There are more things to do in Macau beyond going to the casinos! I’ve found the best restaurants, coffee shops, and attractions for your next trip to the 853.
Our neighbour Macau is best known for its casino empire. But as Honeycombers’ resident cultural enthusiast, I think there’s an understated side of the city that often gets overlooked. From the art galleries and family-friendly hotels to the beautiful cafes, there’s no shortage of things to do in Macau outside of gambling. Before we dive into all the happenings of this diverse and ever-changing region, let’s get to know the Monte Carlo of the Orient a little better.
All about the 853: A crash course on Macanese history
From 1557 to 1999, Macau was a colony of Portugal. Much like Hong Kong, it functioned as a port city for many merchant ships and travellers from all over the world. The indigenous people of Macau are primarily descended from seafaring Tanka and Hoklo groups, with a land-dwelling minority originating from Canton. Similar to Hong Kong, Macau has a unique colonial and local history and heritage, most visible in its national cuisine and architecture.
Getting around Macau can be a little tricky, but once you master the bus and light rail maps, you’ll be making your way around like a local in no time. And if you’re not up for navigating with public transport, just hop on a taxi or ask your hotel reception whether they offer shuttle bus services or can arrange a private hire for you.
I do recommend carrying some cash with you, as not a lot of places in Macau accept credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. But, another plus is that you can pay with Hong Kong dollars in Macau, and you’ll find plenty of ATMs around hotels that take local and international cards, so there’s no need to worry about currency exchange.
Now that you’ve nailed down the basics, read on for my top recommendations for things to do in Macau that you may or may not know about!
Things to do in Macau: Your ultimate guide
A quick glance at my go-to spots in the 853:
- Portuguese-Macanese comfort food: Manuel Cozinha Portuguesa
- A slice of history: Old Taipa Village
- Put your swimsuit on: Hac Sa Beach
Now, onto the full list!
Things to do in Macau: Best attractions in Macau
1. Ruins of St. Paul
If this is your first time in Macau, the Ruins of St. Paul is a must-visit attraction. This broken facade was once part of the Church of St. Paul, one of the largest Catholic churches in Asia during the 1600s when Macau was under Portuguese rule. Unfortunately, the original church was destroyed by a fire caused by a typhoon in 1835. Today, the ruins sit on a small hill, and I always feel humbled by the history and grandeur whenever I make my way up the stone steps.
While you’re there, be sure to admire the one-of-a-kind carvings on the facade, which cleverly combines Asian, Christian, and Greek imagery in their storytelling. Try spotting the intricate carving of the Virgin Mary, where she is stepping on the head of a hydra fashioned in Japanese style, with the inscription in Chinese characters that reads: “The Virgin Mary stepping on the head of a dragon.”
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
How much: Free entry
Address: Ruins of St. Paul, Calcada de São Paulo, Macau
2. Mount Fortress and the Macau Museum
From the vantage point near the Ruins of St. Paul, you’ll cast your eyes on Mount Fortress. Like St. Paul, the compound dates back to the 1600s and was also built by the Jesuits. As it functioned as the colony’s principle point of defense, you’ll encounter plenty of abandoned barracks, cannons, wells, and empty ammunition shacks along the way. Whenever I visit Macau in cooler months, I love strolling through the Fortress Park after spending some time in the Macau Museum, where you’ll find exhibits showcasing the city’s history, heritage, and culture.
Opening hours: Tue – Sun and public holidays, 7am – 7pm (Mount Fortress); Tue – Sun and public holidays, 10am – 6pm (Museum)
How much: Free entry
Address: Mount Fortress and the Museum of Macau, 22 Calçada das Verdades, Macau
3. Old Taipa Village
While Macau’s main island has its charm, my favourite area of the 853 has to be the Old Taipa Village. This historical area is laid-back and quaint, where old-timey Portuguese-style buildings still stand instead of modern high-rises, lending the island a distinctive Mediterranean flair. You can do everything in Taipa, whether it be shopping, dining, or sightseeing.
My ideal itinerary in Taipa usually starts bright and early with a fresh brew from one of the many cafes in the old village, before I get lost at a museum in the area. The Museum of Taipa and Coloane History is a great place to start, while the Iec Long Fire Cracker Factory is a unique alternative that dives into one of Macau’s unlikely industries in the past. Of course, I always stop by one of the charming shops along Cunha Street for souvenirs before leaving. Check out my full guide to Taipa Village and you’ll fall in love with this part of Macau like I continuously do.
