At just 33 square kilometres, Macao is a small city compared with nearby Hong Kong and Zhuhai. But despite its compact size, Macao is jam packed with a wide range of attractions, giving its neighbours a run for their money.
From pastel-coloured Portuguese architecture to centuries-old Chinese temples, Macao offers a unique blend of cultures that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. History isn’t the only selling point: the territory possesses world class casino-resorts that have rightfully earned it the moniker “the Las Vegas of the East.”
[See more: Insider’s guide to Macao: Top tips every visitor should know]
Whether you’re looking to live the high life or want to simply immerse yourself in the melting pot of East meets West, Macao has something to offer visitors of all types.
Here are some of the best attractions in Macao.
Ruins of St Paul’s
Macao’s most iconic landmark, the Ruins of St Paul’s, are the remains of the 17th-century Church of Mater Dei and adjoining St. Paul’s College, which were both destroyed by fire in 1874. Only the granite façade survived, and is a physical manifestation of Macao’s mix of Eastern and Western culture, featuring Catholic symbols and designs, as well as more exotic elements like Chinese characters, Japanese chrysanthemum motifs, and carvings of Portuguese ships.
[See more: The man who made St Paul’s and the secrets behind the ruins that few tourists know]
Once you’ve finished exploring the ruins, stroll down to Pátio do Espinho, a small, but historically rich location situated behind the façade, which once served as a safe haven for Japanese Catholics escaping persecution in the 16th century. Nowadays, the area is a time capsule that captures the atmosphere of old Macao, with its distinctive walled pátio courtyard.
Insider tip: Located next to the Ruins, Travessa da Paixão is one of the prettiest lanes in the city, thanks to its pastel coloured buildings on either side, corinthian windows, cobblestones and view of the ruins. True to its name (paixão is the Portuguese word for “passion”) the lane has become a hotspot for couples wishing to have their wedding photos taken.
Opening hours: Steps and façade, 24 hours. Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt, 9 am to 6 pm, but closed after 2 pm on Tuesday. Inner area of the ruins, 9 am to 6 pm.
Location: Company of Jesus Square
Historic Centre of Macao (Senado Square)
The Historic Centre of Macao is an umbrella term that encompasses 30 Chinese and Portuguese heritage structures and sites scattered across the city’s central and Inner Harbour districts. Senado Square, traditionally Macao’s commercial and administrative heart, is one of the most representative sections and is instantly recognisable, thanks to its distinctive lusitanian paving (known as calçada Portuguesa in Portuguese), neoclassical buildings and fountain.
Facing the square is the Leal Senado Building, which has long been the nerve centre for Macao’s municipal affairs. The building – constructed on a site with over four centuries of history – is open to visitors. Head to the courtyard garden in the back to take a look at the elaborate Portuguese azulejos (ceramic tiles) and busts of the renowned Portuguese writer Luís Vaz de Camões and educator Joāo de Deus.
[See more: A culinary adventure at São Domingos Market with Chef Simon Li]
If you still have time on your hands, stroll over to Rua da Felicidade, once the red light district of Macao now gentrified into a popular eat street. Here you’ll find various food and beverage outlets, including the long-running noodle establishment Cheong Kei, Fei Zhai (“Fat Boy”) Peanut Candy and the Koi Kei Bakery.
Insider tip: For those looking for souvenirs, the Portuguese Bookshop is a good option. In addition to Portuguese and English language books – many centered around Macao’s history and culture – you’ll also find plenty of gift items.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro
St Dominic’s Church
Originally built in 1587, St Dominic’s Church is conveniently located midway on the walk between the Ruins of St Paul’s and Senado Square. Its pastel yellow exterior and corinthian columns are complemented by white stucco decoration and large green windows and doors that work together to give the building a charmingly elegant appearance.
[See more: A guide to Catholic Macao]
Despite the changes in the surrounding area, the church remains much the same as before, serving as an important place of Catholic worship and the starting point of the annual Procession of Our Lady of Fátima on 13 May. In addition, St Dominic’s houses a small museum in its bell tower, which showcases a range of priceless religious items dating as far back as the 17th century.
