More about Macau

About Macau

Macau is one of the East Asian countries known for its historical sites. Most tourists pick Macau as the country they want to visit to learn about the culture and taste its signature foods. Located near Hong Kong, this country has less than a million population. 

As Macau was once colonised by the Portuguese, most of its buildings were built with a typical European design. It affects its signature dishes too, some of them are cooked with a combination of Chinese and Portuguese ingredients. In fact, there are many interesting things to know and various cultures to learn from this country. However, it doesn’t mean you cannot visit Macau for a fun vacation. You can never miss Macau’s street foods and beautiful places!

Top 15 Things to Do in Macau

Macau has so much to offer for you to visit, from historical sites, and beautiful parks, to its iconic landmarks. Here are some places you can visit and do an unforgettable journey.

1. Senado Square

Popular and historical tourist attractions in Macau that you must visit. Senado Square is a square in Macau that has been built since 1918. Today it serves as a shopping destination, with a variety of souvenir shops, from branded to cheap. There are also street vendors selling specialty snacks and dried fruits. With hundreds of restaurants in Senado Square, you won't have to worry about finding a place to eat.

2. Macau Tower

From the top of Macau Tower, you can see all over Macau’s city. The Venetian Hotel, Lisboa, Sands Hotel, Taipa Bridge, ferry terminal, everything is visible from up here. To go up to the top, you need to buy a Macau Tower Ticket. The most thrilling and exciting thing is that you can walk on the glass that looks down. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try bungee jumping at the tower too. 

3. Ruins of São Paulo

The Ruins of St Paul is one of Macau's many relics of the Portuguese era and is most frequented by tourists. It is on UNESCO's World Heritage list as a historical place in Macau. Every day this place is filled with tourists, whether locals or foreigners. The funny thing is that many tourists throw coins at the window. Because the myth says that if we throw coins while saying wishes and praying, our wishes will come true.

4. A-Ma Temple

A-ma Temple is a Buddhist religious attraction, as it is still well used by the Buddhist community there for worship. However, because this place has a great history in the founding of Macau City, it is used as a tourist attraction for the public. The temple consists of prayer rooms, pavilions, and courtyards built into a rocky hill and connected by a circular walkway through moon gates and small gardens. The temple's adaptation of Chinese culture is evident from the poems and inscriptions carved into the stones in the area.

5. Macau Giant Panda Pavilion

For those of you who love animals, especially pandas, don't miss the moment to visit the Giant Panda Pavilion in Macau or Macau Giant Panda Pavilion. The pavilion is designed in line with the panda's natural habitat, with natural light streaming through the translucent roof, stone walls, ponds, and trees. In addition to seeing regular pandas, visitors can also see red pandas in the Pavilion of Rare Animals.

6. The Parisian Macau

First impressions matter and many visitors are captivated by the stunning replica of the Eiffel Tower, which is half the height of the original. The tower houses a restaurant serving gourmet food, with a unique blend of flavours from Eastern and Western culinary cultures. The Eiffel Tower replica is a must-see landmark for visitors to Macau. The Parisian Macau also has a wide variety of integrated facilities, including around 3,000 lodgings and suites, with some rooms boasting spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower.

7. Monte Fort

Monte Fort is a popular tourist destination that is 400 years old. You can see the casino grounds from this building and enjoy the sunset. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Monte Fort is considered the first historical site in Macau to become a tourist destination. The European design of the building is one of the attractions that can amaze you. If you want a trip with a leisurely walk, this place is suitable for you to visit.

8. Coloane

Coloane Village is a coastal village with a Portuguese flavour. The Chapel of St Francis Xavier is the icon of Coloane Village, and its yellow colour will make a great backdrop for your photos. Wandering the quiet streets of Coloane is certainly an interesting option when visiting Macau. In Coloane, you can enjoy an afternoon on the coast while savouring the Lord's Stow Egg Tart. You can also visit Coloane Library, a library that was built in 1911.

9. Macau Museum

The Macau Museum is a historical and cultural museum with a large number of objects of great historical value, showing the way of life and culture of the various communities that have inhabited the old city. It consists of two underground levels and a third on top of the fort's upper platform where the old Meteorological Services are housed. The architectural character and special configuration of the architecture have been maintained and preserved. Here you can participate in popular arts and Macau traditions such as daily life festivals, entertainment, religious, and traditional ceremonies.

