Best Things to do in Macau

I moved to Macau for the first time in 2017 to be a part of the World’s largest water show, The House of Dancing Water. The show closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 but I, my boyfriend, and a cast of 70+ artists and 300+ tech and crew are back to reopen this spectacular show.

My first time in Macau was my first time living anywhere abroad, and it was a culture shock. Tried as I could, it took me some time before relinquishing the desire to cling to any semblance of Western culture, except for hot pot. I instantly loved hot pot. Now that I’m back, I’m broadening my horizons. I’m here to try all the weird s*** and find everything there is to do in Macau.

Where is Macau?

Macau is located on the south coast of China, 60 kilometers (40 miles) west of Hong Kong. Though I earlier spoke of Macau as a “small island”, technically Macau is comprised of a peninsula jetting off of the Chinese province, Guangdong, as well as the islands of Taipa and Coloane that are joined by a section of reclaimed land called the Cotai strip (Co for Coloane and Tai for Taipa). It’s not entirely an island but you get the idea.

For reference, it’s a 15-hour flight from Hong Kong to Chicago. And an hour-long ferry to get to Hong Kong from Macau. All in all, it takes me about 20 to 24 hours to get from Chicago to Macau each time around.

What is Macau?

It’s Asia’s Las Vegas! It’s a beautiful blend of Chinese culture and Portugese influence. Think Chinese signs selling who knows what above cute cobblestone roads. Noodle stands share streets with Portugese family own restaurants. There are people shouting portuguese, next to cantonese, next to mandarin, next to me, who has no idea what’s going on. It’s odd. But really interesting.

As I mentioned earlier, Macau is a special administrative region of China, meaning “one country, two systems.” I was a bit confused when I first moved here, so I looked it up. Macau gets to have it’s own government, legal systems, and economic policies, and its citizens enjoy different rights and civil liberties than mainland China. All of this while being under Chinese sovereignty (authority).

It has a fascinating history, which you are more than welcome to learn about HERE. For the sake of time, I’ll give you the jist. Macau was first settled by the Han Dynasty. Then, Portugal acquired a lease to rent Macau as a trading post, which turned into a permanent lease by 1557. Macau was a key hub for exporting Chinese silk to Japan, and Portugal lucked out. That is, until Hong Kong overtook Macau for trade, and Macau became obsolete for trade in the mid-1800s. In 1999, Portugal handed Macau back over to China. We are currently living in the 50-year joint declaration between China and Portugal guaranteeing Macau its political and economic systems until 2049.

Phew. All Done.

Fun fact for you, Macau is the most densely populated place in the world. Holding a population of about 710,000 in a land area of 32. 9 square kilometers of 12.7 square miles. 

Is Macau worth visiting?

Absolutely! It’s not your typical vacation hot spot but it’s so close to Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and more that it would be a shame not to stop by. It’s a great day trip from Hong Kong. If you choose to stay longer, there is more than enough to do here to keep you busy.

What to do in Macau?

1. Check out the old Fireworks Factory

Not only was Macau known for being a fishing port but also an incredibly important hub for fireworks. At one point there were 5 different factories producing fireworks in Macau. However, this industry phased out in the ’80s as workers searched for better pay and safer working conditions. 

Thought factories have been closed down for some time now, you can visit the refurbished Iec Long Firecracker Factory in the center of Taipa for free!

2. Bungee Jump

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Macau Tower (@macau_tower_official)

Can’t have a list of things to do in Macau and NOT include bungee jumping. 

Come to Macau and you can break a Guinness Book of World Records. The bungee jump at Skypark Macau Tower holds the world record for the highest commercial bungee jump in the world. At 233 meters, you can hoist yourself off of a building and live to tell the tale. I’m going to pass. But enjoy yourself.

