no.1 travel macau

The Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Macau

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

There are plenty of things to with one day in Macau , from Sun Yat Sen Park to Macau Fisherman’s Wharf and the world’s highest bungy jump!

If you are anything like us, the first image that pops into your head when you think of Macau is of the casinos.

There is a good reason for this – Macau is the world’s biggest gambling centre, surpassing even the legendary Las Vegas. But what you might not have known is that right up until 1999, Macau was under Portuguese rule.

As such an interesting contrast between Asian and European styles has emerged, and there are plenty of amazing things to do in Macau.

For most backpackers and travellers, this tiny city would barely even get a consideration when making your holiday plans. Most people would even struggle when asked “where is Macau located?”

But for those who are willing to dig a little deeper, Macau has a surprising number of other attractions that don’t require throwing your money down on a blackjack table.

We took the Hong Kong to Macau ferry back in April 2015 and arrived with almost no knowledge of what to do in Macau.

We were looking for the best free things to do in Macau in one day and found plenty of ways to spend our time there. Here are some of the best things to do in Macau, and the cool thing is most of them are free!

Table of Contents

Do The World’s Highest Bungy Jump With AJ Hackett Macau Tower

Macau fisherman’s wharf, eat all the street food, get lost in the casinos, head to macau’s beach, sun yat sen park macau, the best things to do with one day in macau.

Explore The Macau Historic Centre

In a city that is now essentially Chinese, stepping into the Macau Historic Centre is a fascinating glimpse at the old Portuguese history that the peninsula has.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005, the Historic Centre is a collection of over 20 locations that showcase the co-existence of the two distinct cultures.

Some of the best highlights include the A-Ma Temple, which was built in 1488, the happening Senado Square, the gorgeous Monte Forte which watches over the city and the impressive Ruins of St Paul.

But with so many different places to explore inside the Macau Historic Centre, you could easily spend your entire day wandering between the ancient sites, and forget about all the other things to do in Macau.

Who would have thought that one of the best (and turns out the biggest) adrenaline activities in the world would be located right in the heart of Macau?

61 storeys up and 233m above the ground, the legendary adventure tour operators, AJ Hackett Macau Tower have turned this gambling Mecca into the latest and greatest destination for thrill seekers!

If you are looking to tick off that number one item from your bucket list, you need to check out the world’s highest bungy jump – one of the most exhilarating experiences imaginable.

While not exactly a budget activity, (the Macau bungy jump price is pretty high) it really is something that you should save just a little bit longer for so you can take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Hands down one of the best things to do in Macau!

Hot Tip – If the idea of jumping off a building with a giant elastic band strapped to your feet doesn’t sound appealing, or it is a bit out of your budget, AJ Hackett Macau Tower also offers a number of other activities, such as the Skywalk , Skyjump and the Tower Walk.

If you are looking for a bit of fun in Macau you can always head to the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf.

A large entertainment complex right near the Hong Kong to Macau ferry pier, the place is full of restaurants, cafes and retail stores.

It opened at the end of 2006, designed after a bunch of similar seaports in Cape Town and Amsterdam.

And if you want to spend a bit of money definitely go into the theme park!

With its eclectic mix of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, the culinary delights that have evolved in Macau are extraordinary!

From egg tarts to beef jerky to dried fish, it is way too easy to just snack your way for an entire day through the city! There are some world class international restaurants that have opened up around the peninsula, but if you are travelling on a budget it is easy to find a cheap bite to eat as well.

You may leave town a bit heavier than you arrived…

Hot tip – On Rua Do Cunho, stores hand out free samples of cookies, jerky and other items to pedestrians. You can simply walk up and down the street collecting these samples until you are full. Enjoy!

Going all the way to Macau and at least not looking at a Casino would be like going to New York City and skipping the Statue Of Liberty.

Macau hosts some of the most luxurious and intricately designed gambling halls that can be found anywhere, and luckily for us, they are all free to visit!

There is no requirement to actually gamble or spend any money inside them, meaning you can wander through and check out mainland Chinese tourists throwing down thousands (and thousands) of dollars in single bets, or admire the extravagant decorations.

Even if this isn’t really your idea of some great things to do in Macau, it’s still worth checking out the $2.4 billion Venetian (the largest casino in the world), which has had the famous canals of Venice reconstructed throughout the entire building.

Even the roof is painted like a perfect blue sky, giving the illusion of daylight at all hours. A surreal scene.

Hot tip – Most of the casinos have free buses that run between the ferry terminal, the airport and the other casinos. You do not need to be staying or gambling at any of them to use their service. Hooray for free transport!

Yep, that’s right – the beach. The most popular option, Hac Sa (Black Sands) Beach on Coloane Island, isn’t exactly world class, but if you have been craving some beach time after a long stint in China or just love the feeling of sand beneath your toes, consider heading out to the coast for your one day in Macau.

Despite the name, the government has filled the beach with yellow sand to prevent erosion, and as a result it is much more picturesque than it once was.

Hot Tip – You can camp for free on Hac Sa Beach. There are cafes and bathroom facilities close by, meaning the only thing you need to bring with you is a tent! A perfect alternative to the expensive accommodation options in the city.

Sun Yat Sen Park in Macau is a massive urban park spread out over 17 acres in the northern part of the island.

There are a lot of things to do in Sun Yat Sen Park if you are simply looking to walk around.

Definitely check out the Feng Shui Forest, the open-air theatre and the old gate that used to mark the official entrance to Macau.

Why not grab a photo of the two hands shaking in the centre of the park?

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

Living On The Edge – The Skywalk On Macau Tower

Trying to fly on the world’s highest bungy jump in macau, related posts, 3 thoughts on “the perfect itinerary for one day in macau”.

Nice little report about Macau! Glad you enjoyed your stay here. More new attractions, casinos, hotels, restaurants and coffee shops opening up all the time in our little European enclave in Asia. So you’ll have to revisit again at some point in the future.

My friend and I will be going to Macau this November and will be staying there for 4 days… any additional suggestions on what to do? Thanks.

We definitely had a good time in Macau. Hope we will get back there one day. Happy travels 🙂

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Asia » China » Macau

MACAU Itinerary for 2024

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

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

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

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

If you’re planning to see Macau in a day trip from Hong Kong or visit here for a week, then take a look at how days in Macau you need 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 wondering what to do in Macau for 3 days or 24 hours, I’ve got you covered. 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!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

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.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

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

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

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

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

Best Airbnb in Macau – Ideal spot for first timers

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

Best Budget Hotel in Macau – Fu Hua Hotel

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

Best Luxury Hotel in Macau –  The Ritz-Carlton Macau

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

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

9:00AM – Explore Senado Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

10:00AM – Witness The Ruins of St Paul

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

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

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

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

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

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

10:30AM – Visit Mount Fortress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2:30PM – Experience The Venetian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7:30PM – Take In a Show or Performance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1: Things to do in Macau

Table of Contents

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

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

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

1. Senado Square

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

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

2. Ruins of St. Paul’s

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

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

3. Fortaleza do Monte

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

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

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

4. Macau Museum

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

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

5. A-Ma Temple

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

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

Day 2: Macau Itinerary

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

6. Fisherman’s Wharf

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

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

7. Macau Tower

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

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

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

8. Taipa Village

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3: More Things to Do in Macau

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

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

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

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

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

Things You MUST Eat in Macau

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

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

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

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

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

Macau Travel Tips

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

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

Getting Around in Macau

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

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

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

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

Accommodation in Macau

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

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

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

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

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

Arriving in Macau from Hong Kong by Ferry

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Tips for First Time Visitors

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

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

More on China:

• Top 5 Things To Do in China
• 21 Spectacular Things to Do in Hong Kong
• 16 Unmissable Things to Do in Beijing
• Should I Rent A Scooter in Yangshuo China
• We Were Giant Panda Volunteers in China
• Rock Climbing 101 in Yangshuo China
• China Terracotta Army: Photo Essay
• Walking the Great Wall of China: Best Routes & Tips
• Hiking the Rice Terraces in Guilin
• Food Adventure on the Streets of Beijing
• How to Travel Tibet: Everything You Need to Know
• RTW Recap: 8 Days in Tibet

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

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

1 Day Macau Trip Plan –  3 Day Macau Trip Plan – 5 Day Macau Trip Plan

1 Day Macau Trip Plan

(Last updated: November 22, 2023)

A lot of questions I get regarding Macau revolve around what people should see and do there.  Travellers aren’t sure which places are can’t miss attractions, which sites should be avoided, how to get around etc.  So in order to avoid answering the same questions again and again, I’ve come up with three different Macau travel itineraries: one for 1 day, a second for 3 days and a final one for 5 days. 

Before I made these travel plans, I came up with a personal list of Macau’s top sites, the places that every traveller simply must visit to fully appreciate the city:

• The Historic Quarter

Sites include the 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites , Penha Church , Avenida da Republica, The Street of Happiness, and Camoes Park .

• Coloane Village

Picturesque fishing village home to egg tarts, temples, and a collage of colour. See Coloane Village Photobook .

• Taipa Village

A small slice of the Mediterranean sandwiched between suburbia and the Cotai Strip. See Taipa Village Photobook .

• St Lazarus Quarter

Sites include the Old Ladies Home, St Lazarus Church , St Michael’s Cemetery , Tap Seac Square and Lou Lim Ieoc Park .

• The Cotai Strip

Macau’s new development zone for gaming that’s already put Vegas to shame.  See Cotai Strip History .

Ask 5 different people what the best museum in Macau is and you might get 5 different answers.  In my opinion, Macau Museum, Maritime Museum, Art Museum, Handover Gifts Museum and Vintage Sounds Museum are the best of the lot and should not be missed.  For a complete list of all museums, please click here: Macau Museums .  

• The Area Around Mong Ha Hill

Sites include Kun Iam Temple , Lin Fung Temple , Mong Ha Park , The Temple of Bamboo and Long Wa Teahouse .

All three travel plans revolve around visiting as many of these 7 places as you can, but only in the 5 day trip will you have enough time to see them all. 

For each travel itinerary, the main way you’ll be getting around is by foot.  The only time you’ll have to take a cab or bus is to get to the first destination of the day or when you go between Macau and Taipa, or Taipa and Coloane.

Regarding food, the restaurants I’ve listed are only my suggestions.  You obviously have a lot of latitude determining what you want to eat as well as how much you want to spend.  One thing I would advise though is to be adventurous with your selections.  Macau is a diner’s paradise, full of great world cuisine, so make sure to sample as much of it as you can.

Without a doubt, 1 day is far too short of a time to spend in Macau.  While 3 days is better and you’ll be able to see most of the top sites, time will be tight and your days hectic.  In the height of summer, when it’s approaching 40 degrees Celsius, you probably won’t want to be rushing around so much.  For that reason, 4 or 5 days is probably best.  You’ll be able to see Macau in depth and have the time to enjoy each site and day to its fullest.

A bit about when to visit.  April might very well be the worst month to come, because the sun never comes out.  It’s all grey all the time, and to see what I mean, just have a look at the Photobook entitled Dour April .  June through September is sunny, but hot and wet.  It could look like the most beautiful day you’ve ever seen, then the skies will suddenly open and rain will pour down, usually for about 20 minutes.  Then it goes back to being beautiful again, but extremely humid.  Macau winters are probably cooler than you think.  While the temperature may read around 15 degrees, it’s a damp cold, so you’ll need sweaters and jackets for sure.  By elimination, that leaves March, May, October and November as the best months to visit.  Maybe you could get away with early December as well, before the mercury starts to fall.  

Be sure to get a free tourist map from the Government office before embarking on these trip plans.  They’ll be a lot easier to understand and follow that way.  

1 Day in Macau Trip Plan

Historic Quarter—Coloane Village—Taipa Village—Cotai Strip

9:00 am – 9:15 am :   A Ma Temple .  A Ma Temple is the most appropriate place to begin any trip in Macau.  Before the Portuguese settled here in 1560, Macau was home to local fishermen from Fujian and Guangdong and two temples. 

One of the two temples was A Ma Temple, built to honor A Ma, the goddess of seafarers.

9:20 am – 10:10 am :  Continue on your UNESCO 25 heritage site tour.  From A Ma Temple check out the Moorish Barracks and Lilau Square . 

After Lilau Square make the steep climb up to visit Penha Church .  (Just follow the road that winds up behind the white building on the left hand side of the picture above.  And then follow the signs.) 

Truth be told, Penha Church is almost a secondary consideration; the views are what you’ll really be seeking out.

10:15 am – 10:40 am :  After the church, return back down to Lilau Square then cross the road for the Mandarin’s House , the home of prominent 19th century writer prominent writer Zheng Guangyu.  (Unless it’s Wednesday because it’s closed that day.)  When you’re finished there, follow the signs to St Lawrence Church. 

10:45 am – 11:15 am :  Take a look at St. Lawrence and St. Joseph’s Church .  Go out the back gate of St. Lawrence Church to get to St. Joseph’s Church.  After St. Joseph’s, reverse back to the back gate of St. Lawrence Church, then turn left down Rua de St. Laurenco.

11:20 am – 11:45 am :  Check out St. Augustine’s Church , Dom Pedro Theatre and Robert Ho Tung Library .  Interesting facts: Bruce Lee’s mother was one of Ho Tung’s relatives, and Dom Pedro Theatre was the first Western style theater in China.

12:00 pm – 12:50 pm: Wind over to the Street of Happiness for lunch at Fat Siu Lau , where the roasted pigeon is a must order.  In business of over 100 years, here’s hoping they can make it 100 more!

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm :  Arrive at Senado Square , then pay special attention to Leal Senado , Santa Casa da Misericordia and St. Dominic’s Church . 

There are two small museums adjoining Santa Casa da Misericordia and St. Dominic’s Church while Leal Senado has frequent art exhibitions on the ground floor. 

Afterwards, follow the signs to St. Paul’s Cathedral. 

1:35 pm – 2:05 pm :  Check out St. Paul’s , the crypt in the back as well as Mount Fortress .

Walk to San Ma Lo or the Sofitel and hop a cab to Coloane Village. 

2:45 pm – 3:55 pm :  Walk around Coloane Village, paying special attention to Chapel of St. Francis Xavier and the two main temples : Tin Hau and Tam Kong.

Before leaving, make sure to try an egg tart at Lord Stow’s Bakery .

Afterwards, cab it to Taipa Village.  If you prefer a bus, take the #25 and get off at the Jardim Lameiras stop.  From there it’s about a 5 minute walk into Taipa Village down R. de Fernao Mendes Pinto.

4:15 pm – 5:25 pm :  Be sure to check out the Taipa Houses Museum and everything between Sam Po Temple and Tin Hau Temple .  There’s a ton to see in the Village and just getting lost on its narrow streets is very enjoyable too.

Take a pass on the Museum of Taipa and Coloane History though, since it’s one of the most boring museums I’ve ever been to.  

The rest of the day will be devoted to the monster hotels on the Cotai Strip. 

The easiest way to get there is to use the boardwalk that cuts through the Ecological Trail directly across from the Taipa Houses Museum.

5:30 pm – 9:00 pm: For an idea of how to spend your time on the Strip and what to see there, please follow the link to the Cotai Strip .  It tells you all you need to know about the Strip’s history, hotels and top attractions.

Offhand, I’d guess most of your time will be spent at the Venetian , Parisian , and Londoner Macao .  If you’re a fan of history and art, then MGM Cotai and Grand Lisboa Palace should not be missed.

DINNER SUGGESTION :  End your day with a stupendous buffet dinner at Urban Kitchen , and don’t skimp on the seafood!  Located near the Marriott Hotel in Galaxy , it’s pricey (over $600 Mops), but worth every penny.

If you want some upscale Chinese, try Zi Yat Heen at the Four Seasons , or Lai Heen at Galaxy.

One day though is far too short a time to experience everything that Macau has to offer.  Stay a little longer and follow the 3 Day Travel Itinerary below! 

3 Day Macau Trip Plan →

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

• Travel tips

Macau Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Macau in 1 and 2 Days

Macau , also spelled Macao , is a small city connected to China at the southern part of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong. The city was a former Portuguese colony from the 16th century until December 20, 1999. The Portuguese influences can be seen in architecture, food, tradition and religion.

While gambling tourism brings in a lot of visitors (and revenue), there are many things to do in Macau. The well-preserved colonial architecture can be seen in the historical centre, which has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Furthermore, Macau’s designation as a “Creative Cities Network in the field of Gastronomy” by UNESCO, draws foodies everywhere to experience the delightful Macanese cuisine .

Most travellers visit Macau as a day trip from Hong Kong. But Macau has so many things o see that you should stay overnight.

In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make the most of your Macau day trip. And if you stay overnight, I included a 2-day Macau itinerary so you can explore other areas that are off the beaten path.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting this website. For more information, please read our disclosure for more info.

What you need to know before starting your Macau itinerary

Before you plan your Macau itinerary, take a look at these travel tips that you may find useful:

• Bring your travel document when travelling from Hong Kong to Macau . You will need to pass HK Immigration on the HK side and then Macau Immigration on the Macau side.
• Macau’s official currency is the Macanese Pataca (MOP) . Many establishments will accept your Hong Kong Dollars (HKD). However, when you pay for something in HKD cash, you might get change back in MOP.
• Standard voltage is 220V . Power sockets are of type D, M, G and F.
• SIM cards are available in Macau without registration. You can buy them at a self-service vending machine at the airport, both ferry terminals and some casino hotels. Otherwise, free wifi is available in all the casinos, hotels and some restaurants.
• Macau is safe for solo female travellers. The city is peaceful and has a low crime rate. It is very safe to walk alone during the day and at night.
• Macau Grand Prix (November) – see the the weekend motorsport road race for Formula 3 cars and motorcycles
• Macau Light Festival (December to February) – major attractions are lit up during this annual festival
• Macau International Fireworks Display Contest (September/October) – over 100 fireworks light up the sky

How to get to Macau

Visitors from China, Taiwan, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, and Korea can arrive at Macau International Airport in Taipa. There are taxis, local buses and many hotel shuttle buses from the airport that will take you directly to your hotel.

Hydrofoil Ferry

Travellers from Hong Kong can take a hydrofoil ferry . TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet takes about one hour and arrives at either Macau Ferry Terminal or Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal . Buy a ticket once you are at the terminal or order one ahead of time.

Once at either ferry terminal, take a free shuttle bus to your hotel .

HZMB Bus via HZM Bridge

The cheapest way to travel from Hong Kong to Macau is by taking the HZMB Bus (Hong Kong Zhuhai Macau Bridge Bus).

The direct bus starts from Hong Kong Port to HZMB Zhuhai Port . The bus journey takes about 45 minutes and runs every 5 minutes (or until the bus is full) for 24 hours a day. Buy a $65HKD ticket from the kiosk.

Once you are at HZMB Zhuhai Port, take a free shuttle to either Macau Ferry Terminal or Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal . From either terminal, take the free casino shuttle to your hotel.

How to get around Macau

Walking is the best way to see all the tourist spots around Macau, especially on the Macau Peninsula.

As for Taipa and Cotai, you can take a taxi or bus . However, the easiest and cheapest way getting around Macau is by the free hotel shuttle buses run by all the major casinos . Complimentary shuttle services run between ferry terminals, airport and back to the hotel and anyone can use it (even if you are a hotel customer).

For my Macau itinerary, I will explain below how you get around Macau for both days. It involves walking and taking free hotel shuttle buses. Yes, all free!

How many days in Macau as first time traveller

Macau has two parts : the historic centre is located on the Macau Peninsula which is on the north side of the city.

The other part is the southern area which consists of Taipa , Cotai and Coloane . And the majority of the highlights are in Taipa and the casino hotels are in Cotai.

It is possible to see all the historical attractions in Macau Peninsula in one day . So if you are taking a day trip from Hong Kong, take an early hydrofoil or bus and return at the end of the day.

But if you want to see more of Macau and want to see the south side of the city, stay overnight and explore Taipa and Cotai . You can see a local area and all the glitzy casino hotels which Macau is famous for. Even if you don’t gamble, I think it is worth seeing the shopping areas connecting the hotels.

Summary: 1 – 2 Days Macau Itinerary

Here is how to use this Macau itinerary guide.

If you are doing a day trip in Macau and will be in Macau for one day, follow the 1 day in Macau itinerary.

And if you are staying overnight in Macau, follow the itinerary for Day 1 and add the itinerary for Day 2.

Here is a quick summary of my 1 and 2 day Macau tourist spots itinerary:

Macau day trip: best things to do in Macau Peninsula (red pins)

• Grand Lisboa Hotel and Casino Lisboa
• Rua de Felicidade
• Largo do Senado
• St Dominic’s Church
• Rua de Sao Paulo
• Rua dos Ervanarios
• Ruins of St. Paul’s
• Travessa da Paixao
• St. Lazarus’ Parish
• Tap Seac Square
• Guia Fortress

2 Days in Macau: things to see around Taipa and Cotai (purple pins)

• Tin Hau Temple
• Taipa Flea Market
• Taipa Food Street
• Hello Macau Mural
• Our Lady of Carmel Church
• Taipa Houses
• Galaxy Hotel
• Venetian Macao Casino
• The Parisian Macao
• The Londoner Macao
• Macau Tower

Macau day trip: best things to do in Macau Peninsula 

During your Macau trip, it is all about sightseeing all the historical highlights on the Macau Peninsula because they are the most popular places to visit in Macau.

Follow the red pins on the map above and the location for each spot.

How to get around Macau on Day 1: from either ferry terminal, take the free casino shuttle bus to Grand Lisboa Hotel. This casino hotel is the closest to the historic centre of Macau. At the end of the day, walk from Guia Hill to Macau Ferry Terminal via pedestrian tunnel to either catch a hydrofoil or take free shuttle bus to airport or HZMB Zhuhai Port.

1. Grand Lisboa Hotel and Casino Lisboa

Macau, also known as the “ Vegas of the East “, really lives up to its reputation because the city has many glitzy casino hotels, just like Las Vegas.

Once you arrive at Grand Lisboa Hotel , take a look at this lotus-shaped building. It is something else!

Also take note of Casino Lisboa across the street. The hotel casino with an Art Deco-ish exterior was built in the late 1960s. It is one of the older casino hotels but it’s pretty famous.

2. Rua de Felicidade

Stroll over to Rua de Felicidade , where it was once Macau’s red-light district. Today, many food outlets and restaurants occupy the old traditional Chinese houses.

The pedestrian-only street got a re-vamp with modern touches but you can still see the characteristics of the old Chinese homes. Plus, this is an excellent spot for taking Instagram photos.

3 & 4. Largo do Senado and St Dominic’s Church

Next, visit “The Historic Centre of Macao “, which start at Largo do Senado , a paved town square with numerous Portuguese colonial buildings and classic Portuguese limestone floors .

The entire historical area has over 20 ancient monuments and places worth visiting . Moreover, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most visited spot in Macau.

Besides all the retail stores and local food shops, there are plenty of historical buildings that are worth seeing. Look for St. Dominic’s Church , a 16th century Baroque-style church . It is also a UNESCO site.

5. Lou Kau Mansion

One of the best examples of Chinese residential building in Macau is the Lou Kau Mansion .

Built in 1889, this used to the home of a prominent Chinese merchant. It is a typical old Chinese courtyard house where there are three halls separated by a courtyard which forms a three-by-three grid layout. This spacial arrangement relates to the hierarchical structure of Chinese families where the inner spaces are reserved for ancestral worship or senior family members.

It is free to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site. And if you visit on weekend or public holiday, book a tour to the second floor with a guide.

6 & 7. Rua de São Paulo and Rua dos Ervanarios

Continue forward with the itinerary by walking up Rua de São Paulo . This is a pedestrian street lined with many shops selling typical Macau food souvenirs . Vendors offer free samples of beef jerky, almond cookies and etc. If you are snack-ish, there are several food outlets here where you can try typical Macau food like pork chop bun.

Not far away from Rua de São Paulo, there is another cobbled stone street called Rua dos Ervanarios . I love this street because of the old retro vibe. Plus, there are several good coffee shops there. Fuel up now if you need to.

8. Ruins of St. Paul’s

At the top of pedestrian portion of Rua de São Paulo, you will see an open square with a grand stairway and the Ruins of St. Paul’s at the top of the hill. You won’t miss this – follow the crowd and selfie sticks. Ha!

This famous church was destroyed in a fire in 1835 and it left behind a facade. You can walk behind the granite wall and see what’s left of the original church building. This area keeps changing every time I go so it would be interesting to know what you see during your visit.

