Your Guide To Macau: What To Eat, See & Do

Hop on a ferry or bus to our neighbouring Macau where palatial hotel resorts, exuberant casinos, local delicacies and exhilarating shows await!

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or consider it your second home, we’re glad to bring you our updated guide to Macau. From newly opened resorts, local delicacies, historical sites and exciting attractions, here are all the best things to see and do while you’re there.

Macau (or Macao) is a no-brainer pick when it comes to a short and easy getaway. It’s similar to Hong Kong in the sense that it is also a Special Administrative Region, meaning it has its own currency, administration and legal system to the rest of China. Like Hong Kong, Cantonese is widely spoken there and Hong Kong Dollar is also widely used and accepted, which approximately converts 1:1 Macanese Pataca (MOP).

Read More: Your Guide To Taipa Village, Macau

Jump To:
How To Get To Macau
Where To Stay
What To Eat
What To Do

How To Get To Macau

Getting to Macau has never been easier. Not only can we go by ferry, but since the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) opened back in 2018, we can also cross the border by bus (which operates 24/7!).

How To Get From Hong Kong To Macau By Ferry

Most people know about the ferry from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, but you can also catch the ferry from the Kowloon China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui and Hong Kong International Airport’s SkyPier. There are two ferry operators to choose from:

• TurboJet – Takes you to Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal. www.turbojet.com.hk
• Cotai Water Jet – Takes you to the Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal. www.cotaiwaterjet.com

How To Get From Hong Kong To Macau By Bus

If you get seasick easily, a quicker and cheaper alternative is to take a bus to Macau via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Simply, take public transport to the Hong Kong Port (more details here), then catch a shuttle bus to Macau Port. From there you can take public transport to your final destination. Alternatively, you can take a cross-boundary coach or hire a cross-boundary car (see the list of cross-boundary hire car operators here) to take you directly from Hong Kong to Macau.

There are also a number of bus services that can get you straight to your hotel in Macau:

• One Bus – Starting from Jordan, the route passes through Sands Macao, Venetian Macao and Parisian Macao. www.onebus.hk
• Hong Kong Shared Bus Transfers – Direct busses from Hong Kong with drop-off points at Venetian Macao, Galaxy Macau, MGM Cotai, Grand Lisboa Macau and more. www.klook.com

Sassy Tip: Those driving in a private car to the Hong Kong Port can book a parking spot here and enjoy 30-minute complimentary parking within any three-hour period.

Read More: 5 Direct Flight Destinations From Hong Kong You Might Not Have Thought Of

Where To Stay In Macau

Macau is made up of one peninsula and two islands, however, the area between the two islands, Taipa and Coloane, created an additional area known as Cotai. So when we speak of Macau, we refer to four main districts, namely Macau Peninsula, Taipa, Cotai and Coloane. Most attractions, sites and casinos are located in the first three districts. Coloane, however, offers a more cultural experience of Macau. Colonial buildings running along the sides of the cobblestone streets of this coastal village give visitors a glimpse of the city’s Portuguese past.

Hotels In Macau

Galaxy Macau

Home to the world’s largest collection of luxury hotel brands under one roof, Galaxy Macau comprises Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, and the newer Raffles at Galaxy Macau and Andaz Macau, a vibrant lifestyle hotel.

Sands Cotai Central

Located less than 10-minute by car from Macau International Airport, this gambling hot spot comprises the Sheraton Grand Macau, which houses 4,001 of the 6,000 total rooms and suits in the complex, St. Regis Macau and the Conrad Macau for the high rollers, and lastly, offering a more budget-friendly stay, the Holiday Inn Macau.

The Venetian Macao

The brother property of the Venetian Las Vegas, this iconic hotel boasts a prime location on the Cotai Strip and is known for its magnificent homage to the Italian city of Venice (complete with canals and serenading gondoliers!). Being Asia’s largest single-structure hotel building, it boasts 3,000 five-star suites, an expansive shopping mall, casino, spa and 1,800-seater theatre.

Read More: The Best Spas In Hong Kong – Massage, Facials And More

The Parisian Macao

Best known for its half-scale Eiffel Tower replica, you can’t miss this five-star stopover. Other attractions include a light show, casino, Love Lock Bridge, waterpark and 1,200-seat theatre.

The Parisian Macao, Estrada do Istmo, Lote 3, Cotai, Macau, +853 2882 8833, www.parisianmacao.com

The Londoner Macao

The Londoner Macao encompasses two new all-suite hotels – The Londoner Hotel and Londoner Court – alongside Sheraton Grand Macao, St. Regis Macao and Conrad Macao. With a grandiose façade, complete with a life-sized Big Ben, a red double-decker bus (flown in from the UK!) and phone booths for picture taking, it’s worth passing by in the least for the ‘Gram.

Sassy Tip: Be sure to catch the light and sound spectacular, where the building’s outer façade comes to life with dazzling lighting effects choreographed to classic British-themed musical scores, running hourly from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.