3. Ruins of St. Paul

Lots of crowds but worth it. Listed as one of the “Tops Things to do in Macau” on many lists, the St Paul Ruins are a facade of what was originally the Christian Church of Mater Dei built in 1602-1640. At the time, this church was one of the largest Catholic churches in Asia. Destroyed in a fire during a typhoon, the remains now stand as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

4. Coloane Village

A beautiful reprise from the chaos of either Macau side or the Cotai strip. Coloane Village is full of adorable cafes, sea views, and quaint colonial architecture. Located in the south of Macau, this is where you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous nature. Sea on one side, mountain hiking on the other. In town, if the local fruit stands don’t charm their way into your heart the small alleyways with colorful walls leading you to the sea will.

5. BBQ at Hac Sa

To the east of Coloane you will find Hac Sa Beach and the plenty of barbeque pits it offers! If you come on the weekend there’s a good chance you’ll see someone from the cast of The House of Dancing Water there, if not all of us… It’s easily one of our favorite ways to spend an afternoon. There’s nothing better than grabbing some beers and having a good meal under the sun.

6. Hike in Coloane

One of the most favorite things to do in Macau amongst the cast is hiking on our weekends. Now, don’t get your hopes up. We aren’t training to hike Mount Everest in Coloane. But there are trails that will get you and keep you immersed in nature for hours. I advise you to try to find the reservoir for one of my favorite trails.

If you’ve seen the Grand Canyon from the South Rim, read up on checking out the Grand Canyon from the West Rim HERE.

7. Go Golfing

An easy way to enjoy some good weather and get out is to hit a few golf balls around. In Macau, there are two spots you can go to get your golfing fix. The first one being Caesar’s Golf Macau and the second being Macau Golf and Country Club. Something to note, Macau Golf and Country Club prides itself on exclusivity. They are members or guests of a members-only club. However, they do offer limited access for guests of Grand Coloane Resort.

8. Ka Ho Village (Old Leper Colony)

Back in the late 1800s the then ruling government of Macau forced those suffering from leprosy to this side of the region. Now you can wander the village freely as they are in the process of slowly restoring it as a point of arts and culture for Macau. Until then it remains relatively untouched, with houses being swallowed by the trees and an eery silence that begs you to wander through. 

 9. Enjoy a World Class Meal

Macau is home to 16 restaurants that have received at least one Michelin Star. A few including; Jade Dragone and Robuchon aû Dome have a coveted three Michelin Stars. A personal bougie favorite of mine includes the above-and-beyond French restaurant Alaine Ducasse at Morpheus which currently holds two stars. My boyfriend took me for my birthday a few years ago and I still remember the table being laid with so many desserts I couldn’t find my spoon. I’ve never been happier.

10. Street Food tour

Macau has a unique history of Asian and European influence, which makes for an eclectic street food scene. There are plenty of Instagram hot spots to take pictures of cute waffles and colorful drinks. But if you want to find the good stuff, wander to Macau side and be open to new flavors. 

Food Tour Must Stops

1. Portuguese Egg Tarts at Lord Stowes. This is an obvious one but genuinely delicious and should be tried.
2. Beef Curry Noodle– recommended by one of my physios at The House of Dancing Water, now I can vouch for them. Macau’s curry is unique to Macau and is delicious.
3. Chicken Curry Noodle– Similar to the beef curry noodle but is my other physio’s favorite go to local snack.
4. Turon– A fried sweet roll filled with things such as banana, mango, or coconut.
5. Matcha Ice Cream– For all my matcha lovers. GO get yourself some matcha soft serve in Old Taipa Village.
6. Mochi– you have the try the mango one. Simple chewy exterior with somehow always a fresh giant mango slice on the inside.

11. Enjoy a fancy pants cocktail

If there’s one thing that Macau can do is make a great cocktail. They may not have the bar scene like their big brother Hong Kong, but you have multiple opportunities to get dolled up and try a drink fit for a queen. A few of my personal favorites include the bar at the St Regis Hotel, Vida Rica at Mandarin Oriental, and Macallan Whiskey Bar. But I’m itching to try Wing Lei which I’ve heard amazing things about.

12. Walk the dogs at Masdaw

Sometimes there’s nothing that can beat a bit of puppy love. Masdaw is an amazing local organization that works to rescue and rehome stray dogs and/or abandoned dogs. It’s where I got my bundle of joy, myself! Helping out the shelter is a win win situation. You get the endorphins from hanging out with Macau’s cuddliest pups and these dogs get to go on a little nature walk with you!