Further back is Sacred Art Museum and Crypt and it displays archaeological remains and religious relics. It’s a small museum but entirely free.

9. Travessa da Paixao

Not far from the Ruins of St. Paul’s, is what I considered the most photogenic street in all of Macau. Walk over to Travessa da Paixao and see if you agree with me.

Also known as Lover’s Lane , this hilly street has pastel-coloured buildings that are totally Instagram-worthy. It is actually pretty difficult to snap a photo without anyone in the background. And if you walk closer, you can see the Ruins of St. Paul’s.

10. Monte Fort

Completed in 1626, Monte Fort is a 400-year-old trapezoid-shaped fort that covers 10,000 sqm in the Historic Centre of Macau. This was Macau’s principal military defence structure where it had cannons, military barracks and enough ammunition and supplies to last for two years.

Today, you can visit this UNESCO historic site via a series of elevators going up Parque da Fortaleza do Monte and bypassing the entrance to Macau Museum .

At the top, there is a rooftop park with some of the remaining cannons and an unobstructed view of the Macau.

11. St. Lazarus’ Parish

St. Lazarus’ Parish is a small neighbourhood in Macau which was one of the five former Municipality of Macau. The area includes an old residential neighbourhood, many Portuguese and Macau colonial buildings, and a third of it is covered by Guia Hill.

When you leave Monte Fort at the southeast end, the stair way down Calçada da Igreja de São Lázaro is not far away. I think this is the prettiest part of St. Lazarus’ Parish because of the classic Portuguese limestone floors and architecture .

Roam around the area to enjoy the European vibe. St. Lazarus’ Church , one of the oldest churches in Macau is off the cobblestoned street. Plus, there are coffee shops, ice cream parlous and souvenir shops in the area.

12. Tap Seac Square

Not far away is another cultural landmark and it is called Tap Seac Square . It is an open square with traditional cobblestone floor and Portuguese colonial buildings.

Not much to see here so you can walk through the open square relatively quickly. But take note of the gorgeous red and yellow building facing the square, which is the Macao Central Library . Tap Seac Gallery is also red and yellow in colour but tucked away in the north corner.

13. Guia Fortress

The Guia Fortress is part of the 17th-century colonial military fort on Guia Hill. Inside the fortress stands Guia Chapel , a chapel with numerous frescoes with themes of both western and Chinese culture. Next to it is Guia Lighthouse , the first modern lighthouse on the Chinese coast.

The cable car can take you to the top but the walk up is not difficult. All you need to do is follow the Songshan Jogging Trail and it can lead you to the top to the fortress.

Hopefully you will arrive when the sun is setting because the view is quite spectacular. This is the perfect way to end your first day in Macau.

And if you have time and energy after exploring the UNESCO Heritage Site, wander around Parque Municipal de Colina da Guia , and see some of the military tunnels around the hill.

Macau itinerary 2 days: things to see around Taipa and Cotai

For day 2 in Macau, explore some of the areas on the south side of Macau including Taipa and Cotai . These are some of the off the beaten path places and are worth visiting if you are going to Macau for the first time.

Follow the purple pins on the map above and the location for each spot.

How to get around Macau on Day 2: take a free hotel shuttle bus to Galaxy Hotel, which is closest to Taipa Village. At the end of the day, take the MGM shuttle bus from Macau Tower to MGM Macau then to either ferry terminal or airport.

1 & 2. Tin Hau Temple and Taipa Flea Market in Taipa Village

On day 2 of my Macau itinerary, start with a visit to Taipa Village , a small area with many local restaurants, cafes and shops.

But first walk around the quaint area and look for Tin Hau Temple . As the oldest temple in Taipa, the temple is dedicated to Tin Hau, a Chinese sea goddess. Typically, Tin Hau temples face the shore but the area has been reclaimed and is currently the area of Cotai.

Roam around the area as there many interesting art murals and colourful Portuguese and Macanese colonial buildings.

And if you are visiting on the weekend, visit Taipa Flea Market , a local open-air market that takes place every Sunday at the north end of Taipa Food Street between 11am-8pm.

3. Taipa Food Street

By now, you must be very tempted to try all the food in Taipa Village. And there are a lot of eateries in the whole area but most of the food outlets are centred around Taipa Food Street . And some of them are even Michelin recognized (like Gelatina Mok Yi Kei and Pastelaria Fong Kei).

There are lots to choose from so this is the perfect place for brunch or lunch. I highlighted some restaurants in the section near the end of the post.

4. Hello Macau Mural and other art murals

As you probably saw already, Taipa is very Instagrammable. There are many mural art scattered around the small streets in the village. And graffiti continues as you explore other parts of Taipa Village.

After filling your tummy with good food, walk to the end of Taipa Food Street and walk up a short flight. There is a whimsical wall art on the west side.

And when you continue forward, there are a few more graffitis including the Hello Macau Mural which is drawn on an old container. The area has changed a lot since last I’ve been and more and more murals are going up. So see what you can find.

5 & 6. Our Lady of Carmel Church and Taipa Houses

Continue forward and visit Our Lady of Carmel Church , a 19th century Neoclassical church on a hill overlooking Taipa Village. Many couples take photos here and in the adjacent garden.

Next, visit Taipa Houses , the five green Portuguese-style houses facing the Ecological Pond of Wetland . They were built in 1921 as Macanese residential homes for senior civil servants. Today, the iconic houses are part of Taipa Houses Museum where each house has its own cultural theme.

The entire area is quite picturesque and peaceful. When you are ready to continue forward, walk across the boardwalk in Taipa Constructed Wetland Park or take the automatic walkway parallel to Rua. da Baia de Nossa Sra. de Esperanca and cross the main road to Galaxy Hotel.

7-11. Casino Hotels in Cotai

If gambling is your thing, then are you in luck. Gambling is legal in Macau, and each hotel has its own casino. Try your luck at a slot machine or a baccarat table.

But if you don’t gamble, you can still visit some of the best casino hotels in Macau. All the newest and glitziest casino hotels are in Cotai. And it really does feel like Las Vegas!

And many of the hotels are linked together so you can easily jump from one hotel to another. Below are some of the casino hotels that you might want to check out. I’ve included the highlight for each hotel so you know what to look for.

• Galaxy Hotel – Galaxy Promenade (large shopping complex connecting five hotels), Galaxy Macau Diamond Show (light and sound show at the fountain in Diamond Lobby)
• The Venetian Macao – indoor canal gondola rides in the large (and confusing) shopping complex and teamLab SuperNature Macao
• The Parisian Macao – observation decks on level 7 and 37 of Eiffel Tower
• The Londoner Macao – one of the newest hotels in Cotai and has amazing spots to take photos (like the one below)
• MGM Cotai – not much to see but the shuttle bus goes directly to your next destination

12. Macau Tower

The Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre is on the Macau Peninsula by the harbour. At a height of 338m, it is the tallest structure in Macau.

Go up to the observation d eck and see a 360 degree view of Macau.

Or you can attempt the skywalk and walk around the periphery of The Macau Tower or bungee jump from the 233m (764ft) high platform, which is Guinness World Record for the Highest Commercial Bungy Jump in the world.

What to Eat in Macau

Macanese cuisine is the fusion between Portuguese food and Chinese cooking techniques . The people of Macau take inspirations from European cuisine and mix it with local spices and ingredients, and the result is simply delicious.

Here are some of my favourite things to eat in Macau:

• Minchi – Macanese food made with minced beef or pork, diced fried potatoes, onions, soy sauce with fried egg and rice. 
• African Chicken – unique to Macanese cuisine, this is a hybrid of Portuguese and Cantonese cooking and with the influence of European, Indian and African flavours
• Clams  – clams in garlic, olive oil and coriander
• Pork Chop Bun – fried whole pork chop sandwiched in a fresh baguette bun
• Portuguese Egg Tarts – similar to a Chinese egg tart but the Portuguese egg tart has a slightly burnt top
• Serradura – Macanese dessert where crushed tea biscuit is layered in between whipped cream and condensed milk

Where to Eat in Macau

Searching for good food in Macau is not hard. You can find Macanese food, Portuguese food and HK-style food everywhere. Here are some restaurants and food outlets I’ve tried before and highly recommend.

Places to eat in Macau

• Albergue 1601 – Portuguese restaurant in St. Lazarus’ Parish
• A Lorcha – Michelin Portuguese restaurant
• Riquexó – Macanese restaurant north of Guia Hill
• Sing Lei Cha Chaan Teng (勝利茶餐室) – Hong Kong-Style cafe near Senado Square
• Margaret’s Cafe e Nata – Portuguese egg tart near Lisboa Hotel

Places to eat in Taipa and Cotai

• A Petisqueira – Portuguese Restaurant in Taipa Village
• O Santos – Portuguese Restaurant in Taipa Food Street
• Portugália – Portuguese restaurant in Taipa Village
• Sei Kee Cafe (世記咖啡) – Hong Kong-Style cafe just off Taipa Food Street
• Lord Stow’s Bakery – Portuguese egg tart on Taipa Food Street
• Gelatina Mok Yi Kai – Michelin dessert shop on Taipa Food Street

Where to stay in Macau

While there are a handful of budget accommodations, one of the highlights of visiting Macau is to experience a world-class resort. Here are a few recommendations on where to stay in Macau.

• House of Lotus ($) – if you want to stay at a budget hotel near Ruins of St Paul’s, this is an excellent option.
• Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel ($$) – stay at this 5-star hotel that has 3,000 guest rooms, swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and fitness centre. Also great if you collect Marriott Bonvoy points.
• MGM Cotai ($$$) – The newer MGM hotel didn’t spared any money on designing and building. The $3.4 billion dollar hotel has spacious rooms, several restaurants, and shops.

Are you doing a day trip to Macau or staying overnight?

It is possible to see all the top attractions in Macau during a day trip from Hong Kong. But if you can stay overnight, it is worth exploring Taipa and Cotai as well. And of course, trying more local Macanese food!

I hope you enjoyed my Macau itinerary and will consider seeing all the city tourist attractions. Let me know in the comments if you find this post helpful in planning your trip to Macau.

Thank you for reading my Macau itinerary

You might also like these other solo travel posts:

HK solo travel posts

• Everything you need to know before travelling to HK by yourself
• 11 Hong Kong off-the-beaten-path hidden gems
• Where to stay in Hong Kong: 7 boutique hotels
• Hong Kong food culture: 26 must-eat food
• Best coffee shops in Hong Kong
• 15 Best places to watch sunset in HK

Hiking and excursion posts

• Lamma Island Family Walk from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan
• How to take a ferry to Lamma Island
• Cheung Chau 1-day itinerary
• Peng Chau 1-day itinerary
• 17 Easy hiking trails in Hong Kong
• Victoria Peak Hike
• Dragon’s Back Hike
• Red Incense Burner Summit on Braemar Hill

Like this post? Pin it on your Pinterest board!

queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I've been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!

Further Reading...

Best Things to Do in Cheung Chau: Day Trip Itinerary

Rhino Rock Hike: See A Rocky Rhinoceros Head in Stanley, Hong Kong

Red Incense Burner Summit on Braemar Hill: Best Spot for Sunset and Night view of Hong Kong

Hi mam! Will be staying in macau for a night from hongkong. Do you have any reco where to stay po either in cotai or in macau peninsula considering we also have luggage. Will probably arrive in macau at 9am so we would like to manage our time to explore all the places you listed above in you 2 day tour. How many hours from cotai to macau peninsula ?

Hi Maureen, In my post I mentioned House of Lotus on the Macau side is a good budget option. I like MGM Cotai and the Andaz Macau in Cotai is brand new. Typically most hotels will let you leave your luggage at their storage until you can check in. It takes about 30 minutes to travel from Cotai to Macau with the shuttle buses. Have a good time in Macau!

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

17 Easy Hiking Trails in Hong Kong For Solo Travellers

Where to stay in kyoto for first time traveller: best areas and hotel reviews, ms travel solo.

Things to Know Before Visiting Macau

Whether you have a few hours or several days, Macau is an eclectic destination that will not disappoint! Get set for your journey with some tips and life hacks that will make your visit to Macau 100% trouble-free.

Cantonese is the official language of Macau and you will hear it around a lot. However, most of the signs, touristic information, announcements in public transport are also written and pronounced in Portuguese (it is the second official language), and in English. So don’t worry about being lost. Many people in Macau understand Standard Chinese (Putonghua) as well.

Macau has its own currency called pataca (MOP $), which is closely tied to the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD $). However, you can also pay with HKD everywhere, even on buses. So don’t panic if you didn’t visit the exchange office in advance. Bear in mind that you might still receive your change in patacas (MOP), even paying with Hong Kong Dollars. If you don’t want to keep them as a souvenir, remember to exchange your MOP in Macau. Being one of the world’s least convertible currencies, patacas could be hard to shed, back in your home country.

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge

Getting there

Taking a ferry

If you are traveling to Macau via Hong Kong International Airport, no need to go through immigration or collect your luggage–the ferry counters are not so far from your arrival gate. Hand your luggage claim tags to the ferry company representative and it will be safely taken care of and placed on the ferry. You can check the status of your bags by simply scanning the ferry ticket barcode on of the machines near the boarding gate. For more tips on Macau ferries, click here .

Traveling via Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HKZMB)

Another way to get to Macau from Hong Kong is via the HKZMB, a 55-kilometer engineering miracle. Hop on a public bus or taxi from Hong Kong International airport and you will arrive at the HKZMB terminal in Hong Kong in 10-15 minutes. On a regular day, buses between Hong Kong and Macau run every 15 minutes during the day and 30 minutes at night. The whole trip lasts around 40 minutes.

Arriving at Macau International Airport

Macau International Airport that connects Macau with various cities in Mainland China and Southeast Asia. Located in the eastern part of Taipa, it is close to Cotai hotels and not that far from the ones on the Macau side. If this is where you are landing, note that there are plenty of ways to reach the city–by bus, taxi, shuttles, or LRT.

Shuttle buses

Getting around

Hotel shuttles

If you want to save some money, note that many premium resorts like  The Venetian Macao and   City of Dreams have shuttles running from airport and ferry terminals. Whether you booked a room with the resorts or not, you can freely hop on their free transport. You can also use inter-hotel shuttles in Cotai or travel to popular places of interest like Senado Square or Taipa. When at the ferry terminals or airport look for the directions to the shuttle parking. Then, just look for the sign with the resort you are heading to.

If you prefer traveling by taxi, retain the Chinese name of your location on your phone, or keep a business card handy. Not all local taxi drivers speak English and while you will probably be lucky with the big hotels, less popular destinations would be hard to reach without knowing how to pronounce them in Cantonese. Most of the time, local drivers are not that talkative. If you gave them the directions and didn’t hear any response, that means they got it.

 To catch a cab, just raise your hand or head to one of the designated taxi stands around the city. Normally, all of the integrated resorts and hotels have a taxi stand. Overall, Macau taxi is affordable, but the fares increase if you need to cross the bridge between Macau and Taipa. Try  Macau Taxi Fare that calculates the price of your trip and has some general information on fares and charges too.

Photo credit: Unsplash, Macau Photo Agency

Macau has a convenient public bus network that covers most of the peninsula and the outlying islands of Taipa and Coloane. Even though the rate is relatively low, you can save more with the Macau Pass. It can be bought at the official office or any 7-11 or Circle K shops. It does not just save you money but also the hassle to handle coins. Macau Pass will cost you MOP $130, including $100 initial stored value and $30 card fee. Besides, you can connect it to MPay, a local mobile payment system and pay with the card in many shops and eateries in Macau, some will even offer special discounts for that. If you still prefer paying in cash, make sure to have the exact fare.

Light Rapid Transit. Photo credit: Unsplash, Macau Photo Agency

Light Rapid Transit

Since December 2019, Macau locals and visitors can take advantage of eco-friendly transport that is not affected by the traffic. As of May 2020, LRT covers the area between Ocean Gardens and Taipa Ferry Terminal. There is a station at Lotus Checkpoint (an entry point between Zhuhai and Macau), Macau International Airport, and Pak Koi right in front of the Taipa Village. You can purchase single-ride tickets or LRT card in a vending machine (cash only) or cashier (cash, credit card). The construction has still not finished and the plan is to connect Taipa to Macau Penninsula with light rail by 2024. For more details, read our LRT guide .

Driving and walking

Just like its neighboring SAR, Hong Kong, Macau is a drive-on-the-left region. If you are traveling from mainland China by car, admire how cleverly the switch between right-side China and left-side Macau is arranged on the Lotus bridge. As a pedestrian, stay vigilant while crossing the road, remember to look right first, then left and not the other way around.

Photo credit: Unsplash

Local sim card

While you will have Wi-Fi in most of the public spots, it’s always good to be connected just in case you need to book a table in a fine restaurant, for instance. Get your MOP $100 pre-paid sim card at ferry terminals or the airport. This way, you won’t need to worry about going offline throughout your trip. To recharge the card, go to 7-eleven, Circle K, one of CTM shops, or online . Note that to buy a prepaid SIM-card, you must be 18 years old or above and present an ID for registration.

Tipping policy

Tips are not expected in Macau. However, take into consideration that many restaurants and bars add a 10% service charge to the bill. You can round up by a few patacas in case of exceptional service, but again, it’s not expected.

Generally, Macau is a safe destination with a low level of crime. But watch out for pickpockets in the crowded touristic areas.

Photo credit: Takahiro Hayashi

Go with an open mind

Macau is nicknamed as “Las Vegas of the East”. Keep that behind you because even though the city is known as a gambling mecca of the eastern hemisphere, it has so much more to offer. Did you know the historic center of Macau is inscribed on the World Heritage List and the city has been honored as a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO ? Keep your mind and eyes wide open and you will see the real Macau. Enjoy!

This article was originally written in March 2018 and updated by Ksenia Kuzmina in May 2020.

• Experience Macau
• Things to know Macau
• Travel Macau

Related Posts

Best Farm Resorts in the Philippines

Siargao Guide: Where to Eat, Sleep, Surf & Party

Off the Beaten Path: 10 Things to Do in Coloane

Getting Around in Macau

Trending posts.

Where to Find the Best Portuguese Egg Tarts in Macau

Macau Apps: The Best Apps You’ll Need in Macau

Guide to Macau’s Taipa Ferry Terminal

Editor's picks.

When in Macau, consider these 5 must-have applications that will make your life or stay easier.

Macau is a small but immensely interesting place with plenty of things to see and do. With many modes of transport, getting around has never been simpler.

Where My Ladies At: The Best Ladies’ Night Offers in Macau

From free-flow champagne to free Prosecco bottles, check our list of the best ladies’ night offers in Macau.

Art Masterpieces in Macau You Did Not Know Existed

Some pieces of art are in the most prominent spots, but there are some artwork that remain hidden in Macau. Here’s where you can find them!

Good Morning Macau: Best Cafes for Breakfast

As breakfast is the most important meal of the day, here’re our favorite cafes in Macau to head to for a hearty breakfast!

Businesses in Macau: Taking Ideas to the Next Level

Macau is a small city, but it sure has a lot of new businesses popping up. We rounded up a list of cool businesses to check out and support!

Top Running Routes in Macau

Make the effort to get up 30 minutes earlier from tomorrow onwards and check out any of these stunning running routes in Macau.

Best Places for Happy Hour in Macau

After a long day at work, you need a relaxing place to unwind. We have the best places in Macau for happy hour deals on drinks and snacks!

Macau Fashion Brands: Celebrate Local Design

Discover some Macau fashion brands that are making waves due to the fabulous designers behind each of their fresh and genius creations.

The Best Playgrounds for Kids in Macau

Macau is full of parks and leisure areas that feature some amazing play areas. Here’s a list of the best playgrounds in Macau for the tykes!

Shaken or Stirred: Macau’s Best Cocktails

The world of mixology often proves to be as diverse and surprising as the one of gastronomy. Exercising talent and immense creativity, Macau’s bartenders keep creating signature cocktails that impress us with both flavors and presentation. If you are tired and bored with mojitos and negronis and need tips on what else to try, check out our guide to Macau’s best cocktails. 

Macau’s Quirkiest Museums

When art and history collections are inspected, it’s time to learn things that even locals might not know. Read on to plan a visit to Macau’s quirkiest museums.

The Pataca Story: The Peculiar History of Macau’s Currency

The Pataca is special as not many countries the size of Macau would have their currency. Read on to find out about the origins of the Pataca.

Where to Shop Vintage in Macau

If you’re a fashionista obssessed with all things vintage, this selection of the best vintage shops in Macau is for you. Happy shopping!

Where to Have an Unforgettable Negroni in Macau

Check our list of the best bars in Macau that serve the Italian bitter-sweet cocktail, Negroni, from classic recipes to original twists!

Guide to Coloane’s Hiking Trails

Coloane is home to most of the hiking trails in town. We walked them all and came up with the most comprehensive Coloane hiking trails guide.

A Tour of Traditional Chinese Pastries in Macau

Every tourist coming to Macau can make a fast conclusion that cookies and pastries here are held in high regard. Where do you start, and what do you eat? To get acquainted with a curious word of local sweets, check our guide to the Chinese pastries in Macau.

Macau’s Tap Seac Square by Carlos Marreiros

Have you ever wondered about Tap Seac Square, its history, and what used to be there? Find out more about its history and right here!

The Camões Phenomena: All the Way From Portugal to Macau

Portuguese poet Camões is well-known in Macau. But do you know why? We tell you some interesting facts about the author’s life!

Art at Mandarin Oriental, Macau: Porcelain Dresses & Contemporary Glass Installations

Read on to see how Mandarin Oriental, Macau, highlights its style and identity with art and design masterpieces by different artists.  

Nam Ping: A Local Foodie Haven Nestled in Old Macau

Set in Rua de Cinco de Outubro, Nam Ping is nestled in the city center, opened for more than 30 years, serving simple, mouthwatering dishes.

Best Rooftops in Macau to Relax At

Chilling on a rooftop with a cold drink is the best way to spend a day. Here’s a list of some of the hippest trending rooftops in Macau!

Local Eats: Where to Have Instant Noodles With Egg & Luncheon Meat in Macau

Instant noodles taste much better topped with a fried egg and luncheon meat! Here are the best places in Macau to have this delicacy.

Macau’s Best Spas

Macau is a wold-class destination and this extends to its spas as well. Check out our list of spas in Macau offering the best in relaxation.

10 Useful Macau Ferry Tips

Although you can take the bridge now, the one-hour ferry ride is a unique and easy way to get from Macau to Hong Kong. Here are 10 essential tips to make your Macau to Hong Kong ferry trip trouble-free.

Best Things to Do around Hac Sa Beach

Hac Sa Beach on Coloane Island is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. It’s the perfect place for a day outside the city!

Best Places to Eat in Coloane

Coloane is where locals and tourists come to enjoy chill vibes and home-style dining. Here are the best places to eat in Coloane for your next foodie trip!

Best Public Pools in Macau

Find out the most visited public swimming pools, by both locals as well as tourists and head for a dive or two at some of the best in Macau!

Cheong Kei Noodle Factory: A Local Family Business with Healthy Ambitions

We learned the history of Cheong Kei Noodle Factory, the inspiration behind their products, and their vision for Cheong Kei’s future.

Everything You Need to Do in Macau at Least Once

Take a dive into this article and find out what to do to spend your precious time in Macau and maximize it to enjoy the city at its fullest!

• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

COPYRIGHT © 2024 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to our newsletter, receive macau events agenda, the hottest giveaway offers and the latest article updates.

1-Day Macau Itinerary

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

• Macau in 1 day
• 2-Day Macau Itinerary
• 3-Day Macau Itinerary
• 4-Day Macau Itinerary
• 5-Day Macau Itinerary

Table of contents

1-day itinerary, the venetian macao.

