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Places to Visit in Macau

Considered as an iconic building representing the history of the nation, the cathedral of St. Paul is an attraction no one should miss. It represents the life and times of the Chinese communities that faced suffering at the hands of the Portuguese era. Besides its historical significance, the splendid architecture of the church shows a blend of renaissance motifs with oriental styled facades. 

You will also find paintings of Virgin Mary enshrined in the church. The carvings and paintings lend it a unique aura and it stands out among the most popular tourist places in Macau. 

Location: Santo Antonio, Macau

Timings: 9 am to 6 pm, every day

The public square of Senado is located in the middle of the peninsula and covers an area of nearly 4000 hectares. It is a hub of cultural activities and bustling crowds of the vibrant nation. From colourful shopping centres and cute Chinese restaurants offering delicious local dishes, the environment at the Square is certainly energetic. 

If you happen to visit the country during holidays or New Year’s Eve, you will get a chance to witness the splendid fireworks light up the night sky and illuminate the entire city.

Location: Largo do Senado, Macau

Timings: no timing restrictions

Located just 3 kilometres from the International Airport, the Venetian Macao is a world-class palatial resort with 5-star suites featuring glass windows, marble bathrooms, and ultra modern facilities. Every room offers stunning views of the city. Fine dining options are also available with cuisines ranging from French and Italian to Japanese.

For shopping lovers, there is a gorgeous mall inside. You can also go swimming in the outdoor pools or try the refreshing gondola rides in the indoor canals of the hotel. 

Location: Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Macau

Timings: open 24 hours

Located near the stunning lakeside of the southwestern shore, the Tower and Entertainment Center is one of the most exciting places to visit in Macau. It offers tourists a chance to witness the gorgeous skyline of the city from a height of 338 meters. The glass elevator presents mesmerizing and spellbinding vistas as you ascend to the top. 

Besides this, you can also have a unique dining experience in the highest revolving restaurant in the world. Enjoy world-class facilities, entertainment activities, and delicious local cuisines, under one roof at the Entertainment Center.

Location: Se, Macau

Timings: 10 am to 9 pm

The charming community of Taipa Village is peaceful and tranquil with its secluded location, winding narrow streets and vibrant bazaars. Portuguese style buildings are quite common in the village and there are plenty of ancient temples and colonial style villas to explore. Enjoy the authentic Cantonese and Italian cuisines when you head to the southern tip of the village or explore the casinos in the north. 

With its quaint street lamps and colourful flower baskets hanging from the windows, the village will make you feel as if you have stepped into another world.

Location: East of Guangdong Province

Timings: open 24 hours

The Chinese temple of A-Ma was built in 1488 and is one of the oldest buildings in the country. It has six wings, and the architectural design of each part is simply stunning. The entrance to the temple is guarded by majestic stone lions and a winding path follows as you enter the gates.

Mazu image lies just ahead, and the locals believe that this hall has the longest history of all the temple regions. The image is crafted as a shrine to Goddess Mazu and there are several poems engraved in the hall dedicated to her.

Location: São Lourenço, Macau

Timings: open 24 hours

Macao Museum is a cultural museum hosting a large array of artefacts of historical and cultural importance to the communities that lived here. The articles placed in the museum offer an insight into the life and times of the people that inhabited the place through the years. Different floors of the museum house objects related to different eras. 

For example, the first floor is dedicated to Chinese civilizations, the second one features artworks and traditions of Macao. The third floor depicts life in a contemporary light, and how Macao is represented in literature and other artworks. 

Location: Santo Antonio, Macau

Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

Price: INR 500

Spread over 100,000 square meters, Fisherman’s Wharf is a stunning theme park a separate section for different port towns like Miami, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Venice and Cape Town. A host of shopping centres and restaurants are featured in the park, and you can also find several colourful casinos and vibrant bars. 

The vast array of discos attract nightlife and party lovers from all over the country, and over 150 stores host a wide range of designer clothes. Once a quiet local community, the Wharf is now a bustling tourist centre.

