Ultimate Travel Guide to Macau for First-timers: Top Places to Visit

Located just a ferry ride away from Hong Kong, Macau is a dazzling blend of East and West, where Portuguese heritage intertwines seamlessly with Chinese traditions. Known as the “Vegas of the East,” Macau is known for its opulent casinos and vibrant nightlife. But apart from that, Macau boasts a treasure trove of historical landmarks, charming cobblestone streets, and a rich culinary scene that every traveler gets to explore its depths.

Macau is usually a side trip for travelers visiting from Hong Kong, where, in fact, you can explore the country for a day, just to experience the beauty of it and everything else that it offers. In the case of mine, I’ve been to Macau three times and to be honest, I didn’t mind going back and forth since I totally love Macau’s cuisine. From its iconic egg tarts and Michelin-starred dim sum to local milk tea, everything was really good! Not to mention the fact that those IG-worthy places to visit in Macau.

Thus, if you’re visiting Macau for the first time, I listed some of the best places to visit, the best places to eat, and everything in between. Here’s the ultimate travel guide to Macau for first-timers.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Macau?

Macau International Airport serves flights from major cities across Asia. If you’re coming from the Philippines, there are direct flights from Manila to Macau daily. Alternatively, travelers can fly into Hong Kong International Airport and take a ferry or bus to Macau. It takes about an hour to get from Hong Kong to Macau via ferry or bus.

I tried both taking the bus and the ferry, but I would still prefer taking the ferry because I found it more convenient based on experience. If you take the bus from Macau to Hong Kong or from Hong Kong to Macau, the bus terminal is quite far from the city center.

Essential Travel Guide & Tips

Macau Pataca (MOP) is the official currency in Macau, but Hong Kong Dollars are widely accepted.
Cantonese and Portuguese are the official languages, though English is commonly used in tourist areas.
Use the efficient public bus system or inexpensive taxis. Many hotels offer free shuttle buses. If you opt to take the taxi, please take note that the metered taxi starts at MOP 21.
Free Wi-Fi is available at most tourist spots and hotels.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and always ask before taking photos of locals.
Always bring your passport everywhere you go.

Top Places to Visit in Macau

If you’re visiting Macau for the first time, here are some of the top places to visit in Macau.

Ruins of St. Paul’s

The Ruins of St. Paul’s is an iconic and historical landmark in Macau. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the remains of a 17th-century Catholic church. I must say that this is undeniably one of the most popular places to visit in Macau!

Senado Square

Senado Square is a vibrant public square with European-style architecture, colorful mosaics, and plenty of shops and cafes to explore. This is just a walking distance from the ruins, and there are a lot of local shops that you can check out.

One thing that you’ll love about Senado Square is that every store offers a free taste of its products or food that it’s selling. Thus, you’ll get to enjoy exploring the area with free snacks. Lol.

Macau Tower

For stunning city views and adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping, this tower is a must-visit.

The Cotai Strip

Macau is home to world-class resorts and casinos like The Venetian and City of Dreams; this area is perfect for entertainment and luxury shopping. This area is a perfect place for those travelers who are into luxury shopping.

Taipa Village Street

This Taipa Village Street is a beautiful place where you can explore charming alleys, colonial houses, and authentic eateries in this cultural hub.

Best Places to Eat in Macau

Blossom Cafe
Victoria Cafe
Mr. Gung
Tsu Wah Restaurant
Lei Hin Cafe
Sei Kee Cafe

Where to Stay in Macau?

If you’re planning to stay overnight in Macau or even for a few days, here are some of the budget-friendly hotels to stay at when in Macau. Also, the best thing about these hotels is that it’s just a walking distance from Senado Square and the Ruins.

San Tu Fong Commercial Inn
London Hotel

From UNESCO-listed sites like the Ruins of St. Paul’s and the historic Senado Square to the exhilarating heights of the Macau Tower and the modern grandeur of the Cotai Strip, Macau offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. Its unique fusion of European architecture, Chinese culture, and world-class entertainment ensures that every corner of Macau tells a story.