12 Must Visit Macau Attractions & Travel Guide

21/02/2020 Tommy Ooi Macau 92

Before reading on, you might be interested in these related articles

Going to Hong Kong? Book your Hong Kong to Macau Ferry Tickets online.

1. Ruins of St Paul’s

The Ruins of St Paul’s was originally built in the 17th century, it was destroyed by fire in 1835. What remains till today is the facade of the Church & St Paul’s college.

Nowadays, the facade of the Ruins of St. Paul’s functions symbolically as an altar to the city.

Bus Routes : 3, 3X, 4, 6A, 8A, 18A, 19, 26A, 33, N1A (Google Map)

2. Senado Square

Senado Square has been Macau’s urban centre for centuries & still a popular venue for celebrations. It is paved with wave-patterned mosaic coloured stones created by the Portuguese.

The square is surrounded by beautiful pastel-coloured neo-classical buildings with the former Senate building just opposite the fountain.

Bus Routes : 3, 3X, 4, 6A, 8A, 18A, 19, 26A, 33, N1A (Google Map)

3. A-Ma Temple 媽閣廟

Macau’s name is derived from A-Ma-Gau or Place of A-Ma and this temple dedicated to the seafarers’ goddess dates from the early 16th century.

The A-Ma Temple was constructed during the Ming Dynasty to commemorate Mazu, the sea goddess. According to legend, A-Ma, a poor girl looking for a passage to Canton, was refused by the wealthy junk owners but a lowly fisherman took her on board. A storm blew up and wrecked all but the boat carrying the girl. On arrival in Macau, she vanished, to reappear as a goddess, on the spot where the fishermen built her temple.

Opening Hours: 7 am to 6 pm.

Bus Routes – Barra Square : 1, 2, 5, 6B, 10, 10A, 11, 18, 21A, 26, 28B, 55, MT4, N3 (Google Map)

4. Macau Tower

Macau Tower is 338 metres in height and offers visitors a splendid panoramic view all over Macao and much of the Pearl River Delta from its observation deck and revolving restaurant, at the 223-metre level.

Skip The Queue, Book Online: Discounted Macau Tower Ticket

Bus Routes : 9A, 18, 23, 26, 32, 73 (Google Map)

For More Info: Macau Tower

5. Guia Fortress 東望洋炮台東望洋燈塔

Guia Fortress was initially designed to defend Macau from attacks from the sea, but because of its position overlooking the entire city, its chief value has been as an observation post.

The lighthouse stands at 91 meters tall and has a light visible for some 20 miles in clear weather conditions. The Guia Fortress was a restricted military area until 1976 when it opened as a major tourist attraction.

Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 5.30 pm

Bus Routes : 2, 2A, 6A, 12, 17, 18, 18A, 19, 22, 23, 25, 25X, 32, 56 (Google Map)

6. Venetian & Parisian Macao

Venetian Macau is one of the world largest casino & hotel with all 3,000 of its room are suites, each with more than 70 sqm of space and lavish Italian marble bathrooms.

Experience shopping with over 350 international shops, be dazzled by the street performers, or take a ride on an authentic Venetian gondola, all at the resort.

Parisian Macau, on the other hand, is the latest new shopping mall, hotel, casino and has its own Eiffel Tower.

Free Shuttle to Venetian Macau :

Free transfer from Macau International Airport, Taipa Ferry Terminal, Lotus Border and Sands Macau.

7. Rua du Cunha

Named after Portuguese explorer Tristão da Cunha, Rua du Cunha is a narrow pedestrian street offering a variety of delicious local food. The short alley offers some of the famous Macau eatery shops such as Lord Stow, Gelatina Mok Yi Kei, Seng Cheong Crab Porridge and many more.

It is also just a short 10 to 15 mins walk from Venetian to Rua dun Cunha.

Address: Rua du Cunha (Google Map)

8. Travessa da Paixão 戀愛巷

Travessa da Paixão is also known as Love Lane with a history of 80 years. The buildings are artfully painted making it a nice photo-taking spot among tourists. It is just located beside the Ruins of St Paul’s.

Address: Tv da Paixao (Google Map)

9. Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre

This statue is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. It is 20 meters tall and made of special bronze. The dome shape base like a lotus flower is an ecumenical centre where information is available on Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

Address: 1101 Av. Dr Sun Yat-Sen, Macau (Google Map)

Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on Friday.

Bus Routes: 10A, 17, 30X (Google Map)

10. St Dominic Church 玫瑰聖母堂

The St Dominic Church was founded in 1587 by three Spanish Dominican priests who originally came from Acapulco in Mexico. This is the place where the first Portuguese newspaper was published in China.

The bell tower, at the back of the building, is converted into a small Museum of Sacred Art with a collection of around 300 artefacts.

Opening hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Bus Routes : 3, 3X, 4, 6A, 8A, 18A, 19, 26A, 33, N1A (Google Map)

11. Galaxy Macau

Galaxy Macau is one of the top resort destinations in Macau with more than 2,200 rooms, suites and villas from Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, Okura Hotels & Resorts, and Galaxy Hotel.