Studio City Macau

The Parisian Macao

Parisian macao eiffel tower, city of dreams, venetian macao casino, galaxy hotel, where to eat, the golden peacock, the st. regis bar, the ritz-carlton cafe, urban kitchen, top searches in macau, popular road trips from macau, what's the weather like in macau.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Macau for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Macau in January
• Weather in Macau in February
• Weather in Macau in March
• Weather in Macau in April
• Weather in Macau in May
• Weather in Macau in June
• Weather in Macau in July
• Weather in Macau in August
• Weather in Macau in September
• Weather in Macau in October
• Weather in Macau in November
• Weather in Macau in December

All road trips from Macau

• Macau to Bangkok drive
• Macau to Hanoi drive
• Macau to Guangzhou drive
• Macau to Siem Reap drive
• Macau to Beijing drive
• Macau to Shanghai drive
• Macau to Ho Chi Minh City drive
• Macau to Hoi An drive
• Macau to Xi'an drive
• Macau to Pattaya drive
• Macau to Phnom Penh drive
• Macau to Chiang Mai drive
• Macau to Xiamen drive
• Macau to Halong Bay drive
• Macau to Luang Prabang drive
• Macau to Hue drive
• Macau to Yangshuo County drive
• Macau to Hangzhou drive
• Macau to Nha Trang drive
• Macau to Chengdu drive
• Macau to Yangon (Rangoon) drive
• Macau to Sanya drive
• Macau to Guilin drive
• Macau to Chiang Rai drive
• Macau to Hua Hin drive
• Macau to Ninh Binh drive
• Macau to Suzhou drive
• Macau to Vientiane drive
• Macau to Nanjing drive
• Macau to Ayutthaya drive

Explore nearby places

• Boluo County
• Xinxing County
• Huidong County
• Yangdong County
• Qingxin County
• Longmen County
• Yun'an Xian
• Fogang County

All related maps of Macau

• Map of Macau
• Map of Zhuhai
• Map of Zhongshan
• Map of Hong Kong
• Map of Jiangmen
• Map of Shenzhen
• Map of Taishan
• Map of Heshan
• Map of Kaiping
• Map of Dongguan
• Map of Foshan
• Map of Guangzhou
• Map of Zengcheng
• Map of Enping
• Map of Boluo County
• Map of Huizhou
• Map of Gaoyao
• Map of Zhaoqing
• Map of Xinxing County
• Map of Huidong County
• Map of Conghua
• Map of Sihui
• Map of Yangdong County
• Map of Yangjiang
• Map of Qingyuan
• Map of Yunfu
• Map of Qingxin County
• Map of Yangchun
• Map of Longmen County
• Map of Yun'an Xian
• Map of Fogang County

Macau throughout the year

• Macau in January
• Macau in February
• Macau in March
• Macau in April
• Macau in May
• Macau in June
• Macau in July
• Macau in August
• Macau in September
• Macau in October
• Macau in November
• Macau in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Macau?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 1-Day Hong Kong Itinerary
• 1-Day Guangzhou Itinerary
• 1-Day Dongguan Itinerary
• 1-Day Foshan Itinerary
• 1-Day Zhongshan Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Going Awesome Places

Detailed itineraries + travel guides

1 Day Macau Itinerary – A Day Trip From Hong Kong

Last Updated February 21, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » 1 Day Macau Itinerary – A Day Trip From Hong Kong

Macau is an awesome one day trip from Hong Kong that’s only a 55 minute boat ride away.  It’s a completely different vibe from the big city of Hong Kong.  Think of Macau as Asia’s version of Vegas but with old town Portuguese flare mixed around it.

If you’re like most travellers, you’re going to be based in Hong Kong but want the chance to explore Macau (also referred to as Macao) so I’ve put together the perfect one day Macau itinerary.

• A little bit about Macau

Macau is one of the two Special Administrative Regions of China and is bordered on the province of Guangdong.  There’s nothing that connects Hong Kong to Macau so a ferry is necessary although all that will change when they complete the bridge that will link the two cities.

Colonial Portugal meet the bright lights and casinos of Asia

What makes Macau unique is that it was former Portuguese colony and administered by Portugal from the mid-16th century until late 1999, similar to how Hong Kong was administered by the United Kingdom.

However what once was a sleepy colonial city has now ballooned to become Asia’s gambling capital.  The one thing that stuck out from my visit was just how many casinos there were.  Huge themed casinos dominate the skyline now with each newer one outdoing the previous new kid on the block.

Read more on Hong Kong

• Hong Kong 2 day itinerary
• Top restaurants that you have to try in Hong Kong
• Hong Kong’s green outdoors always surprise me
• The best hotels in Hong Kong
• Our best Hong Kong content

Where to stay in Macau if you had to?

• If you have the budget to swing it, the Venetian Macau is absolutely superb and legitimately Vegas class.

In This Article

What to do in Macau in one day without staying overnight

The 1 day macau itinerary, what we missed, recommended activities, things to know before you go, useful addresses, affordable downtown, best casino hotel, macau in photos, final thoughts.

If you’re in Hong Kong for more than 3 days, you probably have time to do a trip to Macau to mix it up so to speak.

For us, we never had a fixed date we wanted to do Macau.  At one point we had also considered doing 2 days there but after talking to many locals the feedback we repeatedly got was that it wasn’t worth it.  After the Maldives portion of the trip, Hong Kong’s weather was also extremely erratic with rain so we just played it by ear.

There was one day that finally looked good for us so we decided the night before to make the trip to Macau.  So that’s really the extent of the planning we did.  You can certainly book ferry tickets online but honestly you’re better off to show up at the purchase the TurboJet tickets right at the terminal because of how complicated it is to do it online.  There are departures every 15 minutes so you really have nothing to worry about.  Ticket prices start at HKD$171.

The way I broke the trip down was by the various areas of Macau.  With a full day or less than 24 hours in Macau, this itinerary makes a lot of sense for most travellers and I’d recommend you following a similar route to what we did:

• Start off in Taipa and do the cultural sights first.  It’s a lovely little area full of Portuguese architecture, shops and food stalls.  I personally loved this area of Macau the most.  This area is also great to grab lunch.
• Once you’er done here, cab over to Coloane which honestly doesn’t have too much but the big highlight is Lord Stow’s if you like Portuguese Egg Tarts.  Even if you don’t like or know about them, it’s worth a try.  There’s the small Chapel of St. Francis and the food vendors in front you can check out.
• Hac Sa Beach is a short little detour after Coloane although to be honest the beach isn’t particularly nice.  The food stalls don’t look that appetizing either and if it wasn’t for Fernando’s which Chantelle’s aunt and uncle recommended, I’d say this area is skippable.
• Now it’s finally time to head into the big city so start at the Ruins of St. Paul and snake your way down the shopping streets.  Have dinner in this area.
• The night is young right?   Casinos always come alive at night so it makes sense to slot this at the very end.  Pick one or two you want to check out.  The unfortunate thing is that they’re quite spaced out especially between the older ones on the Macau peninsula and the new mega ones out in Taipa.

With 24 hours in Macau, here’s an exact breakdown of the itinerary that I recommend that you follow.  It gets you a chance to explore the entire city and the best that it has to offer.  If you’re looking for a way to have a copy you can download, just make sure you subscribe to grab the full trip plan right below this table.

With only realistically 12 hours to work with, things were of course tight and I definitely had to make a few calls to cut out some non essentials.  And then there was all the food we wanted to try.  Even with all the snacking we did, we still missed quite a few places!

• Macau Tower – Great panoramic views of the city.  They have a skywalk and bungee jumping from up there if you dare!
• Cheoc Van Beach – Another beach we could’ve checked out but there simply wasn’t enough time to go.  I doubt we would’ve been impressed
• The old casinos like Hotel Lisboa and Sand s – One of the challenges with Macau’s casinos is that they are not easily walkable from each other.  As a result, it becomes really hard to hotel hop like you would in Vegas.  It would’ve been neat to check out some of the older casinos but in the end we figured that they’d be about the same
• House of Dancing Water at the City of Dreams casino – If you’re into Cirque du Soleil type shows like in Vegas, this one’s for you.  We would’ve loved to have done it but we didn’t have time and also didn’t prebook.  Prices start at 600HKD

If you’re looking for more of a guided experience or looking to get your hands dirty with some activities in Macau, here’s what I recommend that you check out!

• New bridge crossing – The Hong Kong – Zhuhai –  Macau Bridge (HZMB) opened October 23, 2018 which opens up a whole new way to get to Macau from Hong Kong.  Learn about the two different methods to get to Macau that involve shuttle busses.  The price of this starts at HKD$65 which means it’s cheaper than taking the ferry.
• Ferry tickets hacks – This isn’t really advertised but you should know that you have to pick your ferry ticket times beforehand.  This may seem limiting but what most people don’t know is that you can always take an earlier ferry from the time you booked but you can’t take a later ferry.  What that means in terms of strategy is to book a late ferry coming home (i.e. midnight) so if you want to head back to Hong Kong early, you can have the flexibility to do so.  Or if you end up raking it in at the casino and want to stay later, you can do that as well.
• Passports – You’re technically leaving the country when you head to Macau so make sure you have your passport.  You will be going through passport control when you arrive in Macau and when you go back to Hong Kong.  If you’re unsure, read the full entry requirements for Macau .
• Private drivers? – You’ll be hounded by taxi drivers and tour guides when you get out into the main foyer of the Macau ferry terminal.  Ignore them.  It’s a lot easier and cheaper to run your own program and catch a few cabs you’ll need to get around.
• Casino shuttles – If you want to save a bit of taxi money, why not take one of the several free shuttles to casinos.  We saved money at the start by going to one of the closer casinos to Taipa and then cabbed from there
• Currency – Macau (MOP) has its own currency but Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) is accepted everywhere.  Just note that some places will give you MOP change.  If that’s the case, you can sometimes request to get HKD back instead.  If they can’t/won’t, just spend the MOP during the day
• Koi Kei – What’s up with this place?  These guys have a stranglehold so large on Macau that even Starbucks would be impressed.  So they sell cookies and Macanese snacks that are great for souvenirs if you find anything you like.  It seems crazy how many stores they have but they’ve blanketed the city so well that everyone pretty much buys goods from them if you visit Macau.  They destroy the competition because they freely hand out or have self-serve boxes of samples so feel free to go nuts.  By far the most popular snack to have in Macau is their dried beef slices.  They’re quite delicious but the problem was that I knew I couldn’t bring these back to Canada since they are considered as meat products.
• Casa de Pasto Seng Cheong  (28-30 Rua do Cunha, Vila de Taipa) – Crab congee/porridge
• 新好利美食餅店 (13-14 R. do Regedor, Vila de Taipa) – Fresh milk tarts
• 大利來 Cafe Tai Lei Loi Kei (moved from the original at No.18, Largo Gov. Tamagnini Barbosa to south of the intersection of Rua do Regedor and Rua do Desporto, on the street that Rua do Desporto turns into) – Pork chop buns
• Lord Stow’s (1 Rua do Tassara, Coloane) – Original Portuguese egg tarts.  There’s also a store now at the Venetian if you don’t want to venture out to Coloane
• Fernando’s (9 Praia de Hac Sa, Hac Sa Beach) – Portuguese restaurant, also known for their pork chop buns

Thinking about staying overnight?

Macau is easy to do in a day but if you feel like you need an extra day to explore, there’s nothing wrong with that.  Alternatively, it’s totally plausible that you gambled the night away but I wouldn’t judge ;).  There are lots of great places to stay in Macau but here are two of my top picks.

CASA REAL HOTEL

With rates close to $100/night, this is a great hotel near the Macau Ferry Terminal that is perfect for someone looking for a place that’s clean and comfortable.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

THE VENETIAN MACAO RESORT HOTEL

One of the premiere properties in Macau in a cluster of hotels meant to recreate the Las Vegas vibe.  Out of all the ones we visited, this was the most impressive and almost an exact replica of the one in Vegas.

Here’s a look into what we saw in one jam-packed day itinerary in Macau.

Macau is well worth a day trip from Hong Kong and I feel that a full day is sufficient enough to see almost everything you’d want to see.  2 days is a bit top much considering there are probably other things you probably want to do ( and eat ) in HK and nearby islands.

It was a fantastic day of food, Portuguese influenced culture and a little bit of gambling.

I was pretty happy with the Macau in a single day itinerary I put together.  If there was anything I’d change, I’d probably leave out Hac Sa Beach and instead spend a bit more time in the casinos which ended up being a bit too short.

What you should read next

• Where To Stay in Hong Kong – A Guide To Hotels and Neighbourhoods
• 2 Day Hong Kong Itinerary – Highlights in 48 hours
• Discovering Hong Kong’s Green Outdoors
• Three Best Side Trips from Hong Kong

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

Find us on social media

• Car Rentals
• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Flight + Hotel
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

The Ultimate Guide: What to do in Macau for 1 day trip

April 7, 2024

Macau , a captivating blend of Portuguese and Chinese influences, is a small but vibrant region that promises an unforgettable experience to travelers seeking a taste of both history and modernity. Nestled on the southeastern coast of China, Macau is renowned as the "Las Vegas of Asia," offering a thrilling fusion of glamour, entertainment, and cultural heritage.

Travel to Macao Promotions - Save Up to 100 SGD🔥

Take advantage of this incredible deal and save big on your next trip with our See You in Macao hotel offer. Hurry, this time-limited offer won't last forever!

Importance of Planning for a 1-Day Trip to Macau:

While Macau may be small in size, it is packed with an array of attractions and experiences that can easily overwhelm even the most seasoned travelers. Therefore, meticulous planning becomes essential when you have just one day to explore this remarkable destination.

Planning ahead allows you to maximize your time, ensuring you don't miss out on the must-see landmarks and hidden gems. By organizing your itinerary in advance, you can make the most efficient use of transportation options, enabling you to navigate seamlessly from one attraction to another.

In this guide, we have curated two alternative morning attractions and two alternative afternoon attractions to provide you with flexibility and options, allowing you to tailor your visit to your preferences. Additionally, we have handpicked two restaurants for lunch and two for dinner, ensuring you savor the delectable flavors that Macau is famous for.

Useful Tips for Singaporean Travelers Visiting Macau

Currency exchange and payment methods:.

When visiting Macau, it is advisable to exchange your Singaporean dollars (SGD) to Macau Patacas (MOP) to facilitate transactions within the region. Currency exchange counters can be found at airports, major hotels, and banks throughout Macau. Additionally, major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments, offering convenience and ease of payment.

Time Zone and Weather:

Macau follows China Standard Time (CST), which is eight hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+8). In terms of weather, Macau experiences a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are generally mild and pleasant, while summers are hot and humid. Winters can be cooler, so it is advisable to pack appropriate clothing to suit the season during your visit.

Language and Communication:

The official languages of Macau are Chinese (Cantonese) and Portuguese. While Chinese is predominantly spoken, English is also widely understood, particularly in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Having a basic understanding of common Cantonese greetings and phrases can greatly enhance your interactions with locals and make your experience more enjoyable.

Customs and Cultural Norms:

Macau has a rich cultural heritage influenced by both Chinese and Portuguese traditions. When visiting temples or historical sites, it is customary to dress modestly and respectfully. Additionally, it is important to be aware of local customs, such as removing shoes before entering certain establishments or using both hands when exchanging money or receiving items.

Visa Requirements and Entry Information:

Singaporean passport holders can enjoy visa-free entry to Macau for a period of up to 30 days. However, it is essential to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Upon arrival, you will be required to complete an immigration form and present your passport for inspection. It is advisable to have a copy of your hotel reservation or accommodation details readily available, as you may be asked for proof of accommodation during your stay.

By familiarizing yourself with these useful tips, you will be well-prepared for your trip to Macau and able to navigate the local customs, currency, and communication with ease.

Flights to Macau

When it comes to reaching Macau, Singaporean travelers have several options available. The most convenient way to fly to Macau is to book a direct flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Macau International Airport. Airlines such as Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, and Scoot offer regular flights between the two destinations.

For those looking to find cheap flights , Trip.com is a reliable platform that provides a wide range of flight options, or cheap flights & hotels at competitive prices. Simply visit Trip.com, enter your travel details, and explore the various flight options available. With just a few clicks, you can compare prices, choose the best flight that suits your schedule and budget, and secure your ticket. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the wonders of Macau.

Click to buy your ticket and embark on an unforgettable journey.

• Sort by: Lowest Price
• Sort by: Earliest Flight

Crossed out prices are calculated based on the average price of the corresponding route on Trip.com.

1-day trip to Macau: Morning Itinerary

1st option: historic macau.

Ruins of St. Paul's

The Ruins of St. Paul's is an iconic landmark that stands as a testament to Macau's rich history. Once part of the Church of Mater Dei, this grand stone facade is all that remains after a fire in 1835. The intricate carvings and statues that adorn the ruins showcase the blend of European and Asian architectural styles. As you explore the site, you'll be transported back in time, marveling at the grandeur of the past. Don't forget to climb the steps to the top for a panoramic view of the city and capture breathtaking photos. The Ruins of St. Paul's is located at Calcada de Sao Paulo, Macau (Company of Jesus Square).

Mount Fortress

Located adjacent to the Ruins of St. Paul's, Mount Fortress played a crucial role in Macau's defense system in the past. Today, it stands as a historical relic and offers visitors a chance to delve into Macau's military past. Explore the well-preserved fortifications, cannons, and barracks that once protected the city. The fortress also houses the Macau Museum, where you can learn more about the region's fascinating history through various exhibits and artifacts. From the top of the fortress, enjoy panoramic views of Macau's skyline and surrounding areas. Mount Fortress is situated at Fortaleza do Monte, Macau.

Transportation Tips:

To reach the Ruins of St. Paul's and Mount Fortress, you can take a taxi or use public transportation. Bus numbers 2, 3, 3A, 4, 5, 6 and 8A, conveniently stop near the attractions. Alternatively, you can opt for a leisurely walk from the city center, which takes approximately 15 minutes.

2nd Option: Modern Macau

The Venetian Macao

Prepare to be transported to the enchanting city of Venice at The Venetian Macao, a luxurious integrated resort. Step inside and marvel at the faithful recreation of Venetian architecture, complete with gondola-filled canals and stunning frescoes on the ceilings. Enjoy a leisurely gondola ride, shop at high-end boutiques, try your luck at the casino, or indulge in world-class dining. With its grandeur and opulence, The Venetian Macao promises a truly unforgettable experience. The resort is located at Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Macau.

Macau Tower

For a breathtaking adventure, head to the Macau Tower, a towering landmark that dominates the city's skyline. Daredevils can partake in the thrilling Skywalk X or the world-famous AJ Hackett Bungy Jump, leaping off the tower's edge for an adrenaline rush like no other. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, take an elevator ride to the observation deck for panoramic views of Macau and beyond. Enjoy a meal at the revolving 360° Café, offering a unique dining experience with stunning vistas. The Macau Tower is situated at Largo da Torre de Macau, Macau.

To reach The Venetian Macao and Macau Tower, you can take a taxi or use public transportation. Buses, numbers 15, 21A, 25, and 26, conveniently stop near these attractions. If you're staying in the city center, taxis are readily available and provide a convenient and efficient way to reach your desired destinations.

Remember to allocate sufficient time for each attraction, considering factors such as waiting lines, exploration time, and transportation. It's advisable to arrive early at popular sites, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit.

1-day trip to Macau: Afternoon Itinerary

1st option: cultural exploration.

A-Ma Temple

Immerse yourself in the rich spiritual heritage of Macau by visiting the A-Ma Temple. This picturesque temple, dedicated to the goddess of seafarers, is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Macau. As you explore its intricate halls, pavilions, and courtyards, you'll be captivated by the blend of Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian elements. The temple is located at Barra Square, Macau.

Taipa Village

Discover the charm of Taipa Village, a quaint neighborhood that showcases Macau's blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences. Stroll through narrow streets lined with pastel-colored buildings, traditional shops, and colonial-era architecture. Taipa Village is renowned for its mouthwatering local cuisine, offering a wide array of Macanese and Portuguese delicacies. Indulge in egg tarts, almond cookies, and other delectable treats as you explore the unique blend of cultures in this vibrant neighborhood. Taipa Village is situated on Rua do Cunha, Taipa Island, Macau.

To reach A-Ma Temple and Taipa Village, you can take a taxi or use public transportation. Buses, such as numbers 28B, 28BX, 28C, and 30, conveniently stop near these attractions. Additionally, you can take advantage of the free shuttle buses provided by major resorts and casinos, which often have routes that pass through Taipa Village. Enjoy the cultural immersion as you venture through A-Ma Temple and indulge in the flavours of Taipa Village.

2nd Option: Coloane Island Retreat

Hac Sa Beach

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting Hac Sa Beach, a tranquil retreat on Coloane Island. As Macau's largest natural beach, Hac Sa Beach offers a serene setting with golden sand and azure waters. Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, bask in the sun, or enjoy a refreshing swim. Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby hiking trails, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Hac Sa Beach is located on Estrada de Hac Sa, Coloane Island, Macau.

Coloane Village

Experience the relaxed atmosphere and traditional charm of Coloane Village. This quaint village showcases the slower pace of life in Macau, with its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and traditional Portuguese-style houses. Explore the village's historic sites, such as the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier and the Tin Hau Temple, both reflecting Macau's cultural fusion. Coloane Village is situated on Rua do Caetano, Coloane Island, Macau.

Source: Trip.com User (噼里啪啦)

To reach Hac Sa Beach and Coloane Village, you can take a taxi or use public transportation. Bus numbers 15, 21A, 25, and 26, conveniently stop near these attractions. If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting a bicycle to explore Coloane Island at your own pace. Enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of Hac Sa Beach and immerse yourself in the authentic charm of Coloane Village.

Transportation-wise, taxis are readily available in Macau and can take you directly to Hac Sa Beach and Coloane Village. Alternatively, you can utilize the public bus system, which offers convenient access to these attractions. Buses are an affordable and efficient mode of transportation, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views during your journey.

Recommended Lunch Restaurants

Fernando's

Indulge in a delightful dining experience at Fernando's, a beloved restaurant known for its authentic Portuguese cuisine and relaxed beachside ambiance. Located in Coloane Village, this hidden gem has been a favorite among locals and tourists alike for over 30 years. The menu features a wide array of traditional Portuguese dishes, including grilled seafood, succulent roast chicken, and mouthwatering bacalhau (salted cod). Don't miss the signature clams in garlic sauce, a true crowd-pleaser. Pair your meal with a refreshing sangria or Portuguese wine for the perfect complement. Fernando's is situated at 9 Praia de Hac Sa, Coloane Island, Macau.

To reach Fernando's, you can take a taxi or use public transportation. Buses, numbers 21A, 25, and 26, conveniently stop near Coloane Village. From there, it's a short walk to the restaurant. Taxis are also readily available and provide a convenient option for reaching your dining destination.

Lord Stow's Bakery

For a unique culinary experience, visit Lord Stow's Bakery, renowned for its delectable Portuguese egg tarts. The egg tarts at Lord Stow's Bakery have become an iconic Macau treat, attracting visitors from far and wide. Alongside the famous egg tarts, the bakery also offers an assortment of other delicious pastries and cakes. Grab a box of egg tarts to savor as you explore Coloane Village or enjoy a leisurely moment at the nearby Hac Sa Beach. Lord Stow's Bakery is located at 1 Rua do Tassara, Coloane Island, Macau.

To reach Lord Stow's Bakery, you can take a taxi or use public transportation. Buses, numbers 15, 21A, 25, and 26, conveniently stop near Coloane Village. From there, it's a short walk to the bakery. Taxis are also readily available and provide a convenient option for reaching your gastronomic destination.

Whether you choose the authentic Portuguese delights at Fernando's or the iconic egg tarts at Lord Stow's Bakery, your lunchtime experience in Macau will be a culinary journey filled with flavors and satisfaction.

1-day trip to Macau: Evening Itinerary

1st option: macau by night.

Senado Square

As the sun sets and the city lights up, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Senado Square. Located in the heart of Macau's historic center, this iconic square is surrounded by pastel-colored neo-classical buildings, creating a charming and picturesque setting. Senado Square is not only a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists, but it is also the perfect place for shopping and dining. Explore the various shops, boutiques, and restaurants lining the square, offering a diverse range of merchandise and delectable cuisines.

Source: Trip.com User (爷微不足道)

Macau Fisherman's Wharf

Continue your evening adventure at Macau Fisherman's Wharf, a unique waterfront entertainment complex. This themed attraction brings together various cultural influences, offering an array of experiences, from dining and shopping to thrilling entertainment. Enjoy a wide selection of restaurants offering diverse cuisines, ranging from international delights to local Macanese favorites.

To reach Senado Square and Macau Fisherman's Wharf, you can take a taxi or use public transportation. Bus numbers 3, 3A, 4, 8A, 10 and 10A, conveniently stop near these attractions. Additionally, you can utilize the free shuttle buses provided by major resorts and casinos, which often have routes passing through these areas.

As the day comes to an end, experiencing the bustling energy of Senado Square and the eclectic entertainment options at Macau Fisherman's Wharf will leave you with lasting memories of Macau's vibrant nightlife.

