Macau, popularly known as the Las Vegas of Asia, is a special administrative region of China alongside Hong Kong. Although it’s famous for its glamorous casino districts, there are plenty of things to do in Macau beyond the gaming tables. Many travelers stop by on a quick day trip from Hong Kong, but to truly experience its history, culture, and modern attractions, you’ll want at least three days. If you’re ready to discover the top places to visit in Macau, this guide is for you.

During my recent trip to Macau, we stayed for 3 days and 3 nights, giving us enough time to explore the region’s major attractions at a more relaxed pace. We visited three main areas: Senado Square, the Cotai Strip, and Taipa Village. To get around Macau, we relied on buses, which are the primary mode of public transportation in the region.

Table of Contents:

• Getting around Macau
• Senado Square
• Cotai Strip
• Taipa Village
• Other Attractions in Macau
• Macau Travel FAQs
  • What’s the weather like in Macau?
  • What’s the currency used in Macau?
  • Is Macau safe for tourists?
  • What language is spoken in Macau?
  • Is Macau expensive to visit?

Getting around Macau

Macau was my first international destination, where we relied entirely on buses for transportation. From the airport to our hotel and all the attractions we visited, we chose to take the bus. The bus system in Macau is efficient, affordable, and a great way to save both MOP and HKD while exploring the region.

The bus fare in Macau is 6 MOP for every route, whether you’re traveling around the Macau Peninsula, Taipa, or Coloane. The fare remains 6 MOP, even if you’re heading from the city center to Taipa or Coloane. However, make sure to prepare the exact amount, as no change will be given on the bus.

For a hassle-free experience, we opted to purchase a Macau Pass for our 3-day stay in the region. It costs 130 MOP with 30 MOP serving as a deposit and the remaining 100 MOP available for spending. The advantage of using the Macau Pass is that, instead of paying 6 MOP per bus ride, you only pay 3 MOP, and you don’t need to worry about carrying the exact amount.

Plus, you can also use the card to pay for purchases at convenience stores. If you plan to use the bus frequently in Macau, getting a Macau Pass is definitely a smarter option.

Need a place to stay in Macau? Compare rates and flexible options on Agoda or Trip.com.

Where to Buy Macau Pass

You can purchase a Macau Pass at convenience stores like 7-Eleven. We bought ours at the 7-Eleven in Macau airport upon arrival, as we needed it to take the bus to our hotel. Traveling around Macau by bus is not only cost-effective but also a convenient option if your accommodation is near a bus stop.

Alternatively, taxis and the LRT are other options for getting around the region. However, keep in mind that the LRT currently doesn’t cover all areas in Macau, unlike buses and taxis.

Now that you know how to get around Macau, let’s explore the top places to visit that will make your trip unforgettable, offering plenty of memorable experiences and photo opportunities—perfect for keepsakes or sharing on social media.

Senado Square

Senado Square was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and should definitely be on your itinerary if you visit Macau. As you walk around, you can admire the colonial-style buildings and experience the area’s rich cultural heritage. You’ll also find a variety of shops, including milk tea and dessert shops, as well as restaurants serving Portuguese and Asian dishes.

We visited Senado Square around lunchtime, and the place was packed with tourists. The Ruins of St. Paul, in particular, were filled with people taking photos. Finding a spot to take pictures without anyone in the background was rather challenging.

If you want to take photos around Senado Square without the crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning. But Senado Square is more than just an Instagram-worthy spot; it’s full of history that you can immerse yourself in. You can also enjoy local cuisine, or try the famous Portuguese tarts, and pick up souvenirs for your family and friends back home.

If you’d like to stay near Senado Square, here are my recommended Affordable Hotels in Macau.

Cotai Strip

The Cotai Strip is where you’ll find all the major casinos and luxurious hotels in Macau, from The Venetian Macao to The Parisian and The Londoner. In fact, Macau wouldn’t be known as the Las Vegas of Asia without the Cotai Strip.

However, the Cotai Strip isn’t just for those looking to try their luck at the casinos; the district also offers family-friendly activities and is perfect for all sorts of travelers. Apart from playing casino games or shopping at high-end establishments in the Cotai District, there are plenty of experiences to enjoy with loved ones or friends.

