29 of the best things to do in Macau China

When we visited Macao in China a few years back as part of our two week southern China trip, I found it hard to find out what the best things to do in Macao were since there wasn’t much written about it in English.

And that is why I created this Macao travel guide!

It wouldn’t be surprising if you’ve never heard of Macao, to be honest.

It’s a place that’s similar to Hong Kong in that it has a special status allowing it to rule itself separate from Mainland China.

Historically, Macao (or Macau) was a Portuguese colony. You’ll notice Portuguese influences in the food in Macao as well as some architectural influences. Macau was given back to China in the late 1990s and it’s since become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’re wondering what to do in Macao you’ll likely have come across the fact that Macao is sometimes called the “Vegas of the East”.

This is because it has many casinos and many visitors to Macao go there to test their luck.

However, that’s not the only thing to do in Macao.

There are plenty of fun activities in Macao and this Macao travel guide will show you what to do there!

The best things to do in Macao 

Macao is close to Hong Kong and this makes it a popular place to visit as a day trip from Hong Kong.

During our trip to Southern China, we visited Macau for a couple of days before heading back to Hong Kong. 

While having a reputation for being the Las Vegas of the East, gambling isn’t the only thing to do in Macau.

Below are lots for you if you’re wondering what to do in Macau or where to go for Macau sightseeing! 

Map of the best Macao things to do

Use the map below to find all of the best things to do in Macau that I’ve listed below. You can click the image (or here) and it’ll open up in your Google Maps app.

AJ Hackett bungee jump

A newer addition to the list of Macau attractions is the Macau bungy jump.

If you’re up for some adrenaline, then check out the AJ Hackett bungee jump! It’s the Highest Commercial Bungee Jump in the world and for that reason, it’s super popular.

This bungee jump is at the top of the Macau Tower and you’ll jump from 233 m above the ground!

There’s also the option to do a Skywalk or a SkyJump which is a little less scary than the bungee jump.  

AJ Hackett is one of the original companies for bungy jumping. They’re actually who I did my bungy jump with when I was in Cairns Australia back in 2011!

Go up the Macau Tower

The Macau Tower is 233 meters high and is one of the main attractions in Macau.

If you’re not up for byngy jumping from the top, as above, then even standing a the bottom of it and looking up is impressive.

However, for one step further, head up to the Macau Tower’s observation deck which offers amazing 360-degree panoramas of the city.

Besides the bungy jump, there are skywalks and tower climbing adventures. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, the tower has fine dining options, where you can indulge in international buffets or high tea, all while enjoying the spectacular view.

• Opening hours: Weekdays 10 am to 7 pm, Weekends 10 am to 8 pm
• Tickets: Adults from US $10.50
• Buy tickets online here

Walk the walls of Mount Fortress / Fortaleza do Monte

One of the most popular places to visit in Macao is Mount Fortress.

Also known as Monte Fort or Fortaleza do Monte, Mount Fortress was built in the early 17th Century and played a vital part in the attempted invasion of Macau by the Dutch. 

The fortress still has several canons and offers a different perspective of St. Paul’s Ruins. Entrance to the fortress is free and definitely worth doing. 

Go casino hopping

Even if you’re not wanting to gamble any money, walking around the casinos is definitely a fun thing to do in Macao!

We wandered around and bet a couple of dollars.

We had fun and even won back our money plus enough to get a bubble tea! The bets aren’t cheap if you want to play on the tables, so we found a couple of slot machines instead. 

There are 33 casinos in Macao and several of them are on the Taipa side, connected by walkways so you could spend hours walking around without even going outside!

Admire the tilework at the Municipal Affairs Bureau

At the historic centre of Macau is the Municipal Affairs Bureau which was built in 1784.

It has retained its architectural appearance throughout the years and features beautiful, traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles.

They’re similar to tiles in Porto and Lisbon which isn’t too surprising since there’s Portuguese history everywhere in Macao.

I recommend visiting the Municipal Affairs Bureau to see some of the best examples of these tiles.

