Dubbed as the “Las Vegas of Asia” or “Little Portugal of the Far East”, Macau is a fascinating and tireless metropolis that sits on the southeastern coast of the Guangdong Province, China. The city is well-known for its rambunctious nightlife, incredible skyline and glitzy casinos. However, it’s also popular for a beguiling mishmash of culture owing to its Chinese lineage and Portuguese colonial past. There are countless things to do in Macau, and it’s guaranteed your time in this city will be filled with excitement and happiness.
10 Best Things To Do In Macau
Even though it is mostly popular due to its nightlife and casinos, apart from that, there are several other things to do in Macau.
1. Visit The Ruins Of St. Paul Cathedral
Photo: Whhalbert / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the Santo Antonio region of the Macau Peninsula, the remains of St. Paul’s Cathedral are an iconic landmark in this metropolis. This beautiful yet haunting spectacle is the ruins of a 16th-century church that will let you admire all the elaborate façade and also relish the incredible sceneries of Macau. The church carries a mixture of Asian and Christian motifs that decorate the façade and stands out as proof of Macau’s cultural lineage. The place is open throughout the day, which makes it convenient to visit it any time of the day.
Location: Company of Jesus Square
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
2. Check Out The A-Ma Temple
Photo: No1lovesu / Wikimedia Commons
The A-Ma Temple, situated in Sao Lourenco, is one of the oldest temples in this metropolis. Constructed back in 1488 to honour the sea goddess Matsu for seafarers, this is a holy spot that pulls in many sightseers towards its prayer halls and offers breathtaking vistas of the sea. This particular temple has a special spot in the heart of all the residents as it doesn’t just play the part of a place of worship but also serves as an inspiration for the city’s name. When the Portuguese sailors reached the shores, they wanted to know about the land they just reached.
Location: Barra Square
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
3. Go On A Gondola Ride At The Venetian Macau
Photo: LN9267 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things to do in Macau is go on a gondola ride at the Venetian Macau. This is the spot where you will get to taste Italy and get to enjoy the ride along the panoramic canals. The gondola ride is perfect for all couples or for individuals who have a romantic temperament. This is a 20-minute ride that will provide you with fantastic views of the Grand Canals of Shoppes, Marco Polo and even San Luca. When you’re gliding along the water, the skilled gondolier will fill your ears with lovely tunes, which will add romance and allure to your experience.
Location: Venetian Macau Resort (Cotai Strip)
Timings: 11 AM – 10 PM
4. Become Artistic At The teamLab SuperNature
Photo: Bita RmJohnson Liuosa / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting the teamLab SuperNature will let you experience the fusion of technology and art. This amazing 5,000 sq. mt area consists of an 8-metre-tall artwork done by the well-known teamLab. This is not just an art exhibit but it’s also a body immersive and transformative experience that will take you to a different world of perception. Here, at teamLab SuperNature, you will get the opportunity to explore an uncharted location between nature and humans and then redefine your association with the world that encircles you. You will not get the chance to admire the art but also become a part of it.
Location: The Venetian Macao (Cotai Strip)
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
5. Go To The Senado Square
Photo: MACAU PHOTOGRAPHY / Unsplash
One of the most well-known things to see in Macau is visiting the iconic Senado Square. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is lively and carries a blend of Western and Eastern architecture, which includes the pastel shade buildings paired with Portuguese-style tiles. At this square, you can take some Instagram-worthy pictures, try some Macanese food and even visit the souvenir shops. Furthermore, you can visit the 2nd floor of the Leal Senado building to get a bird’s eye view of the entire area and also take some pictures. Since it blends leisure, culture and history, Senado Square has become a must-visit spot.
Location: Historic Center of Macau
Timings: 24*7
6. Observe Pandas At Giant Panda Pavilion
Photo: Chester Ho / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
When visiting Macau, not paying a visit to the national animal of China is something not appreciable. Make sure to visit the Giant Panda Pavilion to check out the giant and adorable pandas. This spot is a must-visit for every visitor who wishes to have a unique experience. This particular pavilion has a group of cute giant pandas and also other species, which include monkeys and red pandas. You can access this area for free and observe the adorable group of black and white giant fluff in their natural habitat. If you’re visiting Macau with your family, this place stands out as a must-visit.
Location: Seac Pai Van Park (Coloane Island)
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
7. Explore The Beautiful Guia Fortress
Photo: LN9267 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Sao Lazaro, the Guia Lighthouse and Fortress will provide you with plenty of historical insights. This 17th-century military fortress might not be the first thing you do not see in this city, but it will surely be worth visiting. Take a look at its elaborate military complete and then climb on top of the lighthouse to get a clear view of the surrounding region. The lighthouse is one of the oldest of its kind in China, and also the oldest structure in Macau, as it was constructed way back in 1864.
Location: Guia Hill
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
8. Visit Macau’s Iconic Wine And Grand Prix Museum
Photo: Lothar Spurzem / Wikimedia Commons
The Grand Prix and Wine Museum is one of the most magical spots that you must check out when visiting Macau. This museum has displays that are linked to the global Grand Prix as it contains chronicles of champions, demonstrated write-ups, images, victory cups, video clips and many more. The museum also has the Formula 1 vehicles that were driven by Eduardo de Carvalho, David Coulthard and Michael Schumacher. You will find the red and white Formula 3 vehicle of Ayrton Senna. The Wine Museum is another crucial and well-known place that visitors should check out.
Location: Rua Luís Gonzaga Gomes
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
9. Admire The Views From The Macau Tower
If you’re thinking about what to do in Macau once you arrive, you should head to the “Macau Tower”. Known as the landmark of this metropolis, Macau Tower is an iconic place you just can’t miss from visiting. From the observation deck, you will witness a remarkable view of the entire city. The tower is also known for being one of the leading spots for bungee jumping. There is nothing that will beat the rush of plunging from the top of the globe’s highest bungee jumping location with the Macau Peninsula right in front of you.
Location: Largo da Torre de Macau
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
10. De-Stress At The Coloane Village
Photo: LN9267 / Wikimedia Commons
Located on Coloane Island, this village is a peaceful escape for all the sightseers. You will find black sand beaches, peaceful surroundings and natural beauty. The beaches at this village do not just offer relaxation but it also has an ecological value. The Hac Sa Beach has black sand, which is due to the mineral-rich volcanic soil that is found only in this region. Apart from that, you should also check out the Matsu Cultural Village and the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier while visiting this beautiful village.
Location: Coloane Island
Timings: 24*7
Macau is not just known for its nightlife and casinos and offers several other things that visitors can do in this lively metropolis. From going on gondola rides to visiting the A-Ma temple, there are countless things to do in Macau, not just with friends but also with family. So, are you up for it? If yes, reach out to TripXL and plan a perfect itinerary for your trip.
Cover Photo: tian Jin / Pexels