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Home » Asia » China » Macau

MACAU Itinerary for 2024

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

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

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

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

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

A Little Bit About this 3-day Macau Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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3 Day Macau Itinerary Overview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Airbnb in Macau – Ideal spot for first timers

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

Best Budget Hotel in Macau – Fu Hua Hotel

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

Best Luxury Hotel in Macau –  The Ritz-Carlton Macau

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

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

9:00AM – Explore Senado Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

10:00AM – Witness The Ruins of St Paul

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

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

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

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

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

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

10:30AM – Visit Mount Fortress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2:30PM – Experience The Venetian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7:30PM – Take In a Show or Performance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9:00AM – A Ma Temple

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

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

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

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

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

10:00AM – Macau Museum of Art

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

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

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

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

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

1:00PM – Taipa Village

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

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

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

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

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

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

3:00PM – Go Bungee Jumping

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

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

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

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

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

5:00PM – Discover the Local Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5footway.inn Project Ponte 16

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

• Free laundry facilities

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

Macau Giant Panda Pavilion

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

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

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

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

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

Coloane Village

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

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

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

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

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

Casa Garden

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

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

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

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

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

Church of St Dominic

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

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

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

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

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

Guia Fortress, Chapel, and Lighthouse

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

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

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

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

Mercearia Portuguesa

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

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

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

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

Shop until You Drop at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What should you include on a 2 day Macau itinerary?

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

Is Macau worth visiting?

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

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

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

Is it easy to travel from Hong Kong to Macau?

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

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

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

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

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

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Known as the 'Vegas of China', Macau is indeed an epicentre of gambling and glitz. While luxury entertainment here is world-class, the city has much more to offer than that. Macau was a Portuguese colony for 300 years, a history marked by a cultural hybridity that manifests itself in all aspects of life: Chinese temples stand on maritime-themed Portuguese tiles; the sound of Cantonese permeates streets with Portuguese names; and when you're hungry, it could be Chinese dim sum, pastéis de nata (Portuguese egg tarts) or Macanese minchi (ground meat stir-fried with potatoes) that come to the rescue.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Ruins of the Church of St Paul

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

Church of St Joseph

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

Taipa Village

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

Guia Fortress & Chapel

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

Sir Robert Ho Tung Library

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

Ká Hó Church of Our Lady of Sorrows

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

Chapel of Our Lady of Penha

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

Treasure of Sacred Art

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

Latest stories from Macau

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David Beckham is set to open a London-themed hotel in China next year, complete with recreations of landmarks and sights like Big Ben, Bond Street and…

Sep 7, 2018 • 3 min read

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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.

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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?

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Macau Travel Guide

• Chinese Name : 澳门
• Chinese Pinyin : Àomén
• Location : Southern China near Hong Kong

Macau, also spelled Macao, is a tiny Chinese territory that is about 30 square kilometers in size. It is a fusion of East and West in lifestyles, architecture, and food. Known for its huge casinos and being the world's top gambling city , it boasts some popular attractions for tourists to visit.

Where Macau Is

Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. Located on the southeast coast of China , it borders Guangdong Province of Chinese mainland to the north. It is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) to the southwest of Hong Kong .

It takes about one hour to get there by ferry from Hong Kong and about four hours by air from Beijing.

Macau consists of the Macau Peninsula itself and the islands of Taipa and Coloane, which are now connected by landfill forming the Cotai strip.

Visa-Free Travel

To promote tourism, Macau has some liberal visa-free entry policies for citizens of 66 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and most of the countries in Europe. The duration ranges from 180 days to 14 days , depending on nationality.

• Find out more about Macau's liberal visa-free policy .
• Also find out about how you can transit via Macau to China's 72-hour visa-free cities .

Top Things to Do in Macau

Macau is a place where you can feel the rich Portuguese heritage fused with Chinese culture in street signs, architecture, food, and more. Here are some recommended things you can do in this wonderful destination:

• Appreciate historical and cultural heritage , such as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of A-Ma Temple and the Ruins of St. Paul's.
• Sample Macau's unique cuisine , which is a perfect blend of Cantonese and Portuguese cuisines. Learn more about Macau food.
• If interested, you can explore the city's famous casinos , such as The Venetian Macau. Macau has earned the nickname of "Vegas of the East".
• Enjoy duty-free shopping in Macau. There are malls and shops offering antiques, the latest styles of clothing, perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, and more.
• Walk around Old Taipa Village , one of only two traditional 'villages' that still exist in Macau.

Learn more about things to do in Macau .

