Macau

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Macau

Macau has a plethora of sites despite occupying just 30.8 square kilometres of the Chinese mainland. From neon-lit casinos to charming markets, cobbled streets to modern cafés, and Baroque churches to Art Deco architecture, there's a wonderful mix of East and West in the city. Many buildings and squares reflect Macau's colonial Portuguese legacy, as does the food, laid-back lifestyle, and the blue azulejo-tiled street names. Yet Macau has a modern Asian look, rivalling Singapore and Hong Kong.

The City

It was the Portuguese who settled in Macau in 1557, persuading the Chinese to rent them the peninsula and establishing trade links in the region that made them very wealthy. It was this period of prosperity that created the colonial Macau we see today, with its Basilica of St Paul, the Mediterranean courtyards, luxurious villas, the hilltop lighthouse and UNESCO World Heritage old city. Moreover, Macau is now seen as Las Vegas of the East, housing over 50 casinos and many ritzy hotels. There are also other sights such as Buddhist temples, war bunkers, the excellent Museu de Macau, the Macau Tower and the Fisherman’s Wharf theme park.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Macau is based on a peninsula with a couple of islands including Taipa and Colôane. Most of the sights including St Dominic's Church and Basilica of St Paul are packed around a few blocks in the old core around Largo do Senado, a good starting point of your tour.

Senado Square

From the central fountain and swirling floor tiles, this square is a real taste of what lies within the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site. Around the edges of its triangular shape, the square is laced with European buildings featuring shuttered windows, Portuguese tiles and colonnades. Senado Square stands today as the …

Leal Senado

Located at one end of the Senado Square, This neo-classical building is one of the finest buildings in Largo do Senado. It used to be the seat of the Portuguese government during colonial times; however, today it houses the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, and a public …

St Dominic's Church

At the northern end of Largo do Senado you can find this superb 16th century Baroque church said to be the most beautiful in Macau. Make sure not to miss the small museum in the back that collects around 300 artefacts dated from 17th to 19th …

Walls of St Paul Church

Located a short walk from Largo do Senado, along cobbled lanes, is the broad stone staircase leading to the beautiful ruins of St Paul Basilica. The original 1602 church was destroyed by a fire in 1835 but is still considered a symbol of Macau. The crypt and nave house a religious …

Monte Fort

Monte Fort is a historical military establishment built during Macau's Portuguese colonial era. The 17th-century Vauban-style fortress features old ramparts with huge canons looking out over the city. You will be able to enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of central Macau from this vantage …

Macau Museum

Located within the Monte Fort premises, the Museu de Macau houses an excellent collection that outlines the traditions, culture and habits of the Macanese. Here you will find 2,100m² of exhibition space with a vast number of objects of great historical value. There's a lot to explore, so be sure to take your time …

Guia Fortress & Lighthouse

The Guia Fortress lies on the highest, steepest hilltop in Macao. You can either get there on foot or by taking the cable car. The entire Guia Fortress complex offers more than just panoramic views of the city; you can also explore its underground bunkers, the 91-metre tall lighthouse and the chapel, adorned with …

Macau Tower

Located in the Sé district, this 338-metre tall edifice is among the highest in the world. Besides its 360-degree view of Macau and neighbouring cities, it features shopping, dining, theatre performances and walking tours around the outer rim. If you're seeking an adrenaline rush, bungee jumping is also …

Taipa Island

Taipa is a historical village situated on an island connected to the Macau peninsula by three bridges. This charming area features a colonial promenade, fascinating temples, stately churches, and picturesque markets. Don't miss the opportunity to savour the street food on Rua do Cunha, Taipa's most famous pedestrian …

The House of Dancing Water

The House of Dancing Water is one of the most spectacular shows you will ever watch. This small and circular theatre, located in the City of Dreams casino, provides an engaging show featuring gymnasts, dances, actors, and more. With two shows available each day, you're guaranteed to leave feeling thrilled and …

Coloane Village

Pirates took Coloane as their island after the Portuguese had arrived. Nowadays; however, it's famous for being a nice spot for a break from the city bustle. You can discover the old Macau here by walking through the old ship building sheds while trying the Portuguese egg tart. Don't forget to visit the A …

Macau Giant Panda Pavilion

The Panda Pavilion is located on the island of Coloane, and is one of its top attractions. They have both and indoor and outdoor areas where the pandas live, along with an exciting exhibition area. Besides, it isn't just pandas alone, other animals inhabit these quarters as …

Macau Science Centre

If you are interested in space science, robotics, genetics, physics and mechanics, the Macau Science Centre is for you. Explore its 14 permanent galleries and the planetarium, which was awarded the Guinness World Record for having the highest 3D …

Lou Lim Lok Garden

Lou Lim Lok Garden, located just five minutes from Coronel Lacerda square, offers a pleasant and relaxing environment. Once privately owned, the now public park possesses one of the finest gardens in Macau. Local residents gather here to do tai chi, play cards and spend quality time with their …

Dining

Macau's restaurants offer a spicy blend of Portuguese, Chinese, Malay, Indian, and African cuisines. Alongside delicious dim sum and pork chop buns, you can enjoy excellent Portuguese coffee, known as 'bica', as well as wine, Goanese chicken, and fresh Chinese vegetables. Traditional Portuguese dishes to look out for include 'bacalhau,' caldo verde, and sopa à alentejana. Additionally, famed Chinese-Portuguese fusion dishes such as stir-fried curry crab and jagra de ovos are must-tries.

