1 day tour macau

1 Day Macau Trip Plan –  3 Day Macau Trip Plan – 5 Day Macau Trip Plan

1 Day Macau Trip Plan

(Last updated: November 22, 2023)

A lot of questions I get regarding Macau revolve around what people should see and do there.  Travellers aren’t sure which places are can’t miss attractions, which sites should be avoided, how to get around etc.  So in order to avoid answering the same questions again and again, I’ve come up with three different Macau travel itineraries: one for 1 day, a second for 3 days and a final one for 5 days. 

Before I made these travel plans, I came up with a personal list of Macau’s top sites, the places that every traveller simply must visit to fully appreciate the city:

• The Historic Quarter

Sites include the 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites , Penha Church , Avenida da Republica, The Street of Happiness, and Camoes Park .

• Coloane Village

Picturesque fishing village home to egg tarts, temples, and a collage of colour. See Coloane Village Photobook .

• Taipa Village

A small slice of the Mediterranean sandwiched between suburbia and the Cotai Strip. See Taipa Village Photobook .

• St Lazarus Quarter

Sites include the Old Ladies Home, St Lazarus Church , St Michael’s Cemetery , Tap Seac Square and Lou Lim Ieoc Park .

• The Cotai Strip

Macau’s new development zone for gaming that’s already put Vegas to shame.  See Cotai Strip History .

Ask 5 different people what the best museum in Macau is and you might get 5 different answers.  In my opinion, Macau Museum, Maritime Museum, Art Museum, Handover Gifts Museum and Vintage Sounds Museum are the best of the lot and should not be missed.  For a complete list of all museums, please click here: Macau Museums .  

• The Area Around Mong Ha Hill

Sites include Kun Iam Temple , Lin Fung Temple , Mong Ha Park , The Temple of Bamboo and Long Wa Teahouse .

All three travel plans revolve around visiting as many of these 7 places as you can, but only in the 5 day trip will you have enough time to see them all. 

For each travel itinerary, the main way you’ll be getting around is by foot.  The only time you’ll have to take a cab or bus is to get to the first destination of the day or when you go between Macau and Taipa, or Taipa and Coloane.

Regarding food, the restaurants I’ve listed are only my suggestions.  You obviously have a lot of latitude determining what you want to eat as well as how much you want to spend.  One thing I would advise though is to be adventurous with your selections.  Macau is a diner’s paradise, full of great world cuisine, so make sure to sample as much of it as you can.

Without a doubt, 1 day is far too short of a time to spend in Macau.  While 3 days is better and you’ll be able to see most of the top sites, time will be tight and your days hectic.  In the height of summer, when it’s approaching 40 degrees Celsius, you probably won’t want to be rushing around so much.  For that reason, 4 or 5 days is probably best.  You’ll be able to see Macau in depth and have the time to enjoy each site and day to its fullest.

A bit about when to visit.  April might very well be the worst month to come, because the sun never comes out.  It’s all grey all the time, and to see what I mean, just have a look at the Photobook entitled Dour April .  June through September is sunny, but hot and wet.  It could look like the most beautiful day you’ve ever seen, then the skies will suddenly open and rain will pour down, usually for about 20 minutes.  Then it goes back to being beautiful again, but extremely humid.  Macau winters are probably cooler than you think.  While the temperature may read around 15 degrees, it’s a damp cold, so you’ll need sweaters and jackets for sure.  By elimination, that leaves March, May, October and November as the best months to visit.  Maybe you could get away with early December as well, before the mercury starts to fall.  

Be sure to get a free tourist map from the Government office before embarking on these trip plans.  They’ll be a lot easier to understand and follow that way.  

1 Day in Macau Trip Plan

Historic Quarter—Coloane Village—Taipa Village—Cotai Strip

9:00 am – 9:15 am :   A Ma Temple .  A Ma Temple is the most appropriate place to begin any trip in Macau.  Before the Portuguese settled here in 1560, Macau was home to local fishermen from Fujian and Guangdong and two temples. 

One of the two temples was A Ma Temple, built to honor A Ma, the goddess of seafarers.

9:20 am – 10:10 am :  Continue on your UNESCO 25 heritage site tour.  From A Ma Temple check out the Moorish Barracks and Lilau Square . 

After Lilau Square make the steep climb up to visit Penha Church .  (Just follow the road that winds up behind the white building on the left hand side of the picture above.  And then follow the signs.) 

Truth be told, Penha Church is almost a secondary consideration; the views are what you’ll really be seeking out.

10:15 am – 10:40 am :  After the church, return back down to Lilau Square then cross the road for the Mandarin’s House , the home of prominent 19th century writer prominent writer Zheng Guangyu.  (Unless it’s Wednesday because it’s closed that day.)  When you’re finished there, follow the signs to St Lawrence Church. 

10:45 am – 11:15 am :  Take a look at St. Lawrence and St. Joseph’s Church .  Go out the back gate of St. Lawrence Church to get to St. Joseph’s Church.  After St. Joseph’s, reverse back to the back gate of St. Lawrence Church, then turn left down Rua de St. Laurenco.

11:20 am – 11:45 am :  Check out St. Augustine’s Church , Dom Pedro Theatre and Robert Ho Tung Library .  Interesting facts: Bruce Lee’s mother was one of Ho Tung’s relatives, and Dom Pedro Theatre was the first Western style theater in China.

12:00 pm – 12:50 pm: Wind over to the Street of Happiness for lunch at Fat Siu Lau , where the roasted pigeon is a must order.  In business of over 100 years, here’s hoping they can make it 100 more!

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm :  Arrive at Senado Square , then pay special attention to Leal Senado , Santa Casa da Misericordia and St. Dominic’s Church . 

There are two small museums adjoining Santa Casa da Misericordia and St. Dominic’s Church while Leal Senado has frequent art exhibitions on the ground floor. 

Afterwards, follow the signs to St. Paul’s Cathedral. 

1:35 pm – 2:05 pm :  Check out St. Paul’s , the crypt in the back as well as Mount Fortress .

Walk to San Ma Lo or the Sofitel and hop a cab to Coloane Village. 

2:45 pm – 3:55 pm :  Walk around Coloane Village, paying special attention to Chapel of St. Francis Xavier and the two main temples : Tin Hau and Tam Kong.

Before leaving, make sure to try an egg tart at Lord Stow’s Bakery .

Afterwards, cab it to Taipa Village.  If you prefer a bus, take the #25 and get off at the Jardim Lameiras stop.  From there it’s about a 5 minute walk into Taipa Village down R. de Fernao Mendes Pinto.

4:15 pm – 5:25 pm :  Be sure to check out the Taipa Houses Museum and everything between Sam Po Temple and Tin Hau Temple .  There’s a ton to see in the Village and just getting lost on its narrow streets is very enjoyable too.

Take a pass on the Museum of Taipa and Coloane History though, since it’s one of the most boring museums I’ve ever been to.  

The rest of the day will be devoted to the monster hotels on the Cotai Strip. 

The easiest way to get there is to use the boardwalk that cuts through the Ecological Trail directly across from the Taipa Houses Museum.

5:30 pm – 9:00 pm: For an idea of how to spend your time on the Strip and what to see there, please follow the link to the Cotai Strip .  It tells you all you need to know about the Strip’s history, hotels and top attractions.

Offhand, I’d guess most of your time will be spent at the Venetian , Parisian , and Londoner Macao .  If you’re a fan of history and art, then MGM Cotai and Grand Lisboa Palace should not be missed.

DINNER SUGGESTION :  End your day with a stupendous buffet dinner at Urban Kitchen , and don’t skimp on the seafood!  Located near the Marriott Hotel in Galaxy , it’s pricey (over $600 Mops), but worth every penny.

If you want some upscale Chinese, try Zi Yat Heen at the Four Seasons , or Lai Heen at Galaxy.

One day though is far too short a time to experience everything that Macau has to offer.  Stay a little longer and follow the 3 Day Travel Itinerary below! 

3 Day Macau Trip Plan →

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1 Day Macau Itinerary – A Day Trip From Hong Kong

Last Updated May 27, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » 1 Day Macau Itinerary – A Day Trip From Hong Kong

Macau is an awesome one day trip from Hong Kong that’s only a 55 minute boat ride away.  It’s a completely different vibe from the big city of Hong Kong.  Think of Macau as Asia’s version of Vegas but with old town Portuguese flare mixed around it.

If you’re like most travellers, you’re going to be based in Hong Kong but want the chance to explore Macau (also referred to as Macao) so I’ve put together the perfect one day Macau itinerary.

Table of contents

Your 1 day macau itinerary, what we missed in macau, recommended activities, macau is an awesome day trip, read more about hong kong, where to stay in macau if you had to, a little bit about macau.

Macau is one of the two Special Administrative Regions of China and is bordered on the province of Guangdong.  There’s nothing that connects Hong Kong to Macau so a ferry is necessary although all that will change when they complete the bridge that will link the two cities.

Colonial Portugal meet the bright lights and casinos of Asia

What makes Macau unique is that it was former Portuguese colony and administered by Portugal from the mid-16th century until late 1999, similar to how Hong Kong was administered by the United Kingdom.

However what once was a sleepy colonial city has now ballooned to become Asia’s gambling capital.  The one thing that stuck out from my visit was just how many casinos there were.  Huge themed casinos dominate the skyline now with each newer one outdoing the previous new kid on the block.

What to do in Macau in one day without staying overnight

If you’re in Hong Kong for more than 3 days, you probably have time to do a trip to Macau to mix it up so to speak.

For us, we never had a fixed date we wanted to do Macau.  At one point we had also considered doing 2 days there but after talking to many locals the feedback we repeatedly got was that it wasn’t worth it.  After the Maldives portion of the trip, Hong Kong’s weather was also extremely erratic with rain so we just played it by ear.

There was one day that finally looked good for us so we decided the night before to make the trip to Macau.  So that’s really the extent of the planning we did.  You can certainly book ferry tickets online but honestly you’re better off to show up at the purchase the TurboJet tickets right at the terminal because of how complicated it is to do it online.  There are departures every 15 minutes so you really have nothing to worry about.  Ticket prices start at HKD$171.

The way I broke the trip down was by the various areas of Macau.  With a full day or less than 24 hours in Macau, this itinerary makes a lot of sense for most travellers and I’d recommend you following a similar route to what we did:

• Start off in Taipa and do the cultural sights first.  It’s a lovely little area full of Portuguese architecture, shops and food stalls.  I personally loved this area of Macau the most.  This area is also great to grab lunch.
• Once you’er done here, cab over to Coloane which honestly doesn’t have too much but the big highlight is Lord Stow’s if you like Portuguese Egg Tarts.  Even if you don’t like or know about them, it’s worth a try.  There’s the small Chapel of St. Francis and the food vendors in front you can check out.
• Hac Sa Beach is a short little detour after Coloane although to be honest the beach isn’t particularly nice.  The food stalls don’t look that appetizing either and if it wasn’t for Fernando’s which Chantelle’s aunt and uncle recommended, I’d say this area is skippable.
• Now it’s finally time to head into the big city so start at the Ruins of St. Paul and snake your way down the shopping streets.  Have dinner in this area.
• The night is young right?   Casinos always come alive at night so it makes sense to slot this at the very end.  Pick one or two you want to check out.  The unfortunate thing is that they’re quite spaced out especially between the older ones on the Macau peninsula and the new mega ones out in Taipa.

With 24 hours in Macau, here’s an exact breakdown of the itinerary that I recommend that you follow.  It gets you a chance to explore the entire city and the best that it has to offer.  If you’re looking for a way to have a copy you can download, just make sure you subscribe to grab the full trip plan right below this table.

With only realistically 12 hours to work with, things were of course tight and I definitely had to make a few calls to cut out some non essentials.  And then there was all the food we wanted to try.  Even with all the snacking we did, we still missed quite a few places!

• Macau Tower – Great panoramic views of the city.  They have a skywalk and bungee jumping from up there if you dare!
• Cheoc Van Beach – Another beach we could’ve checked out but there simply wasn’t enough time to go.  I doubt we would’ve been impressed
• The old casinos like Hotel Lisboa and Sand s – One of the challenges with Macau’s casinos is that they are not easily walkable from each other.  As a result, it becomes really hard to hotel hop like you would in Vegas.  It would’ve been neat to check out some of the older casinos but in the end we figured that they’d be about the same
• House of Dancing Water at the City of Dreams casino – If you’re into Cirque du Soleil type shows like in Vegas, this one’s for you.  We would’ve loved to have done it but we didn’t have time and also didn’t prebook.  Prices start at 600HKD

If you’re looking for more of a guided experience or looking to get your hands dirty with some activities in Macau, here’s what I recommend that you check out!

Things to know before you go

• New bridge crossing – The Hong Kong – Zhuhai –  Macau Bridge (HZMB) opened October 23, 2018 which opens up a whole new way to get to Macau from Hong Kong.  Learn about the two different methods to get to Macau that involve shuttle busses.  The price of this starts at HKD$65 which means it’s cheaper than taking the ferry.
• Ferry tickets hacks – This isn’t really advertised but you should know that you have to pick your ferry ticket times beforehand.  This may seem limiting but what most people don’t know is that you can always take an earlier ferry from the time you booked but you can’t take a later ferry.  What that means in terms of strategy is to book a late ferry coming home (i.e. midnight) so if you want to head back to Hong Kong early, you can have the flexibility to do so.  Or if you end up raking it in at the casino and want to stay later, you can do that as well.
• Passports – You’re technically leaving the country when you head to Macau so make sure you have your passport.  You will be going through passport control when you arrive in Macau and when you go back to Hong Kong.  If you’re unsure, read the full entry requirements for Macau .
• Private drivers? – You’ll be hounded by taxi drivers and tour guides when you get out into the main foyer of the Macau ferry terminal.  Ignore them.  It’s a lot easier and cheaper to run your own program and catch a few cabs you’ll need to get around.
• Casino shuttles – If you want to save a bit of taxi money, why not take one of the several free shuttles to casinos.  We saved money at the start by going to one of the closer casinos to Taipa and then cabbed from there
• Currency – Macau (MOP) has its own currency but Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) is accepted everywhere.  Just note that some places will give you MOP change.  If that’s the case, you can sometimes request to get HKD back instead.  If they can’t/won’t, just spend the MOP during the day
• Koi Kei – What’s up with this place?  These guys have a stranglehold so large on Macau that even Starbucks would be impressed.  So they sell cookies and Macanese snacks that are great for souvenirs if you find anything you like.  It seems crazy how many stores they have but they’ve blanketed the city so well that everyone pretty much buys goods from them if you visit Macau.  They destroy the competition because they freely hand out or have self-serve boxes of samples so feel free to go nuts.  By far the most popular snack to have in Macau is their dried beef slices.  They’re quite delicious but the problem was that I knew I couldn’t bring these back to Canada since they are considered as meat products.

Useful addresses

• Casa de Pasto Seng Cheong  (28-30 Rua do Cunha, Vila de Taipa) – Crab congee/porridge
• 新好利美食餅店 (13-14 R. do Regedor, Vila de Taipa) – Fresh milk tarts
• 大利來 Cafe Tai Lei Loi Kei (moved from the original at No.18, Largo Gov. Tamagnini Barbosa to south of the intersection of Rua do Regedor and Rua do Desporto, on the street that Rua do Desporto turns into) – Pork chop buns
• Lord Stow’s (1 Rua do Tassara, Coloane) – Original Portuguese egg tarts.  There’s also a store now at the Venetian if you don’t want to venture out to Coloane
• Fernando’s (9 Praia de Hac Sa, Hac Sa Beach) – Portuguese restaurant, also known for their pork chop buns

Insanely Detailed Hong Kong Itinerary

While this itinerary doesn’t cover Macau, you could easily add it to an extensive 1 week trip to Hong Kong.

Thinking about staying overnight?

Macau is easy to do in a day but if you feel like you need an extra day to explore, there’s nothing wrong with that.  Alternatively, it’s totally plausible that you gambled the night away but I wouldn’t judge ;).  There are lots of great places to stay in Macau but here are two of my top picks.

AFFORDABLE DOWNTOWN

CASA REAL HOTEL

With rates close to $100/night, this is a great hotel near the Macau Ferry Terminal that is perfect for someone looking for a place that’s clean and comfortable.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

BEST CASINO HOTEL

THE VENETIAN MACAO RESORT HOTEL

One of the premiere properties in Macau in a cluster of hotels meant to recreate the Las Vegas vibe.  Out of all the ones we visited, this was the most impressive and almost an exact replica of the one in Vegas.

Macau in photos

Here’s a look into what we saw in one jam-packed day itinerary in Macau.

Macau is well worth a day trip from Hong Kong and I feel that a full day is sufficient enough to see almost everything you’d want to see.  2 days is a bit top much considering there are probably other things you probably want to do ( and eat ) in HK and nearby islands.

It was a fantastic day of food, Portuguese influenced culture and a little bit of gambling.

I was pretty happy with the Macau in a single day itinerary I put together.  If there was anything I’d change, I’d probably leave out Hac Sa Beach and instead spend a bit more time in the casinos which ended up being a bit too short.

• Hong Kong 2 day itinerary
• Top restaurants that you have to try in Hong Kong
• Hong Kong’s green outdoors always surprise me
• The best hotels in Hong Kong
• Our best Hong Kong content
• If you have the budget to swing it, the Venetian Macau is absolutely superb and legitimately Vegas-class.

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Data: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices like PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are so good and you can use it globally but recently, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. TripAdvisor is also useful for reviews and bookings.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental.

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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May Ann Encarnacion says

May 13, 2023 at 4:41 AM

I wanted to have a 1 day macau tour a side trip of my hongkong tour.

mia Soerjadi says

October 10, 2018 at 10:32 PM

Your one day itinerary is very helpful. Thank you so much.

Will Tang says

October 11, 2018 at 12:31 AM

You’re welcome!!

September 13, 2018 at 11:01 AM

Very informative… 🤗

September 13, 2018 at 11:03 AM

Thanks Ely!

Carino says

February 20, 2018 at 1:17 AM

Great post! My one worry about Macau is getting from place to place as things are spread apart. Was it expensive cabbing it from place to place? Can we use the Octopus card here as well, or is it all just cash? How much is a bus ride, and how much longer do you think it would take to get from place to place?

February 20, 2018 at 2:04 PM

Hi Carino! Happy to help here. Cabbing from what I remember wasn’t too bad. For example, if you’re going from the Venetian to Taipa Village, you’re paying around 20-30 HKD. A ride to Ruins of St. Paul could easily be up to 100 HKD. If you’re looking at a bus, I feel like you’d end up wasting a lot of time, you wouldn’t be able to pay with an Octopus card (you can with a MacauPass). Each way would be around 3.2-5 MOP (more or less equivalent to HKD). Cheaper yes but perhaps not as convenient. That said, the casino shuttle busses are good because they get you to and from the ferry for free :)

Kain Harvey says

September 8, 2017 at 4:07 PM

Nice itinerary, Thanks!

August 8, 2017 at 3:49 AM

THANK YOU FOR YOUR BLOG. . .VERY HELPFUL. . .

May 5, 2017 at 8:06 AM

Absolutely loved this and definitely would be useful!

Kathryn says

April 28, 2017 at 8:44 PM

hi! great blog! wanna ask is there any free shuttle bus from Ruins of St Paul to The Venetian? Plan to visit Senado Square -> Ruins of St. Paul then back to Venetian :) thanks!

April 28, 2017 at 10:28 PM

Hey Kathryn! I took a look at the schedule and don’t see a free shuttle from the Ruins to The Venetian. The shuttle schedule can be found here: https://www.venetianmacao.com/content/dam/macao/venetianmacao/master/main/home/about-us/getting-here/venetian-shuttle-schedule-en.pdf . If you take a look, the closest it goes into the city is Sands which is a bit of walk from the Ruins of St. Paul. Does that help at all?

Dexter says

August 21, 2016 at 11:48 AM

Loved this place. A blend of east and west.