2nd Option: Cotai Strip Extravaganza

City of Dreams

Experience the epitome of luxury and entertainment at City of Dreams, a dazzling integrated resort located on the Cotai Strip. Stimulate your palate with a wide range of culinary delights, from Michelin-starred restaurants to trendy cafes. For those seeking excitement, the resort's casino floor offers an exhilarating gaming experience. City of Dreams also features immersive entertainment experiences, such as the interactive 4D Dark Ride and the VR Zone, where you can dive into virtual reality adventures. The City of Dreams is situated at Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau.

The House of Dancing Water Show

Prepare to be mesmerized by The House of Dancing Water, a spectacular water-based show that combines breathtaking acrobatics, dazzling visuals, and an enchanting storyline. Be captivated by the intricate choreography, high dives, and stunning aerial stunts, all set against a backdrop of a custom-built theater with a 270-degree stage, a pool holding 17 million liters of water, and state-of-the-art special effects. The House of Dancing Water promises an unforgettable and immersive theatrical experience. The show takes place at the City of Dreams Theater, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau.

To reach City of Dreams and The House of Dancing Water, you can take a taxi or use public transportation. Bus numbers 25B, 26A, 51A, MT3, and MT4 conveniently stop near the Cotai Strip. From there, it's a short walk to the City of Dreams complex. Taxis are also readily available and provide a convenient option for reaching this entertainment hub.

Recommended Dinner Restaurants

Indulge in a delightful culinary experience at A Lorcha, a beloved restaurant renowned for its Portuguese and Macanese fusion cuisine. Located in the heart of Macau, this charming eatery offers a cozy and inviting ambiance, making it a perfect choice for a memorable dinner. Savor mouthwatering dishes such as African chicken, garlic prawns, and minchi (a traditional Macanese minced meat dish). The restaurant's commitment to using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques ensures an authentic and flavorsome dining experience.

A Lorcha is situated at 289 Rua do Almirante Sergio, Macau.

Source: Trip.com User (锴kai10)

To reach A Lorcha, you can take a taxi or use public transportation. Bus numbers 1, 2, 5, 6B, 10 and 10A, conveniently stop near the restaurant. From there, it's a short walk to A Lorcha. Taxis are also readily available and provide a convenient option for reaching your dining destination.

Robuchon au Dôme

Embark on a culinary journey at Robuchon au Dôme, a Michelin-starred French restaurant nestled within the iconic Grand Lisboa Hotel. This dining establishment offers an extraordinary gastronomic experience, combining exquisite French cuisine with breathtaking panoramic views of Macau. Led by acclaimed chef Joël Robuchon, the restaurant presents a menu of sophisticated and artfully presented dishes, showcasing the finest ingredients and culinary craftsmanship. Robuchon au Dôme is located at 43/F, Grand Lisboa Hotel, Avenida de Lisboa, Macau.

Source: Trip.com User (kellywongsiweng)

To reach Robuchon au Dôme, you can take a taxi or use public transportation. Buses, numbers 3, 3A, 8, and 10A, conveniently stop near the Grand Lisboa Hotel. From there, it's a short elevator ride to the 43rd floor where the restaurant is located. Taxis are also readily available and provide a convenient option for reaching this culinary destination.

With its fascinating blend of history, culture, and entertainment, Macau offers a captivating destination for a one-day trip. From exploring the historic sites to indulging in culinary delights and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With careful planning and utilizing the recommended itineraries and tips provided in this guide, Singaporean travelers can make the most of their time in Macau. So, pack your bags, prepare for an adventure, and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Macau.

Do Singaporeans need a visa to visit Macau?

What is the currency used in macau, what is the time zone in macau, what is the official language in macau, what is the best way to get around macau.

What to do in Macau for 1 day trip

• 1. Travel to Macao Promotions - Save Up to 100 SGD🔥
• 2. Importance of Planning for a 1-Day Trip to Macau:
• 3. Useful Tips for Singaporean Travelers Visiting Macau
• 4. Flights to Macau
• 5. 1-day trip to Macau: Morning Itinerary
• 6. 1-day trip to Macau: Afternoon Itinerary
• 7. Recommended Lunch Restaurants
• 8. 1-day trip to Macau: Evening Itinerary
• 9. Recommended Dinner Restaurants

<h3>Trending Searches</h3>

Popular Content

• trip to Santorini cost
• Trip to Madagascar cost
• Trip to Puerto Rico cost
• weekend getaways in florida
• weather in Japan in April
• things to do in chicago
• las vegas trip cost
• Trip to Bahamas cost
• Trip to Guatemala cost
• Trip to Bermuda cost

Popular Attractions

• disney locations
• magic kingdom
• california disneyland
• tokyo disneysea tickets
• universal studios singapore tickets
• typhoon lagoon water park
• Universal Studios Locations
• disney's hollywood studio
• tokyo disneysea
• animal kingdom
• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Dunhuang Theater
• Shuanglin Temple
• Napa Sea(Yila Prairie)

Connectivity

• eSIM Malaysia
• Germany esim
• How to Activate eSIM on iPhone
• eSIM Vietnam
• eSIM Thailand
• eSIM Hong Kong
• china payments app
• Taiwan eSIM

Getting Around

• Tokyo Metro
• JR Hokkaido
• Tokyo Transportation
• JR pass airport transfer
• Eurail Pass Discount
• narita express
• Haruka Express
• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• Website Feedback
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List My Property
• Become a Supplier

• Attractions and Landmarks
• Food and Wine
• Restaurants
• Travel Tips

Dreaming of your next trip?

I agree to the Forbes Travel Guide Privacy Policy , Terms , and Cookie Policy . I understand I can withdraw my consent at any time.

Sign up for our newsletter

The Travel Momento

Authentic 1 Day Macau Itinerary (Easy Day Trip From Hong Kong)

Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on pinterest

Macau, also known as Macao, is a funny mixture of Chinese and western influence. For over 300 years, Macau was a Portuguese colony. Their culture is represented in the architecture and blended into the language, cuisine and way of life. With the decline of Portuguese power, the Chinese regained control of the region. Today, Macau is the Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China with its own currency and immigration policy. Give yourself authentic Macanese experience with this ultimate 1 day Macau itinerary.

Macau has also become Asia’s gambling capital. With its vast casinos, giant malls, beautiful beaches, resorts, and great food, it’s often referred to as the Vegas of Aisa.

One day Macau itinerary

Macau is only 55 minutes of the boat ride from Hong Kong making it a great day trip while visiting Hong Kong. It would be a shame not to spare a day to witness the perfect blend of cultures, traditions, modernization, tranquillity, and glitz.

Each step of this 1 day Macau itinerary will show you all the best places to see in Macau and all the best things to do in Macau. Let’s start your 24-hour adventure in Macau.

1 day Macau Itinerary

How to get from hong kong to macau.

There are two ways to enter Macau, by boat or by bus. The most cost-efficient is definitely by ferry.

The fastest way (55 minutes) to reach Macau is by taking the ferry. There are two leading operators, CotaiJet and TurboJet , departing from 3 terminals in Hong Kong.

• China Ferry Terminal : located in Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon beside the Harbour City Mall
• Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal : situated on the 3rd floor of Shun Tak Centre, which is next to the IFC Towers (go down at the metro station Sheung Wann and take Exit D)
• Sky Pier : at Hong Kong International Airport

You first have to take a shuttle bus or metro to reach Lantau island. There you will change to the bus that goes to Macau. Going with bus you will need to go through immigration checks on both sides (Hong Kong and Macau). 

The Travel Momento insider tip : Traveling by ferry, note that each passenger can only take 1 piece of luggage (max 20 kg).

How to get from Macau to Hong Kong?

There are two ways to visit hong Kong From Macau, by boat or by bus. The most cost-efficient is definitely by ferry.

There are two terminals where you can board on the ferry to Hong Kong:

• Macau Ferry Terminal : located on the Peninsula, which means it is closer to the city centre
• Taipa Terminal:  situated close to the airport and major hotels 

You can also take a bus that crosses the biggest sea bridge Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB).

You can either take a coach bus from Macau’s hotels like Grand Lisboa, Parisian Macau or The Venetian to take you to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. Two bus companies are departing to Hong Kong: HMO Express Bus and One Bus Hongkong Macau . 

We asked around in the hotels to find the departure point and it was complicated to find the ticket office. Maybe it’s better to buy it in advance. You have to be at the departure point 15 minutes earlier. 

Note that taking a bus is a long way of transportation. There is a stop at the Hong Kong airport, where you have to go through immigration. You have a limited time (20 minutes) to come back to the bus. It can be problematic if there is a queue at the airport as the bus will not wait for you. The final bus destination is Tsim Sha Tsui. 

How to buy ferry tickets in Hong Kong or Macau?

You can buy the tickets online in advance, but it isn’t straightforward. We suggest coming half an hour earlier and buy them at the terminal. The ferry departs every 15 minutes, so you don’t have to worry.

Can you use Hong Kong dollars to pay?

Yes, If you are coming to Macau from Hong Kong, you can use the Hong Kong dollars as they are accepted. The other option is to withdraw the money from ATM and pay with Macau currency. 

How to get around Macau?

Macau is a small city. It’s easy to navigate your way around the city. The best way to see all the popular things on this Macau itinerary is by walking. If you are not a fan of exploring on foot, you can use public busses or free hotel shuttles. All significant casinos have connections with each other and other prominent parts of the city with free shuttles.

What to see in Macau in 24 hours?

Actually you can see all the must-see attractions in Macau and still have the time to spend your evening gambling in one of the known casinos. Check the list of best things to do in Macau below. 

We will present the main Macau landmarks in the order we saw it arriving by ferry. 

Fisherman’s Wharf

  Recommended time: 10 min

A second name for Colosseum, which is greatly preserved. You can see the seats from the outside. There is not much more to do here, except to take a walk around it or maybe do some shopping in high-end shops. A few steps further you will already reach the next to see thing in Macau. 

Nearby attractions of interest not included in this Macau itinerary : Macau Cultural Centre, Kun Iam statue

Lotus Sqaure

The open square, also known as the Golden Lotus Square, features a large bronze Lotus sculpture in the middle. It’s 6 meters high and has 6,5 tonnes. For all those coming on a day trip from Hong Kong, you will find it somehow a replica of Golden Bauhinia.

The lotus flower represents Macau never-ending prosperity. It became the city symbol when the government gave two lotus sculptures to Macau to mark the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region.

Guia hill and Lighthouse

  Recommended time: 1 -2 hours

Guila Hill used to be a military fortress built in 1865 with the primary objective to defend the city. A 7th-century fort is one of the oldest ones on the Chinese coast. Today the UNESCO World Heritage Site features a chapel and a lighthouse overlooking the historic centre of Macau.

You can take an elevator to a certain level and continue walking. We found it quite confusing to locate which way to go from the last level. Therefore, it might be better to either use the cable car on the opposite side of the hill or hike.

Lou Lim Loc Garden

  Recommended time: 30 min

The garden design is similar to the most famous Suzhou Gardens. It was built in 1906 by local merchant Lou Kat and acquired by the Macau government in 1974. Since then, it became a public park and a popular spot for locals. You can walk through the narrow paths, bamboo trees, rock of all formation and lotus pond. In the centre is a beautiful pavilion, which is a combination of Chinese and Western culture.

Tap Seac Square

Macau’s largest public square is surfaced with a typical Portuguese cobblestone pattern and surrounded by several European style buildings. Here you will find the Macau Central Library, The Cultural Institute and Macau Historical Archives. This off the beaten path square is the main centre for festival celebration and performance throughout the year.

Nearby attractions of interest not included in this Macau itinerary : Macao Monetary Authority

  Recommended time: 45 min

A former military centre of Macau offers in-depth insights insight into diverse history and features interesting old artefacts. It’s one of the must-see things in Macau. The fort has a recognizable Portuguese style and was build in 1626 to defend the city against pirates. Back in time, the world heritage site was connected to the old city wall. Today most of the Monte Fort remains untouchable. Take a walk around and enjoy the views over the city. When descending, you will already see the next must-see attraction of Macau – the St. Paul’s ruins.

On the top of Monte Fort, you can also find the Museum of Macau , where you can learn more about Macau’s rich history.

Ruins of St. Paul’s

The prominent historic landmark attracting dozens of tourists are the remains of a 17-century complex. It includes the Catholic Church of St Paul burnt down in 1835 and St Paul’s college. Today you can only admire the front elevation remains that is an excellent representation of cultural blend. On the church facade, you can see Christian symbols as well as traditional Chinese symbols. Inside or underneath, you can also explore the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt.

The Travel Momento insiders tip : Explore different angles to get the best photo. With the biggest crowd being here, it is almost impossible to get a classic photo in front of the landmark.

Senado Square

  Recommended time: 15 min

A door to the historic centre is a square with wavy black and white pavings surrounded by building influences by Western neoclassical influence. It’s the centrepiece of Macau’s old part dating back to the 15th century and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around the square, you will find restaurants, shops, and snack vendors.

Everything in that square will give you a unique feel for the Portuguese past. It’a a great instagrammable spot and a possible starting point of your Macau itinerary. 

Nearby attractions to see not included in this Macau Itinerary : Holy House of Mercy

The Travel Momento insiders tip : Senado Square is usually busy with tourists. Arrive early to beat the crowds!

Mandarin’s House

  Recommended time: 20 min

Mandarin House is the largest existing residential complex in Macau. It covers 4000 m2 and features 60 rooms in total. The home owned by Zheng Guanying, the late Qing Dynasty theoretician and reformist, is part of Macau’s Historic Centre. Its uniqueness lies in the amazing fusion of various architectural influences from Western and Chinese culture.

Moorish Barracks

While walking from the last Macau historic landmark to A MA Temple, make sure to stop by the barracks. It was built in 1874 to house Indian soldiers coming from Goa to reinforce the Macau police force. The strong ties can be seen in the interesting style not typical for the rest of Macau World Heritage. Looking closely, you will see the Moghul architectural elements incorporated into Neo-Classical style. Today, the building is home to the headquarter of the Macau Marine and Water Bureau. Unfortunately, you can only see it from the outside.

A-Ma Temple

A-Ma Temple or Mazu Temple is one of Macau’s oldest temples, dating back over 500 years. It was built to commemorate Mazu, the sacred sea goddess who could predict luck and protect fishermen. The common belief is that the city’s name comes from a mispronunciation of the temples’ name by the Portuguese conquers arriving on the island. They hear a word similar to Macau and named the island after it.

The temple has six parts guarded by lions on the entrances: Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence, the Hall of Guanyin, and the Buddhist Pavilion.

Taipa & Rua do Cunha

Part of the city which combines traditional with modern at its best. On the one hand, you can explore fishing villages and old streets while looking at the futuristic skyscrapers.

We found Taipa village the best part of our trip to Macau. The colourful buildings and Portuguese characteristics give this part a unique character. Take some time to wander around and enjoy various cafes, traditional shops, and colourful houses.

Coloane Village

Don’t have time to jump on the other side of the island for a step back into history? You can go few streets down from Taipa to get a stark contrast to glitz and glamour. Coloane will charm you with a pastel colour touch, a cobblestone valley and a waterfront promenade. A great spot to slow down and have a bit of traditional egg tart. This part of Macau is home to the original Stow’s bakery.

Macau itinerary for the night

You should leave the the largest man-made entertainment center in Asia for the night when it comes to life. The lights and performance overtake the streets and the sky at the Cotai Strip . 

We did take some time to gamble but find it completely different to what we saw in Europe. The best part was actually wandering around the hotels and admiring their luxurious interior.   

Venetian Macao

A huge complex is an awe-inspiring place and the largest casino in the world. You can find the best shopping malls, extensive cuisine offer and all kind of shops.

The name comes from its interior design, which is a replica of Venice. It aims to transport you to the most romantic place in Europe. The ceiling represents the sky and the gondolas are transporting tourist around small canals.

Parisian Macao

Known for its replica of the Eiffel Tower, it breathes the French atmosphere in its architecture outside and inside. Besides the casino, you can find shops of high luxury brands and an observation deck offering a panoramic view of Macau.

Wrap up of 24 hours in Macau

Reading about Macau and how it represents the Las Vegas of Asia, we expected much more. The city’s historical part is nice to see but packed with tourists, which makes you pay more attention to not bumping into someone than admiring the architecture.

The nightlife of casinos was a disappointment as well. Many games, except the machines, were not familiar to us, plus the tables were in the Chinese language. You do get free drinks as long as you are there. If you haven’t saved for a year before coming, you cannot afford to buy anything due to luxurious prices.

Seeing the replicas of any landmark for the first time, we didn’t understand why you would rather drive a gondola in an artificial interior instead of feeling the charm of Venice in the city itself. The experience of no one knowing where to find a bus to return to Hong Kong and almost missing the last possibility to return didn’t add to the overall experience.

However, it might surprise you. Following this 1 day itinerary of Macau, you will get to see all the must-see things in Macau while visiting off the beaten path landmarks important for history. The things to see and do in Macau presented above are the most comprehensive guide to feel the charm of the old and new part of Macau.

We are two travel passionistas, who are always in the minds of planning their next travel trip and creating memories. Get honest tips and all the details, learn from our mistakes and enjoy our travel guides so you can have the best time!

Get to know us

Asia is still on my bucket list. What an interesting mix of East and West Macao seems to be! I love a detailed post that mentions everything from transport to currency. Great work!

So happy to hear you find it great and useful. We tried to include all the informations we were searching for when preparing for the trip.

I didn’t visit Macau when I was in Hong Kong. I’ll definitely have to make the journey next time I am there

It’s nice to see it once, but we weren’t really blown away by it. It could be because of the timing of our visit during the protest but it was so different to our expectations.

Macau has been on my bucketlist for a long time. These are such amazing things to do over one day

There is a lot of things to do and to see to have a full and exciting day in Macau.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related Articles

Palermo itinerary: top things to do and see in 2 days in palermo, amazing fuerteventura itinerary: 5 days you will never forget, 18 things to do and see in tenerife you should not miss, 2 weeks sicily itinerary: the best and authentic 14 days.

Macau Travel Guide: Where to Go and What to See in 24 Hours

Welcome to my Macau Travel Guide featuring a 1-day Macau itinerary with a budget to help you plan your trip.

When I arrived in Hong Kong I wasn’t actually planning to visit Macau. In fact, I read a lot of great reviews from other travelers so putting Macau on my bucket list may have seemed obvious. But no, the true reason why I went there was my friend’s friend. He offered us a tour around the island of Macau and the overnight stay in his flat. I thank him for the opportunity to visit this amazing city with Portuguese architecture on the other side of the planet.

Macau has a small area but a very dense population – staggeringly more than 20,000 people per square kilometer. It lies just an hour away across the South China Sea from Hong Kong by hover ferry. It encompasses three distinct areas- Mainland Macau and the two islands of Taipa and Coloane . They are connected to each other by a bridge and causeway respectively. Although the two territories are historically related, and have Cantonese speaking locals, the atmosphere of the two SARs (Special Administrative Regions) of China couldn’t be more different.

Macau’s history as a colonial outpost is much longer than Hong Kong . It was a Portuguese colony from 1557 until its return to China in 1999, two years after the Hong Kong handover. Macau still has some fine examples of Portuguese architecture and many of the street names and the shuttered windows of the old buildings reflect the influences from that nation.

Macau In a Nutshell

Special Administrative Region has its own money, finance, customs, and legal system that are completely separate from China. The region even has its own snazzy flag. Like Hong Kong , Macau has a high degree of autonomy and greater liberties like a free press and an independent judiciary. It’s officially a part of China, though it has a full international border with the rest of the country.

The heart of Macau is dotted with glitzy hotels and casinos featuring wonderful architecture and design, many of them recreating cities like Paris, Venice, Rome, and New York . Macau’s posh hotels do their best to satisfy the needs and whims of visitors. They are often paired with shops, restaurants, rides, and long-running shows.

In fact, hotels and casinos are the biggest revenue generators in Macau, comprising about 40% of the economy. So, it’s no surprise why Macau is now dubbed as the “Gaming Capital of the World”, surpassing the legendary Las Vegas Strip.

Whether you’re into gambling or not, there are plenty of amazing things that you can see and experience in Macau. It is a perfect way to get in to the heart of Macau’s colonial past. I had a great time in Macau on my recent visit. You can explore the city in a day or more.

From its marvelous architecture to its mouth-watering food, the Portuguese legacy is particularly strong in Macau. I bet it will leave you guessing if you’re still in Asia. I’ve put together this Macau Travel Guide to help you plan your trip.

How to Reach Macau

Many people arrive in Macau from Hong Kong by fast ferry and at peak times they run at thirty-minute intervals. There is also an International airport in Taipa with direct flights to many cities in China and elsewhere in the region. It’s just a stone’s throw from the Taipa Ferry Terminal and bus routes. It takes approximately 35 minutes to Macau Peninsula city center by bus or about 17 minutes by taxi or car, depending on traffic.

Macau benefits from its proximity to China and many foot passengers arrive from the neighboring Chinese city of Zhuhai – one of Southern China’s Special Economic Zones.

Macau Airport to City Center

You have four options:

By Free Hotel Shuttles. Good news, folks! Most of the time, you won’t have to take the public buses because board any of the free shuttles provided by hotels to get to the city center. You don’t need to book any particular hotel to use the free shuttle. Even if you have no intention of staying there, you can still use it. Just pick the hotel closest to your destination. Check the bus schedule for the Venetian , Wynn Hotel , and City of Dreams .

By Free Airport Shuttle. The airport has its own free shuttle service. Once you clear immigration and customs, you will pass into the arrivals hall. Then find the north exit and make your way to the parking lot, where you’ll find the buses. Buses depart every 15-20 minutes. Service available from 11 am-9 pm.

By Public Bus. Fare is between MOP 4 and MOP 5. Check the public bus schedule here .

By Taxi. Taking a taxi makes sense when you need to reach parts of the city that are not easily accessible by bus. The flag-down rate is MOP 19 + MOP 2 for every 240 meters or every minute it’s not in motion. Additional MOP 3 charge for each piece of luggage in the compartment. The standard taxi fare from the airport to the city center is MOP 70-90, depending on which part of the city you’re traveling from.

Hong Kong to Macau by Ferry

If you’re traveling from Hong Kong, you can board the ferry to Macau. The voyage takes only around an hour. Fares are usually higher during the night and vary depending on the operator.

CotaiJet and TurboJet are the two main ferry companies operating between Hong Kong and Macau. You can hop on a ferry at any of these 3 terminals in Hong Kong:

China Ferry Terminal. Located next to Harbour City Mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. One-way ticket: HKD 135 to 175 (in the daytime) and up to HKD 211 (at night).

Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (aka Sheung Wan Terminal). Situated on the third floor of Shun Tak Centre (next to the IFC Towers) on Hong Kong Island. One-way ticket: HKD 135 to 175 (in the daytime) and up to HKD 211 (at night).

Sky Pier. Located within walking distance of Hong Kong International Airport. One-way ticket: HKD 270.

There are two terminals in Macau where ferries from/to Hong Kong arrive and depart.

Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal is the closest terminal to the city center. This one located on the peninsula.

Taipa Terminal sometimes referred to as Cotai Terminal, just a short walk from the airport and closer to the big hotels.

Hong Kong to Macau by Bus (Sea Bridge)

You can also hop on a bus to get to Macau from Hong Kong via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB).

If your hotel is in Central Hong Kong or Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon) areas, I recommend the time-tested ferries because the ports are much closer. Taking the shuttle bus via sea bridge means you have to go to Lantau Island first, which means you need to take the MTR and then another bus. It can cause certain problems if you have heavy luggage in tow.

But if you really want to take a bus ride over the world’s longest sea bridge, there’s a way:

• Take the MTR to Sunny Bay Station.
• Board B5 Bus to HZMB in Lantau Island. Fare: HKD 5.8.
• Go through Immigration and Customs.
• Ride shuttle bus to Macau. The ticket office is after the Immigration and Customs area. Fare: HKD 65 (regular times), HKD 70 (midnight to 5-59am).

Macau Travel Guide to Getting Around

The Historic Center of Macau is home to many historic buildings, galleries, and museums that offer a way into its fascinating history and culture. There you’ll also find the Ruins of St. Paul’s , the Senado Square , and A-ma Temple . Macau is a very walkable city, and most interesting sites are within walking distance of each other. So don’t waste your money, walk when you can.

If you don’t feel like exploring Macau on foot, a good option is to take advantage of the free shuttle bus services provided by luxury hotels. They carry passengers (and potential gamblers) between the airport and Hong Kong ferry pier and the big casino hotels in Macau peninsula and Cotai . Of course, there are local bus services.