Opening hours: Varies across shops and restaurants
How much: Free entry
Address: Taipa Village, Taipa, Macau
4. Hac Sa Beach
Macau might not be known for its beaches, but Hac Sa Beach has become one of my fave places to lounge with a book whenever I visit during the summer months. Hac Sa stretches along the east coast of Coloane and is the largest natural beach in the city. Although Hac Sa can get a little crowded on Fridays and weekends, you should be able to find a quieter spot away from the crowds somewhere along the coast.
Opening hours: 24 hours every day
How much: Free entry
Address: Hac Sa Beach, Coloane, Macau
5. Senado Square
Another must-visit attraction in Macau, the Senado Square houses a large cluster of Portuguese colonial architecture around the central open space. Located close to the former Senate building, the square was used as a meeting place by prominent Portuguese and Chinese in Macau from the 16th to 18th centuries. Today, the picturesque, pastel-coloured, and neo-classical buildings add a touch of Mediterranean charm to this area and is one of the most popular Instagram spots in the city.
Opening hours: 24 hours every day
How much: Free entry
Address: Senado Square, Largo do Senado, Macau
Learn more about Senado Square
6. Vila de Nossa Senhora de Ka-Ho
Here’s a hidden gem in Macau you won’t wanna miss. The Vila de Nossa Senhora is located in Ka Ho, Coloane and consists of the abandoned leprosy centre, Ka Ho Leprosarium, the uniquely triangular Our Lady of Sorrows Church, as well as housing built by lepers. The trek up to Nossa Senhora is treacherous but unexpectedly rewarding. Wading your way through lush greenery and abandoned industrial buildings, you’ll happen upon the stunning village square of Nossa Senhora, where five restored Portuguese-style buildings remain.
Though the thought of an abandoned village that used to house leprosy patients may sound eerie, my visit to Nossa Senhora was peaceful and serene. The village is abandoned apart from few residents in nearby hillsides. With plans from the Macanese government to revitalise the area into an arts and tourist hub, you should experience the calm of Vila de Nossa Senhora before it goes viral.
Opening hours: 24 hours every day
How much: Free entry
Address: Estrada de Nossa Senhora de Ka Ho, Coloane, Macau
Learn more about Vila de Nossa Senhora
7. A-Ma Cultural Village
If you think Hong Kongers have a deep belief in Tin Hau, then the Macanese are her most loyal followers. The indigenous population of Macau is made up of boat people with Tanka and Hoklo descent, two prominent seafaring groups that settled along the coasts of Hong Kong and Macau. Naturally, the important protection from the Goddess of the Skies and Seas makes her Macau’s main deity, who is affectionately named A-Ma, or “mum.”
The A-Ma Cultural Village is a sacred complex with two main attractions: a Tin Hau Palace and the world’s tallest statue of Tin Hau. The hike up Coloane Mountain was a little challenging for me, but the serene village, its stunning architecture, and nearby tranquil park, more than made up for the trek.
Opening hours: 9am – 6pm every day
How much: Free entry
Address: A-Ma Cultural Village, Coloane, Macau
Learn more about the A-Ma Cultural Village
8. The Venetian
As the first casino resort to open on the Cotai Strip, The Venetian has become somewhat of a landmark in Macau. The resort is best known for its indoor canal that mimics those found in the city of Venice. In addition to this unique water feature, the hotel’s shopping district surrounds the canal and is encased behind picture-perfect Venetian street architecture. To top it all off (literally) is an artificial ceiling where the skies are always clear and blue.
What I love about this part of The Venetian is that you’ll find plenty of affordable brands among the usual suspects in luxury fashion. Plus, a gondola ride along the canal is always a good time.
Opening hours: 11am – 7:30pm every day
How much: Free entry to the Shoppes at Venetian; from $168 per person for gondola rides
Address: The Venetian Macau, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Cotai, Macau
Things to do in Macau: Best restaurants and bakeries in Macau
Much like Hong Kong, Macau has a wide variety of food options across its three islands. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite to fuel your day’s adventure or a sophisticated spot to unwind after a long day, here are my current favourites.
9. Chef Tam’s Seasons
Two-Michelin-starred Chef Tam’s Seasons offers a unique combo of quiet elegance and grandeur. In keeping with the rest of its patron hotel, Wynn Palace Cotai, the interiors of this Chinese restaurant are golden, shiny, and full of bling. While this overt opulence saturates Chef Tam’s dining room, its menu embodies the complete opposite.
Beyond the four seasons, Chef Tam crafts his menu according to the 24 solar periods in the Chinese lunar calendar, meticulously incorporating the most seasonal ingredients into every dish. This approach creates an ever-changing menu, with dishes rotating as frequently as every two weeks. In addition to its distinctive menu concept, the friendly and welcoming staff make my dining experience memorable every visit.
