Macau, a former Portuguese colony, is now known for its vibrant casinos and rich history. However, there is much more to explore in this city beyond the glitzy gambling scene. Here are some travel tips to make the most of your time in Macau:
- Plan your trip around major festivals and events, such as the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest or the Macau Food Festival, to experience the local culture.
- Take advantage of the free shuttle buses provided by many of the major casinos to get around the city easily.
- Explore the historic center of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see colonial buildings and ruins dating back to the 16th century.
- Try the local cuisine, which is a delightful blend of Portuguese and Chinese flavors. Don’t miss the famous Portuguese egg tarts!
- Visit the many temples in Macau, such as A-Ma Temple and Kun Iam Temple, to learn about the city’s spiritual traditions.
Things to do in Macau / Top 20 sites and monuments to visit in Macau:
- Ruins of St. Paul’s – This iconic facade is all that remains of a 16th-century church. (Reference: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-gA1,408065-Reviews-Ruins_of_St_Paul_s-Macau.html)
- Senado Square – The main square in Macau’s historic center, lined with pastel-colored neo-classical buildings. (Reference: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/macau/attractions/senado-square/a/poi-sig/1233863/355974)
- A-Ma Temple – One of the oldest temples in Macau, dedicated to the goddess of seafarers. (Reference: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g664891- d447764-Reviews-A_Ma_Temple-Macau.html)
- Macau Tower – A modern landmark offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. (Reference: https://www.macautower.com.mo/en)
- Taipa Village – A charming area with narrow alleyways, traditional houses, and delicious street food. (Reference: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g664891-d456801-Reviews-Taipa_Village_Macau-Macau.html)
- Guia Fortress – A 17th-century military fort overlooking Macau with a lighthouse at the top. (Reference: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g664891-d443707-Reviews-Guia_Fort_and_Lighthouse-Macau.html)
- Coloane Village – A picturesque village known for its traditional houses, beaches, and the famous Lord Stow’s Bakery. (Reference: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/macau/attractions/coloane-village/a/poi-sig/1233105/355974)
- Mount Fortress – A historical military fort with cannons overlooking the city. (Reference: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g664891-d450994-Reviews-Mount_Fortress_or_Fortaleza_do_Monte-Macau.html)
- Macau Wine Museum – Learn about the history of wine production in Macau and enjoy tastings. (Reference: https://www.macau.com/en/museum/wine-museum/)
- Macau Museum – A museum showcasing the history and culture of Macau through exhibits and artifacts. (Reference: https://www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/venue/museum/museum)
- Camoes Garden and Grotto – A peaceful garden with winding paths, ponds, and a statue of the Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g664891-d1810249-Reviews-Jardim_Luis_de_Camoes-Macau.html)
- Mandarin’s House – A well-preserved traditional Chinese residential complex that offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy family in the 19th century. (Reference: https://www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/venue/historic-site/mandarin-s-house)
- Monte Forte – A historical fort offering panoramic views of Macau and housing the Macau Museum of Art. (Reference: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g664891-d1319240-Reviews-Monte_Forte_Fortaleza_da_Guia-Macau.html)
- Hac Sa Beach – Macau’s largest natural beach, popular for swimming, picnicking, and water sports. (Reference: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/macau/attractions/hac-sa-beach/a/poi-sig/1165661/355974)
- Handover Gifts Museum of Macau – A museum showcasing gifts presented to Macau during the handover from Portugal to China in 1999. (Reference: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g664891-d2006168-Reviews-Handover_Gifts_Museum_of_Macau-Macau.html)
- Grand Prix Museum – A museum dedicated to the Macau Grand Prix, featuring historic racing cars and memorabilia. (Reference: https://www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/venue/museum/grand-prix-museum)
- Penha Church – A charming church perched on a hill with panoramic views of Macau. (Reference: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/macau/attractions/penha-church/a/poi-sig/1233103/355974)
- Lou Lim Ieoc Garden – A tranquil garden with winding paths, pavilions, and ponds, perfect for a relaxing stroll. (Reference: https://www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/venue/garden/lou-lim-ieoc-garden)
- D. Pedro V Theatre – A historic theater dating back to the 19th century, known for its neoclassical architecture and cultural performances. (Reference: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g664891-d1806409-Reviews-D_Pedro_V_Theatre_Macau-M
- acau.html)
- Macau Fisherman’s Wharf – A themed entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, and live performances, inspired by different world landmarks. (Reference: https://www.fishermanswharf.com.mo/en/index.php)
Don’t forget to get Travel Insurance Before You Travel
If you’re looking for travel insurance, we recommend the following travel insurance provider:
 |  |  |
| World Nomads Travel Insurance | Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip with Travelex | Cancel for any reason with Travel Guard |
Our Top Travel Gear and Equipment Recommendations: Best Camera, Photo and Video Equipment for Your Travels
If you’re interested in our recommended travel gear and photo/video equipment:
- Best and Most Useful Travel Gear:
- Best photo / video cameras and equipment for Travel:
- Best Action Cameras and Portable Cameras
- Best Full-Frame DSLR Cameras and DSLR Cameras for Amateur and Professional Photographers
- Best Drones and Aerial Photography Cameras
- Best Tripods, Monopods and Selfie Sticks for Photography and Videography
- Best Mobile Phones and Cell Phones, Best Laptops and Computers for Travel:
3 Days in Macau Visit / 3-day itinerary for exploring Macau:
Day 1:
- Morning: Visit Ruins of St. Paul’s and Senado Square.
- Afternoon: Explore A-Ma Temple and Macau Tower.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Taipa Village and stroll through Coloane Village.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit Guia Fortress and Mount Fortress.
- Afternoon: Explore Macau Wine Museum and Macau Museum.
- Evening: Relax at Camoes Garden and Grotto and dine at Mandarin’s House.
Day 3:
- Morning: Visit Monte Forte and Hac Sa Beach.
- Afternoon: Explore Handover Gifts Museum of Macau and Grand Prix Museum.
- Evening: Enjoy views from Penha Church and Lou Lim Ieoc Garden before catching a cultural performance at D. Pedro V Theatre.
We regularly use and recommend Booking.com for our hotel bookings, using this link comes at no extra cost to you and helps to support the site!
Where to stay in Macau / Top Rated Hotels in Macau:
Top Rated Macau Hotels priced over $200 per night:
Best Reviewed Macau Hotels priced between $100 to $200 per night:
Recommended Hotels in Macau priced between $50 to $100 per night:
- Broadway Hotel
- Ole Tai Sam Un Hotel
- Harbourview Hotel Macau
- Pousada de Coloane Boutique Hotel
- Belive&More
Please note that ratings and prices may vary depending on the season and availability. Make sure to check the current rates and availability through the provided links.
We hope this comprehensive guide helps you plan your trip to Macau and enjoy all that this fascinating city has to offer!
For more about Macau, read the travel tips and see all travel stories, videos, photos and writing on Rolling Coconut’s Travel section.
For more about China, Beijing, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Zhuhai, Guilin, Chengdu, Xi’an, Xiamen and more China travel destinations read the travel tips and see all travel stories, videos, photos and writing on Rolling Coconut’s Travel section.
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