From helicopter rides across the ocean to the highest commercial skyjump in the world, Macau is much more than just casinos. There are so many interesting reasons to visit Macau that you can spend a week here exploring this gem and pampering your taste buds with delicious food as you do so.
Macau, a special administrative region of China, is a place where sprawling casinos and giant malls dominate the skyline.
With a low crime rate, safe streets even at night, and regulated casinos, this cultural melting pot offers an interesting mix of history and modernity.
But many still wonder – is Macau worth visiting? Let the numbers answer your question.
Macau welcomed more than 28 million tourists in 2023, and with this record-breaking number, this region is set to entice more travellers from around the world. I know, even if popular in Asia, Macao still remains an unexplored gem for many.
That is why I am here with a Macau travel guide to answer all your questions. From reasons to visit Macau to logistics, transport, and food scene in Macau, here is everything you need to know about this bustling region.
Get ready to be excited by the diverse attractions that Macau has to offer.
Is Macau worth visiting? – Reasons to visit Macau
Where is Macau?
Located on the southern coast of China with neighbours like Hong Kong and Zhuhai and the surrounding South China Sea, Macau stands tall with its striking landmarks like the giant Macau Tower.
Macau was the last Portuguese colony and one of Asia’s longest permanent European colonies.
After more than 400 years of Portuguese rule, when Macao was finally handed to China in 1999, it maintained its SAR status and soon rose to become the Las Vegas of Asia.
If you are wondering, ‘Is Macau worth visiting?’, know that even after the transformation, Macau has preserved its history and mainly represents it through architecture and food.
How to reach Macau?
Macau International Airport is well-connected to many Asian countries.
You can also take a flight to Hong Kong if you are travelling from outside Asia. Choose one of the many transport options connecting Macau to Hong Kong, including an hour-long ferry ride or road.
Yes, Macau is connected to Hong Kong by a stunning bridge that lets you cross an ocean using a combination of the bridge-undersea tunnel system.
You can take a bus or rent a taxi for this hour-long ride.
Consider choosing a helicopter ride from Hong Kong to Macau if you are up for a little adventure. The starting price for a helicopter between Hong Kong – Macau is HKD 4,300.
Top reasons to visit Macau
History and Culture – The story of Macau
This is where the tiny region gets interesting. One of the reasons to visit Macau is to explore its historic centre and learn how it has evolved over the centuries.
There are two zones here, with Zone 1 covering more attractions. Here are a few places to visit in Macau when you are walking around the historic centre –
A-Ma Temple, one of the oldest structures in Macau, is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. Even though it has undergone many changes over the decades, you can still see the oldest part of the temple – the Hall of Benevolence.
Moorish Barracks are influenced by Mughal architecture and neo-classical style. Today, it has been converted into a government office where you can visit the outer parts without any charge.
Keep in mind that internal parts of Moorish Barracks are not open to the public and can be visited only if there is an exhibition.
Mandarin’s House is worth stopping by as this residential complex turned heritage building has antique furniture pieces throughout the exhibits.
You will also find quite a few photo-perfect corners around the complex to capture the true essence of this area.
Ruins of Saint Paul’s refer to the 17th-century Church of Mater Dei. The façade towers above this area as it is located on top of a small hill and can be reached by covering less than 70 steps.
Even though the structure has weathered quite a few storms over the centuries, the recent preservation has ensured to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the façade.
You will also come across the traditional Na Tcha Temple, the Walls of Macau, the Lou Kau Mansion, the Holy House of Mercy, the Leal Senado Building, and the Casa Garden.
It is astonishing how Macau has effortlessly maintained the blend of modern glamour and traditional structures.
Things to do and places to visit in Macau
Macau Tower is one of the top places to visit in Macau as it combines a plethora of activities.
Head to the observation deck to admire the Striking Macau skyline, enjoy dining at one of the many cafes in the tower and shop for chic styles that are to your heart’s content.
But most importantly, Macau Tower is where you can experience the highest commercial skyjump in the world. It is necessary to book Macau Tower adventure activities in advance.
Guia Fortress and Lighthouse are amongst the important historic landmarks in Macau. As it is perched on top of the hill, wear comfortable shoes and expect a short hike.
Soak in the panoramic view of the Macau Peninsula, admire the 17th-century lighthouse, and spend some time away from all the hustle and bustle.
Coloane Island is where the famous black sand beach – Hac Sa Beach – is located. You can enjoy a variety of activities at Hac Sa Reservoir Country Park.
If you stay in Macau for over 3 days, consider camping at Hac Sa Beach. There are several food stalls and restaurants around here where you can pamper your taste buds.
Macao Giant Panda Pavilion is an exciting place to visit for all age groups. This Macau zoo has pandas, gorillas, flamingoes, and a few other animals.
Taipa Island has places like the Macau Museum, Macao Grand Prix Museum, Science Centre, and Museum of Art
Food in Macau – The best culinary scenes
Macau is everything culinary enthusiasts would want in a tourist destination for Macanese cuisine is influenced by Portuguese and Chinese foods.