Facilities include a selection of more than 50 food and beverage outlets, distinctive retail shopping; lush oasis gardens covering 52,000 square meters, and the world’s largest Skytop Wave Pool covering 4,000 square meters and featuring a 350-ton white sand beach.

Free Shuttle to Galaxy Macau :

Free transfer from StarWorld Hotel, Macau Ferry Terminal, Macau International Airport, Taipa Ferry Terminal, Lotus Border and Broadway Macau

For More Info: Galaxy Macau

12. Macao Giant Panda Pavilion

Credit: m.rademakerr

Macao Giant Panda Pavilion comprises two 330m2 indoor activity quarters and a 600m2 outdoor yard for the inhabitation of the giant pandas and a 900m2 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.

Please purchase tickets in advance due to the limited number of admission.

Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays, admission at 6 intervals per day.

Admission: MOP10

Bus routes : 15, 21A, 25, 26, 26A, 50, N3 (Google Map)

For More Info: Macau Panda

About Tommy Ooi 509 Articles
Luxury Hotel Reviewer & Destination Blogger. Passionate for travel, exploring new culture & indulging divine food, Tommy has traveled to 42 countries & 140+ destinations.
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92 Comments

  2. Hey! Thanks for the concise guide around macau! It’s really the best i’ve come across since i’ve started researching for my trip~ Hope dining in Macau will be posted in time before I get to macau =D

  3. HI Tommy,

    I love the shot you take, especialy the City of Dreams, macau.

    Can i use it for my own use, as i am compiling a list of where to go backpacking in a book?
    Or can you send your photoshot to me? Please?

    Thanks in advance!

    Sincerely,
    Nelson

  4. Hi Tommy,

    Love your blog! So many info I am getting for my travel to Macau-HK in a month later 🙂
    Could you do a post on Halal Food in Macau?
    Thanks so much!

    Regards,
    Izzan

  5. Hi Tommy

    Came across your website while researching about Hongkong. Very informative and precise blog – definitely useful for my trip to HK in mid-nov 2011. Thanks very much.

    Rgds
    L H (ms)

  6. The places you recommended looks great.. Do you happen to know any great clubbing places in Macau and to recommend me please? 😉 Especially for coming christmas…

  7. I’m here in Macau right now and this blog is very very helpful for me and my mom :)) Thank you so much! I especially love how you included the complimentary “getting there”.

  10. hi tommy!my hubby and i are planning to visit macau before this year end..with regards to your simplified attractions..could it be possible with just a 3 day stay?i want my visit to be worthwhile moment..could you give me an advise or a 3 day schedule tour..never been to abroad as this is my first time..i want to take your wise advise..thanks so much…

  12. Thanks for the post. I am doing research on how to spend my two days in Macau and what are the must-visit places and your post provides all the information I needed in a glance. Now, I have to consider should I do the walking tour to save some money or to take a hop-on-hop-off tourist bus that costs HKD150 per person.

  13. hi, I be travelling to macau in Jan 2013, wish to ask is it better to buy the hop-on hop off tourist bus alone or buy the hongkong pass iventure card? If I only know abit of cantonese, will I have problem finding the right buses to go? Or take taxi, is it safe?

  14. just read the Open top bus macau only from 9.30am to 4.15pm? So after 4.15pm, I would need to use taxi or other public buses? please kindly advise! thank you!!

  17. Hi Tommy,

    thanks for the concise details! Would like to seek your advise; if I only have 5 days 4 night with my family of 4 (my parents and brother), all adults, and could only spend 1 day in Macau and remaining 4 days in Hongkong, may I know how I can fit the itinerary in? What are the must go places we can squeeze into our schedule ? Thank you!

    Cheers,
    Fion

    • Hi, you can start off Ah Ma Temple then Ruins of St Paul, & walk down to Senado Square. Try Margaret Cafe Portuguese egg tart or have lunch in Chan Kong Kei roast duck. Then visit Venetian & City of dreams

      • Thanks so much Tommy! That will save me a lot of research time! I know I’m being very greedy hehe.. but just wondering Is it possible to also fit in The Fisherman Whart, Macau Tower and Kum Iam Status into the one day you have suggested? Ur pictures look so stunning!

  18. Hi tommy, I will go there on october 1′ 2013 with my frinds’ were frm hongkong,
    What bus we need t ride to ko to a ma, and all nice spots in macau, n what bus go
    Back to ferry terminal. Thank u so much for your hlp…

  19. Hi tommy, we are going to macau and chehoi china for 4 days 3 nites. I may only be spending 1 nite in macau. With your guide i am able to visit this places in macau without any problem. Thanks for your guide lines

  20. Hi Tommy,

    I would like to seek your advise.I’ll visit Macau on next month with my family and will stay there 1 1/2 days (next day 4pm will take ferry to Hong Kong). We will stay at Penha Apartment. So that we need your wise advise during 1 1/2 days which are the places we need to visit in Macau ?

    Thank you.