July 19, 2016 at 10:20 AM

How much was the TurboJet Ferry? Is it the same with Klook app (around USD41)?

July 19, 2016 at 5:47 PM

If you’re just doing Economy Class (which is perfectly fine) and you’re going on a weekday, round trip will cost $41.

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The Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Macau

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

There are plenty of things to with one day in Macau , from Sun Yat Sen Park to Macau Fisherman’s Wharf and the world’s highest bungy jump!

If you are anything like us, the first image that pops into your head when you think of Macau is of the casinos.

There is a good reason for this – Macau is the world’s biggest gambling centre, surpassing even the legendary Las Vegas. But what you might not have known is that right up until 1999, Macau was under Portuguese rule.

As such an interesting contrast between Asian and European styles has emerged, and there are plenty of amazing things to do in Macau.

For most backpackers and travellers, this tiny city would barely even get a consideration when making your holiday plans. Most people would even struggle when asked “where is Macau located?”

But for those who are willing to dig a little deeper, Macau has a surprising number of other attractions that don’t require throwing your money down on a blackjack table.

We took the Hong Kong to Macau ferry back in April 2015 and arrived with almost no knowledge of what to do in Macau.

We were looking for the best free things to do in Macau in one day and found plenty of ways to spend our time there. Here are some of the best things to do in Macau, and the cool thing is most of them are free!

Table of Contents

Do The World’s Highest Bungy Jump With AJ Hackett Macau Tower

Macau fisherman’s wharf, eat all the street food, get lost in the casinos, head to macau’s beach, sun yat sen park macau, the best things to do with one day in macau.

Explore The Macau Historic Centre

In a city that is now essentially Chinese, stepping into the Macau Historic Centre is a fascinating glimpse at the old Portuguese history that the peninsula has.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005, the Historic Centre is a collection of over 20 locations that showcase the co-existence of the two distinct cultures.

Some of the best highlights include the A-Ma Temple, which was built in 1488, the happening Senado Square, the gorgeous Monte Forte which watches over the city and the impressive Ruins of St Paul.

But with so many different places to explore inside the Macau Historic Centre, you could easily spend your entire day wandering between the ancient sites, and forget about all the other things to do in Macau.

Who would have thought that one of the best (and turns out the biggest) adrenaline activities in the world would be located right in the heart of Macau?

61 storeys up and 233m above the ground, the legendary adventure tour operators, AJ Hackett Macau Tower have turned this gambling Mecca into the latest and greatest destination for thrill seekers!

If you are looking to tick off that number one item from your bucket list, you need to check out the world’s highest bungy jump – one of the most exhilarating experiences imaginable.

While not exactly a budget activity, (the Macau bungy jump price is pretty high) it really is something that you should save just a little bit longer for so you can take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Hands down one of the best things to do in Macau!

Hot Tip – If the idea of jumping off a building with a giant elastic band strapped to your feet doesn’t sound appealing, or it is a bit out of your budget, AJ Hackett Macau Tower also offers a number of other activities, such as the Skywalk , Skyjump and the Tower Walk.

If you are looking for a bit of fun in Macau you can always head to the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf.

A large entertainment complex right near the Hong Kong to Macau ferry pier, the place is full of restaurants, cafes and retail stores.

It opened at the end of 2006, designed after a bunch of similar seaports in Cape Town and Amsterdam.

And if you want to spend a bit of money definitely go into the theme park!

With its eclectic mix of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, the culinary delights that have evolved in Macau are extraordinary!

From egg tarts to beef jerky to dried fish, it is way too easy to just snack your way for an entire day through the city! There are some world class international restaurants that have opened up around the peninsula, but if you are travelling on a budget it is easy to find a cheap bite to eat as well.

You may leave town a bit heavier than you arrived…

Hot tip – On Rua Do Cunho, stores hand out free samples of cookies, jerky and other items to pedestrians. You can simply walk up and down the street collecting these samples until you are full. Enjoy!

Going all the way to Macau and at least not looking at a Casino would be like going to New York City and skipping the Statue Of Liberty.

Macau hosts some of the most luxurious and intricately designed gambling halls that can be found anywhere, and luckily for us, they are all free to visit!

There is no requirement to actually gamble or spend any money inside them, meaning you can wander through and check out mainland Chinese tourists throwing down thousands (and thousands) of dollars in single bets, or admire the extravagant decorations.

Even if this isn’t really your idea of some great things to do in Macau, it’s still worth checking out the $2.4 billion Venetian (the largest casino in the world), which has had the famous canals of Venice reconstructed throughout the entire building.

Even the roof is painted like a perfect blue sky, giving the illusion of daylight at all hours. A surreal scene.

Hot tip – Most of the casinos have free buses that run between the ferry terminal, the airport and the other casinos. You do not need to be staying or gambling at any of them to use their service. Hooray for free transport!

Yep, that’s right – the beach. The most popular option, Hac Sa (Black Sands) Beach on Coloane Island, isn’t exactly world class, but if you have been craving some beach time after a long stint in China or just love the feeling of sand beneath your toes, consider heading out to the coast for your one day in Macau.

Despite the name, the government has filled the beach with yellow sand to prevent erosion, and as a result it is much more picturesque than it once was.

Hot Tip – You can camp for free on Hac Sa Beach. There are cafes and bathroom facilities close by, meaning the only thing you need to bring with you is a tent! A perfect alternative to the expensive accommodation options in the city.

Sun Yat Sen Park in Macau is a massive urban park spread out over 17 acres in the northern part of the island.

There are a lot of things to do in Sun Yat Sen Park if you are simply looking to walk around.

Definitely check out the Feng Shui Forest, the open-air theatre and the old gate that used to mark the official entrance to Macau.

Why not grab a photo of the two hands shaking in the centre of the park?

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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Living On The Edge – The Skywalk On Macau Tower

Trying to fly on the world’s highest bungy jump in macau, related posts, 3 thoughts on “the perfect itinerary for one day in macau”.

Nice little report about Macau! Glad you enjoyed your stay here. More new attractions, casinos, hotels, restaurants and coffee shops opening up all the time in our little European enclave in Asia. So you’ll have to revisit again at some point in the future.

My friend and I will be going to Macau this November and will be staying there for 4 days… any additional suggestions on what to do? Thanks.

We definitely had a good time in Macau. Hope we will get back there one day. Happy travels 🙂

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Macau One Day Trip Tour of the Must-See Sights

Macau’s proximity to Hong Kong means many people spend just a day in the former Portuguese colony, before heading back to their Hong Kong hotel in the evening . This day trip tour of Macau will introduce you to the best bits of its Portuguese heritage and the trademark casinos in just a few hours. Although, if you're more interested in walking the cobblestones than spinning the roulette wheel, you might prefer this dedicated Portuguese Macau Tour .

Cobbled together by the Portuguese centuries ago, a map is a must, thanks to the warren-like structure of Macau’s streets. Luckily streets are well signposted, in the Roman alphabet, and most sights are within walking distance. You will need to hop on a bus or take a taxi out to the Cotai Strip , where most major casinos are found. 

Also, be sure to check the Macau weather as one of the stopping off points is a beach—obviously less fun in the rain.

Portuguese Charm

DuKai photographer / Getty Images

Macau’s main square, Largo do Senado, is a slice of the Mediterranean. Cobblestone streets and beautiful colonial buildings line the square and give it a lazy, laid back charm.

The buildings that were once the source of Portuguese power have been wonderfully preserved. Most, including the former senate and the oldest western library in Asia, are in near pristine condition. Today, the square is a prime people-watching spot as hundreds of people soak up the sun in these picturesque surroundings. Bafflingly, there are almost no cafes on the square, although Starbucks has managed to find a good spot.

Just up the road are the ruins of the Sao Paulo Church. All that remains of the church is an ornate façade - the rest of the cathedral burnt down during a kitchen mishap in the 1800s. Despite this, the building remains a powerful statement of the power the Portuguese once wielded in Asia and is as impressive as the cathedrals in Europe’s old capitals.

For a bite to eat, make your way back down to the main square, or the streets that surround it, and try one of the many Dai Pai Dongs, small stalls with plastic seating that offer Chinese snacks that are low in price, but high in quality. Or try Macanese  food, the local cuisine. 

Best Beach and Fernando's

Hans Georg Roth / Getty Images

Made up of three islands, Macau is blessed with a collection of beaches. One of the best, on the furthest Island of Coloane, is Hac Sa Beach—meaning black sand beach. The beach is around four kilometers long, meaning you won’t find your nose in someone else’s swimsuit, and comes with beach bars, picnic spots and hire facilities for water-skis and other water-bound activities. 

Another reason for the popularity of Hac Sa is the chance to pop into seafront legend Fernando’s . Serving some of the best Portuguese food outside of the home-country, Fernando’s has garnered an excellent reputation for its laidback nature, friendliness, and outstanding food. Remember, Fernando’s has a policy of no reservations, so be prepared to wait, albeit with a jug of Sangria, before eating.

To reach Fernando's and Hac Sa you’ll need to take a bone-rattling bus journey from Rua do Campo.

Bright Lights of the City

Studio City

After both seeing and tasting colonial Macau, it’s time to get a feel for modern Macau, and nothing says Macau these days more than Casinos. The city is experiencing an unprecedented boom in both casinos and tourists and has already overtaken Las Vegas in gambling revenue.

The Casino that started the boom is the Sands, although it's been eclipsed by bigger and brasher casinos, such as the City of Dreams , Studio City, and The Venetian (the biggest casino in the world). The Sands is still well placed if you don't fancy the trek out of town to Cotai. There are live bands, free drinks, and a Las Vegas atmosphere. 

Just across the road from the Sands is Macau’s largest tourist development, Fishermans Wharf. This 'theme park' is short on both rides and ideas, but it is worth a walk around if only to see the tacky recreations of Old England, Rome, and other period architecture. It also has a handful of decent places for a bite to eat or a pint.

Once you’ve made your fortune at the Sands, the Hong Kong Ferry Pier is just a ten-minute walk away (although the Sands provides shuttle buses). Read this  Macau travel guide for more on how to travel between Hong Kong and Macau.

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Macau International Airport Guide

48 Hours in Macao: The Ultimate Itinerary

12 Things to Do in Hong Kong, China on a Budget

A Traveler's Guide to Macau On a Dime

The Best Time to Visit Macao

Nightlife in Macao: Best Bars, Clubs, & More

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1-Day Macau Itinerary

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• Macau in 1 day
• 2-Day Macau Itinerary
• 3-Day Macau Itinerary
• 4-Day Macau Itinerary
• 5-Day Macau Itinerary

Table of contents

1-day itinerary, the venetian macao.

Studio City Macau

The Parisian Macao

Parisian macao eiffel tower, city of dreams, venetian macao casino, galaxy hotel, where to eat, the golden peacock, the st. regis bar, the ritz-carlton cafe, urban kitchen, top searches in macau, popular road trips from macau, what's the weather like in macau.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Macau for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Macau in January
• Weather in Macau in February
• Weather in Macau in March
• Weather in Macau in April
• Weather in Macau in May
• Weather in Macau in June
• Weather in Macau in July
• Weather in Macau in August
• Weather in Macau in September
• Weather in Macau in October
• Weather in Macau in November
• Weather in Macau in December

All road trips from Macau

• Macau to Bangkok drive
• Macau to Hanoi drive
• Macau to Guangzhou drive
• Macau to Siem Reap drive
• Macau to Beijing drive
• Macau to Shanghai drive
• Macau to Ho Chi Minh City drive
• Macau to Hoi An drive
• Macau to Xi'an drive
• Macau to Pattaya drive
• Macau to Phnom Penh drive
• Macau to Chiang Mai drive
• Macau to Xiamen drive
• Macau to Halong Bay drive
• Macau to Luang Prabang drive
• Macau to Hue drive
• Macau to Yangshuo County drive
• Macau to Hangzhou drive
• Macau to Nha Trang drive
• Macau to Chengdu drive
• Macau to Yangon (Rangoon) drive
• Macau to Sanya drive
• Macau to Guilin drive
• Macau to Chiang Rai drive
• Macau to Hua Hin drive
• Macau to Ninh Binh drive
• Macau to Suzhou drive
• Macau to Vientiane drive
• Macau to Nanjing drive
• Macau to Ayutthaya drive

Explore nearby places

• Boluo County
• Xinxing County
• Huidong County
• Yangdong County
• Qingxin County
• Longmen County
• Yun'an Xian
• Fogang County

All related maps of Macau

• Map of Macau
• Map of Zhuhai
• Map of Zhongshan
• Map of Hong Kong
• Map of Jiangmen
• Map of Shenzhen
• Map of Taishan
• Map of Heshan
• Map of Kaiping
• Map of Dongguan
• Map of Foshan
• Map of Guangzhou
• Map of Zengcheng
• Map of Enping
• Map of Boluo County
• Map of Huizhou
• Map of Gaoyao
• Map of Zhaoqing
• Map of Xinxing County
• Map of Huidong County
• Map of Conghua
• Map of Sihui
• Map of Yangdong County
• Map of Yangjiang
• Map of Qingyuan
• Map of Yunfu
• Map of Qingxin County
• Map of Yangchun
• Map of Longmen County
• Map of Yun'an Xian
• Map of Fogang County

Macau throughout the year

• Macau in January
• Macau in February
• Macau in March
• Macau in April
• Macau in May
• Macau in June
• Macau in July
• Macau in August
• Macau in September
• Macau in October
• Macau in November
• Macau in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Macau?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 1-Day Hong Kong Itinerary
• 1-Day Guangzhou Itinerary
• 1-Day Dongguan Itinerary
• 1-Day Foshan Itinerary
• 1-Day Zhongshan Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

The Travel Momento

Authentic 1 Day Macau Itinerary (Easy Day Trip From Hong Kong)

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Macau, also known as Macao, is a funny mixture of Chinese and western influence. For over 300 years, Macau was a Portuguese colony. Their culture is represented in the architecture and blended into the language, cuisine and way of life. With the decline of Portuguese power, the Chinese regained control of the region. Today, Macau is the Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China with its own currency and immigration policy. Give yourself authentic Macanese experience with this ultimate 1 day Macau itinerary.

Macau has also become Asia’s gambling capital. With its vast casinos, giant malls, beautiful beaches, resorts, and great food, it’s often referred to as the Vegas of Aisa.

One day Macau itinerary

Macau is only 55 minutes of the boat ride from Hong Kong making it a great day trip while visiting Hong Kong. It would be a shame not to spare a day to witness the perfect blend of cultures, traditions, modernization, tranquillity, and glitz.

Each step of this 1 day Macau itinerary will show you all the best places to see in Macau and all the best things to do in Macau. Let’s start your 24-hour adventure in Macau.

1 day Macau Itinerary

How to get from hong kong to macau.

There are two ways to enter Macau, by boat or by bus. The most cost-efficient is definitely by ferry.

The fastest way (55 minutes) to reach Macau is by taking the ferry. There are two leading operators, CotaiJet and TurboJet , departing from 3 terminals in Hong Kong.

• China Ferry Terminal : located in Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon beside the Harbour City Mall
• Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal : situated on the 3rd floor of Shun Tak Centre, which is next to the IFC Towers (go down at the metro station Sheung Wann and take Exit D)
• Sky Pier : at Hong Kong International Airport

You first have to take a shuttle bus or metro to reach Lantau island. There you will change to the bus that goes to Macau. Going with bus you will need to go through immigration checks on both sides (Hong Kong and Macau). 

The Travel Momento insider tip : Traveling by ferry, note that each passenger can only take 1 piece of luggage (max 20 kg).

How to get from Macau to Hong Kong?

There are two ways to visit hong Kong From Macau, by boat or by bus. The most cost-efficient is definitely by ferry.

There are two terminals where you can board on the ferry to Hong Kong:

• Macau Ferry Terminal : located on the Peninsula, which means it is closer to the city centre
• Taipa Terminal:  situated close to the airport and major hotels 

You can also take a bus that crosses the biggest sea bridge Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB).

You can either take a coach bus from Macau’s hotels like Grand Lisboa, Parisian Macau or The Venetian to take you to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. Two bus companies are departing to Hong Kong: HMO Express Bus and One Bus Hongkong Macau . 

We asked around in the hotels to find the departure point and it was complicated to find the ticket office. Maybe it’s better to buy it in advance. You have to be at the departure point 15 minutes earlier. 

Note that taking a bus is a long way of transportation. There is a stop at the Hong Kong airport, where you have to go through immigration. You have a limited time (20 minutes) to come back to the bus. It can be problematic if there is a queue at the airport as the bus will not wait for you. The final bus destination is Tsim Sha Tsui. 

How to buy ferry tickets in Hong Kong or Macau?

You can buy the tickets online in advance, but it isn’t straightforward. We suggest coming half an hour earlier and buy them at the terminal. The ferry departs every 15 minutes, so you don’t have to worry.

Can you use Hong Kong dollars to pay?

Yes, If you are coming to Macau from Hong Kong, you can use the Hong Kong dollars as they are accepted. The other option is to withdraw the money from ATM and pay with Macau currency. 

How to get around Macau?

Macau is a small city. It’s easy to navigate your way around the city. The best way to see all the popular things on this Macau itinerary is by walking. If you are not a fan of exploring on foot, you can use public busses or free hotel shuttles. All significant casinos have connections with each other and other prominent parts of the city with free shuttles.

What to see in Macau in 24 hours?

Actually you can see all the must-see attractions in Macau and still have the time to spend your evening gambling in one of the known casinos. Check the list of best things to do in Macau below. 

We will present the main Macau landmarks in the order we saw it arriving by ferry. 

Fisherman’s Wharf

  Recommended time: 10 min

A second name for Colosseum, which is greatly preserved. You can see the seats from the outside. There is not much more to do here, except to take a walk around it or maybe do some shopping in high-end shops. A few steps further you will already reach the next to see thing in Macau. 

Nearby attractions of interest not included in this Macau itinerary : Macau Cultural Centre, Kun Iam statue

Lotus Sqaure

The open square, also known as the Golden Lotus Square, features a large bronze Lotus sculpture in the middle. It’s 6 meters high and has 6,5 tonnes. For all those coming on a day trip from Hong Kong, you will find it somehow a replica of Golden Bauhinia.

The lotus flower represents Macau never-ending prosperity. It became the city symbol when the government gave two lotus sculptures to Macau to mark the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region.

Guia hill and Lighthouse

  Recommended time: 1 -2 hours

Guila Hill used to be a military fortress built in 1865 with the primary objective to defend the city. A 7th-century fort is one of the oldest ones on the Chinese coast. Today the UNESCO World Heritage Site features a chapel and a lighthouse overlooking the historic centre of Macau.

You can take an elevator to a certain level and continue walking. We found it quite confusing to locate which way to go from the last level. Therefore, it might be better to either use the cable car on the opposite side of the hill or hike.

Lou Lim Loc Garden

  Recommended time: 30 min

The garden design is similar to the most famous Suzhou Gardens. It was built in 1906 by local merchant Lou Kat and acquired by the Macau government in 1974. Since then, it became a public park and a popular spot for locals. You can walk through the narrow paths, bamboo trees, rock of all formation and lotus pond. In the centre is a beautiful pavilion, which is a combination of Chinese and Western culture.

Tap Seac Square

Macau’s largest public square is surfaced with a typical Portuguese cobblestone pattern and surrounded by several European style buildings. Here you will find the Macau Central Library, The Cultural Institute and Macau Historical Archives. This off the beaten path square is the main centre for festival celebration and performance throughout the year.

Nearby attractions of interest not included in this Macau itinerary : Macao Monetary Authority

  Recommended time: 45 min

A former military centre of Macau offers in-depth insights insight into diverse history and features interesting old artefacts. It’s one of the must-see things in Macau. The fort has a recognizable Portuguese style and was build in 1626 to defend the city against pirates. Back in time, the world heritage site was connected to the old city wall. Today most of the Monte Fort remains untouchable. Take a walk around and enjoy the views over the city. When descending, you will already see the next must-see attraction of Macau – the St. Paul’s ruins.

On the top of Monte Fort, you can also find the Museum of Macau , where you can learn more about Macau’s rich history.