Insider tip: After exploring the church and museum, why not refuel at the nearby branch of Leitaria I Son (a 3-minute walk away)? The well-known local chain of eateries specialises in milk-based beverages and desserts, as well as cha chaan teng (Cantonese café) food.
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Location: St Dominic’s Square
The Mandarin’s House and Lilau Square
Formerly the residence of Zheng Guangying, a reformist whose pioneering ideas about education and science had a profound impact on 20th century Chinese political figures such as Sun Yat-sen and Mao Zedong, the Mandarin’s House is an often overlooked attraction due to its location away from the more commercial areas of the city. The Qing Dynasty property – once the largest private residence in the city – is well worth a visit however, for its unique blend of Eastern and Western architecture and fascinating history.
[See more: Understanding the man and the legacy behind Macao’s Mandarin’s House]
Nearby is Lilau Square, which has a distinctly Portuguese feel. The square was among the first places in Macao where the Portuguese settlers resided and boasts Art Deco style buildings that are painted in pastel colours. There’s also a fountain. Once an important source of freshwater, the fountain is the subject of a local legend, which holds that anyone who drinks from it shall return to Macao.
Insider tip: For a lovely view of the peninsula, including Nam Van and Sai Van Lakes, Macau Tower and the bridges, take the roughly 6-minute walk from Lilau Square up the hill to the Chapel of Our Lady of Penha.
Opening hours: Mandarin’s House, 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Wednesdays. Lilau Square, 24 hours
Location: No. 10, Travessa de António da Silva and Largo do Lilau
A-Ma Temple
This is the oldest temple in Macao, with a history that is believed to stretch all the way back to 1488, predating the establishment of the city. The historic site reflects Macao’s early days as a fishing settlement, as is dedicated to the goddess of seafarers Mazu (媽祖), who also goes by the name Tian Hou (天后).
The temple includes a hall for Tianhou and Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy), as well as a Buddhist pavilion. If you feel so well inclined, you can purchase some joss sticks and pray for good health and auspiciousness at the various altars. Like many other temples, kau chim (求签), or fortune telling sticks, are also available.
[See more: Much of George Chinnery’s Macao survives today: Here’s where to find it]
Aside from being a place of worship, the temple is a terrific place to appreciate the beauty of traditional Chinese architecture and design, and features many elegant rock inscriptions, the largest of which has the characters “Tai Yi” (太乙), carved on it. Some believe it to be a reference to the Taoist deity of the same name, but there are other possible readings.
Insider tip: Barra Kitchen is to the right of the temple and a great, affordable place to grab a bite. Formerly a dockside, the area has been repurposed as a zone for food trucks, including A Chi Noodles, Bah Bah’s Kitchen, Lo Yau Keei Tai O, Planet Ice Cream, Leong Wai Kei, Man Ko’s Lobster Hotpot and Ten Ten Burger.
Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm
Location: Barra Square
Macau Tower
The brainchild of late gaming mogul, Stanley Ho – who was inspired to build the structure in 1998 after visiting the Sky Tower in Auckland – the 338-metre high Macau Tower has become one of the icons of the city’s skyline.
[See more: The Internet asked, ‘Is it Macau or Macao?’ and we answered]
Apart from a selection of dining and shopping offerings, Macau Tower also has an observation deck, as well as the world’s highest commercial bungy jump. If you’re after a thrill but find bungy jumping just too much adrenaline, try skywalking – where you walk around the top of the structure while tethered to a safety rope.
Insider tip: For a sky-high view of the pyrotechnics, try a skywalk during the Macao International Fireworks Displays Contest, which takes place annually over the course of several weekends in September and October. Tickets cost around 800 patacas.
Opening hours: Skypark by AJ Hackett (bungy jumping and skywalk), 11 am to 7 pm (Monday to Friday), 10:30 am to 7:30 pm (Saturday and Sunday). Observation deck, 10 am to 7 pm (Monday to Friday), 10 am to 8 pm (weekends and public holidays).
