Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China on the Pearl River Delta, about 60 km west of Hong Kong. Its compact peninsula and the islands of Taipa and Coloane combine a UNESCO-listed Portuguese colonial old town, Cantonese temples and street food, and the glittering casino resorts of the Cotai Strip.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Macau.
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1
Ruins of St. Paul's
The carved granite facade of a 17th-century Jesuit church is Macau's most famous landmark and part of the UNESCO Historic Centre.
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2
Senado Square
A pedestrian square paved in black-and-white wave patterns, surrounded by pastel colonial buildings, the Leal Senado and shops selling almond cookies.
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3
A-Ma Temple
A 15th-century Taoist and Buddhist temple complex climbing the hillside above the Inner Harbour, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, from whom Macau gets its name.
Tip: Arrive before 9:00AM for the quietest courtyards and the best light for photographs. · Entry is free; small donations for incense are optional and not required. · Dress modestly and keep voices low near altars while worshippers are praying. · Allow extra time for the steep, uneven stone steps to the upper pavilions. · Pair the visit with the Maritime Museum across the square.
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4
Mount Fortress and Museum of Macau
A 17th-century hilltop fort with panoramic views, containing the Museum of Macau on Macau's history, folk customs and traditional crafts.
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5
Guia Fortress and Lighthouse
The 17th-century Guia Fort, chapel and 1865 lighthouse, the oldest on the China coast, on the highest point of the peninsula.
Tip: Check the cable car schedule before going, as it closes on Mondays on alternate weeks. · Visit in late afternoon for clearer light and city views, but allow time before the 5:30PM close. · Wear comfortable shoes if walking up through the park, as the path is steady uphill. · Bring water in summer, as the exposed ramparts have little shade. · Entry to the fort and chapel is free.
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6
Macau Tower
A 338-metre tower with an observation deck, a glass-floor walk, the Skywalk X outdoor walk and a 233-metre commercial bungee jump.
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7
Lou Kau Mansion
An 1889 Cantonese merchant's mansion with carved wood, blue brick and a courtyard, an example of traditional Lingnan architecture.
Tip: Check that the mansion is not on a Monday, when it is closed. · Visit on a weekday morning to avoid tour groups from Senado Square. · Entry is free, so it fits easily into a walking tour of the historic centre. · Look for the carved woodwork and stained glass details in the main hall. · Combine with St. Dominic's Church, only a few minutes away.
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8
St. Dominic's Church
A cream-and-yellow Baroque church from 1587 with a gilded altar and an upstairs treasury of sacred art.
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9
Holy House of Mercy
A 16th-century charity building next to Senado Square with a small museum of historic Catholic relics and artefacts.
Tip: Verify opening hours before visiting, as they vary and the museum closes for lunch. · Admission is about MOP 5, and children under 12 enter free. · Visit just after opening to avoid tour groups. · Check posted signs for photography rules in each gallery. · Combine with St. Dominic's Church and the Ruins of St. Paul's on foot.
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10
Lin Fung Temple
A 17th-century Chinese temple dedicated to Tin Hau and Kun Iam, with a Chinese-style shrine layout and a link to the Opium War treaty negotiations.
Tip: Visit in the morning when incense is burning and light reaches the courtyards. · Entry is free; incense and donations are optional. · Dress modestly and avoid photographing worshippers closely. · Take buses 1A, 3, 10 or 10A to the Lin Fung Temple stop. · Look for the memorial hall related to Lin Zexu.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Ruins of St. Paul's
The iconic 17th-century church facade at the top of the old town
Senado Square
The wave-patterned pedestrian centre of the old town
Guia Fortress and Lighthouse
The oldest lighthouse on the China coast, overlooking the peninsula
Macau Tower
A 338 m tower with observation deck and adventure activities
Temples_and_churches
A-Ma Temple
A seaside Taoist temple complex dedicated to Mazu
Lin Fung Temple
A 17th-century Chinese temple on the northern peninsula
St. Dominic's Church
A Baroque church from 1587 near Senado Square
Museums
Mount Fortress and Museum of Macau
History and folk culture of Macau inside a fort
Macau Grand Prix Museum
Racing cars and bikes from the Macau Grand Prix
Taipa Houses-Museum
Restored Portuguese-style villas on a lagoon
Holy House of Mercy
Historic charity building with sacred art
Nature_and_parks
Camoes Garden and Grotto
A shaded garden loved by local chess players
Hac Sa Beach
Macau's largest natural beach
Giant Panda Pavilion at Seac Pai Van Park
Pandas in a quiet hillside park
Neighborhoods
Taipa Village
Old village streets with Macanese food and houses
Coloane Village
A quiet fishing village with chapel and bakery
The Venetian Macao Grand Canal
Resort with indoor canals and gondolas on the Cotai Strip
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Government museums open about 10AM-6PM and most close on Mondays or Tuesdays; temples open from early morning; casino resorts open 24 hours
- Fees
- Many sights are free; museums cost about MOP 5-30 (approx $0.65-3.75); Macau Tower observation deck MOP 208 (approx $26)
- Best Times
- October to December for comfortable weather; early mornings or evenings to avoid tour groups
- Booking
- Macau Tower and the Venetian gondolas can be booked online; museums are generally walk-in. Information hotline of the Macao Government Tourism Office: +853 2833 3000
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Wear comfortable shoes; the old town streets are cobbled and hilly
Check icm.gov.mo for free museum days (often the 15th of the month)
Cover shoulders and knees in churches and temples
Start at Senado Square, then walk uphill to Ruins of St. Paul's and Mount Fortress
Use free casino shuttles from the Border Gate and ferry terminals to reach Cotai
Carry small MOP or HKD coins for temple donations and buses
Frequently asked questions
What is the best season to visit attractions in Macau?
October to December is the driest and most comfortable. July to September can bring typhoons and heat, and Golden Week (1-7 October) is very crowded.
How much do Macau attractions cost?
Many top sights such as the Ruins of St. Paul's, Senado Square and A-Ma Temple are free. Museums cost roughly MOP 5-30 (approx $0.65-3.75) and the Macau Tower observation deck is MOP 208 (approx $26).
How many days do I need to see the main attractions?
Allow one full day for the UNESCO old town, half a day for Taipa and Coloane, and another half day for Cotai resorts.
Can I visit the Ruins of St. Paul's for free?
Yes. The facade and steps are open-air and free at all hours; the adjoining Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt have separate hours.