The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo. s/n, Cotai, Macau, +853 2882 2878, www.londonermacao.com

Hotel Pousada de Coloane

Hotel Pousada de Coloane is a quaint boutique hotel that offers an experience that couldn’t be further away from the extravagant hotels along the Cotai Strip. Hotel Pousada is a former manor house from the 1930s. Located on the beachfront in the southern bay of Macau, this is a lovely hideaway for an idyllic stay with a touch of history.

Hotel Pousada de Coloane, Cheoc-Van Beach – Coloane Island, Macau, +853 2888 2143, www.hotelpcoloane.com.mo

Read More: The Best Hotel Staycations In Hong Kong

What To Eat & Drink In Macau

Macau Cafés And Snacks

Macau has a long-standing coffee culture, taking roots from its colonial era. Sei Kee Café and Cafe Namping are some nostalgic options. For more hip and up-and-coming spots, check out Chaa and Brew Lab.

• Sei Kee Café – Famous for its traditional clay-pot coffee and tea and nostalgic Macanese snacks. 1 Largo dos Bombeiros Voluntários, Macau, www.seikeecafe.com
• Cafe Tai Lei Loi Kei – Another traditional local café selling crispy pork chop buns and Portuguese-style spicy fish bun. 35 Rua Correria da Silva, Taipa, Macau, www.facebook.com/taileiloikeiSG
• Cafe Namping – A popular spot to enjoy local cafe fare on Rua de Cinco de Outubro on the Macau Peninsula. 85A, 85 Rua de Cinco de Outubro, Macau.
• Chaa Caffeine & Treats – A quiet sanctuary 10-minutes away from the Ruins of St. Paul that serves great matcha and brunch treats. R/C A, Mei Lei Court, 84 Rua das Estalagens, Macau, www.facebook.com/chaa.macau
• Brew Lab Coffee – A stylish cafe offering a house blend of beans from Yunnan and Ethiopia. 106 Rua do Matapau, Macau, www.facebook.com/Brewlabmacau

Street Food Along Rua do Cunha

From Portuguese egg tarts to beef offal, Rua do Cunha has it all. Be mentally prepared for a dense crowd, but don’t let this put you off as the queues tend to move quickly. Our advice is to not jump into the first queue you see. Do a quick scope of the area – you might be surprised by what you’ll find further down the street. Pastelaria Fong Kei is a local favourite. This century-old pastry shop can only be found in Cotai so make sure to get there early before some of their best sellers get sold out for the day.

Chef Tam’s Seasons

A crown jewel of Macau’s dining scene is Chef Tam’s Seasons, which boasts one Michelin Star and 49th spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. This conceptual restaurant interestingly draws inspiration from the 24 solar terms that govern the minute changes in temperature and humidity.

Chef Tam’s Seasons, G/F, North Esplanade, Wynn Palace, Avenida da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, Macau, +853 8889 3663, www.wynnresortsmacau.com/chef-tams-seasons

Read More: 6 Hong Kong Restaurants Make It On Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 List

Cheong Kei (祥記麵家)

This family-run noodle shop with Bib Gourmand status has an unsuspecting storefront yet, for 50+ years, Cheong Kei has been serving arguably the best fine noodles in town. You have to try its signature dish: noodles with dried shrimp roe. All dry noodles come with a bowl of soup, which is cooked with dried prawns and plaice for over eight hours. The best thing about this is that you can ask for refills free of charge!

Cheong Kei (祥記麵家), 68 Rua da Felicidade, +853 2857 4310

Read More: The Best Michelin-Recommended Cheap Eats In Hong Kong – New Bib Gourmand Restaurants & More

Fernando’s Restaurant

For an evening option that provides a coastal contrast to the glamour of modern Cotai, head over to Fernando’s, an authentic Portuguese restaurant located at the southern tip of Hác Sa beach in Coloane. This charming eatery serves a variety of seafood and other Portuguese staples with a plentiful wine range to pair.

Fernando’s Restaurant, 9 Estrada de Hác Sá. Coloane, Macau, +853 2888 2264

Saffron

Banyan Tree’s signature restaurant, Saffron, is helmed by award-winning native Thai chef Jan Ruangnukulkit. Having been recently revamped and bumped up to the 31st floor, the gorgeous restaurant offers breathtaking views of the city and a transportive tasting menu that will tickle your tastebuds.

Saffron, G/F, Banyan Tree Macau, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Macau, +853 8883 6061, www.banyantree.com/saffron

Andaz Kitchen

Taking inspiration from traditional shop fronts around Macau (think mosaic tiles and wooden archways), Andaz Kitchen is a great all-day dining destination if you’re around the Galaxy complex. Diners can watch chefs work live from the open kitchen and experience Executive Chef André Lai’s unique blend of Portuguese, Macanese Western and regional Chinese flavours.

