Things to do in Macao

What to see and do in Macao: a shorter list of 25 experiences, not yet checked against sources.

25 things to do in Macao

History

Explore the iconic Ruins of St. Paul's

Macau Peninsula

Climb the grand stone staircase to the surviving 17th-century facade of the Church of Mater Dei, a UNESCO World Heritage symbol of Macao's missionary history.

City

Stroll through Senado Square

Macau Peninsula

Amble across the wavy mosaic pavement of this bustling historic square, lined with pastel neo-classical buildings and a hub for festivals and shopping.

City

Take in panoramic views from Macau Tower observation deck

Sé / Nam Van

Stand 338 meters above ground on the glass-floored Skywalk, enjoying sweeping 360-degree vistas of the Pearl River Delta cityscape.

Adventure

Experience the world's highest commercial bungee jump at Macau Tower

Sé / Nam Van

Leap 233 metres from the tower's outer rim for an adrenaline-fueled freefall managed by AJ Hackett, a bucket-list adventure.

Culture

Wander through A-Ma Temple

Barra, Macau Peninsula

Step into Macao's oldest temple, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, with prayer halls, incense coils, and a tranquil hillside setting overlooking the Inner Harbour.

Food

Savor Portuguese egg tarts at Lord Stow's Bakery in Coloane

Coloane Village

Bite into the flaky, caramelised custard tarts that put Coloane on the food map, freshly baked at the original village bakery since 1989.

Nightlife

Marvel at the Cotai Strip casino resort lights after dark

Cotai

Walk between The Venetian, City of Dreams, and Studio City as neon, LED displays, and replica landmarks transform the reclaimed land into a dazzling nightscape.

History

Discover Macanese history at the Macau Museum

Fortaleza do Monte, Macau Peninsula

Explore exhibits spanning pre-colonial fishing villages to modern gaming, housed within the 17th-century Fortaleza do Monte with panoramic terrace views.

Culture

Visit the Taipa Houses-Museum

Taipa

Walk into five well-preserved pastel-green colonial villas overlooking the Cotai wetlands, showing early 20th-century Macanese home life and crafts.

Food

Taste African chicken at Restaurante Litoral

Taipa

Dig into the signature spicy coconut-grilled chicken, a Macanese fusion dish blending Portuguese, African, and Asian flavours, in a cosy Taipa institution.

Nightlife

Watch the House of Dancing Water show

Cotai

Be mesmerised by a water-based theatrical spectacle of acrobatics, diving, and special effects in a custom-built theatre at City of Dreams.

Nature

Hike up Guia Hill to Guia Fortress and Chapel

Guia Hill, Macau Peninsula

Follow the woodland trail to the 17th-century Portuguese fort, climb the lighthouse, and see frescoes in the tiny Chapel of Our Lady of Guia, a UNESCO site.

City

Explore hands-on exhibits at Macau Science Center

Outer Harbour, Macau Peninsula

Engage with interactive displays on robotics, physics, and space inside a striking cone-shaped building by I.M. Pei, great for families.

Food

Grab a pork chop bun at Tai Lei Loi Kei

Taipa

Sink your teeth into a freshly fried, peppery pork chop tucked inside a crispy yet soft pineapple bun at this Taipa snack legend.

Nature

Relax on Hac Sa Beach

Coloane

Sink your toes into black sand on Coloane's largest natural beach, backed by pine trees and a popular seaside restaurant serving grilled seafood.

Hidden gem

Wander the St. Lazarus Quarter's alleyways and street art

St. Lazarus, Macau Peninsula

Get lost in pastel-hued lanes of this regenerated creative district, spotting murals, artisan shops, and the historic Church of St. Lazarus.

Food

Indulge in Michelin-starred dim sum at The Eight

Grand Lisboa, Macau Peninsula

Celebrate with exquisite, artful dim sum and Cantonese fine dining inside Grand Lisboa, the city’s only three-Michelin-star Chinese restaurant.

Nightlife

Try your luck at Casino Lisboa

Macau Peninsula

Step into Macao’s iconic circular casino tower, a landmark since 1970, buzzing with baccarat tables, slot machines, and old-school gambler’s glamour.

Hidden gem

Visit the Chapel of Our Lady of Penha

Penha Hill, Macau Peninsula

Climb Penha Hill to this serene 1622 chapel and bishop’s residence, rewarded with breezy views over Sai Van Lake and the city skyline.

History

Learn maritime heritage at the Maritime Museum

Barra, Macau Peninsula

Examine model ships, fishing gear, and navigation tools that explain Macao’s bond with the sea, set beside the waters where Portuguese traders first anchored.

Food

Savour Macanese minchi at Riquexo

Macau Peninsula

Try the beloved home-style dish of minced pork or beef fried with onions, potatoes, and soy sauce, topped with a fried egg, at this canteen-style gem.

Nature

Hike the Taipa Grande Trail

Taipa

Trek through subtropical forest on Taipa’s highest hill, reaching 159 metres for panoramic views of the airport, Cotai Strip, and South China Sea.

City

Pose with the Eiffel Tower replica at The Parisian Macao

Cotai

Gaze up at the half-scale Parisian icon with nightly light shows, and cross the Love Lock bridge in front of one of Cotai’s most photogenic resorts.

Adventure

Go karting at the Macau Karting Track

Near Macau International Airport

Race around the 1.2-kilometre outdoor circuit near the airport, popular with locals and visitors for a fast-paced break from sightseeing.

Culture

Admire the baroque interior of St. Dominic's Church

Largo de São Domingos, Macau Peninsula

Enter this 16th-century pastel-yellow church, with a richly carved altar and sacred art museum, standing at the heart of the UNESCO Historic Centre.

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