During my last visit to Macau, I rarely paid for transportation. I usually either just walk or hop on the free shuttle buses.

If you prefer using traditional taxis, these are relatively cheap and metered. You will have to know the Cantonese word for your destination or else have a Chinese friend write it for you – few Macanese taxi drivers speak English. For example, the taxi from Cotai Strip to Coloane was MOP 37, and MOP 49 from Coloane to Cunha Street . Quite a bargain, if you split the bill between 2 or 3 people. But of course, after free shuttles, buses are the best and cheapest way to get around Macau.

Also, it is still possible to ride on an ancient tricycle rickshaw in the downtown area. But these are becoming less common.

Best Time to Visit Macau

Having distinctive dry and wet seasons, Macau’s weather is dry and foggy in spring; hot and rainy in summer, cool and clear in autumn and cold but sunny during winters. The best time to visit Macau is in the Fall, from around mid- October till December, followed by Spring (March to early May). The months between May and September are the least comfortable and the temperatures can soar to 34 degrees with more than 90 percent humidity.

Macau has a subtropical climate and the summers become very hot and humid. Its location in the west of Pearl River between the mainland of China determines features of both continent and ocean climates.

Spring is also a great time to visit Macau. Spring in Macau runs from March to April when the southeast winds bring warmth and humidity. Other than the occasionally foggy and rainy weather, the days are sunny, and the night time temperatures are mild. You can pack your sweatshirts, light jackets, and umbrellas.

What to Expect in Macau. Things to Know About Macau Before Travelling

Macau Language: While Cantonese is the language of many Macanese, you are also certain to hear Mandarin spoken as there are many visitors from across the border. Around 90% of the population speaks Cantonese. You may also hear a few Europeans speaking Portuguese and see street names displayed in the MSAR’s two official languages, Cantonese and Portuguese. Some of the expatriates have remained in the territory.

Macau Currency: The region has its own currency – the Pataca (MOP) but Hong Kong dollars (HKD) and Chinese Yuan (RMB) are widely accepted. Keep in mind, some shops will only return changes in MOP and only accept 100 Chinese yuan banknotes. If you are coming for just a few days, just get HKD as it’s widely accepted and easy to exchange in your country. I’d discourage from using Chinese yuan in Macau because shops will not return the exchange rate difference, and only return MOP changes at face value.

Money Exchange: There are a lot of money changers throughout Macau. The most reputable companies are Soi Cheong Money Changer and P&W Casa de Cambio (aka Parkway Exchange), both of which have a branch in Senado Square.

How To Pay: Most establishments prefer cash payment, but many of them also accept credit card transactions.

Food in Macau

Macanese food has a large Portuguese influence and the enclave has many restaurants that still offer Portuguese cuisine. Macau’s reputation as a vibrant international hub means you can find the famous custard tarts, sticky pork buns, Chinese foods like dim sum and noodles, or unique fusion dishes that were created right in Macau through the many cultural influences coming through the trading routes.

Even the traditional Portuguese dishes taste entirely different in Macau because the first colonists to arrive tried to replicate their home food using Chinese techniques and ingredients and had to adapt the recipes. The result is peculiar and delicious and I love the fusion of cultures that shows on a single plate. Many consider Macanese food to be the world’s first fusion food.

The most famous restaurant is Fernando’s in Colonane. It gets very busy and you are advised to arrive early – it is not possible to book. Specialties include Portuguese sausage, Caldo Verdi soup, and fresh sardines washed down with Portuguese wine. Other parts of Macau have restaurants to cater for most tastes and of course, there is an abundance of Chinese restaurants of all cuisines.

Casinos And Gambling in Macau

Unlike Hong Kong, there are no gambling restrictions in Macau and to many, this is the main attraction. Huge investments have been made in the casinos and the territory has been appropriately dubbed “The Las Vegas of Asia”. There are numerous casinos dotted around Macau and Taipa – many linked to large and lavish hotels. China’s new wealth and Macau’s easy links to Hong Kong mean that big spenders come here.

One of the largest casinos in the world is the Venetian. Named for its indoor gondolas complete with singing gondoliers. These ply tourists around the massive indoor complex of shopping arcades and casinos in constant false twilight.

Many visitors spent their entire vacation in the resort’s A/C atmosphere and it is easy to lose track of time – something conductive to chancing your luck at the gaming tables. The Venetian has also become a venue for famous International cabaret acts. Macau’s economy is closely linked to the gambling industry and the Chinese are often avid gamblers staking thousands of dollars on games of roulette and blackjack.

Macau also boasts a horse racing track and is the venue for the Macau Grand Prix – which includes Formula Three and motorcycle races on a street track.

I’m not a gambler but visiting the Venetian was an event in itself. If you – just like me – don’t have extra money lying around, the casino still worth a visit, if just to people watch.

Things To Do in Macau

These are limited because of the size of the place but Macau’s location has presented it with a fascinating history. An excellent starting point is the Museum of Macau just a few minutes’ walk from St Paul’s. Here you can find all about Macau’s turbulent past. A particularly enjoyable exhibit is the one where life-size models of different tradesmen and women realistically shout their wares to attract customers. A short walk away you can reach the Municipal Park with its auspicious banyan trees and tai chi enthusiasts.

Close by is the historic Protestant cemetery where you can read the names of some of the British adventurers and missionaries who breathed their last a long way from home. Also on Mainland Macau, you can visit the A-ma temple which was erected long before the arrival of European invaders. It is always very well attended –perhaps with gamblers looking for good luck! It is dedicated to the goddess of the sea.

Taipa has little of interest other than casinos and restaurants. But Coloane still has a vestige of a sleepy colonial past with some pleasant beaches alongside fine examples of Portuguese architecture.

1. St Paul’s Church

A good starting point for wandering the crowded streets of Downtown Macau is from the façade of St Paul’s Church. This is a partially derelict Catholic church very centrally located. The side and back walls no longer exist but if you have the interest it is possible to enter the crypt and view dozens of human skeletons behind glass cases!

All taxi drivers will recognize a picture of the façade which is a symbol of Macau. The streets around St Paul’s are good for wandering and people watching. You can find some shopping bargains too. Notably wooden artifacts such as old rice or jewelry boxes and wooden furniture. I should say that most of them can easily be shipped abroad.

Bus Stop nearby the Ruins of St. Paul: Bus No. 10, 10A, 11, 21A, 2, 3, 3A, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 26A, 33, 17, 18, 8A or 26

2. Monte Fortress (Fortaleza do Monte)

Monte Fortress is a military fortress built by the Portuguese colony during the 17th century to fend off pirates and intruders. Standing beside St.Paul’s Church and home to Macau Museum , the fort is built on the hilltop with solid walls up to 9 meters, overseeing the Macau peninsula. Monte Fortress is a popular attraction in Macau. You can have a panoramic view of the Macau peninsula on top of the fort. If you visit early in the morning you will most likely chance upon some locals practicing tai chi. Open daily from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm, no admission.

Bus Stop nearby Monte Fortress: Bus No. 7, 7A, 8, 17

3. Senado Square

No trip to Macau is complete without seeing Senado Square. It lies right in the heart of the old city adjacent to the Leal Senado Building. Senado Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting old colonial charm, ornate iron balconies, historic age-old buildings, churches, and delicious Macanese street food.

Bus Stop nearby Senado Square: Bus No. Bus No. 3, 4, 6 8A, 18A, 19, 26A, 33, N1A to Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro. Otherwise, hop on the free shuttle bus to Grand Lisboa and walk down Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro to reach Senado Square.

4. Macau Museum

Proudly standing on top of Monte Fortress, the Macau Museum is one of the few places where you can learn about the background of the city and how a Portuguese settlement came to exist here. Macau Museum exhibits the history of Macau as well as the different nationalities thriving here over the centuries. The Macau Museum Entrance Fee: MOP 15 (for free every 15th of the month). Open daily except Monday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Bus Stop nearby Macau Museum: Bus No. 2, 3, 3A, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 10, 10A, 11, 17, 18, 21A or 26.

5. A-Ma Temple

Despite all the unrelenting changes in Macau, the A-ma Temple retains its charm and remains a beautifully tranquil spot.

It was built in 1488 under the Ming Dynasty to honor of A-Ma, the goddess of the sea. The legend has it that the goddess helped fishermen and sailors to reach safety during a storm. Seafarers prayed to her to guide them during the journey.

Located in Largo do Pagode da Barra in the southeastern tip of the peninsula, the grounds around A-Ma Temple are divided into six areas. Open daily from 7 am – 6 pm.

Bus Stop nearby A-Ma Temple: No. 6, 8, 9 or 28B

1-Day Macau Itinerary. Visiting Macau from Hong Kong

Looking for a Macau 1-day itinerary? This Macau travel guide covers the best things to do in the city in one day so time is of the essence. If you want to make the most of your trip and pull off a more enjoyable, less stressful trip, then it’s best to visit places above in a certain order so you don’t waste too much time on a bus or shuttle. I have assembled this 1-day Macau backpacking itineraries to help you make the most of your time in this epic city.

7:00 am – 8:00 am Take a 7 am ferry from Sheung Wan or a 7.05 am ferry from Kowloon or a 7.40 am ferry from Tuen Mun. Arrive in Macau (Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal).

8:30 am – Breakfast at Senado Square. There’s a wide array of cafes and restaurants around Senado Square. For a local breakfast, look for an eatery that serves Portuguese or Macanese food. That said, a popular place for a Chinese breakfast is Sing Lei Cha Chaan Teng. For Portuguese egg tarts, try Choi Heong Yuen Bakery or Margeret’s Café .

You Will Also Like: Travel Itinerary for One Week in Beijing

10 am – Wander around the historic center and explore Macau’s top attractions. Spend some time in Senado Square and check out the surrounding attractions clustered in a small area, which are easy to explore on foot. Make sure to visit St. Dominic’s Cathedral, Ruins of St. Paul’s, and Monte Fort with Museum of Macau.

1 pm – A Macanese lunch. Just a stone’s throw from the Monte Fortress there is Cafe de Novo Tomato . They serve traditional Portuguese food at reasonable prices. So if you want to try some traditional Portuguese food and you don’t want to spend so much on it, give Cafe de Novo Tomato a try.

2 pm – Climb the steep stone steps at A-Ma Temple. Dedicated to the Taoist goddess of seafarers, A-Ma Temple’s first pavilions and halls were built by fishermen 600 years ago. It was one of the first landmarks sighted by Portuguese traders. If you have time, near the temple is the Maritime Museum where you can learn Macau’s long-standing sea traditions, know the stories of its fishermen and their families, and the role Macau played in the trade of Chinese silk and Japanese silver during the 17th century.

3.30 pm – Macau Tower. After eating near the square, it’s time to climb Macau Tower. Located on the southern end of the peninsula, the tower stands 338 meters tall, providing the most impressive panoramic views of Macau. A quick visit to Macau Tower will give you a bird’s-eye view of the city from high above. They also have a skywalk and bungee jumping from up there if you dare!

5 pm – House of Dancing Water. This is Macau’s most famous show and a truly amazing performance you may want to squeeze in your one day Macau itinerary. The House of Dancing Water is a massive performance by Cirque du Soleil’s producer featuring acrobats with dancers, performers, and lots of water. The downside is that the show is quite expensive so you may prefer to skip it. They usually have 5 pm and 8 pm shows so I recommend going to the one at 5 pm to get out on time for dinner. If you choose to skip the show, I would recommend you have a sunset drink at the Cheoc Van Beach and an earlier dinner at one of the options below.

Read Next: Things Nobody Tells You About Visiting Beijing

7 pm – Dinner in Macau. After the show (or a relaxing stroll along the beach), hit the bars and restaurants on the Cotai Strip. The highlight is Lord Stow’s Bakery if you like Portuguese Egg Tarts. Even if you don’t like or know about them, it’s worth a try.

Whether you’re in the mood for upscale French cuisine at the Tasting Room or exciting private dining rooms at two Michelin starred Chinese restaurant Jade Dragon , the City of Dreams has got you covered.

But, of course, there are also budget-friendly restaurants serving Chinese and Macanese food. Alternatively, you can have dinner at one of the hotel buffets.

9 pm – Explore the Cotai Strip. After dinner, do some more exploring or go casino hopping. Place a bet if you’re feeling lucky. But I recommend wandering around the Cotai Strip to ogle at the luxury shopping malls and bright lights. All the Cotai hotels have a roster of events, shows, and festivals throughout the year. For instance, at the Parisian Eiffel Tower Light Show starts at 6.15 pm and lasts until midnight, every 15 minutes.

11 pm – 11:59 pm – Taipa Ferry Terminal. Catch a shuttle from the Taipa Ferry Terminal. The last ferry from Taipa to Sheung Wan leaves at 23:59 (11:59 pm).

How Much To Budget For A Day In Macau

I went to Macau mainly because I had an opportunity to stay at my friend’s flat for free. Therefore, the brunt of my spending went to ferry tickets and food. I wasn’t eating fancy meals at expensive restaurants, so I wound up spending around HKD 800 for the day, including two taxi rides.

If you don’t want to spend too much on food and are happy using the free shuttles and public buses, then a budget of around HKD 700 for the entire day should be enough. It should cover just the bare minimum of roundtrip ferry tickets, meals, and some trinkets.

If you plan on discovering some of the best activities and attractions Macau has to offer, including watching shows, doing any shopping or gambling, then feel free to adjust. Depending on the number of people in your group, I don’t think you can spend a day in Macau for considerably less than HKD 600 since over half of that will go to roundtrip ferry tickets.

Where to Stay in Macau

If you’re too tired and thinking about staying overnight, there’s nothing wrong with that. While Macau is best known for its luxurious hotels, the city is also home to cheap alternatives to hotels. These options are concentrated in the Macau peninsula, around the city center. You can find budget hotels, guesthouses, and even hostels within and in the outskirts of the historic center. Keep in mind, hotel rates usually increase on weekends and surge during peak seasons.

There are lots of great places to stay in Macau but here are some of my top picks:

• Ole London Hotel
• Home of Macau
• Holiday Hotel
• Hou Kong Hotel
• Fu Hua Guangdong Hotel

The Bottom Line

Like Shanghai , Macau was one of the most incredible experiences I had in my life. Apart from gambling and casinos, it has a rich blend of cultures to discover and outstanding food to try. You can combine a visit to Macau with a trip to Hong Kong to get the most out of your trip. Taking the ferry is a convenient and easy way to reach Macau as a side tour from Hong Kong. Macau is an interesting place to spend a few days on your travels through China. I would recommend spending at least two days in Macau to feel the spirit of this place.

PIN IT FOR LATER!

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE

Bangkok Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Thailand

Step-by-Step Guide to Visiting Yangon: A 2-day Yangon Itinerary

Tips for Planning a Trip to Shenzhen

Fantastic information about the city. I was there briefly in 1994 and it has changed so much. I’d love to go back and see all the glitz you talk about, and eat the great food. Thanks for all the tips.

Anna Intrepid Scout

Great pos! So many details and tips and wonderful pieces of information. I have never been to Macau, however after reading your post I feel well equipped to go and visit Macau. Thank you for sharing!

Love how much detail you go into! I am definitely saving this for when I visit someday. Thank you for sharing!

Angella Shin

I hope to explore more of Asia including Macau! I have only visited the motherland of Korea 3 times now (just returned last week). Your post is very informative…thanks for sharing!

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

My website uses cookies so that I can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to my website and helping me to understand which sections of Mind The Travel you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that I can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, I will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit my website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

• 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 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 .

18 Macau Landmarks For Your Bucket List

Is macanese ready to go mainstream, macao buffet bible – how to choose the best buffet in macau, macau nightlife – 17 cool bars, coloane hiking trail, editor's picks, 101 travel quotes – inspiring the journey, 60 luxury escapes for your bucket list, 25 australian landmarks.

MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary

When the Portuguese landed on the shore near A-ma Temple over 400 years ago, they asked the locals what the name of the land was. The locals misunderstood and thought that they were asking about the name of the bay. “A-ma-gao,” they said. It means Bay of A-ma, named after the goddess revered at the nearby temple. The Portuguese translated it to “Macau.”

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Understanding Macau

Over the next centuries, more Portuguese set foot on the beaches of Macau. Many of them were allowed to settle and establish an enclave after protecting the inhabitants from endemic pirates. Eventually, the land fell under their rule. As one of Portugal’s link to Asia, Macau absorbed much of the great flood of European influences that passed through it. Their architecture wrapped the land’s structures. Their language snuck into the locals’ mouths. Their laws and culture dominated their way of life. It witnessed several wars and revolutions, pacts and treaties. And then, the Portuguese power declined. The Chinese regained control of the region. Macau was given certain autonomies. Industrialization took over. Its skylines grew taller. Its cityscapes evolved faster. Macau became a city-wide playground, a melting pot of two hemispheres, a bastion of relentless development.

Today, Macau (澳門) is formally known as Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. It is an autonomous territory, so even though it is officially part of China, it has its own currency and immigration policy, separate from that of mainland China or Hong Kong. In fact, even visitors from the mainland and HK will have to pass through immigration and customs check upon entering Macau.

Geographically, Macau is composed of four districts: the Macau peninsula, two islands (Taipa and Coloane), and the reclaimed land between the two (called Cotai).

• Macau Peninsula . This is where the historical core of Macau is located. Most of the tourist spots are here. It’s also the most populated district.
• Taipa Island . Although the airport is here, it is mostly a residential island.
• Coloane Island . The least developed of the four areas. For tourists, places of interest here include hiking trails, old temples, and a couple of beaches.
• Cotai Strip . The reclaimed land between Taipa and Coloane, occupied mostly by hotels and gaming buildings.

More info you need to know :

• Language : Cantonese and Portuguese are the official languages. Around 90% of the population speaks Cantonese. Although an official language, Portuguese isn’t widely spoken by locals. However, most signs and tourism brochures have Portuguese translations. Mandarin and English are not common, but some locals, especially in the tourism industry, understand them a little.
• Currency : Macanese pataca (MOP). MOP 100 is around USD 1.3, EUR 10, PHP 645, SGD 16.2 (as of April 2018). Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is often accepted at 1:1 rate.
• Money Exchange . There are a lot of money changers throughout Macau. The most reputable companies are Soi Cheong Money Changer and P&W Casa de Cambio (aka Parkway Exchange), both of which have a branch in Senado Square.
• Modes of payment : Most establishments prefer cash payment, but many of them also accept credit card transactions.
• Electricity Info : 220V, 50Hz. Types D, M, G, and F are used.

Best Time to Visit Macau

October to December ! The Macanese autumn sees fine weather, comfortable temperatures, and no threats of typhoons.

January and February are generally dry, too! But it can get chillier.

April is when the level of rainfall starts to rise, peaking in June and slowly subsiding in September. The rain can put a damper on your plans because most of Macau’s attractions are outdoor, unless you’ll be there for shopping or hotel-hopping, which aren’t a bad idea.

If you’re traveling on a budget, you might also want to avoid November, because that’s when the Macau Grand Prix happens, which pushes hotel rates to skyrocket. If you insist or you’re visiting for the race, book as early as possible because hotel rooms sell out even faster than the racers. Don’t search for accommodations at the last minute. I made that mistake once. I had a tough time looking for cheap rooms because most are sold out and the ones that had vacancies were super expensive. I ended up staying in Hong Kong instead and just visited Macau on a day tour.

Macau Visa and Immigration Requirements

Macau allows citizens of numerous countries to enter and temporarily stay in Macau without a visa. These include the following:

• Philippines (30 days)
• Hong Kong (1 year)
• Indonesia (30 days)
• Malaysia (30 days)
• Thailand (30 days)
• Singapore (30 days)
• United Kingdom (6 months)
• United States (30 days)
• European Union states (90 days)

For more info, visit this page .

How to Get to Macau

Macau has its own airport, Macau International Airport (MFM) on Taipa Island.

Okay, here’s the thing. Hong Kong is so close to Macau, if you have the time and money, it would be a shame to visit one without the other. Hence, what I recommend is to book and entry flight to Macau and exit from Hong Kong. Or you can do it the other way around, enter Hong Kong and exit Macau. This way, you get to discover and experience both of these amazing cities.

If there really is no way that you can do a Hong Kong entrance-Macau exit (or vice versa), you can also book a roundtrip ticket to either. That means you’re gonna have to take the 1-hour ferry ride to the other.

Manila to Macau

From Manila, the cheapest flights are operated by AirAsia and Cebu Pacific Air, with the fares within the P2000-P3500 range, if you book in advance. Note, however, that these are just the basic fares and do not yet include check-in baggage allowance and other add-ons. Philippine Airlines’ all-in ticket starts at P6500. It already includes baggage allowance, meals/snacks, and seat fee.

Macau Airport to City Center

You have four options:

• By Free Hotel Shuttles . You can board any of the free shuttles provided by hotels to get to the city center. You don’t need to have a reservation at that hotel to be let in. Even if you have no plan on staying there, you can get on. Just pick the hotel closest to your destination. For example, here are the bus schedules for the Venetian , Wynn Hotel , and City of Dreams .
• By Free Airport Shuttle . The airport has its own free shuttle service. At the Arrival Hall, find the north exit and travel on foot to the parking lot, where you’ll find the buses. There’s a bus every 15-20 minutes. Available from 11am-9pm.
• By Public Bus . Fare is between MOP 4.2 and MOP 5. Here’s the public bus schedule .
• By Taxi . There are parts of the city that are not easily accessible by bus. In these cases, taking the taxi makes the most sense. The flagdown rate is MOP 19 + MOP 2 for every 240 meters or every minute it’s not in motion. Additional MOP 3 charge for each piece of baggage in the compartment. The usual fare from the airport to the city center is MOP 70-90 , depending on which part of the city you’re going.

Hong Kong to Macau by Ferry

If you’re coming from Hong Kong, you can take the ferry to Macau. The journey takes only around an hour. Rates vary depending on the operator. Fares are also higher during the night.

Two of the main ferry companies plying the Hong Kong-Macau route are CotaiJet and TurboJet . You can board the ferry at any of these 3 terminals in Hong Kong:

• China Ferry Terminal . Situated next to Harbour City Mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. One-way fare: HKD 132 to 172 (in daytime) and up to HKD 211 (at night).
• Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (aka Sheung Wan Terminal) . Located on the third floor of Shun Tak Centre (next to the IFC Towers) on Hong Kong Island. One-way fare: HKD 132 to 172 (in daytime) and up to HKD 211 (at night).
• Sky Pier . Located at Hong Kong International Airport. Exclusive to tourists only. One-way fare: HKD 270.

In Macau, there are two terminals where ferries from Hong Kong can dock.

• Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal , located on the Peninsula. This is closer to the city center.
• Taipa Terminal , sometimes called Cotai Terminal, just a short walk from the airport and closer to the big hotels.

You can buy tickets at the terminal itself. However, if you want to score some discounts, you can book in advance online via Klook! For example, the regular one-way TurboJet fare is somewhere between HKD 170 and 200. But with Klook, it’s only at HKD 165. And you can save even more if you purchase roundtrip tickets at once.

For Discounted tickets, book below:

Please take note of the date and time of your trip because rates of sailing on weekends and at night are higher. Just click on any of the following links:

Taipa Ferry Terminal to City Center

• By Free Hotel Shuttle . At the terminal, you can board any of the free shuttles provided by hotels to get to the city center. You don’t need to have a reservation at that hotel to be let in. Even if you have no plan on staying there, you can get on. Just pick the hotel closest to your destination.
• By Taxi . The flagdown rate is MOP 19 + MOP 2 for every 240 meters or every minute it’s not in motion. Additional MOP 3 charge for each piece of baggage in the compartment. The usual fare from the airport to the city center is MOP 70-90 , depending on which part of the city you’re going.
• By Public Bus . I haven’t tried this personally. I always used the free shuttle bus. LOL. And taxi once. I have no information about this yet.

Hong Kong to Macau by Bus (Sea Bridge)

You can also take the bus to get to Macau from Hong Kong via the newly opened Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB).

If your hotel is in Central Hong Kong or Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon) areas, I still recommend the tried and tested ferries because the ports are much closer. Taking the shuttle bus via sea bridge means you have to go to Lantau Island first, which means you need to take the MTR and another bus. That can be problematic if you have heavy luggage in tow.

But if you really want to experience the sea bridge, here’s how.