Ruins of St. Paul’s

The prominent historic landmark attracting dozens of tourists are the remains of a 17-century complex. It includes the Catholic Church of St Paul burnt down in 1835 and St Paul’s college. Today you can only admire the front elevation remains that is an excellent representation of cultural blend. On the church facade, you can see Christian symbols as well as traditional Chinese symbols. Inside or underneath, you can also explore the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt.

The Travel Momento insiders tip : Explore different angles to get the best photo. With the biggest crowd being here, it is almost impossible to get a classic photo in front of the landmark.

Senado Square

  Recommended time: 15 min

A door to the historic centre is a square with wavy black and white pavings surrounded by building influences by Western neoclassical influence. It’s the centrepiece of Macau’s old part dating back to the 15th century and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around the square, you will find restaurants, shops, and snack vendors.

Everything in that square will give you a unique feel for the Portuguese past. It’a a great instagrammable spot and a possible starting point of your Macau itinerary. 

Nearby attractions to see not included in this Macau Itinerary : Holy House of Mercy

The Travel Momento insiders tip : Senado Square is usually busy with tourists. Arrive early to beat the crowds!

Mandarin’s House

  Recommended time: 20 min

Mandarin House is the largest existing residential complex in Macau. It covers 4000 m2 and features 60 rooms in total. The home owned by Zheng Guanying, the late Qing Dynasty theoretician and reformist, is part of Macau’s Historic Centre. Its uniqueness lies in the amazing fusion of various architectural influences from Western and Chinese culture.

Moorish Barracks

While walking from the last Macau historic landmark to A MA Temple, make sure to stop by the barracks. It was built in 1874 to house Indian soldiers coming from Goa to reinforce the Macau police force. The strong ties can be seen in the interesting style not typical for the rest of Macau World Heritage. Looking closely, you will see the Moghul architectural elements incorporated into Neo-Classical style. Today, the building is home to the headquarter of the Macau Marine and Water Bureau. Unfortunately, you can only see it from the outside.

A-Ma Temple

A-Ma Temple or Mazu Temple is one of Macau’s oldest temples, dating back over 500 years. It was built to commemorate Mazu, the sacred sea goddess who could predict luck and protect fishermen. The common belief is that the city’s name comes from a mispronunciation of the temples’ name by the Portuguese conquers arriving on the island. They hear a word similar to Macau and named the island after it.

The temple has six parts guarded by lions on the entrances: Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence, the Hall of Guanyin, and the Buddhist Pavilion.

Taipa & Rua do Cunha

Part of the city which combines traditional with modern at its best. On the one hand, you can explore fishing villages and old streets while looking at the futuristic skyscrapers.

We found Taipa village the best part of our trip to Macau. The colourful buildings and Portuguese characteristics give this part a unique character. Take some time to wander around and enjoy various cafes, traditional shops, and colourful houses.

Coloane Village

Don’t have time to jump on the other side of the island for a step back into history? You can go few streets down from Taipa to get a stark contrast to glitz and glamour. Coloane will charm you with a pastel colour touch, a cobblestone valley and a waterfront promenade. A great spot to slow down and have a bit of traditional egg tart. This part of Macau is home to the original Stow’s bakery.

Macau itinerary for the night

You should leave the the largest man-made entertainment center in Asia for the night when it comes to life. The lights and performance overtake the streets and the sky at the Cotai Strip . 

We did take some time to gamble but find it completely different to what we saw in Europe. The best part was actually wandering around the hotels and admiring their luxurious interior.   

Venetian Macao

A huge complex is an awe-inspiring place and the largest casino in the world. You can find the best shopping malls, extensive cuisine offer and all kind of shops.

The name comes from its interior design, which is a replica of Venice. It aims to transport you to the most romantic place in Europe. The ceiling represents the sky and the gondolas are transporting tourist around small canals.

Parisian Macao

Known for its replica of the Eiffel Tower, it breathes the French atmosphere in its architecture outside and inside. Besides the casino, you can find shops of high luxury brands and an observation deck offering a panoramic view of Macau.

Wrap up of 24 hours in Macau

Reading about Macau and how it represents the Las Vegas of Asia, we expected much more. The city’s historical part is nice to see but packed with tourists, which makes you pay more attention to not bumping into someone than admiring the architecture.

The nightlife of casinos was a disappointment as well. Many games, except the machines, were not familiar to us, plus the tables were in the Chinese language. You do get free drinks as long as you are there. If you haven’t saved for a year before coming, you cannot afford to buy anything due to luxurious prices.

Seeing the replicas of any landmark for the first time, we didn’t understand why you would rather drive a gondola in an artificial interior instead of feeling the charm of Venice in the city itself. The experience of no one knowing where to find a bus to return to Hong Kong and almost missing the last possibility to return didn’t add to the overall experience.

However, it might surprise you. Following this 1 day itinerary of Macau, you will get to see all the must-see things in Macau while visiting off the beaten path landmarks important for history. The things to see and do in Macau presented above are the most comprehensive guide to feel the charm of the old and new part of Macau.

We are two travel passionistas, who are always in the minds of planning their next travel trip and creating memories. Get honest tips and all the details, learn from our mistakes and enjoy our travel guides so you can have the best time!

Get to know us

Asia is still on my bucket list. What an interesting mix of East and West Macao seems to be! I love a detailed post that mentions everything from transport to currency. Great work!

So happy to hear you find it great and useful. We tried to include all the informations we were searching for when preparing for the trip.

I didn’t visit Macau when I was in Hong Kong. I’ll definitely have to make the journey next time I am there

It’s nice to see it once, but we weren’t really blown away by it. It could be because of the timing of our visit during the protest but it was so different to our expectations.

Macau has been on my bucketlist for a long time. These are such amazing things to do over one day

There is a lot of things to do and to see to have a full and exciting day in Macau.

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One Day in Macau: Cultural Itinerary

Boasting an eclectic mix of cultures and traditions, Macau is a vibrant melting pot that is so tempting to dive into. There is hardly another place that can showcase Macau’s cultural fusion, and it will take months, if not years, to truly explore the city’s cultural diversity. However, if you are limited to one single day in Macau, read our cultural itinerary not to miss the prominent landmarks and get the best of that day in the city.

Breakfast:  There is no better way to start your journey into Macau’s culture than having a Cantonese dim sum breakfast at Long Wa Tea House. One of three remaining traditional tea houses in town offers an authentic gastronomy experience at an affordable price. Choose your tea and pick dim sums to go with it. If you are unsure what to order, ask the staff for help and recommendations. 

Opening hours : Daily, 7:00am–2:00pm

Long Wa Tea House  3 Rua Norte do Mercado Almirante Lacerda, Macau, +853 2857 4456

Also read:   Long Wa Tea House: Going Back to the 1960s in Macau

Stop 1: Kun Iam Tong Temple

(See featured image above)

Take Avenida do Ouvidor Arriaga heading South-East until you reach Rua de Pedro Coutinho. Keep walking around 150 meters, and you will see the Kun Iam Tong Temple’s facade. Macau’s oldest Buddhist temple is also one of the largest, with three pavilions dedicated to three precious Buddhas, the Longevity Buddha, and Kun Iam. 

Besides its spiritual significance, Kun Iam Tong Temple is also an important historic site where the first Sino-American treaty was signed in 1844. According to a legend, the temple’s peaceful courtyard was a scene of a local Romeo and Juliette love story that ended a tragedy like Shakespeare’s play. Two young souls could not be together and decided to end their lives together. They were buried at the temple, and four trees have since grown from that place, now known as Lovers Trees.

Opening hours : Daily, 7:30am–5.00pm

Kun Iam Temple  2 Avenida do Coronel Mesquita, Macau,  www.macaotourism.gov.mo

Also read:   Kun Iam Temple: A Tale of Love and War

Also read:   Your Ultimate Guide to Macau’s Most Beautiful Temples

Stop 2: Cinema Alegria and Lin Kai Temple

Get back to Rua de Pedro Coutinho and walk South for 500 meters. Turn right on Estrada de Adolfo Loureiro, continue on Rua da Barca until you reach Rua da Emenda. Then, turn left and then right on Travessa da Corda, the street that got the name as many neighboring residents were rope- and cordage-braiders (corda means rope in Portuguese). Walk around 100 meters, and you will find two landmarks, one in front of the other–Cinema Alegria and Lin Kai Temple. One is a worship place founded in the 17th century, and another is a historical temple of cinematography. 

Churches and temples of various religions and beliefs peacefully coexist in Macau: a Buddhist or Taoist temple, a Catholic Cathedral, or a Protestant Church. Moreover, it’s not unusual to have deities of different religions at one temple. At Lin Kai Temple, there are altars with six Buddhist Bodhisattvas and altars of Monkey King and Ua Kuong, the dark-faced god protecting against fire. 

Founded in 1952, Cinema Alegria, previously known as Teatro Alegria, is the oldest active cinema in town and a fine example of an Art Deco-style cinema. Originally it was the place to screen patriotic films from Mainland China, Russia, Vietnam, and other socialist countries. 

Lin Kai Temple   21–35 Travessa da Corda, Macau

Also read:   Travessa da Corda: Alegria Cinema & Much More

Also read:   Cinema in Macau: An Ode to Films Back in the Day

Stop 3: Camōes Garden 

Keep walking on Travessa da Corda towards Rua do Capão, turn left. After, turn right on Rua de Entre-Campos and proceed for 250 meters. Turn left on Rua do Patane, then right on Rua de Coelho do Amaral. Take a slight turn right at Praca de Luis de Camoes to find yourself at the entrance of the eponymous garden. This tranquil oasis with lush greenery, a waterfall, and plenty of spots to rest is an homage to the renowned Portuguese poet who allegedly stayed in Macau. In addition, most researchers claim Camões wrote his masterpiece Os Lusíadas in what we now know as the Camões Garden. There is a grotto with his bronze bust in the garden. 

Apart from that, Camões Garden is a must-visit cultural place to see some of the most interesting Macau traditions. One is mahjong players, whom you can often witness immersed in the exciting Chinese tiled-based game. Another one is the bird “walking.” Before walking into the park at the main entrance, look around and you will likely see bamboo birdcages hanging around on the nearby trees. Those are not for sale, as some Westerners might guess. It’s just bird owners letting their pets get out in the fresh air. If you are lucky, you might even see the mesmerizing scene of locals practicing tai chi, a Chinese martial art based on Taoist principles and Chinese alchemy. 

Also read:   The Camões Phenomena: All the Way From Portugal to Macau

Also read:   Popular Macau Traditions: Traces of the Olden Days

Pass by: Casa Garden

A white and pink mansion next to Camões Garden is a part of the Historic Center of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a monument of the Portuguese and British presence in Macau. Built in 1770, it went from a residence to East India Company headquarters, then war material warehouse, and more. Today it’s the place where the Orient Foundation hosts events and exhibitions. 

Opening hours : Casa Garden – Daily, 9:30am–6:00pm

Casa Garden  13 Praça de Luís de Camões, Macau, +853 2828 6666

Also read:   Casa Garden: Home for Counts, Merchants & the Orient Foundation

Stop 4: Macau Protestant Chapel and Old Protestant Cemetary 

On the right from the garden’s entrance, you will see a charming white church with an adjacent cemetery. This is Macau Protestant Chapel, aka Morrison Chapel, after Robert Morrison, the first man to write a Chinese-English Dictionary and translate the Bible into Chinese. The chapel was initially founded in 1922 to serve the needs of East India Company traders. Notably, the burial ground next to it appeared even earlier, in the late 19th century, as a much-needed last resting place for protestants. In 2005, it became part of the Historic Center of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Opening hours: Protestant Cemetery – 8:30am–5:30pm; Protestant Chapel – 8:00am–5:30pm

Protestant Cemetery  17–29 Praça de Luis de Camões, Macau,  macaotourism.gov.mo

Also read:   Macau Old Protestant Cemetery: Where Great Minds Rest

Pass by: Rua dos Ervanários 

Via Largo de Santo Antonio, get to Rua de Santo Antonio and walk 140 meters. Take a slight right on Calcada do Embaixador and turn right to stay on it. Then, turn left on Rua de Tercena. After that turn right on Travessa da Dorna. In 10 meters, Rua dos Ervanárious will be on your left.

A short street, Rua dos Ervanários has so many cool shops and little cafes. But most importantly, it is one of Macau’s oldest streets that gives you a glimpse of what the city was like centuries ago. In the past, the street was the border between Portuguese and Chinese communities and the trading location for both. Today, traditional incense, Chinese New Year paraphernalia, antique, and jade shops stand between trendy coffee shops and eateries, making Rua dos Ervanários one of the most eclectic and worthy of visiting streets in the city.

Also read:   Rua dos Ervanários: Old Macau is Around the Corner

Stop 5: St. Dominic’s Church 

When you pass Pace Coffee at the end of Rua dos Ervanários, get to another historical street of Rua dos Mercadores and keep walking until you reach Travessa do Soriano, paved with unmistakable Portuguese cobblestone. Turn right and walk a few steps to find yourself in front of a bright yellow church. One of the most recognizable landmarks of Macau’s city center, St. Dominic’s Church, was established by Spanish Dominican priests in 1527. In the early 17th century, the church was reconstructed and got its Baroque-style architectural design. If you are interested in Catholic art, visit the small Treasure of Sacred Art Museum inside the church. 

Opening hours:  10:00am–6:00pm

St. Dominic’s Church   St Dominic’s Square, Macau, +853 2836 7706

Also read:   10 Beautiful Catholic Churches in Macau

Lunch:  Once you are in the Senado Square area, take a chance to explore the exciting world of Macau’s street food. From fishballs to almond cookies, round waffles, and special Senado cookies, there is so much to try. If you feel adventurous, try the famous durian ice cream!

Also read:   Macau’s Best Street Food

Also read:   Senado Square’s Best Street Food

Pass by: Rua do Felicidade 

Walk back to Rua do Mercadores and cross the road. After, walk straight until you reach Hua do Felicidade. Not every landmark is associated with pleasant events, yet they can be an essential page in a city’s history and cultural heritage. One of such places is Rua do Felicidade, a street known as Macau’s ex-red light district. It became a cultural hub in the 19th century, when brothels, opium shops, gambling stalls, and tea houses flooded the street. Restaurants and souvenir shops replaced questionable establishments, making this street popular among tourists looking for traces of the old days in Macau. Rua do Felicidade’s shameful essence is no longer there, and only the historic facades with iconic green and red blinders remain. 

Also read:   Rua da Felicidade: From Red-Light District to Hip Spot

Stop 6: St. Augustine’s Square

Walk southeast on Rua do Felicidade and turn right on Rua dos Cules. Take the next left on Calcada de Gamba and proceed until Largo de Santo Agostinho (St. Augustine’s Square). Without a doubt, this square is among Macau’s most beautiful, with a mind-blowing number of cultural landmarks. No wonder it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So expect to spend at least half an hour exploring its wonders on your Macau day trip or cultural walk. 

The first building you’ll probably notice is the neoclassical St. Augustine’s Church founded by Spanish Augustinian priests in 1591. Across the road, there is China’s first Western-style theatre built in 1860, Dom Pedro V Theatre. This theatre has gone through peaks and valleys from the performing arts center, cinema, and ballroom to a refugee shelter and a termite-infested building. Luckily, it went back to its original mission after the major renovation in 1993.

Among other notable landmarks on St. Augustine’s Square are Sir Robert Ho Tung Library and St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church. Another church not to miss nearby is St. Lawrence Church, dating back to the mid-16h century. 

Also read:   A Guide to St. Augustine’s Square

Also read:   Dom Pedro V Theatre: China’s First Western Theater

Stop 7: Taipa Houses and Taipa Village 

Take one of the buses that go to Taipa. The easiest way would be to walk towards one of the main bus terminals, Ferreira do Amaral Plaza and take bus 33 to take you to Taipa Village. Get off the bus on Rua do Cunha and follow the street signs towards Taipa Houses Museum, a unique spot and a demarcation between old and new Macau. Five green neoclassical houses represent the Portuguese influence in Macau. They were built in 1921 as residences for high-rank officials and Macanese families. Nowadays, they serve as a museum hosting art events and exhibiting historical artifacts from the bygone era. Across the pond from Taipa Houses, you will see the Cotai strip with colossal casinos, the land that was not even there before the 1990s. Can you imagine Macau was once a quiet town with low-rise houses? 

Opening hours:  Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00am–7:00pm, no admittance after 6:30pm

Taipa-Houses Museum   Avenida da Praia, Carmo Zone, Taipa, Macau,  www.icm.gov.mo/en/housesmuseum

Also read:   An Insider’s Guide to the Taipa-Houses Museum

Dinner:  Conclude one cultural day in Macau with an equally compelling dining experience. To dive into Macau’s gastronomy, head to one of the Macanese cuisine restaurants to savor local specials. We recommend La Famiglia. As the name suggests, it’s a family-style and family-run cozy restaurant with the best Macanese and Portuguese cuisine has to offer. Try their minchi, Portuguese suckling pig, African chicken, and don’t forget to order serradura, a Portuguese dessert with whipped cream and crumbled biscuit. If you feel like your legs still have some strength to walk you somewhere else, have a drink at Goa Nights or Old Taipa Tavern. 

La Famiglia 2830 Rua dos Clerigos, +853 2857 6131

Also read: A Magical Macanese Menu at La Famiglia by Chef Florita Alves

Also read:   Best Places for Macanese Food in Macau

The best time to visit

End of May–June: Dragon Boat Festival

Among Macau holidays and traditions, Dragon Boat Festival must be the most exciting one. The celebration is held annually in honor of Qu Yuan, the ancient poet who drowned himself to protest corruption. The main event is the International Dragon Boat Races, a colorful tradition with more than 2500 years of history. 

Mid-October: Lusofonia

A festival that celebrates lusophone culture is held for three days and takes place at Taipa Houses. With music and dance performances, gastronomy events, games, and other happenings that show the diversity of Portuguese-speaking countries, this festival is one of the most fun events in town. Locals flood Taipa Houses roaming between caipirinha stalls and the main stage, drinking, dancing, and watching performances. 

November-December: Macau Food Festival

Macau is a designated Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO. If you are a foodie, try planning a trip around the annual Macau Food Festival near Macau Tower. The best food establishments open their stalls to present delicious food and drinks, such as grilled seafood, noodles, pho, curries, and so much more. You just need to arrive hungry!

• Macau cultural itinerary
• macau culture
• Macau Itinerary
• macau travel
• one day in Macau

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Macau Day Trip – One Day Itinerary

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If you’re visiting Hong Kong – or just passing through – there are many compelling reasons why a Macau day trip should be on your radar. A Portuguese territory until 1999, the Historic Centre of Macao has a collection of 22 World Heritage-listed sites to add to your Macau itinerary .

About 60km of water separates Macau from Hong Kong but unlike Hong Kong, which was colonised by the British, more than a hint of Portuguese flavour hangs in the air in Macau.

The fusion of Portuguese and Chinese flavours influences every aspect of Macau today, including architecture, food and culture. 

Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China (SAR) that is easy to explore independently and a self-organised Macau day tour is a fun way to spend the day.

Is one day in Macau enough? Most people say it isn’t. If you’re short of time, here are some reasons to take a day trip to Macau. 

1- Macau is right at Hong Kong’s doorstep

2- macau is compact and easy to get around, 3- macau is a world heritage destination, 4- macau is different to hong kong, 5- new attractions are opening in macau each year, 6- macanese egg tarts are delicious, 7- festivals in macau are frequent and fun, 8- you probably won’t need a visa, 9- getting from hong kong to macau is inexpensive, 10- the new hong kong macau bridge, 7 am hong kong ferry terminal, 8 am arrive at macau outer harbour ferry terminal, 8.30 am breakfast at senado square, st dominic’s cathedral, ruins of st paul’s, monte fort and museum of macau, 1 pm a macanese lunch, 2 pm climb the steps at a-ma temple.

