Coco Chanel said, “The best things in life are free. The second best things are very, very expensive”. Macau has one of the highest GDPs per capita in the entire world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t afford to visit and explore the city without spending half your salary. There are many affordable things to see, do, and eat around town! Read here to know our bucket list of things to do if you’re visiting Macau on a budget.
BREAKFAST: Lord Stow’s Bakery
Kick off your Macau adventure with a warm, golden Portuguese egg tart from Lord Stow’s Bakery in Coloane. With its perfectly crisp layers of flaky pastry and rich, caramelized custard filling, this legendary treat is a must-try. Enjoy your tart at one of the outdoor tables, where you can soak in the village’s laid-back charm before setting off on your budget-friendly exploration.
Also read: Where to Find the Best Portuguese Egg Tarts in Macau
Lord Stow’s Bakery 1 Rua do Tassara, Coloane Town Square, Macau, +853 2888 2534, www.lordstow.com
MORNING: Coloane Village & Scenic Walk to Panda Pavilion
Escape the bustling casinos and neon lights with a peaceful stroll through Coloane Village, one of Macau’s best-kept secrets. This historic neighborhood, with its pastel-colored colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and quiet waterfront cafés, feels like stepping into a different era.
Be sure to stop by:
- Chapel of St. Francis Xavier – A picturesque yellow and white chapel that’s as photogenic as it is historic.
- Tam Kung Temple – A sacred site dedicated to the sea god Tam Kung, believed to have the power to control the weather.
For an adventurous twist, skip the bus and take a hike through Coloane Hills instead. This easy uphill trail is lined with lush greenery and occasional viewpoints, making for a scenic 30-40 minute hike that leads straight to your next stop—the Panda Pavilion.
Chapel of St. Francis Xavier Rua do Caetano/Largo Eduardo Marques, Coloane
Also read: Off the Beaten Path: 10 Things to Do in Coloane
MID-MORNING: Say Hello to the Giant Pandas
It’s time to visit Macau’s cutest residents, Kai Kai and Xin Xin, who live at the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion. These cuddly bears spend their days munching on bamboo, rolling around, or napping in the funniest positions — all of which you can enjoy without spending a single pataca!
Want to explore more? The surrounding Seac Pai Van Park is a hidden gem, featuring aviaries, a small zoo, and scenic nature trails — all free to roam.
Also read: 5 Things to Do at Macau Giant Panda Pavilion & Seac Pai Van Park
Macao Giant Panda Pavilion Avenida de Seac Pai Van, Coloane, +853 2833 7676
LUNCH: Tai Lei Loi Kei, Macau’s Most Famous Pork Chop Bun
After a morning of exploring, satisfy your hunger with one of Macau’s most famous street eats—the pork chop bun from Tai Lei Loi Kei. This no-frills sandwich, made with a crispy, juicy pork chop tucked into a lightly toasted bun, has been a local favorite for over 50 years.
If pork isn’t your thing, head to a cha chaan teng (local tea café), where you’ll find affordable comfort food like buttery Hong Kong-style French toast, noodle soups, and classic milk tea—all for budget-friendly prices.
Also read: Cha Chaan Teng: Macau’s Authentic Coffee Shops
Tai Lei Loi Kei, 35 Rua Correia da Silva, Taipa Village, Taipa, Macau, www.taileiloi.com.mo
AFTERNOON: Gardens, Free Museums
After lunch, head to Lou Lim Ieoc Garden. A lush, hidden paradise in the middle of the city, Lou Lim Ieoc Garden is Macau’s version of a classical Chinese garden—complete with zigzag bridges, koi ponds, bamboo groves, and pavilions straight out of a kung-fu movie.
Also read: Lou Lim Ieoc: The Garden With a Troubled History
Hungry for some art? Dive into Macau’s art scene at the Macao Museum of Art (MAM)—one of the best free museums in the city. And it’s free! They regularly feature international exhibitions and a permanent collection of ancient Chinese scrolls, ceramics, and more exciting pieces.
Two other interesting museums are the Tak Seng On Pawnshop, in the city centre, and the Communications Museum, where you’ll know about the history of post office and telephone system in Macau. Their photography and old documents archives are amazing!
Also read: 5 Museums in Macau the Whole Family Can Enjoy
Also read: The Best Free Museums in Macau
Lou Lim Ioc Garden 10 Estrada de Adolfo Loureiro, Macau
Macao Museum of Art Avenida Xian Xing Hai, NAPE, Macau
EARLY EVENING: Hidden Casino Art
By the way, don’t overlook Macau’s casinos! As they aren’t just about gambling—they’re home to incredible free art collections that most visitors never notice. Here are the must-sees:
- MGM Macau – Home to Salvador Dalí’s bronze masterpiece, Dalinian Dancer, and a gigantic Valkyrie Octopus installation by Joana Vasconcelos.
- Grand Lisboa – The lobby showcases the stunning Taichi bronze sculptures by Ju Ming.
- MGM Cotai – Houses a jaw-dropping collection of Qing Dynasty Imperial carpets and a massive digital art ceiling displaying mesmerizing visuals.
Also read: Your Ultimate Macau Art Guide
Grand Lisboa Macau Avenida de Lisboa, Macau, +853 2828 3838, www.grandlisboahotel.com
MGM Cotai Avenida da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, +853 8802 8888, www.mgm.mo
MGM Macau Vista, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, +853 8802 8888, www.mgm.mo/en
Credits: Inês Gonçalves
EVENING: Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul’s & Street Food Feast
As the sun sets, head to Macau’s historic heart—Senado Square, where the cobblestone streets and pastel-hued colonial buildings transport you straight to the colonial times. From here, it’s a short walk to the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Macau’s most photogenic landmark. Climb the steps, take in the view, and soak up 400 years of history.
Also read: Ultimate Guide to the Historic Centre of Macao
Wrap up your day with a budget-friendly street food adventure on Rua do Cunha in Taipa Village. Skip the overpriced tourist traps and go for local classics:
- Curry fish balls – Spicy, bouncy, and dangerously addictive.
- Pork jerky – Sweet, smoky, and perfect for a snack on the go.
- Almond cookies – Macau’s most famous souvenir (but better when eaten fresh).
Ruins of St Paul’s Rua de Sao Paulo, Macau, www.macaotourism.gov.mo
Also read: Macau’s Best Street Food
Also read: Macau’s Best Cheap Eats
Pro Tip: Take advantage of casino shuttle buses—they’re free and frequent and connect major landmarks. No need to spend a dime on taxis!
This article Macau on a Budget was originally written by Bel Faustino in 2016 and updated by Leonor Sá Machado in November 2020 and Ksenia Kuzmina in March 2025.
