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MACAU ITINERARY: 15 Top-Rated Tourist Spots & Things to Do in Macau
Visiting Macau for the first time? Check out our exciting list of 15 Top-Rated Tourist Spots in Macau, Tourist Attractions, and FREE things to do in Macau!
Things to do in Macau
Macau, also known as the “Las Vegas of Asia,” is a vibrant city with a unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. The city is known for its luxurious casinos, including the Venetian Macao and the Wynn Macau, which attract millions of visitors annually. In addition to its gambling scene, Macau is home to several historic landmarks, including the Ruins of St. Paul’s, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Senado Square, a charming pedestrian square surrounded by pastel-colored colonial buildings.
Other popular tourist spots in Macau include the Macau Tower, the A-Ma Temple, and the Taipa Village, a quaint neighborhood known for its traditional Portuguese architecture and delicious cuisine.
Here are some of the Top Tourist Spots, Attractions, and FREE Things to do in Macau!
1. Cotai Strip
First on the list of the best Macau tourist spots is none other than the Cotai Strip. Whether you’re into gambling or just touring around, the Cotai Strip is a must-visit in Macau. Feel like you’re waking up in Las Vegas at Cotai Strip, filled with numerous sparkling casinos, clubs, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and shops.
As the mini-Vegas of Asia, the area attracts many tourists to gamble, socialize, or visit popular Macau attractions such as the Grand Lisboa, the Venetian Casino, and the Parisian Macao. If you have money to spend, staying at the 75,000-square-meter Galaxy Macau is also worth the experience.
- ADDRESS: Estr. Do Istmo, Macao
- HOW TO GET THERE: In addition to several public bus services serving the area, many hotels on Cotai offer free shuttle buses for guests and visitors. These shuttle buses ferry passengers from the Border Gate, Macau International Airport, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, and Taipa Ferry Terminal to the hotels, and vice versa. The Taipa section of the Macau Light Rapid Transit serves the Cotai Strip and the larger area of Cotai. The line has stations at nearly every hotel-casino as it runs along the Cotai Strip perimeter road.
- HOURS: 24 hours
- ENTRANCE FEE: Free
2. Venetian Macao
Another popular tourist destination in Macau is Venetian Macao. It’s the 2nd-largest casino and the 10th-largest building worldwide by floor area. The Venetian Macao is a lavish hotel on the Cotai Strip, featuring a European-style design and a floor area of 10,500,000 square feet.
If you’re not a fan of casinos, Venetian Macao has an indoor mall. It has over 330 stores, including upscale boutiques and world-renowned brands. But the main highlight of Venetian Macao is the Grand Canal, where you can enjoy a 20-minute ride on a gondola with your friends or special someone.
- ADDRESS: Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Macao
- HOW TO GET THERE: The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service from the airport, ferry terminals, and border gates.
- HOURS: The Casino at the resort is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The mall and the Gondola rides within the hotel operate from 10 am to 10 pm.
- ENTRANCE FEE: Free except for the Gondola ride.
3. Senado Square
The Senado Square is a 3,700-square-meter public plaza that served as a meeting area for Portuguese and Chinese from the 16th to 18th centuries. It’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Centre Macau, featuring an extended triangular-shaped plaza and narrow streets.
Senado Square is filled with numerous restaurants, shops, and heritage sites. There are also local vendors selling a variety of snacks and souvenirs in the area. If you’re looking for a day tour in Macau, add the century-old Senado Square to your list.
4. Ruins of St. Paul
From Senado Square, walk about 5 to 10 minutes and follow the signs to the most famous tourist attraction in Macau, the Ruins of St. Paul. Built between 1602 and 1640, the Ruins of Saint Paul’s were once considered one of the largest Catholic churches in Asia.
However, a fire in 1835 destroyed most of the structure, leaving only its baroque-style façade at 25 meters high. It’s one of the best Macau tourist spots, featuring statues of Jesuit saints, relief ornaments, and an engraving above its doorway stating that the church is dedicated to the Mother of God.
5. A-Ma Temple
Situated in São Lourenço, Macau, the magnificent A-Ma Temple is a place of worship dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, Mazu. A-Ma Temple was built in 1488 and is one of Macau’s oldest temples, comprising 6 main parts. It includes the Buddhist Pavilion, Gate Pavilion, Memorial Arch, Prayer Hall, Hall of Guanyin, and Hall of Benevolence, the oldest parts of A-Ma Temple.
As one of Macau’s most important religious sites, A-Ma Temple is a must-see and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Centre Macau.
6. Kun Iam Temple
The Kun Iam Temple is another worth-visiting Macau tourist attraction, a dedicated worship place for the Goddess of Mercy. Founded during the Yuan dynasty, around the 13th to 14th century, Kun Iam is considered one of Macau’s oldest temples. It’s officially named Pou Chai Sim Un and is regarded as one of Macau’s three biggest Buddhist temples.