The Most Popular Attractions in Macau

The Historic Center of Macau, inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2005, is filled with cultural treasures:

• A-Ma Temple: It is the oldest temple in Macau, and is an exemplary representation of Chinese culture inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and multiple folk beliefs.
• Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral : They are the ruins of a 16th century complex and regarded as one of Macau's best known landmarks.
• Senado Square : It is the urban center of Macau. You may feel you are in a city by the Mediterranean Sea when you see the pastel-colored neo-classical buildings around the square.
• Monte Fort : It is an almost 400-year-old stone fort, which offers superb sunset and casino views from the top.

The Best Time to Visit Macau

The best time to visit Macau is from October to December when the weather is warm and sunny, and humidity levels are low.

The weather from January to March is cold but sunny. It starts to get humid in April. From May to September, the climate becomes hot, humid, and rainy with occasional typhoons.

Our Most Popular Macau and Hong Kong Tours

Hong Kong and Macau are only an hour away by fast ferry. It is easy to take a tour including the highlights of Hong Kong and Macau.

• How to Plan a 1-Day Trip to Macau from Hong Kong
• How to Have the Best Tour of Macau in Two Days
• Half-Day Hong Kong Highlights Tour

We at China Highlights specialize in private and personalized tours . We can help you tour the area and other parts of China as well. Just tell us your interests and requirements.

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Top 12 Must-visit Macau Attractions

What to see and do in Macau? A LOT!

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

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

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

• Macau Tourist Map
• Macau Attractions
• Featured Activities

No.1: Ruins of the Church of St Paul

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

Recommended Length of Visit: About 1 Hour

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

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

No.2: Macau Tower

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

No.3: Macau Museum

Type: Museums

Recommended Length of Visit: 1~2 Hours

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

No.4: A-Ma Temple

Type: Temples

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

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

No.5: Historic Centre of Macau

Type: Historic Sites

Recommended Length of Visit: 2~3 Hours

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

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

No.6: Kun Iam Temple

Type: Religious Sites

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

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

No.7: Venetian & Parisian Macau

Type: Casino

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

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No.8: Grand Prix Museum

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

No.9: Macau Giant Panda Pavilion

Type: Panda, Parks

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

No.10: Macau Maritime Museum

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

No.11: Fisherman’s Wharf

Type: Theme Park, Restaurant, Hotels

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

No.12: Guia Hill

Type: Nature, Historical Site

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

Keep Reading

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

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Unveiling Macau: Your Ultimate Macau Travel Guide to Nightlife, Food, and Top 10 Things to Do

Last updated on April 9th, 2024 at 04:56 am

Welcome to the enchanting world of Macau, where cultural fusion, vibrant nightlife, tantalizing food, and captivating experiences await at every turn. In this comprehensive Macau travel guide, we invite you to embark on a journey that will immerse you in the heart of this dynamic city. From the bustling energy of its nightlife to the savory delights of its cuisine, we’ll uncover the top things to do in Macau while offering valuable travel tips to make your adventure truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, let’s dive into the mosaic of experiences that make Macau an irresistible destination.

Macau Travel Guide

Macau entry requirements.

Passport and Visa Requirements: Most visitors to Macau do not require a visa for short stays. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union member states, can enter Macau for tourism purposes without a visa for a specified period. However, it’s important to check the visa requirements based on your nationality and the duration of your intended stay.

Macau’s Electrical Infrastructure

In Macau, you’ll encounter electrical outlets with the British-style Type G sockets, similar to its neighboring city Hong Kong. If your gadgets use plug types common in the United States (Type A) or Europe (Type C), these won’t snugly fit into Macau’s outlets. Thankfully, a travel adapter steps in to bridge the gap, allowing you to effortlessly connect your devices and ensure they remain charged throughout your Macau expedition.

*As an Amazon, Agoda, Klook, and TravelGuide Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

How To Get To Macau

• Macau International Airport, also known as Macau Airport (IATA: MFM), is the primary international airport serving Macau, a special administrative region of China. The airport is located on the Taipa Island and is a hub for various airlines connecting to different destinations in the region and beyond.

• If you’re arriving in the region via air travel, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is the nearest major airport to Macau. Upon landing at HKIA, you have the option to take a convenient ferry ride to Macau, offering both efficiency and stunning views along the way.

• You can choose to disembark at either the Macau Ferry Terminal or the Taipa Ferry Terminal, depending on your destination in Macau. The ferries are operated by various companies, and the journey typically takes around 1 hour and cost $175 (weekday) or $190 (weekend) Hong Kong Dollars ($23-$25 USD). You will be assigned a seat when purchasing.

