Macau & Hong Kong Diaries: The Best Macau Tourist Attractions

My East Asia adventures continued in the Hong Kong Region, this time visiting Macau, one of the most unique destinations I have ever been to.

With only three days with the family in this vibrant destination, the schedule was hectic, visiting several Macau tourist attractions.

Macau tourism is literally in your face from the moment you get off the Macau ferry, with neatly dressed women in their high shorts handing out flyers to the casinos they represent.

At that moment, you realise Macau is a real adult destination with gambling, vibrant nightlife, and mesmerising Macau shows that are a hit with the public. That being said, Macau is certainly suitable enough for families, too.

However, the nightlife and casinos are just a tiny part of what Macau attractions represent. Plenty is going on with old Portuguese Heritage Buildings and the busy city streets, which endlessly lead you to the best Macao attractions.

When finding out what to do in Macau in 3 days, our family entertainment never ended. By the time the trip concluded, it’s fair to say we were exhausted, hopping from one place to another.

If you only have a few days in your Macau travel schedule, follow this similar itinerary because I can assure you that it’ll work for you, and there are plenty of things to do in Macau that won’t cost you a dime.

Let’s check out; Fai Dinkum Traveller’s special edition of Macau Diaries.

 

Are you heading on a Macau Holiday? Find fantastic hotel rates at Booking.com!

 

 

Macau & Hong Kong Diaries: The Top Macau Tourist Attractions We Visited

 

Exploring the Hidden Gems of Macau and Hong Kong: Our Unforgettable Tour of Macau’s Top Tourist Attractions and Must-See Landmarks, Including the Historic Ruins of St. Paul’s, The Venetian Macao, Senado Square, Macau Tower, A-Ma Temple, and More.

 

 

How to Get to Macau from Hong Kong

Catching the Hong Kong to Macau Ferry is the best way to travel between the two destinations, and it’ll only take about an hour of sailing through the waters to arrive at your destination, whichever way you are going.

I have written an in-depth article on the Hong Kong Macau Ferry system, which you can read with this link.

In a nutshell, there are two ferry companies, TurboJet and Cotai Water Jet. Each ferry departs or arrives at the Hong Kong- Macau Ferry Terminal and travels between the two main Ferry terminals in Macau.

All ferries run regularly throughout the day, so you don’t have to worry about missing a ride. The first ferry usually departs from either terminal at 7 am, and the last boat of the day leaves just before midnight.

The ferry cost can vary depending on class, but adult tickets usually cost HKD$160.

 

 

 

The Macau Hotel we Regrettably Stayed in.

During our stay in Macau at the Emperor Hotel, we were fortunate only to spend two nights. The reason for this was the overwhelming cigarette smell that permeated our non-smoking room. Despite the considerable amount of money we spent on this particular hotel, we were disappointed and frustrated by the unpleasant odour.

The hotel had all the necessary amenities to be remarkable, which would be true for some visitors. The rooms were spacious, with plenty of room to move around, and were kept clean by the housekeeping staff. The mini-bar fridge was also stocked with complimentary snacks, which was a nice touch. The hotel offered a substantial buffet breakfast with a wide variety of options. We were impressed with the quality and quantity of the food on offer. The hotel also provided a free shuttle service to the Macau Ferry Terminal, which was convenient since we were travelling by ferry.

The hotel’s central location, near the Macau casinos and other notable attractions, was also a plus. We could easily explore the area, thanks to the hotel’s convenient location.

However, the problem of the cigarette smell was significant. When you pay AUD$314 a night for a non-smoking room, you expect the room to be free from unpleasant odours. Unfortunately, the smoking odour was pervasive, and the staff insisted that the room was smoke-free, even though it was located on a smoking floor. The smell was coming through the vents, making breathing and enjoying our stay difficult. We even found cigarette butts in the ashtray near the elevator, which was a clear indication that smoking was allowed in the hotel.

Regrettably, there was nothing else we could do but endure the unpleasant smell during our stay. As a result, we spent very little time in our hotel room during our two-night stay in Macau. Despite our complaints, we were disappointed that the hotel staff did not take any action to resolve the issue.

If you want great hotel rooms in Macau, we recommend checking out Booking.com for competitive rates. However, we advise against staying at the Emperor Hotel unless you are comfortable encountering unpleasant smells in your room.

