The Macao Peninsula is located approximately 70 km from Hong Kong and is a special administrative region of China – with its own legal system, currency (pataca) and even its own passport. Until 1999, it was a Portuguese colony for almost 450 years, which can still be seen today in its architecture, cuisine and lifestyle. The mix of Chinese culture and Portuguese heritage makes Macao a unique destination in Asia – often described as ‘Europe meets China’.
Macao is also known as the ‘Las Vegas of Asia’. Did you know that there are around 30 casinos here, which generate more revenue than the 100+ casinos in Las Vegas? But we were more interested in the Macao’s impressive flair and its hidden gems. This also included an extra large dose of adrenaline – but more on that later.
In this post, I will share with you to the most beautiful sights and highlights of Macao to inspire you to take a trip to the city of contrasts. As always, you will find a map below where I have marked all the spots for you.
🌤️ When is the best time to visit Macao?
To really enjoy Macao’s many impressive sights, I recommend visiting between October and December. During these months, the weather is pleasantly mild, dry and sunny. Spring (March to May) is also beautiful and therefore a good time to visit, but it can be a little more humid. Summer (June to September) is hot, humid and can be affected by typhoons, which is why travelling to Macao at this time is less recommended.
🗓️ How many days should you plan for your trip to Macao?
In my opinion, two to three days are enough to explore Macao’s main sights, the historic centre, the modern casinos and quieter places like Coloane at your leisure.
If you enjoy photography or want to experience the city at a slower pace, it is better to plan for three full days.
✈️ What is the best way to get to Macao?
Macao has its own international airport, but there are no direct flights from the United Kingdom or other European Countries. Most flights land in Hong Kong, from where you can reach Macao by ferry (the journey takes about an hour). Since 2018, there has also been the 55-kilometre-long Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge which makes the connection by car or bus super easy.
🗺️ My Map with the best sights in Macao:
The most beautiful sights and highlights in Macao
🏛️ Historic Centre of Macao
The Ruins of St. Paul’s
The Historic Centre of Macao forms the heart of the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ruins of St. Paul’s, the remains of a 17th-century church, is probably the most famous landmark in Macao and one of its top sights. The church was built between 1602 and 1640. In 1835, a major fire broke out, destroying everything except the front wall and facade. The ruins were finally restored at the end of the last century and still stand today
Monte do Forte Fortress
Another highlight of Macao is the historic Monte do Forte Fortress (Fortaleza do Monte), also built in the 17th century. From here, you can enjoy one of the best views of the city, the ruins of St. Paul’s and the iconic Lisboa Casino. Access is via stairs or, if you prefer a more comfortable option, via the escalator at the Macao Museum, which leads directly to the fortress. My tip: it is particularly beautiful up here at sunset. Admission is free, by the way. Please note: the escalator closes at 6 pm, after which you can only go up and down on foot.
Photogenic streets with European flair
The narrow streets surrounding Macao’s historic centre captivate visitors with their fascinating Portuguese-Chinese architecture and are perfect for strolling and taking photos. I found Calçada de São Francisco Xavier particularly photogenic, with its beautiful European-style houses and picturesque view of St. Paul’s Ruins. The street is a very popular photo spot in Macao.
🎰 The modern part of Macao – Cotai Strip
The Cotai Strip in Macao – a sight that attracts millions of people every year – is actually inspired by Las Vegas. The long, wide boulevard is located in the new, glamorous part of the city, lined with gigantic casino resorts and themed hotels.
The most famous casinos include:
- Studio City
- The Parisian (with its own Eiffel Tower)
- The Londoner
- The Venetian Macao
Even if you don’t like to indulge in casino games, it’s worth spending an evening here. You can expect fantastic night scenes, shows, great restaurants and, of course, plenty of shopping opportunities.
🗼 Macao Tower
At a height of 338 metres (1,109 ft), the Macao Tower towers over the city skyline as another Macao landmark and attraction. From the platform, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. If you’re feeling brave, you can also venture out onto the outer ring and walk around the tower. There is no railing, but you will be secured with safety harnesses for the so-called Sky Walk.