Located on Coronel Mesquita Avenue, the present temple was constructed in 1627 during the rule of Emperor Tian Qi and features 3 main pavilions, 3 Buddha figures, and roofs adorned with Ming-period porcelain figures.
7. Guia Fortress
Apart from temples, the centuries-old Guia Fortress is a must-see when you travel to Macau. Completed in 1865, the Guia Fortress is a military fort, lighthouse, and chapel complex, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Centre Macau. Around 1622 and 1638, the fort and chapel were built, while the lighthouse was constructed from 1864 to 1865.
This historic site stands on Guia Hill, Macau’s highest point, and features a 91.4-meter-high lighthouse. Today, the Guia Fortress is regarded as one of Macau’s top tourist attractions, accessible by cable car or hiking trails.
8. Fortaleza do Monte
If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the chance to explore the Fortaleza do Monte during your Macau travel. Also known as Mount Fortress, this historical landmark was built on Mount Hill from 1617 to 1626 and covers approximately 8,000 square meters. It also served as the governor’s residence in Macau from 1623 to 1740 and as a weather observatory from 1966 to 1996.
Today, the Fortaleza do Monte functions as the Museum of Macau, exhibiting anthropology, archaeology, and the ways in which the Chinese, Macanese, and Portuguese lived together. Also, the fort has a park on top, offering an extensive view of Macau’s mainland area.
9. The Maritime Museum
Located opposite of A-Ma Temple, the Maritime Museum is said to be the first place where the Portuguese landed. Also known as the Museu Marítimo de Macau, the museum was completed in 1987 and is shaped like a sailing ship. It features innovations in meteorological and nautical instruments.
In addition, the museum comprises four areas: the Maritime Technology Exhibition Hall, the Maritime History Exhibition Hall, the Maritime Customs Exhibition Hall, and an underground exhibition featuring various fishing equipment, clothing, and model ships.
10. Giant Panda Pavilion
For families traveling with children, one recommended activity in Macau is visiting the Giant Panda Pavilion. Bring your family and friends and catch sight of the rarest member of the bear family, the giant panda. This nature park is located in Seac Pai Van Park, featuring an aesthetically striking structure with a translucent roof resembling a seashell.
It houses plump giant pandas, adorable red pandas, and various monkey species. The pavilion also features a children’s playground, gardens, and koi ponds. What’s more? Entering the park is free, but visitors should pay a fee to see the pandas.
11. Macau Tower
Unleash your adventurous side by visiting the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center, which measures 338 meters tall. The Macau Tower is one of Macau’s most impressive landmarks. Constructed from 1998 to 2001, it features an observation deck, shops, restaurants, and theaters.
For thrill-seekers, experience the Skywalk X, a heart-stopping walking tour on the observation deck’s outer rim. But if you’re into extreme sports, don’t forget to try the world’s highest bungee at AJ Hackett Macau Tower, where you can jump off at 223 meters high.
12. The Parisian Macao
Located on the Cotai Strip, the Parisian Macao is one of Macau’s top tourist destinations. Built in 2016, Parisian Macao is an opulent French-themed casino, resort, and shopping complex, featuring 2,700 rooms, 170 shops, and a 56,000-square-foot meeting space.
But it wouldn’t be complete without the half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower from Paris, which became a famous landmark on the Cotai Strip. The 160-meter-tall Eiffel Tower also features a viewing deck on the 37th floor, so you can enjoy it from the top or at night to see the musical light show.
13. Coloane Island
Situated in southern Macau, Coloane Island is connected to the mainland by a causeway and bridge. Coloane Island is the best spot away from the city, where you’ll see plenty of eucalyptus trees, pine forests, farmland, and tropical vegetation. If you’re looking for a more laid-back tourist attraction, Coloane Island will not disappoint, as it boasts stunning beaches with fine white sand.
The best one on the island is Hac Sa Beach, the largest natural beach on the Macau peninsula. Some of the most-visited spots on the island include Cheoc Van Beach and Tam Chin Temple.
14. Taipa Village
Experience the charm of old Macau by exploring the Taipa Village, where you’ll see eye-catching colonial houses, streets, alleys, and the Taipa House, boasting Portuguese-style architecture. Taipa Village is a great spot, offering plenty of tourist attractions, such as Tin Hau, Pak Kai Temple, and the Buddhist Shrine of the Four Faces.
Additionally, Taipa Village is the best place to find delicious, authentic street food, including Portuguese pork buns and egg tarts, Chinese-style dried meat, and Durian ice cream.
15. House of Dancing Water Show Macau
For a unique entertainment experience, catching the House of Dancing Water Show in Macau will surely leave you in awe. The House of Dancing Water is one of the most popular shows in Macau, which is a water-based stage production filled with action, from dancing and acrobats to diving and theater, with some added splash.
This show stands out for the perfect blend of acrobatics and water, making every move spectacular. It starts with a solid floor stage and transforms into a shallow pool. Then, ballerinas will elegantly dance across the water fountains to divers performing flying somersaults and landing on a 26-foot diving pool.
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