The Best Things to Do in Macau (Beyond Seeing the Ruins of St. Paul’s) [Updated 2024]

Curious what to do in Macau and if it is worth visiting? Read on for this guide of the top things to do beyond the obvious and how to plan your Hong Kong to Macau day trip!

Like Hong Kong, Macau (also sometimes spelled “Macao”) is what is known as a “Special Administrative Region”. It was once a Portuguese colony and was handed back over to China in the late 1990s.

Macau features a rich history that exhibits influences from both the East and the West, its historic centre is even a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site; today, it is also home to dozens of casinos and is sometimes referred to as the “Vegas of the East”.

Due to its proximity to Hong Kong (it’s only 1 hour away by ferry), it is one of the more popular day trips from Hong Kong. I’ve visited Macau a dozen times and while I didn’t start off liking it much, I’ve slowly learned to appreciate what Macau has to offer beyond the obvious tourist attractions.

If you’re planning a Hong Kong to Macau trip, read on for what to expect and the top things to do in Macau!

Quick tips for visiting Macau

💱 The local currency is the Macanese Pataca. However, the Hong Kong dollar is also widely accepted, though you might be given change in the local currency – the exchange rate is pretty much 1:1. I recommend trying to get rid of your remaining Pataca before leaving Macau as it is not accepted in Hong Kong. Most places also accept Visa or Mastercard.

⛅ Macau gets 4 seasons and experiences steaming hot summers from July to September and a bitter winter from December to February. The best time to visit Macau is from March to early June, and September to November (but avoid the 1st week of October which is a national holiday in China). Macau is practically always crowded all year round, especially around the main tourist attractions, though it is not too hard to get off the beaten track. The rainy season in Macau is in July and August when typhoons are most likely to hit.

💬 The main language spoken in Macau is Cantonese, a local dialect originating in Guangdong Province. Some people also speak English (or at least basic English), and almost all signs are trilingual in Portuguese, English and Chinese.

📱 Stay connected and pre-buy a local SIM card. Your Hong Kong SIM card will not work in Macau. You can buy a Macau SIM card for 30% off here! The SIM card provides 1 GB each day for 2 days or 3 days. Just head to the pick-up counter at the Sheung Wan Macau Ferry Terminal.

🎟️ You pretty much never have to queue for admissions tickets in Macau. Just click here and search for places you want to go, and book online for discounted and skip-the-line entry or head on over here to read more about how to use Klook to book travel experiences.

Is it worth visiting Macau?

I’m often asked whether it is worthwhile visiting Macau, and my answer is always, “it depends”. If you are planning a day trip from Hong Kong and it is your first time to Hong Kong then I do not necessarily recommend taking on a day trip to Macau. There are so many unique things to do in Hong Kong that are probably not in your guidebook, and I encourage you to explore Hong Kong to the fullest if you are short on time.

However, if it is not your first time to Hong Kong and you are looking for fun day trips for a change of scenery then it’s worth checking out Macau seeing as it is an easy 1 hour ferry ride away. You can either stop by for the day (ferries run nearly 24 hours) or spend a night or two at one of the many hotels in Macau.

One of my most important tips for visiting Macau is that you are mindful of your expectations – though it is often referred to as the “Las Vegas of Asia” it doesn’t quite compare in terms of entertainment offerings.

There is only 1 main performance show that you can check out, The House of Dancing Water (which has since been suspended but rumored to be returning in late 2024), and the gambling isn’t as exciting – you’ll find that the betting limits can be extremely high. It doesn’t lend itself to a fun few hands of Black Jack without having to hit up the ATM.

There are however many exhibits like teamLab’s SuperNature permanent exhibit at The Venetian and the Harry Potter exhibit at The Londoner. For children, there are many huge indoor playgrounds, water parks and attractions – most of which have a much more reasonable price tag than those in Hong Kong.

Macau can be quite divisive – people either love or hate it. That being said, you can easily fill a 1 or 2 day Macau itinerary with plenty of sightseeing, street food and excellent cocktails. I would encourage you not to overlook the rich history and exquisite architecture scattered around the city, not to mention the mouthwatering Portuguese egg tarts on offer!