Be it the street food stalls, open-air cafes, or fancy restaurants, each place carries its specialities and offers something unique to satisfy your taste buds.
The 8 Restaurant is known for offering more than 40 types of dim sum where traditional Chinese flavour is retained. The dishes are creatively made and elegantly presented, ensuring you taste the best food in Macau.
Fernando’s Restaurant at Hac Sa Beach has a variety of soups along with perfectly made Bacalhau and feijoada.
Vic’s Restaurante is famous for offering a lip-smacking barbecued suckling pig and duck rice.
Dotted with many such restaurants, this region is a foodie paradise and that can be one of the top reasons to visit Macau.
If you want to try street food in Macau, then dishes like dim sum, pork chop bun, egg rolls, shrimp noodles, and Portuguese egg tart are a must.
Senado Square, bustling with tourists from around the world, is a lovely place to try new foods at one of the cafes or street food stalls.
Casinos in Macau – The best gambling city in Asia
With more than 50 casinos and entertainment options, you need a Macau casino guide to choose which ones to visit, where the best slots and video gaming machines are, and where you will find luxury gaming.
If you think the best slots can be experienced only in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, then Macau casinos are here to prove you wrong.
Venetian Macau is one of the top casinos in Macau where more than 800 tables and 3,400 slot machines are ready for your entertainment.
This largest casino in the world is modelled after The Venetian Las Vegas and has many advanced features, making it one of the top reasons to visit Macau.
Visit Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, where history, architecture, and entertainment are woven together. There are stores, restaurants, hotels, and casinos spread around, making it the first theme park in Macau.
Galaxy Hotel is also one of the best Macau casinos, with 600 tables and 1900 slots. It also has the largest indoor arena in Macao, where everything from concerts to fight nights is hosted.
Casino Grand Lisboa is heaven for poker players as this huge casino has hundreds of slots and tables.
StarWorld Hotel’s gambling floor and video poker facility ensure you get to experience the best of the betting world.
Sands Macau and MGM Macau are the places to try your luck where glamour and luxury redefine the gaming experience.
If you are travelling on a budget and looking for reasons to visit Macau, then there are several other smaller casinos in Macau where you can play without burning a hole in your pocket.
You can find current offers and promotions for sports betting alongside useful tips at online comparison platforms. Here, you will find info to help you with current, updated info for a great experience. It also includes a comprehensive list of bonus types, including no deposit, free spins, and welcome offers, alongside user reviews to ensure informed decisions.
How to get around Macau?
Walking in Macau is a great way to cover the land easily. You can explore the Macau centre on foot and consider visiting nearby attractions.
Buses in Macau are air-conditioned and will connect you with Macao, Coloane, and Taipa peninsulas. The bus ticket prices start from MOP6.
You can check out more details about buses in Macau, including route details and times.
Taxis in Macau are black-coloured and are a convenient way to get around. The first 1600 metres will cost you MOP21 and MOP2 extra for every 220 metres.
Remember that there is MOP3 extra fees for every luggage and different surcharges, depending on where you are boarding the Macau taxi from or which is your destination.
Renting a car in Macau will give you flexibility when creating your itinerary. There are different car rental services available or the hotel you are staying at can also help you with arranging a car.
Remember that you need an international driving license to drive a car in Macau.
How many days in Macau?
Spending at least 2 or 3 days in Macau is recommended to get an idea of what this region offers.
You can spend a day exploring the historic centre of Macao as this UNESCO heritage site will show you how two distinct cultures merged over the centuries.
This aesthetically pleasing, culturally rich centre of Macau is one of the main reasons to visit Macau. Then, spend another day exploring what the Taipa and Coloane peninsulas have to offer.
From casinos to historic landmarks, you now have so many reasons to visit Macau.
The Macau trip will give you a chance to step back in time at the historic centre during the day and will take you on dizzying rides at casinos at night.
So, when are you planning your trip to this stunning region?
FAQs – Reasons to visit Macau
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Why do tourists visit Macau?
Tourists from around the world visit Macau as it offers a perfect combination of historical landmarks, religious temples and churches, colonial architecture, sprawling shopping malls, and, most importantly, well-regulated casinos with their exhilarating nightlife.
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What is so special about Macau?
As Macau was the last Portuguese colony till 1999, you can clearly experience the influence of Portuguese and Chinese cultures here. Macau also has well-preserved colonial buildings, Portuguese foods, and legal gambling.
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Is Macau expensive to visit?
Yes, Macau can be expensive to visit as it mainly focuses on bustling nightlife, casinos, malls, and resorts. But, if you are a budget traveller, Macau also has a plethora of free attractions, affordable public transport, and budget hotels.
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Is Macau worth visiting for tourists?
The rich blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, interesting history, tasty foods, bustling casinos, and various places to visit make Macau worth visiting for tourists.
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