the wine Museum and is a great motor racing museum . It opened in 1993 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Macau Grand Prix , which takes place every year in November, and showcases a number of items from the many races. Closed from 1st July 17 for renovation until further notice so do check that it is still open before going. 

More information and reviews here

Have tea at a traditional tea house

Lung Wah Tea House is a  vintage Cantonese style  teahouse which opened in 1963. You can sit by the window and watch people walk by or observe the tea market where the teahouse buys its tea every day downstairs, all with a cup of tea and some dim sum. The tea house was opened by the parents of the current owner and served as a meeting place for the laborers at the harbour, which is nearby. 

The old Chinese of drinking tea is still alive here, although this is one of the few such places which exist in Macau today, worth a trip down memory lane. The menu here is not in English but you can choose your dim sum from a cart based on what you see.

Have a Michelin starred meal

Like Hong Kong, Macau has a lot of Michelin-starred restaurants, even two with three stars, ready to absorb all those hard earned casino dollars. For some of the most interesting meals, head to the Grand Lisboa, where there are three restaurants with stars, including the top two, one Chinese and the other French, of Robuchon fame.

The Eight is one of few 3 Michelin starred restaurants in Macau specialising in very creative and fine dining dim sum. The name is auspicious in Chinese and the outlet is flash with water cascading down the wall and dripping chandeliers. Reservations are essential. Read my full review here .

Robuchon au Dome

Robuchon au dome is another 3 Michelin starred restaurant (the second one in the Lisboa Hotel ) of famous celebrity chef Joel Robuchon who has the most Michelin stars in the world and outposts in other Asian cities like Singapore or Hong Kong. Expect the same caliber as in his other venues, and French cuisine with refined elements in an utterly flash environment so characteristic of the Lisboa Hotel. Read my full review here . 

Enjoy Macanese food

Indulge in Portuguese favorites

Cozy and blue and yellow-tiled, this restaurant in Taipa Village embodies Portugal in Macau . The chef is entertaining too and the menu is more sophisticated than other venues. The building is tall and narrow and the tables are spread across the various levels. Antonio is a great place for Portuguese food in Macau so if you only try one, let it be this one and call ahead to order the advance booking special menu that is full of signature dishes and indulge in the crepe suzette, which he will flambe tableside. I very much recommend this restaurant.

Visit the Michael Jackson gallery

The Sofitel Point 16 Hotel where I stayed for a couple of days, has an interesting collection of Michael Jackson objects, photographs and other paraphernalia at the Michael Jackson Gallery (now closed). It also has a Michael Jackson themed suite in its Mansion area which I got to visit with the staff. The gallery is small but well worth it if you are a Michael Jackson fan.

Things to do and see in Taipa, Cotai and Coloane

The island is where many of the large and flash hotels and casino complexes  of Macau are located. Taipa and Coloane used to be two separate islands with rich heritage, which were united through landfill in the middle, creating what is today called the Cotai strip.

The Cotai Strip mimics the Las Vegas Strip , complete with the same hotels and architecture, expect dancing fountains, the Venetian, an Eiffel Tower and other adult-entertainment options.

Although I am not much of a gambler and this is a non-gambler list of things to do in Macau , there are parts of the casino complexes that are worth a visit, because they are a fascinating insight into the world of Chinese gambling and because some of them are fun. 

If you end up gambling, remember Stanley Ho’s famous quote: “No one can win all the time. We advise you to play merely for pleasure and to risk only what you can spare.”

Go on a night bus tour

Only in Macau can you have a night bus tours as an amazing tourist activity. When the city lights come out, the entire city, but particularly the Cotai Strip, come alive in a mesmerising way. You can book tickets for a night bus tour here . The tour covers both Cotai and the Old Macau parts but I reckon Cotai is where the real casino and luxury hotel neon light show is most amazing, don’t you think?

Decide who does egg tart’s best

Egg tarts are an eminently local food in Macau. They are a Portuguese dessert and snack that came to Macau and have remained one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. They are everywhere and sold in many stores, but there are three brands that are the most famous ones: Lord Stow, Koi Kei Bakery and Margaret cafe e Nata.

If you are a foodie or have a sweet tooth and are wondering what to do in Macau why not make your own decision on the best egg tart. Do like me and try them all three, then compare and decide. Who did it best?

Lord Stow’s Bakery

The first egg tart was invented at Lord Stow’s Bakery in Coloane and that continues to be the original outlet. However, the brand has opened several other outposts, including some outside of Macau.

Though the English baker Andrew Stow passed away, his cafe across from the original Bakery continues to serve the famous pastéis de nata that are so famous of Portugal. This location is quite removed from the rest of Macau, located at the very farthest tip of Coloane, it is an interesting place to come to for a bit of a nostalgic feel. Coloane is green and has a fishing village feel. Stay for breakfast at the calm bakery then have a stroll in the village.

Margaret’s Café e Nata

Opened by Stow’s ex-wife, Margaret’s Cafe e Nata offers more sophisticated options as well as the regular ones. The custard filling here is said to be creamier, runnier and sweeter and its location behind the Lisboa Hotel is a convenient stop in the crazy neon-filled area. Take one of the outdoor tables if available but expect queues and crowds.

Koi Kei Bakery

The third contender to the egg tart battle is Koi Kei Bakery , a humble nut stall turned largest confectionary chain in Macau. The variety here is the name of the game with over 300 types of products on sale, but you can also try the regular cookies or egg tarts if you want something more popular. If you want to try something more exotic, this is the place, sweet or sour or both. And you can also taste before purchasing.

Go on an eight-shaped ferris ride

Studio City is a luxury hotel at one end of the Cotai Strip that is themed around Hollywood and movies, as the name indicates. Here you can find all sorts of entertainment around movies and sci-fi but perhaps the most interesting of the Macau attractions is Golden Reel, an eight-shapes ferris wheel , the only one in the world, which you can ride for about fifteen minutes.

The ferris wheel is visible from pretty much anywhere on the strip and is housed right in the middle of the building, but don’t expect the compartments to actually go on an eight-shaped ride, instead, they stay on the outside following the outer edge of the number.  

Ride with Batman

This cool show at the Studio City Hotel, next to the Golden Reel ferris wheel, is where you can join Batman on a 3D fight across Gotham City in Batman Dark Flight . The show is quite cool, Universal Studios style, with 3D close ups, movement, your seat being shaken, etc. If you are dropping by the ferris wheel, then make sure to get the tickets that include also access to the show.

See magic happen before your eyes

Wondering what to do in Macau with kids (or not so young ones)? What about a magic show?

Macau is a place where magic is found everywhere but one of the most obvious ones is the magic show at House of Magic , at the Studio City complex. The show takes places in more than one space and the magic tricks increase in complexity and well, magic level. Towards the end you may be so wowed by the stuff i front of your eyes that you may believe in magic again!

Have a pork chop bun

South China’s most famous pork-chop bun is made here, at Tai Lei Loi , in Taipa Village, at a shop founded in 1960 as a street stall by the mother of the current owner. Slices of pork with crunchy buns are served daily from 2pm.

Get lost at The Venetian

The first casino to open on the Cotai Strip in Macau was the Venetian . If you have been to Las Vegas, you will recognise the same architecture and design. The Shoppes at the Grand Canal complex is filled with restaurants and shops, beyond the large casino gambling area and there are lots of things to do and plenty of shopping.

Walking inside the corridors of The Venetian is worth it on its own and there are many photo opportunities along the way. It is also easy to get lost because the complex is made of several corridors and there is no natural light as the ceilings are painted with clouds and sunshie.

Go on a gondola ride

Marvel at the art installations at the original Wynn Macau

Another one of the first casinos to open in Macau in 2006 was the Wynn , followed by a newer Wynn Palace property in Cotai which opened in 2016. The original Wynn is in Old Macau and  is as flash as it gets in the area, so much so that you may be blinded by the amount of gold. But the hotel is also known for the many art pieces and installations, like an  interesting Tree of Prosperity sculpture that is gold plated. 

Dance with a fountain

While the Wynn Palace in Cotai has a performing lake with a cable car, the Wynn in Old Macau has a performing lake that dances to the sound of music with lights and even flames to go with it, and is great fun. The show lasts about 3min or a song and is every 15min which means you can easily send an hour there dancing and then taking rest to go back at it. I enjoyed dancing on my own.

Take a free cable car ride above a performing lake

The Wynn Palace in Cotai is equally as golden as the original Wynn in Old Macau and it even has a Skycab cable car that you can ride for free as many times as you like and which takes guests from the ground level by the lake to the entrance in the first floor flying above the water.

It is particularly fun when the lake fountains are on because the cable car rides right around and above the Performance Lake as it dances to the music a few times every hour, a signature of Wynn properties in both Macau and Las Vegas. Needless to say, this is one of the best free activities in Macau, great for the whole family.

Explore amazing floral displays

The Wynn Palace is every bit as exuberant as all the other luxury hotels in Macau then some. But its most unique feature are the floral displays that were created with floral designer Preston Bailey . These are so gorgeous and so perfect that I did not realise they were fresh flowers. Look out for the ferris wheel as well as for the carousel, both of which are magical.

Hác Sá Beach

Hác Sá Beach (Black Sand) is Macau’s most popular beach . The sand is blackish in colour which makes it less appealing, but it is actually quite clean. Summer months see lifeguards on duty and you can rent parasols for MOP$60 a day with a deposit. Here is my guide to the best beaches in Macau , if that’s how you’d like to spend a day of travel. 

If you’re moving onto Southeast Asia after your trip and are a true beach bum then you can check out my articles on the best beaches in Southeast Asia , or the single article on beaches in Thailand , Vietnam , Indonesia , or Singapore . And beyond Asia I’ve also compiled the beaches beaches in South Africa , Albania , Montenegro , and Malta . Yes, I love the beach. 

The House of Dancing Water Show

This incredible show in The City of Dreams was created by Cirque du Soleil extraordinaire Franco Dragone and takes place on a stage that goes from dry to completely underwater, with high dives, acrobats, swimming, gymnastics and theater. The House of Dancing Water is a stunning show and a must-see attraction in Macau, I can’t recommend it enough. So much so that on my second trip to Macau I went to see it again.

Go up the Eiffel Tower

The Parisian is a major tourist spot in Macau. It is decorated and designed like the Versailles Palace, complete with performers dancing about in the hotel’s various halls and corridors, a dancing fountain, perfectly French bakeries and cafes and, of course, a replica of the Eiffel Tower you can go up to. From above you can have a panoramic view of the strip below and also a great perspective on the area, with all the ongoing developments.

Taipa Village

If you are in Macau, take half a couple of hours to visit this picturesque part of the city . Taipa Village is not a man-made entertainment hub but rather a tourism concept aimed at promoting visitors to this heritage part of Macau  that is otherwise only associated with Cotai’s gambling reputation.

Taipa used to be a fishing hamlet made of narrow alleyways in cobblestone, pale coloured buildings and pretty temples. There are lots of dining options as well as shops and historical buildings. Do not miss Pak Tai Temple and the Taipa Houses Museum (see next point).

Taipa Village is a place to simply come and have a stroll in a quaint area. Look out for street art, inviting cafes and galleries. Check out Cunha Street for Macanese favourites like egg tarts or pork chop buns. You can also rent a bike to explore the area. Weekends will see a flea market.

Taipa Houses-Museum

The green pastel-coloured villas from the 1920s  called Taipa House Museum  were the summer residences of wealthy locals and are considered living museums showcasing the famous trades of the time. The area used to be surrounded by a swamp and is now preserved by the government. It is nice to stroll around but also to visit them inside. 

See the Diamond show

The Fortune Diamond show at the Galaxy Hotel is a stunning display of music and lights at the Diamond Lobby inside the Galaxy hotel that happens every 20min. The Fortune Diamond is a large piece measuring 3m that sinks into a fountain for the show. The fountain is shaped like a roulette and the entire art piece is meant to symbolize prosperity, a common theme in Macau given its gambling focus.

Cheoc Van Swimming Pool

One of Macau’s best-kept secrets. With an entrance fee of only 20MOP, Cheoc Van swimming pool is a large public pool near the sea . 

Drink and party in Macau

Macau is not a party destination and if you are coming with the same mindset as going to Las Vegas you will be disappointed. casinos don’t even serve alcohol, except for at the highest bidding tables or private rooms.

If you look around you will see the players sipping tea with milk or a Coke. It is therefore not surprising that the nightlife is rather quiet. There are a few bars and clubs but nighttime activity usually means shopping till late, eating and enjoying the shows or entertainment from the few casino hotels, rather than partying the night away at a club.

The MacCallan Whisky Bar & Lounge

This is Macallan’s signature bar and lounge and has the largest Macallan collection in Asia . You can expect the usual: big leather sofas, big chunks of ice, big choice and even a fireplace. This is a sort of gentlemen’s club in countryside England, only that you are still in Macau. Have a look at the first whisky in the world which is on display.

China Rouge

Located at the Galaxy, China Rouge is a red Shanghai lounge that takes you back to the time of the opium trade. It combines glamorous velvety interiors inspired by Art Deco and cutting-edge art pieces with live performances.

An elegant and relaxing wine lounge featuring fine art and great music in the heart of historic Macau  Senado Square where you can sample tasty street food.

Party at CUBIC Club

The most famous club in Macau is CUBIC Club , located in The City of Dreams complex, is a dashing neon filled club is open every night and is one of the few party places in the area. But don’t expect a dance floor, this is the more Chinese oriented book a table type of club where winners come to celebrate with champagne bottles and sparkles and losers come to drown their sorrows.

Best Luxury hotels in Macau

Macau has more luxury hotels that any other place and after spending your day exploring all the things to do in Macau on this list, you will need a good place to relax.

The choice for luxury hotels is staggering and pretty much every international chain plus all the big names in the gambling industry have a resort in Macau. I have separated the options by area so if you are mostly after the culture, history, food and heritage of Macau, you are better off staying on the Macau side. These are the best luxury hotels in Macau.

For a more in-depth look at where to stay in Macau read this article .

Here is a list of my recommendations for the best luxury hotels in Old Macau to start you off:

1. Grand Lisboa Hotel

This is a very peculiar hotel with a long standing history, the most i ncredible range of dining options , with no less than two three-Michelin starred restaurants, and a terribly ugly exterior. This is the only hotel located bang in the middle of everything in the historical center of Macau and its historical cache is why I added it here, and for fun too.

The golden building is shaped like a bunch of flower

s and the rooms all have Turkish baths and hot tubs. The design is rather full on tacky as is the casino area, always packed with Chinese gamblers preoccupied with Baccarat. An experience for sure.

Book your stay now on  Agoda

2. Pousada de Sao Tiago (currently closed for renovations)

With only 12 rooms , this is the only boutique and heritage hotel in Macau , unless you consider the first casino complexes as part of the country’s history.

Pousada Sao Tiago was built in a former fort and the original chapel is still there. The rooms have lovely views and B&O TV sets. They are modern with touches of beautiful Portuguese colonial design.

Book your stay now on  Booking.com |  Agoda

3. Sofitel Macau

The Sofitel Macau is located by the water, facing China and offers the Brand’s French undertones in an intimate setting. The Club rooms have access to the lounge which has unique views of the older part of Macau.

This is the best place to stay if you want to get away from the casinos and be close to all the heritage places to see in Macau. I stayed here and found the hotel had the best location for walking around Macau.

4. Wynn Macau

This was one of the first casino properties to open in Macau and it is as ostentatious as it gets. Some of its sculptures and art installations like the Tree of Prosperity, the Dragon of Fortune and the Moon Jellyfish are worth a visit, as is the Performance Lake in front of the hotel which regularly showcases a water and lights performance until the late night, a show which can be seen from some of the rooms.

The over 1,000 rooms are modern and resemble other hotels on the strip but the Wynn also has a host of art pieces from crystal chandeliers to cloisonne camels. For food, try the Golden Flower with two Michelin Stars .

5. Mandarin Oriental Macau

One of the few luxury hotels not attached to a casino , the Mandarin Oriental Macau stays true to the brand’s classic elegance and superior professional service. There is only one restaurant here too, so simplicity has a name, especially in comparison with the over the top benchmark set at other hotels.

Guests here are usually coming to relax, enjoy the spa and have a quieter time . The Mandarin Oriental is certainly the classiest of all the luxury hotels in Macau.

Best Luxury hotels in Cotai

If you are coming for the entertainment, fun, gambling and shopping, Cotai is your address. The majority of the hotels in Cotai are along the strip which was once a wasteland converted into the world’s most expensive casino complex. A few of the hotels congregate around large complexes like Galaxy or City of Dreams while others are on their own.

Here is a list of my recommendations for the best luxury hotels in Cotai:

1. The Altira

The hotel’s name in Chinese means cutting-edge and so this is a good example of the phrase. The Altira is attached to the casino which attracts high rollers. The rooms are modern and sleek and the hotel’s infinity pool, glassed against the city’s skyline , is its signature splurge.

All rooms have stone baths and Japanese showers which require a guide (much like the toilets). Check out the rooftop bar which has an outdoor area too.

2. The Ritz Carlton Macau

As with other Ritz properties across the world, the Ritz Carlton in Macau opted for timeless European class . White and grey marble, beautiful flower arrangements, an outdoor pool with cabanas and pale beige with splashes of bright colors.

The Ritz is located in the Galaxy complex so it has access to the large scale entertainment options like the white sand beach or the wave pool.

3. The Venetian Macao

The first hotel to open on Cotai was The Venetian, a perfect replica of the Las Vegas hotel and the real Venice complete with singing gondoliers and the whole shabang. This is an adult’s playground in all its glory, and a fun one at that.

The 3,000 rooms are modern and ethereal, they could be anywhere, just like it could be anytime while you trod the busy corridors of the malls and entertainment areas. You completely lose track of time here. A real disconnecting vacation, gambling or not.

4. Studio City

This is one of the latest resorts to open attached to a casino and a series of restaurants. Studio City is as flash as it gets and has the largest figure eight ferris wheel (attached to the main facade) which is said to bring fortune as the number is lucky in Chinese.

There are illusionists, a Warner Bros themed children’s area, 4D flights, a beach and Pacha’s only Asian spot, something I always find amusing since the original one is from Sitges , where I grew up, and has been around since the 60s. Even my parents used to go there when they were young. The hotel complex also has more than 30 dining outlets.

5. Banyan Tree Macau

The Banyan Tree is part of the Galaxy Macau complex and a great place to stay if you are more into wellness and pampering as the Brand is well known for its spa retreats and the hotel offers spa deals with unlimited treatment suites. I know it better after having stayed at the Banyan Tree Bintan (a quick ferry ride from Singapore ) and Lang Co in Vietnam .

Almost all suites and villas at the Banyan Tree Macau have plunge pools. For those looking for something intimate and romantic, the Banyan Tree offers couples private dining on a pool grove with live music and a personal butler.