• 3.30 pm Macau Tower

5 pm House of Dancing Water

• 7 pm Dinner in a Macau

9 pm Explore Cotai Strip

• Around midnight Taipa Ferry Terminal

How to get to Macau from Hong Kong

Cotai water jet, macau ferry terminals , hong kong to macau ferry options, helicopter to macau (15 minutes), direct flights to macau from other cities , macau airport transfers , resources for your macau day trip , where to stay in macau, 10 reasons to plan a macau day trip .

Macau is close to Hong Kong and can easily be visited on a day trip.

So, if you’re visiting or connecting through Hong Kong International Airport, the Hong Kong to Macau distance of only 60km makes it easy to pop over to Macau to explore. 

Being a compact city, with a land area of 115.3 km2, Macau is easy to explore on foot.

Many of Macau’s historic buildings, streets and squares are located within a manageable walking distance. 

You can cover a lot of ground in a few hours, which makes a Macau day trip particularly attractive to explore.

If you love historical places, one day in Macau provides enough time to see Macau’s main World Heritage treasures , which is a unique blend of ancient China flourished alongside colonial Portugal.

Making the time to visit Macau offers another perspective of the region.

The fusion of Chinese and Portuguese cultures coexists in a unique way not found anywhere else in the world.

For example, you’ll see Chinese shop-house adorned with Portuguese tiles and European-style pavement cafés next to Chinese coffee shops .

Even if you have visited Macau once or twice before, Macau is growing so fast that a tour of Macau’s new resort developments will amaze you.

From lavish swimming pools to theme park rides, there’s plenty to see, especially if you haven’t visited recently.

Macau’s egg tarts are famous around the world and some people travel to Macau specifically to go to Lord Stow’s Bakery in Coloane to sample these egg tarts.

They’re not the same as the Chinese egg tarts in Hong Kong.

There’s a festival in Macau almost every month.

The historic precinct comes alive with light and colour during these festivals, many of which reflect the cultures of China (such as Chinese New Year ) or Portugal.

Unlike mainland China, visas for Macau are not required for travellers from 74 countries including Australia, New Zealand, USA and UK for stays of less than 30 days.

Transport from Hong Kong to Macau is readily available and inexpensive.

Hong Kong to Macau ferry prices are reasonable and ferries are fast and comfortable.

One-way fares cost from MOP170 (AUD28/USD21).  

The imminent opening of the new multibillion-dollar bridge connecting Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai, will soon provide another way to travel to Macau.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is about 20 times longer than the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. 

BOOK YOUR MACAU TOUR

Macau Itinerary 

You’d be surprised at how much it’s possible to pack into a Macau day trip.

Here’s a sample Macau one day itinerary that provides a balance of historic and new attractions.

Depart Hong Kong for Macau’s Outer Harbour (there’s a 7 am ferry from Sheung Wan or a 7.05am ferry from Kowloon or a 7.40am ferry from Tuen Mun)

• The distance between Hong Kong and Macau – 60km
• Travel time from Hong Kong to Macau by ferry – about one hour

Check the Turbojet ferry details here

Check the Cotaijet ferry details here

Take one of the buses from the ferry terminal up Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro to Senado Square.

• Distance from Macau Outer Harbour Terminal to Senado Square – 2.5km
• Driving time from Macau Outer Harbour Terminal to Senado Square – 11 minutes

There’s a decent choice of cafes and restaurants around Senado Square.

For a local breakfast, look for somewhere that serves Chinese or Macanese food. A popular place for a Chinese breakfast is Wong Chi Kei.

For Portuguese egg tarts , try Koh Kei Bakery or Margeret’s Café. 

10 am Explore Macau’s top UNESCO World Heritage sites

Senado Square and the surrounding attractions are clustered in a small area and easy to explore on foot.

If it’s your first time to Macau, the main historic places to visit in Macau in one day are Ruins of St Paul’s, Senado Square, Monte Fort and A-Ma Temple.

The first three are right next to each other and the A-Ma Temple is within walking distance.

The streets around the Ruins of St Paul’s are full of character and there’s plenty to see.

For those who are keen on photography, there’s enough time while on a Macau day trip to zip back at night for a night photo of Macau’s most famous landmark.

If you linger, you’ll need more than a day.

For a deeper delve into Macau’s history, you could spend a week investigating Macau’s 22 World Heritage-listed buildings, squares, museums and temples and still not have enough time.

St Dominic’s Church is a 16 th -century Spanish Dominican and the site where the first Portuguese newspaper in China was printed. Climb up to the bell tower and visit the Treasure of Sacred Art Museum.

The remains of Asia’s most famous 17 th century Jesuit church has an impressive Italianate stone façade and a sweeping staircase.  

It’s the best place for a selfie!

Monte Fort or Mount Fortress was the fort used to defend Macau for 300 years. 

Adjacent to Monte Fort and built on part of the fort’s foundations is the Museum of Macau , which has three levels of galleries.

Walk down to A Lorcha restaurant for a Macanese lunch. Macanese cuisine is a fusion of flavours from Europe, Africa, India and China.

Typical Macanese dishes are African chicken and minchi. 

Alternatively, Café Sab 8, which is near the Ruins of St Paul’s, dishes up a contemporary twist on traditional Macanese cuisine. 

• Distance from Senado Square to A Lorcha – 1.3km
• Walking time from Senado Square to A Lorcha – 17 minutes
• Walking time from Senado Square to Café Sab 8 – 6 minute

Dedicated to the Taoist goddess of seafarers, A-Ma Temple’s first pavilions and halls were built by fishermen 800 years ago.

It was one of the first landmarks sighted by Portuguese traders who landed 450 years ago when Macau was a fishing port.

If you have time, near the temple, the Maritime Museum tells the story of Macau’s relationship to the sea, traditions of its fishermen where families lived and worked on boats and the role Macau played in the trade of Chinese silk and Japanese silver during the 17 th century.

3.30 pm  Macau Tower

If it’s a clear day, include a visit to Macau Tower to your Macau day tour itinerary as it’s the best spot for a view from the sky or to try a bungy jump, if you dare.

The vantage point from the observation gallery is the place to look down and see how this former Portuguese colony has grown.

Another way to see Macau from above is Studio City’s Golden Reel, which is Asia’s first figure eight Ferris wheel.

A quick visit to Macau Tower will give you a bird’s-eye view of Macau from the sky but if you want to catch the 5 pm House of Dancing Water show, there’s not quite enough time to squeeze in one of the adventurous activities, such as a bungy jump.

At the City of Dreams, Macau’s most famous show is an impressive acrobatic extravaganza with amazing special effects and stunts.  

There’s also an 8 pm House of Dancing Water show if you prefer but make sure to reserve your spot for the show as tickets sell out quickly. 

7 pm  Dinner in a Macau

After the show, hit the bars and  restaurants on the Cotai Strip .

In the City of Dreams, Macau’s newest and boldest design hotel (Morpheus) is an impressive architectural landmark of contemporary Macau.

Top dining experiences in the City of Dreams are fine French dining at the Tasting Room and two Michelin starred Chinese restaurant Jade Dragon.

Here are some Macau buffet choices too. 

In recent years, the casino developments of the Cotai Strip have brought an explosion of exciting attractions and plenty of things to do in Macau for kids .

After dinner, slip into a casino for a flutter or whip around the Cotai Strip to ogle at the luxury shopping malls and bright lights.

All the Cotai resorts have a roster of events, shows and festivals all year round.

The top attractions on the Cotai strip are:

• The Venetian Macao canals
• Parisian Macao – Eiffel Tower and Light Show (6.15 pm to midnight, every 15 minutes)
• Wynn Palace – SkyCab, Performance Lake and the Floral Creations display
• Galaxy Macau – Diamond Show (in the foyer every 20 minutes) and China Rouge nightclub
• Studio City – Golden Reel, Batman Dark Flight, Warner Brothers Fun Zone and Pacha Macau ( Macau’s coolest nightclub starts rocking at 11 pm)

Around midnight  Taipa Ferry Terminal

Catch a resort shuttle to the Taipa Ferry Terminal. The last ferry from Taipa to Sheung Wan leaves at 1 am.

 BOOK YOUR MACAU TOURS HERE

How to get to Macau

Most major international airlines have flights to Hong Kong International Airport from cities around the world.

Cathay Pacific , Qantas, Hong Kong Airlines and Virgin Australia have direct flights to Hong Kong from Australia.

Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand and Hong Kong Airlines have direct flights from New Zealand to Hong Kong.

Travel from HongKong to Macau by ferry or helicopter and when the Hong Kong to Macau bridge opens, getting to Macau by road should be even quicker.

Hong Kong to Macau ferry services (1 hour)

The ferry ride from Hong Kong lasts about one hour and there are regular services at 15 to 30-minute intervals.

There are two ferry operators and four ferry terminals in Hong Kong. When choosing a ferry, keep in mind there are also two ferry terminals in Macau.

Turbojet operates services from Hong Kong to both Macau ferry terminals.

There are four classes of service: Economy, Super Class, Premier Grand Class and Premier VIP Cabin.

Super Class has more comfortable seating and extras such as complimentary meal, newspapers, priority disembarkation and use of a lounge at the ferry terminals.

Premier Grand Class includes hot meals, wine and beverages during the journey.

VIP cabin offers champagne and more space.

Cotai Water Jet operates services to Taipa from Sheung Wan, Kowloon and Hong Kong International Airport.

Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal – This Macau ferry terminal is located on the Macau Peninsula and close to Senado Square, the Ruins of St Paul’s and other historic landmarks.

Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal – The new Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal is a massive modern structure with lots of space and facilities. It’s on Taipa Island, near the Macau International Airport, close to Coloane and the Cotai Strip.

There are four ferry terminals in Hong Kong.

• Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal at Shun Tak Centre in Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island. Regular ferries depart from Sheung Wan from to the Macau Outer Harbour 7 am all day every 15 minutes. Premier Jetfoils leave every 30 minutes
• China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
• Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal in New Territories
• Sky Pier at Hong Kong International Airport

Both Turbojet and Cotai Water Jet operate services from Hong Kong International Airport.

If you’re planning on a staying a few days in Macau, connecting with the ferry at HKIA is a good option.

Bypass Hong Kong Customs and Immigration queue by buying a ferry ticket at the Air/Sea Transfer desk.

Present your baggage tag and your luggage will be transferred to the ferry for you.

If you’re only planning on visiting Macau as a day trip, keep in mind the earliest ferry departures from Hong Kong International Airport to Macau are 11 am (Turbojet) and 10.15 am (Cotai Water Jet).

The ferry from Hong Kong International Airport to Macau takes about 70 minutes.

Fly from rooftop to rooftop between Hong Kong and Macau. The 15-minute helicopter flight to Macau is the way to arrive in style.

Sky Shuttle Helicopters Limited departs from the rooftop helipad of Shun Tak Centre in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, and lands at the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal on the Macao Peninsula.

Taking a helicopter to Macau will set you back MOP4450 (AUD750)

Other ways to get to Macau is to combine a visit with a stop in another Asian hub, such as Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Manila.

Xiamen – Xiamen Airlines flies to Macau via Xiamen and offers a 72-hour stopover in Xiamen without a visa. Here are some Xiamen attractions .

Kuala Lumpur – Air Asia flies from Kuala Lumpur to Macau

Singapore – Scoot Airlines flies from Singapore to Macau.

Bangkok – Air Asia Thailand flies from Bangkok to Macau. Here’s what to do in Bangkok .

Manila – Cebu Pacific flies from Manila to Macau. Read this for things to do in Manila .

Here are some of itineraries to help you plan your travels across Asia:

• Japan Itinerary
• Osaka Itinerary
• Nagoya Itinerary
• Hong Kong Itinerary
• Macau Itinerary
• Sri Lanka Itinerary
• Philippines Itinerary
• Taiwan Itinerary
• Thailand Itinerary
• Bali Itinerary

There are several options to transfer from Macao Airport to the city.

Free Hotel Shuttles – Free shuttle buses are available for anyone to use, even if you are not staying at that particular hotel.

Free Airport Shuttle – Shuttle buses are available from 11 am to 9 pm (every 15 minutes) in the parking lot near the northern exit.

Public Bus – Bus fares are around MOP5.

Taxi – Catch a taxi if you’re heading to parts of the city that are not on the bus or shuttle routes. The fare from Macau International Airport to Senado Square is approximately MOP100.

1- Download the free MacauMap ™ (updated in June 2018) for smartphone and tablet. The app has 1247 streets, 68 hotels, 461 restaurants and 121 sightseeing spots in Macau mapped. It’s also useful for bus routes and bus stop.

2- Use the Step Out, Macao mobile app for eight popular walking tour routes. Here’s an overview of the tourist spots on those walking routes around Macau.

3- Look for free hotel buses at the ferry terminals, such as the Venetian Macau shuttle bus. Many of these hotel buses will be heading to the Cotai Strip, where many of Macau’s glitzy resorts are located. Hotels closer to the historic centre are Sofitel, Mandarin Oriental, Wynn Macau and MGM Macau.

4- For Macau tours, tickets and transfers click here .

5- If you prefer an organised day tour from Hong Kong where everything is arranged for you check out these options . 

If you decide you’re having too much fun, Macau has plenty of hotels to choose from.

Book your Macau hotel here

Plan Your Trip

Rent A Car – Find the best car rental rates at Discover Cars . They compare car hire companies to provide you with the best deal right now.

Find A Hotel – If you’re curious about this article and are looking for somewhere to stay, take a look at these amazing hotels .

18 Macau Landmarks For Your Bucket List

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Best Macau Trip Itinerary: A day Macau trip plan from Hong Kong or Mainland China

Macau is a stunning city that boasts a rich blend of cultures and offers plenty of entertainment options. Thanks to its colonial history, the city enjoys a diverse cultural heritage. You’ll notice strong Portuguese influences in its architecture, culture, and more.

Macau is also renowned for being one of the safest cities for travelers. Situated on the southern coast of China, it’s an autonomous region just across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong.

Formerly a Portuguese territory until 1999, Macau is a fascinating blend of cultural influences that make it a captivating destination. Its iconic Cotai Strip, connecting the islands of Taipa and Coloane, is famous for its colossal casinos and lavish malls, earning Macau the moniker “Las Vegas of Asia.” Standing tall amidst the skyline is the impressive Macau Tower, offering breathtaking city views.

The city boasts an array of attractions, from historic churches and architectural wonders to the charming European-style Senado Square, science centers, and museums. Not to forget, Macau is home to some of the world’s finest casinos housed in renowned hotels like The Venetian Macao, Studio City, The Galaxy Hotel, and more. If you’re planning a trip to Macau, here’s a sample Macau trip itinerary to make the most of your visit:

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

How to Reach to Macau?

Macau has direct flights from Singapore , Malaysia , Taiwan and other countries. In addition, Macau has their own airlines, they mostly fly regional flights. So, if you live in China, you can get direct domestic flights. Otherwise, second best path is to go to Hong Kong and take a bus or ferry to Macau. You can get Macau buses from Hongkong port, and it takes about 45 minutes for the trip.

If you want to visit the northern most sides of Macau, taking a domestic flight would be a wise choice as the airport is located in the eastern side of Taipa. The modern facilities, and amenities along with natural attractions will make your Macau trip worthy.

1 Day in Macau Trip Itinerary : What to do in macau?

The one-day Macau trip itinerary can be packed with exploring the city’s unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, its historic sites, and its vibrant atmosphere. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a day in Macau:

Morning:   

Start with Breakfast: Begin your day with a traditional Macanese breakfast or dim sum at a local eatery. Look for places that serve “dim sum,” a variety of delicious steamed and fried dumplings.

Senado Square (Largo do Senado): After breakfast, head to Senado Square, which is the heart of the historic center of Macau. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great place to start your exploration. You can admire the beautiful Portuguese-style buildings, take photos, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Ruins of St. Paul’s: Just a short walk from Senado Square, you’ll find the iconic Ruins of St. Paul’s. This 17th-century church façade is one of Macau’s most famous landmarks. Take your time to explore and learn about its history.

Macau Museum: To delve deeper into Macau’s history and culture, visit the Macau Museum, located on Mount Fortress. The museum offers insightful exhibits and panoramic views of the city from its rooftop.

Lunch: Enjoy a delicious Macanese or Portuguese meal at a local restaurant. You can try dishes like bacalhau (salted codfish) or African chicken.

Afternoon: 

A-Ma Temple: Head to the A-Ma Temple, one of Macau’s oldest and most revered temples. It’s dedicated to the goddess of seafarers and offers a tranquil atmosphere amidst the bustling city.

Macau Tower: For some breathtaking panoramic views, visit the Macau Tower. You can take an elevator to the observation deck or even try the thrilling Skywalk or Bungee Jump if you’re feeling adventurous.

Dinner: Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants along the Macau waterfront. The city is known for its fresh seafood dishes.

The Venetian Macao: Wrap up your day with a visit to The Venetian Macao, one of the world’s largest casinos and entertainment complexes. Even if you’re not into gambling, you can explore the Grand Canal Shoppes, take a gondola ride, or catch a live performance.

Night: 

Cotai Strip: Stroll along the Cotai Strip, known for its dazzling lights and entertainment options. You might find live music, street performances, or other events happening in the area, and it can be a fun addition to your Macau trip.

Please note that Macau has a lot to offer, and these itinerary covers some of the highlights. Adjust the schedule based on your interests and the opening hours of attractions. Also, be prepared for a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated throughout the day.

The Best Things to Do with One Day in Macau:

Explore the macau historic center.

In a city that is now essentially Chinese, stepping into the Macau Historic Center is a fascinating glimpse at the old Portuguese history that the peninsula has. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, the Historic Center is a collection of over 20 locations that showcase the co-existence of the two distinct cultures.

Some of the best highlights include the A-Ma Temple , which was built in 1488; the happening Senado Square; the gorgeous Monte Forte, which watches over the city; and the impressive Ruins of St. Paul . But with so many different places to explore inside the Macau Historic Center, you could easily spend your entire day wandering between the ancient sites and forget about all the other things to do in Macau.

Do The World’s Highest Bungy Jump with AJ Hackett Macau Tower

Who would have thought that one of the best (and, as it turns out, the biggest) adrenaline activities in the world would be located right in the heart of Macau?

61 stories up and 233 meters above the ground, the legendary adventure tour operators, AJ Hackett Macau Tower , have turned this gambling Mecca into the latest and greatest destination for thrill seekers! If you are looking to tick off that number one item from your bucket list, you need to check out the world’s highest bungy jump—one of the most exhilarating experiences imaginable.

While not exactly a budget activity (the Macau bungy jump price is pretty high), it really is something that you should save just a little bit longer for so you can take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Hands down one of the best things to do in Macau!

Hot Tip: If the idea of jumping off a building with a giant elastic band strapped to your feet doesn’t sound appealing or is a bit out of your budget, AJ Hackett Macau Tower also offers a number of other activities, such as the Skywalk, Skyjump, and Tower Walk.

Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

If you are looking for a bit of fun in Macau, you can always head to the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf . A large entertainment complex right near the Hong Kong-Macau ferry pier, the place is full of restaurants, cafes, and retail stores.

It opened at the end of 2006 and was designed after a bunch of similar seaports in Cape Town and Amsterdam. And if you want to spend a bit of money, you can’t miss the theme park in your Macau trip.

Eat All the Street Food

With its eclectic mix of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, the culinary delights that have evolved in Macau are extraordinary! From egg tarts to beef jerky to dried fish, it is way too easy to just snack your way through the city!

There are some world-class international restaurants that have opened up around the peninsula, but if you are traveling on a budget, it is easy to find a cheap bite to eat as well. You may leave town a bit heavier than when you arrived.

Hot tip – On Rua Do Cunha, stores hand out free samples of cookies, jerky, and other items to pedestrians. You can simply walk up and down the street collecting these samples until you are full. Enjoy!

Get Lost in The Casinos

Going all the way to Macau and at least not looking at a casino would be like going to New York City and skipping the Statue of Liberty. Macau hosts some of the most luxurious and intricately designed gambling halls that can be found anywhere, and luckily for us, they are all free to visit!

