Visiting Macau for the first time this 2024? Check out my comprehensive list of 20+ Top Best Things to Do in Macau, Tourist Spots, and FREE Attractions in Macau!
Dubbed as "Asia's Entertainment Capital," and "The Las Vegas of Asia," Macau Peninsula is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China - same as Hong Kong. Traveling to Macau for the first time? I hope this travel guide blog help you plan your Macau DIY Itinerary. Aside from its flashy and huge hotels and casinos, Macau also offers many tourist spots, attractions, and exciting things to do that will surely be a delight to every traveler. From UNESCO World Heritage Site, to temples, delicious Michelin-rated snacks, to exciting adventures, Macau should not be missed when traveling to this part of East Asia.
2024 MACAU ITINERARY: Tourist Spots and Things To Do (includes FREE ATTRACTIONS!)
There are a lot of tourist spots to see, activities to enjoy, as well as free attractions in Macau that you can visit without breaking the bank. It is also possible to visit it as a day tour from Hong Kong, but I don't really recommend it. It's still better if you stay for at least one night in Macau.
[ CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TOP-RATED HOTELS IN MACAU ]
ALSO READ: HONG KONG BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE with a 9,700 Pesos DIY Itinerary
With this, let me share to you my Top Best Things to do, Tourist Spots, and Attractions in Macau, ideal for first-timers or even for a re-visit. This could also serve as your travel guide in creating your Macau itinerary.
ALSO READ: How to Travel from Hong Kong to Macau by Ferry or Bus via Sea Bridge?
Top Best Things To Do in Macau (Tourist Spots and FREE ATTRACTIONS!)
On your first day in Macau...
1. Stroll through Senado Square
Senado Square is a must-visit public square or park in Macau and a part of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site. Also known as Largo do Senado, it is visited by many tourists every year because of its many multi-styled and brilliantly-designed buildings, shops and restaurants. As a public park, it is also where many events in Macau were held in different occasions.
ADDRESS: Largo do Senado, Macau
HOW TO GET THERE: From the airport or ferry terminal, you may take a taxi or take public bus numbers 6, 8, 9 or 28B. You may also take the free hotel shuttle buses going to Grand Lisboa. From there you may walk for 10 minutes along Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro. You will find Senado Square on your right.
HOURS: Open 24 hours, but the stores and restaurants close at around 9 or 10 PM.
ENTRANCE FEE: Free admission
2. Visit St. Dominic's Church
Located in Senado Square, Sto. Domingo Church (Igreja de São Domingos) is a historical church founded in 1587 by three Spanish Dominican priests who originally came from Mexico. This church is included in the list of the 29 sites that form the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
ADDRESS: Tv. de São Domingos & Largo de São Domingos, Macau
HOURS: 10:00 am - 06:00 pm
ENTRANCE FEE: Free admission
HOW TO GET THERE: If you're in Senado Square, just follow the signs to St. Dominic Church.
3. Conquer Mount Fortress
Mount Fortress (or Fortaleza do Monte) is Macau's principal military defense structure built from 1617 to 1626 by the Jesuits. Here, you could see cannons, military barracks, wells and an arsenal. As it was built on top of Mount Hill, which rises 52 metres above sea level, it provides a stunning view of the city. This is also where Macau Museum is located.
ADDRESS: R. do Monte, Macau
HOW TO GET THERE: Take any of the bus routes nearby: 3, 3X, 4, 6A, 8A, 18A, 19, 26A, 33, N1A. If you're at The Ruins of St. Paul's, just take the stairs at the far right side of the ruins. It will lead you to Macau Museum and to Mount Fortress.
OPENING HOURS 07:00 am - 07:00 pm
ENTRANCE FEE: Free Admission
4. Visit Macau Museum
Located within the Mount Fortress complex, Macau Museum showcases the history of the city and territory of the former Portuguese colony of Macau.
ADDRESS: No. 112 Praceta do Museu de Macau
OPENING HOURS 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays. Closed on Mondays. Ticket booth closes at 5:30 pm.