13. Join in on Tai Chi in the mornings

Tai Chi is an ancient martial arts form commonly practiced in Macau. It’s renowned for its’ slow movements to enhance relaxation and promote mindfulness. Regular practice can lead to increased flexibility, strength, and balance. If you’ve never tried it, I encourage giving it a go! Maybe it’ll be the next “yoga” craze. In Macau it’s low commitment. Check out some community sessions being done at the parks and join in. The more the merrier!

14. Coffee Tour (One of the best things to do in Macau)

The coffee scene here is oddly strong. It feels like some very famous Chinese influencer woke up recently and decided coffee was the new tea because new coffee shops are popping up all over Macau. From artisanal cups to mega international brands with mega expensive blends, there’s quite the range here to choose from. See how many you can check out before the caffeine becomes a bit too much fun.

15. Walk from one end to the other

Macau is under 33 square kilometers or 12.7 square miles in area. In fact, you could walk from one end to the other before lunch. You’ll want to check this urban hike off your bucket list. By walking from Coloane through Taipa to Macau’s border with Zhuhai you’ll capture every culture that makes Macau unique. Like Hong Kong’s mini-me, we have mountains, sea, and city. Grab an egg tart and coffee and get your steps in.

16. Red Market

Check out an active wet market on Macau side. Getting its name from the blood that spills from the meat…I’m totally kidding. It’s called the Red Market simply because the building has red bricks on the outside. It’s quite clean since being renovated in 2022, and it’s a fun place to check out how the locals do their grocery shopping. Plus it’s a great place for you to pick out some local fruits and veg for a fraction of the price of the supermarkets.

17. Guia Lighthouse

Check out the highest point of the Macau peninsula. The Guia Fortress and Chapel were built between 1622 and 1638. Something worth checking out are the magnificent frescoes inside the Chapel. Depicting both Chinese and Western themes, these frescoes are a wonderful representation of Macau’s beautiful multicultural past, present, and future.

18. San Malo or Senado Square

San Malo or Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro is the main street in Macau, and quite possibly the busiest. This is also one of the top picks on most traveler lists for things to do in Macau. So, it’s better to come on a week day.

Connecting the inner harbour to the outer harbour, visitors and locals enjoy strolling down this street to gaze at the colorful shops and homes, some being well preserved from the 1920s. Along this street you can stop by some other Macau landmarks, including Senado Square and Largo de Senado.

19. Panda Pavillion

After a little hike in Coloane, recharge your battery at the Panda Pavillion. I don’t know who doesn’t enjoy this spot. I take every visitor I have here. Plus it’s free! It’s not a place that needs multiple hours but for however long you can enjoy watching panda bears be absurdly uncoordinated bundles of evolution is how long you need to allot for this place.

20. See the House of Dancing Water

Am I biased? Obviously. But only slightly because this truly is the most spectacular show I have ever seen in my life. The House of Dancing Water is the world’s largest water show and is nothing shy of incredible. We have artists from over 31 countries. The people I work with are insane. We have world-class high divers, Olympians in artistic gymnastics, and famous contortionists from around the globe. You have to come to see the show. And be sure to message me if you stop by for a visit!!

21. Ervanarios Street

If finding the locals is your goal, you must check out Ervanarios Street, one of the most local places you can find wander. A beautiful mixture of second, third, and fourth generation shops, alongside newer trendier storefronts brings Macanese people young and old together. Known as a slice of “old Macau” now, it was considered “the border” during it’s time of trade and commerce. This is where the locals and westerners came to trade their goods.

22. Mandarin’s House

Built before 1869 by a prominent Chinese writer, Zheng Guanying, this is the oldest residential compound still standing in Macau. It’s big, at it’s peak it was holding about 300 people. Not only famous because of its age but the Mandarin’s House has an interesting combination of Chinese and western architecture that you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere in the world deeming it a UNESCO historical site in Macau. 

