Things to do in Macau China (2025) The Ultimate Guide.

Planning a trip to Macau China and wondering what the best things to do are? Look no further. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Macau has something for everyone.

The beautiful colonial architecture found in this vibrant city, highlighting the rich history of the area.

Here’s all the best things to do in Macau China, along with everything you need to know about this fascinating city.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and participant in other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Macau China

Often referred to as the “Vegas of the East”, Macau is a destination like no other. Macau is a vibrant city, that combines centuries of Portuguese influence with Chinese heritage. It offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and modern entertainment. From its UNESCO-listed historic sites and bustling squares to luxurious casinos and tranquil beaches, Macau is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re drawn to its fascinating past, iconic landmarks, or culinary delights, Macau promises a journey that will captivate every type of traveller.

You cannot miss this beautiful city when you are travelling to China. It feels like you have visited Portugal, China and Vegas all in one destination! Maybe you could tick 3 “countries” off your bucket list here, or maybe that would be cheating. But you can leave with a good taste of all 3 countries from this one amazing city.

Where is Macau located in China?

Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, located on the southern coast of the country.

Macau’s strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring other exciting destinations in the region. It is just 60 kilometres west of Hong Kong, separated by the Pearl River Delta. Macau’s location also makes it convenient to visit major cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou (China’s third-largest city) or the beautiful Guilin region. These cities are easily accessible by high-speed train. You can easily book flights or the high-speed train to and from Macau here.

These convenient connections make Macau a gateway to experiencing the best of southern China and beyond.

Is Macau part of China?

Yes, Macau is part of China, but it operates as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) under the “one country, two systems” principle. This arrangement allows Macau to maintain a high degree of autonomy in areas such as legal, economic, and administrative systems, while defence and foreign affairs are managed by the central government in Beijing.

The History of Macau China

Besides the many things to do in Macau China, it also has a very interesting historical background. Macau was a Portuguese colony for over 400 years (it was actually the first European settlement in Asia!) until it was handed back to China in 1999.

Since then, it has been a part of China but retains its own governance system, currency (Macanese Pataca), and cultural identity. This unique status makes Macau distinct from mainland China while still being an integral part of the country.

Its streets tell stories of this vibrant past, with colonial architecture standing beside ancient Chinese temples. The city retains its multicultural charm, blending Portuguese influences with traditional Chinese heritage, creating a city like no other. It feels like you are in both Portugal and China at once! It’s amazing to see.

Things to do in Macau China

There is so much to see and do in Macau, with this list you will never be left wondering what to do or where to go next. In my opinion, this is all of the best things to do in Macau China. So, if you have time, I recommend you add them all to your Macau itinerary. Or, if you prefer you can always take a guided tour of the city.

We spent just one day (24 hours) in Macau and we covered the majority of the main attractions found in this vibrant city. You can check out our one-day in Macau itinerary to help you best plan your visit and fit in as many attractions as you can in just one day. I am forever grateful that teaching English in China has gave me the opportunity to visit such beautiful cities.

1. Explore the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral

No trip to Macau is complete without a visit to the Ruins of St. Paul’s, one of the city’s most treasured landmarks. Originally built in the early 17th century by Jesuit missionaries, the cathedral was one of the largest and most impressive Catholic churches in Asia at the time. Its Baroque-style façade, intricately carved with Christian and Asian motifs, reflects the blending of European and Chinese artistry.

The church, alongside an adjacent Jesuit college, was destroyed by a fire in 1835, leaving only the grand stone façade and a few remnants. Today, the ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing visitors to marvel at its detailed carvings and to climb the steps for panoramic views of Macau’s old town.

Walking up the iconic steps, you’ll marvel at carvings that blend religious and cultural motifs. At the top, enjoy panoramic views of Macau’s old town, with its mix of colonial and Chinese architecture.

Make sure to stop here and take some beautiful photos– but be prepared it can be very busy. The day we stopped here it was packed with tourists; you could barely move through the crowds!

2. Visit Macau Museum

Nearby the Ruins of St. Pauls Cathedral, you will find Macau Museum. This museum offers insights into the site’s rich history. A visit here isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about stepping into a fascinating chapter of Macau’s story. We spent over an hour strolling around the museum and learned soooo much about the history of the city! It was honestly the most interesting part of our trip.

Macau Museum, located within the historic Mount Fortress, offers a fascinating journey through Macau’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Spread across three levels, the museum showcases artifacts, interactive displays, and multimedia exhibits that explore Macau’s unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences.

On the ground floor, visitors are introduced to Macau’s pre-colonial era, highlighting its role as a fishing village and trading post. The upper levels delve into the Portuguese settlement, showcasing traditional crafts, festivals, and daily life. Don’t miss the panoramic terrace at the top, offering stunning views of the city and nearby landmarks like the Ruins of St. Paul’s.

The museum’s thoughtful curation makes it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone keen to understand how Macau evolved into the vibrant city it is today.