ENTRANCE FEE: 15 MOP or HKD (Adults) / 8 MOP or HKD (Students). Free admission for children 12 years old and below and seniors aged 65 years old or above. Free admission on Tuesdays and the 15th of every month. Free admission for Macao residents.
5. Gaze in Awe at the Ruins of St. Paul's
You've never been to Macau if you don't have a photo at the Ruins of St. Paul's. This church ruins is definitely one of the most popular tourist spots and a must-visit in Macau.
The Ruins of St. Paul refers to Saint Paul College and to the facade of what was originally the Church of Mater Dei built in 1602-1640. Both structures were destroyed by fire in 1835 that left what is now known the Ruins of St. Paul's. As a very popular tourist attraction in Macau, expect hundreds of people here at a given time. It is best to visit it early in the morning, so you won't get a hard time dealing with too many tourists.
ADDRESS: Santo António, Macau
OPENING HOURS:
- Façade of the Church of Mater Dei: 24 hours, 7 times a week
- Sacred Art Museum and Crypt: 09:00 am - 06:00 pm (No admission after 05:30 pm) Closed on Tuesdays after 02:00 pm
- Ruins of St Paul's: 09:00 am - 06:00 pm (No admission after 05:30 pm)
HOW TO GET THERE:. Take any of the bus routes numbers: 10, 10A, 11, 21A, 2, 3, 3A, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 26A, 33, 17, 18, 8A or 26. If you're already at Senado Square, just follow the signs going to the Ruins of St. Paul's. It's just a 10 minute walk from Senado Square. If you're at Mount Fortress or Macau Museum, just follow the escalator and then the stairs going down. It will lead you to the Ruins of St. Paul's.
6. Indulge on Portuguese Egg Tarts
A popular snack in Macau, you can find Portuguese Egg Tarts almost anywhere in Macau - especially in the food stalls and kiosks near the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square. It is definitely one of the famous local specialities to try when visiting Macau.
7. Have a Taste of Macau's Almond Cookies
Another must-try in Macau is the Almond Cookies which is one of its most popular specialty products. You can also find it in many stores near The Ruins of St. Paul's, as well as in Senado Square. The most popular is from Koi Kei Bakery, near The Ruins of St. Paul's.
8. Macau Cathedral
Built in 16th century, the Macau Cathedral (also known as Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady) is also one of the 29 sites that form the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Featuring a nice colonial façade, its most distinguishable characteristics are the pilasters and the twin belfries that really gives it a lot of character. It is the current cathedral of the Diocese of Macau and has a small square in front, which is a good place to sit and rest for a while away from the crowds.
ADDRESS: 1 Largo da Se, Macau
OPENING HOURS: 07:30 am - 06:30 pm
ENTRANCE FEE: Free admission
HOW TO GET THERE: If you're already at Senado Square, just follow the signs going to the Macau Cathedral. It's just a short walk from Senado Square and from St. Dominic Church.
9. Take a look inside Leal Senado Building
Located across Senado Square, the Leal Senado Building is the seat of the city government during the Portuguese rule. Now, it is the used as Macao Government Tourism Office. Not to be missed when visiting the Leal Senado Building is the beautiful courtyard at the back, and some exhibits displayed inside. During our visit, the current exhibit is the porcelain collection that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. I guess, they change the exhibit every now and then.
ADDRESS: Largo do Senado, Macau
HOW TO GET THERE: From the airport or ferry terminal, you may take a taxi or take public bus numbers 6, 8, 9 or 28B. You may also take the free hotel shuttle buses going to Grand Lisboa. From there you may walk for 10 minutes along Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro. You will find Leal Senado Building on your left, just across Senado Square.
OPENING HOURS: The Gallery is open from 09:00 am - 09:00 pm. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
ENTRANCE FEE: Free Admission
10. Visit the historical A-Ma Temple
Located in Largo do Pagode da Barra in the southeastern tip of the peninsula, A-Ma Temple is a temple dedicated to the Chinese sea-goddess Mazu. Built in 1488, the temple is one of the oldest in Macau and definitely a must-visit when in Macau.