See the Lim Lou Loc Garden

Lim Lou Loc Garden is a beautiful park in Macau. It’s a peaceful pocket right in the middle of the city where you’ll find lovely landscaped gardens, ponds with fish and turtles, and plenty of spaces to relax for a while.

The garden was designed with the classical gardens of Suzhou in mind and was built in 1906 by a wealthy Chinese merchant.

Many locals come to this garden to relax, chat, or do morning exercises. If you’re lucky, you might even see people playing music or practicing Tai Chi.

Visiting Lim Lou Loc Garden is a great way to take a break from the busy city streets and see the quieter side of Macau.

It’s open and free to enter from 6 am to 12 am.

Macau’s Historic Centre

You simply can’t visit Macao without spending time in Macau’s Historic Centre. This area is at the top of the list when it comes to what to see in Macau.

The center comprises over 20 historically significant landmarks (some of which are covered in more detail in this post).

These buildings include religious structures and public squares that represent the unique Chinese-Portuguese history of Macao. It’s also the area that’s been made a UNESCO site!

See the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral

The Ruins of St. Paul’s are hard to miss and the chances are that you’ll walk past them without even intending to.

The ruins are at the heart of Macau’s historic center and date back to the early 17th Century.

The remaining facade is over 25 metres high and built of granite which meant it survived a fire that burned down the rest of the church.

These ruins are perhaps the most iconic landmark in Macau and they’re busy the entire year round. You can also get a great view of them from the fortress mentioned above.

Stop by Senado Square

Senado Square is right at the heart of Macao’s historic center and is a must-see in Macao.

The public square was paved with a mosaic pattern in the early 1990s and it’s known for this artwork as well as the pretty colored buildings bordering it.

There are some great shops and restaurants around the square, or just pick a side street and see what you find! 

Relax by the pool

If you’re planning to spend a few days in Macao, it’s nice to book a hotel with a pool so you can relax after a busy day of exploring. 

Three of the best hotels in Macau with pools are Galaxy Macau, JW Mariott Hote Macau, and the W Hotel in Macao. They all have quite luxurious rooms and great facilities including pools.

Grab a drink at Sky 21 Rooftop Bar

Whilst not the most budget-friendly thing to do in Macau, the Sky 21 Rooftop Bar is a great place to go for a pre or post-dinner drink in Macao.

The rooftop bar has an amazing view and you shouldn’t need to book in advance either.

Eat at MacauSoul

MacauSoul is super close to the Ruins of St. Paul and has a great wine bar. With a menu of over 400 Portuguese wines, it might be hard to choose but whatever you opt for it’s likely to taste great. 

Watch the Eiffel Tower light up

No, I’m not confused and thinking I’m writing a post about Paris. Macao has its own version of the Eiffel Tower outside the Parisian Casino.

You can head up to the observation decks on decks 7 and 37, or admire it from below.

Whilst not quite as tall as the real Eiffel Tower, this half-size Eiffel Tower is still impressive. 

Ride a zipline over Macau

Zipcity is a super cool city zipline attraction in Macau where you’ll find music and lights as you zipline across the streets. It feels a bit like a fun flying party!

The Macau zipline is super high, 60 meters up, and stretches for 388 meters across.

When you zip across, you can go as fast as 55 kilometers an hour and see amazing views of Cotai, whether it’s day or night.

The best part? After you ride, they’ll send you free pictures and a video to your email so you have great memories of your ride.

Enjoy a sunset on the Macau strip

One of the best places to enjoy the sunset is from the Macau strip.

Wander over the walking bridges that cross over the strip and take in the sunset amongst the neon lights.

Visit Taipa Village

Taipa Village is located in Taipa not far from the Cotai Strip.

This village used to be home to local fishermen and has traditional cobbled streets, shophouses, and cultural things to do including museums.

Keep your eyes open for the street art too! If you’re a food lover, then make sure to check out Rua do Cunha food street! 

Learn more at the Macau Museum

The Macao Museum is the place to go if you’re interested in learning more about Macao’s history and culture.

