macau tourism places

12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Macau

Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated May 11, 2023

Authors Lana and Michael Law love visiting Macau for the sights, sounds, and tastes of this wonderful island.

Macau is a little slice of Portugal deep in the heart of the Far East. It seems hard to fathom that only 60 kilometers from the urban jungle of Hong Kong, well-preserved colonial architecture and cobbled streets exist and wait to be explored.

Take a stroll through the bustling streets up to the ruins of the cathedral, and you'll see the city's rich past everywhere. It's no surprise that the historic center of Macau has been included in the list of China's most significant World Heritage Sites .

The main attractions and tourist-focused things to do are primarily located on the mainland and relatively close to one another. Getting around here is easy, and you can explore many of the sites on foot, walking through the twisty streets.

The entertainment areas and massive hotels are clustered along the waterfront and also on the island of Cotai. Be sure to pick up a tourist map of Macau to orient yourself, as the streets rarely run on a grid pattern, and it's easy to get turned around.

With the recent opening of the new 55-kilometer Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, the world's longest, you now have the choice to drive or take a high-speed ferry to Macau from Hong Kong . You can visit Macau from Hong Kong as a day trip, but it's best to plan a night or two to fully explore the region. Find the best places to visit with our list of top attractions in Macau.

1. Visit the Ruins of St. Paul's

2. stroll through senado square, 3. a-ma temple, 4. fortaleza do monte: home of the macau museum, 5. the maritime museum and fisherman's wharf, 6. jump off the aj hackett macau tower, 7. take the family to the giant panda pavilion, 8. explore the guia fortress, 9. coloane island and hac sa beach, 10. take a day trip to taipa island and taipa house, 11. kun iam: the temple of the goddess of mercy, 12. ride the free skycab at wynn palace resort, best time to visit macau.

Highlights : Incredible views, the remains of a 17th-century church, a fun and lively vibe

All that remains of St. Paul's Cathedral, once considered the finest Christian building in the Far East, is its imposing Renaissance façade , a Macau landmark standing at the top of a broad flight of granite steps. After the destruction of the first church by fire in 1601, a new one was completed in 1637, modeled on the church of the Gesù in Rome and constructed by Christians driven out of Japan.

The church was destroyed by a typhoon and fire in 1835, but its remaining façade still displays a little of the cathedral's former glory. Notable features include an inscription above the doorway dedicating the church to the Mother of God, figures of Jesuit saints, and a profusion of relief ornaments.

Just around the corner is the beautiful Travessa da Paixao, also known locally as Love Lane . This is a narrow street, with beautifully restored pink-colored buildings, and a favorite of photographers.

Highlights : A UNESCO World Heritage site, Neoclassical buildings, street markets, unique patterned pavement

In the historic heart of Macau, Senado Square (Senate Square) is a delightful pedestrian area and where you will likely start your visit to Macau. Highlights include the impressive old Senate building, now occupied by the Municipal Council and widely regarded as the finest example of Portuguese colonial architecture in Macau.

Built in 1784, the building's exquisite façade was added in 1870, and the whole building was completely restored in 1940. Interior highlights are the Council Chamber with its rich wood paneling and the Senate Library with its more than 50,000 rare manuscripts, some more than 500 years old.

The square is also a great place to visit for shopping and dining in restaurants featuring European and Chinese cuisine. It's also home to a number of other tourist attractions, including the 17th-century St. Dominic's Church .

Highlights : The oldest Taoist temple in Macau, amazing sculptures, wonderful view from the top

Dedicated to the goddess Matsu, the splendid A-Ma Temple (Templo de A-Má) was built on the Macau Peninsula in 1488 and was the inspiration for the renaming of the city by the Portuguese a few decades later. Part of Macau's UNESCO Historical Center, this Buddhist temple is one of the city's most important religious sites and is well worth exploring.

Divided into six easily accessible sections — the Gate Pavilion, Prayer Hall, Memorial Arch, Hall of Benevolence, Zhengjiao Chanlin, and Hall of Guanyin — this temple features numerous interesting things to see, from its many fierce-looking stone lions and statues of the goddess Matsu to shady spots to stop and contemplate the serenity of the temple grounds, as well as spectacular views over the bay.

A-Ma temple is a short cab ride or about a 20-minute walk from Senado Square. A visit here can be combined with a stop at the Maritime Museum.

Fortaleza do Monte: Home of the Macau Museum

Highlights : Wonderful views, a 16th-century fort that's fun to explore, a museum showcasing Macau's past

Built in 1626, Fortaleza do Monte was for many years the hub of Portugal's military presence in this part of China, eventually serving as the governor's residence, a role it performed until 1749.

Today, this former fortress houses the three-story Macau Museum , dedicated to the archaeology and anthropology of Macau with an emphasis on how the Chinese, Portuguese, and Macanese have come to live and work together.

Also worth visiting is the Mount Fortress Garden , a welcome respite with its pleasant moat-like pond and flower beds, and the Moorish-style Mansão Evocativa de Sun Yat-Sen , a mansion built in memory of Sun Yat-sen, founder of the first Chinese Republic. Another related site is Sun Yat Sen Park with its beautiful gardens, a Victorian greenhouse, and an aviary.

Address: 112 Praceta do Museu de Macau, Macau

The Maritime Museum and Fisherman's Wharf

Highlights : Interactive and interesting displays plus a restored dragon boat, sampan, and fishing smack

Occupying a modern building opposite the A-Ma Temple , the excellent Maritime Museum (Museu Marítimo de Macau) hosts numerous displays, including a comprehensive collection of material on Macau's maritime history, model ships, and fishing equipment.

Also of interest are exhibits illustrating the development of nautical and meteorological instruments, including a number of dioramas portraying important events in the city's seafaring past.

In front of the museum is the Inner Harbour (Porto Interior) through which runs the frontier between Macau and China, where you'll see a restored Chinese dragon boat, a sampan, a flower boat, and a fishing smack used by people fleeing from Vietnam.

Also worth a visit is the nearby Macau Fisherman's Wharf (Doca dos Pescadores), a fun theme park encompassing numerous shops, restaurants, and rides built to resemble such famous coastal cities as Amsterdam and Venice.

Address: 1 Largo do Pagode da Barra, Macau

Highlights : The chance to do the world's highest bungee jump, popular restaurants, fantastic views

Part of the massive Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre , the Macau Tower is easily one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, as well as a popular tourist attraction.

Standing 338 meters tall and built for telecommunications and broadcasting, the tower's fun side includes an observation deck boasting phenomenal views over the city, as well as a number of restaurants, theaters, and shopping opportunities.

For thrill-seekers, there's the Macau Tower Skywalk, a breathtaking walk along the outer rim of the observation level, or you can experience the world's highest bungee jump at the 233-meter mark.

Highlights : Giant Pandas, red pandas, and monkeys housed in an architecturally stunning building

The Giant Panda Pavilion is located on Cotai and is a bit out of the way, but this means crowds are often sparse. It's also one of the best things to do in Macau for families. Step inside the architecturally unique building and marvel at the translucent roof in the shape of a giant seashell. In the wildlife pavilion are several giant pandas, cute red pandas, and an assortment of monkeys.

The animals are most active and easiest to see in the morning, but they also come around about 2pm, which is feeding time. The facility has beautiful koi ponds, gardens, and a children's playground. Entry to the park area is free, but a nominal fee is charged to view the pandas.

Highlights : Historical fort offering great views, tunnels to explore, 17th-century frescoes

Guia Fortress is an oasis of green in the center of Macao and only a short distance from the high-speed ferry terminal. Access is via hiking paths or a short cable car ride. At the top, you'll find impressive views out over Macau, along with old cannons, a small chapel with nicely preserved frescoes dating from the 1600s, and a 91-meter-high lighthouse (closed to entry).

Go underground and explore the series of tunnels in the fortress open to the public; some are near the lighthouse, and some are near the cable car entrance. Located throughout the fortress are exhibits and photos detailing the military history of the area.

Highlights : White sand beaches, pine forests, historical architecture, and the Tam Chin Temple

Joined to the mainland by a bridge and causeway, the island of Coloane lies to the south of the Macau Peninsula, beyond the island of Taipa , and should be included in your Macau itinerary.

Visitors are often pleasantly surprised to learn Coloane is an island of pine forests, eucalyptus groves, tropical vegetation, and farmland, as well as boasting a number of beautiful beaches of fine white sand.

Of these beaches, the best known is Hac Sa Beach on the east side of the island. Part of Coloane Park with its Chinese pavilions and tropical flora, the beach area includes a recreation complex with facilities for swimming, tennis, mini-golf, and other fun amusements.

Another beach of note is Cheoc Van Beach at the south end of the island. Also of interest is the Tam Chin Temple , noted for its whalebone model of a ship with a wooden dragon's head, and Coloane Village , a mix of old Chinese and colonial buildings with a charming little chapel dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, in front of which is a monument commemorating a successful Portuguese action against pirates in 1910.

Highlights : A notable Buddhist shrine, Taoist temples, the Taipa House Museum, traditional Macanese cuisine

The island of Taipa, to the south of Macau and linked to it by an imposing high-arched bridge, makes for a great day trip. Formerly a Chinese customs post for vessels putting in at Macau and for decades the traditional site of fireworks factories, the town itself contains large numbers of Chinese shops and Portuguese colonial buildings, along with a popular horse-racing track.

Other highlights include the Buddhist Shrine of the Four Faces and Pak Tai Temple , built in 1844 and notable for its rich decoration and its two life-size guardian figures. Of the island's many smaller temples, Tin Hau is the best known and was built some 180 years ago (it's notable for its highly ornamented shrine containing a figure of the goddess).

A must-see is the fully restored colonial Taipa House, home to the Taipa House Museum with its interesting displays of furniture typical of old Macau homes.

Highlights : A beautiful courtyard, quiet gardens, three notable figures of Buddha

Dedicated to the goddess of mercy, the current Kun Iam Temple was built in 1627, although references to a temple on the site can be traced back to the Yuan dynasty of the 13th and 14th centuries. In the entrance hall are three figures of Buddha representing the Past, Present, and Future, while another hall contains a figure of the goddess of mercy flanked on either side by nine Buddhas.

Also of note is the temple's beautiful courtyard garden where on July 3rd, 1844, the first-ever treaty between the US and China was signed. Other interesting features include porcelain reliefs and roof turrets with figures dating from the Ming period, and a unique gilded Buddha statue said to resemble famed Venetian, Marco Polo.

Behind the temple is a large Chinese garden with its Tree of the Loving Couples, where young lovers offer prayers for good fortune in their future lives. Also worth a visit is Lin Fong Miu Temple , a Taoist site built in 1592 that long served as a staging point for travelers to China.

Highlights : Dancing fountains, music, a dragon surprise, views out over the Coati Strip

One of the fun and free things to do in Macau is a cable car ride at the Wynn Palace . The Skycab ascends over Performance Lake, and if you time it right, you'll be able to see the dancing fountains in their full majesty. A narration, complete with music, explains the sights as you glide along.

The most dramatic time to ride the Skycab is in the evening, as the neon lights of the Coati Strip are in their full glory. Be sure to watch out for the giant dragon and his glowing red eyes when the ride takes a sudden turn.

The trip takes about five minutes and ends inside the hotel. You can ride as many times as you want but will need to queue in line each time. The ultra-modern Skycabs seat six people and are fully air-conditioned.

The best time to visit Macau is in the fall in the months of October, November, and early December. At this time of year, the humidity is low and the days are warm and sunny but not too hot. You can count on high temperatures of about 26 degrees Celsius. The city is busy with marquee events including the Macau Grand Prix and the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest .

The early spring months of March and April are also good times to visit, with cooler temperatures and generally dry conditions. May is the wettest month, and September tends to be risky, with the chance of typhoons.

Summer, which includes June, July, and August, is peak season in Macau despite it being hot and humid. The city is crowded and accommodation prices are at their highest, but if you want to hit one of the beaches on Coloane Island, it's perfect.

Winter, generally regarded as January and February, is surprisingly cool with temperatures in the range of 12-18 degrees Celsius.

Destinations

Travel Guide

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!

Macau Tourist Map
Macau Attractions
Featured Activities

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
Hong Kong Macau Map
Things to Do in Macau
Macau Transportation
Hong Kong to Macau
Shenzhen to Macau
Macau to Shenzhen
Macau to Guangzhou
Macau Ferry
Macau Weather
Hong Kong Zhuhai Macau Bridge
Where to Stay in Macau
All the Macau Travel Guide

Recommended Macau Tours

Top 3 Macau tours chosen by most customers to explore Macau in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

3 Days Hong Kong & Macau In-depth Cultural Tour

Hong Kong / Macau / Hong Kong

Panoramic View from Victoria Peak during Daytime

Hong Kong / Shenzhen / Macau / Hong Kong

8 Days Amazing Greater Bay Area Tour

Hong Kong / Guangzhou / Shenzhen / Macau / Hong Kong

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

Affordable and valuable price
100% tailor-made packages
Highly rated customers reviews
Efficient customer support

China Tours

Top 10 China Tours
Classic China Tours
China Tours from Beijing
China Tours from Shanghai
China Tours from Hong Kong
China Tours from Chengdu
Short China Trips
Customize China Tour
China Panda Tours
Family Tour with Kids
High-Speed Train Tour
Silk Road Travel
Yangtze River Cruise
Hiking & Trekking Tours
Photography Tours
China Minority Travel
Beijing Shanghai Tours
Shanghai Yangtze Tours
Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Tours
Chengdu Lhasa Tours
Suzhou Hangzhou Tours
Guilin & Yangshuo
Zhangjiajie

“Very good experience”

“WONDERFUL 25 DAYS IN CHINA - PRIVATE TOUR”

“Awesome China tour from northeast to southwest”

Any questions, please email us at: [email protected] or call us at: 86-19138970032 (Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. GMT+8)

Terms & Condition
Privacy Policy
Customer Support

Cookie policy

We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue using our website means you agree with our cookie policy. For more info, please read here .

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 14 best things to do in Macau

Look past casinos, five-star hotels and the Grand Prix when looking for the best things to do in Macau

Macau might be known as the "Las Vegas of Asia," but there’s so much more to this city than just casinos, five-star hotels and the Grand Prix—just check out our list of best things to do in Macau.

A former Portuguese colony for over 400 years, Macau shares its semi-autonomous status and East-meets-West vibe with Hong Kong, but has its own relaxed charm. The region's unique Eurasian heritage is evident in everything from the local food (often cited as one of the world’s earliest fusion cuisines), architecture, customs and language. Despite being compact in size, Macau’s beautifully preserved historic sites, peaceful parks and beachy shores make it a one-stop destination for travellers of all kinds. Read on for our tips on where to eat, shop and play in this underrated gem.

Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere.

Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world .

An email you’ll actually love

Best things to do in Macau

1. Cotai Strip

What is it? This stretch of land is what makes Macau the gambling capital of the world. The strip’s casino resorts have all the luxury trappings you’d expect (glamorous restaurants and clubs) and some that you wouldn’t (an indoor canal complete with gondolas).

Why go? You can’t go to Macau without venturing into one of the casinos. Wander around the gargantuan Venetian, which is practically a self-contained city, or visit the Hollywood-themed Studio City for a ride on the lucky figure-8 Ferris Wheel.

2. House of Dancing Water

What is it? The world’s biggest water-based stage show, written and helmed by Cirque du Soleil director Franco Dragone. ‘House of Dancing Water’ incorporates acrobatics, theatre, and a 14 million litre pool to tell an epic love story.

Why go? To witness the sheer spectacle of it all. The show’s been hailed as a must-see Macau attraction for good reason – there’s nothing like it anywhere else.

3. Coloane Village

What is it? This picturesque, pastel-hued village on the southern coast of Coloane may seem quaint in comparison to the bright lights of Cotai, but its old-world charm and cobblestone streets consistently draw crowds.

Why go? To explore the traditional side of Macau. Plus, photo opportunities are everywhere from colourful buildings to the black sand of Hac Sa Beach, and old dockyard. It’s also home to the original Lord Stow’s Bakery, which is said to have the best Portuguese egg tarts around.

4. Macau's Historic Centre

What is it? A collection of over 20 historically significant landmarks – covering religious structures, public squares, and military barracks – which represent Macau’s unique Chinese-Portuguese heritage.

Why go? You’ll see Macau’s beautiful historical landmarks, learn about the city’s lengthy colonial era, and hit all the neighbourhoods mentioned in this guide in one go. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason.

5. Albergue 1601

What is it? This breathtakingly beautiful yellow colonial villa is best known for housing an upscale restaurant serving sophisticated Portuguese-influenced fare, but it also contains an art gallery and shop specialising in artisanal Portuguese products.

Why go? Whether you’re looking to mark a special occasion or grab a coffee after visiting St. Lazarus Quarter’s historic sites, Albergue 1601 is a great choice. Weather permitting, there’s no better setting for a trip-defining meal than under the courtyard’s camphor trees.