  21. Hi Tommy, I love all the attractions you’ve posted. I’ll try to visit them all this coming December. By the way, those photos were taken last 2010..right? Are the informations in “Getting There” part stil valid? We’ll just rely in the map and your data because we’re not familiar with the place.. thanks for sharing! 😀

  24. Hi Tommy….
    I’ll go to Macau just for 2 days, arrive 7pm n leave next day at 5pm. Can I visit all the 18 place that u mentions by bus?? (Macau Tower, A Ma Temple, Moorish Barracks, Lilau Square, Mandarin House, St Lawrence Church, St. Augustine’s Square, Dom Pedro V Theater, Leal Senado Building, Senado Square, Ruin’s of St. Paul’s, Macau Museum, Camoes Garden, Guia Fortress)

  26. Hi Tommy, thanks for concise information. Can you recommend any place in Macau with nice food to eat (must try)? I will be visiting Macau in November this year. Thanks.

  27. Hi Tommy,
    I would like to take a ferry from HK to Taipa and crossovert to Senado if there is time. Is it easy to get to Senado from Taipa?
    Thank you.

    Regards,
    Jasmine

  30. Is there pubs near or around sheraton macau area….and what are the pricing of beers or lager like…..be going down to macau on the 16th of this month and will be staying at sheraton….

  34. HHi there i am doing a reserach on macau bcs im thinking to go there this year end.. May i know how much are the bus fare and do they have like a bus card… Or something?

  35. Hi Can you please give me information on how I travel in Macau, Is it better to buy a travel pass or pay as I go. I am going to Macau for 3 days. Thank you.

  37. Hi Tommy,

    I like your blog, it’s good. My family and I is going to Macau soon and we will bring a kid which only one year old. so do you know how to get a driver there? as travel with a kid and parents is not east and I hope they can just enjoy and relax much with a driver, no need tour guide. thanks.

  39. macau is very facinating place where tourists can enjoy the natural sceneries as well as the hospitality of the people residing there.

  42. Hi Tommy,
    Thanks for all the info above.

    Quick question – What do you think one would miss out by visitng Macau on a Tuesday as opposed to other days of the week?

    Thanks

  43. Hi Tommy. we (my mom which is 67 y.o and my son, 7 y.o)will be visiting Macau on the 21st of this month, I would like to know, how many hours it will take us to visit the place: a ma temple, senado square, ruins, venetian and city of dreams? and what can you recommend resto, cheaper but food is great.

  44. Hi Tommy, we are staying in Tsim Sha Tsui. Well, i haven’t searched yet how far is Tsim Sha Tsui to the ferry terminal going to Macau, but my question is, can we sight see all of the attractions you’ve recommended and be back in Hongkong, well Tsim Sha Tsui at least the last boat trip back to Hongkong?

      • Thanks Tommy. What if well just sight see the one you compiled for bus 18? and maybe see venetian and city of dreams? we are book all thru the new year in hongkong. im not so sure if they will allow us a refund should we decide to sleep for a night in Macau. Are you from Macau? Any suggestion or idea how much is the cost if we will rent a van for a day? if there’s any? Thanks much.

  45. Hello tommy. Can i ask something? Since you’ve listed all tourist spot under bus 18. from hk-macau ferry terminal. Can you enumerate step by step the first place that would be a stop for a tourist. So that I can plan where to go first. Because I’m planning to use bus 18 all throughout my journey since it caters all. And i have one day only to go to. Please please reply

  48. 1. Any immigration custom from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal to Taipa Ferry Terminal, Macau?? Can i buy ticket on Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal?

    2. Visa needed to enter Macau?

    3. Bus station all aroud Macau area? Bus 18 is sufficient to find all attraction around

    • Hi Jia Seng, No immigration between Hong Kong & Macau as both doesnt require visa for Malaysian & Singaporean. And both has the same immigration policy so if you are able to enter either one means u can travel to the other place with no hassle at all.

  49. Macau has so many beautiful attractions, and you list the run down Canidrome as number ten!!!! Why would a tourist want to go to a place where greyhounds are quite literally raced to death. They sleep on wooden beds; if they don’t come in the top three in five consecutive races, they are killed; the track they run on is hard and dangerous and they are often injured; and there’s no rehoming programme, so matter how hard they try to please their greedy masters, they are killed within three years. Do people in Macau really think this is the way to treat the noble greyhound?

  53. Hi Tommy,
    Thanks for an excellent description of travelers attractions in Macau. how many days do we need to visit all the 15 places mentioned?

  54. I used this page to visit Macau for the first time in 2014. Now I look for this webpage every time I recommend someone to visit Macau for a day tour from Hong Kong. Thanks.

  56. Hello! I’ll be travelling to Hong Kong very soon and planning to have a day trip at Macau. I’d like to ask which terminal (Macau Maritime or Cotai Ferry Terminal?) I’ve got to stop at to travel around these places you posted above? Thanks 🙂

  57. and also, is there any public transport other than buses and cabs to travel around Macau? like how there is MTR in Hong Kong which is very convenient for travelling.

  58. Hi Tommy, we are heading down in early September for a day trip from HK. I am really confused to which ferry should i take (as i understand it will alight passengers at 2 different places). And if I alight at either one, is it accessible to go to the other attractions in the other parts easily?

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