6. Grand Hyatt Macau

Modern, large and constantly busy , but you can always retire in the continuously-heated pool at the Grand Hyatt to escape it all. The hotel is located in The City of Dreams where entertainment abounds. Rooms are standard international luxury, with nothing specific, but perfectly comfortable. Some of the suites have free-standing bathtubs window-side.

How to get to Macau and move around

Arriving by air to macau.

Macau’s airport opened in 1995 and is located on Taipa. The runway is on its own strip surrounded by water, talk about a scenic landing. However, the majority of visitors come from Hong Kong, either on a day trip by ferry or for a slightly longer stay extending a Hong Kong or China trip.

How to travel to Macau from Hong Kong

The one hour ferry across the Pearl River from Hong Kong to Macau is a rough ride, not so recommended if you are prone to seasickness. It is also chaotic and filled with Mainland Chinese gamblers so not a smooth ride, as anyone who has traveled in crowded Chinese cities will know. There are two ferry terminals, one in old Macau called the Outer Ferry Terminal and one at the northern tip of Cotai. Subsequently, there are two ferry companies pledging the waters each to one destination but they both depart from Sheung Wan in Hong Kong.

Bookaway is a great option to get discounted rates for the ferry ride from Hong Kong to Macau. You can reserve your tickets online for a stress-free trip here .

Turbojet will take you to Macau Outer Ferry Terminal and charges different prices depending on time and day of the week. Weekdays are half the price of weekends at roughly $20 each way. There are ferries every 15 minutes from 7am to midnight and then every half an hour to an hour through the night.

Cotai Water Jet will take you to Cotai every half an hour from 7am to well into the early hours of the morning. Prices are similar to those of TurboJet.

There are taxis at both terminals and most hotels run free shuttles from the pier. You can book your tickets online for Cotai Water Jet HERE and Turbo Jet HERE .

If you want to arrive in a slightly more glamorous way, you could hire a helicopter which will take you across in around half an hour for a handsome price of around $750 each way, definitively not for the budget conscious.

Local transport in Macau

To move around Macau the best choice is hailing a cab or taking one of the many buses that criss-cross the islands. The major resorts also offer free shuttle services to and from the rest so inquire at the hotel’s reception where you are staying or where you want to visit, as it is possible to resort-hop using the free shuttles. If you are going to one of the farther away restaurants, the staff can order a cab back for you. Or use Uber , a life saver when I travel these days.

Google Maps is available in Macau (not in the rest of China) so it is helpful when walking around. Get the link to my map for this post and you will have all the marked spots, restaurants and hotels in one map which you can use to guide your way.

Other things to know before traveling to Macau

Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China so nationalities needing visas to visit China may not necessarily need it for Macau . In fact, most people can get one on arrival.

What to pack

You should definitely bring sunscreen as you will be walking a lot. A hat might be helpful in the summer months when it gets piping hot. In winter , Macau gets cold , don’t make the mistake of thinking “it’s Asia, it must be hot”. This is one of the nicest places to celebrate Christmas in Asia in fact. Macau is also a v ery rainy place in Autumn and Spring so an umbrella or waterproof jacket is almost essential.

When to visit

Macau is best visited in the winter months when it is also driest . From May to September it rains quite a lot with typhoon season peaking from August to October when the area becomes engulfed in clouds of rain.

Temperatures in the summer can soar to 30 degrees Celsius and in winter drop to half but it is never very cold and a jacket should do for a pleasant stay with lots of time outdoors.

This would be a great addition to your travel Pinterest boards

• Check if you need a visa, get help processing it at iVisa .
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• I find all of my flights on KAYAK . Check their Deals section too.
• Search for all your transportation between destinations on the trusted travel booking platform Bookaway .
• I book all my day trips and tours via GetYourGuide , they are the best and their tours are refundable up to 24h in advance.
• Get USD35 off your first booking with Airbnb .
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Top 18 Macau Tourist Spots We Visited for FREE

We’ve been to Macau twice already – the first one was just a day trip from Hong Kong . But the next time, we decided to stay longer to visit the best Macau tourist spots and fully immerse in its culture and people, and we didn’t regret the decision.

Macau is tagged as the “Las Vegas of Asia” with its sheer number of upscale malls, state-of-the-art casinos, and top-quality entertainment. This led us to believe that Macau is only for the crazy rich Asians.

However, we were surprised to find out that we didn’t have to spend a fortune to have a grand vacation in Macau. In fact, there are so many places to visit in Macau for free. Yes, that’s right, and we’re sharing this list with you. You’re welcome!

Top places to visit in Macau for free

We explored more than 20 heritage sites that are part of the Historic Centre of Macau , which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Admission is free for all these sites, and here are the top ones we recommend you visit.

1. Senado Square

First on every Macau itinerary is Senado Square or Largo do Senado . This 3,700 sqm square is full of pastel-colored buildings, shops, and restaurants reminiscent of Europe. Macau was a Portuguese colony for more than 400 years, after all.

As it is centrally located, we made it as our jumping-off point for our Macau exploration.

2. Ruins of St. Paul’s

From Senado Square, we walked our way to Ruins of St. Paul’s , one of the most famous Macau tourist spots, if not the the most famous. Perched on top of a hill, this iconic landmark used to be a religious complex that has a school and a church. Today, you can only see the remains of the 17th-century church facade.

Prepare to climb up some stairs before reaching the site. There could be throngs of tourists walking their way up, especially during the peak travel season, so manage your expectations.

3. Mount Fortress

The Mount Fortress or Fortaleza do Monte is just beside the Ruins of St. Paul’s, so we immediately proceeded to visit it. It used to be the base of Macau’s military activities, but now, it is one of the top Macau tourist spots frequented many visitors.

As we wandered around the fort, we saw remains of watchtowers and canons and felt like we time-traveled to the old times. We also enjoyed a panoramic view of Macau as we waited for the sunset. It was such a surreal experience.

4. Museum of Macau

The Museum of Macau is located within Mount Fortress so we decided to visit it as well. Here, we learned more about Macau’s history through the displays, artifacts, and collections.

The museum is open from 10am to 6pm, but the last entry is at 5.30pm. Admission is free so take advantage of this free educational experience.

5. Casa Garden

Built in 1770, Casa Garden used to be the residence of Manuel Pereira, an affluent Portuguese merchant. It was later rented out to house the British East India Company’s high-ranking officials. Today, it serves as the headquarters of the Oriental Foundation where an art gallery is housed.

When we entered the magnificent casa (house), we immediately felt like we stepped inside a European mansion. Outside, we strolled around the lovely garden where we spotted a cute little turtle on the fish pond.

6. Camões Square

From Casa Garden, we walked towards Camões Square as they are adjacent to each other. Here, we saw locals chatting, exercising or doing Tai Chi. We found some free public workout facilities as well.

We could not help but think how nice it is to have such an outdoor space to burn those calories or simply unwind with nature for free.

7. Sir Robert Ho Tung Library

Built before 1894, Sir Robert Ho Tung Library was originally owned by Dona Carolina Cunha, but Sir Robert Ho Tung bought it in 1918. Now, it is converted into a public library in Macau where everyone can study, read books, or have some peace and quiet for free.

We did get a chance to enter the mansion-turned-library and explore the garden area. We must say that people here are very lucky to have an idyllic space for self-study and research.

8. A-Ma Temple

Built in 1488, A-Ma Temple is Macau’s oldest temple in honor of the Chinese goddess of the sea Mazu, also known as A-Ma. Macau’s early settlements can be traced back to this site so it’s truly worth exploring for history buffs.

We had to climb up stairs and stone pathways to reach the different parts of the temple. So when coming here, dress appropriately and prepare for a bit of cardio.

9. Maritime Museum

Opposite A-Ma Temple is the Maritime Museum , one of popular museums and tourist spots in Macau you can enter for free. Aside from the exhibits, be sure not to miss the Little A-Ma Theatre where the legend of the sea goddess is shown. We got so engrossed watching it.

We really spent a significant time learning about Macau’s history and culture here, and we highly recommend that you include it in your Macau itinerary.

10. Moorish Barracks

Built in 1874, the Moorish Barracks is a unique historical site that stands out with its brick and stone neoclassical design with Mughal influences.

While we didn’t get to enter the building as it was already closed, just seeing the magnificent structure from the outside already made us stand in awe.

Top Macau attractions for shopping and luxury

We included these luxury establishments as top places to visit in Macau for free since you can just go window shopping or casino hopping like we did. We actually visited these Macau tourist spots in Cotai Strip because we also wanted to know what it’s like to be at the center of Macau’s glitz and glam without blowing a hole in our wallets.

Tip: There are free hotel shuttle services in Macau that hop from one hotel to the other and even go to the airport, border gate, and ferry terminal. So if you don’t want to spend for transport, you can ride a free shuttle service from any of the major hotels in Macau. We took advantage of the free shuttle service from The Venetian Macao to the airport on our departure day.

11. The Venetian Macao

One of the most postcard-worthy Macau tourist attractions is The Venetian Macao . This 39-storey Italian-themed casino resort features opulent facilities, a grand casino, and an IG-worthy mall where you can ride a Venetian gondola .

RIDE A GONDOLA

12. The Parisian Macao

If you can’t go to Paris just yet, The Parisian Macao will do for now. This Frenched-themed casino resort features 3,000 luxurious rooms, a high-class mall, and an exciting water park. While you’re here, strike a pose at the Eiffel Tower replica or enter their mall for some window shopping.

13. City of Dreams

Enter City of Dreams in Macau and you’ll think that you are in a dream with its ultra-luxurious features — from its Michelin-starred dining and designer-brand shopping to world-class gaming and entertainment where you can watch the famed House of Dancing Water show.

WATCH HOUSE OF DANCING WATER

14. Galaxy Macau

The glistening golden facade of the Galaxy Macau will surely catch your attention. This 5-star integrated resort houses the largest Skytop Wave Pool and the longest Skytop Rapids in the world at their Grand Resort Deck.

15. Grand Lisboa Macau

It’s hard to miss the Grand Lisboa Macau because of its towering lotus flower structure that stands out from Macau’s stunning skyline. This 5-star integrated resort has a huge casino, exquisite dining options, and elite wellness facilities that’ll give you a truly grand vacation in Macau.

16. The Plaza Macao

Live the ultra-opulent life at Plaza Macao , where you’ll find the luxurious Four Seasons Macao and The Grand Suites at Four Seasons . This luxury complex also houses the Sands Shoppes , Macau’s largest indoor shopping mall with over 850 duty-free outlets.

Places to visit in Macau to immerse in the local life

We also visited these places which allowed us to immerse in the locals’ way of life.

17. Old Taipa Village

After all the mall and casino hopping in Macau, we visited the Old Taipa Village . It is just right across the Galaxy Macau and a 15-minute walk from the casino strip.

We walked past unique shops and restaurants that gave us a truly local experience in Macau. It was a breath of fresh air from the luxe life in Cotai.

18. Coloane Village

We dedicated a day to explore the laid-back Coloane Village off the southern tip of Macau. This is one of the less explored Macau tourist spots and a perfect place if you want to escape the busy city life in Macau.

Here, we strolled along the coastal area, dropped by a temple, and walked through narrow alleys where locals reside. And we didn’t miss the chance to try the famous egg tarts from Lord Stow’s Bakery.

There’s still tons of Macau tourist spots to visit for free, and these are just a few of them.

Did we miss your favorite Macau attractions? Let us know on our social media channels: Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Twitter , or YouTube .

Macau is visa-free for Filipinos , so why not take advantage of this to build your travel history? Then, you can then apply for a tourist visa to countries like Japan , Korea , and Australia .

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Home » Asia » China » Macau

MACAU Itinerary for 2024

Macau is a Chinese territory with a particularly interesting heritage and culture! It’s a tiny autonomous region along the South coast of China, only a short distance outside of Hong Kong. This region includes the Macau Peninsula, as well as the islands of Taipa and Coloane.

While Macau is a part of mainland China, you’ll feel like you’re somewhere completely new and different when you’re exploring this Macau itinerary!

For many years, Macau was a Portuguese colony. This has given the region a really unique cultural blend- something which is evident in the architecture, food, and way of life here! You will see you exploring both the Eastern and Western sides of this region.

Beyond the interesting culture, Macau is world-famous for its huge casinos, luxury hotels, ancient landmarks, beautiful beaches, and many fun activities! There really is so much to see and experience here.

If you’re planning to see Macau in a day trip from Hong Kong or visit here for a week, then take a look at this ultimate itinerary for all of the best things to experience here!

A Little Bit About this 3-day Macau Itinerary

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Macau’s history, colonial architecture, foodie scene, and diverse cultures, makes it one of the most memorable city’s outside of mainland China! It has something for every traveler, from world-class casinos to incredible museums and lush beaches, you’ll never run out of things to do in Macau!

Whether you’re spending one day in Macau or planning an unforgettable itinerary, there are some phenomenal options jostling for a spot on your list! I’d personally suggest taking at least two full days to explore the city. If you want to see all of the important landmarks you might be able to fit everything into 24 hours, but as it’s just a quick stop over from Hong Kong to the Macau Ferry Terminal, it’s easy to visit for a day trip.

In this itinerary, you’ll find three days packed with culture, history and adventure. But don’t worry, you won’t have to rush from A to B, trying to fit everything in.

I’ve chosen the ideal daily structure, added times, routes to get there and suggestions on how long you should spend at each spot. Of course, you can add your own spots in, swap things around, or even skip some places. Use this itinerary as inspiration instead of a fixed plan to get the most out of your trip!

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3 Day Macau Itinerary Overview

• Day One: Senado Square | Ruins of St Paul | Mount Fortress | The Venetian | Mandarins House | Casinos | Shows
• Day Two: A-Ma Temple | Taipa Village | Macau Museum of Art | Bungee Jumping | Coloane Village | Discover the Local Food
• Day Three: Macau Giant Panda Pavilion | Casa Garden | Church of St Dominic | Guia Fortress, Chapel, and Lighthouse | Mercearia Portuguesa

Macau may be a small region, but it’s a pretty diverse place. Staying somewhere central is important for a two-day itinerary in Macau, as this will allow you to easily experience the region’s many top attractions. However, as Macau is small, getting from one place to another is not too difficult!

The best place to stay would have to be Old Macau. This neighborhood, located on the Macau Peninsula, is where you can find many of the top landmarks and important sites. This is the most historic area of Macau, and there are plenty of heritage attractions and important things to see here. This area is also amazing for food lovers! There are also some great Macau Airbnbs in this area.

If you’re looking to experience the bright lights and casinos of Macau, then consider staying in Cotai. This island is a hub of activity throughout the day and night. The area is fairly newly developed, and so everything is pretty modern. There are loads of things to see and experience in Cotai!

Now that you know the best areas to stay in Macau , here are some of our top accommodation choices.

Best Hostel in Macau – 5footway.inn Project Ponte 16

5footway.inn Project Ponte 16 is our top choice for affordable, hostel-style accommodation in Macau. This accommodation has an awesome location- right in the heart of Ponte 16! It’s only a short walk to the many bars, restaurants, casinos, and interesting landmarks. The accommodation is clean, comfortable and friendly!

Best Airbnb in Macau – Ideal spot for first timers

These cosy rooms are situated perfectly if it’s your first time in town. You’ll be right in the heart of the old town, an eclectic clash of old meets, new, east meets west fun. Just read the reviews and you’ll get a sense of how ideally situated to make the most of Macau this place is. If you’re into photography, having a flat walking distance from the bay is ideal for those sunrise/sunset shots.

Best Budget Hotel in Macau – Fu Hua Hotel

There are so many hotel options around Macau, but Fu Hua Hotel is our best budget hotel choice here! Being only a few minutes’ drive from the Hong Kong ferry terminal, and a short walk away from top Macau landmarks, this hotel has the perfect location! The rooms and facilities in this hotel are some of the best offers while still remaining affordable!

Best Luxury Hotel in Macau –  The Ritz-Carlton Macau

For the ultimate in elegance and sophistication, consider staying at the Ritz-Carlton Macau! This hotel will give you the most unforgettable Macau experience, from its world-class luxurious rooms to its incredible facilities and amenities. This hotel also has one of the best-rated locations in Macau!

Your two day itinerary in Macau will start off with history, culture, and exploring some of the iconic landmarks in the city! Then, cap off your day with some fun at the casinos or many entertainment options in the city! Wondering what to do in Macau in one day? Here are some highlights!

9:00AM – Explore Senado Square

A visit to Senado Square is the perfect first stop for your itinerary! This is the most famous and popular square in Macau’s Old Town, and it is a wonderful place to explore. Walking around here will give you a great perspective on the unique culture around Macau.

Senado Square is covered with brilliant restaurants, shops, souvenir stalls, and snack vendors. The streets around the square are very narrow, making the area really fun for window shopping. This is one of the best places in Macau to get a feel for the Portuguese past, as the architecture and landmarks here really represent this.

There are also many top Macau points of interest around Senado Square, making it an ideal first base for your Macau itinerary!

Oh Mun Cafe at Senado Square is the perfect place to grab a delicious meal while sightseeing. This restaurant serves typical Macau food done really well!

Insiders Tip: Senado Square can get really busy with tourists, so arrive early if you want to beat the crowds!

• Cost: Free!
• Getting there: take the bus to Almeida Ribeiro and walk from there.
• How long should I spend there: around 1 hour should be enough time.

10:00AM – Witness The Ruins of St Paul

While you are visiting Senado Square, it’s essential to make a stop at the Ruins of St Paul! This Macau landmark is an absolute must-see in the city, as it’s probably the most famous historical site here!

The Ruins of St Paul are what remains of a 17th-century complex that once stood here. The ruins include what is left of the Catholic Church of St Paul, and St Paul’s college. This is a world heritage site and is always very busy with visitors!

The ruins are absolutely beautiful, and they show just how impressive this city once was. The history and age behind the buildings are also fascinating to anyone wanting to learn more about the history of Macau.

For a taste of the European influence in Macau, grab a bite to eat or something to drink at MacauSoul, located right by the Ruins of St Paul. This is a charming wine bar with a fun environment and some tasty food options!

Insiders Tip: There’s always a big crowd taking a classic photo in front of the ruins, so have some fun getting new angles and selfies around this iconic site!

• Getting there: it’s a 10 minute walk from the last stop
• How long should I spend there: around 30 minutes should be enough time.

10:30AM – Visit Mount Fortress

Mount Fortress is another world heritage site located within the same vicinity as Senado Square and the Ruins of St Paul. This fortress is one of the attractions that form part of the historic center of Macau, making it a must-visit attraction!

The fortress is the historical military center of Macau, offering visitors an interesting insight into many old artifacts, including lots of cannons, and ancient barracks. The fort dates back to 1626 and resembles the old Portuguese style.

This is a really interesting place to walk around and learn more about the rich and diverse history of Macau. The fort also offers some awesome views out over the surrounding historic district! Grab a delicious sweet treat at the Koi Kei Bakery to help fuel your explorations around Mount Fortress. This place has all kinds of tasty offerings!

Insiders Tip: It is easy to combine Senado Square, the Ruins of St Paul, and Mount Fortress all in a quick Macau walking tour.