How much time to spend in Macau

Is 1 day enough for Macau? Macau is not that big in size and it is extremely easy to get around, which means that you can cover a lot of ground in just 1 day in Macau. If you are planning a Hong Kong to Macau day trip, take a morning ferry over, and you can easily take a ferry back to Hong Kong at night.

However, if you plan on staying overnight in Macau you can check out one of its many 5-star hotels, perhaps indulge in a spa treatment and also spend some time at the pool. For a first-time visitor I would recommend either 1 to 2 days in Macau.

Read on for some of the top things to do if you’re planning a Macau trip. You can check out some Macau hotel deals here if you are staying overnight, or book direct as they often offer special deals that include dining credit, ferry tickets and/or show tickets.

Also visiting Hong Kong? Don’t miss my insider guides to Hong Kong here!

How to get to Macau from Hong Kong

You can take a bus or private car from Macau to Hong Kong, but the easiest way is by ferry – they are fast, clean and frequent. Ferries run every hour or so from the Macau ferry terminal in Sheung Wan (take MTR exit D) to either Taipa (where most of the newer hotels including the Venetian and City of Dreams are located), or Macau Outer Harbor/Macau Peninsula where the historic centre is located. Ferries also run between Macau and Hong Kong International Airport.

There are 2 main ferry options – should you take the Cotai Jet or Turbo Jet? It doesn’t really matter too much as the prices are comparable – the difference is that the Turbo Jet takes you to Macau’s historic centre (which is more suitable for a day trip from Hong Kong to Macau), and the Cotai Jet takes you to Taipa (which is more suitable if you are staying overnight in one of the hotels along Macau’s Cotai Strip).

Getting between the two ferry ports is easy as well – there are regular free hotel shuttles or you can hop in a taxi. Click here to get 25% off your Hong Kong to Macau Outer Harbor (historic centre) tickets with Turbo Jet or click here for your Hong Kong to Taipa/Cotai ferry tickets! All you have to do is bring your voucher to the designated ticket pick-up counter in the Sheung Wan ferry terminal and select your ferry times.

Feeling fancy? There are even helicopters that transport people between Hong Kong and Macau.

Remember: Macau is a “Special Administrative Region” which means you will need to bring your passport/travel documents if you are traveling to Macau from Hong Kong. Do you need a visa to visit Macau? Click here to see if you hold a passport from a visa exempt country.

Macau travel tip: The Macau tourism board is offering visitors arriving in Hong Kong free ferry tickets to Macau, valid until the end of 2024. Read more details and stipulations here.

How to get around Macau

Once you have arrived in Macau, it is easy to get around by taxi, hotel shuttle buses or on foot. Taxis are metered in Macau and can be hailed fairly easily, but you might find that you don’t really need a taxi because almost every hotel in Macau has a free shuttle bus that transports people between the historic centre, the various Macau hotels, to and from ferry piers and to and from the airport. These shuttle buses are free to use, and you do not need to “prove” that you are staying at their property.

Where to stay in Macau

There are many, many hotel options when it comes to visiting Macau. I have stayed in many, many hotels in Macau over the years and can highly recommend either the Venetian Macau and The Parisian Macau, or The Grand Hyatt Macau and Countdown Hotel which are both part of the City of Dreams complex on the Cotai Strip.

The Venetian Macau is one of the best luxury hotels in Macau, and offers spacious rooms, an in-house spa, pool, plenty of shops and a variety of dining options. There’s also a replica of the Venetian canals complete with gondola rides within its shopping mall, and a large gambling arena. The furnishings are more traditional and may appeal to people who are looking for an elegant, more “old school” room design. Click here to check current rates and availability at the Venetian Macau!

If you are looking to stay closer to the majority of the top Macau tourist spots you might want to stay downtown instead, closer to the Macau “Outer Harbour” ferry pier. We enjoyed our stay at Artyzen Grand Lapa, a new and modern hotel that, despite its location in the city, feels like a laid-back resort. The facilities are excellent (there is a huge pool, gym, on-site spa and indoor + outdoor kids club) and the rooms are spacious and cozy. Click here to check rates and availability at Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau! Alternatively, you can check out some other highly rated hotels in Macau by clicking here.