6. Taipa Village

What is it? Once a rustic fishing village, Taipa’s profile has risen over the years, with esteemed restaurants and cool independent shops popping up between colonial museums and ancient Chinese temples.

Why go? Check out the seafoam-green Taipa Houses Museum for a crash course on colonial Macau, or try Portuguese fine dining at Antonio. Trendy Taipa attractions include the Taipa Village Art Space (and its Instagram-friendly murals) and the café/gallery/shop Quarter Square.

7. Macau Museum of Art

What is it? This five-storey building is Macau’s only museum of art, with exhibitions on Macanese artwork from all eras, visiting collections from international organizations, and a library dedicated to the visual arts.

Why go? It’s an interesting (and free) way to spend a few hours in Macau. The permanent exhibitions tend to have a historical bent, while temporary exhibitions often feature thought-provoking contemporary art from local and international artists.

8. AJ Hackett Tower

What is it? Named after the man who popularised bungee jumping, AJ Hackett Tower is – unsurprisingly – the site of Macau’s only commercial bungee jump facility.

Why go? If you’re not content to commemorate your visit with the usual tchotchkes and selfies, consider bungee jumping from one of the highest commercial facilities available – you’re never going to forget that.

9. Riquexo

What is it? Riquexo (pronounced Rickshaw) is the epitome of Macanese home cooking. Run by 102-year-old Aida de Jesus, this cheap and cheerful canteen-style operation specialises in family-style food with Indian, Malay, and African influences.

Why go? Put simply, it’s the best place to try local comfort food. Think stews, curries, Bacalhau (codfish casserole), and minchi, a beloved dish of ground meat, potatoes, and rice with a decidedly Macanese flavour profile.

10. Patio de Chon Sau

What is it? An artsy, lantern-lined little alleyway near the Ruins of St. Paul’s, teeming with independent shops, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.

Why go? Besides the street’s Instagram-friendly looks, it’s incredibly fun to window shop at Patio de Chon Sau. The quirky, Wonka-esque Buddy Candy shop offers zany treats like two-kilogram gummy bears, while Paper Scissors Rock sells South African-themed handicrafts, homeware, and souvenirs.

11. Rua do Cunha

What is it? This small, pedestrian-only street in Taipa is famed for being a culinary hotspot, with snack stalls, specialist food stores, traditional bakeries, and more to choose from.

Why go? To fill your belly with local snacks. Besides the usual egg tarts, don’t miss the serradurra (sawdust pudding), almond cookies, pork jerky, pork chop buns, and peanut candies.

12. MacauSoul

What is it? It might be a stone’s throw from the Ruins of St. Paul’s, but this elegant wine bar is far from the crowd. With its extensive wine menu, antique furniture, and jazz collection, MacauSoul is the city’s classiest watering hole.

Why go? In the ten years since it opened, MacauSoul has built a menu of over 400 Portuguese wines and cultivated a loyal fanbase along the way. As its name suggests, this welcoming wine lounge has got tons of soul.

13. Live Music Association

What is it? Live Music Association is the underground music venue in Macau. While global popstars stage grand performances on the Cotai Strip, this nondescript venue plays host to the best and brightest alternative acts from Macau and beyond.

Why go? Whether you fancy swaying to along folk music, moshing to post-punk, or even catching an experimental film screening, Live Music Association is the place to support Macau’s burgeoning indie arts scene.

14. SKY 21

What is it? In case the name didn’t make it clear enough, SKY 21 is high up. It’s popular for the same reason any urban rooftop bar is: it’s got great views.

Why go? Come for the views of the skyline, stay for the wide variety of wine, spirits, and cocktails. Prices are reasonable for a rooftop bar, which is to say they’re only a bit pricy.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

Press office
Investor relations
Work for Time Out
Editorial guidelines
Privacy notice
Do not sell my information
Cookie policy
Accessibility statement
Terms of use
Modern slavery statement
Manage cookies
Advertising
Time Out Market

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

thins to do in Macau - Senado Square - Lina Stock

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

things to do in Macau - Ruins of St Paul - Lina Stock

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

things to do in Macau - Fortaleza do Monte - Lina Stock

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

things to do in Macau - Macao Museum - Lina Stock

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

Things to do in Macau - A Ma Temple - Lina Stock

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

things to do in Macau - Taipa Village - Lina Stock

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.

Things to do in Macau - Coloane - Lina Stock

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 .

things to do in Macau - Grand Lisboa - Lina Stock

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

what to eat in Macau - Egg Tarts - Lina Stock

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.

where to stay in Macau - Studio City -Lina Stock

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.

Did you like this story? Share it!

Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

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

Must-see attractions in Macau

Ruins of the Church of St Paul

The most treasured icon in Macau, the towering facade and stairway are all that remain of this early-17th-century Jesuit church. With its statues, portals…

Church of St Joseph

St Joseph’s, which falls outside the tourist circuit, is Macau’s most beautiful model of tropicalised baroque architecture. Consecrated in 1758 as part of…

Taipa Village

The historical part of Taipa is best preserved in this village in the south of the district. An intricate warren of alleys holds traditional Chinese shops…

Guia Fortress & Chapel

As the highest point on the peninsula, Guia Fortress affords panoramic views of the city. At the top is the small but stunning Chapel of Our Lady of Guia,…

Sir Robert Ho Tung Library

This charming building, founded in the 19th century, was the country retreat of the late tycoon Robert Ho Tung, who purchased it in 1918. The colonial…

Ká Hó Church of Our Lady of Sorrows

Tent-like with a long, slanting roof, like hands in prayer, this church was raised in the Ká Hó leper colony in 1966. It was built for use by the female…

Chapel of Our Lady of Penha

This graceful chapel atop Penha Hill was raised as a place of pilgrimage for Portuguese sailors in the 17th century, purportedly by survivors of a ship…

Treasure of Sacred Art

Northeast of Largo do Senado, the 17th-century baroque Church of St Dominic contains the Treasure of Sacred Art, an Aladdin’s cave of ecclesiastical art…

Senate Library

Located in the Leal Senado, Macau's oldest and most lavish library is a beautiful adaptation of the 18th-century library in the Convento de Mafra outside…

Macau Museum of Art

This excellent five-storey museum has well-curated displays of art created in Macau and China, including paintings by western artists such as George…

Mandarin’s House

Built around 1869, the Mandarin’s House, with over 60 rooms, was the ancestral home of Zheng Guanying, an influential author-merchant whose readers…

St Lazarus Church District

A lovely neighbourhood with colonial-style houses and cobbled streets makes for some of Macau's best photo ops. Designers and other creative types like to…

Kun Iam Temple

Macau’s oldest temple was founded in the 13th century, but the present structures date to 1627. The roof ridges are ornately embellished with porcelain…

Leal Senado

Facing Largo do Senado is Macau’s most important historical building, the 18th-century ‘Loyal Senate’, which houses the Instituto para os Assuntos Cívicos…

Just east of the Ruins of the Church of St Paul, from which it is separated by a pebbled path and picturesque foliage, Monte Fort was built by the Jesuits…

In the MGM Cotai's atrium, the walls are hung with LED screens showing razor-sharp images of landscapes from all over the world. These are interspersed…

Coloane Village

Coloane's 'urban centre' is an old fishing village on its southwestern coast. It is marked by Tam Kung Temple to the south and Lai Chi Vun Village to the…

Dom Pedro V Theatre

This sage green neoclassical theatre is one of the oldest western-style theatres in East Asia, and remains an important cultural venue today. It was built…

Avenida da República

Banyan-lined Avenida da República, along the northwest shore of Sai Van Lake, is Macau's oldest Portuguese quarter. There are several grand colonial…

Church of St Dominic

Smack in the heart of Macau's historic centre, this sunny yellow baroque church with a beautiful altar and a timber roof was founded by three Spanish…

Lin Fung Temple

Dedicated to Kun Iam, the Goddess of Mercy, this graceful Temple of the Lotus was built in 1592, and underwent several reconstructions. It used to host…

Lou Kau Mansion

Built around 1889, this Cantonese-style mansion with southern European elements belonged to merchant Lou Wa Sio (aka Lou Kau), who also commissioned the…

Gallery of Macau's Gaming History

Macau's gambling industry goes back to the 16th century, when labourers from China played a game called 'fan-tan' in makeshift stalls. While scholars have…

Kun Iam Statue & Ecumenical Centre

An unconventional but utterly ethereal statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, designed by Portuguese architect and sculptor Cristina Rocha Leiria. The…

Patane Library

A row of seven shophouses skirting the Inner Harbour has been renovated into an attractive public library. Built in the 1930s, the colourful two-storey…

Albergue SCM

Once known as the Old Ladies’ House, the poetic courtyard with two yellow colonial buildings was a shelter for Portuguese refugees from Shànghǎi in WWII…

Pak Tai Temple

Pak Tai Temple sits quietly in a breezy square framed by old banyan trees. It is dedicated to a martial deity, the Taoist God ('Tai') of the North ('Pak')…

Towering above the colonial villas of Avenida da República is Penha Hill, the most tranquil and least-visited area of the peninsula. From here you’ll get…

Chapel of St Francis Xavier

This chapel built in 1928 contains paintings of the infant Christ with a Chinese Madonna, a Korean missionary in period garments, and other reminders of…

Tap Seac Square

This beautiful square is surrounded by important historic buildings from the 1920s, such as the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Central Library, Library for…

Casa Garden

This beautiful colonial villa and park were built in 1770 as a merchant's residence. It later became the headquarters of the British East India Company…

Tap Seac Gallery

One of a handful of 1920s houses surrounding Tap Seac Square, this one formerly belonging to an upper-class family has a European-style facade and Moorish…

Cemetery of St Michael the Archangel

This cemetery, northeast of Monte Fort, contains tombs and sepulchres from the 19th and 20th centuries that are fine examples of baroque ecclesiastical…

Some of Macau’s best contemporary art can be seen at this nonprofit gallery, which has taken Macau's art worldwide and holds monthly solo exhibitions by…

Sam Kai Vui Kun Temple

Literally ‘a community hall for three streets’, this temple was a meeting place for merchants and an adjudication court, before the Chinese Chamber of…

Church of St Augustine

The foundations of this church date from 1586 when it was established by Spanish Augustinians, but the present structure was built in 1814. The high altar…

Church of St Lawrence

One of Macau's three oldest churches, St Lawrence was originally constructed of wood in the 1560s, then rebuilt in stone in the early 19th century. The…

Former Ká Hó Leprosarium

A row of five restored colonial-style houses of the former Ká Hó Leprosarium and the lovely Ká Hó Church of Our Lady of Sorrows have been restored and are…

Macau Museum

This museum inside Monte Fort gives an interesting overview of Macau's history. The 1st floor introduces the territory's history and how it was influenced…

A-Ma Cultural Village

Atop Alto de Coloane (170m), this 20m-high white jade statue of the goddess who gave Macau its name was erected in 1998. It's the best part of a touristy …

More destinations you need to see

14 Places to Visit in Macau + Things To Do

Macau is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. The city-state is a famous melting pot of different cultures, nicknamed the “Las Vegas of Asia.”

The bulk of Macau’s attractions lies on its strip of top-rated hotels and casinos. But beyond the sparkling lights of those establishments, especially at night, there’s more to Macau than being the gambling capital of the East. One of the things you can’t miss in this urban jungle is its well-preserved Portuguese-colonial vibe. There are cobbled streets and cathedral ruins to remind you of Macau’s storied past, and they are well worth a visit. The Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral, with its imposing Renaissance façade, is an important landmark. Other notable sites include Fortaleza do Monte, Senado Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Macau Museum, Guia Fortress, Taipa House, and A-Ma Temple.

Macau’s attractions are concentrated on the mainland, relatively close to one another. And while Macau International Airport is the main gateway, you may also access it via ferry and land travel from Hong Kong, which is about an hour away. That makes it a worthy side trip that will add more value to your journey.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip!

Macau travel essentials

Click below to compare rates & read reviews:

Macau Hotels Tours + discounts Flights WIFI Internet/Data SIM

Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers:

Gondola Rides at The Venetian Macau

Macau Tower Admission Ticket

Macau Eiffel Tower at the Parisian Macao Observation Deck Ticket

Hong Kong-Macau-China 4G Pocket WIFI – HK Airport Pickup

Private Macau International Airport (MFM) Transfers for Macau by Luxury MPV

Asia 4G LTE WIFI Hotspot (Manila Airport Pick Up)

View all travel tips on: Macau .

Where to stay in Macau:

Four Seasons Hotel (Upscale / Cotai / Compare Rates )

The Venetian Macao (Upscale / Cotai / Compare Rates )

Caravel Hotel (Mid-range / Macau Peninsula / Compare Rates )

Macau Masters Hotel (Budget Hotel / Macau Peninsula / Compare Rates )

Hou Kong Hotel (Budget Hotel / Macau Peninsula / Compare Rates )

1. Ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral

Location : Santo António, Macau peninsula, Macao . Save on Google Maps .

See rates & book online

Macau Open-Top Bus Tour

For more travel inspiration, follow Detourista on :

Instagram Facebook tiktok Pinterest

2. Macau Tower

Location : Sé, Macau peninsula, Macao . Save on Google Maps .

Macau Tower Bungy Jump Admission Ticket

Macau Tower Skywalk X Admission Ticket

Macau Tower entrance ticket

See discounts online

3. Venetian Macao

Indoor Italian-inspired canals and gondolas at The Venetian Maca

Location : s/n Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Cotai, Macao . Save on Google Maps .

Venetian Macau Bambu Buffet

Venetian Macao Resort Hotel

View room rates

4. Parisian Macao

Location : Lote 3, Strip, SAR, P.R. China, Estr. do Istmo, Cotai, Macao . Save on Google Maps .

Parisian Macao hotel

5. The House of Dancing Water show & City of Dreams

Location : City of Dreams, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Cotai, Macao . Save on Google Maps .

The House of Dancing Water Macau Admission Ticket

The House of Dancing Water Show Ticket in Macau

Grand Hyatt Macau at City of Dreams

6. Senado Square

Location : Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, Macau peninsula, Macao . Save on Google Maps .

7. Fortress Hill (Fortaleza do Monte)

Monte Forte (Fortaleza do Monte), Macau, China

Location : Caminho dos Artilheiros, Macau peninsula, Macao . Save on Google Maps .

8. Macau Museum

Location : Fortress Hill (Fortaleza do Monte), Caminho dos Artilheiros, Macau peninsula, Macao . Save on Google Maps .

9. Macau food

Macau buffet & food discounts

Tours + discounts

10. St. Dominic’s Church

Location : Largo de São Domingos, Macau peninsula, Macao . Save on Google Maps .

11. Studio City

Location : Estr. do Istmo, Cotai, Macao . Save on Google Maps .

Golden Reel Ferris Wheel entrance ticket

See discounts

Studio City Hotel

Book room discounts

12. Wynn Palace

Wynn Palace Hotel

Location : Avenida Da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, Macao . Save on Google Maps .

13. Fisherman’s Wharf

Location : Av. Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Macau peninsula, Macao . Save on Google Maps .

Harbourview Hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf

14. Galaxy Macau

Location : Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Cotai, Macao . Save on Google Maps .

JW Marriott Macau Urban Kitchen Buffet

Galaxy Macau™ in Cotai City

Galaxy Macau buffet and food experiences

Galaxy macau hotel.

Other heritage sites & cultural spots in Macau

Guia Fortress Location: Estr. do Eng. Trigo, Macau. Save on Google Maps .

A Ma Temple Location: R. de São Tiago da Barra. Save on Google Maps .

Travessa da Paixão (The Romantic Lane) Location: Near the Ruins of St. Paul Cathderal. Save on Google Maps .

Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre (The Goddess of Mercy statue) Location: 1101 Av. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, Macau. Save on Google Maps .

Macau Maritime Museum Location: 1 Largo do Pagode da Barra. Save on Google Maps .

Taipa village Location: Save on Google Maps .

Location : Southeast China . Save on Google Maps .

Hong Kong Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Hong Kong to Macau TurboJet Ferry Tickets

Hong Kong-Macau CotaiJet Ferry Tickets

Top discounts

Hong Kong Disneyland Admission Ticket

Ocean Park Hong Kong Admission Ticket

Victoria Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428

See more : Hong Kong travel tips

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Macau that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Macau

Macau tourist spots, things to do in Macau, where to go in Macau & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Macau

The best areas to stay in Macau are 'Macau City' and Cotai Strip in Taipa Island.

Cotai Strip offers an unbeatable location in the heart of Macau's mega-casino district. It's also close to Macau Airport. Prices tend to be on the high-end on this side of Taipa Island.

If you're looking for a cheaper hotel, consider staying in 'Macau City.' Pick a hotel close to major historical sites like Senado Square and the Ruins of St. Paul Cathedral.

Where to book

Click below & search recommended Macau hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your min/max price , travel dates, and sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Don’t Stop Here

Click below for more travel inspiration:

Don’t leave yet. There’s more!