10. Na Tcha Temple

Built in 1888, this temple is dedicated to the worship of Na Tcha. This small traditional Chinese temple stands close to the remains of the region's main Jesuit enterprise, presenting a dialectic of Western and Chinese ideals. As one of the best examples of Macau's multicultural identity and religious freedom. You can see locals practising their usual traditions. This tourist destination is suitable for those of you who want to see how authentic Macau's culture is. 

11. Venetian Macau Casino

It is the largest casino venue in China. The Venetian Macau has been named the largest single-structure building in Asia and the 7th largest building in the world by floor area. It also provides many additional facilities such as convention space, retail, and hotels. The interior of the casino is crafted with lavish ceiling paintings, mirrored columns, tiled floors, and a gold colour scheme. The prominence of bright yellow and many red accents make it fit the Chinese character.

12. St. Dominic's Church

It is a unique historical building that still stands majestically. A place that is often visited by tourists because of its proximity to Senado Square. The design of the church is quite nice and bright yellow. The inside is also spacious. You must be calm when entering the inside of the church because this place is still used as a place of worship.

13. Hac Sa Beach

Including one of the locals' favourite beaches for a quick escape. There are several food vendors such as barbecue and other food. This beach is always crowded every weekend, so make sure you come at the right time if you want to visit it. Hac Sa itself means 'black sand', but as the sand diminished, locals added yellow sand, making it a combination of yellow and black sand. This beach is also known commonly as the largest beach in Macau.

14. Lou Lim Ioc Garden

The garden is shaped like Soochow, China's most famous classical garden. Enclosed by high walls, it is a miniature landscape with narrow paths winding through bamboo groves and flowerbeds. You can find a large pond filled with golden snapper fish and lotus flowers when you enter. There is a bridge with 9 zigzag turns across the pond. The reason for this is said to be because evil spirits can only walk in a straight line. There are frequent arts and crafts exhibitions in the pavilion, which also serves as an auditorium for recitals during the annual International Music Festival.

15. Guia Fortress and Lighthouse

Guia Lighthouse, dating from 1865, which also stands within the perimeter, was the first modern lighthouse on the Chinese coast. Guia Fortress, along with the chapel and lighthouse are emblems of Macau's maritime, military, and missionary past. To enter here, you don't have to pay anything as it's free. The lighthouse is also quite safe to explore as there are guards on standby inside. If you're tired and don't feel like walking, you can take the cable car available on-site.

Best Restaurants in Macau

It does not feel complete when you visit Macau without trying its best of the best dishes. Macau is known for its diverse and various types of foods. Here are some of the best restaurants in Macau you should go to.

1. Robuchon au Dôme

• Location: MacauAv. de Lisboa, Grand Lisboa Hotel, 43rd Floor, South Bay.
• Price: Starts from MOP 680 per person.

A French restaurant that has been chosen as one of the three-star Michelin restaurants for years. Robuchon has a collection of wine with a total of around 17,000 labels, making it granted another award called the Grand Award from Wine’s Spectator in 2005. This restaurant offers you a gastronomic dish specially cooked and created by a well-known chef. The luxurious interior makes you feel comfortable yet fancy while enjoying the unforgettable experience of having a meal. It is a must-try restaurant you will never want to miss on your Macau journey.

2. Jade Dragon

• Location: MO Jade Dragon, Level 2, The Shops at The Boulevard City of Dreams, Estr. do Istmo, Macau.
• Price: Starts from MOP 400 per person.

This restaurant has many sets of teas, perfect for you if you are a tea lover. With affordable prices, you can get great service, a good environment, and of course, delicious cuisines. There are various authentic Chinese foods you can enjoy, such as dim sum and roasted duck that are served generously.  It would be perfect if you came to this restaurant with your family. Jade Dragon is also well-known among locals and foreigners, as it is labeled a three-star Michelin restaurant.

3. Golden Flower

• Location: Wynn Macau, R. Cidade de Sintra, Macau.
• Price: Starts from MOP 280 per person.

A two-star Michelin restaurant with a quiet and cozy ambiance, serving amazing Chinese food. The entrance door and interior of the restaurant are decorated with gold accents, you will feel like you are in a classic yet elegant Chinese building. The dishes served are typical fine dining which is crafted artfully by the professional chef. Your hand will automatically take your phone to take a picture of the food because of the great presentation. It is recommended if you try all the meal sets from appetisers to desserts, you will get a no other experience in Macau.