Here are some of the must-try activities:

Apart from these attractions, you can also enjoy a variety of dining options in the district. One restaurant worth mentioning is Joyride Cafe — a Sanrio-themed cafe with diner vibes. It is located in Studio City and offers a view of The Parisian.

Taipa Village

This quaint and charming village used to be a fisherman’s village in Macau. It is full of vibrant shops offering a mix of Portuguese and Asian cuisine. Ranging from budget-friendly eateries to upscale restaurants. I highly recommend Siam Restaurant—it serves Thai cuisine and was the best meal we had during our stay in Macau.

Taipa Village is definitely a must-visit destination in Macau. I enjoyed exploring the narrow streets and colorful shops filled with artwork. We visited in the early afternoon, and although there were many tourists, it was to be expected, so it was fine.

The area offers a variety of dining options, aesthetic shops, and plenty of picture-perfect spots. In fact, almost every shop on every corner seems to be Instagram-worthy. Simply walking around Taipa will surely allow you to experience the charm of the village.

For more information on Taipa Village and how to get there, visit their official page.

Discover more tours, shows, and unique experiences in Macau with KKDay or Trip.com.

Other Attractions in Macau

Aside from these main tourist areas, here are some additional places you can check out in Macau if you have extra time.

Macao Giant Panda Pavilion

If you’re traveling with kids and want a chance to see pandas up close, visit the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion in Coloane. It’s also a great place to unwind and experience a different side of Macau. Unfortunately, we weren’t so lucky during our visit—it had just closed by the time we arrived. We missed it in only a few minutes. To avoid the same mistake, plan ahead and consider your travel time, especially if you’re taking a bus, as there will be multiple stops. However, we still got to see other animals and enjoyed our quick visit to the Panda Pavilion.

Grand Lisboa

Grand Lisboa is an iconic structure in Macau, located in the city center. If you’re visiting Senado Square, it’s worth stopping by to see this famous landmark, as it’s only a short walk away. I recommend visiting at night to enjoy the city lights in Macau’s old casino district. Grand Lisboa also offers a buffet featuring a variety of cuisines that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still enjoy the Grand Lisboa buffet experience. If you want to make a reservation, you can check out their website here.

If you want to get ready for your Macau trip, KKDay is a great place to find activities from dining and tours to transport, including connectivity options to keep you online during your stay.

To learn more about other places to visit in Macau, including current events happening during your stay, you can also check out the official Macao website.

To help you plan your trip further, I’ve included a free printable Macau itinerary you can download and use!

If you’d like a complete trip organizer with all the extras, check out my Printable & Digital Travel Planner.

Macau Travel FAQs

What’s the weather like in Macau?

We visited during the last week of October, and the weather was quite cool, making it a pleasant experience to explore the region. If you prefer cooler weather, December to February would be the best time to visit. Avoid the summer months if you can’t stand hot and humid weather. Of course, I suggest checking the weather forecast before your trip so you can plan accordingly.

What is the currency used in Macau?

The official currency in Macau is the Macanese Pataca (MOP), but the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is also widely accepted throughout the city. For example, if an item costs 5 MOP, you can pay with 5 HKD, but your change will be given in MOP.

Is Macau safe for tourists?

We felt safe traveling around Macau, even walking around at night time was fine. But of course, it’s still best to practice caution just like you would in any other city and watch out for your belongings.

What language is spoken in Macau?

Cantonese is the main language spoken in Macau. However, we had no trouble communicating in the city with only English. Additionally, many establishments in Macau have Filipino staff, so as a Filipino myself, I was able to communicate easily, without any problems.

Is Macau expensive to visit?

Our accommodation at Belive&More was quite affordable. For a 3-night stay, it only cost 9,500 PHP or 160 USD (depending on the current conversion rate). We took buses everywhere and used a Macau Pass, which allowed us to enjoy discounted fares. However, food costs can vary—eating out could be either mid-range or expensive. Ultimately, your overall travel expenses will depend on your choices. You can make it as affordable or as expensive as you like.

For budget-friendly stays, check out my guide to Affordable Hotels in Macau.

I hope this blog has been valuable and informative, helping you plan your next Macau trip. I’d love to hear about your own experiences or any tips you have for visiting Macau—feel free to share them in the comments below!

If you want to see more about the places to visit in Macau, watch my Macau vlog here! Join me as I explore stunning landmarks, hidden gems, and must-visit spots in this vibrant city. Don’t miss out—watch now!

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