Hong-Kong-Macau-Itinerary-3-Days—Featured-Image—3×2

Discover more blogs and travel tips in:

Top 10 Things to Do in Macau

Macau is one of the four gambling towns in the world, as well as an exotic place in China for the over 400 years’ colonial history under Portugal. With the Portuguese architecture, splendid casinos on a par with Las Vegas, and the delicious food, Macau is a sought-after destination for travelers. This article will tell you the most popular things to do in Macau that are widely recognized.

Ruins of St. Paul's

Fisherman’s Wharf

Senado square.

Macau Tower

Venetian macau-resort-hotel.

Rua da Cunha

The Museum of Macau

Coloane Island

A-ma temple.

Guia Fortress & the Lighthouse

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 .
Never ever leave without travel insurance. Get affordable coverage from World Nomads or long term insurance from Safety Wing .
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 .
Compare hotels EVERYWHERE at HotelsCombined and book with Booking.com .
Compare car rental prices at Rentalcars.com

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

Where to stay in macau, day 1 macau itinerary, day 2 macau itinerary, day three and beyond, best time to visit macau, getting around macau, what to prepare before visiting macau, faq on macau itinerary.

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!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

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 Best Hostel in Macau

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

The Ritz-Carlton, the best hostels in 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.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

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.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

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!

Share or save this post

Places in Macau

Quick navigation, must visit places in macau, ruins of st. paul's.

Considered as an iconic building representing the history of the nation, the cathedral of St. Paul is an attraction no one should miss. It represents the life and times of the Chinese communities that faced suffering at the hands of the Portuguese era. Besides its historical significance, the splendid architecture of the church shows a blend of renaissance motifs with oriental styled facades.

You will also find paintings of Virgin Mary enshrined in the church. The carvings and paintings lend it a unique aura and it stands out among the most popular tourist places in Macau. Location: Santo Antonio, Macau Timings: 9 am to 6 pm, every day

Macau City Sightseeing Tour - Flat 20% off

Senado Square

The public square of Senado is located in the middle of the peninsula and covers an area of nearly 4000 hectares. It is a hub of cultural activities and bustling crowds of the vibrant nation. From colourful shopping centres and cute Chinese restaurants offering delicious local dishes, the environment at the Square is certainly energetic.

If you happen to visit the country during holidays or New Year’s Eve, you will get a chance to witness the splendid fireworks light up the night sky and illuminate the entire city. Location: Largo do Senado, Macau Timings: no timing restrictions

The Venetian Macao

Located just 3 kilometres from the International Airport, the Venetian Macao is a world-class palatial resort with 5-star suites featuring glass windows, marble bathrooms, and ultra modern facilities. Every room offers stunning views of the city. Fine dining options are also available with cuisines ranging from French and Italian to Japanese.

For shopping lovers, there is a gorgeous mall inside. You can also go swimming in the outdoor pools or try the refreshing gondola rides in the indoor canals of the hotel. Location: Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Macau Timings: open 24 hours

Gondola Ride at Venetian, Macau | Flat 15% off

Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center

Located near the stunning lakeside of the southwestern shore, the Tower and Entertainment Center is one of the most exciting places to visit in Macau. It offers tourists a chance to witness the gorgeous skyline of the city from a height of 338 meters. The glass elevator presents mesmerizing and spellbinding vistas as you ascend to the top.

Besides this, you can also have a unique dining experience in the highest revolving restaurant in the world. Enjoy world-class facilities, entertainment activities, and delicious local cuisines, under one roof at the Entertainment Center. Location: Se, Macau Timings: 10 am to 9 pm

Macau Bungee Jumping | Flat 9% off | Macau Tower

The charming community of Taipa Village is peaceful and tranquil with its secluded location, winding narrow streets and vibrant bazaars. Portuguese style buildings are quite common in the village and there are plenty of ancient temples and colonial style villas to explore. Enjoy the authentic Cantonese and Italian cuisines when you head to the southern tip of the village or explore the casinos in the north.

With its quaint street lamps and colourful flower baskets hanging from the windows, the village will make you feel as if you have stepped into another world. Location: East of Guangdong Province Timings: open 24 hours

Taipa Village, Macau | All You Can Eat Food Tour | 10% off

A-Ma Temple

The Chinese temple of A-Ma was built in 1488 and is one of the oldest buildings in the country. It has six wings, and the architectural design of each part is simply stunning. The entrance to the temple is guarded by majestic stone lions and a winding path follows as you enter the gates. Mazu image lies just ahead, and the locals believe that this hall has the longest history of all the temple regions. The image is crafted as a shrine to Goddess Mazu and there are several poems engraved in the hall dedicated to her.

Location: São Lourenço, Macau Timings: open 24 hours

The iconic Macau Tower stands tall as a testament to architectural marvel

Macao Museum

Macao Museum is a cultural museum hosting a large array of artefacts of historical and cultural importance to the communities that lived here. The articles placed in the museum offer an insight into the life and times of the people that inhabited the place through the years. Different floors of the museum house objects related to different eras.

For example, the first floor is dedicated to Chinese civilizations, the second one features artworks and traditions of Macao. The third floor depicts life in a contemporary light, and how Macao is represented in literature and other artworks.

Location: Santo Antonio, Macau

Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

Price: INR 500

Macau Fisherman's Wharf

Spread over 100,000 square meters, Fisherman’s Wharf is a stunning theme park a separate section for different port towns like Miami, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Venice and Cape Town. A host of shopping centres and restaurants are featured in the park, and you can also find several colourful casinos and vibrant bars.

The vast array of discos attract nightlife and party lovers from all over the country, and over 150 stores host a wide range of designer clothes. Once a quiet local community, the Wharf is now a bustling tourist centre. Location: Macau Avenida da Amizade Timings: open 24 hours

Grand Prix Museum

Spread over 80 square meters, Grand Prix Museum features articles and objects connected to the Grand Prix Macau. The museum was opened in 1993 in the honour of Grand Prix Macau, and now it hosts pictures, prizes and valuable objects connected to the same. If you are an automobile enthusiast, witness the Formula Racing cars and motorcycles of famous riders housed here. Projectors are installed inside that feature highlights of different races and you can try your hand at racing in one of the emulation cars too.

Location: Rua Luís Gonzaga Gomes, Macau Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

The 400-year old Monte Fort is 100 by 100 meter in size and made of stone. It offers a gorgeous view of the golden sunset from the top. The Fort has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important historical places to visit in Macau. It also provides great insights into the history of the nation as it is the best preserved European building in East Asia.

There is a museum located within the fort complex where you can learn more about the development of this place. Location: Santo Antonio, Macau Timings: 7 am to 7 pm, every day

Hac Sa Beach

Skip the traditional Macau attractions and head over to the Hac Sa Beach where you can enjoy the sun, sand and water. Since there are no bustling tourist crowds here, you can rest assured that the coastline will be serene and peaceful. Enjoy the fresh air and soak in the sun, go swimming in the clear waters and read a book. Famous for its black sand, Visit Hac Sa to experience serenity as it offers an ideal getaway from the hustle-bustle of the cities. Location: Coloane, Macau Timings: no timing restrictions

Coloane Island has many historical sites which attract tourists from all over the world. The village has a large fishing community which lives near the southwestern tip. Here you will find souvenir shops where you can buy knick-knacks and ancient temples tucked away in the narrow streets.

The Chapel of Saint Francis Xavier is one of the must-visit destinations on the island as it will take your breath away with its stunning architecture and peaceful aura. Take a walk down the streets, bask in the golden sunlight, and soak in the natural splendour of the island. Location: Southern Macau, en route to Alto de Coloane Timings: no timing restrictions

Kun Iam Statue

One of the most famous tourist places in Macau, Kun Iam Statue is 20 meters tall and is made of bronze. Local legends suggest that it acts as symbolic protection of the city from evil forces. Since the statue is built on a lotus-like dome, the entire look appears refined and sophisticated. People often come here at dusk to witness the gorgeous interplay of the sunrays, the gilded gold of the bronze, and the white of the base. Location: Nossa Senhora De Fatimah, Macau Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

Best of Philippines

55 Places to Visit in Philippines: Tourist Places & Attractions

Nam Van Lake

The cybernetic water fountain show at Nam Van Lake is the most spellbinding of Macau attractions. With its 86 spouts that shoot water 80 meters high, it is the largest man-made water fountain in Asia. The beautiful laser show presented here makes the place a popular tourist hotspot. With 288 vibrantly coloured spotlights illuminating and dancing through sprays of clear water, the effect created is certainly impressive. The entire show is coordinated by computers to create a mesmerizing effect that can stop anyone in their tracks.

Location: Se, Macau Timings: 8 am to 7 pm

St Lawrence Church

Places to Visit in Macau with Kids & Family

Warner bros. fun zone.

The interactive experience at Warner Bros is suited for children as well as adults. The playground is full of Warner Bros, DC and Hanna-Barbera characters, and your kids will certainly have fun communicating with their favourite childhood heroes. Arcade gaming, superhero racing, and a host of other activities are planned.

The themed play area and facilities offer a unique experience, and there is a superhero action area where children can climb, swing and jump in wild abandon.

Location: Cotai, Macau

Timings: 10.30 am to 7 pm

Warner Bros. Fun Zone Tickets | Studio City, Macau | 17% off

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom Park

The Ocean Kingdom is a tourist hotspot suited for adults as well as kids, as the aquarium at the resort features rare whale sharks, beluga whales, polar bears and other wild animals you can see from up close. Themed zones have been created where you can visit exotic animals and even go on thrilling rides and adventures.

Theater shows are also arranged for the audience, along with float parades and a brilliant fireworks display at the end. Satisfy the shopaholic in you at the mall zone in Kingdom Park as it offers an endless field to shop. Location: Hengqin, Zhuhai Timings: 10 am to 8.30 pm

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom Tickets, Macau | Flat 15% off

City of Dreams

Best of Hong Kong

Places to Visit in Hong Kong, Tourist Places & Attractions

Cheoc Van Beach

Made of powdery white sand and situated next to a small bay, Cheoc Van is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Macau. The beach is encircled by groves of palm trees and a backdrop of lush green jungles will make you feel as if you have dropped far away from civilization. Lifeguard surveillance is available, so kids and adults can go swimming without any worries. Calm and fun filled, the beach is a paradise for people who want to escape the summer heat. Location: Coloane, Macau Timings: no timing restrictions

Flora Garden

Skycab Cable Car

Enjoy flying over deep woods and a rock that is millions of years old with Skycab Cable Car. the unique experience is perfect for adrenaline junkies and adventure enthusiasts. Get goosebumps witnessing the lush green jungles as you go rushing over them in a cabin hovering in the air. The ride starts at the foothills of Machicang Mountain and cable car offers a comprehensive view of the flora and fauna of these mountains.

The 1700 meter journey covers an elevation of nearly 700 meters, featuring dramatic views and scenic vistas.

Location: Wynn Palace, Macau

Timings: 9 am to 6 pm

Price: INR 1000

Macao Giant Panda Pavilion

One of the most unique places to visit in Macau is the Panda Pavilion near Seac Pai Van Park. The place offers guests to witness the adorable giant pandas in their natural habitat, just playing and having fun. The Pavilion of Rare Animals acts as a conservation site for rare animals and you can also witness the rare pandas in this facility.

The outdoor yard acts exclusively as giant pandas playground, whereas the indoor area is divided into dens for the pandas, vet clinic and feed warehouse etc.

Location: Coloane, Macau

Timings: 10 am to 1 pm, 2 pm to 5 pm

Price: INR 86

Batman Dark Flight

The flying theatre at Studio City Macau offers a once in a lifetime experience of enjoying adventures of Batman in an enhanced 4D experience. Integrated with an AV system, the flying theatre has multiple 4K projectors and projection system to enhance your experience. Now you can fly like Batman over Gotham and enjoy the unparalleled experience.

With the high-quality audio-video system, the theatre offers a realistic and immersive experience. Wind, water and scent effects are also integrated so that you can enjoy the multi-sensory experience realistically.

Timings: 9 am to 9 pm

Price: INR 1200

Best of Manila

Places to Visit in Manila, Tourist Places & Top Attractions

Macau Peninsula

Macau Peninsula is the bustling centre of the city with crowded neighbourhoods, colonial-style buildings, colourful casinos, and a vibrant and enthusiastic crowd. While the rest of the city offers several tourist hotspots, there is nothing quite like the Peninsula which is the heart and soul of Macau. Enjoy the rapidly flourishing art settings, quaint and charming cafes, and galleries featuring stunning paintings. The city’s top historical attractions which offer an insight into its past can also be found here. Witness the vibrant culture of Macau in all its glory at the Peninsula.

Location: Macau Timings: no timing restrictions

Mandarin's House

Also known as Casa de Cheang, Mandarin’s House is one of the most famous tourist places in Macau. It is the home of Zheng Guanying who was a famous theoretician and reformist. Stretched over 4000-meter square, it is the largest residential building in Macau. For the architecture enthusiasts, it is a testament to the brilliant style of Western-Chinese fusion with artefacts edifices of that long-gone era still adorning its walls. The house was renovated by the government in 2002 and since then, the condition of the building has improved.

Location: Travessa de António Da Silva, Macau Timings: 9 am to 6 pm

Lotus Square

Featuring two bronze lotuses in full bloom that represent the prosperity of Macau, Lotus Square has emerged as a tourist attraction in recent years. The 6-meter tall statue weighs over 6 tons and is composed of stem, petals and a pistil. The base of the lotus is made of the red granite which represents the leaves of the flower. The leaves are set in three layers and symbolize three areas of the city - the Peninsula, Coloane Island and Taipa Island. Flag raising ceremony is held every morning at 8 am and flag lowering is done at 8 pm.

Location: Se, Macau Timings: no timing restrictions

Macau Ferry Terminal & Heliport

The helipad and ferry terminal in Central Hong Kong are an unconventional but interesting tourist attraction. Also known as Shun Tak Macau terminal, scheduled flights between Hong Kong and Macau are operated from here. Sky Shuttle Helicopters also operate from the square and the sight of helicopters taking off from the helipad near the waters is a stunning sight. Private charter services, cross-boundary operators, and ferry services to Hong Kong can be easily accessed from here.

Location: Porto Exterior, Se, Macau Timings: no timing restrictions

Lou Lim Ioc Garden

Built by a local Macau resident in 1906, Lim Loc Ioc Gardens are one of the most popular places to visit in Macau. Designed after the famous Suzhou Gardens, Lou Lim now acts as a public park famous among locals as well as tourists. Enjoy the stunning landscape and picturesque vistas as you walk through the intricate paths. Experience solitude and tranquillity amidst verdant greenery and take a moment to spend some time with your family. You can also celebrate a picnic or go for long strolls here.

Location: Sao Lazaro, Macau Timings: open 24 hours

Best of Vienna

5 Things to Do in Vienna in Winter For A Fun Expedition

Holy House of Mercy

Founded in 1569 by the first bishop of Macau catholic, Holy House of Mercy was a charity facility with the aim to provide educational, medical and social help to the underprivileged. Now, it acts as a museum featuring several sacrificial offerings like the portrait of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

You will also find other precious items like Jesus on the Cross, the skull of the museum’s founder, and a manuscript of Regulations of Macau’s Holy House of Mercy.

Location: Central Macau Peninsula, Macau

Timings: 10 am to 1 pm, 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm, open Monday to Saturday

Price: INR 50

Macau Science Center

Consisting of an Exhibition Center, a Planetarium and a Convention Center, the Science Center is ideal for knowledge seeking individuals who like scientific exhibits and interactive tours. The topics covered are technology, environment and lifestyle. At the planetarium, live shows and dome movies are displayed in 3D with an ultra-high definition video system.

Travel in space as you witness stars and planets come alive. The convention centre can be used for holding meetings and conferences.

Location: Se, Macau

Price: INR 200

Taipa Ferry Terminal

The Taipa ferry terminal houses happening cafes where you can munch on some delicacies while planning your itinerary. The facility has been newly constructed and the immaculate space is perfect for travel to Cotai strip because of its proximity to the area.

The terminal is also close to the airport and railway system under construction. There is a sleek arrival hall, a food court, and a souvenir shop too. Location: Taipa, Macau Timings: open 24 hours

Dom Pedro V Theatre

Built in 1860, the Dom Pedro theater is one of the most popular Macau attractions. The name is misleading as there is also a ballroom and a reading room within the building. For architecture enthusiasts, it is a haven of neo-classic Greek architecture. The antechamber and stage are stunning in their construction, 9 French windows are integrated into the walls, and the crescent-shaped auditorium is marvellous.

The green building plopped in the middle of a sea of yellow architecture is certainly eye-catching.

Location: Largo de Santo Agostinho, Macau

Timings: 10 am to 11 pm

Price: INR 900 Approx.

Spiritual Tourist Places in Macau

St. dominic's church.

Constructed as a shrine for Our Lady of the Rosary, St. Dominic’s Church is ideal for people who want to experience a holy connection and spiritual enlightenment. The Catholic Church has three halls and all of them are crafted with elegance and grace. Coloured glass windows add to the ethereal aura of the church, and you will also find an array of oil paintings and statues of Christ here. The third-floor houses a museum showcasing Mass utensils and wood carved artefacts.