 

 

 

Macau International Parade

We were incredibly fortunate to arrive in Macau on the same day as the Macau International Parade, an annual event held in December to celebrate the Portuguese’s handover of Macau back to China. The festive atmosphere was palpable as the parade began at the St. Ruins De Paul and wound its way through the bustling streets of Macau, passing by many of the city’s famous tourist attractions.

The streets were packed with enthusiastic locals and curious tourists, all eager to capture the day’s festivities. The parade featured various organisations displaying their skills and dancing through the streets, providing fantastic entertainment and vibrant colours to the dazzled onlookers.

As we were walking through the city, we stumbled upon the parade by accident, and it was a truly fantastic experience to see the happy people participating in the parade or passing by and capturing the festivities of a proud nation. The energy and excitement were contagious, and we couldn’t help but feel swept up in the joyous celebration.

The colourful floats, music, and dancing performers brought the streets to life, and we were grateful to be a part of such a unique and memorable event. It was a fantastic start to our Macau trip, and we felt privileged to have witnessed such a beautiful display of culture and tradition.

 

 

 

The Ruins of St Pauls – A Famous Macau Attraction

The Ruins of St Pauls is one of the top 10 Macao tourist attractions and is undoubtedly one of the hottest Macau tourist spots to see during your visit.

I’m sure in your research, you’ve read about the famous church, which was almost wiped out during a typhoon in 1835, leaving the half-standing church you see today.

What remained a tragedy back then is now a tourist goldmine because what is now the standing of the Ruins of St Paul gathers millions of tourists every year.

Keen travellers march through the busy streets to view the ruins and enjoy the atmosphere surrounding the half-standing church.

MWhen the church steps to the top, you bypass many other visiting tourists.

You can wander through St. Paul’s and discover historical facts about the church. Read about the horrific disaster and even take a few selfie photos amongst the crowd of tourists because everyone else is doing the same thing, so why not you, too?

 

Walking the streets of Macau

In the main Macau City area, things liven up with tourist attractions popping up all over the place, while having the chance to be your very own Macau Tour Guide.

I found it fascinating to walk the streets and discover an area dedicated to delicious Asian soups, another strip dedicated to Beef Jerky with free tasting samples and finding good bakeries shops located through the city. The famous Margaret’s Café e Nata made the delicious egg tart, and the waiting lines could be quite excessive.

It’s through the city walks you’ll find churches, the Ruins of St Paul, Historic Macao attractions and other tourist places along the way by random. It’ll never hurt to get your hands-on a Macau Map to assist you in your travels.

 

 

Wander through the Historic Senado Square

The Historic area of Macau tourist spots continues to liven up on the busy streets with Senado Square. Once again, you’ll need to put up with the crowds, but that’s life during your Macau City Tour.

It’s a real Portuguese flavour to Senado Square, offering plenty of photo-taking opportunities of the Heritage buildings which make up the famous Square.

Inside you’ll be able to do shopping at a variety of retail outlets or market stalls, enjoy a delicious cappuccino at a nearby café’ or sit down for a delicious meal in a top restaurant.

The atmosphere is through the roof at Senado Square, so take your time to enjoy it and take everything in slowly; it’ll only make you appreciate it more.

 

 

The Churches of Macau – There are Plenty

During my visit to Macau, I had the opportunity to explore several churches and cathedrals. Although I could go into detail about each one, I don’t want to bore you with too much information or test my memory. That being said, it’s worth noting that Catholic churches are pretty standard in Macau, and you can easily stumble upon them while making your way around the city or its backstreets.

Aside from the famous Ruins of St. Paul, a couple of notable churches stood out during my trip. One was the Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady, an impressive structure with a beautiful neoclassical façade and a stunning interior with intricate artwork and sculptures. This cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Macau and has been an important religious site for centuries.

Another noteworthy church we visited was St. Domini’s Church, a Baroque-style church built in the 16th century. This church boasts a magnificent altar, colourful frescoes, and ornate decorations to impress visitors. A lot of effort and attention to detail went into the construction of this church, making it a must-visit site for anyone interested in history and architecture.

My experience visiting these churches and cathedrals in Macau was enlightening and inspiring. The rich history and cultural significance of these religious sites are a testament to the enduring legacy of Macau’s past.

However, enjoy a self-tour and see what you find when discovering unique things to do in Macau.