• Take the MTR to Sunny Bay Station.
• Board B5 Bus to HZMB in Lantau Island. Fare: HK$ 5.8.
• Go through Immigration and Customs inspection.
• Ride shuttle bus to Macau. The ticket office is within the restricted area, after the Immigration. Fare: HK$ 65 (regular times), HK$70 (midnight to 5-59am).

HZMB to Macau City Center

You can take either 101X Bus or 102X Bus, depending on the location of your hotel. Fare is MOP6.

Here are the stops. Click to enlarge.

Where to Stay in Macau

While Macau is best known for its 5-star hotels, it also harbor cheaper forms of accommodations. These options are concentrated in the Macau peninsula, around the city center. Budget hotels, guesthouses, and hostels can be found within and in the outskirts of the historic core.

However, their rates usually increase on weekends and surge during peak seasons. Take my two trips for example. In February, I booked a room with Fu Hua Hotel for only HKD668. In November, in the middle of Macau Grand Prix, the rates more than doubled to almost HKD1500 per night. That’s a big jump!

Top Budget Hotels in Macau

If you ask Agoda users, here are the top budget hotels and hostels in Macau.

• Home of Macau . Check Rates and Availability .
• Holiday Hotel . Check Rates and Availability .
• Kameng Villa . Check Rates and Availability .
• Macau Masters Hotel . Check Rates and Availability .
• Hou Kong Hotel . Check Rates and Availability .

Search for More: Macau Hotels

How to get around macau.

The Historic Center of Macau harbors the most popular attractions. This includes the Ruins of St. Paul’s, the Senado Square, and A-ma Temple. Macau is a very walkable city, and most interesting sites are within walking distance of each other. So yep, WALK WHEN YOU CAN.

If you feel like your knees are not up for some great stroll, a good option is to take advantage of the free shuttle bus services provided by luxury hotels.

When I’m in Macau, I hardly pay for transportation, haha. I always either just walk or take the free shuttles.

Here are the modes of transportation you can take to get around Macau.

By Public Bus

Although they can get crowded during rush hours, public buses in Macau are generally comfortable. There are screens displaying the name of the next bus stop and announcements done in English, Portuguese, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Here are the fares:

• Within the Macau peninsula : MOP3.20
• Macau to Taipa : MOP4.20
• Macau to Coloane : MOP5.00

Using the bus system can be confusing and intimidating at first. I still am confused and intimidated by it, to be honest. Haha. The timetables posted at the bus stop are not easy to understand and the Portuguese names of the streets hard to keep in mind. But there are ways to make our lives easier. Take note of the following:

• Download the MacauMap app . It is equipped with a map and a directory of all the bus lines.
• When using Google Maps, hover at the nearest bus station you’ll see and it will display the bus lines that will stop at that station. I usually use it in conjunction with MacauMap app to double check.
• Fares are cheaper if you have a MacauPass , an electronic pre-paid travel card that you can hover above the reader upon boarding.
• You can also pay in cash, but make sure you have the exact amount. Buses have a strict NO CHANGE policy. To pay in cash, just drop your coins into a box right after the entrance, beside the driver.
• Board using the front doors of the bus and exit through the rear.

By FREE Hotel Shuttle

Most of the time, you won’t have to take the public buses because you can use the hotel shuttle for free. Again, here are the bus schedules for the Venetian , Wynn Hotel , and City of Dreams .

There are a few more hotel shuttles available.

By Open Top Bus Tour

You can also try Macau’s hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus, which stops at 16 of the city’s key tourist attractions. After visiting a tourist spot, you can hop back into the bus to your next stop.

This bus operates from 9:30am-4:15pm. Personal guided commentary in English or Mandarin and headphones are provided. Insurance is also included.

To use this bus, you need an unlimited 1-day pass which costs HKD 125. You can book one via Klook below:

The flagdown rate is MOP 19 + MOP 2 for every 240 meters or every minute it’s not in motion. Additional MOP 3 charge for each piece of baggage in the compartment.

Places to Visit

You can classify Macau attractions into two categories: the historic and the crazy-psychedelic. At the heart of the city is its historic core, littered with UNESCO-listed landmarks. Under the sun, Macau bares its soul in its mosaic-art cobblestone streets flanked with historical Portuguese colonial buildings, calming parks, and long-standing temples. Many of these can be enjoyed for FREE. We also indicated below the entrance fee rates for those who require it and info on how to reach these places.

But as soon as the sun starts hiding under the horizon, Macau transforms into a totally different creature — more alive and definitely kicking! At nightfall, the city is ruled by neon lights that hypnotize and draw the crowd towards the vibrant and energetic resort hotels.

Macau‘s luxury hotels provide not only accommodations but also a wide variety of entertainment forms. From its exhibits and shows, these world-class hotels have become attractions on their own. After all, Macau is home to the biggest hotels in the world, even dwarfing their counterparts in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. They also house boutiques of several high-end brands where you can shop for clothes, jewelry, and accessories.

Senado Square

Senado Square is a giant outdoor museum. It is the centerpiece of the extensive Historic Center of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . “Macau represents an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble that illustrates the development of the encounter between the Western and Chinese civilizations over some four and half centuries,” UNESCO explains the site’s inscription on the list. “Leal Senado Square is the main public square of the town with the Leal Senado Building, a two-storeyed neoclassical structure.”

Brisk walking on the wave-patterned mosaic floor around the site is virtually impossible, for you would be compelled to stop to gawk at the fine architecture of the surrounding buildings.

More about it here:   Senado Square Walk How to get there: Take Bus No. 3, 3A, 4, 8A, 10, 10A, 11, 18, 19, 21A, 26A or 33. You may also board a free shuttle bus to Metropole Hotel then walk from there.

Ruins of St. Paul’s

Probably the most famost landmark in Macau, the Ruins of St. Paul’s (Ruinas de Sao Paulo) attracts droves of tourists all year round. It is also part of the city’s Historic Center. “Company of Jesus Square has the Ruins of St Paul’s, which represent the remaining front elevation of the Church of Mater Dei and Na Tcha Temple,” UNESCO describes the site.

Built in the 16th century, the site was actually a complex of a church and an academic institution. The church itself was constructed later in the 17th century. Today, only the facade remains the only structure standing after being battered by a typhoon and three fires.

Also worth your time is the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt at the bottom of the ruins. It presents religious artifacts including Sino-Portuguese crucifixes.

More about the site here : Ruins of St. Paul’s How to get there : Board Bus No. 10, 10A, 11, 21A, 2, 3, 3A, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 26A, 33, 17, 18, 8A or 26

Macau Tower

Macau’s famous skyscraper! You can take the lift to the tower’s 360-degree observation deck for a spectacular view of the Pearl River Delta, which is more fantabulous at night.

You’ll find links to where you can book tickets in advance not just for the observation deck but also for other activities.

A-Ma Temple

Built in 1488 under the Ming Dynasty, the A-Ma Temple is the oldest in Macau. It was erected in honor of A-Ma, the goddess of the sea. Legend has it that the goddess helps seafarers and guides them during their journey, especially during a storm. Located at Largo do Pagode da Barra in the southeastern tip of the peninsula, it is a bit isolated, making it a tiny isle of silence in the bustling, ravaging ocean that is the city center.

More about it here: A-Ma Temple

How to get there : Take Bus No. 6, 8, 9 or 28B Opening Hours : 7am-6pm

City of Dreams: The House of Dancing Water

This is the world’s largest water show. See this spectacular world-class act performed only at the City of Dreams. It’s incredibly popular and sells out fast, so best to book online.

The Venetian: Gondola Ride

See the impressive interior of the Venetian Hotel in style: on a boat while being serenaded by a gondolier!

The Parisian Macao: Eiffel Tower

If you feel like you won’t be seeing the real Eiffel Tower in Paris anytime soon, visit this replica at the Parisian Macao. Don’t miss the fantastic lights show that mesmerizes viewers every 15 minutes starting 6:15pm to midnight.

You can also climb to the top and see the city lights from its observation deck. You can purchase your tickets from Klook.

Studio City: Batman Dark Flight 4D Ride

Join Batman fight the villains of Gothan in this 4D multi-sensory ride that the whole family will enjoy!

Studio City: Golden Reel Ferris Wheel

Located at Studio City, this is the world’s first figure 8 ferris wheel. At 425ft above the ground, it allows breathtaking views of the Macau cityscape and the surrounding South China Sea.

Wynn Macau: Dancing Fountain

The Dancing Fountain starts mesmerizing guests at 7pm and ends at 12midnight in 15-minute intervals. This means it plays every 15 minutes and the cool thing about it is that it does not do the same number twice, at least not within the day! Inside Wynn Tower is the Tree of Prosperity.

Camoes Square

Macau’s oldest park, the Camoes Square was named after legendary Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes. It is also the largest, covering an area of 20,000 square meters. Three separate areas comprise the square: the Camoes Garden, where the poet composed many of his sonnets; the Casa Garden, a parkette built in 1770 in front of the residence of Portuguese merchant Manuel Pereira and is now an art gallery; and the Protestant Cemetery, the final resting place of some prominent figures including Robert Morrison (the first Protestant missionary in China) and Anders Ljungstedt (Sweden’s first consul general in China).

More about Macau’s relaxing parks here:  5 Must-Visit Gardens in Macau

How to get there : Take Bus 8A, 17, or 26 Opening Hours : Daily, 6am-10pm

Macau Museum

The Museum of Macau isn’t as eye-catching as its neighbor, the iconic Ruins of St. Paul’s, but it lodges significant artifacts narrating the history of Macau as a small settlement, as a Portuguese colony, and now as one of two Administrative Regions of China.

Its content isn’t the only thing worth admiring here. The location itself is of historical significance. The museum is set inside Mount Fortress (Fortaleza do Monte), Macau’s most important defense. Seated regally atop Mount Hill, the fortress affords gorgeous panoramic vistas of the city in all directions.

Entrance fee is waived every 15th of the month (MOP15 the rest of the month).

Opening Hours : Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5:30pm Official Website :  www.macaumuseum.gov.mo

Other Macau Attractions

• GUIA FORTRESS Standing proud at the tallest peak of the Macau Peninsula, Guia fortress provides beautiful panoramic views of the metropolis, nearby islands, and even mainland China. The 15-meter-tall lighthouse takes most of the attention as the most arresting structure that tourists can see even from a great distance. The Guia Cable Car is a popular means of reaching the site (Fare: MOP 3), but walking is a great alternative for the physically fit and extremely budget-conscious. How to get there : Take Bus 2, 17, or 25  and alight at Flora Garden stop Opening hours : 9am-5.30pm
• MACAU FISHERMAN’S WHARF A first of its kind, Macau Fisherman’s Wharf is the only cultural-oriented theme park in the city. It is a theme park, yes, but it is also a shopping and dining destination, perfect for families and  barkadas. How to get there : Take bus no. 1A, 3 ,3A, 8, 10, 10A, 10B, 17, 28A, 28B, 28BX, 28C, or 32 Open 24 hours
• MACAU WINE MUSEUM Learn the history of wine and be familiar with the tools used in the production of this highly prized alcoholic beverage. The 1400-square-meter site is composed of a Historical section, a Museum and Exhibitions area, and a Wine Cellar. Address : Rua Luis Gonzaga Gomes Opening Hours : Wednesday-Monday, 10am-8pm.
• JARDIM DE LOU LIM IOC It is a public park that has become a sanctuary to tourists and locals looking for some peace and quiet. Victorian and traditional Chinese structures stand in between ponds that are carpeted by lotuses all over. More about it here: Lou Lim Ioc Garden Address : 10 Estrada de Adolfo Loureiro, Macau. Board Bus 12 or 16 Opening Hours : Daily 6am-9pm

Sample Macau Itineraries

Below are two sample itineraries. The first covers Macau only, while the other spans both Macau and Hong Kong. Both itineraries assume the following:

• You’re a group of 2 , splitting much of the expenses.
• You have a budget of MOP 70-100 per meal (lunch/dinner). You’ll find meals much lower than this, but better to overestimate than under.
• You’re skipping breakfast . It’s overrated, according to intermittent fasters. And healthy too. Haha.
• You’re staying in a hotel in Macau Peninsula . Hotels here are much cheaper than in Taipa or Cotai strip. And because it’s where the city center is, you also save on transportation. I’m using 5footway.inn Project Ponte 16 as sample here. If you’re staying in another, like Fu Hua Hotel, just find the nearest bus station.

Itinerary #1: Macau Only

Duration : 3 days, 2 nights

Day 2: HISTORIC SITES 09:00 am – Walk to Ponte Cais n. 14 Bus Stop 09:15 am – Ride Bus No. 2, MOP 3.2 09:30 am – Alight at Jardim da Flora 10:00 am – Take cable car to Guia Fortress, MOP 3 11:40 am – Walk to Macau Museum 12:10 pm – Lunch, MOP 70 01:30 pm – Macau Museum, MOP 15 03:00 pm – St. Paul Ruins 03:45 pm – Stroll to Senado Square 06:00 pm – Dinner, MOP 70 07:00 pm – Walk to Wynn Hotel 07:30 pm – Dancing Fountain at Wynn Hotel, FREE 08:00 pm – See Tree of Prosperity 08:40 pm – Walk to Praca Ferreira Amaral Bus Terminal 09:00 pm – Take Bus 3A to Ponte Cais n. 14 Bus Stop, MOP 3.2 09:50 pm – Alight bus and walk to Hotel

Day 3: LUXURY HOTEL HOPPING 07:00 am – Walk to A-ma Temple 07:30 am – A Ma Temple, FREE 09:00 am – Walk back to Hotel 09:30 am – Hotel Check-out 10:00 am – Walk to Ponte Cais n. 14 Bus Stop 10:30 am – Ride FREE Shuttle to the Venetian 11:00 am – The Venetian, Leave luggage at Concierge, FREE 11:15 am – Explore the Venetian, shop around 12:00 pm – Lunch, MOP 100 01:00 pm – Cross the street to City of Dreams, explore, shop 03:00 pm – Walk to Studio City, enjoy rides if budget permits 06:00 pm – Move to the Parisian and take photos 07:00 pm – Pick up luggage at Venetian 07:15 pm – Board the FREE shuttle to the airport 08:00 pm – Airport Check in, dinner at airport, MOP 100 10:15 pm – Flight out

If you spend MOP 310 per hotel-night per person, this itinerary will set you back MOP1200 (USD150, EUR120, SGD195, HKD1165, PHP7760) .

This does NOT include airfare and gaming expenses or hotel attractions (4D rides, shows). Just add the cost to the figure above.

Itinerary #2: Macau + Hong Kong

Duration : 5 Days, 4 nights

If you enter Hong Kong and exit in Macau, everything should go smoothly. Experience Hong Kong first and then spend the last two days in Macau. This was my itinerary for one of my trips.

For the Hong Kong leg of this itinerary, read this first: HONG KONG TRAVEL GUIDE .

Day 3: LUXURY HOTEL HOPPING 07:00 am – Walk to A-ma Temple 07:30 am – A Ma Temple, FREE 09:00 am – Walk back to Hotel 09:30 am – Hotel Check-out 10:00 am – Walk to Ponte Cais n. 14 Bus Stop 10:30 am – Ride FREE Shuttle to the Venetian 11:00 am – The Venetian, Leave luggage at Concierge, FREE 11:15 am – Explore the Venetian, shop around 12:00 pm – Lunch, MOP 100 01:00 pm – Cross the street to City of Dreams, explore, shop 03:00 pm – Walk to Studio City, enjoy rides if budget permits 06:00 pm – Move to the Parisian and take photos 07:00 pm – Pick up luggage at Venetian 07:15 pm – Board the FREE shuttle to Macau Ferry Terminal 08:00 pm – Board Ferry to Hong Kong, HKD 160 09:15 pm – Take MTR to Guesthouse 09:50 pm – Check-in 10:30 pm – Late dinner (fast food), HKD 50 11:30 pm – Lights out

Day 4: NGONG PING & VICTORIA PEAK 09:00 am – Take MTR to Tung Chung Station, HKD19.5 10:00 am – Take bus to Ngong Ping, HKD17.5 10:30 am – See Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery 012:30 pm – Bus back to Tung Chung Station, HKD17.5 01:00 pm – Lunch, HKD70 03:00 pm – Take MTR to Hong Kong Station, HKD 25.5 03:30 pm – Walk to Peak Tram, Roundtrip fare: HKD95 04:00 pm – Explore Victoria Peak, wait for sunset 06:00 pm – Go down via tram, walk to Central Station 06:50 pm – MRT to Tsim Sha Tsui Station, HKD10.5 07:00 pm – Walk to Avenue of Stars 07:15 pm – Explore Avenue of Stars, FREE 08:00 pm – Watch the Symphony of Lights, FREE 08:30 pm – Dinner, HKD 70 09:00 pm – Walk back to hotel

If you spend only HKD300 per night on accommodations (divided by 2 pax), the Hong Kong leg of this itinerary will cost you an additional HKD1800 (USD230, EUR187, SGD300, MOP1854, PHP12,000) , excluding the airfare.

More than a third of the total cost is used on Disneyland expenses alone, so if you’re traveling on a shoestring or you’re not interested in Disneyland, the total cost is down to only HKD1280 (USD163, EUR133, SGD214, MOP1320, PHP8480).

This places the total Hong Kong and Macau expenses to:

• With Disneyland: MOP3000 (USD371, EUR302, SGD487, HKD2913, PHP19,300 )
• Without Disneyland: MOP2500 (USD310, EUR252, SGD406, HKD2430, PHP16,100 )

Of course, you can even reduce the costs even further by keeping the food expenses to a minimum. Like I mentioned, I added a big allowance to the food budget because it’s better to overestimate than under. You can also sleep at cheaper accommodations.

More Tips for the Poor Traveler

• Walk when you can . I enjoy walking around Macau. If just within the peninsula, I always opt to just travel on foot. And when I need to go to the islands, I gallop to the nearest station where I can board a FREE shuttle service. This way, I don’t get to spend anything on transportation and reallocate the savings to other attractions.
• Download the MacauMap app . It is equipped with a map and a directory of all the bus lines, which will help you understand the bus system better.
• Try Macanese egg tarts and pork buns , the city’s favorite street foods! You’ll see them at many restaurants and stalls, especially at touristy areas.
• If you can’t find a place to stay in Macau that is within your budget range and you’re also going to Hong Kong, you can just visit Macau on a day tour . Macau is small and if you’re planning on just sightseeing, you can cover almost every major point of interest within the day. Make sure you have the energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there show money to enter macau.

Yes. According to the Macao Immigration Department:

“Visitors are required to prove that they possess the vital resources of a minimum of MOP5000 for their expected period of stay in Macao.”

The amount doesn’t need to be in MOP. Other currencies are accepted as long as it has the same value. Credit cards are not accepted.

However, in my experience, I have been to Macau a few times but I was never asked to show money. I don’t know anyone else who has been asked. Regardless, it’s best to have this on hand just in case.

Is it possible to enter Macau and exit Hong Kong?

YES, if what you mean is your outgoing flight is to Macau and your return or onward flight is from Hong Kong, and you’re crossing the border legally.

Technically speaking, what you will be doing is not “enter Macau-exit Hong Kong”. You will actually enter Macau then exit Macau, cross the border, then enter Hong Kong then exit Hong Kong, because you’ll be clearing Immigration checks on both sides.

Is it possible to enter Hong Kong and exit Macau?

YES, if what you mean is your outgoing flight is to Hong Kong and your return/onward flight is from Macau, and you’re crossing the border legally.

Technically speaking, what you will be doing is not “enter Hong Kong-exit Macau”. You will actually be entering Macau then exiting Macau, crossing the border, then entering Hong Kong then exiting Hong Kong, because you’ll be clearing Immigration checks on both sides.

2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ • 1️⃣ • 1️⃣7️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• HONG KONG and MACAU: Budget Travel Guide
• Borawan Beach and Dampalitan Island: Budget Travel Guide
• TOKYO TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget
• FORTUNE ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary
• EL NIDO PALAWAN Travel Guide with Sample Itinerary & Budget
• MARRAKESH TRAVEL GUIDE: Budget Itinerary, Things to Do
• SIARGAO TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary
• 2024 BORACAY TRAVEL GUIDE with Requirements, Sample Itinerary & Budget

• Recent Posts

• 2024 Philippine Airlines PROMO: Get 50% OFF on PAL Domestic Flights! - 16 May 2024
• 2024 NAIA Departure Guide for International Passengers (Manila Flights) - 10 May 2024
• 2024 Cebu Pacific Promos & PISO SALE with Number of Seats Available - 10 May 2024

This is so informative. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thanks, Ehdz! :)

Hong Kong to Macau via the new Hong Kong Macau Zhuhai Bridge: 1. Ride MTR to Sunny Bay 2. In Sunny Bay, look for B5 bus. Pay 5.8 HKD. It will bring you to HZMB port for custom and immigration check. Pay 65 HKD. It accepts credit card payment. Enjoy travelling via the longest sea crossing bridge of the world!

How about if you’re traveling from Macau to Hong Kong via HZMB? How is long will be the travel as well? Thanks guys this is such a big help!!

Thanks for sharing, Gabs! Yes, we’ll be updating this soon. :)

This is very informative. Will use this as a guide & will update you once we’re back from our travel – Macau-Hk-Macau. Thank you & more power

Enjoy Macau and HK! :)

Hello can i ask? I’m travelling with my 3 friend in macao via cebu but dadarating kami sa Macao by around 10pm probable ba na maghihintay nalng kmi sa airport? or didirect na kmi sa hotel namin? confused pa kmi sa hotel where we will stay kci we only have limited time schedule namin is march 11 monday uwi is march 15 12Mn hehe. i plan nalng na mag one day tour kmi sa Hk then uwi kmi balik agad sa macao and spend the 2 days in macao, or the which is which? or in the other way stay nalang kami sa Hk huhuhu so confused pa help po ako a big Help Thankyou and Godbless :) and were in a budget trip pala A.KA poor travel

Mas maraming makikita and mas mura ang accommodations sa HK so pwedeng sa HK na lang kayo mag-2 days tapos ung i-1 day nyo na lang is Macau.

We had something similar before. 10-ish pm din kami dumating. From the airport, pumunta na kami agad sa ferry terminal to go to HK. Tapos check in agad. We stayed there for 2 days. Then tsaka kami bumalik ng Macau. If i-day tour nyo lang ang Macau, you can leave your bags sa Venetian casino. Tapos ikot-ikot kayo, then fly na kayo sa gabi para no need na maghotel in Macau.

Hi po. This is so helpful. I have the same dilemma din kasi. Im not sure if I can bool hongkong accommodation as my flight details will be from clark to macau. Thanks for the tip. God bless

Hi so confused din about sa travel namin this Jan 31, 2019. We are about to arrive at Macau by Jan 31, then 1 day tour sa hongkong on feb 2 and the same day balik din kami sa macao wala ba kaming magiging problemba sa immigration? Thank you so much!!

Normal lang po yun. Nagawa na po namin yun a few times.

hi po ask ko lang ano po mga kelangan pg mg tour s macau tpos plan po nmin pmunta hongkong sana pwd po b yun?ilang araw po dpt mg stay s hongkong kng s macau k gling.slmat in advance

Hi RJ, pwede po yun. Kahit day tour lang, uwian sa Macau, pwede rin yung ganun.

Hi Sirs, Meron po ba kayong alam na pwede pagstayan in macau as early as 2am check in? Or is it safe to sleep in macau airport and wait until magumaga? Salmat

I think most full service hotels naman ay tumatanggap ng late night check in.

I haven’t tried magovernight sa Macau airport though, so di ko alam, huhu :(

Very helpful! What is your experience using Skypier Ferry? We are planning to go to Macau immediately after arrival in Hong Kong International Airport. I came across Skypier on your page. Do you have details for Skypier?Can we go directly to the Skypier Ferry without exiting the airport? Thank you so much!

Informative and detailed one. Agree to not offering the cheapest ways rather than to enjoy and treat yourselves, thank you for this! BTW, we will be using AirBNB to book our stay, quite cheaper but real good.

Hello Po. we will travel to macau this Sept 8.We booked airbnb sa macau jud 1 night.Okay lang po ba yun sa immigration sa philippines since illegal ang airbnb sa macau?

Hi. I would like to follow on this. I need answer also pleaseee…

Thanks! Enjoy Macau!

Hi Sir.. have u tried entering HK and exit sa Macau back to Phils (cebu)? yan kasi na booked ko under ceb pac..im just worried f macau immigration would niot allow us to exit…

Hi Alfie, I have tried, yes, but Manila. It’s perfectly fine to have different entry and exit points as long as you have a return ticket, hotel reservation, etc.

what if from hongkong to macau then the night of the same day is our flight going back to philippines is it ok for the macau immigration coz we don’t plan to sleep at macau

Yes po, okay lang po yun.