Location: largo de Sao Domingos, Macau Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

Best of China

Na Tcha Temple

Considered as a representation of the multicultural identity of Macau, Na Tcha temple is dedicated to an irreverent god and is located right next to the famous St Paul’s church. The single-chambered temple has a beautiful porch that opens into the main building. Animal decorations are sculpted on the walls, roof, and entrance like other Chinese temples. The peaceful environment of this intricately designed building makes it one of the most popular spiritual places to visit in Macau.

Location: Santo Antonio, Macau Timings: 8 am to 5 pm

Chapel of St. Francis Xavier

Built in 1928, the chapel is one of the most sacred places in town. Some of the most famous relics of ancient China used to be kept at the church, including the remains of the Catholic priests who were crucified in 1597 and a bone of St Franci Xavier. These artefacts have now been moved to St Paul’s Ruins. The beautiful lemon yellow church appears as an eye-pleasing gift in the middle of its surroundings and offers a place to connect with yourself. Location: Coloane, Macau Timings: 8 am to 6 pm

St. Augustine's Square

Nestled at the top of a hill is the cobblestoned church square of Saint Augustine. The entire street along with the church is styled in a traditional Portuguese manner, and there are several historical buildings located here. The pastel yellow white and green exteriors stand out and although it is crafted in a very simple architectural design The church has a distinctive aura due to its intricate engineering, lavish decorations, and lovely location. Besides, the square also offers magnificent views of the city. Location: Near Senado Square, Macau Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

Lin Fung Temple

Puji Temple

One of the last remains of Japanese era Buddhist temples, Puji is dedicated to Guanyin who is locally known as the guardian angel of the hot springs. Having been declared as an official historical site, the temple is protected by the government. Its Japanese architecture stands testament to the rich history of Macau. The sober design of the building exudes an aura of tranquillity, and the simple decorations are true to their Japanese roots. Worship ceremonies similar to Japan are still held here.

Location: Zhoushan, Zhejiang Timings: 8 am to 5 pm

Best of Kaohsiung

Places to Visit in Kaohsiung, Tourist Places & Attractions

St. Joseph's Seminary and Church

Although it is not known as one of the tourist places in Macau, St. Joseph’s Seminary stands as a gorgeous model of the olden-style baroque architecture. Engineered in a blended fashion, the church features a classic scalloped canopy and elegant staircase. The white and yellow interiors add to its spiritual quality and the lavishly decorated altars are arresting in their design. Pilasters and spiral columns further enhance the fairytale-like quality of the building. A visit to the Peninsula would be wasted without soaking in the beauty of the church. Location: Rio do Seminario, Macau Timings: 10 am to 5 pm

Famous Places to Shop in Macau

Shop-rua do cunha.

The narrow street of Rua do Cunha is tucked away in Taipa and is famous for its delicious almond cakes and souvenir shops. The bakery shops here sell a wide range of mouth-watering sweets like egg rolls, coconut flakes, and peanut candies. Chinese and Portuguese stalls sell knick-knacks and trinkets you can take back home for your family and friends. The vibrant street is often crowded by tourists and locals, so make sure you get there early for a hassle-free experience.

Location: Taipa, Macau Timings: open 24 hours

Rua da Felicidade

Also known as Macau’s Happiness Street, Rua de Felicidade is famous among locals and tourists for its huge array of souvenir shops and stalls selling local delicacies. As soon as you get past the red light area, Rua and its traditional Chinese architecture will embrace you. The shuttered terraces, small two-storey homes, and the distinctive red and white theme make it a calm and serene place. The quaint shops and tiny eateries are often crowded, so don’t be fooled by the outward tranquil aura.

Location: Guangdong Province, Macau Timings: open 24 hours

The Grand Canal Shoppes

Spread over 500,000 square feet, Grand Canal Shoppes is one of the most popular places to visit in Macau, especially for shopping lovers. Indoor canals are created inside the plaza and it makes for a unique shopping experience to get to different shops by riding the gondolas. High-end luxury stores can be found in abandoned, along with a flagship store of Barneys New York. The statue at the Grand Central Shops also attracts tourists and live music performances are often held inside the plaza. Location: Venetian Macau Timings: open 24 hours

The Shoppes at Four Seasons

Experience unparalleled luxury and stunning views at Four Seasons. The brand is an epitome of sophistication and magnificence and you can shop for nearly everything here. Spread over 260,000 square feet and featuring 150 luxury brands, the Plaza is a haven for fashionistas and shopping lovers. Experience the height of retail therapy as you score goodies and enjoy the picturesque views while at it. You can also try the spa service for a relaxing massage or experience thrilling gaming services at the entertainment center. Location: Cotai Strip, Macau Timings: open 24 hours

Best of Taipei

Places to Visit in Taipei, Tourist Places & Top Attractions

Places to Eat in Macau

888 gourmet place.

There is no better place to get a delicious breakfast in Macau than 888 Gourmet Place’s breakfast buffet. With more than 100 choices and a wide array of cuisines, your taste buds will find a haven at this restaurant. Lunch buffet is also available with a wide variety of freshly prepared mouth-watering seafood including oysters and crab. Discover fine dining with style at the chic restaurant and enjoy Macanese, Portuguese, continental Europe, Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine. Location: Sands Macao, Macau Timings: 7 am to 11 am

888 Buffet in Sands, Macau | Flat 20% off

Macau Tower 360° Café

The revolving restaurant is one of the most popular places to visit in Macau with its exotic views and scrumptious food. Local Portuguese as well as Indian dishes are prepared with seasonal seafood to tickle your platter. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city underneath while you dine, soak in the twinkling lights at night and experience a romantic dinner watching over the sunset. High tea is served with delicious cakes and delicate muffins, cheesecakes and hazelnut crumble with freshly ground coffee. Location: Largo da Torre De, Macau Timings: 11.30 am to 10 pm

Macau Tower 360° Café | Dinner Buffet | Flat 13% off

A paradise away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Cafe on 4 is famous for its Mikado coffee bean. The signature coffee bean is used in a variety of dishes here - from soft ice creams to chilled jellies and other delicate delights. Enjoy spectacular views of the harbour while gulping some fresh crepes and pasta coupled with crunchy caramelised sugar pieces. Location: Macau Tower, Macau Timings: 10 am to 10 pm

Rua de S. Paulo

For foodies, one of the most essential places to visit in Macau is the Rua de S. Paulo street. Street food stalls selling everything from desserts and barbecued bread to almond cookies, the food here is cheap and delicious. When the hunger pangs hit you, what could be more lovely than a pork jerky or egg tart. The shops here also offer free samples that you can try if you wish to taste a variety of dishes. Make sure that you check out the sumptuous street food offered at this street before leaving Macau. Location: Dasanba Street, Macau Timings: no timing restrictions

Other Places to Visit in Macau

Guia lighthouse.

One of the most sombre tourist places in Macau, Guia Lighthouse was built in the 17th century and has an elaborate set of beautiful frescoes. The place shows a gorgeous blend of Western and Chinese architecture, and motifs of religious importance can be seen on the walls. The lighthouse is not open to the public, but you can visit the Fortress and the Chapel. The building is a testament of the rich, multicultural diversity of Macau and a symbol of the military and maritime past. Location: Sao Lazaro, Macau Timings : 9 am to 6 pm

Best of Taichung

Places to Visit in Taichung, Tourist Places & Top Attractions

Camoes Grotto Park

Known as one of the major Macau attractions, Camoes is the oldest park in the city. Camoes Grotto is the most popular sight of the park, and it holds the bust of the famous port Luis de Camoes. The backdrop of rolling hills and emerald trees add to the serene environment of the park. Walk through the soft grass and smell the vibrant flowers, hike to the Gazebo and enjoy stunning views of the harbour, or simply take a walk through the lush greenery. Location: Santo Antonio, Macau Timings: 6 am to 10 pm

Studio City

The Studio City hotel and casino offers an endless list of fun activities you can indulge in on your trip to Macau. If you are an adventure junkie, up to your adrenaline levels at the amusement rides at Studio City. Rejuvenate yourself at the resort spa after your day-long excursion, followed by tickling your taste buds by trying various cuisines.

Studio City also houses shops for you to binge on some jewellery and local artefacts, which reflect the authentic local essence.

Timings: Open 24 hours

Price: INR 1400

Sam Kai Vui Kun

Located near Senado Square is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Macau. The temple is dedicated to Guan Yu, a general who is worshipped in both Tao religion and Buddhism. Since it is so close to the bazaar, the temple is easily accessible and has been a cultural and commerce symbol for the city. The building looks simple and sober from afar, but the architecture is quite stunning from up close - with glazed tiles and intricate details. Location: Near Senado Square, Macau Timings: 8 am to 6 pm

Travessa da Paixao

Located beside the Ruins of St Paul, Travessa da Paixao is a 50-metre long unmissable lane if you are a die-hard romantic. The colourful buildings and the under-crowded street are all you want on a sojourn with your partner, if calmness is what you are looking for. Witness the blend of modern and vintage buildings dotting both sides of the lane as you hold the hand of your beloved and walk down the picturesque street. Location: Tv. da Paixao Macau

Macau Museum of Art

Macau Museum of Art is the largest building in the city housing visual arts. Exhibition galleries are spread over 5 floors and each floor features Chinese artworks ranging from calligraphy, paintings, and ceramics. Besides that, Cantonese artworks are also displayed here. Historical pictures depicting Western paintings and European influenced artefacts created by Chinese artists are also on display. There is an auditorium on the first floor where you can enjoy seminars and video related to the artworks too. Location: Se, Macau Timings: 10 am to 7 pm, closed on Mondays

Best of Taiwan

Seac pai van park.

Hosting a rich diversity of tropical flora and fauna, Seac Pai Van Park is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Macau. The beautiful splendours of nature offer a hideaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, and people often come here to spend some alone time with their thoughts. If you are travelling with family, your kids will love the educational tour on animal conservation that is held here. You can also celebrate a picnic or go for a calming stroll. Location: Coloane, Macau Timings: 6 am to 10 pm

Lisboa Casino

Trending in Macau

Adventure in macau.

Macau Tower Climb | Book Now at Flat 12% off

Macau Top Attractions

Nestled on the southwestern tip of the Macau Peninsula, the A-Ma Temple stands as a venerable testament to the region's cultural and maritime history. Dating back to 1488, predating the establishment of Macau, this Taoist temple venerates Mazu, the Chinese goddess of the sea.Renowned for its captivating architecture and intricate detailing, the temple complex unfolds across six distinctive areas, each representing a different historical epoch. From the majestic Gate Pavilion to the atmospheric Prayer Hall, visitors embark on a journey through time, immersing themselves in the spiritual and maritime traditions that have shaped Macau.The temple's intricate decorations, including stone carvings and vibrant porcelain figurines, reflect a harmonious blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, A-Ma Temple invites exploration, offering both a tranquil escape and a profound connection to Macau's rich cultural tapestry.

Macau Travel Guides

20 Romantic Places In Macau For Couples In {{year}}

Macau Reviews

More Things to do in Macau

More on macau tourism, popular related destinations.

Best Domestic Packages

Best international packages, domestic honeymoon packages, international honeymoon packages, places to visit in india, international places to visit, things to do in india, international things to do, popular on thrillophilia.

We assure the privacy of your contact data.
This data will only be used by our team to contact you and no other purposes.

Your enquiry has been received successfully. Our destination expert will reach out to you soon!

South Africa
Philippines
New South Wales
Northern Territory
South Australia
Western Australia
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Netherlands
New Zealand
Solomon Islands
Itineraries
About Travel2Next
Hotel Reviews
Travel2Next TV
Travel Shop

Destinations
Best of Macau
Heritage and Culture
Things To Do

20 places to visit in Macau

- This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

Macao is a mysterious melding of east and west, a fusion of ancient architecture and high-tech pizazz. It’s a city that has grown explosively into a futuristic entertainment centre while continuing to preserve rich Chinese and Portuguese culture and traditions in its beautiful temples, churches, museums and festivals. Here’s our bucket list of 20 places to visit in Macau.

In the 16th century, Portuguese traders came to Macau seeking the fabled land Marco Polo had called Cathay. They discovered Macau and the colony prospered. The Portuguese were followed by Jesuit missionaries who turned Macau into Asia’s religious hub.

Those golden years left a legacy of historic places of interest in Macau, such as buildings, plazas and churches. The street names give away Macau’s heritage. Drive along the tree-lined Rua da Praia Grande or stroll down the broad Avenida Almeida Ribeiro and you’ll spot a blend of Chinese and Mediterranean architecture.

If you’re travelling with kids, here are 35 fun things to do in Macau for kids .

1- Ruins of St Paul’s

2- senado square, 3- a-ma temple, 4- museu de macau, 5- st lawrence parish, 6- kuan tai temple, 7- mandarin’s house, 8- rua de felicidade, 9- guia lighthouse, 10- macau’s inner harbour, 11- opium house, 12- macau’s handover gifts museum, 13- the cotai strip, 14- macau tower, 15- lou lim leoc garden, 16- cameos garden, 17- st francisco garden, 18- taipa village, 19- coloane, 20- travessa da paixão, where is macau, macau or macao, is macao a country, what else to do in macao, places to visit in macau – macau city.

You’ve seen it in photos and brochures. Of all the places of interest in Macau, the Ruins of St Paul’s is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is as famous a landmark in Macau as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris or Sydney’s Opera House.

Constructed in 1602, the sculpted church facade is all that remains of the original Catholic church after a fire razed its wooden walls and interior in 1835.

Right next to the ornate facade is St. Paul’s College, which was the first western-style university in Asia.

This was where missionaries studied the Chinese language before they were sent to serve in Beijing, at the Ming Emperor’s Court.

The Jesuits embedded themselves into China as advisers, astronomers and mathematicians.

Unfortunately, the college was also burnt to the ground.

More than a dash of European flair fills the streets of Macau, which is a fascinating destination where east meets west.

The square is one of the best places in Macau for people watching.

Stand in Senado Square with your eyes shut and listen to the symphony of Cantonese, Mandarin and English.

The compact region is rich in European architecture and Macau’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage gem with a distinctive Portuguese flavour.

Think cobblestone streets with pastel European-style pastel-hued neo-classical buildings.

Senado Square is a vibrant piazza where you will find a roll-call of festivals, celebrations and spontaneous street-theatre.

Classically paved Portuguese-style tiles seem like they have been teleported from the streets of Lisbon.

Senado Square is packed with souvenir shops, local food stores and boutiques.

Grab an ice cream and sit and watch the crowd go by.

There are many good reasons why most people have A-Ma Temple at the top of the list of places to visit in Macau .

Built by fishermen in the 16th century, in honour of the sea goddess, the temple is an impressive labyrinth of prayer halls, pavilions and courtyards linked by winding stone paths and moon-shaped gates.

A-Ma is Macau’s oldest temple, built in 1488 before the city was formed.

As A-Ma Temple sits on a rocky hill, look along the rock cliff behind the temple for ancient inscriptions of classical Chinese poetry.

The 15 th -century temple is a working temple and lots of people come here to pray.

Spend a couple of hours taking a leisurely walk to the top of the hill as the view is stunning.

If you’re wondering what to do in Macau if you’re interested in history and culture, put aside at least a day to explore the Museu de Macau .

Mount Fortress, the city’s main military defence fort for three hundred years, now houses this impressive museum.

The displays and exhibits offer deep insights and interesting stories about Macau’s history making it one of the best places to visit in Macau for history buffs.

Three levels of galleries are packed with information.

You’ll find out everything you need to know about Macau including Macau’s history, commerce and culture.

There’s an entire floor dedicated to traditions, pop art and festivals . And another floor with displays focused on city life.

While Macau now generates a massive amount of revenue for China, it once was a modest fishing and port town known as Ou Mun which translates as “Trading Gate”.

Its strategic location at the mouth of the Pearl River, which leads inland to the thriving metropolis of Canton (now known as Guangzhou ), meant it was visited by trading boats from all over the world.

The Portuguese made it one of their key Asian ports in the 1550s and conducted a huge amount of trade through Macau.

They had administrative control over the area from the mid-16th century until 1999, when it was handed back to China, and left behind beautiful buildings like the 16th-century Baroque church, St Dominic’s.

Impressive colonial-style administrative offices are strewn throughout the historic part of Macau, reflective of the era during which the Portuguese had control over the region.

The charming architecture makes this section of the top places to see in Macau if your interest is history.

The Macau Government Headquarters, pictured here, is the office of Macau’s Chief Executive.

Constructed in 1849, the elegant pink-and-white building was designed using the famous Pombaline style of Portuguese architecture commonly seen in the oldest parts of Lisbon and Porto.

It has been well preserved, as have many of the most significant Portuguese structures in Macau.

The architect responsible for the Macau Government Headquarters building, Tomas de Aquino, also designed the neo-classical St Lawrence’s. It is one of the three oldest churches in Macau .