There is no requirement to actually gamble or spend any money inside them, meaning you can wander through and check out mainland Chinese tourists throwing down thousands (and thousands) of dollars in single bets, or admire the extravagant decorations.

Even if this isn’t really your idea of some great things to do in Macau, it’s still worth checking out the $2.4 billion Venetian (the largest casino in the world), which has had the famous canals of Venice reconstructed throughout the entire building. Even the roof is painted like a perfect blue sky, giving the illusion of daylight at all hours. A surreal scene.

Hot tip – Most of the casinos have free buses that run between the ferry terminal, the airport, and the other casinos. You do not need to be staying at or gambling at any of them to use their service. Hooray for free transport!

Head To Macau’s Beach

Yep, that’s right – the beach. The most popular option, Hac Sa (Black Sands) Beach on Coloane Island, isn’t exactly world class, but if you have been craving some beach time after a long stint in China or just love the feeling of sand beneath your toes, consider heading out to the coast for your one day in Macau.

Despite the name, the government has filled the beach with yellow sand to prevent erosion, and as a result, it is much more picturesque than it once was.

Hot Tip – You can camp for free on Hac Sa Beach. There are cafes and bathroom facilities close by, meaning the only thing you need to bring with you is a tent! A perfect alternative to the expensive accommodation options in the city. Make your Macau trip special within budget.

Sun Yat Sen Park, Macau

Sun Yat-sen Park in Macau is a massive urban park spread out over 17 acres in the northern part of the island which you must visit during your Macau trip for the amazing natural beauty. There are a lot of things to do in Sun Yat-sen Park if you are simply looking to walk around. Check out the Feng Shui Forest, the open-air theater, and the old gate that used to mark the official entrance to Macau.

What to Eat in Makau?

Macanese cuisine is a delightful fusion of Chinese and Portuguese flavors, with influences from other Asian and African cuisines. When visiting Macau, be sure to try some of these iconic dishes and snacks:

Portuguese Egg Tarts (Pastéis de Nata): These creamy, flaky pastries with caramelized tops are a must-try. Lord Stow’s Bakery in Coloane is famous for its delicious egg tarts.

Bacalhau à Bras: This Portuguese dish features salted codfish cooked with scrambled eggs, onions, and straw fries. It’s a flavorful and hearty option.

African Chicken: A Macanese specialty, African chicken is chicken cooked in a rich, spicy peanut sauce. It’s a unique and flavorful dish.

Minchi: Minchi is a minced meat dish (usually beef or pork) stir-fried with diced potatoes, onions, and spices, often topped with a fried egg. It’s a comfort food favorite in Macau.

Pork Chop Bun: This simple but delicious sandwich consists of a crispy pork chop served in a bun. You can find it at various street stalls and eateries.

Serradura: Serradura, also known as sawdust pudding, is a popular dessert made with layers of crumbled biscuits and sweet whipped cream.

Curry Crab: Crab cooked in a flavorful curry sauce is a signature dish in Macau, and it’s a must-try for seafood lovers.

Tacho: Tacho is a traditional Macanese stew made with a variety of meats (pork, chicken, and sausage) and vegetables, simmered in a savory sauce.

Shrimp Roe Noodles: These noodles are served with a rich sauce made from shrimp roe, giving them a unique flavor and color.

Caldo Verde: A Portuguese soup made with kale, potatoes, onions, and slices of chouriço (sausage). It’s hearty and comforting.

Almond Cookies: Macau is known for its almond cookies, which make for a delicious souvenir to bring back home.

Street Food: Explore Macau’s vibrant street food scene, where you can try items like fish balls, beef jerky, and various dumplings from street vendors.

Dim Sum: While not strictly Macanese, you can’t visit Macau without indulging in some delicious dim sum. Look for local dim sum restaurants for a taste of these bite-sized delights.

Seafood: Being a coastal city, Macau offers an abundance of fresh seafood dishes. Try dishes like garlic prawns, black pepper crab, or salt and pepper squid at seafood restaurants along the waterfront.

Milk Tea: Macau has its version of Hong Kong-style milk tea, which is strong and sweetened. It’s a popular beverage to accompany your meals.

Exploring Macanese cuisine is an essential part of experiencing the unique culture of this special administrative region. Be adventurous and savor the diverse flavors Macau has to offer.

Budget for Macau: 1 Day Itinerary

Creating a budget for a one-day trip to Macau will depend on various factors, including your travel style, preferences, and whether you plan to engage in activities like gambling or high-end shopping. Here’s a rough estimate for a budget-friendly one-day itinerary in Macau for one person:

Transportation:

Ferry from Hong Kong (round trip): Approximately $50 – $60 USD.

Local transportation (buses, Light Rail Transit): $10 – $15 USD.

Accommodation:

If you’re visiting just for the day, you won’t need overnight accommodations. However, if you decide to stay overnight, budget hotels and guesthouses can start at around $50 – $100 USD per night.

Breakfast: $5 – $10 USD at a local eatery or cafe.

Lunch: $15 – $25 USD for a mid-range restaurant or local street food.

Dinner: $20 – $40 USD for a mid-range restaurant or local seafood dining.

Attractions and Activities:

Entrance fees to museums and attractions: $10 – $30 USD, depending on which places you visit.

Optional activities like visiting Macau Tower or taking part in entertainment experiences may cost extra.

Miscellaneous:

Souvenirs and incidentals: $10 – $20 USD.

Keep in mind that these are approximate estimates, and actual costs can vary based on your choices. Macau can be an expensive destination, especially if you plan to indulge in fine dining, shopping, or gambling. Adjust your budget accordingly based on your preferences and spending habits.

Additionally, it’s wise to have some extra cash or a credit card with you in case of unexpected expenses or emergencies. Be aware of currency exchange rates if you’re not using Macau Patacas (MOP) or Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) for transactions. Lastly, always check the latest prices and availability for transportation, attractions, and meals, as prices may have changed by the passage of time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):

Is Macau Expensive to Visit?

Like Hong Kong Macau isn’t an expensive city. The hotels can cost $70 to $140 per night for a single room. And, for a 7-day trip the approximate cost of a traveler is around $200 to $250 per day.

Do Macau Casinos Stay Open 24 Hours?

Macau casinos typically operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Macau is known as the “Las Vegas of Asia” and is a major hub for gambling and tourism. The casinos in Macau cater to visitors from all around the world and often remain open around the clock to accommodate the varying schedules and preferences of their customers.

Where is Macau Located?

Macau is a special administrative region of China located on the southern coast of the country. It is situated on the western side of the Pearl River Delta, bordering Guangdong Province to the north and facing the South China Sea to the south and east.

Is There Any Specific Macau Travel Policy?

Valid passports with free pages required for entry stamp, tourist visa, and vaccination certification should be carried by the travelers. Other than that, there is no specific travel documentation required for Macau.

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1 Day in Macau: What to Do and See in Macau

by Trip.com

May 15, 2024

Day 1 | Morning

Macau tower.

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Fri,10:00am-7:00pm;Open on Sat-Sun,11:00am-8:00pm

Ticket Price: 165 MOP

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Lot 1 of Area d, New Reclamation Area, Nanwan, Macau

The Macau Tower is one of the landmark buildings in Macau . When you travel back and forth between the Macau peninsula and the islands of Taipa and Coloane, you will see its lone silhouette. Entering the tower, you can take a bullet lift to the sightseeing level, where you can enjoy the scenery within 55 kilometers. The Macau Peninsula, Taipa Island, Coloane Island, and the Pearl River Delta make up a panoramic view.

Reviews from Real Guests:

访客: The tower is 338 meters high and is one of the landmarks of Macau. If you want to make your trip to Macau unique and memorable, you can go to the 61st floor of the tower to experience the "stupid pig jump" of the Macau Tower, which is also known as bungee jumping. After jumping down from 233 meters, and when the cable is fully extended, it will bounce back to 30 meters again, and after several times, slowly land on the special air cushion. The challenge will be successful and will receive a certificate, membership card and "stupid pig jump" T-shirt.

anne26: Macau Tower, measuring over 1100 ft with an observation deck in the 61st floor, featuring panoramic views of the Macau City, , restaurants, shopping malls and the Skywalk X, a thrilling walking tour around the outer rim. At 233 metres, the Macau Tower's tethered "sky jump" and Bungee jump from the tower's outer rim and is the highest commercial sky jump in the world , and the second highest commercial decelerator descent facility in the world. dare devil skills by jumping down.

Day 1 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Macau Tower, you can head to The House of Dancing Water, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

The House of Dancing Water

Opening Hours: 17:00, 20:00 each, about 85 minutes each time.

Ticket Price: 617 MOP

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: City of Dreams, Estr. do Istmo, Macao

The City of Dreams "Water Dance Room" performance is a large-scale water show. The planning took 5 years and its expenditure was more than 2 billion RMB. The world-renowned inspirational creative master Franco Drago tailored this performance for City of Dreams. The "Water Dance Room" performance of City of Dreams is a high-level stunt show adapted from local legends. The performance is impressive and people will never forget it.

Trip.com User: Not a waste of five stars at all. It's really nice, gorgeous, entertaining and fantastic performance. Recommend those who are going to see it in the central seat A seat. I watched it in the side seat, but it is a pity to watch the stage performance background. If you have the next chance, you will want to see it in the central front seat even if you spend tens of thousands of won. I couldn't take a picture because I couldn't take a picture, but it is really recommended. There will never be regret after the performance.

killerG47: I have seen it twice, sitting in the VIP area, sitting in the front of the VIP area, the last row of A. It is recommended that if the vote can be selected in the last row of A, next to the VIP area, the location is secret, not easy to be seen by the staff, the view is good, the normal performance is a cold experience. Fucking, circus, water dance, motorcycle stunts, drama, altitude stunts, basically after watching this show, you'll see all the performances you can see for an hour and a half.. Great value for money..

Day 1 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, The Londoner Hotel is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

The Londoner Hotel

Destined to become a bold new landmark, The Londoner Macao brings the best of London to Macao. Delivering an authentic experience of London’s rich, colorful history combined with unforgettable modern features, characters and entertainment, it represents a US$1.5 billion investment. Previously Sands Cotai Central, The Londoner Macao is located in the heart of Cotai Strip opposite The Venetian Macao and features some of London’s most recognizable landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower. The Two new hotels include The Londoner Hotel offers 594 all-suites alongside The St. Regis Macao with 400 rooms, Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel with 4,001 rooms and Conrad Macao with 654 rooms. The Londoner Macao also offers 11 exciting new dining outlets including signature, British-inspired and celebrity chef restaurants as well as famous international brands, Shoppes at Londoner with over 150 boutiques, Londoner Events Center featuring a wide range of meeting space and a 6,000-seat arena.

Swimming pool

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* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.

Table of Content

• Day 1: Macau Tower, The House of Dancing Water

Macau Weather

Find What to Do in Macau in 1 Day Tour

Macau tower 360 revolving restaurant buffet [official ticketing].

• Enjoy stunning 360-degree views of Macau A brand-new landmark in Macau The 10th tallest tower in the world where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the whole Macau and try thrilling Tower Adventure!

Studio City Spotlight Buffet

• Reflecting the premium décor that can be found throughout Studio City, Spotlight is an Art Deco, cinema-themed food lover’s paradise serving buffets with a diverse array of delicious international cuisine, fresh seafood and delicate desserts all day long.

JW Marriott Hotel Macau Urban Kitchen Lunch/Dinner Buffet

• Experience the buffet that's forever winning the praise of its customers, as well as "Hong Kong Tatler 2019 - Macau's Best Restaurants (International)" and "China's Best Wine List 2018" awards Choose from lunch or dinner buffets – and come with an appetite Sample your pick of Australian, Portuguese, Italian, Beijing, Sichuan, Cantonese, Japanese, and Korean delights, plus ice cream, dessert, and juice - if you're still hungry! Watch your food be cooked fresh before your eyes by a professional chef at each cuisine station Book in advance on Trip.com and simply scan the QR code to enter the restaurant directly

[Limited time 40% off] Macau Tower 360 Revolving Restaurant Buffet [Official Ticketing]

• Check in at the Macau Tower landmark, super beautiful sea view, and 360-degree view of Macau!

Macau Grand Lisboa Hotel Buffet Mountain Restaurant Buffet Lunch Buffet Dinner

• [Buffet Mountain] Famous for the longest buffet food table in Macau, it offers 600 kinds of global delicacies and fresh seafood. It also has the first outdoor barbecue for buffets in Macau. You can taste the feast grilled by special staff and admire the magnificent architecture of the resort. and beautiful views of the lush green gardens

Nanyang Laksa Hotpot (Option for 2)

• Come and taste the authentic Laksa Hot Pot. Chef Lesley adds her secret recipe to make the soup base fragrant, rich and flavorful, and pair it with a series of delicious ingredients, which will make you linger for more.

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Macau Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Macau in 1 and 2 Days

Macau , also spelled Macao , is a small city connected to China at the southern part of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong. The city was a former Portuguese colony from the 16th century until December 20, 1999. The Portuguese influences can be seen in architecture, food, tradition and religion.

While gambling tourism brings in a lot of visitors (and revenue), there are many things to do in Macau. The well-preserved colonial architecture can be seen in the historical centre, which has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Furthermore, Macau’s designation as a “Creative Cities Network in the field of Gastronomy” by UNESCO, draws foodies everywhere to experience the delightful Macanese cuisine .

Most travellers visit Macau as a day trip from Hong Kong. But Macau has so many things o see that you should stay overnight.

In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make the most of your Macau day trip. And if you stay overnight, I included a 2-day Macau itinerary so you can explore other areas that are off the beaten path.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting this website. For more information, please read our disclosure for more info.

What you need to know before starting your Macau itinerary

Before you plan your Macau itinerary, take a look at these travel tips that you may find useful:

• Bring your travel document when travelling from Hong Kong to Macau . You will need to pass HK Immigration on the HK side and then Macau Immigration on the Macau side.
• Macau’s official currency is the Macanese Pataca (MOP) . Many establishments will accept your Hong Kong Dollars (HKD). However, when you pay for something in HKD cash, you might get change back in MOP.
• Standard voltage is 220V . Power sockets are of type D, M, G and F.
• SIM cards are available in Macau without registration. You can buy them at a self-service vending machine at the airport, both ferry terminals and some casino hotels. Otherwise, free wifi is available in all the casinos, hotels and some restaurants.
• Macau is safe for solo female travellers. The city is peaceful and has a low crime rate. It is very safe to walk alone during the day and at night.
• Macau Grand Prix (November) – see the the weekend motorsport road race for Formula 3 cars and motorcycles
• Macau Light Festival (December to February) – major attractions are lit up during this annual festival
• Macau International Fireworks Display Contest (September/October) – over 100 fireworks light up the sky

How to get to Macau

Visitors from China, Taiwan, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, and Korea can arrive at Macau International Airport in Taipa. There are taxis, local buses and many hotel shuttle buses from the airport that will take you directly to your hotel.

Hydrofoil Ferry

Travellers from Hong Kong can take a hydrofoil ferry . TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet takes about one hour and arrives at either Macau Ferry Terminal or Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal . Buy a ticket once you are at the terminal or order one ahead of time.

Once at either ferry terminal, take a free shuttle bus to your hotel .

HZMB Bus via HZM Bridge

The cheapest way to travel from Hong Kong to Macau is by taking the HZMB Bus (Hong Kong Zhuhai Macau Bridge Bus).

The direct bus starts from Hong Kong Port to HZMB Zhuhai Port . The bus journey takes about 45 minutes and runs every 5 minutes (or until the bus is full) for 24 hours a day. Buy a $65HKD ticket from the kiosk.

Once you are at HZMB Zhuhai Port, take a free shuttle to either Macau Ferry Terminal or Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal . From either terminal, take the free casino shuttle to your hotel.

How to get around Macau

Walking is the best way to see all the tourist spots around Macau, especially on the Macau Peninsula.

As for Taipa and Cotai, you can take a taxi or bus . However, the easiest and cheapest way getting around Macau is by the free hotel shuttle buses run by all the major casinos . Complimentary shuttle services run between ferry terminals, airport and back to the hotel and anyone can use it (even if you are a hotel customer).

For my Macau itinerary, I will explain below how you get around Macau for both days. It involves walking and taking free hotel shuttle buses. Yes, all free!

How many days in Macau as first time traveller

Macau has two parts : the historic centre is located on the Macau Peninsula which is on the north side of the city.

The other part is the southern area which consists of Taipa , Cotai and Coloane . And the majority of the highlights are in Taipa and the casino hotels are in Cotai.

It is possible to see all the historical attractions in Macau Peninsula in one day . So if you are taking a day trip from Hong Kong, take an early hydrofoil or bus and return at the end of the day.

But if you want to see more of Macau and want to see the south side of the city, stay overnight and explore Taipa and Cotai . You can see a local area and all the glitzy casino hotels which Macau is famous for. Even if you don’t gamble, I think it is worth seeing the shopping areas connecting the hotels.

Summary: 1 – 2 Days Macau Itinerary

Here is how to use this Macau itinerary guide.

If you are doing a day trip in Macau and will be in Macau for one day, follow the 1 day in Macau itinerary.

And if you are staying overnight in Macau, follow the itinerary for Day 1 and add the itinerary for Day 2.

Here is a quick summary of my 1 and 2 day Macau tourist spots itinerary:

Macau day trip: best things to do in Macau Peninsula (red pins)

• Grand Lisboa Hotel and Casino Lisboa
• Rua de Felicidade
• Largo do Senado
• St Dominic’s Church
• Rua de Sao Paulo
• Rua dos Ervanarios
• Ruins of St. Paul’s
• Travessa da Paixao
• St. Lazarus’ Parish
• Tap Seac Square
• Guia Fortress

2 Days in Macau: things to see around Taipa and Cotai (purple pins)

• Tin Hau Temple
• Taipa Flea Market
• Taipa Food Street
• Hello Macau Mural
• Our Lady of Carmel Church
• Taipa Houses
• Galaxy Hotel
• Venetian Macao Casino
• The Parisian Macao
• The Londoner Macao
• Macau Tower

Macau day trip: best things to do in Macau Peninsula 

During your Macau trip, it is all about sightseeing all the historical highlights on the Macau Peninsula because they are the most popular places to visit in Macau.

Follow the red pins on the map above and the location for each spot.

How to get around Macau on Day 1: from either ferry terminal, take the free casino shuttle bus to Grand Lisboa Hotel. This casino hotel is the closest to the historic centre of Macau. At the end of the day, walk from Guia Hill to Macau Ferry Terminal via pedestrian tunnel to either catch a hydrofoil or take free shuttle bus to airport or HZMB Zhuhai Port.

1. Grand Lisboa Hotel and Casino Lisboa

Macau, also known as the “ Vegas of the East “, really lives up to its reputation because the city has many glitzy casino hotels, just like Las Vegas.

Once you arrive at Grand Lisboa Hotel , take a look at this lotus-shaped building. It is something else!

Also take note of Casino Lisboa across the street. The hotel casino with an Art Deco-ish exterior was built in the late 1960s. It is one of the older casino hotels but it’s pretty famous.

2. Rua de Felicidade

Stroll over to Rua de Felicidade , where it was once Macau’s red-light district. Today, many food outlets and restaurants occupy the old traditional Chinese houses.

The pedestrian-only street got a re-vamp with modern touches but you can still see the characteristics of the old Chinese homes. Plus, this is an excellent spot for taking Instagram photos.

3 & 4. Largo do Senado and St Dominic’s Church

Next, visit “The Historic Centre of Macao “, which start at Largo do Senado , a paved town square with numerous Portuguese colonial buildings and classic Portuguese limestone floors .

The entire historical area has over 20 ancient monuments and places worth visiting . Moreover, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most visited spot in Macau.

Besides all the retail stores and local food shops, there are plenty of historical buildings that are worth seeing. Look for St. Dominic’s Church , a 16th century Baroque-style church . It is also a UNESCO site.