How To Get Around In Macau

1. Public Buses: Efficient and Economical Way to Explore Macau

• Discover the top things to do in Macau while navigating the city’s attractions affordably with the public bus network. Hop on buses that cover major sights, allowing you to effortlessly experience Macau’s rich offerings. As of this writing, bus fare is $6 MOP ($0.74 USD) to go anywhere in the city, you will need exact change.

2. Macau Light Rapid Transit: Convenient and Comfortable for Exploring Cotai

• Travel around Cotai in comfort with a newly built monorail, offering a convenient mode of transport to reach your desired destinations and explore the top things to do in Macau. Limited stations but can travel to and from the airport or ferry.

3. Hotel Shuttles: Hassle-Free Transport to Macau’s Attractions

• Make the most of your stay with hotel shuttle services that provide convenient access to Macau’s attractions. Enjoy seamless travel to the top things to do in Macau, allowing you to focus on exploration and relaxation.

Where To Stay In Macau

Top Areas to Stay in Macau: Your Ultimate Accommodation Guide

1. The Cotai Strip: Where Luxury Meets Entertainment

• Experience opulence at The Cotai Strip, home to world-renowned resorts and casinos. Enjoy high-end shopping, gourmet dining, and entertainment in this glamorous hub. Recommended hotels are Hotel Royal Macau or The Parisian Macao

2. Macau Peninsula: Embrace History and Modernity

• Explore historical landmarks like Senado Square and Ruins of St. Paul’s while staying in the heart of Macau. Enjoy a mix of cultural heritage and urban amenities. Recommended hotel is Ole Tai Sam Un Hotel

3. Taipa: A Fusion of Cultures and Culinary Delights

• Immerse yourself in a blend of Portuguese and Chinese influences in Taipa. Indulge in local delicacies in Taipa Village and experience a laid-back atmosphere. Recommended hotel is Inn Hotel Macau

4. Coloane: Nature Retreat and Tranquil Seclusion

• Escape the city’s hustle to unwind in Coloane’s lush landscapes and serene beaches. Enjoy a nature-inspired getaway in this peaceful area. Recommended hotel is Pousada de Coloane

Macau’s Gambling Rules

Casino Etiquette: If you plan to visit casinos, remember to bring a valid ID (usually a passport) since the legal gambling age is 21. Dress codes may apply in some high-end establishments.

Dress Code: While Macau is generally more relaxed in terms of dress code compared to some other gambling destinations, it’s still a good idea to dress neatly and avoid overly casual attire, especially if you plan to visit high-end establishments.

The legal drinking age in Macau is 18 years old. This means that individuals who are at least 18 years of age are allowed to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages in Macau. It’s important to adhere to local laws and regulations, so if you’re planning to enjoy alcoholic beverages during your visit to Macau, make sure you’re of legal drinking age and carry a valid form of identification with you if needed.

Casinos will accept Hong Kong Dollar or MOP. Most tables games and machines are Chinese games which I never saw before in Vegas. Some casinos have poker rooms, but unless you can speak Chinese I would avoid. Few blackjack, roulette, and some reel slots are available if you are not familiar with the Chinese games.

Travel Tip : Some casinos provide free nonalcoholic beverages and snacks for guest. Bottled Water, boba tea, Red Bull, soda, juices, and coffee.