Before Macau’s skyline started to grow, this church had a clear view of the harbour and Portuguese families would gather there to wait for sailors to return from the sea.

This church is one of more than 20 timeworn monuments which comprise the UNESCO listed area including squares, temples, residences, fortresses and theatres.

Kuan Tai temple is one of the best places to visit in Macau for Chinese culture

Kuan Tai is located in a small backstreet right near Senado Square.

Its traditional Chinese architecture contrasts with the Western buildings in this area, symbolising the way in which varied cultures existed peacefully in Macau for centuries.

Macau’s Chinese temples are open to the public, who are free to wander the grounds and admire their faded grandeur.

Incense smoke drifts through these religious structures as locals kneel in silent prayer and leave offerings to the Gods.

The interiors of Macau’s temples are particularly interesting, with intricately-carved woodwork, impressive statues and bright colours throughout.

The peace they offer can be a reprieve from the noise and crowds of the streets of Macau , which is one of the world’s most densely populated urban areas.

Just north of A-Ma temple is another of Macau’s key tourist attractions, Mandarin’s House.

Built about 150 years ago, the huge residential complex was the home of a revered Chinese writer, Zheng Guanying.

Tourists can inspect most of the 4000sqm building, which is predominantly Chinese in style but which incorporates some elements of Western architecture, such as its decorative motifs.

Its courtyards, overlooked by large windows, are especially attractive and a nice place to take a rest.

North beyond Senado Square, the former Red Light district of Rua de Felicidade is one of the liveliest areas of the historical precinct.

With its weathered Chinese shophouses, their doors and windows painted bright red, this area has a unique appearance.

Having long shed off its seedy past, Rua de Felicidade now is populated with lots of small Chinese restaurants , several of which specialise in seafood, including the infamous delicacy Shark Fin Soup.

The Roasted Duck in this neighbourhood is spectacular, making it a perfect spot to have dinner and end your day exploring the Historic Centre of Macau.

Macau attained UNESCO status because it was (and still is) a strategic maritime port.

Like most ports, Macau has a fort and lighthouse (situated on Guia Hill).

Guia Lighthouse is a historic star that has been featured on a set of stamps by Macao Post on 8 July 2015.

In recognition of the lighthouse’s 150th anniversary, Macao Post has released a special souvenir set of two stamps and a souvenir sheet with images of the lighthouse and view of Macau peninsula from the old Guia fortress.

The lighthouse is accessible by walking up a gentle rise on a landscaped hillside but there’s also a cable car to the summit.

It’s worth the effort as there are good views of Zhuhai in China and across the South China Sea to Hong Kong .

The fortress on Guia Hill (open from 8 am to 6 pm) was built between 1622 and 1638, after an unsuccessful attempt by the Dutch to take control of the small but strategic territory.

One of the buildings is a small chapel originally established by Clarist nuns who lived here before establishing the Convent of St. Clare.

Nearby, the lighthouse, built in 1864 was the first modern lighthouse to be constructed along the Chinese coastline.

It stands 91m high and the beam can be seen for 20 nautical miles on a clear evening and it’s one of the intriguing places to visit in Macau for nautical history.

Parts of Macau’s heritage heartland of narrow cobble-stoned streets resemble those back in Portugal.

Macau rose to fame as a trading port to export Asian goods to Europe. Its architecture is an attractive mosaic of Moorish buildings,

Chinese temples and European churches dating back to the 16th century.

Travessa do Mastro and Rua da Felicidade are lined with Chinese restaurants and is the ideal place to take a break from the rigors of sightseeing.

The trail winds its way to Rua do Almirante Sérgio. Pier 16 is a good place to view the protected Inner Harbour and the fishing boats that moor here in the waterway separating Macau to mainland China.

Kun Iam Temple is a complex of 15th-century prayer halls and funeral parlours and an impressive 20m tall gilded bronze statue that stands at the edge of Macau harbour.

Just off the main waterfront road is Opium House at 16 Praça de Ponte e Horta.

This warehouse was built in 1880 in an architectural style typical of the era.

Opium was only banned in 1946 and in 1996 the building was meticulously banned.

Close by is Praça de Ponte e Horta which is an open square along the Inner Harbour.

The Handover Gifts Museum of Macau commemorates the handover ceremony on 20th December 1999 when Macao was returned to China.

When Portugal formally conceded control of Macau to China, Macau’s residents were offered the opportunity to apply for Portuguese citizenship and move to Portugal.

Many stayed in Macau and the city has continued to prosper.

The three-storey museum’s exhibition gallery has floor-to-ceiling cabinets filled with the impressive gift from various Chinese regions, including gold horses, giant paintings and other works of art.

Some of these works are so grand they would have taken teams of artists months to complete.

Places to visit in Macau – Cotai Strip

Asia’s version of Las Vegas has its own Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge and Eiffel Tower.

The strip of land joining Cotai Island and Taipa Island is the spot for high rollers. But even if you aren’t interested in gaming tables, the bright lights and spectacular shows in are amazing to see.

Many of the attractions are truly spectacular and new resorts are popping up each year.

There are plenty of things to do in Macau for kids in Cotai, including Macau pools and water parks.

You could spend weeks exploring Macao’s hotels , resorts and entertainment precincts of The Cotai Strip.

There’s Wynn Macau, Venetian Macao, City of Dreams, Studio City and Sands Cotai Central, Galaxy and City of Dreams.

You could easily spend a few days bar hopping , clubbing, dining in fine restaurants, shopping and watching impressive floor shows (don’t miss The House of Dancing Water for spectacular special effects and acrobatic feats).

The free audio-visual entertainment is worth checking out too.

Wynn Macau has a nightly water show with 300 jets of water synchronised to music. The Dragon of Fortune in the Rotunda atrium is an impressive display of lighting and audio effects.

One of the newest resorts, The Parisian, is a fabulous chic version of Paris and comes complete with its own mini Eiffel Tower!

Best place for a bird’s-eye view? Macau Tower’s Outdoor Observation Deck on Level 61 offers a fabulous view with a dash of adrenalin thrown in.

Adventure seekers will love climbing the mast, bungy jumping or walking around the outer perimeter of the tower (on a walkway 1.8m wide) and base jumping (leaping off the tower like a stuntman while attached to a wire cable).

Is anyone up for the thrill of bungy jumping in Macau ?

Green places to visit in Macau

In a compact city like Macau, there’s nothing more precious than a Chinese garden.

The Lou Lim Leoc Garden is a beautiful spot to escape the bright lights and the crowds.

It’s a historic garden with ponds and pagodas.

Macau also has other lovely gardens where you can get away for some peace and tranquility.

Totter up to Camoes Garden, one of Macau’s venerable parks, and arguably the lungs of the city.

In the 18th century, this wooded refuge backed onto the residence of the British East India Company’s boss.

Later purchased by a Portuguese merchant, an enticing grotto was developed, crowned by a bust of his country’s most famous poet, Luis de Camoes.

From the grotto, pathways entice you through spacious gardens, artfully outfitted in stone courtyards, tropical finery and towering Banyan trees.

For well over a century, Cameos Garden has been the go-to locale for residents to play checkers, take their caged birds for a walk, catch up with friends, and most importantly, to undertake their morning exercises.

An unmissable highlight is the mass assembly of tai chi groups, a pageant of poise, colour and grace. And the affectionate tai chi ladies will happily welcome to join in!

I dutifully did – and managed to disgrace myself in the process – by exposing my appalling lack of coordination.

I also chanced upon spirited old men, giving their feet a vigorous reflexology work-out on the purpose-built pathways of foot massage pebbles. One chirpy chap vigorously exercising looked all of 70 but turned out to be 88!

The verdant gardens border another enriching historic find, the Old Protestant Cemetery, thronging with fragrant trees, gnarly old headstones and heartfelt inscriptions marking the graves of merchants, missionaries and fortune-seekers – many who died at shockingly youthful ages.

Some of the epitaphs bring to light the swash-buckling lawlessness of the fledgling trading post, with many of the buried, slain by pirates.

A notable grave is that of Lord Henry John Spencer Churchill, a Royal Navy Captain, who as you might have guessed, was a blood relative of Winston and Diana.

The European influence on Macau’s peninsula is evident in the beautiful St Francisco Garden.

This intimate green space unfurls down a hill a few hundred metres behind the Wynn Macau Casino.

Shaded beneath a dense tree canopy, the park’s ornate fences and grand fountain evoke the bold designs of many public spaces in Portugal.

It is particularly interesting in the early morning and in the evening when locals gather to exercise, sing, dance in groups, or practice water calligraphy on its pavement.

Places to visit in Macau – Taipa and Coloane

Taipa Village is a traditional village that has recently undergone a renaissance.

The main historic attraction is the Taipa Houses Museum, restored colonial homes that where you will get a real feel for how Portuguese families lived in the early 1900s.

This serene side of Macau is a portal into history and one of the best places to visit in Macau to escape to the past.

Even though Macao is one of the fastest growing cities in Asia, there are still pockets of places to escape from the urban spread. Coloane is one such hideaway that remains unchanged by the passage of time.

About 100 years ago, Coloane was a den for pirates to hang out.

Then in 1910, the Portuguese drove the pirates out of the area and built the village square.

The centrepiece of Coloane Village is its baroque St. Francis Chapel, which is a charming reminder of the Portuguese era.

South of Coloane Village, past Tam Kong temple, shooting range cemetery, stroll down Estrada da Aldeia, to Bamboo Bay or Cheoc Van, Macau’s best beach.

A world away from downtown Macau, Cheoc Van has a public swimming pool and the restaurant is a popular expat hangout for pizza.

Most picturesque place to visit in Macau

For a picturesque place to take a photo next to the Ruins of St Paul’s look for the colourful pastel builtins in Travessa da Paixão.

You could easily imagine you’re somewhere in Europe here.

Discover Macau

Macau is on the western banks of the Pearl River Delta of Guangdong Province, 60km south west of Hong Kong. Macau is less than an hour away by fast ferry from Hong Kong Airport, yet it is a contrast in scenery and sightseeing.

The original Portuguese spelling was “Macao” but during the 20th century, “Macau” became more commonly used by both in English and Portuguese. After the official handover in 1999, the Macau government considered both “Macao” and “Macau” to be acceptable spellings of the name, however, “Macau” was the official spelling in Portuguese. That changed recently and the government of Macao, including the Macao Government Tourist Office uses the “Macao” spelling.

While the Portuguese played a major role in shaping Macau’s heritage, Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. It’s one of the special places to visit in China that has its own legal system, police force, monetary system, customs policy and immigration policy.

For more ideas and information to add to your Macau itinerary see this Macao post .

On a budget? Here are 10 ways to explore Macau on a budget

Plan Your Trip

Rent A Car – Find the best car rental rates at Discover Cars . They compare car hire companies to provide you with the best deal right now.

Find A Hotel – If you’re curious about this article and are looking for somewhere to stay, take a look at these amazing hotels .

Is Macanese Ready To Go Mainstream?

Macao buffet bible – how to choose the best buffet in macau, macau nightlife – 20 cool bars and clubs, coloane hiking trail, portuguese egg tart recipe, editor's picks, 101 travel quotes – inspiring the journey, 60 luxury escapes for your bucket list, 25 australian landmarks.

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 Tower is one of the top Macau tourist spots

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

Museum of Macau is one of the top Macau tourist spots to enter for free

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

Casa Garden is one of the best Macau tourist spots to visit for free

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

Camões Square is one of the best Macau tourist spots

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

Sir Robert Ho Tung Library is one of the best Macau tourist spots

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

Moorish Barracks is one of the top Macau tourist spots to visit for free

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

Old Taipa Village is one of new Macau tourist spots

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

Coloane Village is one of the underrated Macau tourist spots

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 .

Uttarakhand
Switzerland
New Zealand

Indian Destinations

International Destinations

Destination Guides

Sikkim - Gangtok - Darjeeling
South Africa

Holiday Themes

Top Categories

Seasonal Packages
Water Activities
How It Works
Testimonials

For any help

1800-123-5555

Add TravelTriangle to

Homescreen for quick access

Tap to bring up your browser menu and select "Add to home screen" to pin the TravelTriangle web app

Places to Visit in Macau

The land of diverse culture is ready to ensure a great vacation for you, best time to visit.

How to reach
Places to visit
Things to do
Essential Information

Quick Information

Ideal duration, starting from, en.macaotourism.gov.mo/index.php.

Sightseeing

Tourist places to visit in Macau

Popular as the ‘Vegas of China’, Macau is the hottest destination for families, honeymooners, gamblers and party animals. Apart from the nightlife and world-famous casinos, there are really nice places to visit in Macau , which are a fusion of both the Chinese and Portuguese cultures respectively. Below is a list of the world famous Macau tourist attractions to guide those travellers.

The Ruins of Saint Paul is one of the must visit attractions in Macau . It is a complex from the 17th century, which comprised of St Paul’s college and the Church of Saint Paul . But, owing to the 1835 fire, the place today stands in ruins, having the remains of the college and church.

Senado Square is among the other places to see in Macau. It is the largest, triangular square of Macau, connecting Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and Largo do São Domingos. It is a bustling place, where major celebrations in the city occur and is frequented by both locals and tourists. Its wavy pavement, made from black and white mosaic stones, is symbol of ancient Portuguese architecture in Macau.

The Macau tower is one of the famous points of interest in Macau. Shooting high into the skies up to a height of 338 meters, Macau Tower stands 10 th in the list of world’s highest freestanding towers and 8th in that of Asia. Also, check out the enchanting aerial views of Macau, Hong Kong, China and Pearl River from the tower’s Observation Deck.

When in Macau, you must visit at least one casino for a gamble of lifetime. The city boasts of some world famous casinos that are the places to visit for those gamblers. Visit the biggest world casino, Venetian Casino resort, one would surely forget those big Las Vegas casinos after visiting Macau.

To embrace the history and cultural heritage in North Macau, head to Portas do Cerco an ancient Portuguese building, embrace serenity of the Temple of goddess of mercy – a popular Buddhist temple and Ling Fong Miu temple . Other Macau tourist places here include the Link Kai Miu temple, Fortaleza de Mong Ha and Monumento a Vasco da Gama.

In Central Macau, visit Fortaleza do Monte, Mansão Evocative de Sun Yat-Sen - the enchanting mansion, the famous Ruins of Saint Paul’s Church , Holy House of Mercy, Tai Soi Miu Temple, Protestant Cemetery and other structures coming from both Chinese and Portuguese origins.

Lastly in South Macau the well-known destinations in Macau comprises the religious places like Fortaleza da Barra, Ma Kok Miu Temple, Residencia Episcopal and famous Museo Maritimo de Macau.

The places to visit in Macau at night include a plethora of vibrant bars, pubs, besides those casinos. The famous tourist attractions in Macau have both Portuguese and Chinese roots, which is visible in the ingredients of the local cuisine which is spiced up by add-ons from India, Africa and other countries.

Fisherman's Wharf in Macau

The wildlife warden munnar PO, idukki dist.kerala, india

Macau Fisherman's Wharf is located near the Macau Maritime Terminal. It is the first theme park and the shopping center that started in Macau . The area has more than 111500 square meters out of which 40 percent is reclaimed from the sea. Ho Gung San and the Chow Kam Fai are the major investors in this project. Ho Hua Wah, t...

Local cuisines

Macau Tower

If one gets a chance to be in Macau or planning for a Macau trip, Macau tower should be a major landmark to be added to the must-see list. It is the building designed by Gordon Moller, a popular architect from New Zealand. Construction of the building got finished in the year 2001 during the second anniversary of Macau. By ...

Iconic landmarks

Venetian Macau

The Venetian Macau is a luxurious casino resort located on the bustling Cotai strip of Macau . It is modeled with the resemblance with the sister property in Las Vegas. The theme of the resort is Venice and they have tried to replicate the romantic canals and the streets of Venice. The romance may be lost with many of these ...

St. Lawrence Church in Macau

St. Lawrence Church is one of the oldest churches in Macau and was built between 1558 and 1560. This church has been renovated several times. Originally, it was built entirely from wood. St. Lawrence church in Macau has decorative interiors with colorful wooden ceiling and fancy chandeliers. The church is surrounded by a ga...

Religious sites

Senado Square in Macau

Senado Square also called as Largo do Senado is the public square of Macau. It is located in the central area of Macau . It covers an area of about 37000 square meters. It is one of the four largest squares in the city of Macau. Senado Square in Macau has a unique look as there are tiled roads with smaller black and white st...

Historical Sites

Ruins of St. Paul Cathedral in Macau

Ruins of St. Paul a popular spot in Macau, which represent the façade of the St. Paul Cathedral which was completed in the year 1580. This is an attraction that none of the traveler would want to miss. The St Paul’s Cathedral was the one that had an architecture blending renaissance and oriental style. It was the largest Ca...