Location: Largo da Torre de Macau
Guia Fortress, Chapel and Lighthouse
Located on top of Guia Hill, this military structure has roughly 400 years of history, and played an important part in the Portuguese effort to defend Macao against the Dutch invasion of 1622.
The area also features the 160-year-old Guia Lighthouse – the first modern lighthouse to be built on the southern Chinese coast – as well as the Guia Chapel, which was constructed circa 1622 and features frescos with Eastern and Western design elements.
[See more: How the 1622 Battle of Macao unfolded]
To reach the fortress, you can either take a leisurely hike up through Guia Municipal Park or ride the cable car, which costs only 5 patacas for a round trip.
Insider tip: Time your visit right and you can go inside the lighthouse, which only opens to the public a few times a year, such as on China Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in June. Pre-registration is required.
Opening hours: Guia Fortress, 9 am to 6 pm. Guia Chapel, 10 am to 5 pm. Guia Lighthouse, special occasions only
Location: Guia Hill Municipal Park
Macao Grand Prix Museum
This is a great attraction for any motorsports enthusiast visiting Macao. The museum spreads across four floors and takes you on a journey through the history of the Guia Circuit and the development of the Grand Prix, with vehicles on display and wax figures of famous racers.
If you’re looking to try your hands on formula racing, there’s also a VR facility. In addition, there are daily scheduled tours in various languages, as well as an array of events and workshops that are organised over the course of the year.
[See more: Here’s everything you need to know about the Guia Circuit]
The museum offers free admission during International Museum Day (18 May) and on 1 June – the anniversary of its inauguration.
Insider tip: When you’re done at the museum, stroll over the road to Lotus Square – a large plaza used for civic ceremonies, such as the flag raising on National Day.
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Sunday, closed on Tuesday
Location: Rua de Luís Gonzaga Gomes no. 431
MGM Poly Museum
The nearly 2,000-square-metre MGM Poly Museum opened in November last year and displays around 230 Chinese cultural artefacts and artworks, the highlights of which include four of the zodiac heads from the Old Summer Palace in the late 19th century, as well as a Guangcai plate dating back to the Qing Dynasty. The relics, however, are only one part of the equation, as the museum takes advantage of digital technology and audio to create an immersive experience.
[See more: Here’s your first look at Poly MGM Museum]
The museum’s inaugural exhibition is centred around the theme of the Maritime Silk Road – the historic sea trade route that connected Asia to the Middle East and Europe – and runs until September 2025. Pieces featured range from historical documents and objects retrieved from shipwrecks, such as navigation tools, bronze artefacts, and porcelain.
Insider tip: If all those imperial Chinese relics leave you with a craving for imperial Chinese cuisine, you’re in luck. MGM Macau’s Imperial Court, with its striking dragon column, is in the same building, serving contemporary Chinese fare.
Opening hours: 11 am to 7 pm, Monday to Thursday; 11 am to 9 pm, Friday; 10 am to 8 pm, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays
Location: Level 2, MGM Macau, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, NAPE
Taipa Village & Houses
If you’re looking for a slice of old Macao, Taipa Village offers plenty of quaint restaurants, shops, museums, temples, as well as a church. Look for small, traditional pastel-coloured buildings, shophouses, cobblestones, backstreets and winding alleys. The area, once home to local fishermen, isn’t just about embracing the past, though. You’ll find plenty of up to date eateries in Rua do Cunha and new commercial spaces set to open in 2025.
[See more: How to do Rua do Cunha like a pro]
The Taipa Houses are also a must-visit spot in the village. These five distinctly green Portuguese-style buildings, which are over 100 years old, overlook the lush Taipa wetland. One of them houses the Macanese Living Museum, dedicated to the history of Macao’s creole community and a recreation of an affluent Macanese family home. Another of the buildings houses Casa Maquista, a restaurant specialising in historic Macanese dishes – described as the world’s first fusion cuisine.
Insider tip: The original Lord Stow’s Bakery in Coloane is a tourist mecca, but if you’re pressed for time the bakery has a branch on Rua do Cunha stocked with the same treats, including the famous Macao egg tarts.