Good day. has anyone try klook macau sightseeing day tour? ask ko lang if on-time ba yung drop-off sa hotel? need to catch up evening workship at 8:30pm. Thanks in advance

Hi. Required po ba talaga ang na may maipakita na sufficient funds sa airport na MOP5000? Kelangan in cash siya per pax? Pano kung may credit card kami?

Hi Athena, ang alam ko, yep, nasa rules nila yun. Pero wala pa akong kilala na na-ask. Been to Macau many times but never ako in-ask to prove na meron aking 5000 MOP. But it’s best na meron na lang just in case.

Do you have details for Luggage Counter/Lockers where we can leave our bags? We will only be in a Day Tour and Macau.

I didn’t keep my eyes open for lockers during our visit so I didn’t spot any. (I wasn’t paying attention.) But last time I checked, you can leave your luggage at the Venetian for free. :)

Hi! Macau kasi yung flight namin back and forth, is it ok if pagdating nami sa airport, diritso kami sa HK para magstay? Di po ba mahihirapan kami sa immigration don? Plan po nami 3nights don then balik kami Macau for 2 nights, ok lang po ba yun?

Hi Izza, yep, okay lang po yan. Nagawa na namin po yan na dumating kami sa Macau tapos diretso Hong Kong kami.

Good day. Do you have any idea what Bus to ride from The Venetian Macao to Hongkong?Do have the exact detail?

Hi! May alam ka po saan pwede mag-iwan ng luggage while touring Macau for the day? Aside sa airport since pricey po.

Hi Faye, sa Venetian. :)

Thanks po. May idea ka po how much and time open para sa hindi guest ng hotel?

Hello :) Is Macau PWD friendly?

I always come across your travel blogs when researching for itineraries. And my most loved article is about travelling with your senior citizen Mom <3. Having said that, I'm fulfilling my dream of travelling with my parents (both senior citizens and my Mom is already using a cane due to partial hip replacement surgery).

Hi Joan, if DIY, there may be a lot of walking involved pero pwede naming ma-bypass.

Yung open top bus, mukhang OK, although I haven’t personally tried it in Macau. I’ve tried it in other cities though, and ok siya for seniors.

If konti lang naman ang pupuntahan nyo na sites per day, sulit na rin ang cab since 3 naman kayo. :)

Yung show money po ba need cash? Or kahit nasa savings card? Or need bank statement? Thank you :)

Hello, pwede ba Arrival sa HK is 8am tas tour lang saglit then to Macau hapon then balik ng Ph same day at 11pm? Magkakaproblema ba kami sa immigration?

My sample itinerary is: August 14, 8am arrival in HK then stay there for 6 hours then around 1-2pm punta na kami Macau, tas tour din saglit then flight back from Macau to PH at 11pm, same day August 14 Is that doable and not gonna have a problem sa immigration? Please let me know. Thankss

Quick question regarding transpo from Macau to Hong Kong, would you have any idea if there’s a bus that goes directly to HKIA from Macau or how to go to the HKIA from Macau via bus? I’ve read that there is a ferry that goes directly to Hong Kong Sky Pier but it’s too expensive, also, I would need to return the Pocket WIFI to the HKIA and I don’t think I would still be able to do so if I go this route, so I’m wondering if taking the bus would be more preferable and cost effective. Or should we take a ferry back to Sheung Wan or TST and ride a bus from there? Thanks!

Need help. We will be in hongkong for 4D/3 nights then we are planing to spend 2 days in macau .. Is it possible if we will explore hongkong late night then travel from hongkong to macau by bus at dawn so that we can explore macau early and save 1 night sah air bnb cost and plan to book 1 night on aug 25 to 26 coz flight namin is 10 pm on aug 26

Good day Sir. We will be travelling to Macau this Sept.8 -11 We will stay sa macau Sept 8 -9 through AirBNB but the questions is Okay lang ba ang airbnb sa Macau? kasi sabi nila illegal daw ang aribnb sa Macau baka e ask kami sa Phil Immigration officer if saan kami mag stay sa macau at baka ma offload kami :( So it is okay to book Airbnb in Macau?

Unfortunately, di ko pa natry mag-Airbnb sa Macau so di ko alam. :(

Hi! My friends and I will go in Macau this November. I found out that we will be staying in the same accommodation ( 5footway.inn Project Ponte 16) as you. May I know how to commute from airport to the hotel.

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

Your site is my go-to guide now. I am grateful to you when I prepared for my trip to Canada last June, Ho Chi Minh this 1st week of August and this end of August, we are going to Macau. Thank you for all the suggestions. I surprised to see that there are more areas to visit in Macau since it is often a one day tour suggestion from HK.

Thank you for trusting our blog! Hope you have a great time in Macau!

Hi need you advice please. Nag book ako ng flight 3D3N from Manila to Macau and Macau to Manila. Gabi na ang arrival namin sa Macau around 9pm. So ang plan ko sana is to go straight to HK via ferry and dun mag stay then go back to Macau on my last day para diretcho flight na din sana pauwi. My question is hindi ba ako mag kakaproblema sa immigration kung hahanapan ako ng hotel booking at ang ipapakita ko is yung booking ko sa HK for the first two nights then macau hotel on my last night? Thank you.

Hi Aldrine, nagawa ko naman na po yan. Di naman po ako nagkaproblem. Sanay naman sila sa ganyan. Just make sure you have the addresses of your hotel and your return flight from Macau.

Pwede po b ung philippines to macau then macau to Hk from hk to ph?

Featured On

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!

No.1 Travel

If place was selected, the businesses with shorter distance from this place would come first in search results.

10 Awesome Things to Do in Macau [with Suggested Tours]

Are you planning to travel to Macau  soon ? Read our tips below on the things to do in Macau with suggested tours!

Located just an hour away from Hong Kong by ferry , Macau is another special administrative region of China. The influences of its former Portuguese colonial masters can be seen in its buildings, food, and tradition. Not only that but because of the presence of many casinos and high-end shopping centers in such a small peninsula, Macau earned the nickname ‘Las Vegas of Asia.’

• 4 Days in Hong Kong & Macau – Itinerary, Travel Costs & Tips
• List of the Best Budget Hotels in Macau
• Hong Kong and Macau 5-day Trip Itinerary
• 14 Best Cities to Visit in China with Tips on Places to Visit
• From East to West – How I’ve Travelled Across the World with Aeroflot

But there is more to Macau than gambling until the wee hours. Here are the 10 awesome things you can do in this wonderful destination.

Table of Contents

List of Best Things to do in Macau

1. munch on portuguese egg tarts.

The Portuguese egg tart wouldn’t be Macau’s most famous food for nothing. It consists of a flaky outer shell and a rich, creamy egg custard filling, this pastry is found everywhere. The price per piece varies, depending on the place they are sold. Koi Kei Bakery, which has branches all over Macau, sells them at around HKD $9 each. Of course, you won’t settle at eating just one.

2. Visit the Ruins of St. Paul at night

Anyone who includes the Ruins of St. Paul in their itinerary would usually visit it during the day, but why not check it out after sunset? The church’s front façade and grand stone stairs have a different charm when the sun goes down and the city lights are turned on.

3. View Senado Square from Leal Senado building

If you have the time to come back to the Ruins of St. Paul and Senado Square the following day, make sure to drop by at the Leal Senado building located just right across the square. Its windows on the second floor offer a great view of Senado Square and its neighboring structures. You may also want to check out the courtyard garden, as well as the ceremonial meeting room that leads to an elaborate library.

4. Take Advantage of the Casinos’ Free Shuttles

Just because you aren’t interested in trying your luck in the slot machines doesn’t mean you can no longer avail of the free shuttles provided by the casinos. Whether coming from the Macau Maritime Terminal, Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal, or Macau International Airport, you can ride any of the shuttle buses that wait for arriving guests.

Each casino shuttle has an assigned parking space; just choose where you want to go and hop on. The bus leaves once it is full, but don’t worry if you can’t make it on the first bus as another one would arrive in 5-20 minutes, depending on the hotel you want to visit.

5. Walk Around Old Taipa Village

Before the huge hotels and casinos started sprouting like mushrooms in Macau, Taipa Island had narrow lanes and alleys and colored colonial houses. All these can be found in the Old Taipa Village, one of the two traditional ‘villages’ that still exist today.

Just a few steps away from The Venetian Macao, this tourist attraction is also the home to the Taipa Houses Museum, Rua Do Cunha, Our Lady of Carmel Church, and Carmel Garden.

How to get there: The best way to get to Old Taipa Village is to walk from The Venetian Macao. Exit at the hotel’s West Lobby, then turn right towards the escalator. Once you are on the other side, you will see a moving walkway or walkalator that will take you directly to the village. Just follow the signs to the specific area you want to go to.

6. Go back in Time in the Fisherman’s Wharf

Want to see The Colosseum but can’t afford to go to Rome? Then visit its replica in the Fisherman’s Wharf. Located across Sands Macao and near Macau Maritime Terminal, this 111,500 –square meter theme park is divided into three sections: Dynasty Wharf, East Meets West, and Legend Wharf. It also offers a wide array of shopping centers and restaurants, making it the perfect location for your Instagram-worthy photos.

7. Appreciate Architecture by Church-Hopping

The Ruins of St. Paul isn’t the only church worth visiting in Macau. In fact, there are numerous houses of worship that are closely located to each other.

Start your church architecture appreciation in St. Dominic’s Church located along Largo de Sao Domingos, a few steps away from the Ruins of St. Paul. Make your way towards Senado Square, cross the street, and then walk along Calcada do Tronco Velho. From there you will see St. Augustine’s Church, followed by St. Joseph’s Church along R. do Seminario, and by St. Lawrence’s Church in R. de Sao Lourenco.

8. Wander Around the Historic Centre of Macau

An amazing place. In fact, it is as if you were in Lisbon, Portugal. The streets, buildings, restaurants with Portuguese food, and Portuguese language anywhere. The historic center of Macau clearly shows the Portuguese heritage that is still alive in the city’s architecture. Very different from the casino area, which replicates Las Vegas, the historic area is very similar to several cities in Portugal and other Portuguese colonies.

Suggested Tour: Macau Introductory Walking Day Tour

9. See Adorable Pandas at the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion

A very good place for families and animal lovers. You can see cute and adorable pandas in the cool pavilion. There are also cages with other animals, but few. Furthermore, the admission ticket is very affordable.

10. Be Stunned by the View at the Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre

A tower that will take us up to 223 meters and will give us a fabulous 360-degree view of Macau. During the day, you can have a panoramic view of the city, with its casinos, and especially the immense bridges crossing the sea. However, the best is when it gets dark. In addition to the incredible sunset, you can see the precious lighting of the buildings. It is something worthwhile.

Suggested Tour:  Macau Tower Bungy Jump

11. Find accommodation in Macau

Where to stay in macau, budget hotel.

Caravel Hotel

Caravel Hotel offers accommodation in Macau. Every room at this hotel is air-conditioned and features a TV with satellite channels. Caravel Hotel is located only a 7-minute walk from Na Tcha Temple and Lou Ka Mansion. Macau International Airport is 15 minutes away by car.

Price: Starts at $71 per night for a Standard Double Room , add $11 for taxes and charges, $4 for breakfast, and offers a free cancellation.

Luxury Hotel

The Venetian Macao

Offering high-class and spacious guest rooms in Macau, The Venetian Macao features a luxurious casino, branded shopping options, an outdoor swimming pool, and 30 stylish dining options serving Chinese, Japanese and international cuisines on site. All guest rooms come with elegant tone and noble decor. It is fitted with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, a seating area with a sofa and an en suite bathroom with a bathtub. The nearest airport is Macau Airport, 2 km away.

Price: Starts at $268 per night for a  Royale Deluxe Suite , add $40 for taxes and charges, and offers a free cancellation.

These are the possible things you can do in Macau. So if you are ready to have a fun and exciting trip, you know what to do and where to go! So pack your things now and prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure in Macau.

How to go to Macau from Manila

Via Cebu Pacific: (One way)

*From Manila – Macau

Ticket Price: PHP 2,331

* Prices are subject to change. You can visit Skyscanner for more details about the ticket prices.

About the Writer

Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

22 thoughts on “ 10 Awesome Things to Do in Macau [with Suggested Tours] ”

are taxi in Macau are notorious

Do we need visa from Macau going to Hong Kong? We are planning to visit Macau and wish to cross Hong Kong but not sure if we need visa going there. Thanks.

Sound like a lot of fun in Macao. I will be there in some weeks and already really excited what I will see over there =)

My sister used to live in Macau and she loved going out to do yoga with the locals who were all a lot older than her but super supple and mobile & healthy. We could learn so much from them too x

There looks like there is a lot to do. I would be happy with eating all day I think haha

It looks like both an interesting and beautiful place to visit. I shall add that to my list of places to go when the kids are older.

Wow! The ruins and the old village look really interesting, I love visiting places like that.

i went there a few years ago when it was the hottest. it’s beautiful

I would love to visit and go to some of these places for myself, very nice!

Wow, this looks like a great place to visit!

I have to admit, it hasnt been somewhere that I have ever thought of gong too, but it looks truly stunning x

Hadn’t heard of this place before but it looks Amazing!

Looks like a lovely place to visit! I really want to visit there one day now 🙂

What fun! So vibrant, pretty and colourful – love the pics!

Pasteis de nata are the most famous pastry in Macau? That’s funny and completely unexpected. Any idea why?

It looks a stunning place, and one I can honestly say I’ve never thought of visiting.

Wow the senado square looks amazing! Definitley very different to anywhere I’ve seen before!!

Wow it looks like an amazing place – your photos are beautiful! This is definitely somewhere I’d love to go.

I’ve wanted to go to China for ages and this would definitely be on my to see list too x

I love your travel posts. They’re so practical with details on unusual things to do and lots of free activities. Macau isn’t really up there on my list of places to travel, but I’m sure I’ll get there someday. And you make it look very appealing!

Wow looks like there is so much to do! I would love to see the Ruins of St. Paul before or after sunset they are beautiful! Great pics as always x

Ah gosh you inspire me to travel so much! You’re living one life! I could imagine the churches being something spectacular to view x

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: Many of the articles on Two Monkeys Travel Group are guest posts by a number of Approved Contributors and are hosted by Two Monkeys Travel Group. Approved Contributors control their own work and post freely to our site. This includes all text and images that they use within their own work. All contributors are instructed to follow internationally recognised copyright and intellectual property guidelines. Two Monkeys Travel Group takes its own responsibilities very seriously, so if you feel that any part of this work is abusive in any way, please send us an email so that we can investigate - [email protected]

DISCLOSURE: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. So when you make a purchase we sometimes make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. The cost to you remains the same, sometimes even cheaper if we have negotiated a special deal for our readers.We use all of the companies we have listed here and that’s why they are in this list, but of course we need to keep Two Monkeys Travel Group running as well as it can, which is exactly what you’re helping with if you do decide to buy or book something through an affiliate link! If you have any more questions about the companies we use or any other companies you’re looking at, just email us and we’ll be happy to help. Please see our full disclaimer page for more information.

Written by Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

Two Monkeys Travel Group – Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. We quickly grew into a valuable source of inspiring travel stories, advice, itineraries and travel guides, with the aim of demonstrating how to live a sustainable life of travel, whilst living your own definition of success. If you'd like to contribute and write a guest post, contact us at [email protected]

Discover Turkey’s Lesser-Known Gems For The Adventurer

The lesser-known beaches of the aegean coast: relaxing on pristine stretches of sand away from the crowds of popular resort towns, 48 hours in tokyo – exploring japan’s vibrant capital, navigate the skies and sheets: how to book flights and hotels, how to find the best hotels in new york, related posts, best cat cafes in seoul, south korea that you must visit, 7 best things to do in the maldives and where to stay, 10 things to do in chiba, japan [with suggested tours], 10 resorts near metro manila for team building & company outings, previous post, 15 best countries filipino residents in uae can visit easily, how to get a dswd travel clearance for minors [with tips on online submission], subscribe to our newsletter.

Receive tips on how you can live a sustainable long-term travel lifestyle!

• First Name *
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

• 86-19138970032 (GMT+8 18:00~09:00)

• Beijing Xian Tours
• Shanghai Beijing Tours
• Hong Kong Guilin Tours
• Hangzhou Suzhou Tours
• Kunming Lijiang Tours
• Shanghai Yangtze Cruise Tours
• Chengdu Tibet Tours
• More Short Stay Tours
• China Tours in January
• China Tours in February
• China Tours in March
• China Tours in April
• China Tours in May
• China Tours in June
• China Tours in July
• China Tours in August
• China Tours in September
• China Tours in October
• China Tours in November
• China Tours in December

• High Speed Trains
• China Yangtze Cruise Tour
• Photography
• Desert Adventure
• Ethnic Villages
• Biking Tours
• Kung Fu Tours
• Heritage Sites Exploration
• China Spring Tours
• China Summer Tours
• China Autumn Tours
• China Winter Tours

Notice! 2024 available cruise routes include 4~5 days Chongqing-Yichang(most classic) and 11~12 days Chongqing-Yichang-Shanghai(limited).

• Best-value Yangtze Cruises
• Top Family-friendly Cruise Ships
• Top 3 Luxury Yangtze River Cruises
• Yangtze River Highlights
• Yangtze River Cruise Routes
• Upstream or Downstream?
• Dining & Drinking
• Accommodations
• On-board Activities
• Yangtze Cruise Booking Steps

• Inner Mongolia

• Fanjingshan
• How to Plan Your First China Tour
• How to Plan Beijing Tour
• How to Plan Xian Tour
• How to Plan Shanghai Tour
• How to Plan Guilin Tour
• How to Plan Sichuan Tour
• How to Plan Family Tour
• 2024 China Travel Ideas
• Best Time to Visit China
• What to Pack for Your China Journey
• Make Payment in China
• Updated China Travel News
• Ultimate Chinese Visa Guide
• Chinese Visa Types
• Chinese Visa Requirements
• Do I Need a Visa for China
• Chinese Visa Application
• Chinese Visa Exemptions
• 144-hour Visa Free
• Shenzhen Visa on Arrival
• Hainan 30-day Visa Free
• Embassies & Consulates
• Invitation Letter
• Useful Visa FAQs & Tips
• Entry Regulations
• Baggage Allowance
• Customs Declaration
• Exit Regulation
• How to Book Train Tickets
• How to Collect Train Tickets
• How to Cancel & Alter Train Tickets
• How to Read Train Tickets
• China High Speed Train Types
• Seats Class & How to Choose
• Friendly Facilities on the Train
• The Train Station Departure Process
• Available Food and Drinks on the Train
• Western Toilets on the Train
• Luggage Racks & Baggage Allowance
• Beijing Train Stations
• Shanghai Train Stations
• Guilin Train Stations
• Xian Train Stations
• Chengdu Train Stations
• Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station
• Beijing - Xian
• Beijing - Shanghai
• Guangzhou - Shanghai
• Shenzhen - Shanghai
• Chengdu - Xian
• Shanghai - Hangzhou
• Shanghai - Xian
• Chengdu - Chongqing
• Kunming - Lijiang
• Beijing Capital International
• Beijing Daxing International
• Shanghai Pudong International
• Shanghai Hongqiao International
• Guangzhou Baiyun International
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International
• Chengdu Tianfu International
• Chengdu Shuangliu International
• Xian Xianyang International
• Shanghai - Beijing
• Hong Kong - Shanghai
• Guangzhou - Beijing
• Chengdu - Lhasa
• Shanghai - Guilin
• Shanghai - Sanya
• Travel in Spring Season
• Travel in Summer Season
• Travel in Autumn Season
• Travel in Winter Season
• Weather in January
• Weather in February
• Weather in March
• Weather in April
• Weather in May
• Weather in June
• Weather in July
• Weather in August
• Weather in September
• Weather in October
• Weather in November
• Weather in December
• Top 10 China Destinations
• Top 15 Things to Do
• China World Heritage Sites
• Top 10 Best Natural Beauties
• Top 10 Museums in China
• Top 10 Old Towns & Villages
• Five Great Mountains in China
• Top 10 Monasteries & Temples
• Top 10 Ski Resorts
• Top 10 Beautiful Lakes in China
• 7 Best Beaches in Sanya
• Top 6 Beautiful Waterfalls
• Panda Volunteering
• Having fun on Ice and Snow Festival
• About Us Who We Are Our Team Why Travel with Us Feedback & Reviews Travel Stories Travelers' Gallery Payment Guide Customer Support Contact Us
• Tour Experiences

Destinations

• Travel Guide

8 Best Things to Do in Macau

What to do in Macau? No matter how long you would like to stay in Macau, here are top 8 things for you to do in Macau. As a former colony, Macau is a city with both western and Chinese elements. From Macau attractions you will learn more about Macau. You could go to those historical sites and ancient villages to find a old Macau. While wandering around Historical Center of Macau, one of UNESCO World Heritages, and strolling in the Taipa Village, you could explore an authentic Macau. Furthermore, you could taste special local foods at Rua do Cunha, experience the breath-taking Macau Tower adventure, watch hair-rising show of House of Dancing Water, learn about Chinese tea culture, sit and sip Portuguese Wines, and have a relax at Hac Sa Beach. Start your Macau tour from our guide of the top must-do in Macau!

Top 1: Wander Around Historical Center of Macau

Opening Hour: All day long, every day (Except some museums here)

Best Time to Experience: All year round

How Long to Spend: About 3-4 hours

Ticket Price: Free (Except some museums here)

Where & How to Go There: Old Town District, Macao Special Administrative Region (澳门特别行政区古城区). It needs about 15 minutes (8 km) from Macau International Airport by car; Bus MT4 (Macau Airport Station to A-ma Temple Station) and Bus No.26 (Av. Son On Station) are available.

Historical Center of Macau is a collection of over twenty locations that witness the unique assimilation and co-existence of Chinese and Portuguese cultures in Macau, a former Portuguese colony. In 2005 the Historic Centre of Macau was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it the 31st designated World Heritage site in China. It represents the architectural legacies of the city's cultural heritage.

You could travel from the A-ma Temple (Free, 7:00~18:00), dedicating to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen. The name Macau is thought to be derived from the name of the temple. Then you can go to Macau Maritime Museum (Wednesday~Next Monday: 10:00~18:00, Sunday: $0.62, Other Days: $1.25) exhibiting the history of the maritime industry in Macau, China and Portugal. Then walk towards the north of A-ma Temple, you could see the Lilau Square where gathered traditional houses of Portuguese in Macau. Then you could walk to Mandarin's House , the residence of the late Qing theoretician and reformist Zheng Guanying. He completed his masterpiece of Shengshi Weiyan (Words of Warning in Times of Prosperity) in the house. Walking around the roads, you could see the Senado Square , the center of Macau. You should also have a look at the Ruins of St Paul' s Cathedral , which is one of the greatest monuments to Christianity in Asia. There are many other historical sites as Monte Forte (Fortaleza do Monte), St. Dominic's Church , etc.

(Note: The ticket price and opening hours are only for reference. For more detailed information, please feel free to contact our private consultant .)

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

Top 2: Eat Special Local Foods at Rua do Cunha

Opening Hour: All day long, every day

How Long to Spend: About 1-2 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Where & How to Go There: Rua do Cunha, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region (澳门特别行政区氹仔官也街). It needs about 10 minutes (3 km) from Macau International Airport by car; Bus AP1X/AP1/No. 36 (Macau Airport Station to Xin Hong Garden Station) are available.

Rua do Cunha is a narrow pedestrian street named after the Portuguese explorer Tristão da Cunha. It is known for shops selling almond cakes , phoenix eggrolls , coconut flakes , cherikoff and peanut candy , which travellers buy as “souvenirs”, such as Choi Heong Yuen (Chinese: 咀香園) and Koi Kei (Chinese: 鉅記). It is also known for the various Portuguese restaurants, including Dumbo Portuguese Restaurant , A Petisqueira , etc. For first time visitors to Macau looking for some local street food, Rua do Cunha in Taipa Village is a great place to start. You could eat delicious local foods along this street with several friends to explore the food culture of Macau. Don' t forget to buy some “souvenirs” when you go back.