• How long should I spend there: around 1-2 hours.

1:00PM – Learn About Macau at Mandarin’s House

Mandarin’s House or Casa Do Mandarim is a brilliant addition to your itinerary if you would like to discover more about the cultural heritage and history of the region. This building used to be owned by a Qing dynasty reformist called Zheng Guanying. Now it’s an interesting museum devoted to the history of Macau!

The building is a brilliant example of how Macau blends heritage from the East and the West. The museum is incredibly well kept, offering visitors an insight into what life used to be like in Macau. If you’re looking to discover more about the past of Macau, then this museum is a brilliant place to visit!

Padre Cafe e Cucina is an excellent spot next to Mandarin’s House to enjoy a special lunch or dinner. This place honors the European heritage of Macau, serving delicious meals and sweet treats.

• Getting there: it’s a 20 minute walk from the last stop.
• How long should I spend there: around 45 minutes to 1 hour should be enough time.

2:30PM – Experience The Venetian

The Venetian Hotel and Casino is a truly impressive place that attracts many visitors, making it one of the top attractions to add to your itinerary! You don’t have to be into gambling or staying at the hotel to enjoy the Venetian. This huge complex features one of the best malls in Macau, loaded with all kinds of shops and food choices!

The casino is called the Venetian for a reason- it was built to completely resemble the streets of Venice! The ceilings are painted like the afternoon sky, while the walkways and walls will make you feel as though you are wandering around Venice. There is even a canal with operating gondola rides !

When visiting Macau, witnessing the enormously impressive casinos is always one of the most popular things to do. The Venetian has got to be one of the most impressive, with so much for everyone!

The Venetian boasts an amazing food court, featuring plenty of outstanding restaurants. There is a wide variety here, so whatever food you’re in the mood for you’ll be sure to find!

Insiders Tip: There are many activities available here, and planning your visit in advance can be a good idea!

• Getting there: take the 26A bus from Almeida Ribeiro and ride 15 stops to Estrada Do Istmo / Venetian and walk from there.
• How long should I spend there: around 2 hours should be enough time.

5:00PM – Try Your Luck at the Many Casinos

Macau has many highlights and attractions, but one of the main reasons that so many people come and visit this place is for the many amazing casinos! Macau is often compared to Las Vegas, and with all the glitz and glam that the casinos have to offer here, visiting them is great fun!

You don’t have to be particularly interested in gambling to appreciate the grand scale of the casino resorts around Macau. These places are enormous, and they have loads of different entertainment options available.

For an unforgettable casino experience, try visiting Wynn Palace, Hotel Lisboa, Morpheus, the Venetian, or MGM Macau. These are absolute world-class casino resorts, the perfect place to visit on a weekend in Macau! Cotai Strip is the place to go to find these top casinos! You can also take a bus tour to visit the casinos!

If you’re hungry then head over to the Fontana Buffet at Wynn Palace for an extensive selection of amazing food at one of the city’s top casino resorts!

• Cost: Free to enter!
• Getting there: everything is within walking distance!
• How long should I spend there: as long as you like!

7:30PM – Take In a Show or Performance

When one thinks of Macau, the first thing that probably comes to mind are the number of casinos and entertainment options! When visiting here, adding an exciting show to your itinerary is a must! As there are so many casinos and resorts here, there are plenty of shows available with a wide variety to suit different tastes!

Check out the Galaxy Hotel at night to watch the amazing light show, or head to the Wynn Hotel for an incredible water show right outside! A show titled “The House of Dancing Water” is the world’s largest water show that has been taking place in the Wynn Hotel in Macau for over six years – this is a truly unforgettable experience! There are also magic performances, live music, dance shows, opera, and plenty more!

When taking a vacation in Macau, be sure to spend at least one night taking in a performance that is on offer here – as there really is so much incredible entertainment going on!

Duffy’s Irish Pub in Macau is a great spot to grab a drink or a tasty meal before or after a show. This is a fun place with a friendly vibe.

Insiders Tip: Popular shows such as “The House of Dancing Water” can sell out quickly, so make sure to reserve your ticket in advance !

• Cost: This changes depending on performance. Some shows are free though!
• Getting there: from the Venetian, the Wynn Hotel is a 20 minute walk.
• How long should I spend there: shows usually last around 2 hours.

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The second day of your itinerary for Macau will continue to be action-packed, with loads of fun and interesting activities!

9:00AM – A Ma Temple

There are loads of traditional Chinese temples scattered around Macau, but the A-Ma Temple is definitely a necessary addition to your itinerary! This is actually the oldest Chinese temple in Macau, and it is believed that this is where the name Macau originated from.

If you are keen to discover some of the ancient history of the region and would like to experience the old Chinese culture, then the A-Ma temple is one of the best places to visit in Macau! This temple is completely beautiful and is a really interesting place to learn more about the local religion!

The temple is dedicated to the goddess Mazu who protects fishermen and sailors. There are a number of different areas within the temple that are well worth taking a look at! If you want to see all of them, check out this bus tour !

A Lorcha nearby A-Ma Temple offers delicious Portuguese food to hungry visitors! This restaurant can get busy, but the tasty food here is certainly worth the wait!

• Getting there: take the bus to A-MA Temple from your hotel.

10:00AM – Macau Museum of Art

The Macau Museum of Art is the only art museum in Macau, and it’s certainly worth the visit for any art or culture lover! This five-story building is dedicated to Macanese artworks from all different eras and styles. There is a great deal here, and it’s an interesting place to spend an afternoon.

There is a permanent exhibition with a focus on the history of the art that surrounds you. There are also always new temporary exhibitions for guests to view as well. These temporary exhibitions are varied and offer displays of local and international art in all manner of different styles.

When touring Macau, adding some art and culture to your trip is always a great idea! The Macau Museum of Art is one of the best places to do this and is an essential addition to any art lover’s Macau itinerary!

Golden Court at the Sands Macau Hotel is an excellent restaurant near the Macau Museum of Art where you can enjoy some top quality local food. This place celebrates the Chinese side of Macau, with a totally delicious Asian menu!

• Getting there: take the 10A bus from Barra Square to Macau Cultural Center and ride for 12 stops.
• How long should I spend there: around 2-3 hours should be enough time.

1:00PM – Taipa Village

When in Macau, you’ll be walking around grand, shining casinos one moment, and then, all of a sudden, you’ll find yourself in a historically charming neighborhood. Taipa Village is one of these amazingly beautiful old parts of the city that is found just a short distance from the main casino strip.

Take some time to wander around the old streets of Taipa Village, and enjoy the many charming bakeries, cafes, shops, museums, and various points of interest. The Taipa House Museum is a particularly good attraction to visit if you want to learn more about the history of the area. This was once the Portuguese governor’s house.

Visiting Taipa Village is a brilliant addition to your Macau itinerary, and it will certainly give you a better perspective of this culturally and historically rich destination!

Taipa Village is home to many of the finest bakeries in Macau, producing custard tarts, almond cookies, and peanut candies, (which the region is really famous for)! Make sure to head to Lord Stow’s Bakery in Taipa Village to sample one of the delectable Portuguese custard tarts that Macau is famous for!!

Insiders Tip: Taipa Village is a great destination for foodies, so arrive here hungry!

• Cost: Free to wander around.
• Getting there: take the API bus from Avenida Da Amizade / Flyover to Edificio Do Lago and ride for 3 stops.

3:00PM – Go Bungee Jumping

For adrenaline junkies looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider taking the plunge and bungee jumping from the AJ Hacket tower, also known as the Macau Tower! This bungee jump attracts many visitors each year – being the world’s highest commercial bungee jump! This Guinness World Record jump is a completely unique thrill that one can experience!

While taking the leap is probably the most exciting thing that one can do in Macau, the experience doesn’t stop here. Your jump includes a free skywalk to add to the thrill! The Macau Tower also offers other fun and exciting activities, including a tower climb and sky jump. Of course, this is also where you’ll be able to get some of the best views in Macau!

If you’re after a real thrill, then doing this bungee jump is a brilliant addition to your Macau itinerary! Grab a bite to eat at the Macau Tower 360° Cafe. This place serves delicious food, with a wide variety on the menu. The best part of this cafe is the view!

Insiders Tip: Remember your jump with a photograph that is available upon request!

• Cost: USD $470.00
• Getting there: take the 26 bus from Jardim Do Lago to Macau Tower and ride for 9 stops.
• How long should I spend there: around 1-2 hours should be enough time, depending on whether you want to go bungee jumping.

5:00PM – Discover the Local Food

People visit Macau for many different reasons, but one of the main attractions here has got to be the incredible food scene! Macau is an absolute haven for foodies, offering unique and widely varied culinary options!

Traditional Macanese food came about as a kind of fusion between Portuguese food and southern Chinese cuisine. This came about during the colonial days of Macau, and it’s something that the area is very proud of.

The top places to sample amazing local foods would be the plethora of trendy cafes and bakeries in Taipa and Coloane. You could also visit Riquexo – a real old-school canteen-style foodie haven. The restaurant Antonio offers some of the best Portuguese food in Macau, while restaurants like Robuchon au Dome show off the fine dining splendor of Macau.

No matter where you eat though, it’s essential to enjoy a couple of pasteis de natas (Portuguese egg tarts) during your Macau trip. You can find really good ones at Lord Stow’s Bakery in Taipa Village.

Restaurant Litoral is one of the most well-loved places to try truly authentic Macanese-style dishes!

Insiders Tip: The most popular and authentic Macanese dishes include tapas selections, the pork chop bun, ginger milk, and almond cakes.

• Cost: The price of eating in Macau will vary greatly between cheap street food and expensive high-end restaurants.
• Getting there: from Macau Tower to Restaurant Litoral, it’s a 20 minute walk.
• How long should I spend there: as long as you want!

5footway.inn Project Ponte 16

5footway.inn Project Ponte 16 is our top choice for affordable, hostel-style accommodation in Macau. This accommodation has an awesome location – right in the heart of Ponte 16! It’s only a short walk to the many bars, restaurants, casinos, and interesting landmarks.

• Free laundry facilities

If you will be planning a three-day itinerary in Macau or longer, then you’ll need to fill out your time with some more activities! Here are some other top places to visit in Macau for three days.

Macau Giant Panda Pavilion

• See amazing pandas at this zoo!
• Includes a variety of rare animals.
• Admission is free!

China is famous for many things, pandas being one of them ! One of the best things to do in Macau for any nature lover has got to be a visit to the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion. This is a zoo in the Seac Pai Van Park in Coloane.

A visit here will allow you to witness a number of beautiful panda bears in a state-of-the-art facility. There are indoor and outdoor feeding areas for these pandas, who love their environment. The Macau Giant Panda Pavilion is also home to two amazing red pandas- relatives of the giant panda.

Although seeing the pandas is the definite highlight when visiting the Seac Pai Van Park, this attraction also houses many other interesting and rare animals. These include gorillas, monkeys, flamingos, and more! Visiting here is fun for the whole family, and it will definitely be an unforgettable experience!

While most people think about casinos and big entertainment venues and resorts in Macau, the place actually has a lot more on offer! If you’re planning a three-day itinerary in Macau and are looking for something unique to do, then definitely consider a stop at the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion!

Coloane Village

• A beautiful old village that is well worth exploring.
• A great place to get some food.
• Escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Coloane Village is one of the best Macau attractions for those that want to experience the slower, old-world charms that are available here. It’s great to take a break from the flashy casinos and big resorts and explore the old streets of beautiful Coloane.

This village is made up of pastel-colored old buildings, cobblestone streets, and beautiful Portuguese inspired architecture. Wandering the streets here is really peaceful, and you’ll certainly feel like you’ve escaped the busy city!

There are plenty of charming shops, cafes, and bakeries around this area. Whether you’re interested in history, or just want to soak up a stunning old area of Macau, a trip to Coloane will be highly rewarding!

Lord Stows is an iconic name around Macau, and when in Coloane it’s a must to visit their original cafe. This place is best known for its amazing baked goods, and it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and something sweet to eat.

Casa Garden

• A UNESCO-listed building dating back to 1770.
• Home to the Oriental Foundation.
• Contains well-kept gardens with a pond!

Casa Garden is one of the oldest buildings in Macau, and it has a really interesting history. This place was first the home of a Portuguese merchant when it was built in 1770. It was then used as the base of the British East India Company in Macau in the early 19th century. Today, it is the home of the Oriental Foundation, which puts on frequent interesting exhibitions there.

As one would imagine, a lot has happened in the Casa Garden building since its early days. This makes it a really interesting place to visit when an exhibition is on. These exhibitions are always changing and are always worth seeing!

Besides the Casa Garden building, this attraction has some of the most beautiful gardens in Macau! Visitors love coming here to see the well-maintained flower beds, the picturesque pond, and a large variety of plants.

There is also a popular park just outside Casa Garden, where locals love to hang out and relax. This is a great addition to your Macau itinerary, and it’s a good way to get a new perspective on the place!

Church of St Dominic

• An impressive yellow baroque-style church.
• Dates back to the 17th century.
• Home to a small museum.

The Church of St Dominic, or St Domingo’s Church, lies in the heart of the historical area of Macau. This amazing yellow church , with its green shutters and doors, is a beautiful sight to behold! Other than its architectural splendor, this church has a long and important history in Macau.

The church was founded by three Spanish Dominican priests from Mexico back in the 16th century. It is one of the oldest churches in Macau, and it remains a super popular addition to any Macau itinerary!

The building is part of the UNESCO list in Macau, and exploring the interior will show you just how special this church is! In the bell tower, there is a small Museum of Sacred Art, with 300 artifacts on exhibition. There are actually displays on each floor of the church!

If you are interested in history, architecture, or just want to see one of the most popular buildings in Macau, then definitely consider adding a stop at the Church of St Dominic to your Macau trip itinerary!

Guia Fortress, Chapel, and Lighthouse

• A fun climb up to Guia Fortress.
• Offers amazing views of Macau.
• A UNESCO-listed site.

Guia Fortress, Guia Chapel, and the Guia Lighthouse are found on the highest point in Macau. Reaching the top, and exploring these old buildings is a really unique and fun way to see the city and some of its top landmarks!

The Guia Fortress has an interesting history of being the place where the Portuguese would watch out over the city. This fortress was used to protect the Portuguese against the Dutch armies during the 17th century, and it was in use until the end of the Portuguese rule in Macau.

The Guia complex includes three charming buildings- the fortress, chapel, and lighthouse. All three are great to explore and learn about the history of the area! Not only this but being up at the Guia Fortress gives you unbeatable panoramic views out across Macau. This is an awesome addition to your trip to Macau.

Mercearia Portuguesa

• A beautiful little corner shop selling an array of local products.
• Housed in an amazing old colonial building!
• The store takes you back in time with its vintage decorations.

Mercearia Portuguesa is a hard place to miss! This bright yellow building is located in the middle of the St. Lazarus District in a quiet little courtyard. While the shop here is an attraction, the main reason that so many visitors love coming to the Mercearia Portuguesa is that it is such a great way of taking you back in time to what Macau would have been like many years ago.

The building is beautifully restored, with vintage furniture and well-managed details. The store itself is lovely, offering a selection of specialty local foods and crafts, chinaware, jewelry, wooden toys, and more!

If you would like to witness more of the old world while backpacking China and enjoy one of the prettiest little shops here, then be sure to add a stop at the Mercearia Portuguesa to your Macau itinerary!

Shop until You Drop at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

The Macau Fisherman’s Wharf is a collection of waterfront hotels and entertainment complexes that have been built in a collection of styles from around the world, from 18th-century European to Ancient Roman. You can find a roman amphitheater, used as an outdoor venue for over 2000 people.

The complex on the Macau peninsula features nearly 70 stores and restaurants along Legends Boulevard, which looks a little more like Miami or the Italian Riviera, rather than Macau.

The Macau Fisherman’s Wharf also has a convention and exhibition center, a marina, The Rocks and Harborview Hotel, and the Babylon Casino, which is over 133,000 square meters big. There’s also a theme park which would keep the kids entertained.

Wondering when to visit Macau? Here is a more detailed breakdown of each month’s weather in order to help you plan the best Macau itinerary.

Macau has very distinct differences between its wet and dry seasons. The summer is hot but very wet and rainy. Winter is cold but clear and sunny. This means that planning your Macau itinerary is best done according to your own weather preferences.

While there is never a bad time of year to plan a trip to Macau, the recommended months to visit would be anywhere between October to December. These are the autumn and winter seasons here. Try to avoid May to September, as these are the rainiest months, with July to September being typhoon season.

As Macau is so close to Hong Kong, it can get busy here with visitors in the winter months. However, most people would choose this over frequent rain!

Before you start exploring, it is important to know how to get around. This area is pretty easy to navigate, with a couple of great transportation options.

One of the best ways to get around Macau (which can be done for free!) is through the use of casino buses. The major casinos around here have free shuttle bus services that operate around the area. These can be really useful when getting between sights, landmarks, and entertainment areas.

There is also a very efficient and affordable public bus system that operates around Macau. This is one of the most used methods of transport around here.

As Macau is pretty small, walking is one of the best things to do! Many attractions in Macau are within easy reach of each other, and walking will help you to see and experience the many fine details, sights, and smells that Macau has to offer.

If you are up for some fun, then riding a scooter around Macau is another great transport option! There are plenty of scooter rentals available, with this being one of the most efficient (and exciting) ways to get around!

Taxis are reasonably priced and in high demand, but you may need to use Mandarin to communicate with the driver, so if you don’t know the language, it’s best to look for other options.

If you are visiting from Hong Kong, you can get to Macau by ferry from the Macau Ferry Terminal, or by bus. Personally, I prefer the ferry because it’s quicker and easier.

When visiting Macau, worrying about your safety is no serious concern! Macau has a very low-risk factor in terms of safety, with any kind of serious crimes being very rare here.

The city here is constantly developing its tourism sector, which means that the Macau government puts a great deal of focus into keeping the place safe and crime-free for tourists. As Macau is such a popular destination, it’s very well managed for the safety of its visitors.

While this is definitely a safe destination, one must still take common safety precautions as one would in any other major city. Be wary of any potential petty crimes here, as these do occur. Whether it is pickpocketing, scamming, or being ripped off as a tourist. Be cautious when walking at night, and always be alert to any potential dangers that one would find in any city.

Besides taking regular caution though, Macau is a very safe destination to visit! The city is clean, well run, and should keep any visitor feeling safe and secure.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Macau itinerary.

What should you include on a 2 day Macau itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these awesome Macau attractions: – Mount Fortress – The Venetian – A-Ma Temple – Coloane Village

Is Macau worth visiting?

Absolutely! As a former Portuguese colony, Macau is one of the most unique destinations in China and is full of places to discover.

Where should you stay in Macau if you have a full itinerary?

Old Macau is the best place to base yourself if you want to easily explore the best of what Macau has to offer. Plus, you’ll get to experience the area’s Portuguese heritge first-hand.