Kun Iam Statue in Macau

Behind the flashing neon lights and on the top of the casinos of Macau, facing the city stands the Kun Iam Statue . It is part of the Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre which is located on the artificial island which connects to the Av Dr Sun Yat Sen, Nape through the causeway which is 60 meter long. The total height of the island is...

Historic sightseeing

Greyhound Race Course in Macau

Greyhound Racing is the organized and competitive sport in which greyhound dogs have to race around the track. Greyhound racing has two forms, i.e. track racing and the coursing. Track racing make use of artificial lure which travels ahead the dogs on the rail until that crosses the finish line. This is also the racing in w...

Unlimited Fun

A Ma Temple in Macau

A Ma temple or the Mazu temple is one among oldest religious temples of Macau. This is the temple located on southeastern side of Macau Peninsula. The temple has got a history of more than 500 years and is dated back to the 1488 even before the existence of Macau city. The people of this place believed in a goddess Name Maz...

Wine and Grand Prix Museum in Macau

Macau Wine & Grand Prix Museum is the one which displays the history and the significance of wine making and racing for the city of Macau. This site unveils so many facts related with wine making and racing that is not much known to the people. The Macau and their connections with wine and racing get significant importance ...

Filters by Category

Popular packages.

Unlimited choices. Trusted agents. Best prices. Happy memories.

Fun-Filled Hong Kong Family Tour Package

hongKong (4D)

4 Days & 3 Nights

₹ 29,999/- ₹ 34,090/-

Upto 3 Stars

Cab Airport Transfer

Exciting Macau Tour Package

3 Days & 2 Nights

₹ 29,999/- ₹ 34,482/-

Upto 4 Stars

All applicable taxes

Alluring Hong Kong Tour Package From India

₹ 30,000/- ₹ 32,967/-, fun-tastic macau tour package, exciting hong kong tour package.

5 Days & 4 Nights

Hong Kong Family Holiday

hongKong (5D)

₹ 30,000/- ₹ 33,000/-

Mesmerising macau honeymoon package, ₹ 32,999/- ₹ 36,263/-.

Upto 5 Stars

Heavenly Hong Kong Family Package

₹ 32,999/- ₹ 36,666/-, idyllic macau honeymoon package, ₹ 33,999/- ₹ 37,362/-, exhilarating hong kong tour package.

hongKong (3D)

₹ 35,000/- ₹ 38,461/-

A splendid hong kong honeymoon itinerary, spellbinding macau tour package from india, wonderful macau tour package from mumbai, marvels of hong kong and macau family tour.

6 Days & 5 Nights

₹ 35,000/- ₹ 38,043/-

Hong kong 5 days luxury tour package, ₹ 35,999/- ₹ 39,129/-, thrilling hong kong sightseeing packages, ₹ 37,000/- ₹ 40,659/-, best selling hong kong ocean park & disneyland tour package, ₹ 38,000/- ₹ 41,677/-, fabulous hong kong & macau package, ₹ 39,999/- ₹ 43,428/-, amazing hong kong & macau package.

7 Days & 6 Nights

₹ 39,999/- ₹ 43,157/-

Enchanting hong kong & macau honeymoon package, ₹ 39,999/- ₹ 44,943/-.

Airport Pickup-Drop

Fastest Growing Holiday Marketplace

Verified Agents

Happy Travellers

Destinations

Easy, Secure & Reliable

Traveltriangle

Quality Control

Authentic Traveler Reviews

Read on to find out why our customers love us!

Kasturi's 5 days trip to Macau

Kasturi Pawar Mumbai

Gauri's 8 days trip to Macau

Gauri Damle Mumbai

Bindu's 7 days trip to Macau

Bindu Mumbai

Soumi's 6 days trip to Macau

Soumi Banerjee Hyderabad

Lokesh's 8 days trip to Macau

Lokesh Babu Bangalore

Anjna's 7 days trip to Macau

Anjna Singhal New delhi

Shobhik's 4 days trip to Macau

Shobhik Dutta Delhi

Shruthiramdas's 4 days trip to Macau

Shruthi Ramdas Bengaluru

Pratik's 6 days trip to Macau

Pratik Jain Ahmedabad

Sowmya's 5 days trip to Macau

Sowmya Dcc Bengaluru

Want best packages handpicked just for you?

Fill the form and get a callback from our holiday experts

Hong Kong >
Places To Visit

Rated 4.21 / 5 ( based on 356 reviews )

We Are Hiring!
Privacy Policy

Corporate Office

Holiday Triangle Travel Private Limited

Plot No - 52 , 3rd Floor,

Batra House, Sector 32,

Gurugram - 122001 , Haryana

Landline: 1800 123 5555

Email: [email protected]

Tommy Ooi Travel Guide

Traveling made simple.

[ 01/04/2024 ] Hokkaido Table Omakase at Exchange TRX Kuala Lumpur
[ 27/03/2024 ] Carlton Hotel Singapore wins the Best Luxury Business Hotel Award Travel News
[ 27/03/2024 ] The Mistral Italian Restaurant Reopens at InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong Kuala Lumpur
[ 27/03/2024 ] The Summerhouse By Plaza Premium Group Opens At KLIA Travel News
[ 10/03/2024 ] IHG Hotels & Resorts opens its first Hotel Indigo in the heart of Kuala Lumpur Travel News

12 Must Visit Macau Attractions & Travel Guide

Before reading on, you might be interested in these related articles

17 Must Eat Food in Macau

20 must visit hong kong attractions, 17 must eat food in hong kong.

Going to Hong Kong? Book your Hong Kong to Macau Ferry Tickets online.

1. Ruins of St Paul’s

The Ruins of St Paul’s was originally built in the 17th century, it was destroyed by fire in 1835. What remains till today is the facade of the Church & St Paul’s college.

Nowadays, the facade of the Ruins of St. Paul’s functions symbolically as an altar to the city.

Bus Routes : 3, 3X, 4, 6A, 8A, 18A, 19, 26A, 33, N1A ( Google Map )

2. Senado Square

Senado Square has been Macau’s urban centre for centuries & still a popular venue for celebrations. It is paved with wave-patterned mosaic coloured stones created by the Portuguese.

The square is surrounded by beautiful pastel-coloured neo-classical buildings with the former Senate building just opposite the fountain.

3. A-Ma Temple 媽閣廟

Macau’s name is derived from A-Ma-Gau or Place of A-Ma and this temple dedicated to the seafarers’ goddess dates from the early 16th century.

The A-Ma Temple was constructed during the Ming Dynasty to commemorate Mazu, the sea goddess. According to legend, A-Ma, a poor girl looking for a passage to Canton, was refused by the wealthy junk owners but a lowly fisherman took her on board. A storm blew up and wrecked all but the boat carrying the girl. On arrival in Macau, she vanished, to reappear as a goddess, on the spot where the fishermen built her temple.

Opening Hours: 7 am to 6 pm.

Bus Routes – Barra Square : 1, 2, 5, 6B, 10, 10A, 11, 18, 21A, 26, 28B, 55, MT4, N3 ( Google Map )

4. Macau Tower

Macau Tower is 338 metres in height and offers visitors a splendid panoramic view all over Macao and much of the Pearl River Delta from its observation deck and revolving restaurant, at the 223-metre level.

Skip The Queue, Book Online: Discounted Macau Tower Ticket

Bus Routes : 9A, 18, 23, 26, 32, 73 ( Google Map )

For More Info: Macau Tower

5. Guia Fortress 東望洋炮台東望洋燈塔

Guia Fortress was initially designed to defend Macau from attacks from the sea, but because of its position overlooking the entire city, its chief value has been as an observation post.

The lighthouse stands at 91 meters tall and has a light visible for some 20 miles in clear weather conditions. The Guia Fortress was a restricted military area until 1976 when it opened as a major tourist attraction.

Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 5.30 pm

Bus Routes : 2, 2A, 6A, 12, 17, 18, 18A, 19, 22, 23, 25, 25X, 32, 56 ( Google Map )

6. Venetian & Parisian Macao

Venetian Macau is one of the world largest casino & hotel with all 3,000 of its room are suites, each with more than 70 sqm of space and lavish Italian marble bathrooms.

Experience shopping with over 350 international shops, be dazzled by the street performers, or take a ride on an authentic Venetian gondola, all at the resort.

Parisian Macau, on the other hand, is the latest new shopping mall, hotel, casino and has its own Eiffel Tower.

Free Shuttle to Venetian Macau :

Free transfer from Macau International Airport, Taipa Ferry Terminal, Lotus Border and Sands Macau.

7. Rua du Cunha

Named after Portuguese explorer Tristão da Cunha, Rua du Cunha is a narrow pedestrian street offering a variety of delicious local food. The short alley offers some of the famous Macau eatery shops such as Lord Stow, Gelatina Mok Yi Kei, Seng Cheong Crab Porridge and many more.

It is also just a short 10 to 15 mins walk from Venetian to Rua dun Cunha.

Address: Rua du Cunha ( Google Map )

8. Travessa da Paixão 戀愛巷

Travessa da Paixão is also known as Love Lane with a history of 80 years. The buildings are artfully painted making it a nice photo-taking spot among tourists. It is just located beside the Ruins of St Paul’s.

Address: Tv da Paixao ( Google Map )

9. Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre

This statue is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. It is 20 meters tall and made of special bronze. The dome shape base like a lotus flower is an ecumenical centre where information is available on Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

Address: 1101 Av. Dr Sun Yat-Sen, Macau ( Google Map )

Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on Friday.

Bus Routes: 10A, 17, 30X (Google Map)

10. St Dominic Church 玫瑰聖母堂

The St Dominic Church was founded in 1587 by three Spanish Dominican priests who originally came from Acapulco in Mexico. This is the place where the first Portuguese newspaper was published in China.

The bell tower, at the back of the building, is converted into a small Museum of Sacred Art with a collection of around 300 artefacts.

Opening hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

11. Galaxy Macau

Galaxy Macau is one of the top resort destinations in Macau with more than 2,200 rooms, suites and villas from Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, Okura Hotels & Resorts, and Galaxy Hotel.

Facilities include a selection of more than 50 food and beverage outlets, distinctive retail shopping; lush oasis gardens covering 52,000 square meters, and the world’s largest Skytop Wave Pool covering 4,000 square meters and featuring a 350-ton white sand beach.

Free Shuttle to Galaxy Macau :

Free transfer from StarWorld Hotel, Macau Ferry Terminal, Macau International Airport, Taipa Ferry Terminal, Lotus Border and Broadway Macau

For More Info: Galaxy Macau

12. Macao Giant Panda Pavilion

Macao Giant Panda Pavilion comprises two 330m2 indoor activity quarters and a 600m2 outdoor yard for the inhabitation of the giant pandas and a 900m2 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.

Please purchase tickets in advance due to the limited number of admission.

Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays, admission at 6 intervals per day.

Admission: MOP10

Bus routes : 15, 21A, 25, 26, 26A, 50, N3 ( Google Map )

For More Info: Macau Panda

A Ma Temple
City of Dreams
Galaxy Macau
Grand Prix Museum
Greyhound racing
Guia Fortress
Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre
Macau Attractions
macau must see
Macau Sightseeing
Macau Tower
Macau Travel Guide
Must See Macau Attractions
Must Visit Macau Attractions
Places to Visit in Macau
Ruins of St Pail
Senado Square
St Dominic Church
TommyOoi.com
Travessa da Paixão
Venetian Macau
where to go in Macau

When To Visit Climate Before Your Travel Time Zone ( GMT ) Milan Time Zone : GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October) Visa Visa is not required […]

Autumn Soul Day 2 – Jeju Island – Cheonjeyeon Falls & Seonimgyo Bridge

From Yeomiji Botanical Garden it is just less than 5 minutes walk to Cheonjeyeon Falls & Seonimgyo Bridge, Jeju Island. Entrance to Cheonjeyeon Falls Entrance to Cheonjeyeon Falls & Seonimgyo Bridge cost KRW2,500 ( Approx […]

Autumn Soul Day 6 – Seoul – 5 Star Grand Ambassador Seoul

For Seoul, we stayed in Grand Ambassador Seoul. Grand Ambassador Seoul associated with Pullman is a well located 5 star hotel operating 409 rooms, 7 restaurants and bar, 13 banquet rooms with parking capacity for over […]

92 Comments

great post as usual!

Hey! Thanks for the concise guide around macau! It’s really the best i’ve come across since i’ve started researching for my trip~ Hope dining in Macau will be posted in time before I get to macau =D

I love the shot you take, especialy the City of Dreams, macau.

Can i use it for my own use, as i am compiling a list of where to go backpacking in a book? Or can you send your photoshot to me? Please?

Thanks in advance!

Sincerely, Nelson

Love your blog! So many info I am getting for my travel to Macau-HK in a month later 🙂 Could you do a post on Halal Food in Macau? Thanks so much!

Regards, Izzan

Thank you very much. Would add more post if i find more halal eating place in Macau

Tommy do u know any good hotels which are not currently fully booked

Hi Aqmar, you can try Agoda to search

Came across your website while researching about Hongkong. Very informative and precise blog – definitely useful for my trip to HK in mid-nov 2011. Thanks very much.

Rgds L H (ms)

The places you recommended looks great.. Do you happen to know any great clubbing places in Macau and to recommend me please? 😉 Especially for coming christmas…

I’m here in Macau right now and this blog is very very helpful for me and my mom :)) Thank you so much! I especially love how you included the complimentary “getting there”.

where in Macau the affordable/budget hotel to stay? planning to Macau on this May with husband n baby

oh..just saw the Hotel Review topic! sorry & thanks!

hi tommy!my hubby and i are planning to visit macau before this year end..with regards to your simplified attractions..could it be possible with just a 3 day stay?i want my visit to be worthwhile moment..could you give me an advise or a 3 day schedule tour..never been to abroad as this is my first time..i want to take your wise advise..thanks so much…

3 Full Days is sufficient for Macau unless you plan to stay in a specific attraction longer (ie casino).

Happy Travel

helpfull post.. hope next year i will go there, amin

Thanks for the post. I am doing research on how to spend my two days in Macau and what are the must-visit places and your post provides all the information I needed in a glance. Now, I have to consider should I do the walking tour to save some money or to take a hop-on-hop-off tourist bus that costs HKD150 per person.

hi, I be travelling to macau in Jan 2013, wish to ask is it better to buy the hop-on hop off tourist bus alone or buy the hongkong pass iventure card? If I only know abit of cantonese, will I have problem finding the right buses to go? Or take taxi, is it safe?

just read the Open top bus macau only from 9.30am to 4.15pm? So after 4.15pm, I would need to use taxi or other public buses? please kindly advise! thank you!!

Do we need to stay at the Venetian resort hotel to have access to the attractions, shop pings, restaurants?

Dear Doreen, you dont have to stay to have access, it is open for public. ^^

The information is very useful, thx!

thanks for the concise details! Would like to seek your advise; if I only have 5 days 4 night with my family of 4 (my parents and brother), all adults, and could only spend 1 day in Macau and remaining 4 days in Hongkong, may I know how I can fit the itinerary in? What are the must go places we can squeeze into our schedule ? Thank you!

Cheers, Fion

Hi, you can start off Ah Ma Temple then Ruins of St Paul, & walk down to Senado Square. Try Margaret Cafe Portuguese egg tart or have lunch in Chan Kong Kei roast duck. Then visit Venetian & City of dreams

Thanks so much Tommy! That will save me a lot of research time! I know I’m being very greedy hehe.. but just wondering Is it possible to also fit in The Fisherman Whart, Macau Tower and Kum Iam Status into the one day you have suggested? Ur pictures look so stunning!

Hi tommy, I will go there on october 1′ 2013 with my frinds’ were frm hongkong, What bus we need t ride to ko to a ma, and all nice spots in macau, n what bus go Back to ferry terminal. Thank u so much for your hlp…

Hi tommy, we are going to macau and chehoi china for 4 days 3 nites. I may only be spending 1 nite in macau. With your guide i am able to visit this places in macau without any problem. Thanks for your guide lines

I would like to seek your advise.I’ll visit Macau on next month with my family and will stay there 1 1/2 days (next day 4pm will take ferry to Hong Kong). We will stay at Penha Apartment. So that we need your wise advise during 1 1/2 days which are the places we need to visit in Macau ?

Hi Tommy, I love all the attractions you’ve posted. I’ll try to visit them all this coming December. By the way, those photos were taken last 2010..right? Are the informations in “Getting There” part stil valid? We’ll just rely in the map and your data because we’re not familiar with the place.. thanks for sharing! 😀

Hi, Thanks for your useful info..Good~~ i will travel to Macau next year, may i know the info got update? Thank you….~~

if i have 5 hours n Macau what should i do

Hi Tommy…. I’ll go to Macau just for 2 days, arrive 7pm n leave next day at 5pm. Can I visit all the 18 place that u mentions by bus?? (Macau Tower, A Ma Temple, Moorish Barracks, Lilau Square, Mandarin House, St Lawrence Church, St. Augustine’s Square, Dom Pedro V Theater, Leal Senado Building, Senado Square, Ruin’s of St. Paul’s, Macau Museum, Camoes Garden, Guia Fortress)

where could i get authentic macao products that are special?