3. Mount Fortress (Fortaleza do Monte)

One of the stunning views at Mount Fortress Macau

Right outside the museum you will find Mount Fortress (Fortaleza do Monte). Built in the 17th century to defend Macau from pirates, this historic site offers panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into Macau’s military history.

Mount Fortress, once Macau’s main military defence structure, is a must-visit for history lovers and those seeking stunning views of the city. Built by the Jesuits in the 17th century to protect the adjacent St. Paul’s Church, the fortress played a vital role during the Dutch invasion of 1622. Today, it’s a peaceful spot to wander, featuring old cannons, stone walls, and lush gardens. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Macau’s skyline, blending modern skyscrapers with historic architecture.

Note:

Mount Fortress, Macau Museum and the Ruins of St Pauls Cathedral are all right beside one another– we started at mount fortress, then strolled around the museum before visiting the ruins of St. Pauls. You can check out our full one-day in Macau itinerary here.

4. Stroll around Senado Square

The beautiful colonial architecture found in Senado Square, Macau

Senado Square is the vibrant heart of Macau and another UNESCO World Heritage site in Macau. Renowned for its stunning blend of Portuguese and Chinese influences. Paved with iconic wave-patterned mosaic tiles, the square is surrounded by pastel-coloured colonial buildings and traditional Chinese shops. It honestly feels like you are on holiday in Portugal in one direction and back in China when you turn another direction. It’s amazing to see two completely different cultures blended in one area.

It’s quiet a lively and busy spot (like most of Macau!), but it’s perfect for strolling, shopping, or enjoying local snacks. We sat in the square and enjoyed a fresh Portuguese egg tart from a little bakery stall and a matcha from Matcha Maiko.

Key landmarks nearby include the Holy House of Mercy and St. Dominic’s Church, both showcasing beautiful colonial architecture.

5. St. Dominic’s Church

St. Dominic’s Church is a beautiful baroque-style church located in the heart of Senado Square. Built in 1587 by Spanish Dominican priests, it is one of the oldest churches in Macau and a symbol of its Portuguese colonial heritage. The church’s striking yellow façade and green shutters make it a standout landmark in Senado Square.

We stood outside and took some stunning photos of the architecture. Inside the interior was beautiful, featuring wooden statues, religious artifacts, and detailed altar carvings.

6. A-Ma Temple

The entrance gate into A-Ma Temple, Macau

A-Ma Temple is one of Macau’s oldest and most sacred landmarks, dating back to the 15th century. Dedicated to Mazu, the Taoist goddess of the sea and protector of fishermen, the temple is a testament to Macau’s maritime history.

As you stroll through the temple, you’ll notice stone carvings, colourful tiles, and incense coils creating an atmosphere of peace and admiration. The temple’s location near the harbour symbolizes its historic significance as a spiritual haven for seafarers.

When you are here you, be sure to purchase incense and make a wish! The act of burning incense is deeply symbolic and adds to the serene atmosphere.

7. Macau Tower Observation Deck

Standing at 338 meters, Macau Tower offers unmatched views of the city and beyond. The observation deck, located on the 58th floor, features floor-to-ceiling windows and sections with glass floors, giving visitors a thrilling perspective of the bustling city below. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or you just want to relax and take in the view, the observation deck truly caters for every type of traveller.

For instance if you’re an adventure seeker, you can take part in the Skywalk, which is a walk along the outer rim of the tower, or if you’re a real thrill seeker you can go on the world’s highest commercial bungee jump.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to go for a more laid-back experience, the revolving restaurant provides a luxurious dining option with stunning 360-degree views. Therefore, whether you’re here for the adrenaline rush or the breath taking scenery, Macau Tower is an essential stop for anyone looking to see the city from a new angle.

8. Visit the Casinos

Macau boasts world-class casinos such as The Venetian, MGM, and Wynn. Not only do these venues offer gambling, but they also offer luxury shopping, fine dining, and spectacular shows.

Macau is often called the “Las Vegas of Asia,” but its gambling revenue actually surpasses that of Las Vegas!! As a result, it has become the world’s largest gambling hub, generating billions of dollars annually.

Regardless of whether you are into gambling or not, these casinos are undeniably worth a visit! Macau’s casinos are not just for gamblers—they’re massive entertainment hubs offering world-class shows, luxurious shopping, fine dining, and incredible architecture.

Iconic resorts like The Venetian Macao and The Parisian Macao are tourist attractions in themselves, featuring gondola rides and a scaled replica of the Eiffel Tower. We could have spent a full day just looking around the Venetian! I could not get over the size of it.

9. The Venetian Hotel Macau China

The Venetian Hotel Macau, among the many things to do here, you can take a gondola ride down the canal.

The Venetian is more than just a hotel—it’s a world of luxury and entertainment. As the largest single-structure hotel in Asia and one of the largest casinos in the world, this architectural marvel spans over 10.5 million square feet. We honestly said it was like its own mini city.

The Venetian boasts a gaming space of approximately 550,000 square feet, making it the largest single-structure casino in the world. It’s part of a huge resort complex modelled after its namesake in Las Vegas, complete with Venetian-inspired architecture, canals, and gondola rides.