Is it easy to travel from Hong Kong to Macau?

Yup! The cities sit on opposite sides of the Pearl River Delta, which you can easily cross via bus or ferry in one hour.

Macau is a really interesting and fun destination in China! Whether you spend one day in Macau or a week here, there is plenty to see and do! Bring your best travel camera to capture its beauty!

Between the flashy casinos, resorts, entertainment, and malls, to the quiet cultural and historic districts, Macau is a destination that can suit a lot of people. Its close proximity to Hong Kong also makes it an ideal base to explore more of the surrounding areas!

Macau has a really unique charm and feel to it, with its wonderful blend of east and west. No matter what draws you to Macau, you will certainly find a great deal of fun to be had here! We hope that this Macau itinerary helps you to see and do the most in this awesome destination!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Top 12 Must-visit Macau Attractions

What to see and do in Macau? A LOT!

Macau , a former Portuguese colony dating back to year 1670, is now famous for its range of casinos, gourmet and fine dining and historical architecture. As one of the world’s developed cities, Macau offers unique experiences to visitors such as Venetian Macau, Senado Square, Ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral, Macau Tower, A-Ma Temple, etc.

While, a side trip to Hong Kong is worth your time and money . In Hong Kong you could experience Victoria Peak, bustling shopping areas, dynamic street markets, peaceful fishing villages, star ferry, tramways, Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park, etc. Learn more about Top 20 Attractions in Hong Kong >>

Besides, many more featured activities with lots of fun are waiting for you… Just come to find what your own Macau is!

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No.1: Ruins of the Church of St Paul

Type: Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites, Landmarks/ Points of Interest, Ancient Ruins

Recommended Length of Visit: About 1 Hour

Built in 1602, Ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most recognizable, dramatic and popular icons of Macau City. With its statues, portals and engravings that effectively make up a “sermon in stone” and a Biblia pauperum, the church was one of the greatest monuments to Christianity in Asia. In 2005, the Ruins of St. Paul’s were officially enlisted as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Centre of Macau.

2 Days Hong Kong & Macau Highlights Tour (by Ferry) 3 Days Hong Kong & Macau In-depth Cultural Tour

No.2: Macau Tower

Macau Tower is landmark of Macau. The tower measures 338m in height from the ground level to the highest point. It is the tenth tallest sightseeing tower in the world. Taking one of the three high-speed glass-fronted lifts to the 233 meters high observation deck, visitors will be amazed by the wonderful view of the Macau in all directions. Besides, the 360°Café is Macau's highest revolving restaurant, offering a sumptuous buffet that caters to all tastes. Besides, it offers restaurants, theaters, shopping malls and the Skywalk X, a thrilling walking tour around the outer rim.

No.3: Macau Museum

Type: Museums

Recommended Length of Visit: 1~2 Hours

Macau Museum, opened in 1998, presents the history of the city and territory of the former Portuguese colony of Macau. The setting itself is impressive, as it is built into the fortress. Displays are arranged in chronological order and logically laid out. There are many fine displays that you can walk through, reproduction of Macanese buildings, lots of information, and you can easily spend a few hours here. In addition, as part of the museum, Monte Forte (Fortaleza do Monte) , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also worth visit.

No.4: A-Ma Temple

Type: Temples

If you are interested in history and local religious customs, you should pay a visit to A-Ma Temple. A-Ma Temple, with a history of over 500 years, is the oldest temple among the three ancient temples in Macau (The other two are Kun Iam Temple and Lin Fong Temple). This temple is dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.

The name Macau is thought to be derived from the name of the temple. It is said that when the Portuguese sailors landed at the coast just outside the temple and asked the name of the place, the native replied “Jyutping”. The Portuguese then named the peninsula “Macao”. In 2005, the temple became one of the designated sites of the Historic Center of Macau enlisted on UNESCO World Heritage List.

No.5: Historic Centre of Macau

Type: Historic Sites

Recommended Length of Visit: 2~3 Hours

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005, the Historic Centre of Macau comprises a Zone of culturally significant buildings scattered in the southwestern corner of the Macau peninsula.

Popular stops in the Historic Centre include the 15th century A-Ma Temple , where devotees of this Goddess of seafaring come to burn incense and pray for safe passage. You may also want to climb atop the old walls of Monte Fort where cannons which once defended against invading Dutch sailors now point towards glitzy casinos. Down on the street level the classic, pastel façades of Portuguese buildings give areas such as Senado Square and the Church of St. Dominic a fairytale appearance. Other stops like the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral show that history isn’t always kind, in that even the grandest of buildings are still susceptible to fire and disaster.

No.6: Kun Iam Temple

Type: Religious Sites

Considered to be one of Macau’s finest Buddhist temples, Kun Iam Temple is larger and less crowded than A-Ma Temple. The original temple can date back to the 1400s and is one of only two temples in the city to pre-date the arrival of the Portuguese in Macau.

Dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kun Iam features three main worship halls: Daxiong Grand Hall, Longevity Buddha, and Bodhisattva Hall. The temple is also known for its gardens, terraces and four gnarled banyan trees with interlacing branches known as the Lovers Tree.

No.7: Venetian & Parisian Macau

Type: Casino

As you know, Macau is the “Monte Carlo of the Orient”. Macau really earns its reputation with several world famous casinos. Said to be one of the 10 largest buildings in the world, Venetian Macau features 3,000 hotel suites, countless restaurants and shops and has a gaming floor measuring in at over 46, 451 square meters. Here you could shop in over 350 international shops, may be dazzled by the street performers, or you could take a ride on an authentic Venetian gondola. Parisian Macau , on the other hand, is the latest new shopping mall, hotel, casino and has its own Eiffel Tower. There are also several other casinos. You can take free shuttle bus to these hotels from Macau International Airport, Taipa Ferry Terminal, etc.

6 Days Hong Kong Macau Shenzhen Fusion Tour

No.8: Grand Prix Museum

Opened 1993 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Macau Grand Prix featuring a number of automobile and motorbike races and taking place every year in November. The sport started in 1954 due to the enthusiasm of a group of Macao residents and the support of the authorities. Today it is an international sports event that attracts thousands of tourists and racing enthusiasts to Macao, to watch the classic "Guia Race" and the "Formula 3 Grand Prix". The Grand Prix Museum contains exhibits that are related to Grand Prix worldwide including photos, videos, illustrated articles, cups, records of champions and some commemorative items. You could also experience the feelings of a real racer by taking the driving simulator. Near the museum, there is also a Wine Museum , where you could learn about the culture of wines and try a cup of it.

No.9: Macau Giant Panda Pavilion

Type: Panda, Parks

Your kids must love China’s panda and maybe you too. If you come to Macau, you must go to Macau Giant Panda Pavilion. The pavilion comprises two 330 square meters indoor activity quarters and a 600 square meters outdoor yard for the inhabitation of the giant pandas and a 900 square meters indoor exhibit area. Two viewing paths of different elevations align along the front edge of the fan-layout indoor activity area, accessible to two streams of visitors. Here you could see both the cute baby panda and big adult pandas. Look out for exhibits and lectures where you can learn about panda behavior and natural habitat.

No.10: Macau Maritime Museum

When viewed from a distance, the exterior of the museum’ s uniquely designed exhibition hall looks like a boat. Occupying an area of 800 square meters (about 0.2 acres), the Macau Maritime Museum was built on the site where the first group of Portuguese explorers landed on Macau in 1553. Enlarged in 1990, the museum follows the typical museum layouts of a European style. The exhibits explore major themes in the history of the maritime industry in Macau, China and Portugal. On the way out you will cross a gallery of aquariums showing a riverbed, the harbour waters, a coral reef and last of all the seabed with the remains if an ancient shipwreck. Outside the museum you will find several real size exhibits, among which a dragon-boat similar to those raced during the Dragon Boat Festival.

No.11: Fisherman’s Wharf

Type: Theme Park, Restaurant, Hotels

Fisherman’ s Wharf is a large (111,500 square meters) theme park, with various port 'towns' among them - Miami, New Orleans, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Venice, the Italian Riviera and Cape Town. The Wharf has a total of three themed areas: Dynasty Wharf, East Meets West and Legend Wharf. The area, within walking distance of the ferry terminal, features shops, restaurants, nightlife, an amusement park and amphitheatre. Being situated at the outer harbor, Fisherman’ s Wharf Macau also offers a beautiful view of the marina and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge. If you are fond of adventure activities and water sports, here is a good choice for you. In addition, you could also have a delicious lunch here or experience the luxury hotels. During morning or night, it would be a nice tour to walk around this area and appreciate the scenery along roads.

No.12: Guia Hill

Type: Nature, Historical Site

Guia Hill, the highest mountain in Macau Peninsula Macau, is one of off-the-beaten-track places in Macau. From the top of the hill, you could overlook Macau. The hill is also the home to the UNESCO heritage site – the historical Guia Lighthouse and Fortress . The lighthouse built in 1865 is the oldest one on the Chinese coast. It is 91 metres high and its beams can be seen from up to 20 miles away in clear weather conditions. At the summit is a circular observation platform with a lantern. The charming chapel right next to the lighthouse was built in 1526, and was used in the past as a storm warning as it would peal its bells to alert Macau citizens of impending bad weather. The Guia Fortress is used for defending Macau from invaders in 17-th century. In addition, you could find Macau’ s largest park - Flora Garden at the base of Guia Hill.

Keep Reading

• Macau SAR Visa
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• Things to Do in Macau
• Macau Transportation
• Hong Kong to Macau
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• Macau to Shenzhen
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Trip.Best: Macau

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Macau travel blog — The fullest Macau travel guide blog for a wonderful trip to Macau, China

No one is unknown to Macau (or Macao) — is one of the best cities of eating and playing of China in particular and of the world in general. A special administrative and economic zone, dubbed as the Las Vegas of Asia. Macau has long been is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Macau is not only famous for its most luxurious casinos, the most luxurious hotels and resorts… but also attracts many tourists by its beautiful and charm attractions such as Genting-City of Entertainment, Ruins of St. Paul’s Church or Largo Do Senado Square … Most visitors coming here are attracted by the beautiful features mixed of Asia – Europe, the quiet of the city, the harmony between old and modern, the contrast with the modern without the rough.

• Top things to do in Macau — Top 9 cool, fun & best things to do in Macau
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So, is Macau worth visiting, how to visit Macau, what to do in Macau and how to plan a budget trip to Macau for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Macau travel blog (Macau blog) with the fullest Macau travel guide (guide to Macau, Macau tourist guide, Macau city guide, Macau guide) from how to get to Macau, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Macau to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Macau blog — When is the best to visit Macau?

From May to September is the best time to travel to Macau. During this time, the Macau’s climate is quite favorable for you to visit and explore the city, the weather is sunny but not too hot, although sometimes there is rain but little rainfall and short time.

Note: Although the weather is hot during the day, but at night the temperature drops, it is quite cold, so you should bring 1 or 2 thin jackets to keep the body warm at night. In addition, you need to bring a few more lightweight clothes, sports shoes, sunscreen, hat, umbrella … for your journey to Macau is comfortable, pleasant.

Macau travel blog — How to enter Macau?

From Hong Kong: Let’s apply for a double entry visa upon entry to Hong Kong. To enter Macau, you can apply for a visa at the border.

Directly when arrival in Macau: You can apply for visa directly at the entry door. The important tip for you is let’s apply for a visa at the entry door in three languages: English – Chinese – Portuguese, this door is close to the door of normal procedures, because this door is often few people, help you can saving more time. Ask the managers if you do not find this door to do this procedure.

Macau travel blog — How to get to Macau?

Option 1: You fly from Vietnam to Hong Kong, after arrival at the airport, you ask the way to the hydrofoil dock and then take the hydrofoil to Macau, it will take about 40 minutes to reach Macau. This dock is located near the airport so you can easily find your way to there.

Option 2: Alternatively, you can fly directly to Macau on the flight of Viva Macau Airlines to fly directly from Vietnam to Macau (The airfares are quite expensive, about $200). Then, when arrival at the airport, you can find the free bus to get to your hotel.

Macau travel blog — How to getting around Macau?

To getting around Macau, there are a lot of means of transport for you to choose, you based your budget to choose the suitable vehicle. There are 4 major means of transportation in Macau that used by most visitors.

Public buses and minibuses

To save money on travel in Macau, the bus is the best option for you. There are all 40 bus routes and operating hours from 6:45am to 12:00pm every day. According to our Macau travel guide, you should get a map of bus system to know your bus route as well as to make it easier for you to travel. Some bus routes often used by tourists:

• Bus route No.3, 3A: Running between the ferry terminals and the city center.
• Bus route No.12: Passing the Lisboa Hotel to Lou Lim IOC and Kun garden
• Bus route No.21, 21A, 25, 26A: Running to Taipa and Coloane.

If you want to sightseeing, Trishaw is the best way to explore Macau’s famous sites such as St Paul’s Cathedral, A Ma Temple, Macau Tower, Senado Square.

Note: You need to negotiate the price before going to by Trishaw, avoid paying too high price. Reference price MOP150 ($18.54) / 1 hour.

Taxis are a popular means of transportation in Macau. If you choose to take a taxi, when get up the car, remember the driver’s name and license plate (listed on the driver’s license next to the meter counter). If you feel served not very well and are not satisfied, you can report back to the Tourist Information Center.

Taxis call center: 853-28519519, + 853-28939939, + 853-85000000, + 853-28283283.

Rent a car or motorbike

If you want to free to explore the beautiful and famous attractions in Macau, you should hire vehicles to drive themselves such as: cars, motorcycles. If you want to hire a cheap and quality car in Macau, you should rent a car of Avis Rent A Car,  http://www.avis.com.mo/ (at Macau ferry terminal). Or you can rent a motorbike in Taipa Village.

• Reference hire prices:  The car hire price on weekdays around MOP 450 ($55.62) / day, weekends from MOP 500 (61.80) / day. The motorbike hire price about $16.22 / day.
• For travelers who has visited Macau many times, they often call the Land, Public works and Transport Bureau of Macau for more information about car rental services and get more clear advice. Tel: + 853-28374214, Fax: + 853-28523407.

Macau travel blog — Where to stay in Macau?

Known as a lavish city, it is not difficult to find luxury hotels, resorts in Macau. These are some good hotels in Macau you should refer to.

Ole London Hotel: Located in the city of Macau, It is convenient for you to travel on the route of sightseeings, Ole London is the first ideal hotel we would like to recommend to you. Airy and clean rooms, enthusiastic and attentive staff, ensure you will be satisfied when using the hotel services. A 2-star hotel with room rates from $48/night (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: Praca de Ponte E Horta No 4-6, Macau City, Macau, Macau Price: Lowest room rates from $47.21 / night.

Grandview Hotel: Always has been rated as one of the beautiful, cheap hotels in Macau. Not only meet the basic requirements of a 4 star hotel, but also with modern facilities such as satellite TV and minibar … surely the hotel will bring you the feelings of enjoyment and relax. A 4-star hotel with room rates from $82/night  (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: 142 Estrada Governador Albano de Oliveira, Taipa, Macau, Macau Price: Lowest room rates from $82.42 / night.

Lisboa Hotel: Located in the heart of Macau’s business district, with beautiful and luxurious space, spacious rooms with professional staff, the hotel will meet all your needs, including the most strict requirements. Lisboa Hotel is also a great option that you should refer. A 5-star hotel with room rates from $78/night (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com ).

Address: 2-4 Avenida de Lisboa, Macau City, Macau, Macau Price: Lowest room rates from $78 / night.

Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, Cotai Central: To be considered as one of the nicest and quality hotels in Macau, Cotai Central will be your ideal place to stay. In addition to the resting after the tours, you can also experience many facilities and services such as: gym, sauna, spa, massage … A luxurious 5-star hotel with room rates from $107/night (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: Estrada do Istmo. s/n, Cotai, Macau, Macau Price: Lowest room rates from $107 / night.

The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel : If you have a good budget, do not miss the Venetian Macau Resort Hotel in your Macau journey. The hotel is not only a place of rest, but also is one of Asia’s most exciting entertainment destinations with luxurious and ultra-spacious spaces, along with many other attractive amenities and services. A luxurious 5-star hotel with room rates from $143/night (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: Estrada da Baia de N. Senhora da Esperanca, Cotai, Macau, Macau Price: Lowest room rates from $143 / night.

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Wynn Palace (Address: MacaoAv. da Nave Desportiva, MO Avenida Da Nave Desportiva Cotai / Phone: +853 8889 8889), a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $197/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Rio Hotel & Casino (Address: 33 Rua Luis Gonzaga Gomes, Macau, Macau / Phone: +853 2871 8718), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $78/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Studio City Macau (Address: MacauEstr. do Istmo, Studio City / Phone: +853 8865 8888), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $122/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Royal Macau (Address: MacauEstr. da Vitoria, 2-4 / Phone: +853 2855 2222), a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $65/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Grand Hyatt Macau (Address: Macao, Estrada do Istmo City of Dreams / Phone: +853 8868 1234), a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $129/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

The Parisian Macao (Address: Lote 3, Strip, SAR, P.R. China, Estr. do Istmo, Macao / Phone: +853 2882 8833), a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $140/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

City of Dreams – The Countdown Hotel (Address: Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau, Macau), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $105/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

You can find, check rates, availability & booking for Macau hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Macau travel blog — Best places to visit and top things to do in Macau?

Macau is not only famous for the world’s most luxurious casinos, the most luxurious hotels and resorts, the funny bustling place for wealthy people, but also attracts with Genting multi-purpose entertainment complex, the Ruins of St. Paul Cathedral Church or Largo Do Senate Square… also the interesting attractions for your trip to Macau. Below, there are some top and best places to visit in Macau you should refer to.

Macau Casinos

One of the most famous places in Macau for any traveler in Macau is casino – where is dubbed as “Las Vegas of Asia”, is also a symbol of Macau. Going to the casinos in Macau you will not be overwhelmed by the luxurious interior and exterior design, elegant, attracted, bustling, charm, you will be extremely excited with the busier atmosphere, more bustling than the night markets. So, if you’re not interested in this red-and-black game, then go to Macau’s casinos at least once when you visiting here.

Macau has over 20 casinos, large, small with business licensed. In which most famous, most attract visitors are: Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, Sands Macau, MGM Macau, Lisboa, Venetian Macau…

Both indigenous peoples and tourists go to Macau’s casinos for the purpose of seeking lucky, experimenting and experiencing the game of red-black in the largest, modern, most luxurious casinos in the world. Therefore, many visitors have been burnt “their wallets” when try their luck in these casinos. So, be careful and know the stop point when you come here.

Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral Church

If you are a fan of ancient architecture, St. Paul’s Cathedral is an interesting tourist destination for you when visiting Macau. St. Paul is located west of Great Mount, the fortress of the Macau Peninsula. This place is not only famous for its unique architecture, impressive but also many memorable historical milestones.

Built in the XVII century to commemorate an apostle of Jesus is St. Paul, the uniqueness of St. Paul’s Cathedral is a combination of many different architectural styles.