4. Ying

• Location: Macau, Av. de Kwong Tung, MO Ying, Level 11 Altira Macau.
• Price: Starts from MOP 400 per person.

Ying is a well-known and much-loved restaurant by locals in Macau. It is a one-star Michelin restaurant that serves well-executed Cantonese classics. Various cuisines are served at a reasonable price, as it is made with high-quality ingredients. You can enjoy any kind of dim sum, sets of tea, roasted goose, and so on. Take a seat near the window to see Macau’s landscape while having a great meal.

5. Wing Lei

• Location: Wynn Macau, R. Cidade de Sintra, Macau.
• Price: Starts from MOP 280 per person.

Who doesn’t want to enjoy a delicious cuisine with a water fountain view? You better not miss a chance to get to this restaurant. Once you get in the restaurant, the staff will serve a tea service, while you are waiting for your order. On top of that, it is known for its great food and service. You will taste the traditional Chinese cuisine and feel like going back to Wing Lei again. This restaurant is often used as a place to celebrate birthdays and family dinners, perfect if for your family vacation in Macau.  

Best Hotel Recommendations in Macau

With so many tourist attractions in Macau, you'll want to stay in a hotel that's affordable and within easy reach of all the attractions. Here are some hotel recommendations that you can consider during your stay in Macau!

1. The Venetian Macau

• Location: s/n Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Macau.
• Price: Starts from MOP 1250 each night/room.

The building is magnificent and elegant, making it not look like a hotel. You will be treated to a view that is not playful when entering this hotel. The interior makes you feel like in Venice. Hotel rooms are clean and very spacious, with complete facilities. You can even take a walk to enjoy the beauty of this hotel. Staying at this hotel alone is like visiting a tourist destination.

2. Greenery Inn Macau

• Location: 21 Estr. do Arco, Macau.
• Price: Starts from MOP 350 each night/room.

One of the budget-friendly hotels and provides breakfast. If you come with a family, this hotel provides a family room that contains two single beds and one queen bed. In the family room, they even provide a bathroom for each of your children and yourself. This hotel is located in a safe part of Macau and is surrounded by locals. It would be easy for you and your family to go anywhere.

3. The St. Regis Macau

• Location: Estr. do Istmo, Macau.
• Price: Starts from MOP 280 each night/room.

The friendly staff will make sure you feel comfortable enough during your stay at this hotel. They provide 24-hour tea and coffee service that you can request anytime. Facilities such as a spa and shuttle service are available at this hotel. You don't have to worry about finding transport to get around. The hotel is located in a busy and lively area of Macau, you can find shopping centres and restaurants nearby.

4. Four Seasons Hotel Macau Cotai Strip

• Location: Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Macau.
• Price: Starts from MOP 1446 each night/room.

This hotel provides complete facilities such as a gym, spa, and sauna. They also have a large swimming pool, available 24 hours. With exceptional service, you will be assisted by friendly and helpful staff. If you stay at this hotel, you can go to many tourist destinations because of its strategic location. There are many restaurants and entertainment venues around the hotel that you can visit.

5. Grand Hyatt Macau

• Location: Macau, Estrada do Istmo City of Dreams.
• Price: Starts from MOP 1047 each night/room.

The hotel provides an experience of staying while enjoying the fresh sounds of the fountain. With reasonable prices, you will get complete facilities, a varied and delicious food menu, and spacious hotel rooms. Located in a fairly accessible area, you may still need a taxi or other public transport as the hotel is quite far from tourist destinations. However, don't worry because you will still have a delightful stay in this hotel.

Tips When Visiting Macau

If you are travelling to Macau, the best time to visit is between October and December. At this time, the weather and temperature are more comfortable. However, it can be scorching during the summer and most people prefer to stay in air-conditioned rooms. The climate in Macau is moderate to hot, with generally high humidity. Typhoons are possible there from May to September.

Now you already know what things you can do, what hotel and restaurant you want to visit,  and some tips before visiting Macau. It is time to create your itinerary plan! Choose your preferred hotel and book your flight ticket now only on Traveloka. Have a good journey in Macau!