There is so much to see and do in this one resort alone. Whether you’re seeking adventure, indulgence, or simply a unique experience, The Venetian has it all.

Here’s a list of the many things you can do when visiting this iconic destination:

Take a Gondola Ride along the Canal
Explore the Venice-Inspired Architecture
Shop at The Grand Canal Shoppes (such as Prada, Gucci…)
Enjoy World-Class Entertainment
Dine at Gourmet Restaurants
Relax at the Pool and Spa
Visit the Qube Kids’ Zone
Try Your Luck at the Casino

For those seeking a luxurious stay in Macau, The Venetian is the ultimate choice. Boasting an incredible 3,000 suites, world-class amenities, and an unforgettable experience. You can check out the best prices for The Venetian here.

Other luxury hotels in Macau

Cheap Hotels in Macau

Along with the many things to do in Macau, China, there are also many hotels where you can spend a night or two. However, if you’re not looking for a luxurious stay (mentioned above), don’t worry—there are still plenty of more affordable hotels to choose from in Macau.

We spent our night in the Royal Hotel Macau. This hotel was perfect for our stay in Macau. The hotel was very clean and the staff were so friendly. We had a lovely spacious room on the top floor.

The location was perfect because it allowed us to walk to all of the main attractions in Macau. In addition, it was less than a 10-minute taxi ride from the ferry. (I know free shuttle buses also run, so be sure to check that.)

Moreover, the hotel has all the facilities you need, including two restaurants, a fitness centre, and a pool. They also offer laundry services. For example, we enjoyed a morning swim in the indoor pool, which was perfect for recharging before a day of exploration.

Beaches in Macau, China

Macau’s beaches are hidden gems that provide a tranquil escape from the city’s bustling streets.

Hac Sa Beach: Known for its distinctive black sand, Hac Sa Beach is a popular spot for picnics and water sports. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and has facilities like barbecue pits and restaurants.

Cheoc Van Beach: This smaller, quieter beach is ideal for relaxation. Nearby, you’ll find local eateries and the Cheoc Van Swimming Pool, perfect for families.

Restaurants in Macau China

Among the many things to do in Macau, China, trying some Chinese and Portuguese cuisine is another must. Macau has some fabulous restaurants to choose from. You will find the cuisine is a unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese flavours.

Must-visit restaurants in Macau include:

McSorelys Ale House: Situated in the Venetian it is the perfect place for some Irish style Pub food.
Estabelecimento de Comidas: Offering an authentic Portuguese lunch experience. (I can not find it online but here is the address, and you can easily find it on Apple Maps: Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro No.264, Rua do Campo DeiHaa, Cathedral, Parish, Macau SAR China).
Fernando’s Restaurant: Famous for its Portuguese dishes.
Lord Stow’s Bakery: Renowned for its Portuguese egg tarts. (You can not visit Macau and not have an egg tart!).
Robuchon au Dôme: A Michelin-starred fine-dining experience.
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao: An amazing Chinese restaurant (voted number one in Macau on Trip Advisor).

We had lunch in Estabelecimento de Comidas. It had the longest list of authentic Portuguese dishes to choose from. It was a very old-style café, not your Insta picture place, but the food was amazing and very good priced. We both went for the pork chops, which were served with a beautiful sauce nearly like a gravy, side salad, rice and home-made potato chips. It’s a must try if you want an authentic Portuguese lunch experience.

Later that evening we had dinner in McSorelys Ale House. Located within the Venetian Hotel, this restaurant served an Irish pub grub menu. From Steak and Guinness pies, to fish and chips, chicken wings, delicious burgers and a list of pizzas. It was a great taste of home! They even put little Irish flags on top of our burgers!

Macau China- Currency

The official currency of Macau is the Macanese Pataca (MOP), but Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) are widely accepted. However, be mindful of exchange rates when using HKD.

For example, we exchanged our money at the office in the ferry port when we arrived in Macau, so we had cash for the trip. In addition, since we had just come from Hong Kong, most places accepted HKD, although one or two places said no. Therefore, if you are also coming from Hong Kong, you do not need to exchange your money; you can simply keep it and use it in Macau.

Best Time to Visit Macau China

The best time to visit Macau is during the autumn and winter months, from October to December. During this period, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures and low humidity, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

We visited at the beginning of October and the weather was perfect. It was not too hot, but it was still shorts and T-shirt weather. It was easy to spend the day out sight-seeing due to the low-humidity and zero rain.

Spring (March to May) is also a good time to visit, although it can be slightly humid. If possible, avoid visiting in the summer (June to September) due to high temperatures, humidity, and the potential for typhoons.

Planning a Trip to Macau, China

Flying to Macau? ✈️ To find the best prices on flights click here.
Taking the train to Macau? 🚄 You can easily book your train tickets here.
Spending the night in Macau? 🏨 find the best hotel prices here.
Do you want a guided tour in Macau? 🗺️ you can book the best guided tour here.
Need an Itinerary? Check out our One-Day in Macau Itinerary.