Andaz Kitchen, Level 6, North Tower, Andaz Macau, Estrada da Baía da Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Macau, +853 8883 2221, www.galaxymacau.com/andaz-kitchen

La Chine

If you can’t make it to Paris, why not try La Chine, an award-winning Cantonese restaurant tucked inside the Eiffel Tower at The Parisian? Located on the sixth floor, La Chine offers a sophisticated location for a romantic lunch and dinner, as well as a panoramic view of the surroundings. The menu, curated by Executive Chef Ben Lui, is a fusion between fine French and Chinese cuisines.

La Chine, 6/F, Eiffel Tower, The Parisian Macao, Estrada do Istmo, Lote 3, Cotai, Macau +853 8111 9210, www.parisianmacao.com

Read More: The Best Hong Kong Dim Sum – Where To Find Yum Cha In Hong Kong

L’Attitude

End your day on a high at this stylish retreat. Book a seat at the restaurant to enjoy signature French dishes like hand-chopped tartare, French onion soup and Burgundy snails in butter sauce, then head to the bar for a crafted cocktail or two (or wait around for the gin cart to stop by your table if you want the mixologist to fix you a custom drink).

L’Attitude, Level 3, North Side, Morpheus, City of Dreams, Estr. do Istmo, Macau, +853 8868 3436, www.cityofdreamsmacau.com/lattitude-bar

The Conservatory, Sheraton Grand Macao

The Conservatory, 1/F, Sheraton Grand Macao, The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo. s/n, Macau, +853 8113 1200, www.theconservatorymacao.com

The St. Regis Bar

During the day, The St. Regis Bar plays host to a classy afternoon tea, featuring three tiers of sweet and savoury pastries and cakes, finger sandwiches and divine hand-crafted scones. In the evening, the bar dims and is buzzing with live jazz music and the jovial clinks of cocktail glasses. The Macau-inspired mural behind the bar makes for the perfect backdrop for your obligatory cheersing boomerang.

The St. Regis Bar, 2/F, The St. Regis Macao, The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo, s/n, Cotai, Macau, +853 8113 1300, www.thestregisbarmacao.com

What To Do In Macau

There’s more to Macau than just casinos. Having been a Portuguese colony for almost 600 years up until 1999, Macau’s identity is deeply rooted in its Cantonese culture but also heavily influenced by Western Europe. This is particularly evident in the colonial buildings scattered around Macau and the fact that Portuguese is a co-official language there.

Senado Square and the Ruins of St Paul’s

If it’s your first time visiting Macau, a good place to start would be Senado Square, a popular shopping and dining area that is also part of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site. On the way to the Ruins of St. Paul’s, you’ll walk past St. Dominic’s Church, where royal weddings took place back in the day. Once you reach the ruins, make sure to go up those stairs to see a display of how the church used to look, and admire the view from a higher vantage point before you make your way back down.

Travessa da Paixāo

Don’t get sucked into the souvenir shops just yet. Make a right turn at the bottom of the hill and pass by Travessa da Paixāo for a romantic pitstop. With colourful houses lining both sides of the street, this is a popular photo spot.

Read More: 15 Underrated Instagram-Worthy Places In Hong Kong

Calçada do Amparo and Rua dos Ervanários

You might also want to check out Calçada do Amparo, a colourful alleyway just off Rue de São Paulo. This creative walkway will lead you down to Rua dos Ervanários, a street offering a glimpse of old Macau with a growing number of hipster coffee shops.

Skypark Macau by AJ Hackett

Feeling daring? Located in the heart of downtown Macau Peninsula, take a plunge from a height of 233 metres at the world’s 10th tallest freestanding tower.

Skypark Macau by AJ Hackett, Level T2, Adventure Zone Macau Tower, Macau, +853 8988 8656, www.skyparkglobal.com

Read More: Things To Do – Your Ultimate Hong Kong Bucket List

teamLab SuperNature Macao

Get your cameras ready and head to The Venetian where the popular Japanese immersive art space teamLab SuperNature resides. The three-dimensional interactive space spans 5,000 square metres and comprises eight-metre-tall interactive works of art by the art collective.

teamLab SuperNature Macao, Cotai Expo, Hall F, The Venetian Macao, Macau, +853 2882 8818, sandsresortsmacao.com

ZIPCITY Macau

Looking for a speedy way to see the city? What about at a speed of up to 55 kilometres per hour? 60 metres in height and 388 metres in length, you can do just that at Asia Pacific’s first urban zipline attraction.

ZIPCITY Macau, R89 and R100, Retro Zone, Lisboeta Macau, Rua da Patinagem, Macau, +853 2888 6785, www.zipcity.com/home

Editor’s Note: “Your Guide To Macau: What To Eat, See & Do” was originally written by Chantelle Pang and was most recently updated by Nicole Moraleda in April 2024.