Must-try items: Baked Baby Pigeon with Sand Ginger and Salt, Pan-fried Grouper in Crispy Rice Nest, Stir-fried Crispy Rice with Beef and Truffle
How much: Items from $180, set menus from $ per person
Opening hours: 12 – 3pm (lunch), 5:30 – 10:30pm (dinner) every day
Phone number: +853 8889 3663
Address: Chef Tam’s Seasons, G/F, Wynn Palace, Avenida da Nave, Cotai, Macau
Chef Tam’s Seasons website Chef Tam’s Seasons menu
10. The Grand Buffet
While I’m not usually a buffet person, The Grand Buffet at the Grand Lisboa holds a special place in my heart for its diverse offerings. You’ll find the classics reinterpreted in the extravagance that is representative of the Vegas of Asia. Expect to be greeted by an expansive live seafood section as you enter the restaurant, where fish, octopi, lobster, crab, and shrimp swim in larger-than-life fish tanks. Following up is the Japanese cuisine counter, where you’ll find sushi, sashimi, and everything in between. Along the walls are stalls serving quality Taiwanese and Cantonese specialties – think roasted goose, barbecue pork, and even nutritious soups.
My favourite, however, has to be the Macanese and Portuguese sections on the other side of the restaurant, which showcases a variety of authentic dishes from Portugal alongside fusion options unique to Macau. Of course, I always finish with a Portuguese egg tart and tofu pudding from the generous dessert counter.
How much: Breakfast from $268 per person; lunch from $358 per person; dinner from $788 per person
Opening hours: Mon – Sun, 7 – 10:30am (breakfast); 12 – 3pm (lunch). Mon – Fri, 6 – 10pm (dinner). Sat – Sun and public holidays, 5:30 – 10pm (dinner).
Phone number: +853 8881 1800
Address: The Grand Buffet, Shop 308, 3/F, West, Grand Lisboa Palace Macau, Rua do Tiro, Cotai, Macau
11. Manuel Cozinha Portuguesa
Founded by a Portuguese-Cantonese couple, Manuel Cozinha Portuguesa is one of the oldest Macanese restaurants in Taipa. Best known for its friendly and inviting atmosphere as well as scrumptious home-style dishes, this quaint restaurant has won me over with its authentic and familiar flavours.
Having taken over the family business from her father, Chef Palmira Pena upholds the cozinha’s decades-old legacy with a revamped menu. Alongside representative Portuguese comfort food, Chef Pena dishes out items that reflect Macau’s diverse culture with an added Mediterranean flair, making this one of my top places to dine in Macau!
Must-try items: Fried Rice with Cod Fish, Fried Steak Manuel Style, Baked Apple with Port Wine
How much: Starters from $15; mains from $85; desserts from $30
Opening hours: Tue – Wed, 12 – 3pm (lunch), 6 – 10pm (dinner)
Phone number: +853 2882 7571
Address: Manuel Cozinha Portuguesa, 90 Rua de Fernao Mendes Pinto, Taipa, Macau
Manuel Cozinha Portuguesa Instagram
12. Mizumi (Wynn Palace)
The sister restaurant to its flagship in Wynn Macau, this younger branch in Cotai serves a collection of Japanese specialties. Whether you’re in the mood for teppanyaki, sushi, or sashimi, Mizumi’s talented team has got it all. Much like Chef Tam’s Seasons, Mizumi sports an lavish interior with Japanese-inspired accents, complete with a floating installation of goldfish-shaped lanterns at the centre of the restaurant. Its interiors are as attention-grabbing as the umami flavours of its dishes, which are hand-crafted to perfection with the freshest ingredients. I was never a fan of sea urchin until I encountered Mizumi’s delectable Sea Urchin Claypot Rice – a simple dish that balances the subtle sweetness of fresh sea urchin with fluffy rice.
Must-try items: Japanese Wagyu Garlic Fried Rice, Sea Urchin Claypot Rice, Chef’s Sashimi Selection, Seasonal Tea Pot Soup
How much: Starters from $108; sushi from $38 per piece; mains from $388
Opening hours: Tue – Sun, 5:30 – 11pm
Phone number: +853 8889 3663
Address: Mizumi, G/F, Wynn Palace, Avenida da Nave, Cotai, Macau
Things to do in Macau: Best cafes and bars in Macau
13. Lord Stow’s Bakery (Taipa)
No visit to Macau would be complete without a trip to Lord Stow’s Bakery, the 853’s most famous destination for pastries and sweet treats. While there are several branches across the city, I recommend giving its Taipa location a go since it’s within walking distance of other attractions in the area. The must-try is, of course, Lord Stow’s signature Pastel de Nata, but you can’t go wrong with any item resting behind its display counter.