A Lorcha

A Lorchais one of the best places for Portuguese food in Macau. Enjoy a great variety of mouth-watering cuisine ranging from pork-ear salad, bacalhau cakes, grilled king prawns and baked mince-beef potato pie. Given its popularity, it's advisable to make a reservation prior to your …

Boa Mesa

Located near Saint Dominic's Church, Boa Mesa offers fine cuisine in a Portuguese setting. Some of their star dishes include creamy codfish, grilled sardines, and luscious desserts like chocolate mousse and creamy flan pudding. Don’t forget to enjoy a glass of Portuguese wine or a cup of their famous …

Fernando's Restaurant

If you want to get away from the centre to Hac Sa Beach, Fernando's Restaurant is your number one choice. It serves Portuguese cuisine including suckling pig, grilled chicken, codfish, stewed beef, and pork …

Seng Cheong Restaurant

If you want to step away from Portuguese cuisine and try something more Macanese, Seng Cheong Restaurant in Taipa Village is the place to go. Located on the colonial promenade, it offers a variety of Chinese dishes such as fried fish balls, deep-fried squid, steamed eel, and their speciality, crab …

Pizzeria Toscana

Pizzeria Toscana is located on Calçada da Barra, right in front of the historical Moorish Barracks. This popular Italian restaurant, serves great Italian food in a typical Italian setting with wine barrels and photo-adorned walls. The menu features a variety of pizzas, pasta and salads, complemented by a decent wine menu and some of …

IFT Educational Restaurant

IFT Educational Restaurant is a culinary trainee school that has earned a strong reputation among locals and tourists. They grow most of the vegetables themselves in order to ensure freshness. Enjoy high-quality European and Portuguese cuisine including crept Suzette and ravioli with spiced cream …

The 8 Restaurant

Located inside the Grand Lisboa Hotel, the Eight is the first Chinese restaurant in Macau awarded three Michelin stars for four consecutive years. Enjoy its contemporary Cantonese cuisine in a lavish setting. You can choose from over forty kinds of dim sum at lunch and experience classic dining with an elegant and creative …

Zi Yat Heen

Located inside the Four Seasons Hotel Macau, Zi Yat Heen offers a relaxed yet elegant dining atmosphere where you can enjoy their authentic Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant puts emphasis on exquisite ingredients and fresh seafood, accompanied by an extensive dim sum menu. Make sure you also try their selection of the finest Chinese …

A Petisqueira

A Petisqueira is an excellent Portuguese restaurant, where you can enjoy fabulous dishes ranging from two-colour gazpacho with shrimps, octopus carpaccio with caviar sauce and their special sausage rocket. If there's room for a dessert, top it all off with their rich chocolate …

Cafes

Given its Portuguese heritage, Macau has no shortage of excellent coffee. Simply head to Portuguese establishments for the best blend of bica and pastries. Chinese establishments, on the other hand, are known for producing juicy pork buns, milky teas, and puddings.

Leitaria I Son Yee Shun Milk Company

The Yee Shun Milk Company began with its first owner peddling milk door to door with an oxcart. From these humble beginnings, the establishment has grown into a well-known brand. Make sure to try their selection of milk-based puddings, which are exceptionally smooth and melt in your …

Cafe Tai Lei Loi Kei

Cafe Tai Lei Loi Kei offers Macau’s famous pork chop buns in Taipa Village. You can also enjoy their freshly baked buns with piquancy fish, as well as a wide range of traditional drinks in Macau. This popular spot tends to be quite busy, so arrive early to secure your …

Margaret's Café e Nata

Margaret's Café e Nata, located in a tucked-away alley in the Sé district, is a popular pastry shop known for its excellent coffee and some of the best Portuguese-style custard tarts in Macau. They also serve ginger milk pudding and milk …

Terra Coffee House

Terra Coffee House offers a wide range of coffee beans and freshly brewed coffee. You can enjoy a shot of richly flavoured espresso and large scoops of French Vanilla ice …

Bars & Nightlife

Nightlife in Macau is not all about its gambling establishments. There are wonderful spots along the Dock’s Outer Harbor sidewalk on Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Most bars and clubs there follow the Mediterranean tradition, getting lively after 1am.

MacauSoul Wine Lounge

Macau Soul was opened by expats who wanted to share their passion for jazz in Macau. This elegant wine lounge features fine art and offers a selection of wines and local beer, including the Euro-Asian pale …

Casinos

Even if gambling is not your scene, visiting the casinos to experience all that glitter and glamour is worthwhile. The Cotai strip is home to most hotels and casinos in Macau, including the world’s largest casino The Venetian Macao and the central MGM Macau. Guests must be at least 21 years old to enter …

Che Che & Xina

Che Che & Xina is a hidden gem located inside the Lai Sand building. Once inside, you'll escape the flashy luxury of hotel and casino bars to enjoy a laid-back vibe and a hip …

McSorley's Ale House

McSorley’s Ale House is a popular sports bar with a wide selection of beers, multiple screens broadcasting sporting events and an environment suitable for a great relaxing evening in good …

Shopping

Due to its tax free status, shopping is a delight in Macau with prices considerably lower than the USA, Europe and other Asian centres. Given recent developments, you can find luxurious shopping centres as well as plenty of exotic Asian markets and traditional shops selling Chinese medicines and Portuguese antiques. Other things to shop for including electronics, jewellery, fabric, porcelain and wine. Prices vary according to quality so be wary of imitations. Avenida Almeira Ribeiro is the main shopping centre and has many designer boutiques.