Let’s forget the obvious activity that Macau is famous for and see what else this multicultural city has to offer for those willing to dive into an adventure with eyes wide open. Whether you are planning a trip to Macau or living here and would like to learn more about this exciting city, this list is for you!
Wander around the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macau
Centuries of Macau’s existence have shaped it into a unique place with cultural fusion and rich history. Luckily, Macau managed to preserve much of its heritage, not letting it disperse due to rapid development. That said, heading to the Macau peninsula to see the historic center marked as a UNESCO heritage site is a must.
It is safe to assume that you will not struggle to find the well-known Senado Square and the Ruins of St. Paul’s. Although both attractions are worth visiting, there is much more to Macau’s historic center. Moreover, the lesser-known UNESCO sites tend to be much less crowded. Start your journey from A-Ma Temple, the oldest temple in the city, and move on to the south, stopping by magnificent Catholic churches, tranquil squares, and magnificent mansions.
Also read: Top Locations to Visit in the UNESCO Designated Historic Centre of Macao
Leap the highest bungy jump in the world
This attraction is not for the faint of heart, but those who dare will not regret it! Over four million brave individuals have experienced the bungy jump with Skypark by AJ Hackett at Macau Tower, and more are coming. A cocktail of adrenaline, fear, and excitement will guarantee that Macau’s memories will stay with you forever. A free fall from the 233-meter-high platform is something to brag to your mates about!
There are a few more activities to try at Macau Tower, including Tower Climb and Sky Walk. If you don’t feel like pushing your limits, riding the elevator up Macau Tower and enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view is still worth riding.
Skypark by AJ Hackett Macau Tower, Level T2, Adventure Zone, Macau Tower, Macau, +853 8988 8656, www.skyparkmacau.com
Chapel of St. Francis Xavier
Travel to Coloane
Macau consists of three major areas–the Macau peninsula connected with Taipa and Coloane islands with three bridges. Among them, Coloane is the greenest and the most peaceful. When locals wish to rest from Macau’s hustle and bustle, they often go to one of Coloane’s sandy beaches, hike up the hills, or dine at outdoor terraces. Apart from that relaxing pastime, you can walk through Coloane Village’s narrow alleyways full of colorful houses and street art. Don’t forget to stop by the picturesque Chapel of St. Francis Xavier and grab a couple of egg tarts at Lord Stow’s Cafe. If you are interested in exploring ancient Chinese temples, visit the Tam Kuang Temple. It was constructed in 1862 to honor Tam Kuang, the child God of the Sea.
Chapel of St. Francis Xavier Rua do Caetano/Largo Eduardo Marques, Coloane
Lord Stow’s Garden Café G/F C Houston Court 21 Largo do Matadouro, Coloane Village, Macau, +853 2888 1851, www.lordstow.com
Also read: Off the Beaten Path: 10 Things to Do in Coloane
African chicken at La Famiglia
Savor local food
You might have heard that UNESCO proclaimed Macau a creative city of gastronomy, but did you know that local Macanese cuisine is believed to be the first fusion cuisine in the world? If you consider yourself a foodie, missing out on Macanese specialties would be a shame. Head to one of the family-style restaurants and savor must-tries such as African chicken, minchi, and bebinca.
Also read: Best Places for Macanese Food in Macau
Would it be a complete culinary experience without street food? Asia is known for bustling food markets and stalls where everything is sizzling, steaming, and emitting a tempting aroma. Savory or sweet treats, taking a bite at one of Macau’s street food locations is a must. Just mark them on your map and stop by while exploring the city.
Also read: Macau’s Best Street Food
Alain Ducasse at Morpheus
Dress up & book a table at a Michelin restaurant
Besides casual eateries and comfort food, Macau is the perfect destination for fine dining. Its humble 115 square kilometers host two three-star, six two-star, and eight one-star Michelin restaurants. How impressive is that? Some restaurants, like Robuchon au Dôme, have been in Macau for years, constantly proving their outstanding quality with the highest award in gastronomy. Others were recognized by the Michelin committee shortly after their grand opening like Alain Ducasse at Morpheus!
Macau is one of the best cities to dive into the diverse world of Chinese cuisine – there are plenty of awarded Chinese restaurants to dine at. Try The Eight at Grand Lisboa, a restaurant with the cutest-ever dim sum, or visit Lai Heen at The Ritz-Carlton for excellent Cantonese food. Choose from Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian cuisines–whatever it is, the experience will not disappoint you. Just don’t forget to get your phone ready for those artsy creations.
Robuchon au Dôme Grand Lisboa, Avenida de Lisboa, Macau, +853 2828 3838, www.grandlisboahotel.com
Alain Ducasse at Morpheus Morpheus, City of Dreams Macau, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, +853 8868 3432, www.cityofdreamsmacau.com
Lai Heen 51F, The Ritz-Carlton, Galaxy Macau, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Cotai, +853 8886 6868, www.galaxymacau.com/lai-heen
Also read: Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Macau to Dine At
Also read: The Most Outstanding Chinese Restaurants in Macau
Vida Rica Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Macau
Go bar-hopping
Cocktail culture has become increasingly popular in the last few decades. Like culinary adventures, bar-hopping can become an exciting part of a trip and another way to explore the diverse flavors of a location. If you are a cocktail aficionado, Macau offers a variety of bars that are sure to surprise and impress. Visit Goa Night at Broadway Macau to try their cocktail menu inspired by Goan culture and Macau landmarks. Don’t miss out on the signature cocktails at Vida Rica Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Macau. For a taste of Prohibition-era New York with original cocktails and creative presentations, accompanied by live jazz performances, visit The St. Regis Bar Macao, a fixture on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list—a spot you definitely won’t want to miss.