Top 3: Experience Tower Adventure at Macau Tower

Opening Hour: September~Next June: 10 am~7:30 pm (Mon~Thurs); 10 am~9 pm (Fri~Sun) July~August: 10 am~10 pm

Ticket Price: ¥141-¥3839

Where & How to Go There: No. 1, D District, New Reclamation, Macao Special Administrative Region (澳门特别行政区澳门南湾新填海区d区域1号地段). It needs about 15 minutes (8 km) from Macau International Airport by car; Bus No. 26 (Xin An Road Station to Macau Tower Station) is available.

Macau Tower, the landmark of Macau, is totally 330 meters high. There are also several adventures for you to experience. They are Bungy Jump , Sky Jump , Sky Walk and Tower Climb .

Be part of a Guinness World Record in the Sky of Macau! The Macau Tower Bungy Jump is 233m / 764ft high, making this jump a Guinness World Record for the Highest Commercial Bungy Jump in the world. In order to make this jump from the Macau Tower a reality, a specially designed bungy cord, guide cables, and recovery system are equipped.

For those of you who would like to jump from the Macau Tower and are looking for a less challenging way to do it than Bungy, try Sky Jump ! Designed and invented in New Zealand, Skyjump is a controlled decent experience and you jump from the same platform as Bungy at 233m/764ft. Skyjump is different from Bungy jumping as you don' t free fall or rebound and you jump in a standing position and stay that way all the way to the ground.

Imagine you' re standing on top of a Tall Tower with 233 meters/764 feet high. Now take a stroll around the outer perimeter that encircles the tower. It is Sky Walk !

Tower Climb can guarantee the maximum height exposure and best 360 degree views. Come to stand at the very top of the iconic Macau Tower by climbing 100 meters up the mast' s vertical ladders.

Top 4: Watch Splendid House of Dancing Water at City of Dreams

Opening Hour: Thursday~Next Monday: 5:00 pm, 8:00 pm

How Long to Spend: About 48 minutes

Ticket Price: ¥528-¥1322

Where & How to Go There: No. 1, D District, New Reclamation, Macao Special Administrative Region (澳门特别行政区澳门南湾新填海区d区域1号地段). It needs about 5 minutes (2 km) from Macau International Airport by car; Bus MT4 (Macau Airport Station to Wynn Palace) and No. 26 (Macau Airport Station to City of Dreams Station) are available.

The House of Dancing Water is a water-based stage production written and directed by Franco Dragone, the former director of Cirque du Soleil. The show, which was the second water show by Franco Dragone' s company, premiered in September 2010. Macau' s most expensively made show, is a breathtaking melange of stunts, acrobatics and theatre. The magic revolves around a cobalt pool the size of several Olympic-sized swimming pools. Over, around, into and under this pool a cast of 80, dressed in glorious costumes, perform hair-raising stunts.

During either an early evening or late evening show, you'll be entertained by an action-packed spectacle that thrills all ages with its daring acrobatics, high dives, motorcycle stunts, colorful water jets and multimedia theatrics. A love story unfolds after a fisherman is swept into a watery land of princesses, pirates and other colorful characters.

Most people who come to Macau just want to watch this splendid show. It is a must for you besides visiting Macau' s luxury casinos.

Top 5: Learn About Chinese Tea Culture in Macau Tea Culture House

Opening Hour: 9:00 am~7:00 pm (Closed on Mondays)

How Long to Spend: About 1 hour

Where & How to Go There: Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida, Macao Special Administrative Region (澳门特别行政区荷兰园正街卢廉若公园). It needs about 20 minutes (10 km) from Macau International Airport by car; Bus No. 26 (Xin An Road Station to Liansheng Hospital Station) is available.

Macau Tea Culture House has a variety of long and short-term exhibitions to introduce the tea cultures of Macao, China and the West, and seeks to promote the study of tea cultures worldwide. During Saturday, Sunday and holidays, you could drink free tea here 3pm to 4pm. This museum introduces tea-drinking culture with exhibits of teapots and 'tea paintings'. The latter were produced by foreign and local painters (sometimes in a collaborative relationship) for sale to westerners in China' s trade ports.

The Macao Tea Culture House - an edifice featuring southern European elements and a Chinese tiled roof - complements the Portuguese-style buildings in the area magnificently as well as the surrounding Suzhou-inspired landscape of Lou Lim Ieoc Garden. The garden holds party in every Mid-Autumn Festival (15 th, Aug of lunar calender in China).

Top 6: Explore Authentic Macau in Taipa Village

Where & How to Go There: Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region (澳门特别行政区氹仔). It needs about 10 minutes (3 km) from Macau International Airport by car; Bus AP1X/AP1/No. 36 (Macau Airport Station to Xin Hong Garden Station) are available.

As a Portuguese colony for more than 400 years, Macau has developed a unique culture that blends European and Chinese values, cuisine and architecture. Nowhere is this unique fusion more obvious than Taipa Village, a cultural district on the island of Taipa, which in spite of rampant development by casino resorts on the next-door Cotai Strip, has managed to cling onto its pastel-coloured houses, quiet backstreets and traditional restaurants. So if you're looking for a slice of old Macau, don’t miss Taipa Village. Here you can go to Taipa Village Art Space . This narrow, two-storey gallery anchors the arty side of Taipa Village. The space showcases the work of a range of artists (both local and from further afield) and hosts a number of hands-on workshops and classes. You could also taste Portuguese foods in António or eat some special local foods at Rua do Cunha . In addition, Avenida da Praia , Pak Tai Temple , Quarter Square and so on are waiting for you to explore.

Top 7: Taste Portuguese Wines at Macau Soul

Opening Hour: Friday~Sunday: 3 pm till midnight Wednesday~Thursday: 3 pm~10 pm

Price: A glass of wine from ¥43

Where & How to Go There: 31A Rua de São Paulo, Macao Special Administrative Region (澳门特别行政区圣保罗路31A). It needs about 20 minutes (10 km) from Macau International Airport by car; Bus MT4 (Macau Airport Station to Rua Das Lorchas Station) is available.

If you' re a wine enthusiast and live in Macau – or happen to be passing through Macau, then Macau Soul will be a good choice for you. The wine lounge managed by an old British couple, David and Jack, is down the hill from the ruins of St. Paul' s Church. Opened in 2008, the couple' s intimate retirement project has become a favorite refuge for locals and an alternative destination for tourists looking to escape the casino frenzy in the gambling capital of Asia. Once entering the bar, you will see framed paintings, photos, and Asian ceramics. Sit and sip, you will find a totally different world. You will listen to an eclectic selection of music, sometimes live, from swing to jazz, while sipping one of the more than 400 Portuguese labels, including fine balanced reds from the Alentejo region. In addition to wines, MacauSoul also offers a number of house-made snacks including David' s sourdough bread and Jacky' s Madeira trifle. The couple has travelled many places in the world, and you will fascinated by their knowledge while chatting with them. Remember that you could only use cash in this lounge.

Top 8: Enjoy Temporary Peace at Hac Sa Beach

Opening Hour:  All day long, every day

Where & How to Go There: Hac Sa Beach, Coloane, Macau, Macao Special Administrative Region (澳门特别行政区路环岛黑沙海滩). It needs about 10 minutes (3 km) from Macau International Airport by car; Bus AP1X/AP1/No. 36 (Macau Airport Station to Xin Hong Station) are available.

Venture to Coloane Island to discover Macau beyond its casinos, a place where you can enjoy lush greenery, beaches, hiking trails, seaside restaurants and unique East-meets-West heritage. For a taste of Macau' s true character and soul, look no further than Coloane. Here you will find the biggest beach of Macau - Hac Sac Beach. The name "Hac Sa", is a translation from Cantonese, literally means the famous black sand. However, to prevent the beach from disappearing due to erosion, Macau government has refilled the beach with yellow sand artificially. The dark colour comes from the minerals in the water which is lighter than other volcanic beaches like those in Hawaii. The water is quite clean and suitable for swimming. Popular with locals and tourists, it does get busy over the weekends, but there is plenty of space and activities for everyone to enjoy， such as jet-ski and sail boat hire, plus other water activities. You could stroll along the beach or buy local foods and barbecue from the many stalls along the beach. In the old and historical village Coloane and this beach, you will get temporary peace. After lunch, take a nice walk on the beach or, even better, go by the white houses hidden on the right side of the stretch of sand. A trail called Long Chao Kok is easy to spot and leads into a couple of houses close to Cheoc Van beach. Passing the prehistoric stones on your left, you will discover a peaceful pagoda named "聽海軒" above the sea where you can rest and meditate. If you are lucky, you might even see pink dolphins!

How to Plan Your Macau Tour

For most regular travelers to Macau, they spend 1-2 days to enjoy the best highlights of the culture, history, food and development of this city, including Ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral, A-ma Temple, Senado Square, Rua do Cunha, Macau Tower, Casinos, etc. You could come to there to experience the top things to do we recommended above. Besides, for many visitors, they also combine a trip to Macau together with Hong Kong , Shenzhen , Guangzhou , Jiangmen , Foshan and else to explore more attractions of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area of China .

>>2 Days Hong Kong & Macau Highlights Tour

Also, you can easily travel from Macau to any other hot travel destinations in China by flight or train, such as Beijing , Xian , Shanghai , Guilin , Lhasa , etc. China Discovery has designed many classic China tour packages including Macau. You can also customize one according to your own interests. >>Contact Us Now

Travel Macau with China Discovery

Traveling with China Discovery, we can help you arrange everything in Macau according to your likes and budget very well. We have private transfer service for you which can save your time spent on many transfers. Meanwhile, our professional travel guide will explain every attraction for you wonderfully. During your trip, all you need to care about is just scenery you plan to visit. Our professional local guide and driver will escort you from your hotel, train station, airport to all attractions with comfortable private car with speed and convenience and let you catch the highlights of every site and this city, so you can get really relaxed on the way and focus on what you are interested. Please contact us directly to tell your needs if you are interested!

Keep Reading

• Macau SAR Visa
• Hong Kong Macau Map
• Macau Tourist Map
• Macau Attractions
• 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 Tours

Top 3 tours chosen by most customers to explore 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

6 Days Hong Kong Macau Shenzhen Fusion Tour

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.

Have a question? Get answers from our travel experts or guests

• Your Question:
• Your Email:
• 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

Copyright © 2011-2024. All rights reserved.

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 .

Travelling to Macao

Macau international airport.

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

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

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

Transportation Service to and from Macau International Airport

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

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

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

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

Hong Kong International Airport

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

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

Helicopter Service to and from Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal

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

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

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

Booking and Enquiries Hotline:

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

or visit the website: www.skyshuttlehk.com

Hong Kong International Airport → Macao

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

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

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

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

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

Hong Kong → Macao

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

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

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

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

Major cities in Guangdong Province → Macao

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

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

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

Gateways available from Mainland China to Macao by land:

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

Hong Kong → Macao

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shenzhen → Macao

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

Zhuhai → Macao

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

A Perfect 1 Day Macau Itinerary

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on November 16, 2023

Categories Macau

Macau is a very small territory in China not far from  Hong Kong.  And it used to be under the Portuguese domain in the past. There are many Macau tourist spots that you can’t miss.

We will write a perfect 1 Day Macau itinerary. And even longer until 2-3 days for your itinerary in Macau if you are spending longer. Click here to get a discount booking activities in Macau !

The whole centre of Macau is on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list which is brilliant so nearly all the sites here have historic importance. Portuguese influence is mostly seen in some of their architectural designs, you can see many churches as well. Most of the sights can be done in a day trip if you don’t have time to spend a few days in Macau.

Read here Macau travel tips , Macau tourist sim card , how to get from Macau airport to city center and  how to get to Macau from Hong Kong !

Table of Contents

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

You can read  Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance . You can get for  $135 USD  your  Heymondo   Travel Insurance  with Heymondo discount code  valid for 90 days. Read our full  Heymondo Travel Insurance Review

You can get  Safetywing Travel Insurance  for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days  Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included

Macau Itinerary- How To Get To Macau

Getting to macau by ferry.

The cheapest and most convenient way to get to Macau is by ferry if you are coming from Hong Kong. You can take the ferry from Kowloon or from Hong Kong Island to Macau.

In Hong Kong Island ferries to Macau operate for 24 hours everyday and the  ride takes approximately 1 hour.   Ferries can go to Macau and also to Taipa Island if you are planning to stay at Taipa as we did in Macau.

Prices are around  $30 USD  for one way.  Click here to book your ticket with Klook !

DAILY TRAVEL BUDGET IN MACAU

Your daily travel budget in Macau will be higher than in countries around Southeast Asia like Philippines and Thailand. In transportation, you can get buses for half a dollar and even go walking distance of almost everywhere in Macau.

For food you will find local restaurants with dishes from  $3-10 USD . The most expensive part in Macau will be the accommodation. A dorm in a hotel can go to  $20-30 USD  and a room in a hotel can go to  $30-50 USD . You can also go for Airbnb and find deals starting from  $20-30 USD  in Macau.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN MACAU WITH BOOKING AND AGODA!

1 Day Macau Itinerary

If you have only one day in your itinerary in Macau. You have to do the most of it. Macau is small and you will have time to see most of the places around city center. I would recommend first going to Saint Paul Ruins and Travessa da Paixao. From here go to Senado Square. There are only 5-10 minutes walking distance these places. Apart from this the time you want to have to try local food or taking pictures. For food Rua Du Cunha is a great place to try local delicacies.

You can continue visiting around with A-Ma Temple the most popular one. You can hike to see the views of the city from Fortaleza Do Monte and also Guia Chaple and Lighthouse. Still during the day you will have time to visit the Fisherman’s Wharf.

At night one of the best plans is checking the lights of Macau Tower and visiting the casinos. To feel the vibe of Macau. You will find free tea and coffee. Plus there is free transportation from casinos to hotels and different places in Macau that will allow you to save a couple of USD.

You will find a lot of casinos and quiet and calm life around the area. You will find affordable restaurants for lunch and dinner.

VISIT SAINT PAUL RUINS

St. Paul’s ruins are from  17th century Portuguese church.  It is in our list of Macau tourist spots for many reasons! The area is surrounded with colonial Portuguese buildings, still preserved to show its original architecture.

 Definitely a good place to visit while in Macau. During the day it’s such a beautiful sight and at night with the  illumination is amazing!  

How to get to St. Paul’s ruins? It’s easy since is well indicated and everybody is going there visiting the shops and restaurants around.

TRAVESSA DA PAIXÃO

Also known as the  Love-lane , Travessa da Paixao is a street filled with colorful buildings and one of the most famous Macau tourist spots. Tourists don’t come here often as they mostly spend their time in the Ruins of St. Paul. From there, you could walk for a few minutes to get here in Travessa da Paixao. It is a great place to have colorful and  instagrammable  pictures in your gallery.

SENADO SQUARE

Senado Square is located near the former Senate building. The square is surrounded by people, shops and restaurants. We were walking around this square everyday and we loved getting lost around the area. It´s the most crowded apart from the casinos in Macau!

LOCAL FOOD AT RUA DU CUNHA

Travelling isn’t complete without introducing yourself to the local cuisine of a place. The first place that you should be eating yourself out in Macau is  Rua du Cunha . Located in  Taipa Village , Rua du Cunha is  a narrow pedestrian stree t filled with shops, stalls, and vendors offering a variety of local food. The street could be filled with tourists sometimes but there is always a way for you to enjoy the offered food.

A-MA TEMPLE

A-Ma temple is one of the most popular Macau tourist spots. A-Ma Temple also known as the Mazu Goddess Temple is one of the oldest temples in Macau. The  A-Ma Temple is a sacred place  for offering silence and stellar views. Not only is the place full of amazing cultural designs, the temple also contains rich and deep of traditional Chinese culture.

MACAU TOWER

In Macau Tower you can find everything from watching movies, shopping, theatre performances and of course, magnificent views. If you live adventure you should try Skywalking or  Skyjumping!

Click here to get a discount with Klook !

CASINO HOPPING AT MACAU

There are many casinos in Macau: The Venetian, City of Dreams Macau, The Sands Macau, or Casino Lisboa. Casino Lisboa is the largest casino in Europe and the top 10th largest casino in the world!

Enjoy casino hopping and live bands at night, shows during the afternoon. Free tea, coffee, water and drinks. Be ready to gambling and goodluck!

FORTALEZA DO MONTE

Fortaleza do Monte is a UNESCO world heritage site, a fort that is meant for defending ground from attackers. Fortaleza do Monte is part of the historic center of Macau and one of the main attractions in Macau. Tourists love the beautiful panorama of the city seen in Fortaleza do Monte. There is also a historic museum that you should visit to have a glimpse of Macau. The place opens up at  10:00 AM  and closes at  06:00 PM . There is  no entrance fee , just a short hike, ha!

GUIA FORTRESS, GUIA CHAPEL AND GUIA LIGHTHOUSE

The fortress with  Portuguese influence in their architectural designs  was built between 1622 and 1638. What’s inside the fortress stands Guia Chapel and Guia Lighthouse, which were established by Clarist nuns.

The architecture of the lighthouse is of a column structure, the interior of the lighthouse boasts three levels, connected by a spiral staircase that leads to a large light on top of the building. The lighthouse was damaged by a typhoon in September 1874. 

FISHERMAN’S WHARF

Being the  largest leisure and themed entertainment complex  in Macau, Fisherman’s Wharf features casinos, hotels, convention centers, and many more entertainment facilities. The food in the restaurants may be a little bit pricey for some, so you might want to take note of that.

Also, it’s a great place if you have kids with you because they can enjoy the rides. Getting inside the 24-hour Fisherman’s Wharf’s area is  free  but the attractions’ fees vary.  The Fisherman’s Wharf is located at  Macao Avenida da Amizade.

More Days in Macau Itinerary

If you decide to extend your Macau itinerary at least for 2 days as we did. We spent 3 days and we recommend you to stay in Taipa Village which is another island separate from Macau City center. It will take you 15-20 minutes to get there.

You can relax in Hac Sa Beach if the weather is good. It’s black sand and it’s usually quiet. There are also churches to visit when walking around Macau where you will feel the Portuguese vibe. It’s so cool to have this thing in Macau combining Chinese Style with Portuguese for food and for sightseeing.

If you have more days you can explore Flora Garden and Giant Panda Pavilion. You can also go for food trying Chines and Portuguese cuisine. Prices for restaurants is affordable compared with Western countries. But it’s more expensive than countries around Southeast Asia like Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia.

TAIPA VILLAGE

Having a walk around the  historic Taipa in Macau  to admire the colorful buildings in the area. We were staying at Taipa, not only casinos around the area but also nice places to walk around. 

There are many local places to eat  in Taipa Village. Everything was walking distance in Taipa and we really loved this part as a place to stay in Macau.

SMALL FONTANA DI TREVI

This is our secret Macau tourist spot. A small fountain colorful in the condo that we were staying. Just close to The Venetian Casino less than 10 minutes walking distance.

Hác Sá Beach is named after the  black sea sand  of its shoreline. Relaxing getaway from the crazy and chaotic city life. You can spend your day playing sports, swimming and walking along the beach.

ST DOMINIC CHURCH

A simple but beautiful  baroque style church . The church has decorated ceilings and art hints all over the place. Aside from the beautiful interior, the facade is one of its own as well. People go here to relax and appreciate the elegance of this site. St. Dominic Church is at  Macao Tv. de São Domingos.

ST LAWRENCE CHURCH

Being one of the oldest churches in Macau, St Lawrence Church has a neo-classical style structure and beautiful interior. Tourists love getting their peaceful and relaxing stop here at the church. Of course, the facade and the entire interior of the church are outstanding. St. Lawrence Church is also known as  Freguesia de São . It is located at  Rua de São Lourenço .

GIANT PANDA PAVILION

Who doesn’t want to see a Panda? No one, right? In Giant Panda Pavilion you can visit 2-4 Pandas doing all the Panda “ things”  you have seen or watched somewhere else on the internet. For its price, you’d get much more value than you expected. And also, Pandas will truly be an animal that you should be excited meeting! Regular admission price is  MOP 10.00 . Giant Panda Pavilion is located at  Estr. de Seac Pai Van.

FLORA GARDEN

Located in  São Lázaro, Macau , Flora Garden is a flowerful garden park. It  opens at 6:00 AM  and  closes at 8:00 PM . Even if it is a park, it also has a small aviary and zoo. Yes, you guessed it, there are animals here and there. If you have kids, they can ride a bicycle and have fun touring around. The place is best for families wanting a place for their kids to have their own playtime.

Click here to get a discount booking activities in Macau !

Hope you liked our 1 day Macau itinerary. Let us know in the comments below if we are missing something. So we can improve our Macau itinerary.

Feel free to use our links for discounts. Using our links will help us to continue with the maintenance of the website and it will not cost you anything. Thanks for the love guys.

Happy travels!

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

Best Hong Kong eSim For Tourist And How To Buy A Prepaid eSim in Hong Kong (Discount Code) - Gamintraveler

Monday 22nd of August 2022

[…] places in Hong Kong, our favorite Hong Kong tourist spots, Macau itinerary. Also how to get to Macau from Hong Kong, 5 Days Hong Kong […]

How To Get From Hong Kong Airport to City Center - All Possible Ways - Gamintraveler

Friday 4th of June 2021

[…] stay in Hong Kong and instagrammable places in Hong Kong, our favorite Hong Kong tourist spots, Macau itinerary. Also how to get to Macau from Hong Kong and 5 Days Hong Kong […]

Best Hong Kong Tourist Sim Card And How To Buy A Hong Kong Sim Card - Gamintraveler

Sunday 6th of December 2020

Best Macau Tourist Sim Card And How To Buy A Sim Card in Macau - Gamintraveler

Thursday 3rd of December 2020

[…] here Macau tourist spots, how to get to Macau from Hong Kong, Macau itinerary, Hong Kong 5 Days itinerary, where to stay in Hong Kong and budget travel in […]

Budget Travel in Hong Kong And How Much Do You Need Per Day - Gamintraveler

Thursday 30th of January 2020

[…] Read here our favorite Hong Kong tourist spots and Macau itinerary! […]

• CBSSports.com
• Fanatics Sportsbook
• CBS Sports Home
• Champions League
• Motor Sports
• High School

Football Pick'em

College Pick'em

Fantasy baseball, fantasy football, fantasy basketball, fantasy hockey, franchise games, 24/7 sports news network.

• CBS Sports Golazo Network
• PGA Championship
• UEFA Champions League
• UEFA Europa League
• Italian Serie A
• Watch CBS Sports Network
• TV Shows & Listings

The Early Edge

A Daily SportsLine Betting Podcast

With the First Pick

NFL Draft recap

• Podcasts Home
• The First Cut Golf
• Beyond the Arc
• We Need to Talk Now
• Eye On College Basketball
• NFL Pick Six
• Cover 3 College Football
• Fantasy Football Today
• My Teams Organize / See All Teams Help Account Settings Log Out

NFL schedule 2024: Full list of how many miles each team will travel and time zones they will cross

A look at the nfl travel data for the 2024 season.

All 32 NFL teams will have to travel at least eight times during the 2024 regular season, but some will travel more and much farther. Teams will have to travel cross country, while some will go off to Germany and England. Have you ever wondered how many miles each NFL team travels, and how many time zones they cross through? Well, that info has been put together for the upcoming season and released prior to the official NFL schedule release.

According to Bookies.com , the Los Angeles Chargers  will travel the most miles of any team this season -- a whopping 26,803 miles. The Chargers will also travel through the most time zones: 36. As for the team that will travel the least amount of miles in 2024, that honor belongs to Dan Quinn's  Washington Commanders .

The mileage for this list was calculated by using the linear air distance between each stadium on Google Earth. Check out the full list below: 

Our Latest NFL Stories

Report: Jags, Lawrence in talks for huge extension

Bryan deardo • 1 min read.

Tom Brady makes surprise appearance at UFL game

Why you won't be able to get Marvin Harrison Jr. jersey

Cody benjamin • 1 min read.

Tank Dell running routes after suffering gunshot wound

Jared dubin • 1 min read.

Commanders rookie 'happy' he gets to play with vets

Jared dubin • 2 min read.

Falcons, Eagles facing allegations of FA tampering

Share video.

Full list of total miles each team will travel in 2024

Chiefs' bizarre scheduling quirk, other 2024 oddities

The good, bad of each team's 2024 schedule

2024 season: Week-by-week schedule

Top revenge games on 2024 schedule

NFL executive breaks down season schedule

Tua not present at Dolphins activities as QB eyes deal

Hockenson: No timeline yet on return from knee surgery

NFL exec: Brady can call any game on the schedule