ADDRESS: Largo da Barra, Macau
OPENING HOURS: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
HOW TO GET THERE: Take Bus No. 6, 8, 9 or 28B
Entrance Fee: Free Admission
When sunset comes 'til night you may...
11. Go up to Macau Tower's Observation Lounge
Standing at 338 meters and comprising of 63 floors, Macau Tower is one of the most distinguishable structures dominating Macau's skyline. Guests and visitors can climb the tower's observation lounge at the 58th floor where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city of Macau.
OPENING HOURS:
- 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Monday to Friday
- 9:00 am - 9:00pm Weekends and Public Holidays
Entering Macau Tower is free if you just want to go to the restaurants, shopping mall, and the cinema. But if you want get to the observation lounge and the adventure deck, you need to buy admission ticket worth 145 MOP or HKD.
You can buy discounted tickets via Klook.com. Click here to buy discounted tickets
If you have an iVenture Card, you can use it to get a single entry pass to Macau Tower's observation lounge and adventure deck. Read my article about Hong Kong-Macau iVenture Card for more details.
12. Go on a Thrilling Adventure at Macau Tower's Adventure Deck
At the 61st floor, is where the Adventure Deck is located. This is where the Bungy Jumping activity is done, as well as the Skywalk X where adventure-seekers could have a thrilling walking tour around Macau Tower's outer rim.
ACTIVITIES AT MACAU TOWER
- Macau Tower Bungy Jump - See package options here
- Macau Tower Skyjump - See package options here
- Macau Tower Skywalk X - See package options here
- Macau Tower Climb - See package options here
Aside from that, Macau Tower also has restaurants, theaters and shopping malls.
13. Hop at Extravagant Hotels and Casinos
Take advantage of the FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE offered by the hotels and casinos in Macau. Shop, dine, and enjoy the many free and paid attractions they offer. And of course, don't miss the many Instagram-worthy spots in these huge and extravagant hotels and casinos.
ENTRANCE FEE: Free admission
14. Ride a Ferris Wheel at Studio City
One of the newest attractions in Macau, the Golden Reel at Studio City is considered as the world's highest figure-8 Ferris wheel at a whopping 425ft above the ground. It's a figure eight shaped Ferris wheel built into the facade of this new Hollywood-themed hotel, resort and casino. You will ride a glass cabin large enough for 8-10 passengers on an 18-minute ride. Soar to the heights of the Golden Reel and enjoy spectacular views - especially at night.
It is open from 12:00 NN to 08:00 PM on weekdays, and 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM on weekends. Ticket price is at $100 HKD / 658 PHP.
If you want to ride The Golden Reel, I highly suggest that you book and reserve your entrance tickets online. You can get a discounted ticket via Klook.com for only 535 pesos, instead of 658 pesos if you buy it at Studio City.
BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: Golden Reel Ferris Wheel Discounted Ticket
STUDIO CITY MACAU
ADDRESS: Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, MacauHOW TO GET THERE: You can take a taxi to convenienly get to Studio City Macau. Free shuttle buses from the main transport hubs (Macau Ferry Terminal, Macau International Airport, Taipa Ferry Terminal) will take you there directly. For us, we went there by taking their FREE SHUTTLE BUS from Macau Tower.
15. Have a Venetian Experience in a Gondola at Venetian Macau
I've been to Venetian Macau on my first Macau trip last year. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to ride the gondola at the impressive Venice replica of the Venetian Canal. So, this time, I made sure we will be taking the gondola at Venetian Macau. And so we did! Yey!
BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: Gondola Rides at The Venetian Macau Discounted Ticket
Why not stay overnight at the Venetian Hotel and get to experience the Venetian culture while in Macau? You can avail a Macau Venetian Hotel stay in a Royale Deluxe Suite with Gondola Ride Experience for as low as 12,411 pesos.