Incredible things to do in Macau

Macau’s most famous attraction is the Ruins of St. Paul’s in its historic centre, but that’s not to say that’s all there is to see in Macau. There are a number of places to visit in Macau that are worth visiting and offer a glimpse into Macau’s colonial past as well as local traditional life.

If you are averse to big crowds you’ll be happy to know that it is not too difficult to get off the beaten path in Macau! Not into gambling? Don’t worry – there are plenty of things to do in Macau that don’t involve gambling. Read on for some of my favourite things to do in Macau.

1. Walk the walls of Mount Fortress

Also known as Monte Fort or Fortaleza do Monte, Mount Fortress was built by the Jesuits in the early 17th Century and was crucial in holding off the attempted Dutch invasion of Macau in 1622. It is located high on top of Mount Hill and offers a 360-degree panoramic view over Macau.

The fortress still features a number of cannons and offers a drastically different perspective of St. Paul’s Ruins from above.

Visiting Monte Fort and walking around the fortress walls is one of the most unique things to do in Macau. Entrance is free and the fort can be reached on foot – it’s a 10-minute uphill walk from the Ruins of St. Paul’s.

Ready to plan your trip to Macau? I recommend staying at The Venetian Macau, a sprawling mega complex of shops, a spa, rooms and gambling floor, or more modern Countdown Hotel and Grand Hyatt Macau in the City of Dreams complex. We also recommend Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau in the city centre which is a modern resort with a stunning pool. You can also check out other highly rated hotels in Macau here!

2. See the tilework at the Municipal Affairs Bureau

The Municipal Affairs Bureau stands in the historic centre of Macau and handles, you guessed it, municipal affairs. It was built in 1784 and underwent several reconstruction phases over the centuries, but has largely retained its architectural appearance.

The building is one of the lesser-known places to visit in Macau and often overlooked in favour of the neighboring (and far more crowded) Senado Square.

The reason why I love stopping to check out this building is because it still features traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles, or Azulejos, along the walls of its entrance. They’re reminiscent of the stunning tiled facades you find in quintessentially Portuguese cities like Porto and Lisbon. There’s also a cute internal courtyard that is a great place to sit down after a big day of walking.

3. Stop by Senado Square

Only have 1 day in Macau? Then you can’t skip this stunning open space. Senado Square sits at the very heart of Macau’s historic centre and is directly across the street from the Municipal Affairs Bureau building. The square is one of the most popular Macau tourist spots and offers shopaholics and foodies the opportunity to pick up some unique culinary souvenirs.

In the early 1990s, Portuguese experts were hired to pave Senado Square with a wave-like mosaic pattern; the public square is lined on either side by a number of traditional colonial heritage buildings and regularly hosts events and festivals.

Keep following the wavy brick road towards St. Dominic’s Church dating back to the 16th century.

Ready to plan your trip to Macau? I recommend staying at The Venetian Macau, a sprawling mega complex of shops, a spa, rooms and gambling floor, or more modern Countdown Hotel and Grand Hyatt Macau in the City of Dreams complex. We also recommend Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau in the city centre which is a modern resort with a stunning pool. You can also check out other highly rated hotels in Macau here!

4. Grab a drink at Sky 21 Rooftop Bar

A relatively newcomer to Macau, Sky 21 is a good alternative if you don’t want to visit Macau Tower. If you want a drink to go with the view then I recommend checking out this rooftop bar in Macau – prices are reasonable and there are plenty of tables available. Bookings are not required.

5. Watch the House of Dancing Water

One of the best Macau attractions, the House of Dancing Water show is one of the crown jewels of Macau’s tourism offerings. I’ve now watched the exhilarating show twice, and have been on the edge of my seat both times.

The stage design is incredible and features a pool in the centre where acrobats and dancers magically appear out of nowhere; the stage is modular so don’t be surprised if platforms, ships and pagodas emerge from the depths of the pool. It is a truly world-class show not to be skipped.

Fun facts about the House of Dancing Water show: The theater contains the world’s largest commercial pool –approximately 160 feet in diameter and approximately 26 feet deep. It contains approximately 3.7 million gallons (approximately 17 million litres) of water in the pool – more than five times the volume of an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

If you’re staying overnight in Macau, make sure you check out the spectacular House of Dancing Water show. You can get 10-15% off your House of Dancing Water show tickets – book online here!