Top 10 Things To Do In Macau

• Ruins of St. Paul’s: A Historic Gem in Macau’s Travel Crown Step into history at the Ruins of St. Paul’s, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage site that transports you back in time. Marvel at the intricate façade, an enduring testament to Macau’s cultural fusion. Discover the stories behind this architectural masterpiece.
• Hike to Guia Fortress: Panoramic Vistas and Historical Splendor Embark on a picturesque hike to Guia Fortress, where panoramic vistas await. Immerse yourself in historical significance as you explore the fortress, lighthouse, and chapel. Capture stunning views that stretch beyond the city’s limits.
• Senado Square: Unveiling Macau’s Vibrant Heartbeat Wander through the captivating Senado Square, the historic heart of Macau. Immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere as you explore cobblestone streets, vibrant shops, and local stalls. Experience the pulse of the city in this bustling square.
• Macau Tower: Thrills, Views, and Unforgettable Adventures Elevate your experience at the Macau Tower, a hub of breathtaking views and exhilarating activities. Take in the panoramic cityscape from the observation deck, or take a daring leap with adventure sports. Your journey to the sky starts here.
• Wynn Water Show and Skycab Enjoy the unique experience of the air-conditioned cable car system at Wynn Palace, offering stunning aerial views of the resort’s Performance Lake that has water shows every 30 minutes and the surrounding area. Cab rides are currently free and last about 10 minutes but be prepared to wait around an hour on weekends.
• Cotai Strip Explore the entertainment hub of Macau with numerous hotels, resorts, and entertainment options. Some popular hotels are The Wynn, MGM, The Londoner, and The Venetian.
• Coloane Village: Unwind in Tranquility Amid Charming Beaches Escape to the tranquility of Coloane Village, a hidden gem nestled away from the city’s bustle. Immerse yourself in the charm of old-world streets and relax on pristine beaches. Discover the harmony between nature and culture.
• Taipa Village: Where Cultures Converge in Culinary Harmony Experience the delightful fusion of Portuguese and Chinese cultures at Taipa Village. Indulge in delectable culinary offerings, from traditional pastries to innovative fusion dishes. Immerse yourself in a cultural tapestry like no other.
• Lou Lim Ioc Garden Experience the tranquility and beauty of Lou Lim Ioc Garden, a traditional Chinese garden in Macau.
• Hac Sa Beach Relax on the longest natural beach in Macau on Coloane Island.

Macau’s Culinary Delights: A Journey Through Famous Dishes

Macao stands as a vibrant testament to the harmonious blend of cultures that define its identity. Nestled at the crossroads of Chinese and Portuguese influences, this enchanting city offers a gastronomic journey unlike any other. From the delicate sweetness of Portuguese egg tarts to the savory perfection of pork chop buns, Macao’s culinary landscape is a symphony of flavors and textures that tell the story of its rich history and cultural diversity. Join us as we explore five renowned dishes that have etched their place in Macao’s culinary tapestry, inviting you to savor the unique fusion that makes this city’s food scene truly exceptional.

• Portuguese Egg Tart: A delectable pastry with flaky layers of crust and a rich, creamy custard filling. The top of the custard is often caramelized to create a slightly sweet and crispy layer. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the smooth custard inside makes it a beloved treat.
• Pork Chop Bun: This savory delight features a tender and crispy marinated pork chop served within a soft bun. The combination of flavors and textures, with the juicy pork and the bread, creates a satisfying contrast that locals and visitors alike enjoy.
• Almond Biscuits: Almond biscuits are a popular souvenir from Macao. These sweet treats are made with ground almonds, sugar, and flour, resulting in a crumbly texture and a delightful almond flavor. They come in various shapes and sizes, often packaged beautifully for gifting.
• Macao-style Seafood: With its coastal location, Macao offers an array of fresh and delicious seafood dishes. From grilled fish and shrimp to crab and clams, you can enjoy a variety of seafood prepared in Macao’s unique culinary style, often featuring a blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences.
• Minchi: Minchi is a hearty and flavorful dish made from minced meat (usually pork or beef) and diced potatoes, seasoned with soy sauce and sometimes spices. It’s typically served with a fried egg on top and accompanied by steamed rice. The combination of meat, potatoes, and egg creates a satisfying and comforting meal.

Embrace the Excitement: Macau Nightlife Unveiled!

As the sun sets over Macau, a vibrant and captivating nightlife scene comes to life, offering a unique blend of experiences that perfectly combine entertainment, culinary delights, and the top things to do in Macau. Here’s how to make the most of Macau nightlife while indulging in local Macau food and following essential macau travel tips :

1. Casino Extravaganza:

• Macau is known as the “Monte Carlo of the East” for a reason. Experience the electrifying energy of world-famous casinos like The Venetian Macao and City of Dreams. Test your luck at the gaming tables, catch live performances, and enjoy a thrilling night in the heart of Macau nightlife.

2. Night Markets and Foodie Adventures:

• Dive into the local culinary scene by exploring night markets like the Red Market. Savor a variety of street food, from delectable snacks to savory dishes. This is an ideal opportunity to indulge in authentic Macau food and try local favorites.

3. Rooftop Bars with a View:

• Take your Macau nightlife experience to new heights at rooftop bars like Sky 21. Sip on cocktails while enjoying stunning panoramic views of the city’s skyline. These vantage points offer a perfect blend of relaxation and awe-inspiring sights.

4. Cultural Shows and Performances:

• Discover the cultural side of Macau nightlife by attending traditional performances and shows. The Macau Cultural Centre hosts a range of events, from Chinese opera to international concerts, allowing you to immerse yourself in artistic expressions.