Location: Macau Avenida da Amizade

Timings: open 24 hours

Spread over 80 square meters, Grand Prix Museum features articles and objects connected to the Grand Prix Macau. The museum was opened in 1993 in the honour of Grand Prix Macau, and now it hosts pictures, prizes and valuable objects connected to the same.

If you are an automobile enthusiast, witness the Formula Racing cars and motorcycles of famous riders housed here. Projectors are installed inside that feature highlights of different races and you can try your hand at racing in one of the emulation cars too.

Location: Rua Luís Gonzaga Gomes, Macau

Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

The 400-year old Monte Fort is 100 by 100 meter in size and made of stone. It offers a gorgeous view of the golden sunset from the top. The Fort has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important historical places to visit in Macau. It also provides great insights into the history of the nation as it is the best preserved European building in East Asia. 

There is a museum located within the fort complex where you can learn more about the development of this place.

Location: Santo Antonio, Macau

Timings: 7 am to 7 pm, every day

Coloane Island has many historical sites which attract tourists from all over the world. The village has a large fishing community which lives near the southwestern tip. Here you will find souvenir shops where you can buy knick-knacks and ancient temples tucked away in the narrow streets.

The Chapel of Saint Francis Xavier is one of the must-visit destinations on the island as it will take your breath away with its stunning architecture and peaceful aura. Take a walk down the streets, bask in the golden sunlight, and soak in the natural splendour of the island.

Location: Southern Macau, en route to Alto de Coloane

Timings: no timing restrictions

The cybernetic water fountain show at Nam Van Lake is the most spellbinding of Macau attractions. With its 86 spouts that shoot water 80 meters high, it is the largest man-made water fountain in Asia. The beautiful laser show presented here makes the place a popular tourist hotspot.

With 288 vibrantly coloured spotlights illuminating and dancing through sprays of clear water, the effect created is certainly impressive. The entire show is coordinated by computers to create a mesmerizing effect that can stop anyone in their tracks.

Location: Se, Macau

Timings: 8 am to 7 pm

The interactive experience at Warner Bros is suited for children as well as adults. The playground is full of Warner Bros, DC and Hanna-Barbera characters, and your kids will certainly have fun communicating with their favourite childhood heroes. Arcade gaming, superhero racing, and a host of other activities are planned. 

The themed play area and facilities offer a unique experience, and there is a superhero action area where children can climb, swing and jump in wild abandon. 

Location: Cotai, Macau

Timings: 10.30 am to 7 pm

The Ocean Kingdom is a tourist hotspot suited for adults as well as kids, as the aquarium at the resort features rare whale sharks, beluga whales, polar bears and other wild animals you can see from up close. Themed zones have been created where you can visit exotic animals and even go on thrilling rides and adventures. 

Theater shows are also arranged for the audience, along with float parades and a brilliant fireworks display at the end. Satisfy the shopaholic in you at the mall zone in Kingdom Park as it offers an endless field to shop.

Location: Hengqin, Zhuhai

Timings: 10 am to 8.30 pm

Enjoy flying over deep woods and a rock that is millions of years old with Skycab Cable Car. the unique experience is perfect for adrenaline junkies and adventure enthusiasts. Get goosebumps witnessing the lush green jungles as you go rushing over them in a cabin hovering in the air. The ride starts at the foothills of Machicang Mountain and cable car offers a comprehensive view of the flora and fauna of these mountains. 

The 1700 meter journey covers an elevation of nearly 700 meters, featuring dramatic views and scenic vistas.

Location: Wynn Palace, Macau

Timings: 9 am to 6 pm

Price: INR 1000

One of the most unique places to visit in Macau is the Panda Pavilion near Seac Pai Van Park. The place offers guests to witness the adorable giant pandas in their natural habitat, just playing and having fun. The Pavilion of Rare Animals acts as a conservation site for rare animals and you can also witness the rare pandas in this facility. 

The outdoor yard acts exclusively as giant pandas playground, whereas the indoor area is divided into dens for the pandas, vet clinic and feed warehouse etc.