Hi Cher, you should be able to find traditional macau snacks around Ruin’s of Saint Paul

Hi Tommy, thanks for concise information. Can you recommend any place in Macau with nice food to eat (must try)? I will be visiting Macau in November this year. Thanks.

Hi Tommy, I would like to take a ferry from HK to Taipa and crossovert to Senado if there is time. Is it easy to get to Senado from Taipa? Thank you.

Regards, Jasmine

Yes it should not be difficult as macau is cover by reliable public bus. You can go Senado square, Ruins of St. Paul, Venetian & City of Dreams

Many many thanks for the useful info

great post, but no map for mention places!

Is there pubs near or around sheraton macau area….and what are the pricing of beers or lager like…..be going down to macau on the 16th of this month and will be staying at sheraton….

Great effort. Much appreciated…… Abraham

Hi Tommy would like to know….what beer prices are like in macau pubs..thks

Hi Soh, unfortunately i have no idea how much it cost, sorry bout that

Thank you for writing such an informative post! Looking forward to going to Macau now!

HHi there i am doing a reserach on macau bcs im thinking to go there this year end.. May i know how much are the bus fare and do they have like a bus card… Or something?

Hi Can you please give me information on how I travel in Macau, Is it better to buy a travel pass or pay as I go. I am going to Macau for 3 days. Thank you.

Hi, pay as you go, as if you research properly there are many resort offer free shuttle service from their hotel

Hi, tommy do you haven any info sharing about korea trip?

Hi Rachel, yes we do under South Korea section

I like your blog, it’s good. My family and I is going to Macau soon and we will bring a kid which only one year old. so do you know how to get a driver there? as travel with a kid and parents is not east and I hope they can just enjoy and relax much with a driver, no need tour guide. thanks.

Hi Katherine, you can travel by taxi or UBER, im not sure if there is dedicated drivers in Macau.

Good info, will help visitors know exactly where to go when in Macau, do visit my blog when u can

macau is very facinating place where tourists can enjoy the natural sceneries as well as the hospitality of the people residing there.

A lot of things I did not know about Macau thank you for the great post.

What is the cost and process for a tourist visa with an American Passport traveling from Mainland China?

Hi Melissa, this you will need to check with your nearest Chinese embassy price might differ depending where you apply it

Hi Tommy, Thanks for all the info above.

Quick question – What do you think one would miss out by visitng Macau on a Tuesday as opposed to other days of the week?

Hi Tommy. we (my mom which is 67 y.o and my son, 7 y.o)will be visiting Macau on the 21st of this month, I would like to know, how many hours it will take us to visit the place: a ma temple, senado square, ruins, venetian and city of dreams? and what can you recommend resto, cheaper but food is great.

Hi Shelly, 1 full day till night or 2 days is better

Hi Tommy, we are staying in Tsim Sha Tsui. Well, i haven’t searched yet how far is Tsim Sha Tsui to the ferry terminal going to Macau, but my question is, can we sight see all of the attractions you’ve recommended and be back in Hongkong, well Tsim Sha Tsui at least the last boat trip back to Hongkong?

Hi Elinor, it will be very rush, it will be more pleasant if to stay one night at macau

Thanks Tommy. What if well just sight see the one you compiled for bus 18? and maybe see venetian and city of dreams? we are book all thru the new year in hongkong. im not so sure if they will allow us a refund should we decide to sleep for a night in Macau. Are you from Macau? Any suggestion or idea how much is the cost if we will rent a van for a day? if there’s any? Thanks much.

Hi, we are not from macau, maybe you can consider Ah Ma Temple, Senado Sqaure, Ruin’s of St Paul, Venetian & City of Dreams

Thanks much Tommy.

Hello tommy. Can i ask something? Since you’ve listed all tourist spot under bus 18. from hk-macau ferry terminal. Can you enumerate step by step the first place that would be a stop for a tourist. So that I can plan where to go first. Because I’m planning to use bus 18 all throughout my journey since it caters all. And i have one day only to go to. Please please reply

Hi Sharon, as the bus schedule might be different current. Do check the schedule here – http://www.dsat.gov.mo/bus/en/bus_station_list.aspx

Thankssss 🙂

hi your blog is dated 2010, can this still be helpful up to now 2016? thank you!

Hi Dave, most of the attractions remain. Hopefully will be able to update this blog soon! Thanks

Hi, do u have any free shutter bus info. As we can safe some $$ to use the free service bus. Thanks Tommy.

Hi Winson, free shuttle bus normally provided to bring you to the hotel. So u can take advantage by taking free shuttle bus which is close to your attractions

1. Any immigration custom from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal to Taipa Ferry Terminal, Macau?? Can i buy ticket on Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal?

2. Visa needed to enter Macau?

3. Bus station all aroud Macau area? Bus 18 is sufficient to find all attraction around

Hi Jia Seng, No immigration between Hong Kong & Macau as both doesnt require visa for Malaysian & Singaporean. And both has the same immigration policy so if you are able to enter either one means u can travel to the other place with no hassle at all.

Are there any security check from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal to Taipa Ferry Terminal?

And what procedure normally happen at boarding airport? is it as below 1. Check in and get boarding pass 2. Officer check our boarding pass 3. Security check 4. Waiting at Boarding gate

Hi Jia Seng, I dont remember any stringent check from Macau to HK or vice versa, mostly like ferry to Langkawi

How go to hotel taipa square to international ferry terminal at morning 7.30 am in macau by bus ya taxi

Hi Jitu, taxi should be more convenient during early morning

Macau has so many beautiful attractions, and you list the run down Canidrome as number ten!!!! Why would a tourist want to go to a place where greyhounds are quite literally raced to death. They sleep on wooden beds; if they don’t come in the top three in five consecutive races, they are killed; the track they run on is hard and dangerous and they are often injured; and there’s no rehoming programme, so matter how hard they try to please their greedy masters, they are killed within three years. Do people in Macau really think this is the way to treat the noble greyhound?

Hi Christina, we will seriously consider your opinion on this. Thank you

Very helpful. Thanks…

Hi Maggie, you are most welcome

Dear Maggie, you are most welcome

Very good overview of Macau. Comprehensive. Thanks much.

Hi Tommy, Thanks for this useful information. can u suggest me some palces in Macau for vegetarian food.?

Hi Tommy, Thanks for an excellent description of travelers attractions in Macau. how many days do we need to visit all the 15 places mentioned?

I used this page to visit Macau for the first time in 2014. Now I look for this webpage every time I recommend someone to visit Macau for a day tour from Hong Kong. Thanks.

hi. love your blog! do the bus route , opening hours and admission fee is still the same this year? TQ

Hello! I’ll be travelling to Hong Kong very soon and planning to have a day trip at Macau. I’d like to ask which terminal (Macau Maritime or Cotai Ferry Terminal?) I’ve got to stop at to travel around these places you posted above? Thanks 🙂

Hi most ferry will stop at Cotai Ferry Terminal. From there you can take bus to Heritage area

and also, is there any public transport other than buses and cabs to travel around Macau? like how there is MTR in Hong Kong which is very convenient for travelling.

Hi, only bus, taxi and walking in Macau

Hi Tommy, we are heading down in early September for a day trip from HK. I am really confused to which ferry should i take (as i understand it will alight passengers at 2 different places). And if I alight at either one, is it accessible to go to the other attractions in the other parts easily?

Thanks for sharing, We took the ferry to a short trip in MACAU. We enjoyed the shows, the food and the amazing hotels and took spectacular pictures https://travelinpicture.com/macau

7 New MACAU Attractions to Add to Your Itinerary

By continuing to read this article, you agree to double check with the authorities or other concerned entities for the latest updates.

When it comes to transformation, few could rival Macau. Every time we return, we’re always greeted by something new – be it a new hotel , new restaurant or new attraction. We recently made two separate trips in the past four months. Prior to this, it has been years since we last set foot in the territory, and we were surprised how drastically Macau has transformed. Many of them were launched during or after the pandemic. Here are seven of them!

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

1. Harry Potter The Exhibition

Location: The Londoner Macao

Yes, Macau is now home to a Harry Potter attraction! As Potterheads, wherever there are traces of the Wizarding World, we’ll be there sooner or later. Sooner, in this case, because it was just inaugurated on 15th December 2023. We were able to visit just a month after it opened its doors to wizard wannabes like us.

Encompassing almost 3000 square meters, this brand new interactive museum inside The Londoner will take you through more than 20 magical galleries! But before you start exploring, you need to register first for a more personalized experience. You’ll be given an electronic wrist band that you can use to access many of the fun activities like seeing your name on the Marauder’s Map, brewing your favorite potion, harvesting a shockingly silent mandrake, and having a go at Divination!

There’s a section where you could conquer a boggart or your greatest fear, or conjure a Patronus. Vins had a field day trying to hone his non-existent Quidditch shooting skills, too!

Along the way, you’ll get to know more about Hogwarts and the Wizarding World in general, and how the filmmakers brought them to life.

It was fun, but if you’ve been to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Tokyo , just temper your expectations a little bit. It’s not as huge, as grand or as immersive, but it’s a great experience nevertheless. It’s a fantastic dose of nostalgia for Potterheads.

Regular time slot tickets cost MOP 218 on weekdays, MOP 268 on weekends and holidays. These tickets are limited only to specific time slots. But if you want flexible tickets, you can snatch one on Klook!

✅ RESERVE A TICKET HERE!

HARRY POTTER MACAU TICKET PRICES Time Slot Tickets Mondays-Fridays: Adult: MOP 218 Child: MOP 168 Weekends/Holiday: Adult: MOP 268 Child: MOP 208 Flexible Ticket Adult: MOP 338 Child: MOP 258

2. The Londoner Macao

The Harry Potter Exhibition isn’t the only family-friendly attraction at The Londoner Macao . This London-themed hotel and entertainment complex officially opened on 25 May 2023, at the site where the Sands Cotai Central used to stand. But it wasn’t just given a simple rebrand. It’s more like a complete British makeover, from the exterior to the attractions housed in it.

The first thing you’ll notice is its stunning façade, a lookalike of the Palace of Westminster and Houses of Parliament, and a replica of the Big Ben , trying to compete for attention from The Parisian ’s Eiffel Tower just across the street. It chimes every hour, but it’s most spectacular at night!

Inside, you could get lost in mini-London and take unlimited selfies at the many UK icons scattered around the area, including:

a replica of the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain at the main lobby
a double-decker bus
a statue of Sir Winston Churchill greeting everyone at 10 Downing Street
Black Cab Escape , a virtual drive with David Beckham

Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain Eros The Londoner Macau

We were told there’s also a changing of the guards, but we didn’t get to see it.

All these can be accessed for FREE by the way.

3. teamLab SuperNature

Location: The Venetian Macao

We’ve been at a teamLab museum in Tokyo, Singapore, and Osaka, so we weren’t particularly thrilled about visiting another one. But boy oh boy, Macau’s teamLab SuperNature is one of the best!

For the uninitiated, teamLab is an international art collective that was formed in Tokyo. It’s behind many of the body immersive museums and installations that quote “seeks to transcend the boundaries between the self and the world, and our perceptions of them.” Wow, such hifalutin words.

But in simpler terms, think of it as an interactive art museum on steroids. The entire space is the canvas, and the art isn’t merely put on display. It moves, pops in and out, and invites audience participation. We’re not just observers. Often, we become part of the piece. Just like this wall, on which flowers blossom as it detects movement. It’s mesmerizing and creative.

This creativity is evident in all 5000 square meters of teamLab SuperNature. In one room, you can draw a flower or a frog, scan your sketch, and watch it become a part of the giant artwork!

teamLab SuperNature has been around since the pandemic years, but some of its best exhibitions were only made available starting June 2023. Three of them require payment on top of the entrance fee, though:

Floating Flower Garden , a room of mirrors bursting with 8000 live orchids that seem to float in mid-air.
En Tea House , where you are served matcha and ice cream while you watch flowers and branches sprout and grow each time you put your cup down and see them wither and dry as you lift them for a sip.
Massless Clouds Between Sculpture and Life , where you could have fun with foam that resemble clouds. I know, I heard someone say the name sounds pretentious. And I can’t say I disagree. But I had a grand time here. To access it, you need to be fully covered, so expect to don a raincoat, goggles, and waterproof shoe covers. Then, you enter a room full of foam. It’s just that — like detergent foam. Now that I think about it, I can’t believe I paid extra for that, but it took me back to my childhood, when I would always play with foam and bubbles, while helping my family do the laundry. And just being in that moment and knowing that I never really had any opportunity to do that anymore, it was bliss.

And I think that’s the beauty of it. That’s why teamLab works. It allows us to reconnect with a part of ourselves that we forget is still with us. I’m telling you, I can’t remember the last time I held a crayon and drew something – and I could do it anytime, yes, but it wouldn’t enter my mind in normal circumstances, and not in this almost magical environment.

Anyway, regular tickets cost MOP 290 apiece, but you can get discounted tickets on Klook.

✅ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE!

TEAMLAB SUPERNATURE TICKET PRICES Regular Ticket: MOP 290 (PHP 2015, USD 36) Klook price: MOP 286 (PHP 1989, USD 35.50) Hours open: 11:00 AM-7:00 PM

4. Illuminarium Macao

Location: Wynn Palace Cotai

Another newly opened virtual attraction is Illuminarium ! Present also in Las Vegas, Toronto, and Atlanta, Illuminarium has reached Asian shores and set up shop here at the Wynn Palace Cotai . It’s also immersive – allowing you to experience sensory and sometimes interactive digital presentations as though you’re in that world, which is just projected on the walls, floors, and ceilings.

Here at Illuminarium Macau , we were told that the theme changes every season or so. But for now, the spotlight is on space exploration. As you walk from room to room, you get to marvel at the vastness and grandness of the universe.

ILLUMINARIUM MACAO Hours Open: Tuesdays-Sundays 11:00 AM-7:00 PM Closed: Mondays Regular Ticket: MOP 228 Concession: MOP 188

5. Grand Prix Museum

The Macau Grand Prix is one of the most anticipated sporting events in this part of the world, drawing in throngs of visitors.

In 1993, in celebration of the race’s 40th anniversary, the Macau Grand Prix Museum was opened. But the Macao Government Tourism Office breathed new life into it in 2021 when it underwent major remodeling and filled it with more exciting attractions including virtual reality simulators and 8 wax figures of famous Grand Prix champions, five of which were in collaboration with Madame Tussaud’s:

John Macdonald
Michael Rutter
Robert Huff
Edoardo Mortara

The museum houses four levels of racing artifacts, models, and information. The top floor is dedicated to the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix . We tried riding a motorcycle and, oh my gosh, I was awful at it. Totally horrendous and hopeless. If it were a real course, I would’ve been dead 10 seconds into it. LOL. And mind you, I know how to drive a motorcycle. But it felt completely different. So different I wasn’t able to finish the course. I probably held the record for the worst driver that day.

The first floor is where you’ll find formula race cars ! There are also simulators, but the queue was quite long and it moved very slowly so we didn’t bother. Also, because I totally sucked at the two-wheel ride, I would probably crash this one pretty horribly too. So I just took my chances at the other fun activities. I sucked at them, too. Man, I sucked at these games!

Macau Grand Prix Museum Motorcycle Simulator

Anyway, down to the basement we went. This is the Macau GT Cup and Guia Race zone ! And it’s also filled with so many race-related activities. You can try to be a media coverage staff or change wheels at a pit stop!

If you’re a racing fan or you just love cars and motorcycles – you’ll definitely have a field day here! As for me, the only race I enjoy watching is Rupaul’s Drag Race. But although I wasn’t good at any of it, I still had a lot of fun at the Macau Grand Prix Museum.

6. Martial Arts Arena

Location: Grand Lisboa Palace Resort

From one sport to the next! The Macao government is really serious in building up and promoting Macau as the City of Sport!

Inaugurated in December 2023, Martial Arts Arena also utilizes virtual reality and other tech to highlight wushu ! Wushu means martial arts, and it puts together many Chinese forms like tai chi and Shaolin Kung fu.

Martial Arts Arena Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macao

As you enter the Martial Arts Arena, you’ll be handed a card that you’ll need to scan to take on several challenges, each focusing on an aspect of wushu. You won’t emerge from this arena as a wushu master, but you’ll have a better appreciation of this martial art – or martial arts in general!

Oh I almost forgot, just beside it is another attraction called AI Wonderland , which features various forms of artificial intelligence, but I enjoyed the Martial Arts Arena much more.

7. Grand Lisboa Palace Resort

Macau has seen a lot of new hotel complexes rise over the past few years, forever changing the city’s skyline. W Macao and its in-house buffet restaurant Hawker Hawker have just recently opened to guests and diners.

But this time, let’s focus on another new resort on the other side of the strip – Grand Lisboa Palace Resort . Not to be confused with its sister pineapple-shaped property in the mainland, the Grand Lisboa Palace is bigger and grander in many ways.