5. Lou Kau Mansion

One of the best examples of Chinese residential building in Macau is the Lou Kau Mansion .

Built in 1889, this used to the home of a prominent Chinese merchant. It is a typical old Chinese courtyard house where there are three halls separated by a courtyard which forms a three-by-three grid layout. This spacial arrangement relates to the hierarchical structure of Chinese families where the inner spaces are reserved for ancestral worship or senior family members.

It is free to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site. And if you visit on weekend or public holiday, book a tour to the second floor with a guide.

6 & 7. Rua de São Paulo and Rua dos Ervanarios

Continue forward with the itinerary by walking up Rua de São Paulo . This is a pedestrian street lined with many shops selling typical Macau food souvenirs . Vendors offer free samples of beef jerky, almond cookies and etc. If you are snack-ish, there are several food outlets here where you can try typical Macau food like pork chop bun.

Not far away from Rua de São Paulo, there is another cobbled stone street called Rua dos Ervanarios . I love this street because of the old retro vibe. Plus, there are several good coffee shops there. Fuel up now if you need to.

8. Ruins of St. Paul’s

At the top of pedestrian portion of Rua de São Paulo, you will see an open square with a grand stairway and the Ruins of St. Paul’s at the top of the hill. You won’t miss this – follow the crowd and selfie sticks. Ha!

This famous church was destroyed in a fire in 1835 and it left behind a facade. You can walk behind the granite wall and see what’s left of the original church building. This area keeps changing every time I go so it would be interesting to know what you see during your visit.

Further back is Sacred Art Museum and Crypt and it displays archaeological remains and religious relics. It’s a small museum but entirely free.

9. Travessa da Paixao

Not far from the Ruins of St. Paul’s, is what I considered the most photogenic street in all of Macau. Walk over to Travessa da Paixao and see if you agree with me.

Also known as Lover’s Lane , this hilly street has pastel-coloured buildings that are totally Instagram-worthy. It is actually pretty difficult to snap a photo without anyone in the background. And if you walk closer, you can see the Ruins of St. Paul’s.

10. Monte Fort

Completed in 1626, Monte Fort is a 400-year-old trapezoid-shaped fort that covers 10,000 sqm in the Historic Centre of Macau. This was Macau’s principal military defence structure where it had cannons, military barracks and enough ammunition and supplies to last for two years.

Today, you can visit this UNESCO historic site via a series of elevators going up Parque da Fortaleza do Monte and bypassing the entrance to Macau Museum .

At the top, there is a rooftop park with some of the remaining cannons and an unobstructed view of the Macau.

11. St. Lazarus’ Parish

St. Lazarus’ Parish is a small neighbourhood in Macau which was one of the five former Municipality of Macau. The area includes an old residential neighbourhood, many Portuguese and Macau colonial buildings, and a third of it is covered by Guia Hill.

When you leave Monte Fort at the southeast end, the stair way down Calçada da Igreja de São Lázaro is not far away. I think this is the prettiest part of St. Lazarus’ Parish because of the classic Portuguese limestone floors and architecture .

Roam around the area to enjoy the European vibe. St. Lazarus’ Church , one of the oldest churches in Macau is off the cobblestoned street. Plus, there are coffee shops, ice cream parlous and souvenir shops in the area.

12. Tap Seac Square

Not far away is another cultural landmark and it is called Tap Seac Square . It is an open square with traditional cobblestone floor and Portuguese colonial buildings.

Not much to see here so you can walk through the open square relatively quickly. But take note of the gorgeous red and yellow building facing the square, which is the Macao Central Library . Tap Seac Gallery is also red and yellow in colour but tucked away in the north corner.

13. Guia Fortress

The Guia Fortress is part of the 17th-century colonial military fort on Guia Hill. Inside the fortress stands Guia Chapel , a chapel with numerous frescoes with themes of both western and Chinese culture. Next to it is Guia Lighthouse , the first modern lighthouse on the Chinese coast.

The cable car can take you to the top but the walk up is not difficult. All you need to do is follow the Songshan Jogging Trail and it can lead you to the top to the fortress.

Hopefully you will arrive when the sun is setting because the view is quite spectacular. This is the perfect way to end your first day in Macau.

And if you have time and energy after exploring the UNESCO Heritage Site, wander around Parque Municipal de Colina da Guia , and see some of the military tunnels around the hill.

Macau itinerary 2 days: things to see around Taipa and Cotai

For day 2 in Macau, explore some of the areas on the south side of Macau including Taipa and Cotai . These are some of the off the beaten path places and are worth visiting if you are going to Macau for the first time.

Follow the purple pins on the map above and the location for each spot.

How to get around Macau on Day 2: take a free hotel shuttle bus to Galaxy Hotel, which is closest to Taipa Village. At the end of the day, take the MGM shuttle bus from Macau Tower to MGM Macau then to either ferry terminal or airport.

1 & 2. Tin Hau Temple and Taipa Flea Market in Taipa Village

On day 2 of my Macau itinerary, start with a visit to Taipa Village , a small area with many local restaurants, cafes and shops.

But first walk around the quaint area and look for Tin Hau Temple . As the oldest temple in Taipa, the temple is dedicated to Tin Hau, a Chinese sea goddess. Typically, Tin Hau temples face the shore but the area has been reclaimed and is currently the area of Cotai.

Roam around the area as there many interesting art murals and colourful Portuguese and Macanese colonial buildings.

And if you are visiting on the weekend, visit Taipa Flea Market , a local open-air market that takes place every Sunday at the north end of Taipa Food Street between 11am-8pm.

3. Taipa Food Street

By now, you must be very tempted to try all the food in Taipa Village. And there are a lot of eateries in the whole area but most of the food outlets are centred around Taipa Food Street . And some of them are even Michelin recognized (like Gelatina Mok Yi Kei and Pastelaria Fong Kei).

There are lots to choose from so this is the perfect place for brunch or lunch. I highlighted some restaurants in the section near the end of the post.

4. Hello Macau Mural and other art murals

As you probably saw already, Taipa is very Instagrammable. There are many mural art scattered around the small streets in the village. And graffiti continues as you explore other parts of Taipa Village.

After filling your tummy with good food, walk to the end of Taipa Food Street and walk up a short flight. There is a whimsical wall art on the west side.

And when you continue forward, there are a few more graffitis including the Hello Macau Mural which is drawn on an old container. The area has changed a lot since last I’ve been and more and more murals are going up. So see what you can find.

5 & 6. Our Lady of Carmel Church and Taipa Houses

Continue forward and visit Our Lady of Carmel Church , a 19th century Neoclassical church on a hill overlooking Taipa Village. Many couples take photos here and in the adjacent garden.

Next, visit Taipa Houses , the five green Portuguese-style houses facing the Ecological Pond of Wetland . They were built in 1921 as Macanese residential homes for senior civil servants. Today, the iconic houses are part of Taipa Houses Museum where each house has its own cultural theme.

The entire area is quite picturesque and peaceful. When you are ready to continue forward, walk across the boardwalk in Taipa Constructed Wetland Park or take the automatic walkway parallel to Rua. da Baia de Nossa Sra. de Esperanca and cross the main road to Galaxy Hotel.

7-11. Casino Hotels in Cotai

If gambling is your thing, then are you in luck. Gambling is legal in Macau, and each hotel has its own casino. Try your luck at a slot machine or a baccarat table.

But if you don’t gamble, you can still visit some of the best casino hotels in Macau. All the newest and glitziest casino hotels are in Cotai. And it really does feel like Las Vegas!

And many of the hotels are linked together so you can easily jump from one hotel to another. Below are some of the casino hotels that you might want to check out. I’ve included the highlight for each hotel so you know what to look for.

• Galaxy Hotel – Galaxy Promenade (large shopping complex connecting five hotels), Galaxy Macau Diamond Show (light and sound show at the fountain in Diamond Lobby)
• The Venetian Macao – indoor canal gondola rides in the large (and confusing) shopping complex and teamLab SuperNature Macao
• The Parisian Macao – observation decks on level 7 and 37 of Eiffel Tower
• The Londoner Macao – one of the newest hotels in Cotai and has amazing spots to take photos (like the one below)
• MGM Cotai – not much to see but the shuttle bus goes directly to your next destination

12. Macau Tower

The Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre is on the Macau Peninsula by the harbour. At a height of 338m, it is the tallest structure in Macau.

Go up to the observation d eck and see a 360 degree view of Macau.

Or you can attempt the skywalk and walk around the periphery of The Macau Tower or bungee jump from the 233m (764ft) high platform, which is Guinness World Record for the Highest Commercial Bungy Jump in the world.

What to Eat in Macau

Macanese cuisine is the fusion between Portuguese food and Chinese cooking techniques . The people of Macau take inspirations from European cuisine and mix it with local spices and ingredients, and the result is simply delicious.

Here are some of my favourite things to eat in Macau:

• Minchi – Macanese food made with minced beef or pork, diced fried potatoes, onions, soy sauce with fried egg and rice. 
• African Chicken – unique to Macanese cuisine, this is a hybrid of Portuguese and Cantonese cooking and with the influence of European, Indian and African flavours
• Clams  – clams in garlic, olive oil and coriander
• Pork Chop Bun – fried whole pork chop sandwiched in a fresh baguette bun
• Portuguese Egg Tarts – similar to a Chinese egg tart but the Portuguese egg tart has a slightly burnt top
• Serradura – Macanese dessert where crushed tea biscuit is layered in between whipped cream and condensed milk

Where to Eat in Macau

Searching for good food in Macau is not hard. You can find Macanese food, Portuguese food and HK-style food everywhere. Here are some restaurants and food outlets I’ve tried before and highly recommend.

Places to eat in Macau

• Albergue 1601 – Portuguese restaurant in St. Lazarus’ Parish
• A Lorcha – Michelin Portuguese restaurant
• Riquexó – Macanese restaurant north of Guia Hill
• Sing Lei Cha Chaan Teng (勝利茶餐室) – Hong Kong-Style cafe near Senado Square
• Margaret’s Cafe e Nata – Portuguese egg tart near Lisboa Hotel

Places to eat in Taipa and Cotai

• A Petisqueira – Portuguese Restaurant in Taipa Village
• O Santos – Portuguese Restaurant in Taipa Food Street
• Portugália – Portuguese restaurant in Taipa Village
• Sei Kee Cafe (世記咖啡) – Hong Kong-Style cafe just off Taipa Food Street
• Lord Stow’s Bakery – Portuguese egg tart on Taipa Food Street
• Gelatina Mok Yi Kai – Michelin dessert shop on Taipa Food Street

Where to stay in Macau

While there are a handful of budget accommodations, one of the highlights of visiting Macau is to experience a world-class resort. Here are a few recommendations on where to stay in Macau.

• House of Lotus ($) – if you want to stay at a budget hotel near Ruins of St Paul’s, this is an excellent option.
• Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel ($$) – stay at this 5-star hotel that has 3,000 guest rooms, swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and fitness centre. Also great if you collect Marriott Bonvoy points.
• MGM Cotai ($$$) – The newer MGM hotel didn’t spared any money on designing and building. The $3.4 billion dollar hotel has spacious rooms, several restaurants, and shops.

Are you doing a day trip to Macau or staying overnight?

It is possible to see all the top attractions in Macau during a day trip from Hong Kong. But if you can stay overnight, it is worth exploring Taipa and Cotai as well. And of course, trying more local Macanese food!

I hope you enjoyed my Macau itinerary and will consider seeing all the city tourist attractions. Let me know in the comments if you find this post helpful in planning your trip to Macau.

Thank you for reading my Macau itinerary

You might also like these other solo travel posts:

HK solo travel posts

• Everything you need to know before travelling to HK by yourself
• 11 Hong Kong off-the-beaten-path hidden gems
• Where to stay in Hong Kong: 7 boutique hotels
• Hong Kong food culture: 26 must-eat food
• Best coffee shops in Hong Kong
• 15 Best places to watch sunset in HK

Hiking and excursion posts

• Lamma Island Family Walk from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan
• How to take a ferry to Lamma Island
• Cheung Chau 1-day itinerary
• Peng Chau 1-day itinerary
• 17 Easy hiking trails in Hong Kong
• Victoria Peak Hike
• Dragon’s Back Hike
• Red Incense Burner Summit on Braemar Hill

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I've been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!

Further Reading...

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Trio Beach Hike From Sai Kung To Hebe Haven In Hong Kong

Hong Kong Best Coffee Shops for Serious Coffee Lovers

Hi mam! Will be staying in macau for a night from hongkong. Do you have any reco where to stay po either in cotai or in macau peninsula considering we also have luggage. Will probably arrive in macau at 9am so we would like to manage our time to explore all the places you listed above in you 2 day tour. How many hours from cotai to macau peninsula ?

Hi Maureen, In my post I mentioned House of Lotus on the Macau side is a good budget option. I like MGM Cotai and the Andaz Macau in Cotai is brand new. Typically most hotels will let you leave your luggage at their storage until you can check in. It takes about 30 minutes to travel from Cotai to Macau with the shuttle buses. Have a good time in Macau!

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17 Easy Hiking Trails in Hong Kong For Solo Travellers

Where to stay in kyoto for first time traveller: best areas and hotel reviews, ms travel solo.

Goldspark Tours

• MOP P Pataca

The open top bus sightseeing tour follows a specific route with 13 stops close to major city attractions.

1) Macau Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal 2) Fisherman's Wharf 3) Centro de Ciência de Macau 4) Kun Iam Ecumenical Center 5) Wynn Macau (StarWorld Hotel) 6) Hotel Lisboa 7) New Yaohan (Emperor Entertainment Hotel) 8) Macau Tower 9) Vila da Taipa Hisorical Center Archway(NearTaipa Village) 10) The Londoner Hotel (The Venetian Hotel) 11) Studio City Macau / The Parizian Macao 12) Galaxy Macau™ Integrated Resort (Crystal Lobby) 13) Broadway Macau Back to Macau Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal

開蓬巴士一天任乘車票 Hop-on, hop-off Macau Bus Tour one day ticket

The highlight.

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー ★Macau Open Top Bus -”Day Tour” (One Day Pass) Tour service will be suspended on 4April & 1May2024. (19:00 Macau Open Top Bus "Night tour" will be operated as normal)

★澳門開篷巴士”日遊”一日任乘車票 ２０２４年４月４日及５月１日　”日遊”行程暫停服務 （19:00 澳門開篷巴士”夜遊”正常運作） ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー

The Experience

BUS STOP LOCATION https://docs.goldsparktours.com/PICKUPPOINT(2023).pdf

ROUTE MAP https://docs.goldsparktours.com/ROUTE.jpg

TIME SCHEDULE https://docs.goldsparktours.com/TIMESCHEDULE.jpg

• Voucher will be sent via email. Please swipe to redeem your e-voucher and present the completion page at the designated location.

Purchase Notice

Terms & Conditions 1) Cancellation is not allowed. 2) Customer should redeem the tickets from our tour guide. when the first time you ride a bus. 3) Children under 2 years of age can travel on the lap of an adult for free. 4) Please present your tickets to our staff upon boarding 5) Eating ,drinking & smoking are not allowed on the bus 6) During the rainy season, raincoat will be provided to all guests (Regular size only). 7) In case of open top bus failures or adverse conditions, coaches will be substituted to continue the journey without further notice 8) Bus seats are "first come, first served basis". If the seats are fully occupied, please take the next bus. 9) Due to force majeure, the Goldspark Macau Tours Ltd reserves the right to change service routes and times and cancel the trip. 10) Itinerary and time schedule are reference only, it subject to change depends on wheather and traffic. 11) Tickets are valid only during service hours of the day tour. 12) Some of the open top buses have a partial canopy for providing protection from rain and sunlight. We cannot accept requests for bus types. 13) This ticket cannot be used for joining night tour. 14) All the photos are for reference only. 15) In case of any disputes, Goldspark Macau Tours Limited reserves the right of final decision.

Important Booking Information

Cancellation policy, meeting point info, hop-on, hop-off macau bus tour one day ticket.

1 Day in Macau: Hong Kong to Macau Day Trip

I had a 4-day layover in Hong Kong after coming back from my most recent trip to Southeast Asia. I planned 3 days in Hong Kong but due to flight times, actually ended up having 4. So, I figured I may as well try somewhere new and spend 1 day in Macau. 

A day trip to Macau from Hong Kong is easy, fun, and a popular thing to do. So if you too find yourself with some extra time, or just want to explore Asia’s version of Las Vegas, then this post is for you. Here’s my suggestions on how to spend 1 day in Macau. 

psst: Looking for a travel credit card with lots of perks (like lounge access) that will also allow you to earn points for travel? This is what I use and recommend. 

Why Spend 1 Day in Macau?

I’ll be honest; I found Macau to be kind of weird. It was an odd mix of colonial buildings and skyscrapers and crazy casinos that looked like they came off the Vegas strip. It didn’t really feel like a real city to me, more like some kind of crazy amusement park that was made to entertain visitors. However, the wackiness of this destination is what makes it fun to explore. While I wouldn’t want to spend long here, I highly recommend planning a day trip to Macau from Hong Kong if you have the time.

Hong Kong to Macau Ferry

Getting from Hong Kong to Macau is actually really easy. There are regular ferries that go back and forth between the two and the trip only lasts about an hour. The ships are fairly comfortable with seats for everyone, though the crossing can be a bit rough so if you are someone who gets seasick, or motion sick, then take some anti-nausea medicine ahead of time.

You can catch the ferry from Hong Kong at the Shun Tak Centre on Kong Kong Island or the China Ferry Terminal in Kowloon. I got the ferry from the Kowloon Terminal, however the ferries are more regular from Hong Kong Island (every 15 minutes from Shun Tak vs every 30 minutes from Kowloon Terminal).

The destination in Macau will be either downtown Macau (The Outer Terminal) or the Cotai Strip. The Coitai Strip is where you will find most of the casinos versus downtown Macau is better for those looking to explore the Portuguese parts of Macau. I recommend you use downtown Macau as your start/finish point since it has the most frequent service.

Tickets for these routes can be purchased at the ferry terminal ahead of time. You have until 30 minutes before the boat’s departure to purchase a ticket. No advance reservations are necessary.

If you don’t love the idea of taking a ferry between Hong Kong and Macau you can also take a bus. 

How to Get Around Macau in 1 Day

Once you arrive in Macau, you’re going to want to figure out a way to get around. Like Hong Kong, it’s pretty spread out so don’t think you can just rely on your feet.

The best way to figure out how to get around will depend on what you want to see and do. If you are just interested in the historic area with the Portuguese influence, then you can use the local bus. There is an information center in the ferry terminal who will be happy to help you figure out routes and bus numbers.

If you want to see as much as possible for your day trip from Hong Kong to Macau, then consider taking a hop on hop off bus. It’s an easy way to see the main stops and attractions, without having to worry about getting lost or doing any navigating. 

It’s also worth noting that a lot of hotels and casinos have free shuttle buses. The best part? You don’t need to be a guest of the hotel to use them. I took advantage of this during my visit to explore the flashy casinos and hotels in Cotoi. Since the properties are so big it’s hard to walk to them all, but there are shuttles between them that anyone can get on. You can also take these free shuttle buses to the city centre, and to the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal.

Of course, you can also use taxis and uber. Ubers are especially handy for those who don’t have a lot of cash on them.

The Best Things to do in Macau for 1 Day

As mentioned earlier, the main attractions in Macau vary between Portuguese heritage and flashy casinos. It’s a bit of an odd mix, but there’s definitely lots to see and do. I recommend the adding the following to your list if you are visiting Macau as a day trip from Hong Kong.

Visit the Ruins of St. Pauls

The Ruins of St. Paul’s are probably Macau’s best-known landmark. The ruins date back to the 1600s when it was once a Roman Catholic Church known as ‘The Vatican of the Far East’. Today, these ruins are perhaps the most photographed part of the city and a must see.

Explore Mount Fortress

Located right beside the ruins of St. Paul’s, Mount Fortress is another great place to stop, explore, and take some photos. Originally, this structure was used to fend off a Dutch invasion in 1622. Today, it serves as one of the best view points of the city. You can also check out the Macao Museum inside which offers visitors a peek into Macau’s history and culture.