Inclusive of:
- 2 gondola ride tickets
- 1 night stay at Macau Venetian Hotel, Royale Deluxe Suite (good for up to 4 people)
- Buffet breakfast at Cafe Deco OR buffet lunch at Bambu Restaurant for two guests (please choose one)
- 10% service charge and 5% government tax
BOOK HERE: Macau Venetian Hotel stay in a Royale Deluxe Suite with Gondola Ride Experience
16. Enjoy the many Exciting Shows on offer
Go to the hotels, and enjoy the many free shows as well as affordable paid shows. One of my favorites is the water fountain show at Wynn Palace Macau's Performance Lake. It is held from 11:00 am to 9:45 pm from Sunday to Friday, and 11:00 am to 10:45 pm every Saturday and during eve of public holidays. Each show lasts approximately three minutes and runs alternately at 15 minutes intervals.
If you have an iVenture Card, you can use it to get an entry pass to Viva La Broadway Show at Broadway Macau Hotel, and avail set meal voucher worth $70 HKD. Read my article about Hong Kong-Macau iVenture Card for more details.
OTHER SHOWS TO WATCH:
17. Be amazed by Glittering Macau's City Lights
This is the reason why I highly recommend that you stay at least one night in Macau. The eye-catching and glittering lights at night.
and on your second day, before going back to Hong Kong...
18. Have breakfast at Sei Kee Cafe
We accidentally found this small food kiosk hidden in one of the alleys near Senado Square. They offer great tasting clay pot-brewed coffee that makes me miss Vietnamese coffee. We then paired with Deep-Fried Pork Chop Bun which is basically fried pork chop in a bun that is crispy on the outside and very soft inside. It's very popular is Macau and it is often described as "the Macanese version of the hamburger." Yummmm!!!
Sei Kee Cafe's opening hours is from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm, Monday to Sunday (except Tuesdays).
19. Shop for Pasalubong
Looking for souvenirs and pasalubong for your friends and loved ones back home? Senado Square and the roads leading to the Ruins of Saint Paul's are the best places to be. From beef jerky, to Macau Almond Cookies, to ref magnets, and souvenirs shirts, you can find it here. There are also many boutiques and stores in the area selling branded merchandise as well as cheap products and whatnots.
20. Have a taste of the Michelin-recommended Pepper Meat Ball
This small and unassuming food stall near Senado Square offers Michelin-recommeneded Pepper Meat Ball! Best eaten freshly off the oven, it's a flaky biscuit-like bun stuffed with piping hot juicy peppery meat. Super yummmmm!!! Highly recommended!
BONUS: Find Instagram-worthy Spots in Macau!
Macau is filled with so many Instagram-Worthy spots perfect for "selfies" and "groufies." Don't miss so many of them!
BEFORE YOU GO: Don't Miss these Macau Travel Essentials
ALSO READ: Macau Budget Travel Guide with 4,800 Pesos DIY Itinerary |
Cheap Flights to Macau
Local airlines such as Cebu Pacific Air and Air Asia have several direct flights daily from Manila to Macau. To search for cheap flights to Macau, I highly recommend booking via Traveloka.com - one of Southeast Asia's leading travel booking sites.
I hope this list of top things to do, tourist spots, and FREE attractions in Macau will help you plan an amazing an memorable Macau adventure! Enjoy, have fun, and take a lot of wonderful memories!
This trip to Macau and Hong Kong were made possible by Traveloka and Klook.com.
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Hi! This is very helpful. I was searching almost all night for an itinerary that mentions the address, admissions (free or with pay), route, transportation, and all - AND this is the only one that is very throrough. Thank you so much! Basta pinoy talaga, very detailed.
ReplyDeleteHi po, I would like to know po if kahit wala kaming booked na hotels sa macau pwede pa din kami sumakay sa free shuttle bus?
ReplyDeleteOK I cancelled my trip in HK huhu.. Thanks for giving tips about Macau
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this very detailed Macau itinerary. It is amazing. It will be helpful during my Macau visit soon.
Regards