The façade was completed by Japanese laypeople and local artisans under the direction of Italian architect Carlo Spinola. The church is built of marble in the style of ancient Pale architecture of Greece. The front includes the five floors, on the walls of each floor are covered with statues, the right and left has columns made by stones.

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One Day Macau Travel Plan – Three Day Macau Travel Plan – Five Day Macau Travel Plan

Budget Macau Trip Plan

(Last updated: December 20, 2023)

This 3 Day Budget Macau Trip Plan was specifically made for tourists who want to reduce costs in a city that can get very expensive to visit.  Like Hong Kong, Macau has a well earned reputation for being pricey, but with proper planning, it is possible to enjoy much of what the city has to offer for only $50 US a day. 

The simple reason is because many of Macau’s best attractions don’t cost a thing.

Top Free Attractions/Places to Go

-The Historic Quarter ( UNESCO 25 sites, the Street of Happiness, Penha Church , Camoes Park )

-The St. Lazarus Quarter (Old Ladies Home, St. Lazarus Church , St. Michael’s Cemetery , Tap Seac Square, Lou Lim Ieoc Park )

-The Mong Ha District ( Kun Iam Temple , Lin Fung Temple , Mong Ha Park , Temple of Bamboo , Xian Xinghai Museum)

-Taipa Village

-Coloane Village

-The Cotai Strip ( Venetian , Parisian , Londoner , MGM Cotai, Grand Lisboa Palace )

The best museums are very cost effective too, if not free of charge altogether:

Macau Museum ($15), Maritime Museum (Free), Handover Gifts Museum (Free), Holy House of Mercy ($5), Art Museum (Free)

To keep costs down in the food department, the solution is easy – take it to the streets!  From pig’s guts to cow’s tongues to beef organs to everything in between, Macau’s street food has you covered, often for less than $30 a meal. 

For more information, just take a look at our handy street food guide here: Street Food .

Here are a selection of my personal favourites from that list.

• Peking Dumplings (Rua dos Mercadores) – Their Pork and Cabbage dumplings are simply sublime, running only $30 for 12.
• Lam Kei (Travessa Dos Anjos) – Widely regarded as serving the best chicken buns in town, I couldn’t agree more.  And they’re only $28!
• St. Dominic Market 5F Food Court (Travessa do Soriano) – Stick to the rice dishes at the first and largest stall – Comidas Ping Kei – and you can’t go wrong.  
• Hoi Un Sio Sek (Rua Do Patane) – A good breakfast or lunch option, and the one to choose if you’re feeling adventurous.  Their Pig’s Guts Noodles are wickedly good, and the best part is that they’re not even made from pig’s guts at all, but rather pork or seafood.  One plate of three rolls runs $13.5 and I’d imagine that most people would have order two servings to feel full.  Since Hoi Un Sio Sek’s location near Camoes Park doesn’t jive with other morning activites, I didn’t specifically include them in any trip plan, but these Pig’s Guts Noodles might be worth seeking out.

Restaurants: $24 to $40 per person

Restaurants need not be expensive either, if you stick to small local joints.  It probably won’t be the best food you’ve ever had, but it will be terrific value for money.

• Cafe Nam Ping (5th of October Street) – Open since 1965, Cafe Nam Ping was the first cafe to have air conditioners in Macau.  Specializing in noodles and sandwiches, the prices are from that era too.
• Hao Jing Fan Dian (Tv. dos Becos and Rua dos Mercadores) – Hao Jing serves classic Cantonese dishes like Chicken Rice, Duck Rice and BBQ Pork for only $35 a plate.
• Lou Van Fai Kei (Rua da Cordoaria) – Low key Cantonese tea house with a strong local following in sleepy Coloane Village.
• Margaret’s Cafe (Patio do Cmte. Mata e Olveira) – Famous for egg tarts, Margaret’s is a good breakfast option located right off of San Ma Lo.  Sandwiches cost around $25 while salads are $40.

Restaurants: $50 to $100 per person

• Long Wa Teahouse (Opposite Red Market) – Macau’s last standing original teahouse, Long Wa is a treat just to be in, whether you eat anything or not!  Dim sum is available for breakfast and lunch, costing $30 per selection.
• Tai Long Fong (5th of October Street) – Tai Long Fong serves up terrific dim sum near the old Inner Harbour, with most of it only $18 to $28.
• Niu Ji (5th of October Street) – Small specialty restaurant with sensational spicy curry beef and crab paste with wontons and noodles. 
• Jason Cafe (Rua Central) – An alternative to Margaret’s Cafe for a Western style breakfast, Jason Cafe is another good choice close to San Ma Lo.

And don’t forget – there’s no need to tip in Macau!

Transportation

As for how to get around, with some advance planning you can get to know the bus routes, which are quick, convenient and cheap, with the standard fare city wide only $6.  Have exact change ready though, since drivers don’t accept cash nor return change back themselves.

The casino buses are a tremendous resource too, offering free transportation to and from major transport hubs, such as the Gongbei Border Gate, the Lotus Border Crossing, the Ferry Terminals and the Airport.  They’re also a great way to get between Macau Peninsula and the Cotai Strip too.  The Sands Macao will take you to the Venetian , Londoner and Parisian (and vice versa), the Starworld to the Galaxy , Wynn Macau to Wynn Palace , MGM Macau to MGM Cotai , Grand Lisboa to Grand Lisboa Palace , while Hotel Sintra services the City of Dreams and Studio City .

Crossing between Macau and Taipa is often an issue because the bridges are very long and not pedestrian friendly (you’re not even allowed on two of them at all!) so these free casino buses are often your best option.  And remember – you don’t even have to gamble or be a hotel guest to use them! 

Perhaps the best thing about transportation in Macau is that you won’t need it most of the time anyway.  Macau is a walker’s paradise and like my Mother always told me – it doesn’t cost anything to dream… or to walk either!

Accommodation

Okay, now for the bad news.  You’re going to have to stay somewhere and in order to stick to my self made budget of $50 US per day (or $400 Mops), the only option is the San Va .  I’m sorry, but there’s just no other way around it. 

The San Va is the cheapest place in town that doesn’t double as a brothel, and it’s not even that bad either, so long as it’s not summer.  When it is though, it’s sometimes very difficult to get a good night’s sleep, since there’s no air conditioning, only electric fans. 

For budget travellers visiting Macau between June and October then, I’d advise you to spend a little more and stay at the East Asia Hotel or Macau Hotel S instead.  Perhaps only $250 more than the San Va, it’ll be worth every penny as you crank that AC up and enjoy your own private bathroom and bathtub.

The East Asia is far more historically significant, while Macau Hotel S offers all the cleanliness and comfort of a well maintained modern hotel. No matter which one you choose, it’ll be an excellent extra $30 US spent, particularly if you’re travelling as a couple.  Nocturnal activities do not play out AT ALL at the San Va, unless you like the whole hotel listening in. Besides that, if you feel like kicking it up a notch and doing it extra nasty, you’d probably break their beds too.

Barring that however, should you be travelling between November and April, then the San Va should do just fine, and it has an amazing location to boot, minutes away from many of the top sites on the beautiful and historic Rua De Felicidade (Street of Happiness).

For first time visitors to Macau, who are on a budget of about $50 US per day, here is a 3 Day Travel Plan I think you’ll enjoy.  Provided you stay at the San Va, you should be able to keep very close to the budget, while hitting many of the top sites that the city has to offer. 

Of the Top 10 Things to Do in Macau , you’ll only miss out on fine dining, indulging, entertainment and shopping, which were never in the cards anyway on such limited funds.  Don’t feel too bad about it though, since you can always cut loose on your next visit!

Very similar to the main 3 Day Travel Itinerary , the difference with this budget version is that it is more detailed in terms of bus routes as well as information pertaining to discount dining and hotel options.

Budget Macau Trip Plan: DAY 1

UNESCO 25 Sites—Penha Church—Holy House of Mercy—Macau Museum—Camoes Park

-Arrive and take the free casino bus to the Sofitel .  If no Sofitel bus, try the Grand Lisboa .  Check in at the San Va ($220 per night, if from Sunday to Thursday.) 

-Do breakfast at Jason’s Cafe ($40-$60)

-Walk to A Ma Temple .  Also visit the Maritime Museum (Free)

– UNESCO 25 sites .  Also climb up to Penha Church from Lilau Square and then return back the same way you came. 

-More UNESCO 25 sites.  Check out the Mandarin House and St. Augustine Square .  After St. Augustine Square, walk to Peking Dumplings ($30) for lunch.  It’s right around the corner from the San Va.

-Continue with the UNESCO 25 sites, while also visiting the Holy House of Mercy ($5) and Macau Museum ($15).

-Be sure to check out Camoes Park when you get to St. Anthony’s Church .

-End you day by visiting the Lisboa , which has become one of the most underrated tourist attractions in town.  Thirty years ago it towered over all, not only boasting the most famous hotel casino in Macau, but in all of Asia.  Almost reduced to an afterthought now, the two lobbies are endowed with so much art, beauty, class and charisma that you can’t help but wonder how they could get things so right in 1970, yet so wrong now.

Simply put, no visit to Macau is complete without visiting the Lisboa, an opinion of mine that only grows stronger through the years.

-Dinner at Cafe Nam Ping ($35-$45)

DAILY EXPENSE : $140 + $220 for the San Va = $360 .

Budget Macau Trip Plan: DAY 2

St. Lazarus Quarter—Mong Ha Region—Art Museum—Handover Gifts Museum

-Walk to Margaret’s Cafe for breakfast ($20-$40)

-Walk to the St. Lazarus Quarter and visit Old Ladies Home, St. Lazarus Church , St. Michael’s Cemetery , Tap Seac Square, and Lou Lim Ieoc Park .

-Lunch at Long Wa Teahouse ($60-$90)

-Visit the Mong Ha sites ( Lin Fung Temple , Mong Ha Park , Kun Iam Temple , and finish up at Xian Xinghai Museum )

-Walk straight through the new underground tunnel to the Art Museum.  It should take about 30 minutes.

-Visit the Art Museum (Free), then the Handover Gifts Museum (Free)

-Walk up near the Grand Prix Museum, then take Bus 3 from the M241 Tourism Activities Centre stop ($6) to Ribeira Patane/Mercado.

-Walk to Niu Ji for dinner ($35-$65)

DAILY EXPENSE : $160 + $220 (San Va) = $380

Budget Macau Trip Plan: DAY 3

Taipa Village—Coloane Village—Cotai Strip

-Walk to Tai Long Fong for a Dim Sum Breakfast ($60 to $70)

-Walk back to San Ma Lo and turn left.  The first bus stop you see should be the M143 one.  Take Bus 26A to the T364 Est. Baia N S. Esperanca/Quartel stop ($6).

-You’ll be let off right at the entrance of Taipa Village, so just walk right in!  Make sure to check out the Taipa Houses Museum , which is now free.

-Return to the same bus stop you got off at, and catch the next 26A bus to the C660 Assoc. De M De Coloane stop ($6).

-Coloane Village time!!   Lou Van Fai Kei is a good budget restaurant in Coloane Village, serving the same type of Cantonese soup, rice and sandwiches as Cafe Nam Ping on the peninsula.  Packed with locals everyday it obviously meets their approval, and the price is right, with dim sum under $20, and most rice and noodles selections $22 to $27. 

Afterwards, treat yourself to a couple of Lord Stow’s famous egg tarts ($11 per piece).  All told, we’ll call lunch an even $60.

-Visit Coloane Village, as well as the small adjoining Lai Chi Vun Village, so you can visit the newly opened Shipyard Museum (Free).

-Take the 26A bus back to the Parisian and the Cotai Strip ($6). 

-Have a look at the monster hotels on the Strip, in particular the Parisian, Venetian and Londoner , which are destinations in themselves and big time bargains for walk in visitors.  I mean, it costs absolutely nothing to snap pics next to a Venetian gondola, the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, or anything else that catches your fancy.  If you desire more high brow eye candy, then check out both the Grand Lisboa Palace and MGM Cotai , which are both awash in art, Ming Dynasty rugs, Secret Gardens and some gobsmackingly gorgeous lobbies and common areas.

Afterwards, finish up at the City of Dreams so you can take the free casino bus back to the Sintra .

-Walk to Hao Jing Fan Dian for a delectable dinner of delicious roasted meat ($35).

DAILY EXPENSES : $178 + $220 (San Va) = $400

Budget Macau Trip Plan Summary

Alright, let’s total all of our expenses together, including another $100 for incidentals when you’re out and about such as water and juice etc.

Day 1 ($360) + Day 2 ($380) + Day 3 ($400) + Incidentals ($100) = $1240.

If averaged daily, it works out to roughly $415 Mops, or about $50 US per day.

As you can see, Macau need not be so expensive if you can handle the conditions at the San Va and be willing to try small, local restaurants.  As I said earlier, the vast majority of the city’s best attractions don’t cost a thing.

© 2013-2024 Maven of Macau. All Rights Reserved. Maven of Macau is a registered trademark of the Maven.

The Day-Tripper’s Travel Guide to Macau (from Hong Kong)

Posted on Last updated: April 17, 2024

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please be advised that this Macau travel guide hasn’t been updated in 2024. Prices and travel guidelines may no longer be accurate so it’s important that you verify any information before proceeding.

If you enjoy gambling, then Macau needs no introduction. It’s the gambling capital of the world, home to mega casinos and hotels generating billions of dollars in gambling revenue annually.

But even if you aren’t into gambling, you shouldn’t let that stop you from visiting Macau because there’s plenty to see and do here, even for non-gamblers. Macau has an old world European feel left by centuries of Portuguese influence. From its beautiful architecture to its delicious food, you’ll find touches of Iberian influence that will leave you guessing if you’re still in Asia. Remarkable considering not too far from old Macau are the glitzy hotels and casinos that have earned the peninsula its nickname, “The Las Vegas of Asia”.

Whether you’re into gambling or culture, there is much to experience in Macau which you can easily do on a day trip from Hong Kong . I hope this guide can help you plan your trip.

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GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS

Macau at a glance.

Like Hong Kong, Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. It’s officially a part of China, though it’s allowed to operate as an independent country with the highest degree of autonomy. It has its own currency, economy, immigration and legal system, and it gets little to no interference from either the Central Government or the Communist Party of China.

Because of its multitude of mega hotels and casinos, Macau has been called the “Las Vegas of Asia”, though perhaps it’s more fitting to call Las Vegas the “Macau of the West”. For years, Macau has exceeded Las Vegas in gross gambling revenues , generating USD 33 billion in 2017 as opposed to just USD 7.09 billion for Las Vegas. Clearly, Macau is the gambling capital of the world, generating more gambling revenue than anywhere else on the planet.

But in spite of its reputation, there’s more to Macau than its casinos. A Portuguese trading post since 1557, it became a colony in 1887 and remained under Portuguese control till 1999 when it was returned to China. Those 442 years of Portuguese influence are still evident today, from its food, to its architecture, to its Portuguese street names. Take a walk around Senado Square and you’ll feel like you’re in Europe and not Asia with all its pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone streets. This juxtaposition of old and new, East and West, is what makes Macau such an interesting destination.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MACAU

Macau shares a similar climate and peak travel seasons as Hong Kong, which is convenient because this guide assumes you’ll be visiting both destinations on the same trip. Like Hong Kong, the best time to visit Macau is in the Fall , from around the end of September till November, followed by Spring (March to early May).

MAR-MAY: Spring is a good time to visit Macau. Like Autumn, the weather is favorable though it does get rainier with occasional thunderstorms around this time, especially towards the end of May.

JUN-AUG: Summer is the hottest, wettest, and most humid time of the year so avoid those months if you can.

SEPT-NOV: As described, Fall is the ideal time to visit Macau. The weather is mild and it seldom rains. On our last trip, we went in mid-September and the weather was great, though I think October or November would have been even better.

DEC-FEB: Although the weather is ideal, this is the busiest time of the year in Macau, especially in December and around the Lunar New Year. Expect the peninsula to be packed.

Climate: Annual Monthly Weather in Macau

Check out holiday-weather.com for more on the weather in Macau . For your convenience, I’ve created the average temperature and annual rainfall graphs below. Suggested months to visit are indicated in orange.

MACAU FROM HONG KONG BY GUIDED TOUR

This guide details how you can visit Macau from Hong Kong on your own, which is easy enough to do, but if you’d like to go on a guided tour, then you can arrange for one through Klook. They offer this all-in Macau Sightseeing Day Tour which starts in Hong Kong and includes ferry transfers and lunch at a 4-star hotel. It may be worth looking into if you’d rather not arrange for everything yourself and you’d like the benefit of a tour guide. Follow the link for more information and to book the Macau Sightseeing Day Tour from Hong Kong on Klook.

TRAVELING TO MACAU

The best way to get to Macau from Hong Kong is by fast ferry. It takes about an hour each way with ferry trips being made around the clock from both Kowloon and Hong Kong ferry terminals.

We bought our tickets at the ferry terminal but you can purchase them in advance through Bookaway . You can click on the link or use the widget below.

WHERE TO EXCHANGE CURRENCY

The unit of currency in Macau is the Macanese Pataca (MOP). However, Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) are accepted everywhere in Macau so there’s no need to convert your currency to MOP. You don’t want to be stuck with any leftover MOP when you go back to Hong Kong anyway. Conveniently, the exchange rate is almost 1:1. This guide assumes you’ll be coming from Hong Kong and already have HKD. If you don’t, then a great place to exchange your currency to HKD in Hong Kong is at Chungking Mansions in Tsim Sha Tsui.

THINGS TO DO IN MACAU

1. walk from senado square to the ruins of st. paul.

Senado Square and the Ruins of St. Paul are the heart of old Macau and its most iconic attractions. They’re part of the Historic Centre of Macau which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Approximate time needed: About 2-3 hours

2. Explore Taipa

Taipa is a charming village located south of the Macau Peninsula. There you’ll find Cunha Street ( Rua do Cunha ) and its many Chinese shops and restaurants.

Approximate time needed: About 1-2 hours

3. Enjoy Coloane’s Old World Charm

Coloane is the southernmost part of Macau. It used to be its own island but it’s now physically connected to Taipa via reclaimed land which became Cotai.

Approximate time needed: About 1 hour

4. Ride a Gondola at the Venetian

Riding a gondola in Venice is probably on most people’s bucket lists. If you haven’t found your way to Venice, then the next best thing would be to ride a gondola at the Venetian.

Named after that iconic city in Italy, the Venetian is one of the most well-known casino hotels in Macau. It’s become famous for its network of canals within the hotel offering gondola rides powered by your own singing gondolier.

Length of Activity: 20 mins | Admission: MOP 128 per adult Photo by AndreyStrat via Shutterstock

5. Get an Adrenaline Rush from the Top of Macau Tower

Towering 338 meters (1,109 ft) above the ground, Macau Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the peninsula. Its 360° observation deck offers the best views of Macau, even allowing you to see all the way to Hong Kong! You can purchase tickets at the gate but you can get a discount if you buy them in advance through Klook .