Take in the Views (and even Bungee Jump) from Macau Tower

The Macau Tower is also known as the World’s Most Extreme Tower thanks to the fact that it also serves as a place to bungee jump. In fact, at 233m high, the Macau Tower is the world’s highest bungee jump. So, if you are up for one hell of an adrenaline rush, it might be worth adding this bucket list-worthy item to your list of things to do in Macau. 

Not keen on bungee jumping? Don’t worry, you can still visit the Macau Tower to take in the views!

People Watch in Senado Square

Senado Square is the main town square in the historic part of Macau. It’s busy with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes making it a good place to take a break and grab a cold drink or a bite to eat. It’s a pedestrian only zone surrounded by a number of beautiful buildings and monuments.  

Try a Famous Egg Tart

Portugal is famous for its egg tarts and since Macau was once a Portuguese colony, it makes sense that these tasty sweets made their way to Macau as well. The egg tart has become a food icon of Macau and is a must try. That being said, some places make them better than others. Top picks for the best egg tarts in Macau include: Lord Stow’s Bakery , Koi Kei Bakery, and Margaret’s Café e Nata.

Wander Through Taipa Village

Taipa Village is where you can get a real feel for ‘old Macau’. It’s a popular place to photograph thanks to the colourful houses and buildings that line the streets, but there are also some museums in this area along with some great foodie spots. Head to Rua do Cunha, Macao’s ‘Eat Street’, for a midday meal.

Test Your Luck at a Casino

Macau is known as the ‘Las Vegas of the East’, so it would really be a shame to do a day trip to Macau without checking out at least one of the properties. Personally, I’m not a gambler (I have zero luck) so I didn’t risk any money, but I did check out a couple of the big hotel and casino properties which was still fun. Try the Venetian Casino Resort or the City of Dreams, Macau.

Want to Stay the Night in Macau?

I chose to just visit Macau from Hong Kong as a day trip, however if you want you can spend a night or two. It might be a good idea if you are into gambling and casinos, because nighttime is when this aspect of Macau really comes to life.

Need a place to stay? Try:

• The Parisian Macau
• Galaxy Macau

Oh, and if you do stay the night then consider getting tickets to the House of Dancing Water at the City of Dreams. It’s known to be ‘the largest water extravaganza’ in the world.

Final Tips for 1 Day in Macau 

Planning a day trip from Hong Kong to Macau is easy, but there are a few things you do need to keep in mind for your 1 day in Macau. 

The first thing to note is that Macau has a different currency than Hong Kong. Now, Hong Kong dollars are frequently accepted in Macau, but the exchange rate isn’t great. It might be worth it to exchange a bit of cash ahead of time so that you can have local currency for little things like bus fare or money for food and drink. Credit cards are also widely accepted.

Secondly, you will need your passport to travel between Hong Kong and Macau, so don’t forget it!

Finally, while most visitors do not need a visa to visit Macau, some do. So, take a look ahead of time and make sure you are good to just arrive and don’t need to arrange anything beforehand.

Macau is a fun but quirky place, and although I have no need to go back, I definitely recommend a day trip from Hong Kong to Macau if you have the time. You don’t need a ton of time here, my 1 day Macau itinerary will show you the highlights. 

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance  here . If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend  SafetyWing . For Canadian readers, take a look at  SoNomad.

Book your accommodation

I love and recommend  booking.com  for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save. 

Book your tours

My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is  GetYourGuide . They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. 

Get connected

If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I’m a big fan of Airalo and have used their sim cards around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA. It’s really easy- you download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase. 

Not sure what to pack?

I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my  travel essentials  and  camera gear  if you are looking for some ideas. 

Looking for a travel buddy?

Check out my group trips!

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How to Plan The Perfect 1-Day Trip to Macau from Hong Kong By Boat

Posted on Last updated: March 27, 2024

Categories China

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Macau, the ‘Vegas of the East’, is pretty much Disneyland for adults as we found out on a recent Macau day trip from Hong Kong.

Portuguese colonial architecture mingles seamlessly with ancient Chinese temples and laneways, which themselves give way to garish neons and megalithic casino complexes…

Throw in the Macau Grand Prix and some delicious egg tarts, and you have the ingredients for an exhilarating, if somewhat spatially challenging, Macau day trip that’s only a 55-minute boat ride away from Hong Kong!!

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How to Plan The Perfect 1-Day Trip to Macau from Hong Kong By Boat 🇲🇴

Page Contents

What To Do In Macau In One Day Without Staying Overnight??

How to get to macau from hong kong by ferry, what to do after you arrive in macau.

Macau has a lot to offer. I would have liked to send more than 24 hours, but unless you have more than a week in Hong Kong , it would be hard to justify more than just a day trip. For a one day itinerary, I would recommend an early start, as early as you can manage and focus on the colonial UNESCO  sites during the day and then in the evening taking in all that casino glitz and glam…

I have outlined the main sites by day and night below, but the Grand Prix was on when we were there, which slowed things significantly, so you will likely have time for more! You might also want to read my more recent Macau Itinerary for fresh ideas.

However, if you do fancy making it more than one night – Macau books up fast! Especially with all the events and conventions it hosts, not to mention the weekend!

Book early to get the best rates. You can find the best deals for Macau accommodation here – and many have free cancellation if your plans change closer to the time!

This is the easiest way from Hong Kong, though the new Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge has recently opened and now offers bus services.

Ferry prices are higher for return sailings in the evening and highest late at night. You can always return earlier but not later than the ticketed time, but you will be on standby, which we found out was a long and arduous process. Best to try stick with the time that suits you (remembering that some parts of Macau are best seen after dark!) and book you Macau Ferry ticket in advance.

How to Get to Macau From Hong Kong:  Hong Kong Terminals

China Ferry Terminal is in Tsim Sha Tsui, or Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal is near the IFC Towers in the Shun Tak Center on Hong Kong Island. Price: 132 to 172 HKD (single trip, economy class).

The ferry also departs from the Sky Pier at the Hong Kong International Airport but is for transiting tourists only.

How to Get to Macau From Hong Kong:   Macau Terminals

Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal is the main northern terminal closest to the old town while Cotai Terminal is to the south, closest to the Cotai Strip area with the biggest casinos. Ferries rarely sell out, but I would recommend trying to enter the Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal and leaving out of Cotai.

Still, it doesn’t really matter as Macau is a rather small place and is plied by free casino buses!

Yes, best not to plan your Macau day trip from Hong Kong  when the Grand Prix is on – Unless you actually want to be part of the chaos!

On arrival, we stumbled across the Macau Grand Prix, a global motor racing series event that is held in Macau in November. It takes place in Montreal , Melbourne , Mexico City – and soon, nearby Hanoi, among other places annually. 

 If you are interested and in the area, in November, I would highly recommend getting tickets and going across for the night, so you still have a full day to see Macau. If you are not concerned, I would avoid or re-plan to avoid the weekend as Macau will be so packed to the brim and clogged up with traffic jams – it’s not worth it! 

Start your  Macau day trip from Hong Kong at the Grand Lisboa – The tallest building in Macau! One of the best t hings to do in Macau in one day is also just to wander the streets!

We took advantage of the Grand Lisboa Casino shuttle on arrival to take us to their casino. It is also near the Wynn, the MGM, and StarWorld if you want to check those out.

This group is located close to the historic Macau. In contrast, the other casinos are located on the Cotai Strip, across the bridge, and somewhat inaccessible due to being on a different island!. As we had limited time, we could only see one group at night, but I would highly suggest trying to come back here to view these casinos at night too!

Plus, if you have more time, there are so many more things to do in Macau!

Amazing colors and look at the pavement!! – We were, however, very easy to spot as one of like three westerners there.  What is Macau Famous For? This incredible tile plaza for sure! 

From here, it is a quick 15 min walk to a highlight of Old Macau – Senado Square (Largo do Senado). This is the public square of Macau and a great introduction to the area. It is located in the central area of the Macau Peninsula, and in 2005 it was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as it forms part of the Historic Centre of Macau site.

Around Senado Square, there are also plenty of other attractions. To the east of the square is Macau Cathedral, and at the end of the paved road is St. Domingo’s Church.  The Lou Kau Mansion is found in the northeast of the square.

The Macau Tourism Board actually has made some beneficial walking tours based on interests. They also have produced a comprehensive iPhone app to make your trip go more smoothly, which you might want to grab before you go!

What is Macau Famous For?…. In a Word …This!  Oh, to see this on a sunny day would be a thing of beauty – But oh well, grey and overcast, it is still lovely!

Walk to the north of the church, and you will arrive at the Ruínas de S. Paulo (Ruins of St. Paul’s). This is the most famous landmark in Macau. Right at the east of the Ruínas de S. Paulo is the Museu de Macau (Macau Museum), in which historical relics of Macau are exhibited.

On the day we visited, it was insanely crowded – Like ridiculously crowded, fight your way through oblivious masses of selfie stick-wielding tourists, makes you want to go home crowded. Hopefully, this is just to do with the Grand Prix…

Either way, I still have to say it was worth it !!… The Ruins of St. Paul’s are simply amazing, making for great photos and have a stunning view to take in of the old town from its steps. It would be a great place to enjoy lunch on the weekdays too!

What is Macau Famous For? The Margaret Egg Tart Macau, of course.  Such deliciousness must be proof of sorcery and that witches live among us … Top of the list for t hings to do in Macau in one day

Speaking of lunch, you have have HAVE to try the Portuguese Macau egg tart – They are so delicious that you will buy 3 to share … and then just eat them all yourself. Not that I would do that — but they do make an excellent reward for surviving the masses. I think this is the definition of stress eating.

The egg tart is found all over Canton and China, but there at subtle differences in taste between Cantonese and Macau Portuguese style egg tarts. The visible traits are quite apparent due to the slightly burnt top, which creates a hint of caramelization (think crème Brulee), that you only get with the local Macau egg tarts. Its also quite different then those you might be familiar with in Lisbon or Porto.

You can read more about the baker behind Macau’s famous egg tarts here.

While they have egg tarts on every street corner in Macau, there are two clear standouts: Lord Stow’s Bakery , founded by Andrew Stow, or Margaret’s Cafe / Margaret Egg Tart Macau, found near the Historic City Centre in Macau.

Interestingly enough, founder Margaret was formerly married to Andrew Stow.  At some point, they parted ways, and now there are two separate egg tart giants in Macau. So which is best, Lord Stows or Margaret’s?

This is a long-running debate among locals and fans of the Macau egg tarts. Most have a preference for one over the other, but in the end, they are both excellent choices and far out-shine the competition, so go with whichever is closest – better yet, try both!

When the sun goes down, the lights come out … And boy oh boy, do they come out!   What is Macau Famous For? PARTY TIME!!!!

After you have enjoyed an egg tart (or 3), be sure to work it off with a brisk walk through nearby Casa and Camoes Garden. This is a hilly, heavily wooded garden formed part of the grounds of the house, which was occupied by the Chairman of the British East India Company and finish up in Temple Tou Tei. From here (on nearby Rua da Ribeira do Patane) catch the 26A towards Hac Sa Beach to the Venetian and City of Dreams!

This is the end of the historic tour part and now time to see the new Macau – The one whose gambling takes in 6 weeks is what Las Vegas makes in an entire year!! Though before you switch islands, you could be tempted by the Macau Tower Bungy Jump .

Any takers?

This is crazy – Look at that sky! Its never get that blue outside (at-least in Macau or Hong Kong!!), and you get to enjoy air-con! WIN! Helps make your  Macau Day Trip From Hong Kong a little more relaxing!

The Venetian Macao is a 39-story, $2.4 billion anchors for the seven hotels on the Cotai Strip in Macau. It is modeled on its sister casino resort, The Venetian Las Vegas , and is the seventh-largest building in the world by floor area. The Venetian Macao is also the largest casino in the world and the largest single structure hotel building in Asia — because, the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is technically multiple buildings. 

Officially opened on August 28, 2007, the casino welcomed its eight millionth customer in just 133 days after launch – That is just insane number! Over 2x the population of New Zealand in 8 months!!

And that is why it is so hard to decide w hat to see in Macau in one day!

The Venetian offers over 30 restaurants with cuisines from around the world, and the Grand Canal has 51 gondolas with serenading gondoliers that ply the waters of the Venetian’s three indoor canals and outdoor lagoon. It’s nowhere near as stunning as the real thing but is still nice…

There are also over 350 brand name retail stores at the Grand Canal Shoppe – nowhere in Asia is there more luxury shops crammed into a single space.

You’ll want to extend your credit limit to go shopping with a red carpet line up that includes COACH, Calvin Klein, and Tiffany…I skipped on this to save funds and time, but if you’re interested, this would be the spot for you!

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Home » Asia » China » Macau

MACAU Itinerary for 2024

Macau is a Chinese territory with a particularly interesting heritage and culture! It’s a tiny autonomous region along the South coast of China, only a short distance outside of Hong Kong. This region includes the Macau Peninsula, as well as the islands of Taipa and Coloane.

While Macau is a part of mainland China, you’ll feel like you’re somewhere completely new and different when you’re exploring this Macau itinerary!

For many years, Macau was a Portuguese colony. This has given the region a really unique cultural blend- something which is evident in the architecture, food, and way of life here! You will see you exploring both the Eastern and Western sides of this region.

Beyond the interesting culture, Macau is world-famous for its huge casinos, luxury hotels, ancient landmarks, beautiful beaches, and many fun activities! There really is so much to see and experience here.

If you’re planning to see Macau in a day trip from Hong Kong or visit here for a week, then take a look at how days in Macau you need for all of the best things to experience here!

A Little Bit About this 3-day Macau Itinerary

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Macau’s history, colonial architecture, foodie scene, and diverse cultures, makes it one of the most memorable city’s outside of mainland China! It has something for every traveler, from world-class casinos to incredible museums and lush beaches, you’ll never run out of things to do in Macau!

Whether you’re wondering what to do in Macau for 3 days or 24 hours, I’ve got you covered. There are some phenomenal options jostling for a spot on your list! I’d personally suggest taking at least two full days to explore the city. If you want to see all of the important landmarks you might be able to fit everything into 24 hours, but as it’s just a quick stop over from Hong Kong to the Macau Ferry Terminal, it’s easy to visit for a day trip.

In this itinerary, you’ll find three days packed with culture, history and adventure. But don’t worry, you won’t have to rush from A to B, trying to fit everything in.

I’ve chosen the ideal daily structure, added times, routes to get there and suggestions on how long you should spend at each spot. Of course, you can add your own spots in, swap things around, or even skip some places. Use this itinerary as inspiration instead of a fixed plan to get the most out of your trip!

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3 Day Macau Itinerary Overview

• Day One: Senado Square | Ruins of St Paul | Mount Fortress | The Venetian | Mandarins House | Casinos | Shows
• Day Two: A-Ma Temple | Taipa Village | Macau Museum of Art | Bungee Jumping | Coloane Village | Discover the Local Food
• Day Three: Macau Giant Panda Pavilion | Casa Garden | Church of St Dominic | Guia Fortress, Chapel, and Lighthouse | Mercearia Portuguesa

Macau may be a small region, but it’s a pretty diverse place. Staying somewhere central is important for a two-day itinerary in Macau, as this will allow you to easily experience the region’s many top attractions. However, as Macau is small, getting from one place to another is not too difficult!

The best place to stay would have to be Old Macau. This neighborhood, located on the Macau Peninsula, is where you can find many of the top landmarks and important sites. This is the most historic area of Macau, and there are plenty of heritage attractions and important things to see here. This area is also amazing for food lovers! There are also some great Macau Airbnbs in this area.

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If you’re looking to experience the bright lights and casinos of Macau, then consider staying in Cotai. This island is a hub of activity throughout the day and night. The area is fairly newly developed, and so everything is pretty modern. There are loads of things to see and experience in Cotai!

Now that you know the best areas to stay in Macau , here are some of our top accommodation choices.

Best Hostel in Macau – 5footway.inn Project Ponte 16

5footway.inn Project Ponte 16 is our top choice for affordable, hostel-style accommodation in Macau. This accommodation has an awesome location- right in the heart of Ponte 16! It’s only a short walk to the many bars, restaurants, casinos, and interesting landmarks. The accommodation is clean, comfortable and friendly!

Best Airbnb in Macau – Ideal spot for first timers

These cosy rooms are situated perfectly if it’s your first time in town. You’ll be right in the heart of the old town, an eclectic clash of old meets, new, east meets west fun. Just read the reviews and you’ll get a sense of how ideally situated to make the most of Macau this place is. If you’re into photography, having a flat walking distance from the bay is ideal for those sunrise/sunset shots.

Best Budget Hotel in Macau – Fu Hua Hotel

There are so many hotel options around Macau, but Fu Hua Hotel is our best budget hotel choice here! Being only a few minutes’ drive from the Hong Kong ferry terminal, and a short walk away from top Macau landmarks, this hotel has the perfect location! The rooms and facilities in this hotel are some of the best offers while still remaining affordable!

Best Luxury Hotel in Macau –  The Ritz-Carlton Macau

For the ultimate in elegance and sophistication, consider staying at the Ritz-Carlton Macau! This hotel will give you the most unforgettable Macau experience, from its world-class luxurious rooms to its incredible facilities and amenities. This hotel also has one of the best-rated locations in Macau!

Your two day itinerary in Macau will start off with history, culture, and exploring some of the iconic landmarks in the city! Then, cap off your day with some fun at the casinos or many entertainment options in the city! Wondering what to do in Macau in one day? Here are some highlights!

9:00AM – Explore Senado Square

A visit to Senado Square is the perfect first stop for your itinerary! This is the most famous and popular square in Macau’s Old Town, and it is a wonderful place to explore. Walking around here will give you a great perspective on the unique culture around Macau.

Senado Square is covered with brilliant restaurants, shops, souvenir stalls, and snack vendors. The streets around the square are very narrow, making the area really fun for window shopping. This is one of the best places in Macau to get a feel for the Portuguese past, as the architecture and landmarks here really represent this.

There are also many top Macau points of interest around Senado Square, making it an ideal first base for your Macau itinerary!

Oh Mun Cafe at Senado Square is the perfect place to grab a delicious meal while sightseeing. This restaurant serves typical Macau food done really well!

Insiders Tip: Senado Square can get really busy with tourists, so arrive early if you want to beat the crowds!

• Cost: Free!
• Getting there: take the bus to Almeida Ribeiro and walk from there.
• How long should I spend there: around 1 hour should be enough time.

10:00AM – Witness The Ruins of St Paul

While you are visiting Senado Square, it’s essential to make a stop at the Ruins of St Paul! This Macau landmark is an absolute must-see in the city, as it’s probably the most famous historical site here!

The Ruins of St Paul are what remains of a 17th-century complex that once stood here. The ruins include what is left of the Catholic Church of St Paul, and St Paul’s college. This is a world heritage site and is always very busy with visitors!

The ruins are absolutely beautiful, and they show just how impressive this city once was. The history and age behind the buildings are also fascinating to anyone wanting to learn more about the history of Macau.

For a taste of the European influence in Macau, grab a bite to eat or something to drink at MacauSoul, located right by the Ruins of St Paul. This is a charming wine bar with a fun environment and some tasty food options!

Insiders Tip: There’s always a big crowd taking a classic photo in front of the ruins, so have some fun getting new angles and selfies around this iconic site!

• Getting there: it’s a 10 minute walk from the last stop
• How long should I spend there: around 30 minutes should be enough time.

10:30AM – Visit Mount Fortress

Mount Fortress is another world heritage site located within the same vicinity as Senado Square and the Ruins of St Paul. This fortress is one of the attractions that form part of the historic center of Macau, making it a must-visit attraction!

The fortress is the historical military center of Macau, offering visitors an interesting insight into many old artifacts, including lots of cannons, and ancient barracks. The fort dates back to 1626 and resembles the old Portuguese style.

