Macau (also spelled Macao) is a city and special administrative region off of China’s southern coast. Macau is a very distinctive place thanks to its massive gambling industry and unique cultural history. But in such a busy place, what are the best things to do in Macau in one day?
Sometimes called the “Las Vegas of Asia,” Macau is the gambling capital of the world, actually dwarfing the gambling industry in Las Vegas. The city has 41 casinos, five of which are in the top ten of the world’s largest casinos.
Much of Macau’s success in the gambling industry stems from it being the only place to legally gamble in China. This has turned Macau into a major resort destination.
Beyond casinos, Macau has a very unique history that blends Portuguese and Chinese cultures. Macau was a Portuguese colony from 1557 until 1999, when Portugal transferred the area to China. Portugal’s colonial legacy can be seen all across the city, from architecture and signs to food.
Macau is also the most densely populated area in the world, with a population of around 630,000 people in roughly 10 square miles/28 square kilometers of land. That amounts to over 63,000 people per square mile (or over 22,000 people per square kilometer)!
Macau is a dynamic and distinctive city, with a bit of something for every kind of tourist. Gambling, shopping, nightlife, food, architecture, history and more can all be enjoyed to your heart’s content there.
This post is based on two different day trips I took to Macau from Hong Kong. Pairing a trip to Hong Kong with a visit to Macau is a great option for those staying a longer time in Hong Kong. The two cities are around 37 miles/60 kilometers apart, and you can take a ferry between them. You can also drive, take a bus, or fly between the two destinations.
Even on a day trip, you can see more than you might think in Macau in one day. Here are some of the best things to do in Macau:
Getting to Macau from Hong Kong
Some views from the ferry of Hong Kong and Macau
You can definitely catch some great views of Hong Kong and Macau if you take the ferry between the two cities. Though I’m sure there are some lovely sights on the bus route as well.
Getting Around Macau
Obviously, if you are in Macau on a day trip, you need to be a bit strategic about where you’re going and how you get there, as you have limited time in the city.
Luckily, Macau isn’t an enormous place, and many of its attractions are located pretty close to each other. So it isn’t too bad getting around Macau.
The first way you can get around Macau is on foot. This works particularly well for attractions around Macau’s historic city center. For example, you can walk from Macau’s Outer Harbor ferry terminal to the famous Ruins of St. Paul in approximately 35 minutes.
Next, you can take public transportation, including buses and the light rail system. The buses in Macau go all over, but the light rail system has only one portion complete (the Taipa line) at the time of writing. This line has 11 stops and stretches from the Taipa Ferry Terminal (Terminal Marítimo da Taipa) to Ocean Station (Oceano).
You can also catch taxis to get around Macau, which can be a good option if you are traveling in a group.
Even on a day trip, you can see more than you might think in Macau in one day. Here are some of the best things to do in Macau:
1. Explore the Ruins of St. Paul's
No trip to Macau is complete without stopping by the Ruins of St. Paul’s, one of the most iconic landmarks of the city.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Center of Macau, the Ruins of St Paul’s was originally part of the Church of St. Paul, built in the 17th century. But the church burned down in 1835, leaving the facade that you can see today.
Scenes around the Ruins of St. Paul’s
Even though only the front of the church and some bits of wall are all that remain, they are quite spectacular. The facade has quite a lot of detailing on it between the statues, columns, and carvings.
Additionally, you can get a pretty cool view from the top of the stairs:
Looking down from the stairs
The street leading up to the Ruins of St. Paul’s is pretty touristy, with some chain stores and restaurants in the surrounding area. Nevertheless, the area still has a distinctive Macanese look and feel.
Admission Fee: Free
2. Wander around Macau’s Historic City Center
There are almost 30 sights that make up Macau’s Historic City Center on the UNESCO World Heritage list. These spots all demonstrate the unique mixture of Chinese and Portuguese heritage of Macau.
Among these are several public squares, various temples and churches, and other buildings. This includes the spacious Senado Square (or Senate Square), which features some absolutely beautiful architecture.
Around Senado Square, you can find the Holy House of Mercy (Santa Casa da Misericórdia) and the Leal Senado Building.
Buildings around Senado Square
Northeast of Senado Square is St. Dominic’s Square, where you can see the eponymous St. Dominic’s Church. Southwest of Senado Square is St. Augustine’s Square and the beautiful Dom Pedro V Theatre and Sir Robert Ho Tung Library.
It is definitely worth the time to just meander the streets of this area a bit when walking between destinations and seeing what you can discover.
3. Visit some churches and temples
Around St. Dominic’s Church
Around Kun Iam Temple
The lovely Kun Iam statue
4. Enjoy Macanese eats
A typical pork chop sandwich (left) and a pineapple bun pork chop sandwich (right)
A trip to Macau can’t be complete without a pastel de nata, or custard tart. This is a specialty of Portugal, and has been imported to Macau as a former Portuguese colony.
Portuguese custard tarts have crispy, flaky crusts that are filled with rich egg custard. Putting powdered sugar and cinnamon on top of your pastel de nata makes it all the more delicious. If you won’t be going to Portugal anytime soon, definitely try a custard tart in Macau.
A delicious pastel de nata
Looking for something else sweet? Another Portuguese import, sawdust pudding (or serradura) will help satisfy your sweet tooth. This dessert is made with alternating layers of whipped cream and crushed cookies, and is very delicious.
Not the best picture, but I promise serradura is delicious
Of course, there are many more foods you could try in Macau! Just prioritize a few foods that you’d like to try, as you can only eat so much in one day.
5. Hit up a casino
Inside the Venetian Macau; the Galaxy Macau and Venetian Macau at night
Some shops and decorations inside the Venetian Macau (obviously around Christmas)
I would recommend picking the hotel you think seems the coolest or most interesting and prioritize visiting there. If you have extra time, you can always visit another casino along the way.
6. Admire the city skyline from Mount Fortress
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site from the Historic Center of Macau, Mount Fortress (or Fortaleza do Monte) is a fort built in the 17th century located on a hill right next to the Ruins of St. Paul’s.
Scenes around Fortaleza do Monte
The fort is cool enough on its own, but the best thing about it is the view from the top. Mount Fortress gives visitors an amazing panoramic view of the area. And it’s free to get in!
Some of the views from the top of Mount Fortress
If you’re interested in learning more about Macau, inside the fort is the Macau Museum. Set across three floors, the musuem gives a look into the history and culture of Macau.
Mount Fortress
Admission Fee: Free
Hours: 7 AM to 7 PM
Macau Musuem
Admission Fee: MOP 15.00 (~$1.85 USD)
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM); closed on Mondays
7. See Macau lit up
Night scenes around Macau
8. Stop by Koi Kei Bakery
Koi Kei Bakery (Pastelaria Koi Kei) is a famous bakery chain in Macau. Their shops offer a variety of snacks and pastries, but they are especially well-known for their almond cookies and peanut brittle. Their snack tins make a good souvenir to take home for yourself or to share with others.
A Koi Kei Bakery and my cookie tin
9. Take in Macau’s unique atmosphere
A bit of the ambience of Macau
Look up at the multi-story buildings, look down side streets and alleys, and even look back the way you came to see different facets of Macau.
Want to see another place that blends several cultures? Check out Jiufen in Taiwan!