Approximate time needed: About 1 hour | Admission: MOP 145 per adult Photo by cesc_assawin via Shutterstock

6. Catch a Show

Being the Las Vegas of Asia, you can expect to catch some pretty spectacular shows in Macau. One of the most popular is The House of Dancing Water at the City of Dreams. We haven’t seen it yet, but it’s said to be one of the world’s largest and most impressive pool-based performances.

Length of Show: About 1 hr 30 mins | Ticket Cost: Varies Photo by SHIMMI via Shutterstock

7. Go Gambling

Approximate time needed: Until your money runs out

WHERE TO EAT

1. a petisqueira (taipa).

As described, this place serves great Portuguese food. Everything we had from start to end was delicious. In fact, we wanted to try more restaurants in Macau but A Petisqueira was so good we wound up eating too much!

What We Paid: HKD 763.40 (between 3 people) including a carafe of white sangria

2. Lord Stow’s Bakery (Coloane)

What We Paid: MOP 10 per egg tart

3. Tai Lei Loi Kei (Macau & Taipa)

As stuffed as we were from lunch at A Petisqueira, we couldn’t leave Macau without trying their famous pork chop bun. As its name suggests, it’s basically a pork chop sandwiched in a bun.

Tai Lei Loi Kei is known for having some of the best pork chop buns in Macau. It was delicious – so succulent and juicy! We saw two Tai Lei Loi Kei branches while we were there, one just off Cunha Street in Taipa and another on the first side street to the left of the Ruins of St. Paul.

What We Paid: MOP 38 per pork chop bun

4. Hotel Buffets (Macau & Taipa)

Macau, like Las Vegas, is synonymous with three things – casinos, shows, and buffets. We’ve already covered the first two so here’s the third.

Photo by L.F via Shutterstock

POINTS OF INTEREST IN MACAU

To help you get your bearings, I’ve created this map so you get a better sense of where everything is. Most of the places recommended in this guide are pinned on this map.

HOW TO GET AROUND MACAU

If you’re interested in visiting Macau peninsula, Taipa, and Cotai, then you can get around easily using the free shuttle buses . They shuttle passengers (and potential gamblers) between the ferry terminal and the big casino hotels in Macau peninsula and Cotai. Cunha Street in Taipa is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Galaxy Macau Hotel.

But if you want to go all the way down to Coloane, the you’ll need to take a public bus or taxi. Taxis are metered in Macau so you don’t have to worry about being overcharged. They’re not that expensive either so it may be worth it if you’re traveling with other people. As described above, the taxi from Cotai Strip to Coloane was MOP 37, and MOP 49 from Coloane to Cunha Street. Not bad if you split it between 2 or 3 people. But of course, going by bus is the cheapest option.

Public bus systems always make me more nervous than subways because the chances of getting lost are higher. But thanks to the Google Maps app ( iOS | Android ), I don’t have to be so apprehensive anymore. I first used it on a trip to Taiwan and I found it so incredibly helpful and easy to use. It tells you exactly how to get from one place to the next using any city’s public transportation system. Give it a try if you plan on getting around Macau by bus.

SAMPLE 1-DAY ITINERARY

This guide crams the best of Macau into one day so time is of the essence. If you plan on visiting all the places mentioned in this guide, then it’s best to do so in a certain order so you don’t waste too much time in transit. Here’s a suggested itinerary.

• 7-8AM – TurboJet ferry from Kowloon to Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal
• 8:30AM – Arrive at Cotai Strip via free shuttle bus. I suggest catching a shuttle to any of the big hotels on the strip like Sands Cotai Central, The Venetian, Parisian Macao, or Studio City Macau. If you’d like to go to Coloane via taxi, then you can catch one from any of the hotel lobbies. It’ll cost around MOP 37 from here to Coloane. If you’d rather go by bus, then make your way to the bus stop pictured below. It’s next to the Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel and in front of the Parisian Macao Eiffel Tower. Buses 15, 21, 21A 25, 26 and 26A will take you to Coloane. The fare should be MOP 3.20 or 3.60 depending on the route. Be sure to have the exact fare (HKD is fine) because the driver can’t give you any change. You can refer to the Macau public transportation website for more information.

• 9-10AM – Arrive in Coloane (Vila de Colane-2). You’ll know you’re there when the bus reaches this roundabout. Get off here and explore Coloane. Lord Stow’s Bakery is located near the roundabout so you can start there. Visit the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier.

• 10:30AM-12NN – Arrive at Cunha Street. To get there, take Bus 15 from Coloane to Rua do Cunha. The fare should be the same. If you’re not sure where to get off, just tell the driver you’re going to Cunha Street. If you prefer to go by taxi, the fare will be around MOP 49. Explore Cunha Street and the Taipa Houses Museum.
• 12:15PM-1:45PM – Have lunch at A Petisqueira.
• 2-2:30PM – Ride a gondola at the Venetian.
• 2:45-3:45PM – Take Bus 21 to Macau Tower. ( Click here for a picture of the bus stop) Enjoy the view from the observation deck.
• 4-6PM – Take a taxi to Senado Square. Explore the square and the Ruins of St. Paul. Go window shopping and taste as many Macanese delicacies as you can. Visit Mount Fortress and Macau Museum. Eat a pork chop bun at Tai Lei Loi Kei near the Ruins of St. Paul. Take a bunch of selfies. You’re in the heart of old Macau so have fun!
• 6-7:30PM – Have dinner at one of the hotel buffets .
• 8-9:30PM – Ride a free hotel shuttle to City of Dreams to watch The House of Dancing Water.
• 9:30PM-onwards – Do some more exploring or go casino hopping. Place a bet if you’re feeling lucky. Get a drink somewhere to while away the time. Take the ferry back to Hong Kong when you’ve gambled away all your money.

TRAVEL TIPS

1. plan your trip with sygic travel.

This is the app I use to create all our itineraries. It allows me to plot points of interest on a map, including our hotel, so I can see exactly how far we need to travel between points. It allows me to create an efficient itinerary by grouping attractions together per day based on location. Check out my full post on the free Sygic Travel app for more information.

DOWNLOAD: iOS / Android

2. Rent a Pocket Wifi Device

It goes without saying that a steady wifi connection is a must these days, especially when you’re away on a trip. You’ll need it to navigate, convert currencies, check emails, and post on social media. It makes a trip less stressful and more enjoyable so we never go anywhere now without renting a pocket wifi device first.

You can stay connected via a pocket wifi device or sim card. Personally, we prefer the former but as long as you can get a reliable connection to the internet, then either is fine. You can rent a pocket wifi device or buy a sim card for Macau through Klook . If you’re in Asia, then you may be able to pick it up from your country of origin.

3. Bring your Passport

You’ll need your passport to travel to and from Macau so don’t forget to bring it! It’s just like any international airport where you have to present your passport to go through customs and immigration.

4. Go during the Week

If you can, go to Macau during the week. We had no choice but to go on a Sunday and it was crazy crowded, especially in Senado Square and the Ruins of St. Paul. It’s because many mainlanders stay in Macau over the weekend to gamble. We still had a good time but thinner crowds would have made for a more pleasant experience.

5. Buy Advanced Ferry Tickets

Many people take day trips to Macau so tickets sell out fast, especially on weekends, so it’s best to buy a return ticket from Hong Kong. Don’t wait until evening in Macau to get one because chances are they’ll be sold out of economy tickets.

You have to specify which ferry you’d like to take back, so a return ferry departing at around 9-10PM should be good. I caught the 7AM ferry from Hong Kong and that gave me enough time to do everything in this guide.

Ferries do run around the clock so if you want to stay longer to watch a show or go gambling, then you can catch a night ferry back. As advised, you can purchase ferry tickets in advance through Bookaway .

6. Invest in an iVenture Card

I didn’t know about this until after our trip, but if you’ll be visiting both Hong Kong and Macau as this guide assumes, then you may want to invest in an iVenture Card. Available in 3- or 5-day passes, it’s basically a prepaid attraction pass that saves you on the total cost of many of Hong Kong and Macau’s top tourist attractions like the Peak Tram , Ngong Ping 360 , Sky100, and Macau Tower, just to name a few. You can purchase it from the iVenture Card website, but you can save on the cost if you get it through Klook. Follow the link for more information on participating attractions and to purchase the iVenture Card through Klook.

7. Get Discount Tickets

You can get discount vouchers from many websites, bur for destinations in Asia, the best for me is Klook. They offer deals in many cities around the world, including Macau. They offer discounts to shows, tours, ferry tickets , pocket wifi rental , even buffets . Check their websites for a complete list of Macau deals on Klook .

8. Get Travel Insurance

Though we do get travel insurance more often now, we don’t get it before every trip. It depends a lot on what we’ll be doing. If we’re just going to Hong Kong to eat street food for several days, then we probably won’t get it. But if we travel to Nepal to move mountains in the Himalayas, then we’ll definitely invest in an insurance policy.

We get travel insurance from SafetyWing. They’re a travel insurance provider often used by many digital nomads. Click on the link to get a free quote from SafetyWing .

I’m not an expert on Macau but I do hope you find this guide helpful. I’m only sharing some of the things I learned from our time there. If you have any questions or suggestions, then please feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by and have an awesome day trip to Macau!

This article contains affiliate links, meaning we’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and services that we use ourselves and firmly believe in. We really appreciate your support as this helps us make more of these free travel guides. Thank you!

Found this article useful? Help us help other travelers by sharing it!

Emmanuel bunayon

Saturday 29th of July 2023

I already read your article from start to finish and I got lots of vital information for our next travel in Asia which is hk/macau this coming Nov.thank you for those information

JB & Renée

Sunday 30th of July 2023

You're welcome Emmanuel!

Married with Maps

Tuesday 10th of March 2020

We visited in November and it was a nice time of year! It was quite pleasant. We stuck to the more historical stuff and didn't do any gambling.

Travel in pictures

Thursday 22nd of August 2019

We took the ferry to a short trip in MACAU. We enjoyed the shows, the food and the amazing hotels and took spectacular pictures

Monday 17th of December 2018

Thanks it gives me a lot of information I hope you also have tour tip to Bangkok thanks.

Hi Gracey, we do! CLICK HERE for our Bangkok travel guide. :)

Travelling to Macao

Macau international airport.

Macau International Airport operates 24 hours a day, with many visitors entering the territory via numerous major cities around the region. For detailed information on flight schedules, please visit www.macau-airport.com or dial +853 2886 1111 .

To read the Regulations on Liquids Carried in Passenger Hand Baggage, please visit www.aacm.gov.mo .

For detailed information on immigration and customs formalities, visit www.fsm.gov.mo  and www.customs.gov.mo .

Transportation Service to and from Macau International Airport

All major hotels provide a pick-up service which can be booked in advance or arranged upon arrival.

Taxis are conveniently available from the taxi rank outside the airport. A surcharge of MOP8.00 is applicable, with each item of luggage carried in the boot charged at MOP3.00.

A number of buses serving the airport – marked AP1, AP1X, MT1, MT4, N2, 26, 36, 51A & 51X - criss-cross the city and stop at major hotels.

Macau International Airport is strategically located in Taipa near various ports and convenient transportation routes. Depending on traffic flow, it takes about 15 minutes to travel by car from the airport to Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal on Macao Peninsula, 5 minutes to the nearby Taipa Ferry Terminal, 20 minutes to the Border Gate, 10 minutes to the Macao Port Zone of Hengqin Port, 20 minutes to the central district on Macao Peninsula, and 10 minutes to Taipa Village. The airport is well served by air-conditioned taxis, public buses and hotel shuttle buses.

Hong Kong International Airport

Airport route ferry and cross-boundary bus services are available for passengers travelling to Macao directly via Hong Kong International Airport.

• TurboJET offers airport route ferry service between Macao Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal and Skypier at Hong Kong International Airport. For enquiries, please call: Hong Kong +852 2859 3333 , Macao +853 2855 5025 . Website:  www.turbojet.com.hk More information on SkyPier Terminal Ferry Service, please visit the website of Hong Kong International Airport .
• Macau HK Airport Direct provides cross-boundary bus service between Hong Kong International Airport Sky Pier Terminal and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Macao Port. For enquiries, please call: Hong Kong +852 3193 9188 , Macao +853 6567 0900 . Website:  www.macauhkairportbus.com More information on SkyPier Terminal Transfer Coach Service, please visit the website of Hong Kong International Airport .

Helicopter Service to and from Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal

• Hong Kong +852 2108 9917
• Macao +853 2872 7288
• Shenzhen +86 755 2345 8741

The helicopter service from Hong Kong and Shenzhen provides a convenient, upscale option for visitors wishing to quickly reach Macao.

• Hong Kong → Macao Sky Shuttle Helicopters Limited (Sky Shuttle) operates helicopters between the rooftop helipads of Shun Tak Centre (Sheung Wan, Hong Kong) and Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal (Macao Peninsula). Each flight takes approximately 15 minutes.
• Shenzhen → Macao A helicopter service between Shenzhen Baoan International Airport, PRC and the rooftop helipad of Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal (Macao Peninsula) is also available. The journey takes about 15 minutes during the day and approximately 25 minutes at night.

Booking and Enquiries Hotline:

• Hong Kong +852 2108 9898
• Shenzhen +86 755 2345 8740

or visit the website: www.skyshuttlehk.com

Hong Kong International Airport → Macao

An airport ferry service is available for passengers travelling to Macao via Hong Kong International Airport. Passengers can arrive in or depart from Macao via Hong Kong International Airport as a transit stop without having to pass through Hong Kong Customs and Immigration formalities and also without the inconvenience of carrying their luggage to the Ferry Terminal. The ferry trip from Hong Kong International Airport to Macao takes approximately 70 minutes.

• Hong Kong  +852 2859 3333
• Macao  +853 2855 5025
• International toll free Tel +800 3628 3628   (available in Mainland China and Taiwan)
• Hong Kong  +852 2359 9990
• Macao  +853 2885 0595

Hong Kong International Airport → Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal (Shun Tak Centre, Hong Kong) → Macao

The following public transportation options from Hong Kong International Airport to Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal (Shun Tak Centre, Hong Kong) are available:

• Airport Express (train) First, take the Airport Express to Hong Kong Station in Central (Operating Hours: 05:54 - 00:48 daily) then take a taxi to Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal (Shun Tak Centre, Hong Kong). Journey time: 25 minutes.
• Route A11: Travellers should get off at the "Macau Ferry, Connaught Road Central" bus stop (Operating Hours: 05:35 - 00:30). Journey time: 45 minutes.
• Route E11: Travellers should get off at the "Macau Ferry, Connaught Road Central" bus stop (Operating Hours: 05:20 - 24:00). Journey time: 70 minutes.
• Route N11: Travellers should get off at the "Central (Macau Ferry)" bus stop (Operating Hours: 00:50 - 04:50). Journey time: 75 minutes.
• Taxi Taxis from Hong Kong International Airport take about 30 minutes to reach Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal (Shun Tak Centre, Hong Kong), subject to the prevailing traffic situation.

Hong Kong → Macao

The inauguration of Hong Kong- Zhuhai-Macao Bridge allows tourists to enter Macao by vehicles. Tourists can take shuttle buses to enter Macao.

• Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Shuttle Bus Macao: +853 2872 3888 Hong Kong: +852 3753 3888 Mainland China: +86 400 863 3888 Website: www.hzmbus.com

Tourists may continue their journey by taxi or bus - routes 101X or 102X once arriving the Macao port.

• One Bus Hong Kong Macau Limited Hong Kong: +852 3703 3981 Website: www.onebus.hk
• Hong Kong Macau Express Macao: +853 2832 2198 Website: www.hkmoexpress.com
• Eternal East Bus Hong Kong: +852 3760 0888 Website: www.eebus.com

Major cities in Guangdong Province → Macao

The Kee Kwan Motor Road Co. and China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd. operate a roundtrip air-conditioned bus service from major cities in Guangdong Province to Macao. The buses arrive at Gongbei Port in Zhuhai, from where you may go through the checkpoints at GongbeiPort and Border Gate to Macao. For enquiries, please call:

• Kee Kwan Motor Road Co. Macao: +853 2893 3888 Zhuhai: +86 756 828 5313 /  +86 756 888 5218 / +86 756 828 1003
• China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd. Macao: +853 2878 8342 / +853 2870 0888 Zhuhai: +86 756 889 9228 Website: www.cts.com.mo

In addition, coach companies offer direct bus services from Macau International Airport to major cities in Guangdong Province. Enquiry hotline: +853 2888 1228 Website: www.macau-airport.com/en/transportation/transport-connection

Gateways available from Mainland China to Macao by land:

• The Border Gate Opening hours: 6:00am to 1:00am
• Macao Port Zone of Hengqin Port Opening hours: 24 hours
• The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Frontier Post at Macao Port 8:00am to 10:00pm: Tourists from Zhuhai can travel to Macao via the Frontier Post on foot.
• Qingmao Opening hours: 24 hours ( for passengers allowed )

Hong Kong → Macao

Hong Kong has three major terminals that service Macao-bound routes: Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal in Shun Tak Centre located on Hong Kong Island, the China Ferry Terminal located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon and Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal in New Territories. Tourists can find quite a number of jetfoils, catamarans and ferries available, run by TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet.

The Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal in Shun Tak Centre is most frequently used by passengers. It is located above the Sheung Wan MTR station (Mass Transit Railway) next to a terminus for buses and minibuses from many parts of Hong Kong, including the bus from the airport. The Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, the helipad, reservation offices of Macao hotels and travel agents as well as the Macao Government Tourism Office Tourist Information are all located in Shun Tak Centre.

• Macao +853 2855 5025
• Hong Kong +852 2859 3333
• International toll free Tel +800 3628 3628 (available in Mainland China and Taiwan)
• Macao +853 6616 7610
• Hong Kong +852 2359 9990

The China Ferry Terminal is located in China Hong Kong City in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, and offers roundtrip sailings to and from Macao. Its booking offices sell tickets for current and advance sailings.

Passengers are advised to arrive in the terminal at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time in order to complete immigration formalities. Seats are allocated following check-in and immigration.

• Hong Kong (Hong Kong - Macau Ferry Terminal) <--> Macao (Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal or Taipa Ferry Terminal)

Shenzhen → Macao

• Yuet Tung Shipping Co. Ltd. The Yuet Tung Shipping Co. Ltd. offers a ferry service between Macao Taipa Ferry Terminal and Shenzhen Shekou or Fuyong. For enquiries, please call: Macao +853 2885 0272 .
• TurboJET offers a ferry service between Macao Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal and Shenzhen Shekou or Fuyong. For enquiries, please call: Macao +853 8790 6203 . Website: www.turbojet.com.hk

Zhuhai → Macao

• Yuet Tung Shipping Co. Ltd. offers ferry service between Macao and Zhuhai: - Macao Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal ↔ Zhuhai Wanzai Pier - Macao Taipa Ferry Terminal ↔ Zhuhai Guishan Island For enquiries, please call: Macao +853 2885 0272 .
• TurboJET offers a ferry service between Macao Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal and Zhuhai Jiuzhou Gang. For enquiries, please call: Macao +853 8790 6203 . Website: www.turbojet.com.hk

• TRAVEL GUIDES
• DESTINATIONS
• ADVENTURE TRIPS
• HOTELS & RESORTS
• FIND HOTELS WITH DISCOUNTED RATES!

