As Macao is a former colony of Portuguese, it is rich in culture, charming heritage and history. I have listed down the major attractions Macao.
List of Top Attractions and Places in Macau
1. Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macau Bridge (HZMB)
If you are visiting Macau from Hong Kong then you must travel through the world’s longest sea bridge Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macau Bridge which is 55 KM and opened recently. It is both the longest sea crossing and the longest open-sea fixed link on earth.
Though you have other options to travel via air or speedy ferries, driving through the world’s longest sea bridge is one of its kind and just fabulous. I and my husband traveled one way via speedy ferry and the other way HZMB, it was an amazing experience and unforgettable day of us.
2. Historic Center – The Ruins of St. Paul’s
One of the better-known UNESCO listed Historic Center of Macau is Ruins of St Paul’s. Once a finest and grand catholic cathedral but now just a single wall poised atop of a small hill. The church was destroyed by a typhoon and fire in 1835, but it’s remains still displays a little of the cathedral’s former glory.
3. The Venetian Macao
If you are a shopping bee and Casino lover then you would must visit The Venetian Macao – World’s largest Casino. It the largest single structure hotel building in Asia and modelled on Las Vegas original. You can do lot many things in Venetian like sightseeing, shopping, restaurants and etc. The most amazing thing at Venetian Macao is the artificial Sky which they have created, is just fabulous with artificial river and boating with lovely music which feels romantic if, you are with your spouse. Trust me you will fall in love and enjoy every single thing of Venetian.
4. The AJ Hackett Macau Tower & Bungy Jump
This is for the adventurers and bungy lovers who have strong guts and want to be a part of Guinness World Record in the sky of Macau. The AJ Hackett Macau Tower Bungy jump is 746 ft high, making a Guinness World Record for the Highest Commercial Bungy Jump in the world. Also, you can enjoy the beautiful sight seeing of whole Macau city from the top of the AJ Hackett tower. Apart from bungy jump there are other activities like sky jump, sky walk, tower climb, awesome foursome etc., which you can book well in advance.
5. Senado/Senate Square
Senado Square is a delightful and most recognizable public space/area and widely regarded as the finest example of Portuguese colonial architecture in Macau. Senate Library in this area has more than 50,000 rare manuscripts which is more than 500 years old and most lavish library you could find.
The main square is decorated extravagantly based on the current festival of the month/season which is awesome place for great shots. It is also a great spot for shopping, and dining in restaurants featuring both European and Chinese cuisine.
6. Hac Sa Beach and Coloane Island
Hac Sa beach is the largest natural black sand beach to the east of Coloane Island, Macau. The beach is long and beautiful, it is a good place to enjoy Beach and BBQ together. Coloane island is one of the parishes of Macao and Coloane village has a large fishing community.
7. Guia Fortress and Monte Forte
Guia Fortress and Monte Forte are another popular tourist attraction’s which forms an integral part of Macau’s Historic Center of world-heritage sites and is listed under UNESCO heritage sites.
The fortress features a chapel, an old military fort and the iconic Guia Lighthouse. Constructed in the 1600s, these fortresses are largely influenced by Portuguese architectural styles. Guia Fortress is built on the highest point of peninsular Macau.
8. A-Ma Temple
This temple was built in late 1400s in dedication to Matzu, the patron goddess of seafarers and fishermen and it is the oldest Taoist temple of Macau. Also, there is an new large temple complex known as Tin Hua temple and A-Ma statue situated on hill top of the Coloane island and it is often called as A-Ma Cultural Village.
9. The Giant Panda Pavilion
The Giant Panda Pavilion is a nature park located within Seac Pai Van Park near Coloane village. You can see giant and cute Pandas in big enclosures, different species of monkeys, flamingos and variety of birds. One of the coolest place for family visit and children’s will definitely will have a great fun and enjoyment. This park is usually closed on Mondays and there is an entry fee of MOP 10 for adults and free admission for children’s.
10. The Fisherman’s Wharf and Maritime Museum
The Fisherman’s Wharf is a fun theme park encompassing numerous shops, restaurants and Pubs. And, Maritime Museum hosts numerous displays, comprehensive collection of Macau’s maritime history, model ships, and fishing equipment’s.
There is an Inner Harbor (Porto Interior) in front of Museum through which runs the frontier between Macau and China, where you can also see a restored Chinese dragon boats, a sampan, flower boats, and fishing smack.
11. Kun Iam Statue – The Goddess of Mercy
Kun Iam statue is dedicated to the goddess of mercy and was built in 1627. In the entrance hall you will find three figures of Buddha representing the Past, Present, and Future, while another hall contains a figure of the goddess of mercy flanked on either side by nine Buddhas.
As I mentioned Macau is night happening city, just go on a photography run in night, awesome light & music shows in hotels like –
- Diamond show at The Galaxy Hotel (which is my most favorite show)
- Performance Lake at Wynn Palace
- The House of Dancing Water at City of Dreams
- Crazy Paris show at Grand Lisboa
- Elekron at Studio City
- Crazy Horse Paris ‘Forever Crazy’ at The Parisian and etc., just to name a few.
Whole city of Macau glitters and dazzles during the festivals and the major events are –
- Macau International Fireworks Display Contest
- Macau Grand Prix
- Macau Food Festival
- Chinese Lunar New year celebrations
- Macau International Dragon boat races
- Macau Light Festival
- Macau International Music festival
- Macau International Marathon
- Parade through Macau – Latin City
- Macau Lotus flower festival
- Macau Arts festival
Macau also has a variety of special themed museums and beautiful parks to explore.
Macau is a unique and lively city which offers plenty to explore as you can visit the country anytime of the year and definitely you will enjoy and fall in love with this night city. Therefore, it is not surprising that Macau is also called as “Asia’s Biggest Little City”. To learn more about living at Macau and best time to visit – follow my other blog Everything you need to know about Living in Macau.