This is a really interesting place to walk around and learn more about the rich and diverse history of Macau. The fort also offers some awesome views out over the surrounding historic district! Grab a delicious sweet treat at the Koi Kei Bakery to help fuel your explorations around Mount Fortress. This place has all kinds of tasty offerings!

Insiders Tip: It is easy to combine Senado Square, the Ruins of St Paul, and Mount Fortress all in a quick Macau walking tour.

• How long should I spend there: around 1-2 hours.

1:00PM – Learn About Macau at Mandarin’s House

Mandarin’s House or Casa Do Mandarim is a brilliant addition to your itinerary if you would like to discover more about the cultural heritage and history of the region. This building used to be owned by a Qing dynasty reformist called Zheng Guanying. Now it’s an interesting museum devoted to the history of Macau!

The building is a brilliant example of how Macau blends heritage from the East and the West. The museum is incredibly well kept, offering visitors an insight into what life used to be like in Macau. If you’re looking to discover more about the past of Macau, then this museum is a brilliant place to visit!

Padre Cafe e Cucina is an excellent spot next to Mandarin’s House to enjoy a special lunch or dinner. This place honors the European heritage of Macau, serving delicious meals and sweet treats.

• Getting there: it’s a 20 minute walk from the last stop.
• How long should I spend there: around 45 minutes to 1 hour should be enough time.

2:30PM – Experience The Venetian

The Venetian Hotel and Casino is a truly impressive place that attracts many visitors, making it one of the top attractions to add to your itinerary! You don’t have to be into gambling or staying at the hotel to enjoy the Venetian. This huge complex features one of the best malls in Macau, loaded with all kinds of shops and food choices!

The casino is called the Venetian for a reason- it was built to completely resemble the streets of Venice! The ceilings are painted like the afternoon sky, while the walkways and walls will make you feel as though you are wandering around Venice. There is even a canal with operating gondola rides !

When visiting Macau, witnessing the enormously impressive casinos is always one of the most popular things to do. The Venetian has got to be one of the most impressive, with so much for everyone!

The Venetian boasts an amazing food court, featuring plenty of outstanding restaurants. There is a wide variety here, so whatever food you’re in the mood for you’ll be sure to find!

Insiders Tip: There are many activities available here, and planning your visit in advance can be a good idea!

• Getting there: take the 26A bus from Almeida Ribeiro and ride 15 stops to Estrada Do Istmo / Venetian and walk from there.
• How long should I spend there: around 2 hours should be enough time.

5:00PM – Try Your Luck at the Many Casinos

Macau has many highlights and attractions, but one of the main reasons that so many people come and visit this place is for the many amazing casinos! Macau is often compared to Las Vegas, and with all the glitz and glam that the casinos have to offer here, visiting them is great fun!

You don’t have to be particularly interested in gambling to appreciate the grand scale of the casino resorts around Macau. These places are enormous, and they have loads of different entertainment options available.

For an unforgettable casino experience, try visiting Wynn Palace, Hotel Lisboa, Morpheus, the Venetian, or MGM Macau. These are absolute world-class casino resorts, the perfect place to visit on a weekend in Macau! Cotai Strip is the place to go to find these top casinos! You can also take a bus tour to visit the casinos!

If you’re hungry then head over to the Fontana Buffet at Wynn Palace for an extensive selection of amazing food at one of the city’s top casino resorts!

• Cost: Free to enter!
• Getting there: everything is within walking distance!
• How long should I spend there: as long as you like!

7:30PM – Take In a Show or Performance

When one thinks of Macau, the first thing that probably comes to mind are the number of casinos and entertainment options! When visiting here, adding an exciting show to your itinerary is a must! As there are so many casinos and resorts here, there are plenty of shows available with a wide variety to suit different tastes!

Check out the Galaxy Hotel at night to watch the amazing light show, or head to the Wynn Hotel for an incredible water show right outside! A show titled “The House of Dancing Water” is the world’s largest water show that has been taking place in the Wynn Hotel in Macau for over six years – this is a truly unforgettable experience! There are also magic performances, live music, dance shows, opera, and plenty more!

When taking a vacation in Macau, be sure to spend at least one night taking in a performance that is on offer here – as there really is so much incredible entertainment going on!

Duffy’s Irish Pub in Macau is a great spot to grab a drink or a tasty meal before or after a show. This is a fun place with a friendly vibe.

Insiders Tip: Popular shows such as “The House of Dancing Water” can sell out quickly, so make sure to reserve your ticket in advance !

• Cost: This changes depending on performance. Some shows are free though!
• Getting there: from the Venetian, the Wynn Hotel is a 20 minute walk.
• How long should I spend there: shows usually last around 2 hours.

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The second day of your itinerary for Macau will continue to be action-packed, with loads of fun and interesting activities!

9:00AM – A Ma Temple

There are loads of traditional Chinese temples scattered around Macau, but the A-Ma Temple is definitely a necessary addition to your itinerary! This is actually the oldest Chinese temple in Macau, and it is believed that this is where the name Macau originated from.

If you are keen to discover some of the ancient history of the region and would like to experience the old Chinese culture, then the A-Ma temple is one of the best places to visit in Macau! This temple is completely beautiful and is a really interesting place to learn more about the local religion!

The temple is dedicated to the goddess Mazu who protects fishermen and sailors. There are a number of different areas within the temple that are well worth taking a look at! If you want to see all of them, check out this bus tour !

A Lorcha nearby A-Ma Temple offers delicious Portuguese food to hungry visitors! This restaurant can get busy, but the tasty food here is certainly worth the wait!

• Getting there: take the bus to A-MA Temple from your hotel.

10:00AM – Macau Museum of Art

The Macau Museum of Art is the only art museum in Macau, and it’s certainly worth the visit for any art or culture lover! This five-story building is dedicated to Macanese artworks from all different eras and styles. There is a great deal here, and it’s an interesting place to spend an afternoon.

There is a permanent exhibition with a focus on the history of the art that surrounds you. There are also always new temporary exhibitions for guests to view as well. These temporary exhibitions are varied and offer displays of local and international art in all manner of different styles.

When touring Macau, adding some art and culture to your trip is always a great idea! The Macau Museum of Art is one of the best places to do this and is an essential addition to any art lover’s Macau itinerary!

Golden Court at the Sands Macau Hotel is an excellent restaurant near the Macau Museum of Art where you can enjoy some top quality local food. This place celebrates the Chinese side of Macau, with a totally delicious Asian menu!

• Getting there: take the 10A bus from Barra Square to Macau Cultural Center and ride for 12 stops.
• How long should I spend there: around 2-3 hours should be enough time.

1:00PM – Taipa Village

When in Macau, you’ll be walking around grand, shining casinos one moment, and then, all of a sudden, you’ll find yourself in a historically charming neighborhood. Taipa Village is one of these amazingly beautiful old parts of the city that is found just a short distance from the main casino strip.

Take some time to wander around the old streets of Taipa Village, and enjoy the many charming bakeries, cafes, shops, museums, and various points of interest. The Taipa House Museum is a particularly good attraction to visit if you want to learn more about the history of the area. This was once the Portuguese governor’s house.

Visiting Taipa Village is a brilliant addition to your Macau itinerary, and it will certainly give you a better perspective of this culturally and historically rich destination!

Taipa Village is home to many of the finest bakeries in Macau, producing custard tarts, almond cookies, and peanut candies, (which the region is really famous for)! Make sure to head to Lord Stow’s Bakery in Taipa Village to sample one of the delectable Portuguese custard tarts that Macau is famous for!!

Insiders Tip: Taipa Village is a great destination for foodies, so arrive here hungry!

• Cost: Free to wander around.
• Getting there: take the API bus from Avenida Da Amizade / Flyover to Edificio Do Lago and ride for 3 stops.

3:00PM – Go Bungee Jumping

For adrenaline junkies looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider taking the plunge and bungee jumping from the AJ Hacket tower, also known as the Macau Tower! This bungee jump attracts many visitors each year – being the world’s highest commercial bungee jump! This Guinness World Record jump is a completely unique thrill that one can experience!

While taking the leap is probably the most exciting thing that one can do in Macau, the experience doesn’t stop here. Your jump includes a free skywalk to add to the thrill! The Macau Tower also offers other fun and exciting activities, including a tower climb and sky jump. Of course, this is also where you’ll be able to get some of the best views in Macau!

If you’re after a real thrill, then doing this bungee jump is a brilliant addition to your Macau itinerary! Grab a bite to eat at the Macau Tower 360° Cafe. This place serves delicious food, with a wide variety on the menu. The best part of this cafe is the view!

Insiders Tip: Remember your jump with a photograph that is available upon request!

• Cost: USD $470.00
• Getting there: take the 26 bus from Jardim Do Lago to Macau Tower and ride for 9 stops.
• How long should I spend there: around 1-2 hours should be enough time, depending on whether you want to go bungee jumping.

5:00PM – Discover the Local Food

People visit Macau for many different reasons, but one of the main attractions here has got to be the incredible food scene! Macau is an absolute haven for foodies, offering unique and widely varied culinary options!

Traditional Macanese food came about as a kind of fusion between Portuguese food and southern Chinese cuisine. This came about during the colonial days of Macau, and it’s something that the area is very proud of.

The top places to sample amazing local foods would be the plethora of trendy cafes and bakeries in Taipa and Coloane. You could also visit Riquexo – a real old-school canteen-style foodie haven. The restaurant Antonio offers some of the best Portuguese food in Macau, while restaurants like Robuchon au Dome show off the fine dining splendor of Macau.

No matter where you eat though, it’s essential to enjoy a couple of pasteis de natas (Portuguese egg tarts) during your Macau trip. You can find really good ones at Lord Stow’s Bakery in Taipa Village.

Restaurant Litoral is one of the most well-loved places to try truly authentic Macanese-style dishes!

Insiders Tip: The most popular and authentic Macanese dishes include tapas selections, the pork chop bun, ginger milk, and almond cakes.

• Cost: The price of eating in Macau will vary greatly between cheap street food and expensive high-end restaurants.
• Getting there: from Macau Tower to Restaurant Litoral, it’s a 20 minute walk.
• How long should I spend there: as long as you want!

5footway.inn Project Ponte 16

5footway.inn Project Ponte 16 is our top choice for affordable, hostel-style accommodation in Macau. This accommodation has an awesome location – right in the heart of Ponte 16! It’s only a short walk to the many bars, restaurants, casinos, and interesting landmarks.

• Free laundry facilities

If you will be planning a three-day itinerary in Macau or longer, then you’ll need to fill out your time with some more activities! Here are some other top places to visit in Macau for three days.

Macau Giant Panda Pavilion

• See amazing pandas at this zoo!
• Includes a variety of rare animals.
• Admission is free!

China is famous for many things, pandas being one of them ! One of the best things to do in Macau for any nature lover has got to be a visit to the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion. This is a zoo in the Seac Pai Van Park in Coloane.

A visit here will allow you to witness a number of beautiful panda bears in a state-of-the-art facility. There are indoor and outdoor feeding areas for these pandas, who love their environment. The Macau Giant Panda Pavilion is also home to two amazing red pandas- relatives of the giant panda.

Although seeing the pandas is the definite highlight when visiting the Seac Pai Van Park, this attraction also houses many other interesting and rare animals. These include gorillas, monkeys, flamingos, and more! Visiting here is fun for the whole family, and it will definitely be an unforgettable experience!

While most people think about casinos and big entertainment venues and resorts in Macau, the place actually has a lot more on offer! If you’re planning a three-day itinerary in Macau and are looking for something unique to do, then definitely consider a stop at the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion!

Coloane Village

• A beautiful old village that is well worth exploring.
• A great place to get some food.
• Escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Coloane Village is one of the best Macau attractions for those that want to experience the slower, old-world charms that are available here. It’s great to take a break from the flashy casinos and big resorts and explore the old streets of beautiful Coloane.

This village is made up of pastel-colored old buildings, cobblestone streets, and beautiful Portuguese inspired architecture. Wandering the streets here is really peaceful, and you’ll certainly feel like you’ve escaped the busy city!

There are plenty of charming shops, cafes, and bakeries around this area. Whether you’re interested in history, or just want to soak up a stunning old area of Macau, a trip to Coloane will be highly rewarding!

Lord Stows is an iconic name around Macau, and when in Coloane it’s a must to visit their original cafe. This place is best known for its amazing baked goods, and it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and something sweet to eat.

Casa Garden

• A UNESCO-listed building dating back to 1770.
• Home to the Oriental Foundation.
• Contains well-kept gardens with a pond!

Casa Garden is one of the oldest buildings in Macau, and it has a really interesting history. This place was first the home of a Portuguese merchant when it was built in 1770. It was then used as the base of the British East India Company in Macau in the early 19th century. Today, it is the home of the Oriental Foundation, which puts on frequent interesting exhibitions there.

As one would imagine, a lot has happened in the Casa Garden building since its early days. This makes it a really interesting place to visit when an exhibition is on. These exhibitions are always changing and are always worth seeing!

Besides the Casa Garden building, this attraction has some of the most beautiful gardens in Macau! Visitors love coming here to see the well-maintained flower beds, the picturesque pond, and a large variety of plants.

There is also a popular park just outside Casa Garden, where locals love to hang out and relax. This is a great addition to your Macau itinerary, and it’s a good way to get a new perspective on the place!

Church of St Dominic

• An impressive yellow baroque-style church.
• Dates back to the 17th century.
• Home to a small museum.

The Church of St Dominic, or St Domingo’s Church, lies in the heart of the historical area of Macau. This amazing yellow church , with its green shutters and doors, is a beautiful sight to behold! Other than its architectural splendor, this church has a long and important history in Macau.

The church was founded by three Spanish Dominican priests from Mexico back in the 16th century. It is one of the oldest churches in Macau, and it remains a super popular addition to any Macau itinerary!

The building is part of the UNESCO list in Macau, and exploring the interior will show you just how special this church is! In the bell tower, there is a small Museum of Sacred Art, with 300 artifacts on exhibition. There are actually displays on each floor of the church!

If you are interested in history, architecture, or just want to see one of the most popular buildings in Macau, then definitely consider adding a stop at the Church of St Dominic to your Macau trip itinerary!

Guia Fortress, Chapel, and Lighthouse

• A fun climb up to Guia Fortress.
• Offers amazing views of Macau.
• A UNESCO-listed site.

Guia Fortress, Guia Chapel, and the Guia Lighthouse are found on the highest point in Macau. Reaching the top, and exploring these old buildings is a really unique and fun way to see the city and some of its top landmarks!

The Guia Fortress has an interesting history of being the place where the Portuguese would watch out over the city. This fortress was used to protect the Portuguese against the Dutch armies during the 17th century, and it was in use until the end of the Portuguese rule in Macau.

The Guia complex includes three charming buildings- the fortress, chapel, and lighthouse. All three are great to explore and learn about the history of the area! Not only this but being up at the Guia Fortress gives you unbeatable panoramic views out across Macau. This is an awesome addition to your trip to Macau.

Mercearia Portuguesa

• A beautiful little corner shop selling an array of local products.
• Housed in an amazing old colonial building!
• The store takes you back in time with its vintage decorations.

Mercearia Portuguesa is a hard place to miss! This bright yellow building is located in the middle of the St. Lazarus District in a quiet little courtyard. While the shop here is an attraction, the main reason that so many visitors love coming to the Mercearia Portuguesa is that it is such a great way of taking you back in time to what Macau would have been like many years ago.

The building is beautifully restored, with vintage furniture and well-managed details. The store itself is lovely, offering a selection of specialty local foods and crafts, chinaware, jewelry, wooden toys, and more!

If you would like to witness more of the old world while backpacking China and enjoy one of the prettiest little shops here, then be sure to add a stop at the Mercearia Portuguesa to your Macau itinerary!

Shop until You Drop at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

The Macau Fisherman’s Wharf is a collection of waterfront hotels and entertainment complexes that have been built in a collection of styles from around the world, from 18th-century European to Ancient Roman. You can find a roman amphitheater, used as an outdoor venue for over 2000 people.

The complex on the Macau peninsula features nearly 70 stores and restaurants along Legends Boulevard, which looks a little more like Miami or the Italian Riviera, rather than Macau.

The Macau Fisherman’s Wharf also has a convention and exhibition center, a marina, The Rocks and Harborview Hotel, and the Babylon Casino, which is over 133,000 square meters big. There’s also a theme park which would keep the kids entertained.

Wondering when to visit Macau? Here is a more detailed breakdown of each month’s weather in order to help you plan the best Macau itinerary.

Macau has very distinct differences between its wet and dry seasons. The summer is hot but very wet and rainy. Winter is cold but clear and sunny. This means that planning your Macau itinerary is best done according to your own weather preferences.

While there is never a bad time of year to plan a trip to Macau, the recommended months to visit would be anywhere between October to December. These are the autumn and winter seasons here. Try to avoid May to September, as these are the rainiest months, with July to September being typhoon season.

As Macau is so close to Hong Kong, it can get busy here with visitors in the winter months. However, most people would choose this over frequent rain!

Before you start exploring, it is important to know how to get around. This area is pretty easy to navigate, with a couple of great transportation options.

One of the best ways to get around Macau (which can be done for free!) is through the use of casino buses. The major casinos around here have free shuttle bus services that operate around the area. These can be really useful when getting between sights, landmarks, and entertainment areas.

There is also a very efficient and affordable public bus system that operates around Macau. This is one of the most used methods of transport around here.

As Macau is pretty small, walking is one of the best things to do! Many attractions in Macau are within easy reach of each other, and walking will help you to see and experience the many fine details, sights, and smells that Macau has to offer.

If you are up for some fun, then riding a scooter around Macau is another great transport option! There are plenty of scooter rentals available, with this being one of the most efficient (and exciting) ways to get around!

Taxis are reasonably priced and in high demand, but you may need to use Mandarin to communicate with the driver, so if you don’t know the language, it’s best to look for other options.

If you are visiting from Hong Kong, you can get to Macau by ferry from the Macau Ferry Terminal, or by bus. Personally, I prefer the ferry because it’s quicker and easier.

When visiting Macau, worrying about your safety is no serious concern! Macau has a very low-risk factor in terms of safety, with any kind of serious crimes being very rare here.

The city here is constantly developing its tourism sector, which means that the Macau government puts a great deal of focus into keeping the place safe and crime-free for tourists. As Macau is such a popular destination, it’s very well managed for the safety of its visitors.

While this is definitely a safe destination, one must still take common safety precautions as one would in any other major city. Be wary of any potential petty crimes here, as these do occur. Whether it is pickpocketing, scamming, or being ripped off as a tourist. Be cautious when walking at night, and always be alert to any potential dangers that one would find in any city.

Besides taking regular caution though, Macau is a very safe destination to visit! The city is clean, well run, and should keep any visitor feeling safe and secure.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Macau itinerary.

What should you include on a 2 day Macau itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these awesome Macau attractions: – Mount Fortress – The Venetian – A-Ma Temple – Coloane Village

Is Macau worth visiting?

Absolutely! As a former Portuguese colony, Macau is one of the most unique destinations in China and is full of places to discover.

Where should you stay in Macau if you have a full itinerary?

Old Macau is the best place to base yourself if you want to easily explore the best of what Macau has to offer. Plus, you’ll get to experience the area’s Portuguese heritge first-hand.

Is it easy to travel from Hong Kong to Macau?

Yup! The cities sit on opposite sides of the Pearl River Delta, which you can easily cross via bus or ferry in one hour.

Macau is a really interesting and fun destination in China! Whether you spend one day in Macau or a week here, there is plenty to see and do! Bring your best travel camera to capture its beauty!

Between the flashy casinos, resorts, entertainment, and malls, to the quiet cultural and historic districts, Macau is a destination that can suit a lot of people. Its close proximity to Hong Kong also makes it an ideal base to explore more of the surrounding areas!

Macau has a really unique charm and feel to it, with its wonderful blend of east and west. No matter what draws you to Macau, you will certainly find a great deal of fun to be had here! We hope that this Macau itinerary helps you to see and do the most in this awesome destination!

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