If that’s still not enough adrenaline for you, then I recommend trying a bungee jump from the tower, as I did. It’s the highest bungee jumping facility in the world! A 200-metre free fall is no small feat. I would be lying if I said it was one of my easiest exercises. Just before the jump, my knees were really shaking and I wondered what I had gotten myself into. But there was no turning back for me… And what followed was simply amazing!
My conclusion: the Macao Tower is ideal for adventure seekers or for taking impressive panoramic photos at sunset.
🏘️ Coloane Village
Coloane Village is located in the south of Macao and is a charming, quiet village with European architecture, small churches and narrow streets – ideal for a relaxing stroll away from the hustle and bustle. For me, it is definitely one of the most beautiful sights in Macao. The contrast between traditional Coloane and the view of the modern skyline of mainland China on the other side of the bay is particularly charming and very impressive.
Don’t miss: the famous egg tarts at Lord Stow’s Bakery – inspired by the Portuguese pastéis de nata but with a slightly different recipe. They are considered the best in Macao.
🌿 My insider tips in Macao
Hac Sa Long Chao Kok Trail
This is a coastal hiking trail that leads along a footbridge over red rocks. Walking on it was a very special experience, with the huge, bright red stones next to and below me, almost like in a fairy tale. The landscape reminded me a little of the Seychelles.
The Hac Sa Chao Kok Trail is ideal for nature lovers and relaxation, as it is very quiet here. We only encountered two local fishermen and were able to really enjoy our walk – making it a real insider tip in Macao.
A-Ma Temple
The Taoist A-Ma Temple – my top insider tip for Macao – is located in the south of the city and is one of Macao’s oldest temples, built in 1488 during the Ming Dynasty. It is dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu (A-Ma). The temple is built on several levels on a rock and reminded me of an enchanted place out of a fairy tale.
Fun fact: A-Ma Temple is said to be the namesake of the city. According to legend, the name ‘Macao’ has the following origin: Portuguese sailors asked locals what the place they had arrived at was called and received the answer ‘A-Ma-Gau’ (‘Bay of A-Ma’). This later became ‘Macao’.
If you like, you can take a glimpse into the future while visiting the temple with the Kau Chim ceremony – a traditional method of divination in temples that is very popular with the locals.
Taipa Houses Museum
The historic villas of the Taipa Houses Museum are located on a large water lily pond with a wooden walkway. There are five houses from the 20th century that reflect the life of the Portuguese elite at that time. You will also find exhibitions on local history and culture here.
My insider tip is to take a walk on the wooden footbridge that crosses the pond, offering a photogenic view of Macao’s modern skyline with the casinos in the background. The Taipa Houses Museum is also a quiet place to enjoy and relax.
📍My hotel tips in Macao:
The → W Macau Studio City is ideally located on the Cotai Strip, within walking distance of the most beautiful spots and offering fantastic views from the rooms and the rooftop bar. The hotel is super modern and stylishly furnished, and the breakfast was amazing! A top address for your trip to Macao.
Do you prefer something more traditional and close to the old town? Then I recommend the → Sofitel Macau. It has a well-known large casino where you can watch the Chinese gambling or try your luck yourself. My highlight, however, is the great outdoor pool with a view of mainland China. Great for relaxing!
The most beautiful sights and highlights in Macao – my summary
Macao is truly a city of contrasts that could hardly be more closely intertwined. On the one hand, it is the mixture of different cultural influences that impressed me, and on the other hand, the dense encounter, almost fusion, of history and modernity. In Macao, it is possible to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of a cosmopolitan city and then escape it in the next moment to find peace and quiet in a temple or in nature. Both had their own special, irresistible charm.
If you feel like following in my footsteps and experiencing the unique flair of Macao for yourself, I hope that my article on the most beautiful sights and insider tips in Macao will help you with your travel preparations.
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