The museum is inside the Monte Fort area which is another of my recommendations of things to do in Macao.

The museum takes you through the history of the city with photos and artifacts and you’ll learn more about the people who’ve lived there and their traditions too.

It’s a great way to add an extra layer of understanding to your trip to Macao.

Visit Rua do Cunha

Rua do Cunha is a famous street in Macao where you can eat, shop, and have fun.

It’s sometimes referred to as food street and people love going there because it’s like a food paradise with yummy treats everywhere you look!

You can try famous Macao snacks like almond cookies and egg tarts and it’s also a great place for souvenir shopping.

When you walk around, you’ll see some of the typical Macao old buildings which are beautiful.

Then, at night, the street becomes lively with lights and people enjoying their time.

Check out the Fisherman’s Wharf Shopping Center

Fisherman’s Wharf in Macao isn’t a huge shopping center which is also like visiting different locations from around the world all under one roof!

You’ll find buildings that look like they’re from European cities, the Venice Canal, and plenty of places to eat and drink too.

It’s like traveling the world without leaving Macao!

See A-Ma Temple

A-Ma Temple was built in 1488 and it’s one of the oldest temples in the city.

Visiting this temple in Macao is a must as it’s beautiful!

Said to be dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, you’ll find beautiful carvings and six main parts of the temple which include a Memorial Arch, Prayer Hall, and the Buddhist Pavilion.

Be respectful as you walk around and soak in the special atmosphere of this place.

Have fun at the mesmerizing TeamLab SuperNature

TeamLab SuperNature is like stepping into a magic world!

It’s a huge space filled with lights, colors, and sounds that change and move around.

Imagine walking through a forest where the trees light up, or being under the sea with glowing fish swimming around you. That’s what it feels like at TeamLab SuperNature.

It’s not just about looking; you can also touch and interact with the art.

It’s a super fun place to explore and you’ll get some great photos out of it too.

• Opening hours: Daily 11 am – 7 pm, closed Wednesdays
• Tickets: US $35
• Buy online here

Watch the House of Dancing Water Show

The House of Dancing Water Show in Macao is like a dream come true!

Imagine dancers and acrobats performing amazing moves on water, above it, and even below.

There are big splashes, stunning lights, and heart-touching music. In fact, it’s the world’s largest water-based production!

This show takes place in a huge state-of-the-art aquatic stage that’s equivalent to the size of 5 Olympic-sized pools and the storyline, acrobatics, music, and lights will make it an experience you’ll remember forever!

Watch the Macao Grand Prix

The Macau Grand Prix was taking place when we visited and so many of the streets near the ferry were set up ready for the cars.

The event usually takes place towards the end of November and sees both cars and motorbikes take to the streets to race it out. 

Take a ride on Wynn Palace’s SkyCab

Take flight in a sky cab that flies over water and gives you the best views of Macao.

The SkyCab is a fun cable car ride that goes around the Wynn Palace.

As you ride, you can see fountains dancing below and the whole city around you. It’s like being on a fun adventure in the sky.

If you want to see Macao from a different angle and enjoy a thrilling ride, don’t miss the SkyCab!

Check out Coloane

For a quieter option of places to visit in Macau, head to Coloane. Coloan is to the south of Macau and is home to Hac Sa black sand beach.

It has an interesting history, having previously been the place where pirates hid out due to the coves.

Wandering around the narrow streets gets you away from the more crowded parts of Macau and it’s a great way to pass an afternoon.

Visit Hac Sa Beach

Macao isn’t just about city lights and big shows; it also has a beautiful beach called Hac Sa Beach.

This beach is quite unusual since it’s got black sand!

Head here for a relaxing day, play in the water, or spend some time building sandcastles.

See the Guia Lighthouse

The Guia Lighthouse is a famous lighthouse in Macau in a beautiful park right in the middle of Macao.

It’s close to the terminal where the ferries come in and out and also to a reservoir for the city.

The lighthouse has some of the best views of the city and you can get an escalator up to the top of the hill the lighthouse sits on. Do bear in mind that the escalator might be closed in the evening though.