23. Moorish Barocks

If you’re interested in architecture, you will want to check out Moorish Barrocks. Built as housing for Indian soldiers from Goa to help with Macau’s police force in 1874, the building itself is stunning. Between the ivory yellow pillars to the pinted archways, the Moorish Barrocks is an impressive combination of Gothic and Arabian architectural styles.

24. The Street of Happiness 

Movie buffs, this is your time. Rua de Felidades, or “The Street of Happiness” was shown a handful of times in the Blockbuster film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Slightly saucier to know, the Street of Happiness was right in the center of Macau’s Red Light District. Now the only spicy thing happening here is dumplings. Come for the photogenic red Chinese-styled shutters and stay for the local snacks and souvenirs.

25. Macau Tower 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Macau Tower (@macau_tower_official)

It’s the big needle looking thing you can see from just about anywhere in Macau. Though ordinary on the bottom, the top has an observation deck (view with a fee) and a few restaurants serving up some pretty good food. Most definitely overpriced but hey, you can’t beat that view. This is where you’ll find the bungree jumping I mentioned at the top of this list.

26. There’s always gambling

Macau is the only place in China where casinos are legal. Unlike Las Vegas, you will not find stumbling mid-twenty-year-olds holding yardsticks of neon-colored beverages. Here, it’s a high-end business. Tables on tables of quiet games of baccarat, cusec (Sic Bo), roulette, and some slot machines are played daily. Did you really come to Macau if you didn’t try the casinos?

27. Cotai Strip

You can’t come to Macau without at least ogling once at the beauty, the outrageousness, and the gaudiness that is the Cotai Strip. If you’ve been to Vegas you will see some resemblance. There’s an Eiffle Tower (albeit smaller than Paris) and canals running through the Venetian. Walk inside and you’ll be amazed by how many high end retailers they can stuff into one hotel. 

28. Macau Art Museum

Shockingly, it is the only museum that is solely dedicated to art in Macau. If you enjoy art, this is definitely shoudl be on your list of things to do in Macau. Here you’ll be able to see Chinese traditional art pieces and old relics of Macau. There’s also a constantly shancing special exhibition located on the first floor. Check out if there’s any festivals going on around it, every so often there are a few that are hosted right nearby the Museum. 

29. Three Lamps District

Properly known as Carlos de Maia but known by the locals as the Three Lamps District is the spot you can get anything, everything, and nothing. It’s an interesting hodgepodge of shops. There’s stalls selling seared meats, noodles, fruits and veg, and desserts as well. On the weekend, you might get lucky and find a specialty market setting up. It’s pretty easy to get here with Macau’s bus system as it’s a highly populated area.

30. Join a Race

The running community is strong in Macau. From trails to the road, you can find your people if you’re one to lace up when the moment feels right. Macau has dozens of community runs and professional runs to partake in, from 5 Ks to full-blown marathons. I, at one point, partook. However, now I found other hobbies..like crocheting. Hurts the knees less.  

31. A-Ma Temple

A-Ma Temple was standing before Macau was considered Macau. In fact, it is believed that the name “Macau” is derived from the Chinese phrase “A-Ma-Gau” meaning Bay of A-Ma. It’s a beautiful temple that is on most people’s list of “Things to do in Macau”. It consists of multiple pavilillions making A-Ma Temple an interesting representation of Chinese Culture through the lens of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and a few folk beliefs.

32. Go shopping

From the highest luxury brands to bargain shopping for antiques, you can find pretty much anything in Macau (if you’re willing to look ;)). Macau is the mecca for name-brand stories. Every casino has its top picks lining the corridors, from Emporio Armani to Hermes and more. But if you want to keep it relaxed, shop local! Macau has a great unique collection of vintage shops.

33. Lou Lim Ieoc Garden (My favorite “Things to do in Macau” location)

Last but not least (I ALMOST forgot to put this gem on here). I love this garden. Macau can be a lot. People shouting, bumping into you, don’t even get me started on the spitting…but Lou Lim Ieoc Garden is the respite. Built by a wealthy Chinese buisnessman (money put to good use in my opinion), this high-walled paradise brings tai chi practitioners in the mornings, and locals singing Chinese Opera in the late afternoons. This place never gets old to me.