It has three hotels: Grand Lisboa Palace, the Karl Lagerfeld , and Palazzo Versace.

Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Hotel Room Macau

We’ve never tried staying at any of them, but at the invitation of the Macau Government Tourism Office, we were given a tour of the complex. The Grand Lisboa Palace gives a nod to the Sino-Portuguese traditions, while the Karl Lagerfeld just screams style and luxury.

At its core is a European-inspired courtyard called Secret Garden (Jardim Secreto). There wasn’t much crowd when we visited, so it was nice to have some peace and quiet that time. You can also easily find an Instagrammable spot wherever you look. And yes, you can access it for free.

Inside, at its mall area, aside from the Martial Arts Arena and AI Wonderland , you’ll also find several shopping and dining establishments, the biggest name of which is the Palace Garden , a Michelin-cited Taishi restaurant, headed by Chef Ken Chiong.

Top Hotels in Macau

Here are some of the top hotels in Macau.

Studio City Hotel . Check Rates & Availability! ✅
Grand Lisboa Palace Macau . Check Rates & Availability! ✅
Wynn Palace . Check Rates & Availability! ✅
W Macau – Studio City . Check Rates & Availability! ✅
THE KARL LAGERFELD . Check Rates & Availability! ✅
The Londoner Hotel . Check Rates & Availability! ✅
Belive&More (Budget Option). Check Rates & Availability! ✅
Towns Well Motel (Budget Option). Check Rates & Availability! ✅
IFU Hotel (Budget Option). Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Macau Hotels!

Flights to Macau

Philippine Airlines offers direct flights from Manila to Macau! So if you haven’t booked a ticket yet, consider flying with PAL! One thing I love about PAL is the generous baggage allowance that automatically comes with each booking. For Macau flights, economy passengers can take advantage of:

25-kg check-in baggage
7-kg carry-on baggage

Another reason we prefer PAL is its four-star service and delicious inflight meals and unlimited drinks on board, which are already included in the booking.

Visit philippineairlines.com to search for flights to Macau!

Updates Log & Acknowledgment

Original posting: 2024•02•18

Special thanks to the Macau Government Tourism Office for making our most recent trip possible.

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

THE RUINS OF ST. PAUL’S, MACAU
HONG KONG and MACAU: Budget Travel Guide
4 Must-See Hotel Attractions in Macau
A-MA TEMPLE: Tracing the Roots of Macau
Snapshot: Sweet Surrender at Mount Fortress, Macau
10 FREE Things to Do in MACAU
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary
Sample HONG KONG-MACAU ITINERARIES: 3, 4, 5, 6 Days

Recent Posts

FLIGHT RESERVATION for VISA • How to Get Dummy Ticket for Schengen, Canada, China and Other Visa Applications - 22 March 2024
2024 Cebu Pacific Promos & PISO SALE with List of Covered Destinations - 4 March 2024
Top 13 FREE Attractions to Enjoy in MACAU - 19 February 2024

Featured On

https://www.thepoortraveler.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ft-time.png

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

The Star ePaper
Subscriptions
Manage Profile
Change Password
Manage Logins
Manage Subscription
Transaction History
Manage Billing Info
Manage For You
Manage Bookmarks
Package & Pricing

Hong Kong residents make 1.76 million outbound trips over Easter break as mainland China tours surge in popularity

AseanPlus News

Sunday, 07 Apr 2024

Related News

US ‘strongly opposes’ China’s renaming of areas along disputed Indian border

‘very bad idea’: us-china full-scale trade war unlikely but soft-power gap will persist, top scholar joseph nye says, can china’s hopes that shanghai cooperation organisation will offer new model for international relations come to pass.

Cross-border tours to Guangdong, Fujian and Guizhou provinces in mainland China have gained in popularity among Hong Kong residents who made nearly 1.76 million outbound trips over the Easter break.

The number of Hongkongers who headed out of the city over the four-day holiday from Friday to Monday dwarfed the 400,000 or so inbound trips made by mainland visitors and other tourists , Immigration Department figures showed.

About 1.51 million, or 86 per cent, of the outbound trips by residents were made using the eight land crossings for passengers including Lo Wu, the high-speed rail link and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge , our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

City tour agencies said on Tuesday that they had noticed a surge in the popularity of mainland destinations. Steve Huen Kwok-chuen, the executive director of EGL Tours, said the number of residents who joined the company’s cross-border tours tripled compared with last Easter.

Visitors enjoy the sights of the Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing. Photo: AP

“We have seen a ‘China fever’ among Hong Kong tourists after the coronavirus pandemic,” he said. “The number of Hongkongers opting for mainland destinations has surged, encompassing not only the Greater Bay Area but various places across mainland China.”

The bay area refers to the central government’s scheme to link Hong Kong, Macau and nine cities in neighbouring Guangdong into an integrated economic and business hub.

Huen said the most sought-after mainland destinations included bay area cities such as Foshan, Dongguan and Huizhou, while Sichuan, Yunnan, Beijing, Shanghai and Qingdao, among others, had also gained in popularity.

About 30 tours, each made up of 25 to 35 people, departed daily for the mainland over the four-day break, he said.

The operator also introduced new tours this year, taking tourists to see flowers in Wuhan and the Three Gorges reservoir area.

Hongkongers make 1.5 million outbound trips in first 3 days of Easter break

Vicky Tsim, who manages tour guides at travel agency Yummy Holiday, said more than 300 mainland-bound tours left from five checkpoints over the holiday, double last year’s number. Each tour had 30 to 40 members from Hong Kong.

She said tours to Guangdong cities accounted for about 80 per cent of all the ones to the mainland, and the most popular destinations included Guangzhou and Huizhou.

About 20 tours each went to Fujian province and Guilin city, a dozen to Guizhou, and nearly 20 to the Three Gorges reservoir region that stretches along the Yangtze River.

She said the company also organised three to four trips with a dozen Hongkongers each to the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Tsim attributed the surge in popularity of such tours to convenient transport, improved hotel facilities and lower prices across the border, as well as Hongkongers’ better understanding of the mainland.

A man adds an extra dash of colour to spring blossoms at a public park in Beijing. Photo: AP

Hong Kong recorded about 1.56 million outbound trips by residents over the four-day Easter holiday in 2018, before the coronavirus crisis, and around 617,000 inbound trips by mainlanders and other visitors.

The trend of Hongkongers to north to spend the Easter break this year left city tourism operators and restaurants complaining of sluggish business and calling for more support.

11 million people visit Hong Kong in first quarter, more than double 2023 number

Kelvin Yau Kam-wing, honorary chairman of trade body the Institute of Dining Professionals, said business in the catering sector dropped 20 to 30 per cent compared with the same period in previous years.

He said those who travelled elsewhere had stronger consumption power than those who remained in the city.

Yau appealed to the government to offer more support, such as more consumption vouchers to be used during holidays or in the evenings.

“Many residents think products and services are cheaper and better across the border than in Hong Kong, while we are losing our advantages,” he told a radio programme on Tuesday. “We must think of ways to maintain Hong Kong’s status as a gourmet paradise.”

Leung Fong-yuen, chairwoman of the Federation of Hong Kong Trade Unions in Tourism, highlighted on the same programme that Easter was not a public holiday on the mainland.

She said she expected that the number of visitors during the Labour Day “golden week” holiday next month would better reflect the city’s tourism position.

Hong Kong malls offer free parking as 541,000 people leave city for Easter break

Assistant professor Johnson Chan Chung-shing of the Chinese University of Hong Kong attributed the trend to the improved transport infrastructure that made trips to Shenzhen and other mainland bay area cities easier.

“The shift may reflect a broader trend of Hong Kong residents seeking travel experiences and exploring destinations outside the city,” he said.

“This trend may continue beyond the current economic cycle as preferences and behaviour evolve, which could lead to a sustained northbound shift, especially during long weekends or holiday breaks.”

Chan stressed the need for policymakers to closely monitor changes in travel patterns and consumer behaviour so they could better tackle the problem.

He said strategies to promote domestic tourism and support city businesses, as well the diversification of city attractions, could help make the city more appealing to different groups of people.

Additional reporting by Kahon Chan

Found a mistake in this article?

Report it to us.

Thank you for your report!

‘Very bad idea’: US-China full-scale trade war unlikely but soft-power gap will persist, top scholar Joseph Nye says

Fun for everyone

Next in aseanplus news.

Trending in AseanPlus

Air pollutant index, highest api readings, select state and location to view the latest api reading.

Select Location

Source: Department of Environment, Malaysia

Others Also Read

Best viewed on Chrome browsers.

We would love to keep you posted on the latest promotion. Kindly fill the form below

Thank you for downloading.

We hope you enjoy this feature!

IMAGES

12 Must Visit Macau Attractions & Travel Guide
Macau 2023
20 Must-Visit Attractions In Macau
20 Places To Visit In Macau
12 Must Visit Macau Attractions & Travel Guide
Best Things To Do in Macau

VIDEO

1993 macau tourism office cup
1993 macau tourism office cup
1996 macau tourism office cup race
1998 macau tourism office cup
1995 macau tourism cup 2/2
BEST PLACES IN MACAU TO VISIT PART 1 /MACAU TOUR

COMMENTS

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Macau
Considered Macau's most famous landmark, the ruins of this 16th-century cathedral features a spectacular façade with intricate carvings by Japanese monks. 2. Casino at Venetian Macao. It's an enormous fantasy with canals , opera singers, all the famous fashion shops, casino players, tourists, under a….
12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Macau
6. Jump off the AJ Hackett Macau Tower Macau Tower. Highlights: The chance to do the world's highest bungee jump, popular restaurants, fantastic views. Part of the massive Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre, the Macau Tower is easily one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, as well as a popular tourist attraction.. Standing 338 meters tall and built for telecommunications ...
Top 12 Must-visit Macau Attractions, What to See in Macau
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 ...
20 BEST Places to Visit in Macau (2024)
USA-born, Aaron is based in Hong Kong and has travelled the region extensively, eating his way rather delectably across East Asia. Sweden. Turkey. Venezuela. In this EPIC GUIDE, we show you the 20 coolest places to visit in Macau so you can travel to Macau like a boss!
36 Places To Visit in Macau For A Wow Holiday In 2023!
4. Macau Tower: A Significant Landmark. Image Source. Macau Tower is a significant landmark of the city, known for a-lovely view from the-top, a magnificent structure, and an incredible construction. Constructed by Gordon Moller, this beautiful structure (338 m long) is one of the amazing places to visit in Macau.
Best Things To Do in Macau
Check out the seafoam-green Taipa Houses Museum for a crash course on colonial Macau, or try Portuguese fine dining at Antonio. Trendy Taipa attractions include the Taipa Village Art Space (and ...
18 Top Things to Do in Macau: The Ultimate Macau Itinerary
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.
Must-see attractions Macau, China
A-Ma Cultural Village. Macau. Atop Alto de Coloane (170m), this 20m-high white jade statue of the goddess who gave Macau its name was erected in 1998. It's the best part of a touristy …. 1.
14 BEST PLACES to visit in Macau + THINGS TO DO
The Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral, with its imposing Renaissance façade, is an important landmark. Other notable sites include Fortaleza do Monte, Senado Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Macau Museum, Guia Fortress, Taipa House, and A-Ma Temple. Macau's attractions are concentrated on the mainland, relatively close to one another.
Top 10 Things to Do in Macau, Must-See Attractions
It becomes one of the most famous attractions as well as 10 things to do in Macau for the profound culture background. On the Eve of Chinese New Year , the 23th day in the 3rd lunar month, the 9th day on the 9th lunar month, and more festivals, a lot of people get there to pray for blessings.
60+ Best attractions and things to do in Macau
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 ...
30 BEST Places to Visit in Macau (UPDATED 2024)
Considered Macau's most famous landmark, the ruins of this 16th-century cathedral features a spectacular façade with intricate carvings by Japanese monks. 2. Casino at Venetian Macao. It's an enormous fantasy with canals , opera singers, all the famous fashion shops, casino players, tourists, under a….
MACAU Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024 Guide)
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 ...
55 Places to Visit in Macau 2024, Tourist Places & Attractions
Places in Macau. Ruins of St. Paul's, The Venetian Macao, Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center, Senado Square, Taipa, Monte Fort, Coloane, A-Ma Temple, Macau Fisherman's Wharf and many more. With a rich cultural history, diversified biodiversity and a wide variety of landscapes, there are plenty of places to visit in Macau where you ...
20 Places To Visit In Macau
12- Macau's Handover Gifts Museum. Places to visit in Macau - Cotai Strip. 13- The Cotai Strip. 14- Macau Tower. Green places to visit in Macau. 15- Lou Lim Leoc garden. 16- Cameos Garden. 17- St Francisco Garden. Places to visit in Macau - Taipa and Coloane.
17 Top Macau Tourist Spots We Visited for FREE
Admission is free for all these sites, and here are the top ones we recommend you visit. 1. Senado Square. Photo credit: mroach. 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.
10 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Macau
Popular as the 'Vegas of China', Macau is the hottest destination for families, honeymooners, gamblers and party animals. Apart from the nightlife and world-famous casinos, there are really nice places to visit in Macau, which are a fusion of both the Chinese and Portuguese cultures respectively.Below is a list of the world famous Macau tourist attractions to guide those travellers.
12 Must Visit Macau Attractions & Travel Guide
Bus Routes : 9A, 18, 23, 26, 32, 73 ( Google Map) For More Info: Macau Tower. 5. Guia Fortress 東望洋炮台東望洋燈塔. Guia Fortress was initially designed to defend Macau from attacks from the sea, but because of its position overlooking the entire city, its chief value has been as an observation post.
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Macau
A spot in Macau, which is one of the popular destinations for tourists. There are lots of restaurants and shops around. Accessible public transportation. Close to the Sofitel and Grand Lisboa hotels. There are some historical attractions nearby, such as the ruins of St. Paul's, the museum, and Macau Cathedral's. A few-minute bus ride to the ...
7 New MACAU Attractions to Add to Your Itinerary
5. Grand Prix Museum. The Macau Grand Prix is one of the most anticipated sporting events in this part of the world, drawing in throngs of visitors. In 1993, in celebration of the race's 40th anniversary, the Macau Grand Prix Museum was opened.
THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Macau
Considered Macau's most famous landmark, the ruins of this 16th-century cathedral features a spectacular façade with intricate carvings by Japanese monks. 2. Casino at Venetian Macao. It's an enormous fantasy with canals , opera singers, all the famous fashion shops, casino players, tourists, under a…. 3.
Hong Kong residents make 1.76 million outbound trips over Easter break
Most sought-after mainland destinations include Greater Bay Area cities such as Foshan, Dongguan and Huizhou, travel agency boss saysAbout 1.51 million trips made using eight land crossings ...

12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Macau

1. Visit the Ruins of St. Paul's

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More on Macau

Destinations

Top 12 Must-visit Macau Attractions

No.1: Ruins of the Church of St Paul

No.2: Macau Tower

No.3: Macau Museum

No.4: A-Ma Temple

No.5: Historic Centre of Macau

No.6: Kun Iam Temple

No.7: Venetian & Parisian Macau

No.8: Grand Prix Museum

No.9: Macau Giant Panda Pavilion

No.10: Macau Maritime Museum

No.11: Fisherman’s Wharf

No.12: Guia Hill

Keep Reading

Recommended Macau Tours

China Tours

The 14 best things to do in Macau

Best things to do in Macau

1. Cotai Strip

2. House of Dancing Water

3. Coloane Village

4. Macau's Historic Centre

5. Albergue 1601

6. Taipa Village

7. Macau Museum of Art

8. AJ Hackett Tower

9. Riquexo

10. Patio de Chon Sau

11. Rua do Cunha

12. MacauSoul

13. Live Music Association

14. SKY 21

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

Day 1: Things to do in Macau

1. Senado Square

2. Ruins of St. Paul’s

3. Fortaleza do Monte

4. Macau Museum

5. A-Ma Temple

Day 2: Macau Itinerary

6. Fisherman’s Wharf

7. Macau Tower

8. Taipa Village

Day 3: More Things to Do in Macau

Things You MUST Eat in Macau

Macau Travel Tips

Getting Around in Macau

Accommodation in Macau

Arriving in Macau from Hong Kong by Ferry

Travel Tips for First Time Visitors

More on China:

Did you like this story? Share it!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Must-see attractions in Macau

More destinations you need to see

14 Places to Visit in Macau + Things To Do

Macau Tower entrance ticket

Venetian Macao Resort Hotel

Parisian Macao hotel

Grand Hyatt Macau at City of Dreams

Macau buffet & food discounts

Golden Reel Ferris Wheel entrance ticket

Studio City Hotel

Wynn Palace Hotel

Harbourview Hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf

Galaxy Macau buffet and food experiences

Places to visit in Macau

Where to Stay in Macau

Where to book

Don’t Stop Here

Don’t leave yet. There’s more!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Top 10 Things to Do in Macau

Ruins of St. Paul's

Fisherman’s Wharf