By the lighthouse and the building next to it, you’ll find old guns and a small church with old wall paintings from the 1600s.

There are also underground tunnels to see and pictures that tell about the fort’s past.

Eat famous egg tarts

You can’t go to Macau and not eat an egg tart; it’s one of the best things to do in Macao! When it comes to food in Macau make sure this is on your list.

They’re delicious and whilst similar to the Portuguese egg custard tart they’re not exactly the same.

The best place for an egg tart in Macao is Lord Stow’s Bakery where they sell thousands of tarts a day. But, you’ll find plenty of places to get one all over Macau.

Take in the views of the Lisboa hotel

One of the prettiest buildings in Macau is the Grand Lisboa Hotel.

This hotel is just over 250m tall and definitely unique in terms of what it looks like!

How to get to Macao 

Most people visit Macao from Hong Kong but we visited from Mainland China. I’ve included information on how to get to Macao from both Hong Kong and China. 

How to get to Macao from Hong Kong

Getting to Macao from Hong Kong is super easy. You can take a bus or taxi across the Hong Kong Macao bridge, or take the ferry.

Taking the ferry from Hong Kong to Macao is super easy and can be booked in advance.

There are two ferry options between Hong Kong and Macau; the Cotai Jet or the Turbo Jet with both taking around an hour.

The prices are pretty much the same but the Turbo Jet takes you right to the historic center of Macau, whereas the Cotai Jet goes to Taipa (a bit further out).

How to get to Macao from China

Coming from Mainland China, the easiest way to get to Macao is to get the train to Shenzhen and then the ferry from Shenzhen to Macao.

There are 12 sailings a day and they take around an hour. There’s only one company to choose from Turbo Jet. 

How to get around Macao

Once you have arrived in Macau, it is easy to get around by taxi, hotel shuttle buses or on foot.

Taxis are metered in Macau and can be hailed fairly easily, but you might find that you don’t really need a taxi because almost every hotel in Macau has a free shuttle bus that transports people between the historic centre, the various Macau hotels, to and from ferry piers and to and from the airport.

These shuttle buses are free to use, and you do not need to prove that you are staying at their property.

Travel tips for visiting Macao

I have more information on what I wish I’d known before visiting China for the first time in this guide to tips for visiting China but below are some additional ones that apply just to Macao.

• Currency in Macao: Macao’s currency is the Macanese Pataca. You’ll find the Hong Kong dollar is widely accepted too but you’ll likely be given a chance in Pataca. The Macanese Pataca is not accepted in Hong Kong or Mainland China, so try to use it all up before you leave. There are also ATMs you can use.
• Visa for Macao: A lot of countries don’t need any special visa to visit Macao but check before you go. 
• Remember your passport: You’ll cross borders entering Macao either from Hong Kong or China. 
• When to visit Macau?: The best time to visit Macao is from March – June and September – November. 
• Language in Macao: Most Macanese speak Cantonese. Some speak English and most signs are in Portuguese, English, and Chinese.  

Where to stay in Macao

These hotels in Macao are in a great location for your trip. 

• Ole London Hotel Macao: where we stayed. Budget-friendly and decent location for walking everywhere. 
• Metropark Hotel
• Grand Lapa Macau: has a great-looking pool!
• Sheraton Grand Macao
• The Venetian Macao
• Macau Hotel S
• Pousada de Coloane Boutique: Beachfront hotel that’d be perfect for a more relaxing break.

FAQs on these Macau things to do

Final thoughts on my guide to things to do Macau China

You can use this travel guide as a Macao to do list to make sure you’re visiting the best things to do in Macao.

This guide has included plenty of the top Macau things to see such as the casinos and the historical center, as well as some of the lesser-known places such as the beaches and the parks.

If you’re spending more time in China, be sure to check out this guide to what to do in Yangshuo, check out these beautiful old towns in China, this 4 day Beijing itinerary, what to eat in Beijing, and how to visit the Great Wall of China. I’ve also got some bucket list China destinations too.

Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by Hannah