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2024 first-timer's travel guide to macau, china (things to do + tourist spots), how to get to macau, from manila, from cebu or davao, from hong kong.

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• Buy TurboJet Ferry Discounted Tickets
• TurboJet Ferry Tickets (Macau - HK Airport)

Visa Requirements to Macau for Filipinos

When is the best time to visit macau, how many days to stay in macau.

How to get around Macau?

• First 1600 meters - 19.00 MOP
• Every 240 meter - 2.00 MOP
• Within the Macao peninsula - 3.20 MOP
• Within Taipa, including from Taipa village to the airport and back - 2.80 MOP
• Within Coloane,including from Coloane village to Hac Sa Beach & back - 2.80 MOP
• From Macao peninsula to Taipa and back - 4.20 MOP
• From Macao peninsula to Coloane and back - 5.00 MOP
• From Macao peninsula to Hac Sa Beach & back - 6.40 MOP
• From Taipa to Coloane village - 3.20 MOP
• From Taipa to Hac Sa Beach or Ka Ho - 3.60 MOP
• Holder of stored value card - $3 MOP (regular bus routes) / $4 MOP (express bus routes)
• Holder of student card - 50% discount for both regular and express bus routes
• Holder of senior citizen card or disabilities registration card - FREE

Where to Change Currency?

How to Stay Connected in Macau?

• 4G WiFi Rental (Manila Airport Pick-up)
• 4G Pocket WiFi Rental (Hong Kong Airport Pick-up)
• 4G LTE SIM Card for Macau (HK Pick-up)
• Unlimited Data eSIMs for Macau (QR Delivered via Email)
• 4G Pocket WiFi Rental with No Speed Limit (Hong Kong Airport Pick-up)

Hotels in Macau

Hou kong hotel, top-rated hotels in macau.

The Venetian Hotel Macau

• 2 gondola ride tickets
• 1 night stay at Macau Venetian Hotel, Royale Deluxe Suite (good for up to 4 people)
• Buffet breakfast at Cafe Deco OR buffet lunch at Bambu Restaurant for two guests (please choose one)
• 10% service charge and 5% government tax

TRAVEL TIPS:

TOP THINGS TO DO IN MACAU, TOURIST SPOTS & BEST PLACES TO VISIT

• Stroll through Senado Square
• Visit St. Dominic's Church
• Conquer Mount Fortress
• Visit Macau Museum
• Gaze in Awe at the Ruins of St. Paul's
• Visit Macau Cathedral
• Take a look inside Leal Senado Building
• Visit the historical A-Ma Temple
• Go up to Macau Tower's Observation Lounge
• Go on a Thrilling Adventure at Macau Tower's Adventure Deck
• Hop at Extravagant Hotels and Casinos
• Ride a Ferris Wheel at Studio City
• Experience Batman Dark Flight 4D Ride at Studio City
• Have a Venetian Experience in a Gondola at Venetian Macau
• Explore the old Portuguese village of Taipa
• Enjoy the many Exciting Shows on offer
• Be amazed by the city lights
• Explore Coloane Village
• Shop for Pasalubong
• Find Instagram-worthy spots in Macau

TIPID TRAVEL TIPS:

• If you have an iVenture Card , you can avail a TKW Macau Tour - Sightseeing Day Tour in Macau with lunch buffet which includes Ruins of St. Paul's, Mount Fortress, Senado Square, Na Tcha Temple, A Ma Temple, and Macau Tower admission ticket.
• With an iVenture card, you can also watch Viva La Broadway Show and get a Broadway Macau set meal voucher worth HK$ 70.00.
• You can book and reserve online your Gondola Ride ticket via Klook.com. BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: Gondola Rides at The Venetian Macau Discounted Ticket
• Studio City's Golden Reel Ticket is priced at 658.00 Pesos if you buy it onsite. But if you book it online via Klook.com, you can get a discounted ticket for 535.00 pesos. BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: Golden Reel Ferris Wheel Discounted Ticket

Must-try Food Experiences

• Indulge on Portuguese Egg Tarts
• Have a Taste of Macau's Almond Cookies
• Deep-fried pork chop bun and clay pot-brewed coffee breakfast at Sei Kee Cafe
• Have a taste of the Michelin-recommended Pepper Meat Ball
• Enjoy the many street food kiosks near Senado Square

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Feb 2, 2018 at 6:09am PST

TOP THINGS TO DO IN MACAU + TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS

• Ruins of St. Paul's
• Façade of the Church of Mater Dei: 24 hours, 7 times a week
• Sacred Art Museum and Crypt: 09:00 am - 06:00 pm (No admission after 05:30 pm) Closed on Tuesdays after 02:00 pm
• Ruins of St Paul's: 09:00 am - 06:00 pm (No admission after 05:30 pm)

• Senado Square

A-Ma Temple

• Macau Tower
• 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Monday to Friday
• 9:00 am - 9:00pm Weekends and Public Holidays
• Macau Tower Skywalk with FREE Admission
• Macau Tower Bungy Jump
• Macau Tower Climb
• Macau Tower Skyjump

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Nov 18, 2018 at 4:13am PST

Coloane Village

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Nov 19, 2018 at 11:48pm PST

Old Taipa Village

Macau Eiffel Tower at the Parisian Macao

• Daily: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
• Last admission time: 10:30 pm

"Golden Reel" Ferris Wheel at Studio City

• It is open from 12:00 NN to 08:00 PM on weekdays, and 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM on weekends. Ticket price is at $100 HKD / 658 PHP.

Batman Dark Flight 4D Ride at Studio City

• Monday-Friday: 12:00 pm-8:00 pm
• Weekends: 11:00 am-9:00 pm (including Dec 24 – Jan 1)

OTHER THINGS TO DO AT STUDIO CITY

• Legend Heroes Park - a highly-touted attraction in Macau where you can immerse yourself in virtual realities. Book through Klook and purchase tickets to enter this unique park and get to experience the surreal wonders conjured by cutting-edge technology! Through augmented reality, motion tracking, projection mapping, 4D+, and more, the park is able to mesh the virtual and physical planes together. You’ll be able to dive into beautiful video game worlds, participate in races and other kinds of sports while feeling the adoration of spectators.
• Studio City Super Fun Zone - Blast into 5 themed fun zones covering 29,600 square feet of pure excitement, leading to a world of discovery! The 4-level Super Fun Zone is capable of hosting up to 500 people. Divided into 5 zones—Mountain, Forest, Under the Sea, Outer Space and Space Station—it’s a space for kids of all ages to climb, jump and explore a wide range of experiences.

STUDIO CITY MACAU

The House of Dancing Water

Legend Heroes Park

Warner Bros. Fun Zone

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Jan 23, 2018 at 10:59pm PST

Sample Macau DIY Itinerary

• Arrive in Macau
• Check-in or drop your bag to the hotel
• Explore Macau Historical Core - UNESCO Heritage Site
• Leal Senado Building
• St. Dominic's Church
• Macau Cathedral
• Mount Fortress
• Macau Museum
• Have a taste of Portuguese Tarts and Almond Cookies
• Climb Macau Tower / Activities
• Watch the free shows at Wynn Hotel such as fountain show, dragon of fortune show, tree of prosperity show, etc.
• Enjoy the city lights
• Go back to the hotel
• Breakfast at Sei Kee Cafe in Senado Square
• Check-out of the hotel
• Take a bus or free shuttle bus to Cotai area
• Ride Studio City's Golden Reel Ferris Wheel
• Experience Venetian Macau's Gondola Ride
• Take photos at the grand hotels and casinos
• Go to the airport
• Dinner at the airport
• Depart for Manila

Sample 3 days / 2 nights Hong Kong and Macau Itinerary

Day 1 - macau.

• 07:00 - Ferry ride from Hong Kong to Macau
• 08:00 - Arrival in Macau
• 08:30 - Leave bags in the hotel
• 09:00 - Pick up at either the Macau Hotel or Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal
• 10:00 - Start of TKW Macau Tour (includes buffet lunch)
• Na Tcha Temple
• A Ma Temple
• From here, you may request the tour guide to leave you at the Macau Tower so you could avail the Macau Tower Observation Ticket.
• 02:00 - Macau Tower Observatory
• 03:00 - Travel to Broadway Macau (ride the free casino shuttle bus)
• 04:00 - Broadway Macau (not available every Tuesday)
• Avail Viva La Broadway Show
• Redeem Broadway Macau set meal using the voucher
• 06:00 - Dinner
• 07:00 - Visit Casinos
• 10:00 - Go back to the hotel, rest.

DAY 2 - HONG KONG PART 1

• 05:00 - Check out from the hotel
• 06:00 - Take the ferry to Hong Kong
• 07:00 - Arrive in Hong Kong
• 08:00 - Leave bags at the hotel
• 08:30 - Pick-up at Holiday Inn Golden Mile on Mody Road, TST, Kowloon for Ocean Park Hong Kong
• 09:30 - Arrive at Ocean Park Hong Kong
• 10:00 - 02:00 PM - Enjoy Ocean Park Hong Kong + Lunch
• 02:30 - Take the MTR to Kowloon (Sky100 is just outside Kowloon MTR Station)
• 03:00 - Go up to Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck + Avail Sky100 VR experience Ticket
• 04:00 - Take the MTR to Noah's Ark Hong Kong
• 05:00 - Go to Victoria Peak, avail roundtrip Peak Tram tickets
• 07:00 - Dinner
• 08:00 - The Art of Chocolate Museum Ticket
• 09:00 - Go back to the hotel

DAY 3 - HONG KONG PART 2

• 09:00 - Travel to Ngong Ping (take the MTR to Tung Chung)
• 10:00 - Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ride
• 10:30 - Arrival at Ngong Ping
• Ngong Ping Village
• Walking with Buddha
• Ngong Ping Piazza
• Tian Tan Big Buddha
• Po Lin Monastery
• Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas
• Wisdom Path
• 12:00 - Lunch
• 12:30 - Travel back by 360 Cable Car Ride to Tung Chung
• 01:00 - Arrive at Tung Chung MTR Station
• 0200 - 05:00 - Rickshaw Sightseeing Bus Tour
• 06:00 - Watertours Pre-Sunset Cruise
• 09:00 - Dinner
• 10:00 - Go back to the hotel

Macau Trip Budget and Expenses

• Bus from airport to city center - 30.00
• 4G LTE SIM Card - 300.00 / 2 = 150.00 per person
• Hou Kong Hotel (1 night) - 3,000.00 / 2 = 1,500 per person
• Food expenses - 500.00
• Macau Tower Admission Fee - 646.00
• TOTAL - PHP 2,828.00
• Food expenses - 700.00
• Public bus to Cotai area - 30.00
• Studio City's Golden Reel Ferris Wheel - 535.00
• Venetian Macau's Gondola Ride - 721.00
• Bus to Airport - 30.00
• TOTAL - PHP 2,016.00

GRAND TOTAL - PHP 4,844.00

• Round trip airfare Manila-Macau-Manila
• NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
• Food expense for snacks
• Budget for pasalubong and tips

Macau Travel Blogs

• Hong Kong to Macau by Bus or Ferry via Sea Bridge - this is where I explained and provided instructions on how to get to Macau from Hong Kong via ferry boat or by bus. This is very useful especially if you're visiting Macau coming from Hong KOng.
• iVenture Card Hong Kong-Macau Review - this is where I explained the benefits of using an iVenture Card, how much will you save, and what are the included attractions when using an iVenture Card on your trip to Hong Kong and Macau.
• Batman Dark Flight Ride - this is where I shared our memorable experience at Batman Dark Flight Ride at Studio City Macau.
• Free things to do, Tourist spots and Attractions in Macau - this is where I shared the different tourist spots and attractions, as well as things to do in Macau. It also includes the free attractions in Macau!
• Sample Hong Kong-Macau Itineraries - this is where I shared some sample DIY itineraries for 3,4,5 days in Hong Kong and Macau.

I hope this First-timer's Macau Budget Travel Guide will help you in planning a memorable Macau Adventure! Enjoy and have fun!

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 8 comments :.

Wow, nice photos sir! especially the solo shots. Did you use a tripod for those? or held by someone else?

Macau is an autonomous region on the south coast of China, across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong. A Portuguese territory until 1999, it reflects a mix of cultural influences. Its giant casinos and malls on the Cotai Strip, which joins the islands of Taipa and Coloane, have earned it the nickname, "Las Vegas of Asia." Explore Macau's streets, casinos, and tourist sights without breaking the bank. You can take a ferry to Macau from Hong Kong (Hong Kong–Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong-China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui or Hong Kong SkyPier at Hong Kong airport) or from other neighboring ports in China such as Shekou and Zhuhai.

Hello, Great post! Please correct me if I'm wrong: you can take the free hotel shuttle to Taipa and many other destinations in Macau. Thanks and more power!

Very helpful post. Thanks for sharing :) Question. The article mentioned that senior citizen and PWDs are free in taking the bus. Is this something we should apply for pagdating sa Macau? O they will honor the SC and PWD issued in the Philippines?

Good day! We will be traveling to Macau this Sept. We will go directly to HongKong once we arrive in Macau. Is it okay that we have no hotel reservations in Macau but we have in hongkong. Thank you

Good day, Planning to visit macau next year. The hotels are quite expensive and we're planning to book in HK. Okay lang po ba na upon arrival sa macao mag day tour lang and then sa HK ang hotel accommodation? Will there be any issues sa migration kapag ganun set up?

Gud pm po sir how much po pra Makapunta nang Macau Sapt na po ba yung 30 na bugdet 4 faus

Hi may I asked, still no need visa till now.. Manila-Macau ? Cuz we plan to travel on Aug to Macau?

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This is how you catch a public bus in Macao

READING TIME

Catching public transport in a strange city can be a stressful experience, beset with questions. Do operators take cash or credit cards? Will change be given? How do you know when to get off a particular train, tram or bus? What are those travel cards all the locals seem to be using and where do you buy them? The difficulties are compounded if you’re not familiar with the local languages.

Despite the stumbling blocks, visitors to Macao are sometimes left with no option but to try their luck on public transport. The city is woefully short of taxis , leading to long frustrating waits. Ride-hailing apps are banned. The light rail system only operates a single line , leaving many areas unserved. 

[ See more : Here’s a guide to the hotel and casino shuttle bus services in Macao ]

Luckily, the casino operators offer free shuttle buses to high-demand destinations like the Border Gate and the ferry terminals. But for all points in between, your best bet is the public bus system, which poses the question: how is it done?

Read on for a first-time user’s guide to catching a bus in Macao. At some point during your stay, you’re almost certainly going to need to.

Can I pay in cash?

Yes, but change is not given, so you’ll want to have the exact fare ready in coins. Hong Kong coins are accepted as well as the local patacas and avos.

The bus system in Macao is extremely affordable. If you’re paying in cash, the flat fare – on any route and for any distance – is 6 patacas (about US$0.75).

However, the fare is just 3 patacas (about US$0.37) for payments made with the stored value card known as the Macau Pass . If you’re going to be spending any length of time in Macao, or returning frequently to the city, it’s probably worth getting one.

Note that most locals will actually be paying their fares using the MPay app, which features a digital version of the Macau Pass. However, as a visitor you might find it easier to skip setting up an MPay account and simply using the physical card. 

So where can I get hold of a Macau Pass and how much does it cost? 

The Macau Pass is available at convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K as well as at Royal supermarkets and Sunsco supermarkets . 

You can also find them at vending machines scattered across the city. Try the machines at the Praça Ferreira Amaral , next to the Grand Lisboa Hotel, or at Macao Port . The former will also sell you a Macau Travel Easy Package (link only in Chinese), which combines the Macau Pass and a CTM prepaid SIM card.

[ See more : How to get the bus from Macao to Hong Kong Airport (and vice versa) ]

The cards can also be bought at Macau Pass’ three customer service centres: Macau Pass Dynasty District Flagship Store (open from Monday to Sunday), Macau Pass Taipa (Monday to Friday) and Macau Pass North District (Monday to Friday). The centres are open from 10 am to 7 pm and closed on public holidays.

The Macau Pass costs 130 patacas, of which 30 patacas is a service fee, leaving you with a balance of 100 patacas. 

100 patacas? But that buys 33 bus rides. I won’t need that many.

True! If you’re like most visitors and not in town for long, a 100-pataca balance may seem excessive – assuming you’re just going to be spending it on buses. But you can also use your Macau Pass for payment in many stores, restaurants, entertainment venues and on the LRT. It just makes your stay more convenient.

I see. So I can top up my Macau Pass if I need to?

Yes. You can top it up at any of the places where the card is sold, as well as at any branch of McDonald’s. You can also top it up at the ParknShop, Sanmiu, Tai Fung and Vang Kei supermarkets. 

The minimum top-up amount is 50 patacas and the cards can hold up to 1,000 or 3,000 patacas in total balance, depending on type.

How does the card work?

A simple tap on the card reader. If you hear a loud beep and an E09 sign appears on the reader, it means you’ve already paid and are inadvertently tapping your card twice. An E07 sign means your card has no balance.

OK. I’m all set with my Macau Pass. Now how do I figure out the bus routes?

Macao’s Transport Bureau has an app for that. Download it from the App Store or Google Play . 

Many routes pick up at Grand Lisboa, bound for different parts of the city. Routes popular with tourists include 22, 28A or 33 to Taipa Village , and 25, 50 or 26A to Coloane .

For more granular information, use the app and type your destination into “point-to-point route search.” The app will pinpoint your current location, tell you which bus to take, guide you to the nearest bus stop and estimate your journey time.

[ See more : What’s next for Macao’s LRT? ]

If you tap “route data,” you’ll be able to check all the bus stops en route. The “bus location” function meanwhile gives you a live view of how far you are from your stop. 

There’s even a function that shows live cams of the city’s main roads so you can check if you’re going to be held up in traffic.

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Registration for automated passenger clearance system for non-residents of macao, how to apply.

Application time limit: No relevant stipulation.

Application procedures and necessary documents:

Application approach: In person.