Location: Coloane, Macau

Timings: 10 am to 1 pm, 2 pm to 5 pm

Price: INR 86

The flying theatre at Studio City Macau offers a once in a lifetime experience of enjoying adventures of Batman in an enhanced 4D experience. Integrated with an AV system, the flying theatre has multiple 4K projectors and projection system to enhance your experience. Now you can fly like Batman over Gotham and enjoy the unparalleled experience. 

With the high-quality audio-video system, the theatre offers a realistic and immersive experience. Wind, water and scent effects are also integrated so that you can enjoy the multi-sensory experience realistically.

Location: Cotai, Macau

Timings: 9 am to 9 pm

Price: INR 1200

Macau Peninsula is the bustling centre of the city with crowded neighbourhoods, colonial-style buildings, colourful casinos, and a vibrant and enthusiastic crowd. While the rest of the city offers several tourist hotspots, there is nothing quite like the Peninsula which is the heart and soul of Macau.

Enjoy the rapidly flourishing art settings, quaint and charming cafes, and galleries featuring stunning paintings. The city’s top historical attractions which offer an insight into its past can also be found here. Witness the vibrant culture of Macau in all its glory at the Peninsula.

Location: Macau

Timings: no timing restrictions

Also known as Casa de Cheang, Mandarin’s House is one of the most famous tourist places in Macau. It is the home of Zheng Guanying who was a famous theoretician and reformist. Stretched over 4000-meter square, it is the largest residential building in Macau.

For the architecture enthusiasts, it is a testament to the brilliant style of Western-Chinese fusion with artefacts edifices of that long-gone era still adorning its walls. The house was renovated by the government in 2002 and since then, the condition of the building has improved.

Location: Travessa de António Da Silva, Macau

Timings: 9 am to 6 pm

Featuring two bronze lotuses in full bloom that represent the prosperity of Macau, Lotus Square has emerged as a tourist attraction in recent years. The 6-meter tall statue weighs over 6 tons and is composed of stem, petals and a pistil.

The base of the lotus is made of the red granite which represents the leaves of the flower. The leaves are set in three layers and symbolize three areas of the city - the Peninsula, Coloane Island and Taipa Island. Flag raising ceremony is held every morning at 8 am and flag lowering is done at 8 pm. 

Location: Se, Macau

Timings: no timing restrictions

The helipad and ferry terminal in Central Hong Kong are an unconventional but interesting tourist attraction. Also known as Shun Tak Macau terminal, scheduled flights between Hong Kong and Macau are operated from here.

Sky Shuttle Helicopters also operate from the square and the sight of helicopters taking off from the helipad near the waters is a stunning sight. Private charter services, cross-boundary operators, and ferry services to Hong Kong can be easily accessed from here.

Location: Porto Exterior, Se, Macau

Timings: no timing restrictions

Built by a local Macau resident in 1906, Lim Loc Ioc Gardens are one of the most popular places to visit in Macau. Designed after the famous Suzhou Gardens, Lou Lim now acts as a public park famous among locals as well as tourists.

Enjoy the stunning landscape and picturesque vistas as you walk through the intricate paths. Experience solitude and tranquillity amidst verdant greenery and take a moment to spend some time with your family. You can also celebrate a picnic or go for long strolls here.

Location: Sao Lazaro, Macau

Timings: open 24 hours

Founded in 1569 by the first bishop of Macau catholic, Holy House of Mercy was a charity facility with the aim to provide educational, medical and social help to the underprivileged. Now, it acts as a museum featuring several sacrificial offerings like the portrait of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

You will also find other precious items like Jesus on the Cross, the skull of the museum’s founder, and a manuscript of Regulations of Macau’s Holy House of Mercy.

Location: Central Macau Peninsula, Macau

Timings: 10 am to 1 pm, 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm, open Monday to Saturday

Price: INR 50

Consisting of an Exhibition Center, a Planetarium and a Convention Center, the Science Center is ideal for knowledge seeking individuals who like scientific exhibits and interactive tours. The topics covered are technology, environment and lifestyle. At the planetarium, live shows and dome movies are displayed in 3D with an ultra-high definition video system. 