5. Late-Night Shopping:

• If you’re a night owl, explore Macau’s shopping scene after dark. The Venetian Macao’s Grand Canal Shoppes and Senado Square offer a range of shops that stay open late. It’s an opportunity to shop, dine, and soak in the ambiance.

6. Stroll Along the Waterfront:

• Take a leisurely stroll along Macau’s waterfront areas like Nam Van Lake and Sai Van Lake. The illuminated skyline creates a picturesque backdrop, making it a romantic and relaxing way to experience Macau nightlife.

3-Day Macau Itinerary

Day 1: Discovering Macau’s Icons and Culinary Delights

• Start your day at the Ruins of St. Paul’s , an iconic UNESCO World Heritage site. Immerse yourself in history and capture breathtaking photos of the intricate façade.
• Wander through the charming Senado Square , where history comes alive. Explore cobblestone streets, vibrant shops, and local stalls. Don’t miss out on indulging in some local Macau food specialties, immersing yourself in the city’s culinary culture.
• As the sun sets, head to Macau Tower to enjoy panoramic views and thrilling activities. This is also a prime spot to witness the transition to vibrant Macau nightlife .

Day 2: Cultural Exploration and Tranquil Escapes

• Embark on a cultural journey at the A-Ma Temple , the oldest temple in Macau. Learn about the city’s spiritual history and admire the intricate architecture.
• Explore the serene beauty of Coloane Village . Immerse yourself in the old-world charm and relax on pristine beaches. Experience the harmonious blend of nature and culture.
• Dive into the fusion of Portuguese and Chinese cultures at Taipa Village . Indulge in delectable culinary offerings, from traditional pastries to innovative fusion dishes, and soak up the cultural tapestry.

Day 3: Scenic Views and Traditional Elegance

• Embark on a hike to Guia Fortress . Enjoy panoramic vistas of the city and its surroundings. Capture stunning views and immerse yourself in the historical significance of the fortress.
• Visit the elegant Mandarin’s House , a glimpse into refined Chinese architecture and opulent lifestyle. Explore the intricate details and serene gardens that showcase a rich cultural heritage.

Late Afternoon:

• Conclude your Macau adventure with a serene tea tasting experience at the Macau Tea Culture House . Immerse yourself in the art of tea preparation and savor the sensory exploration.

Before you begin your adventure, keep in mind these Macau travel tips : Use public buses or taxis to get around easily, and consider an Octopus Card for convenience. Respect local customs, and embrace the vibrant culture of Macau. This 3-day itinerary ensures you experience the top things to do in Macau, from iconic sites to cultural treasures, all while indulging in delicious Macau food and vibrant Macau nightlife .

Conclusion of Macau Travel Tips

As your journey through Macau comes to a close, we hope this travel guide has illuminated the city’s vibrant soul. From indulging in the eclectic nightlife to savoring the culinary tapestry of Macau food, and exploring the top things to do, you’ve experienced the essence of this remarkable destination. Armed with valuable Macau travel tips, you’re equipped to navigate the city’s intricate blend of culture, history, and modernity. As you bid farewell to Macau, may your memories be as vivid as the city itself. Until we meet again, safe travels and may your next adventure be filled with the same wonder that Macau has bestowed upon you. If you headed back to Hong Kong , click here for Travel Guide.

What are the top things to do in Macau?

Discover Macau’s highlights! Explore the iconic Ruins of St. Paul’s, immerse in Macau nightlife, relish Macau food, and uncover cultural gems. Our guide ensures a memorable journey.

How can I experience Macau nightlife?

Embrace Macau’s nightlife excitement! Our guide points you to vibrant bars, casinos, and entertainment hubs to enjoy the city’s lively after-dark scene.

What is unique about Macau food?

Macau’s culinary fusion is extraordinary. Delight in our guide’s food recommendations, blending Portuguese and Chinese influences for a one-of-a-kind gastronomic adventure.

What are essential Macau travel tips?

Traveling Macau becomes seamless with our tips. Navigate transport, understand local customs, and enhance your experience with our insightful guide.

What lesser-known attractions should I explore in Macau?

Venture off the beaten path! Our guide uncovers hidden gems like Taipa Village’s cultural blend, offering a unique perspective beyond the typical attractions.

How can I enjoy a family-friendly visit to Macau?

Create family memories! Our guide suggests kid-friendly adventures like Macau Tower’s views and Coloane Village’s charm, ensuring a delightful experience for all.

Join Me As I Document My Travel Adventures Through Asia.

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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 .

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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.

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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.

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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!

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