• Registration for e-Channel for ‘Non-resident Workers and their Dependants / Non-resident Students’
• Holders of a valid “Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card” and their dependants;
• Students possessing valid “Temporary Authorization to Stay” (aka “red stamp”) or “Special Authorization to Stay” (aka “green stamp”).
• Valid passport or travel document used for application for “Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card” or “Special Authorization to Stay”;
• “Revenue Receipt” of application for “Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card”;
• Original “Receipt” of application for “Special Authorization to Stay” for Non-resident Students (aka “student visa”) .
• “Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card” or “Special Authorization to Stay” holders can still use the conventional channels for immigration clearance no matter their fingerprint templates have been captured or not in the registration process.
• Minors aged 11 to 17 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and produce the birth certificate of the applicant and the identification document of the accompanying parent or guardian for registration. (If accompanied by a guardian, the proof of legal relationship should also be provided.)
• Registration for e-Channel for ‘Hong Kong Residents’
• Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 or above;
• Hong Kong non-permanent residents aged 11 or above and holding a valid HKSAR Document of Identity for Visa Purposes and Hong Kong Identity Card.
• Permanent Residents: Applicants are required to approach the designated registration locations in person with their Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card for registration.
• Non-permanent Residents: Applicants are required to approach the designated registration locations in person with their HKSAR Document of Identity for Visa Purposes and Hong Kong Identity Card.
• Hong Kong residents can still use the conventional channels for immigration clearance no matter their fingerprint templates have been captured or not in the registration process.
• Minors aged 11 to 17 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and produce the birth certificate of the applicant and the identification document of the accompanying parent or guardian for registration. (If accompanied by a guardian, a legal authorization letter or the court judgment should also be provided.)
• If the proof provided by the applicant is not in Chinese, Portuguese or English, a certified translation into one of the above three languages should be submitted.
• At the time of registration, Hong Kong non-permanent residents are required to possess a HKSAR Document of Identity for Visa Purposes and a Hong Kong Identity Card, both of which should be valid for at least 90 days. The validity of the registration depends on whichever document expires first. In addition, the information specified in the two documents should be exactly the same.
• Registration for e-Channel for ‘Residents of Mainland China’
• Target Groups and Application Eligibility Holders of a valid “Special Stay Permit” and their reuniting family.
• Required Documents The applicant is required to present the original of the “PRC Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao for Official Purpose” (“PRC Permit for official purpose” for short) which is used to apply for the “Special Stay Permit” in person at any of the designated registration locations to register for the service.
• Residents of Mainland who are 7 years old or above and holding a card-form electronic “PRC Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao” and have authorized the Public Security Police Force to use their fingerprint templates during their application for the Permit can use the e-channels without registering for the service.
• “Special Stay Permit” holders who have or have not had their fingerprints collected for registration may still use the traditional counters for immigration clearance.
• Registration for e-Channel for ‘Foreign residents’
• Target Groups and Application Eligibility Australian residents, Korean residents, Portuguese residents and Singaporean residents aged 11 or above.
• Required Documents Applicants are required to approach the designated registration locations in person with their Australian passport, Korean passport, Portuguese passport or Singaporean passport for registration.
• Australian residents, Korean residents, Portuguese residents and Singaporean residents can still use the conventional channels for immigration clearance no matter their fingerprint templates have been captured or not in the registration process.
• The passport should be valid for at least 90 days.
• Registration for e-Channel for “Residents of Region of Taiwan”
• Target Groups and Application Eligibility Residents of the Region of Taiwan aged 11 or above and holding a valid card-form “Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents” (Taiwan Compatriot Permit).
• Required Document The applicant is required to bring his or her card-form Taiwan Compatriot Permit to the designated registration locations to register for the service i n  person .
• Residents of the Region of Taiwan who have or have not had their fingerprints collected for registration may still use the traditional counters for immigration clearance.
• During their registration for the service, card-form Taiwan Compatriot Permit holders will be requested to provide both their Taiwan Compatriot Permit and identity card or other travel document for the purpose of verifying their identity.

Registration Location and Registration Time

Contact Information: Please click here for details

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Remarks / Points to note

Persons who meet the requirements and have completed the registration for the Automated Passenger Clearance System may use the e-channels with the registered travel document for immigration clearance at the Border Gate, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Qingmao, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, Taipa Ferry Terminal, Airport and Macao Port Zone of Hengqin Port Checkpoints.

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‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ Is a Keeper: TV Review

Legendary talk show host and hot wing evangelist returns to television with hilarious new Max travel show

By Stephen Rodrick

Stephen Rodrick

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The key to understanding Conan O’Brien’s comedy is knowing that it comes from a point of kindness. Yes, I know in this age of comics punching down , this kind of compliment may leave you with a neon “Must Avoid!” sign flashing in your bleary eyes — but stay with me.

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Conan’s three-decade run as a talk show host ended in 2021 under less-than-optimal circumstances , as he wound down his TBS show during the pandemic year. He talked to longtime sidekick Andy Richter , who sat among dozens of cardboard cutout fans. O’Brien quipped that they were last in line for the vaccine because the CDC had looked at the shows and “they said ours is the least essential of pretty much all the non-essential shows.”

There was some truth in that, but Conan had already started his move to other outlets , starting with his “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast in 2018.

The podcast is funny and sweet, especially the pre-interview segments with longtime associate Sona Movsesian and producer Matt Gourley. Conan mocks Sona’s legendarily bad work habits. and Gourley’s flea market predilections, but any kind of comedic acid is reserved for the self-lacerating O’Brien. (On a recent episode, Conan runs down his own looks, and it is cruel and hilarious, but part of me is thinking, “Dude, cut yourself a break.”). The only time things get contentious is when Conan visited by longtime friend Kevin Nealon — perhaps the podcast’s best episodes.

The podcast had an offshoot called “Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan,” on which O’Brien would talk to a fan, often in a faraway land. That led to O’Brien traveling to Norway, Thailand, Ireland and Argentina to meet them. Why? Well, a dour and ominous narrator, aka Werner Herzog, offered this rationale at the beginning of each episode: “Once a proud talk show host, he’s been driven by a changing ecosystem to a drier and harsher climate: the weekly podcast. Here , without the nourishment of his studio audience, this clown with dull , tiny eyes, the eye of a crudely painted doll , is forced to feed on that meagerest of morsels: the random call-in fan. Unhinged by the feral scent of their mild enthusiasm. He scavenges in distant lands uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition , and the occasional selfie.”

It’s a self-deprecating bit, but it’s also the truth. Conan has been doing travel shows for years, most notably one to Movsesian’s native Armenia , as well as a chaotic trip to Finland where O’Brien is treated as a god because of his physical resemblance to the Finnish president who happens to be a woman. He clearly loves the journey. And he loves the comedy set piece–see his classic “Old Timey Baseball” opus — which has always been an essential part of his appeal.

The encounters work because O’Brien doesn’t treat his new friends as fools — rather , he revels in the fact that he is the fool. (See his instant-classic appearance on “Hot Ones,” the show where interviews are conducted while the celebrity consumes increasingly acidic chicken wings. Conan rhapsodizes on comedy being all around us as green-yellow mucus drips down his nose.) Of course, there are exceptions made for old friends. Conan goes out for asada in Buenos Aires with the effete and erudite Jordan Schlansky, a longtime producer and frenemy. Schlansky and Conan are the Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon of American cable , and on his TBS show and podcast the two have tangled over Japanese customs, Conan hosting Schlansky’s bachelor party in his own office, and Schlansky hiding an expensive Espresso machine in an inaccessible part of their offices. (As with the Courtney Thorne-Smith segment, Conan’s visceral malice toward Schlansky works because it is so out-of-character).

During the Argentina episode, they get into a fierce argument about the proper pronunciation of the word “tango,” Conan then licks Schlansky’s favorite cut of meat — wait, that came out wrong. After, they go on an ill-fated trip to the Pampas, where both fail spectacularly at gaucho life.

Not everything works. O’Brien does a self-referential bit about the expensive drone he is using on the first show , and for the next four episodes I am distracted every time I see a beautiful shot thinking about the drone’s specifications and capabilities. Some of the stuff goes on a bit long, but so does my writing.

These are minor quibbles. If you’re a Conan fan, you’ll treasure the trips, just like his completists treasure encounters with a masturbating bear. The series ends with Conan tracing his family’s roots in Ireland. He comes across his ancestor’s land, makes a few jokes, but then looks at the land, clearly moved. Conan O’Brien has played the fool long enough; we grant him this moment of humanity with all our hearts.

All four episodes of “Conan O’Brien Must Go” are now available on Max.

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'Conan O'Brien Must Go' is side-splitting evidence of life beyond late night TV

Eric Deggans

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway. Conaco/Max hide caption

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway.

To be honest, when I first heard Conan O'Brien was ending his TV talk show in 2021, I assumed news that he might turn to variety shows and online programs to continue his career was some combination of face-saving and wishful thinking.

But after watching the four episodes of his new Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , it's now obvious — even to a thickheaded critic like me — that leaving late night TV really was liberating for O'Brien. He's leveraged his unique sensibility into several different podcasts, a deal with Sirius XM , specials featuring other stand-up comics and now this travel series for Max — which resembles jokey specials he did for cable channel TBS back in the day.

And as the late night TV genre crumbles under sagging viewership and the decline of traditional media, O'Brien's renaissance also provides an example for the future — where fertile comedy minds and talented performers can spread their work over a much larger canvas.

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Is conan o'brien the best 'hot ones' guest ever discuss., learning a lesson from 'hot ones'.

O'Brien already made a splash recently with his brilliantly maniacal appearance on the interview-while-eating-hot-wings show Hot Ones , slobbering over hot sauces while claiming, as he was checked over by a fake doctor, that "I'm fine! I'm perfectly f*****g fine!"

This is the place where O'Brien shines — he's called it "this strange phantom intersection between smart and stupid" — and it's on full, freakish, super silly display in every episode of Conan O'Brien Must Go .

The conceit of the show is pretty simple. O'Brien heads overseas to visit average folks in Norway, Argentina, Thailand and Ireland who had once Zoomed in to speak with him on the podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan . Sometimes the visits seem like a surprise — he catches one aspiring Norwegian rapper in shorts and Crocs after popping up on his doorstep — and others seem a bit more planned, including his visit to a radio show with about four listeners in Buenos Aires.

Each episode begins with a solemn monologue which sounds like it is delivered by the film world's most eccentric voice, German filmmaker and actor Werner Herzog (he's not credited in the show and when asked, a publicist at Max shared a quote from O'Brien: "I can neither confirm nor deny the voice in question.")

The torturous accent by "Herzog" makes every line sound absurdly hilarious, describing O'Brien as "the defiler ... with dull, tiny eyes ... the eyes of a crudely painted doll ... he scavenges in distant lands, uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition and the occasional selfie."

Now that's smart. And oh so stupid.

A funhouse mirror version of a travel show

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway Conaco/Max hide caption

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway

Fans of O'Brien's Conan Without Borders specials on TBS already know what his style is when he tackles a travel show — throwing himself into outrageous reactions and situations while working his quirky brand of improvised conversations with hapless bystanders.

In the Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , that includes O'Brien offering screechy vocals onstage during a performance of a Norwegian emo/rap band. Or asking provocative questions of a couple therapist/sex expert. Or getting beat up in a "fight" with a 10-year-old boy in a bar.

It's all an excuse for O'Brien to unleash his energetic wit, taste for silly absurdity and skill at drawing laughs from sympathetic — if often befuddled — strangers. Whether you enjoy this special will depend on how you feel about O'Brien's style, which can feel a bit like the world's best class clown doing everything possible to make you crack a smile.

(Rent a family in Norway so they can say goodbye when he gets on a SeaCraft? Check. Get local artists to paint a mural of O'Brien, a soccer star and The Pope on the side of a building in Argentina? Double check.)

'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend' Is A Joke Name For A Podcast — Sort Of

But what amazes in a larger sense is how O'Brien has turned his sensibility into a comedy brand to fuel work on many different platforms. And, at age 60, with more than 30 years as a comedy star, he's been released from the shackles of any genre to shine wherever he chooses — whether it's an episode of Hot Ones or a streaming service which sometimes looks like a collision between True Detective and 90 Day Fiancé .

Leaving late night TV as late night left him

I'm old enough that I started covering TV not long after O'Brien made his first move from the shadows of life as a comedy writer – he worked on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons — to succeed David Letterman in 1993 as host of NBC's show Late Night (now hosted by Seth Meyers). Back then, NBC gave O'Brien years to figure out the show, honing his smartly serious comedy in a way that would inspire then-teenage fans like Seth Rogen and Bill Hader .

O'Brien left NBC after a disastrous deal where the network tried to make him host of its venerated late night program The Tonight Show and also keep its former host Jay Leno at the network. He moved to a late night show on TBS in 2010, but even then, there was a sense that his creativity was a bit hemmed in by the format.

After 28 Quirky Years, Conan O'Brien Is Leaving Late Night

By the time he left his TBS show Conan for good, it seemed O'Brien was already caught in a trend which would hobble other late night shows — as young viewers consumed his content online and ratings on cable dropped.

Now, with a podcast and digital media company worth many millions and growing status as a TV comedy legend still willing to do almost anything for a laugh, O'Brien is proving there is a successful life beyond late night.

Particularly, if you have the talent to play the fool while leaving little doubt you're also the smartest person in the room.

Palazzo Versace Opens in Macau

There's no better way to experience the Versace lifestyle than to live in it, which will be made possible to visitors for the first time in the Asian market with the opening of Palazzo Versace in Macau.

The hotel blends neoclassical European architecture with the Milanese fashion houses' iconic motifs, such as the Medusa head and the geometric Greca and Barocco prints. Other key design features of Palazzo Versace Macau include symbols rooted in local Chinese customs, such as the chrysanthemum flower and an ornate dragon.

Located within the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau and taking over three towers, the hotel offers 271 rooms and suites across 12 floors. Inside the hotel suites, bespoke linens and upholsteries are created by Versace Home , which began operating under a licensing agreement inked in 2020 with Luxury Living, part of Lifestyle Design Group.

The hotel features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a wellness retreat, personal training studio and two Italian restaurants.

According to the hotel's official website, room rates range from about $150 to $500 per night.

The project was developed in a venture with SJM Resorts, which is controlled by the family of Macau real estate mogul Stanley Ho.

To celebrate the opening, Donatella Versace, John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, global brand ambassador Rosy Zhao, Chinese supermodel Ming Xi, Mario Ho, Pansy Ho, and many more members of the Ho family, showed up at the opening party on Saturday.

"It is wonderful to bring together so many friends for such a special event to mark the opening," said Donatella Versace, Versace's chief creative officer. "I know that Palazzo Versace will continue this warm welcome for every guest who comes to visit, for many years to come."

"I am thrilled that our efforts are contributing to a new dimension in Macau's status as a world center of tourism and leisure, attracting a broader spectrum of discerning travellers from across the globe," said Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM Resorts.

There are currently two Palazzo Versace hotels in the world.

In 2016, Palazzo Versace opened in Dubai. The project was developed as a joint venture with United Arab Emirates-based property developer Enshaa Group.

The very first Versace hotel, located at Australia's Gold Coast, originally opened in 2000. The project was conceptualized by Gianni Versace before his death. However, the branding agreement ended in early 2023.

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‘conan o’brien must go’: where to watch the new travel series online.

The former late night host is on a mission to meet his fans from all around the world.

By Rudie Obias

Rudie Obias

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After his appearance on the Hot Ones web series and his return to NBC’s Tonight Show as Jimmy Fallon’s guest, Conan O’Brien is back on TV with his new travel series, Conan O’Brien Must Go .

All four episodes of Conan O’Brien Must Go are available to stream online starting today. You can watch the travel series with a subscription to Max .

At a glance:  How to watch   Conan O’Brien Must Go online

• Release date:  April 18
• Stream online :  Max
• No. of episodes : 4

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How to watch 2024 nba playoffs online without cable, 'conan o'brien must go' review: conan's max travel series is smartly stupid fun.

The new travel series is receiving mostly positive reviews. “ Conan O’Brien Must Go  is a smartly dumb show — or a stupidly smart show — focused (loosely) on what is essential about travel,” Hollywood Reporter chief TV critic Daniel Fienberg writes in his review . “It’s a series about arriving in a new place open to meeting new people, learning new languages, tasting new foods and experiencing uncomfortable new circumstances … and then making fun of them, when all the while you’re mostly mocking yourself and the fears people have about stepping outside of their comfort zones.”

Learn more about Max and the best deals for the streamer here .

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In “Conan O’Brien Must Go,” the comedian and talk show host puts his own irreverent spin on the well-worn travel show format. 

Premiering Thursday, April 18 on Max, the four-episode series is based on the podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.” 

The show follows O’Brien, 60, as he visits “friends” that he’s made (aka, fans who have called into his podcast). 

The result is a travel show that feels self indulgent, at times – as all celebrity travel shows often do – but it’s also entertaining and provides an off-beat and quirky look into a variety of countries. 

It should appeal to fans of O’Brien, and it may also appeal to viewers who feel indifferent to him, but enjoy amusing insights into other cultures. 

Each episode opens with idyllic scenes of gorgeous landscapes. 

There’s a voiceover similar to what you’d hear in a nature documentary, narrating how O’Brien was once “a proud talk show host,” but “a changing ecosystem” has sent him to a “drier and harsher climate: the weekly podcast.” 

The voice further describes O’Brien as “This clown with dull tiny eyes, the eyes of a crudely painted doll,” and talks about how he is “forced to feed on that meagerist of morsels, the random calling fan, unhinged by the feral scent of their mild enthusiasm…..He scavenges in distant lands. Uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition and the occasional selfie.”

The first episode then cuts to O’Brien showing up to ring one fan’s doorbell in Norway. 

The shocked fan lets him into his apartment, and O’Brien proceeds to critique his living situation on the fly, pointing out how the bread in his kitchen is stale. 

O’Brien then leaves to do segments exploring Norwegian culture – including a segment visiting Viking enthusiasts, an interview with a psychologist about the modern day sex and dating customs in the culture, and he visits another fan who works on a fishing boat. 

“That’s right, I have two fans in Norway!” he boasts. 

The result is an hour that feels fairly well-rounded, digging into different aspects of the country and culture. But it never loses sight of doing it in O’Brien’s idiosyncratic way . 

When his second fan turns out to be laconic, O’Brien says, “We have zero chemistry, what are we going to do?” 

That breaks the ice, and it demonstrates O’Brien’s talent for thinking on his feet and making conversation with just about anyone.

However, sometimes his jokes and bits get tedious – like a scene when he loses his luggage, so he dons traditional “Norwegian” attire from a nearby store. He then interviews a local man on the street about how nobody really wears that, and O’Brien looks foolish. It’s mildly funny, but the man isn’t that chatty. So the result is a repetitive conversation where O’Brien keeps prompting a man, who gives terse “yes” answers. 

But, O’Brien is an old pro, and the show clips along at a steady pace. Just when a segment feels like its overstaying its welcome, the show moves onto new and fresh material. 

Other episodes include the comedian taking trips to Thailand, Argentina and Ireland. 

The Emerald Isle episode has an amusing bit where O’Brien hunts for Bono in a park among the shrubbery, as if he’s searching for a wild animal. Finding a pair of Bono’s trademark sunglasses, he comments that he’s close to finding the musician because “He sheds these.” He then uses a Global Humanitarian Award statuette as “bait.” 

“Conan O’Brien Must go” fits comfortably into the genre of “celebrity travel shows,” and it may not win over viewers who never much cared for him, but it’s an amusing watch.

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