Opening hours: Taipa Houses, 10 am to 7 pm
Location: Taipa Village
The Venetian Macao
Sands China was the first international casino operator to set foot on the Cotai Strip, and it modelled the Venetian Macao after its counterpart in Las Vegas, but made it bigger and brighter in every way. There are areas designed to resemble the streets of Venice, complete with canals and gondolas, while the local Venetian’s gambling hall is among the largest in the world.
[See more: Meet five of the Venetian Macao’s longest-serving team members]
Not into gambling? No matter, as the Venetian is chock full of shopping and dining options, along with entertainment ranging from exhibitions and movies to concerts. If you’re staying overnight, this five-star resort offers 3,000 rooms to choose from.
Insider tip: From Chanel to Dior, the designer brands lining Shoppes at Venetian can intimidate, but there are lots of affordable options too, including Muji, the “no brand” store that has become a brand in its own right, and its Japanese compatriot Uniqlo, known for trendy fashion on a budget.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: Estrada da Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança
teamLab SuperNature Macao
An international art collective, styled “teamLab,” has been operating an exhibition of immersive art installations in the Venetian Macao since 2020. The teamLab SuperNature Macao show features three dimensional digital installations like the Floating Flower Garden, which uses real orchids, mirrors and wires to create the illusion of a room that is brimming with blossoming flowers.
[See more: How teamLab built a stunning interactive universe inside the Venetian]
Multi Jumping Universe is similarly creative, making use of a flexible surface and digital projections of deep space to generate an environment that is out of this world. There are many other such displays. Expect to spend at least an hour exploring all that teamLab SuperNature Macao has to offer.
Insider tip: Highly Sensitive People and other neurodivergent individuals may want to sit this one out. The exhibition can be disorienting and over-stimulating for some visitors.
Opening hours: 11 am to 7 pm, Monday to Sunday
Location: Cotai Expo, The Venetian Macao
Studio City Water Park
This is Macao’s first-ever water park, as well as the city’s biggest. The venue consists of an indoor and outdoor area, both of which are jam-packed with rides, including a 20-metre high slide called the Highpoint Twister, and the family-friendly raft ride, Riverscape. There’s also a 300-metre water roller coaster called Lightspeed Shuttle and a massive water slide dubbed Teleport Tower.
[See more: These are the best things to do with kids in Macao]
When the kids are ready to dry off, head over to Studio City’s Super Fun Zone – a massive playground that will let them expend even more energy.
Insider tip: Not every attraction at the water park is open all year round, and the outdoor area is completely closed until 26 April. Do call ahead before your visit.
Opening hours: 12 noon to 8 pm
Location: Studio City, Estrada do Istmo
Coloane Village
Coloane Village is the perfect place for those looking for a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the peninsula and Taipa. Formerly a fishing village, this part of Macao distinguishes itself from the rest of the city through its sleepy streets and petite buildings.
One of the must visit places in the village is the original Lord Stow’s Bakery, the birthplace of Macao’s iconic egg tarts. Other landmarks that are worth checking out in the area include the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier (dedicated to the missionary most closely associated with bringing Catholicism to Asia), an eye-catching pastel yellow church that was constructed in 1928.
[See more: Macao has been ranked as one of the world’s top 100 city destinations by Euromonitor]
A short walk away from the chapel, you’ll find two centuries-old temples dedicated to seafaring deities – the Ancient Temple of Tin Hau (dedicated to the Goddess of Seafarers) and Tam Kong Temple (in honour of the Taoist god).
There are several highly Instagrammable locations around the village. A particular favourite is “the red house” – the colourful former residence of Lord Stow’s founder.
Insider tip: Try going to the village by boat. A small, 43-seater operates between Barra Pier (near the A-Ma Temple), on the Macao peninsula, and Coloane Pier and on Thursdays, Fridays, weekends and holidays. A one-way trip lasts roughly 25-minutes and costs 80 patacas. For more information, click here.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: Coloane Village