Editor’s note: The show was suspended in June 2020 but is rumoured to return in late 2024.

6. Visit Taipa Village

Taipa Village is located in Taipa, just north of the Cotai Strip. Formerly home to local fishermen, Taipa Village features traditional shophouses and cobbled streets, and offers a number of heritage attractions, dining options, historical museums and even a walking food street. You’ll also stumble upon some truly funky street art along the streets of Taipa.

If you are visiting Taipa Village, don’t miss Tin Hau Temple; the Historical Musem of Coloane and Taipa; the Rua do Cunha food street and the adorable rooftopmacau coffee shop.

Wander deeper into Taipa and you’ll find yourself at the converted Taipa Houses, 5 pastel-colored colonial homes dating back to 1921 that showcase exhibits and artifacts on the area’s history.

Today, one house belonging to the former governor of Coloane has been transformed into a restaurant serving the finest traditional Macanese food, Casa Maquista. We loved the cabbage-wrapped bacalhau, curry-filled pastry and coconut dessert – don’t forget to try the “Chapel Meatloaf”! The house is a living museum, featuring lots of photos of the family who resided there and antiques. 

7. Check out Coloane

South of Macau and one of the less-crowded areas of Macau, Coloane is home to Hac Sa black sand beach, the original Lord Stow’s Bakery that serves up delicious Portuguese egg tarts, and the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier.

Coloane was once a haven for pirates who sought shelter in its many coves, and is a fantastic place to wander around if you appreciate a slower pace of life. This is one of the more quiet tourist spots in Macau: its narrow side streets offer a glimpse into everyday life in Macau for local citizens, and takes you far away from the crowds.

How to get to Coloane: you have two main options as it is one of the few places that most hotel shuttles don’t take you to. You can either take a taxi, or hop on the new “Macau Cruise” sightseeing cruise that operates between Barra (near A-Ma Temple) and Coloane Pier. There are limited sailings each day – the boat departs from Barra Pier at 2 and 4 PM daily, and departs from Coloane Pier at 2:30 and 4:30 PM daily. The journey takes just 15-20 minutes.

8. See the Ruins of St. Paul’s

Last but not least, the famous Ruins of St. Paul’s in the heart of Macau’s historic centre. The ruins are what remains of the Church of St. Paul’s dating back to the early 17th Century. The towering facade is more than 25-metres tall and built of granite, which may explain why it wasn’t burnt down in the fire that destroyed the rest of the church.

It is probably the most iconic landmark in Macau which also makes it ridiculously busy, all year round. Nevertheless, it’s worth a quick pit stop during your day trip to Macau.

Ready to plan your Macau trip? I recommend staying at The Venetian Macau, a sprawling mega complex of shops, a spa, rooms and gambling floor, or more modern Countdown Hotel and Grand Hyatt Macau in the City of Dreams complex. We also recommend Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau in the city centre which is a modern resort with a stunning pool. You can also check out other highly rated hotels in Macau here!

9. Visit the teamLab SuperNature exhibit

Founded in 2001 in Japan, teamLab is an art collective that showcases their artwork and installations primarily through digital technology. Famous for their multi-sensory exhibitions in Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore and beyond, the 5000-square-meter art space in Macau features multimedia artworks that “aim to explore new perceptions of the world and the continuity between humans and nature”.

Housed in Cotai Expo at The Venetian Macau, the exhibit is comprised of a few of the core collection including “The Infinite Crystal Universe”, “Athletics Forest”, “Inverted Globe Graffiti Nature” and the “Valley of Flowers and People”.

There are a number of exhibits which cost extra to visit, including “Floating Flower Garden: Flowers and I are of the Same Root, the Garden and I are One” and “EN TEA HOUSE” – the add-on ticket costs 120 MOP and can be purchased at the on-site ticket booth. It includes a cup of tea and scoop of ice cream at the tea house.

Tickets for the main exhibit can be pre-purchased via Klook here (simply scan your QR code at the e-gates), the teamLab Macau exhibit is open from 11 AM to 7 PM, closed on most Wednesdays however the schedule can change.