Must-try items: Pastel de Nata, Bacon and Cheese Cruffins, Croissants
How much: From $13 per item
Opening hours: 9am – 9pm every day
Phone number: +853 2857 6580
Address: Lord Stow’s Bakery, G/F, 9E Rua do Cunha, Taipa, Macau
14. Mesa Bar
Inside Grand Lisboa’s Spanish restaurant Mesa is Mesa Bar, a buzzy destination for cocktails in the integrated resort. Stepping in, you’ll be greeted by its dimmed, opulent interiors as well as a unique bird cage-inspired bar. You can savour a menu of cocktails that draws from Portuguese and Cantonese heritage with unique flavour combinations. In addition to its delectable concoctions, I love that Mesa Bar follows a zero waste concept that uses EcoSpirits as a base for its cocktails and makes its own kombuchas and mead honey wine with house-planted herbs and fruit peels from its neighbouring restaurant.
Must-try items: Last Back Garden, Amor de Lisboa
How much: Cocktails from $148
Opening hours: 5:30 – 1am every day
Phone number: +853 8881 1800
Address: Mesa Bar, Shop 301, 3/F, The Karl Lagerfeld, Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, Rua do Tiro, Cotai, Macau
15. Terra Coffee House
Seeking a caffeine boost in the 853? Pay Terra Coffee House a visit for a quality brew. This laid-back neighbourhood coffee spot serves a variety of drinks alongside a diverse selection of cafe food. My go-to order is a soy latte and, if I’m feeling peckish, a slice of avo toast with either smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, or spinach and walnuts as toppings.
Must-try items: Latte, All-day Breakfast, Tiramisu
How much: Mains from $78; drinks from $48
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 7:30am – 7pm; Sat, 11am – 7pm
Phone number: +853 2893 7943
Address: Terra Coffee House, Shop A, G/F, 20 Rua Central, Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, Macau
16. The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge
The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge is great for unwinding with a well-shaken cocktail. Located on the 51st floor of the hotel, it offers a sweeping view of the Cotai skyline, which looks exceptionally beautiful at night fall. The interiors bring to mind – with its high ceilings, plush furnishings, and elegant fixtures – the sophisticated living room of a London townhouse. Once you settle into one of the many fluffy armchairs with a glass in hand, it’s a total royal experience.
Must-try items: Golden Memories, Pearl of the Orient, Mexican Chocolatini
How much: Cocktails from $128
Opening hours: 6pm – 1am every day
Phone number: +853 8886 6868
Address: The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge, 51/F, The Ritz-Carlton Macau, Galaxy Macau, Estrada da Baía da Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Cotai, Macau
The Ritz website The Ritz menu
17. Rooftop Macau
If you’re seeking refuge from the crowds along Cunha Street, escape to Rooftop Macau for some peace and quiet. This top-floor cafe offers a menu of coffee and non-coffee drinks alongside desserts and small bites. The vibe here is stripped back and casual, complete with an outdoor al fresco area furnished with unpretentious lawn chairs and tables. Here, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of Taipa Village below as you sip on an iced bevvy. Plus, Rooftop Macau is pet-friendly, so prepare to make some four-legged friends during your visit!
Must-try items: Seasonal Roll Cakes, cappuccino, Mochi Tiramisu
How much: Drinks from $28
Opening hours: Sun – Wed, 12 – 8 pm; Thu – Sat, 12 – 11:30pm
Phone number: +853 6886 7498
Address: Rooftop Macau, 49 Rua Correia da Silva, Taipa, Macau
Where should I travel to next? DM @honeycombershk on Instagram or drop me an email at celia.lee@thehoneycombers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to travel from Hong Kong to Macau, and how long does it take?
The most common way to travel from Hong Kong to Macau is by ferry, which typically takes about an hour from terminals on Hong Kong Island. Alternatively, you can take a bus or private car via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, which can be faster depending on traffic and customs clearance.
Beyond casinos, what are some key cultural or historical attractions that are a must-visit in Macau?
Macau boasts a rich blend of Cantonese and Portuguese heritage. Must-visit cultural and historical sites include the Ruins of St. Paul's, a UNESCO World Heritage site; the Senado Square, with its distinctive Portuguese-style pavements and architecture; and the charming Taipa Village, known for its historical buildings and local eateries.
Are there family-friendly activities in Macau beyond the major resorts and casinos?
Yes, Macau offers several family-friendly attractions. Besides the entertainment options within integrated resorts, you can visit the Future Bright Amusement Park, explore the interactive exhibits at the Macau Science Centre, or enjoy the outdoor adventures at Skypark by AJ Hackett and Zipcity Macau for a more thrilling experience.
