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Top 11 Attractions to Visit in Macau

Written by Ruru Zhou Updated Apr. 18, 2021

The most fascinating aspect of Macau, however, is that it was once a Portuguese territory up until the year 1999. This means that not only does the region reflect a mix of Cantonese and mainland Chinese culture, it also has a strong Portuguese flavor which influences the local architectural styles and gastronomy.

On your visit to Macau, be sure to enjoy it from many perspectives. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, nature, food, or shopping, Macau is able to offer it all, and just a short 1 hour ferry across the Pearl River estuary from Hong Kong!

1. Ruins of Sao Paulo’s (St. Paul’s) Cathedral

What remains today of the 16th century St. Paul’s Cathedral built by Japanese Jesuits between 1620 and 1627 is just a façade, but what a façade! Literally only the front facing stone portal to the ex-cathedral stands today, the result of a fire during a typhoon in 1835. Now a very popular, UNESCO-ranked attraction and by many measures the symbol of Macau, the ruins of Sao Paulo’s Cathedral is a place where you can learn about this unique chapter of the region’s history. The setting is very popular for wedding photos due to its elegant visual.

2. Guia Fortress

Guia Fortress is a highlight for visitors for being a special complex and beautiful views of Macau from above since it is found on Guia Hill, the highest point in Macau. The entire property consists of a historical military fort, chapel, and lighthouse from the 1600’s. It is also fun to take the Guia Cable Car from the entrance to Flora Gardens, Macau’s largest public park.

3. Macau Museum

For those wanting to learn more about Macau’s complex history and significance, head to the Macau Museum found on Fortaleza do Monte hill. The museum is housed within a 16th century fort. Within, visitors will find a complete history of the territory and colony now known as Macau. Models, toys, paintings, relics, and military remains all help to tell the story.

4. Largo do Senado and Senado Square

The tourist street known as Largo do Senado forms the impressive Senado Square at its heart, crossed with Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro. This center of historic Macau is the ideal place to complete your shopping adventures. There are shops that originate from all over the world, with brands both national and international, which offer different types of foods, clothes, souvenirs, accessories, electronics, toys, and more. It is particularly fun to explore Largo do Senado during the evening since it lights up with a million neon lights and the streets are flush with friends, couples, families, and wanderers. Steamy street food can be enjoyed along the way.

5. A-Ma Temple

The oldest temple in Macau pays tribute to the sea goddess Mazu who protects fishermen. A-Ma Temple’s history stretches back to the time of the Ming Dynasty in China and was constructed in 1488. On your visit, you will still see people coming here to pay tribute, pray, and burn incense, making it a great place to soak in the local Macau religious culture in full tranquility.

6. Macau Giant Panda Pavilion

If there’s one creature that visitors to China all clamor to see, it is the giant panda. At the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion, you can experience these lovely and attractive animals. There are 2 rare giant pandas, Kai Kai and Xin Xin, who call this their home, and the entrance fees all go back to their care and preservation efforts of other giant pandas. Surely, this is a favorite destination for children!

7. Various casinos on Cotai Strip

In Macau, gambling itself is the game. This is among significant and impressive places to patron casinos, and all the largest international chains have locations in Macau. Even if you don’t want to test your chances and skills, the casinos are still entertaining to visit because most of them offer free shows. These grand performances are held nightly, often during a few scheduled time slots, and include fanciful lights, water shows, legends and tales, and dramatic music. These are fun for the whole family. Some popular casinos include the Venetian Macao, City of Dreams, and Grand Lisboa Casino.

8. Taipa Village

Taipa is actually an island in and of itself, but today it is connected to Coloane by the Cotai Strip, otherwise known as Casino Row. The historic village of Taipa lets you step back in time; on your visit, you can see old style buildings, bakeries, restaurants, shops, churches, and other venues of entertainment. One beautiful church in particularly is named Our Lady of Carmel, fronted by a lake. Here you can really get a taste of the local culture, literally, at the various street stands and small eateries which are often much lower in price than what you’d find along Cotai Strip. Old and new, and Asian and European coexist in harmony at Taipa Village.

9. Hac Sa and Cheoc Van beaches

The beaches of Macau are not the region’s highest calling, but they are nice places to visit if you are looking for a place to rest and relax. Hac Sa, which means “black sand,” and Cheoc Van, which means “bamboo bay” are the most popular places to take in some sun and sand on the southern side of Coloane Island. Cheoc Van is the smaller of the 2 selections but in many ways is more picturesque. Hac Sa, on the other hand, has more facilities and resources stretched over its 4 kilometers length. There are even organizations that offer adventure excursions such as jet ski hire and others. Either beach is an ideal pairing with half a day in more urban Macau!

10. Lou Lim Iok Garden

Up in the northern section of Macau almost touching the mainland of china is Lou Lim Iok Garden, a fantastic traditional style garden founded in 1906 as part of the private residence of a wealthy merchant. Since 1974, it has been a public place. Traditional Chinese garden design is distinctive and unique, with many philosophies that guide the peaceful and pleasing layouts of the natural designs. Here especially, you can find charming lotus flowers, landscaped gardens, groves of bamboo, winding Chinese bridges, grottoes, and huge shady trees. This is just simply a fine place to take a stroll and enjoy a natural area in what is otherwise a very developed Macau.

11. Mandarin's House

The Mandarin's House, a Guangdong style of family housing during in the 1800's, is a mainstay in the historic section of Macau. The former owner of the house was Zheng Guanyin, a renaissance man, merchant, politician, philosopher, and writer. Once you enter through the courtyard, you will feel like you have stepped into an alternate universe or just the past. Different furniture and details made of wood will brighten your eye and perhaps make you yearn for simpler times. The Mandarin's House is certainly an oasis in what can be a very hectic Macau!

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