10. Learn racing history at the Macau Grand Prix Museum

Typically held in November of each year, the Macau Grand Prix dates back to the 1960s and is one of the most popular events to watch for racing fans. The Guia Circuit spans the streets of Macau and hosts Formula 3 and Formula 4 races as well as the Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The Macau Grand Prix Museum spans 4 floors of exhibits where you can see some of the race cars and motorcycles and learn the history of the competition. There are also interactive games and simulators that you can try your hand at – you will need to be over 150-160 CM tall and wear closed-toe shoes in order to participate.

Tickets can be online at the museum website. The museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, closed on Tuesdays.

11. See the A-Ma Temple in the Barra district

Dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, the A-Ma Temple is located in the heart of the Barra District. It is one of the top places to visit in Macau with certain halls dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries.

Ready to plan your trip to Macau? I recommend staying at The Venetian Macau, a sprawling mega complex of shops, a spa, rooms and gambling floor, or more modern Countdown Hotel and Grand Hyatt Macau in the City of Dreams complex. We also recommend Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau in the city centre which is a modern resort with a stunning pool. You can also check out other highly rated hotels in Macau here!

12. Explore the Macau Science Center and planetarium

The distinctively-shaped science museum spans 20,000 square meters and is one of the coolest places to visit in Macau for adults and children alike. The permanent exhibits cover all sorts of topics including data science, sustainable development, astronomy, biodiversity and more.

The Guinness-award-winning planetarium is truly spectacular, playing interactive live shows and dome movies in 3D throughout the day. You can check the schedule here to see when the shows are on.

There are even several halls dedicated to children to allow them to play and interact with the exhibits in a fun, hands-on way. There is also a huge indoor play area and jungle gym for children between the ages of 2-12. This makes it one of the best places to visit with kids in Macau!

13. Get a bird’s eye view of Macau from above

Aside from visiting Monte Fort, one of the best secret viewpoints in Macau is located on the rooftop of the history Hotel Central near Senado Square.

Once the tallest building in Macau and the first building in Macau to have elevators, this 360-degree viewpoint is totally crowd-free. The property is now a heritage boutique hotel with themed room taking you back through Macau through the 1920s and 1940.

The rooftop is open from 10 AM to 10 PM, and can be visited even if you aren’t staying at the hotel as a guest. Steer clear of the crowds and head to this secret Macau viewpoint instead!

14. Catch the fireworks

If you time your visit right, you might just catch one of the top international firework competitions – held in Macau around September and October each year. Award-winning pyrotechnic teams travel to Macau to showcase their intricately-designed shows.

The dates for the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest usually vary each year but typically the shows are held across a few weekends, with two teams competing each evening. Check the website for the schedule and best viewing locations!

We watched Team Canada put on a spectacle over the bay, with fireworks lighting up the sky along to a banging soundtrack of Taylor Swift, Lewis Capaldi and Celine Dion tunes!

If you have more than 1 day in Macau, the city can be a wonderful place to wander around if you stray from the pack. You will find old gentlemen playing Chinese chess and mahjong or watch artisans craft wooden ships just blocks away from the main tourist attractions in Macau. Feeling adventurous? You might even want to try bungee jumping from Macau Tower!

I hope this Macau travel guide has helped you to better plan your time in the city! Don’t forget that you can get discounted Hong Kong to Macau ferry tickets online ahead of time: click here for Macau Outer Harbor (historic centre) tickets with Turbo Jet or click here for your Hong Kong to Taipa/Cotai ferry tickets!

Ready to plan your trip to Macau? I recommend staying at The Venetian Macau, a sprawling mega complex of shops, a spa, rooms and gambling floor, or more modern Countdown Hotel and Grand Hyatt Macau in the City of Dreams complex. We also recommend Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau in the city centre which is a modern resort with a stunning pool. You can also check out other highly rated hotels in Macau here!

You might also enjoy these reads:

• Also visiting Hong Kong? Don’t miss my insider guides to Hong Kong here
• For more Hong Kong day trip ideas check out this guide

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This article contains affiliate links. If you choose to book using these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my website by using these links.

I have visited Macau independently several times over the years, and again in late 2024 as hosted media with the Macau Government Tourism Office.

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