Not a big fan of cocktails? Macau has many casual pubs and bars with friendly crowds and live music. Try Old Taipa Tavern in Taipa Village for a refreshing pint of IPA and a chat with residents. If you can’t live without rock’n’roll, then The Roadhouse Macau would make a perfect pit stop. They have an in-house band that plays rock and blues six nights a week!
Goa Nights Shops E-G020-G021 Broadway Macau, Av. Marginal Flor de Lotus, Cotai, +853 2856 7819, goanights.com
Vida Rica Bar Mandarin Oriental, Macau, 945 Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, +853 8805 8928, www.mandarinoriental.com
The St. Regis Bar Macao 2F, The St. Regis Macao, The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo, s/n, Cotai, +853 2882 8898, www.thestregisbarmacao.com
OTT 21 Rua dos Negociantes, Taipa Village, +853 2882 5221, www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Taipa-Tavern
The Roadhouse Macau E-G016-G019 Broadway Food Street, Broadway Macau, Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Cotai, +853 2875 2945, www.facebook.com/theroadhousemacau
Also read: Show Me the Way to: Macau’s Best Cocktail Bars
Also read: Shaken or Stirred: Macau’s Best Cocktails
Get lost in Taipa Village
Nestled between the bustling residential area of Taipa and the lively Cotai district, Taipa Village has preserved its authenticity and historic charm. Spend a day exploring its many landmarks, with breaks at cozy restaurants and vibrant bars along the way.
Begin your journey on the bustling Rua do Cunha, lined with souvenir and pastry shops, and wander through the winding alleys. As you explore, you’ll uncover some of Taipa Village’s hidden gems—street art tucked away in the lanes and the traditional azulejos panel showcasing scenic blue-and-white landscapes.
Also read: The Best Things To Do in Taipa Village
A-Ma Temple
Visit Ancient temples
Macau is a unique blend of diverse cultures and religions that coexist harmoniously, sometimes under one roof. While many Chinese temples were lost during the Cultural Revolution on the Mainland, Macau was fortunate to preserve its sacred sites. From the northern border to Coloane Island, the city is home to numerous Taoist and Buddhist temples, some of which date back to the 15th century—long before the arrival of Portuguese settlers. Each temple holds its own stories, legends, and myths, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Macau’s rich history.
Also read: Your Ultimate Guide to Macau’s Most Beautiful Temples
Macao Museum
Learn more about the city in one of Macau’s museums
Though relatively small, Macau boasts a variety of fascinating museums that can keep you entertained for days or even weeks. Many are free, and even those with admission fees are affordable. History buffs and those interested in urban development, traditions, and culture should visit the Macao Museum at Mount Fortress. Art lovers will enjoy the Macao Museum of Art, while motorsport enthusiasts can head to the Grand Prix Museum to see the bolides that have competed in the Macau Grand Prix. There’s something for every kind of visitor!
Also read: The 5 Best Free Museums in Macau
Also read: 5 Museums in Macau the Whole Family Can Enjoy
Morpheus Hotel
Be amazed by the contemporary architecture & entertainment of Cotai
Macau’s modern side is just as fascinating as its traditional attractions, with contemporary architecture and avant-garde art, especially along the Cotai Strip. Surprisingly, the land where Cotai’s resorts now stand didn’t even exist before 1999! Taipa and Coloane were once separated by water, but land reclamation connected them, creating what is now a vibrant center for Macau’s economy.
One of Cotai’s most iconic landmarks is the Morpheus Hotel, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Its bold exterior is matched by an interior filled with contemporary art from famous artists like KAWS and Julio Le Parc. The best part? You can explore all the art pieces for free.
Another must-see is Wynn Palace, known for its impressive art collection featuring stunning flower installations and ancient Chinese ceramics. While you’re there, don’t miss the SkyCabin ride, which gives you a breathtaking view of the Performance Lake’s fountain show, where the fountains “dance” to Disney tunes or classical music.
If you’re a movie buff, Studio City is the perfect spot, with its Hollywood theme, Gotham City-inspired architecture, and art deco design. The Golden Reel, a unique figure-eight-shaped Ferris wheel, adds to the resort’s cinematic charm. For even more fun, check out Studio City Water Park’s thrilling water slides, wave pools, and a relaxing lazy river—ideal for families and adventurers alike.
New resorts like The Londoner Macao, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, and Grand Lisboa Palace bring even more elegance to Cotai. The Londoner Macao adds a touch of British charm with its replicas of famous London landmarks. Meanwhile, Raffles offers a luxurious escape with personalized service, and Grand Lisboa Palace blends Eastern and Western styles with its beautiful design, shopping, and dining options.
Morpheus City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, +853 8868 6688, www.cityofdreamsmacau.com
Wynn Palace Cotai Avenida Da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, +853 8889 8889, www.wynnpalace.com/en
Studio City Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, +853 8865 8888, www.studiocity-macau.com
The Londoner Macao Estrada do Istmo. s/n, Cotai, +853 2882 8874, www.londonermacao.com
Raffles Galaxy Macau, Estrada Da Baia Da Nossa Senhora, Cotai, +853 8886 3388, www.raffles.com
Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau Rua do Tiro, Cotai, +853 8881 8888, www.grandlisboapalace.com
Also read: Your Ultimate Macau Art Guide
This article was originally written by Ksenia Kuzmina in July 2020 and updated in October 2024.