Travel in space as you witness stars and planets come alive. The convention centre can be used for holding meetings and conferences.

Location: Se, Macau

Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

Price: INR 200

The Taipa ferry terminal houses happening cafes where you can munch on some delicacies while planning your itinerary. The facility has been newly constructed and the immaculate space is perfect for travel to Cotai strip because of its proximity to the area. 

The terminal is also close to the airport and railway system under construction. There is a sleek arrival hall, a food court, and a souvenir shop too. 

Location: Taipa, Macau

Timings: open 24 hours

Built in 1860, the Dom Pedro theater is one of the most popular Macau attractions. The name is misleading as there is also a ballroom and a reading room within the building. For architecture enthusiasts, it is a haven of neo-classic Greek architecture. The antechamber and stage are stunning in their construction, 9 French windows are integrated into the walls, and the crescent-shaped auditorium is marvellous. 

The green building plopped in the middle of a sea of yellow architecture is certainly eye-catching.

Location: Largo de Santo Agostinho, Macau

Timings: 10 am to 11 pm

Price: INR 900 Approx.

Constructed as a shrine for Our Lady of the Rosary, St. Dominic’s Church is ideal for people who want to experience a holy connection and spiritual enlightenment. The Catholic Church has three halls and all of them are crafted with elegance and grace.

Coloured glass windows add to the ethereal aura of the church, and you will also find an array of oil paintings and statues of Christ here. The third-floor houses a museum showcasing Mass utensils and wood carved artefacts.

Location: largo de Sao Domingos, Macau

Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

Considered as a representation of the multicultural identity of Macau, Na Tcha temple is dedicated to an irreverent god and is located right next to the famous St Paul’s church. The single-chambered temple has a beautiful porch that opens into the main building.

Animal decorations are sculpted on the walls, roof, and entrance like other Chinese temples. The peaceful environment of this intricately designed building makes it one of the most popular spiritual places to visit in Macau.

Location: Santo Antonio, Macau

Timings: 8 am to 5 pm

One of the last remains of Japanese era Buddhist temples, Puji is dedicated to Guanyin who is locally known as the guardian angel of the hot springs. Having been declared as an official historical site, the temple is protected by the government.

Its Japanese architecture stands testament to the rich history of  Macau. The sober design of the building exudes an aura of tranquillity, and the simple decorations are true to their Japanese roots. Worship ceremonies similar to Japan are still held here.

Location: Zhoushan, Zhejiang

Timings: 8 am to 5 pm

The narrow street of Rua do Cunha is tucked away in Taipa and is famous for its delicious almond cakes and souvenir shops. The bakery shops here sell a wide range of mouth-watering sweets like egg rolls, coconut flakes, and peanut candies.

Chinese and Portuguese stalls sell knick-knacks and trinkets you can take back home for your family and friends. The vibrant street is often crowded by tourists and locals, so make sure you get there early for a hassle-free experience.

Location: Taipa, Macau

Timings: open 24 hours

Also known as Macau’s Happiness Street, Rua de Felicidade is famous among locals and tourists for its huge array of souvenir shops and stalls selling local delicacies. As soon as you get past the red light area, Rua and its traditional Chinese architecture will embrace you.

The shuttered terraces, small two-storey homes, and the distinctive red and white theme make it a calm and serene place. The quaint shops and tiny eateries are often crowded, so don’t be fooled by the outward tranquil aura.

Location: Guangdong Province, Macau

Timings: open 24 hours

The Studio City hotel and casino offers an endless list of fun activities you can indulge in on your trip to Macau. If you are an adventure junkie, up to your adrenaline levels at the amusement rides at Studio City. Rejuvenate yourself at the resort spa after your day-long excursion, followed by tickling your taste buds by trying various cuisines. 

Studio City also houses shops for you to binge on some jewellery and local artefacts, which reflect the authentic local essence. 

Location: Cotai, Macau

Timings: Open 24 hours

Price: INR 1400