 

 

The A-Ma Temple

The A-Ma Temple is a fascinating and ancient temple located in the heart of Macau, and it is known as one of the most historic landmarks in the city. This magnificent temple has a rich history dating back to the 15th century when it was built to honour the goddess Mazu, who is believed to be the protector of fishermen and seafarers.

As you approach the temple, you’ll see a picturesque view of the temple nestled in lush green surroundings. The temple is on a slope, and visitors can climb stairs to explore the various structures, artwork, and religious artifacts on the way up. The journey up the stairs is brief but offers stunning views of the Inner Harbour towards Mainland China from a higher vantage point.

The temple perfectly showcases classical Chinese architecture, with its intricately carved stone pillars, colourful roofs, and intricate murals. Visitors can admire the many buildings, courtyards, and pavilions that make up the temple complex and learn about the rich history and customs of the Chinese people.

For those who wish to worship, the temple is an excellent place to offer prayers and offerings to the goddess Mazu. You can witness locals lighting incense sticks and performing various rituals to seek blessings and good fortune.

In conclusion, the A-Ma Temple is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in history, culture, and spirituality. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, you’ll undoubtedly be captivated by the temple’s beauty, serenity, and historical significance.

 

Wynn Macau – Casino

During my stay at Wynn Macau, I had the opportunity to visit the mega-casino several times. It is located close to my hotel and is known for its elegance and luxurious amenities. The casino offers a wide range of entertainment options, including classy restaurants, high-end retail shopping, and various cafés and bars where one can enjoy a quiet drink or socialize with friends.

Although the casino has the usual gambling areas, such as the games room with slot machines and roulette tables, I chose not to participate in these activities. Instead, I found myself drawn to the Rotunda, an area near one of the entrances that offers a quick five-minute show every half hour. During my visits, I was able to witness either The Tree of Prosperity or the unique Dragon of Fortune, both of which were remarkable and mesmerizing.

Another casino highlight was the Performance Lake outside the main lobby area. The fountain show appeared every 15 minutes and was even more spectacular at night. The display was an actual work of art, with water and light choreographed to create a breathtaking performance.

Overall, my experience at Wynn Macau was nothing short of exceptional. The casino’s attention to detail and luxurious amenities made it an unforgettable experience.

 

 

Venetian Macau – Casino

During the remainder of our trip to Macau, we had the opportunity to explore the Taipa area, which is a significant tourist destination in Macau. This area is home to many spectacular attractions, including the Galaxy Macau, The Wynn Palace, The Parisian, and many others. We spent several hours here enjoying the sights and sounds of the bustling city, and we were impressed by the grandeur of the buildings and the vibrant atmosphere.

Although our time was limited, we visited the famous Venetian Macau casino. This casino is renowned for its stunning architecture, inspired by the beautiful city of Venice, Italy. The Shoppes at Venetian, an indoor city with a taste of little Italy, was particularly impressive. The shops and restaurants here offer a truly unique experience, and we enjoyed exploring the area and admiring the beautiful architecture.

One of the highlights of our visit to the Venetian Macau was the Gondola ride. This ride takes you through the indoor canals of the casino, and the gondolier serenades you with beautiful Italian opera songs. It was a truly magical experience, and we were transported to another time and place as we rode through the canals.

Overall, our visit to Macau was an unforgettable experience, and we were impressed by the beauty and diversity of the attractions in the area. We hope to return one day to explore more of the city and enjoy all it offers.

The House of Dancing Water Performance – Must-See Macau Show

During my recent visit to Macau, I was looking for exciting tourist attractions, and that’s when I stumbled upon the House of Dancing Water. I was eager to experience this stunning performance with excellent reviews. While the show can be expensive, especially for a family of four, I saved a few dollars by booking my tickets through the Klook travel app.

The House of Dancing Water is a magnificent circus act that tells a compelling story of love, friendship, and perseverance. The 85-minute show features breathtaking dance sequences, acrobatics from great heights, and even a motorbike spectacle that will leave you spellbound. What’s truly impressive about this performance is how the main stage transforms from a pool of water to a stable platform in the blink of an eye.

The audience was hooked from the beginning, and I can confidently say everything about the Water Dance was five stars. The epic love story, unique choreography, and sublime individual performances of the actors and dancers involved in the show were simply outstanding. I was genuinely captivated by the entire performance, and it left a lasting impression on me.

To anyone planning a visit to Macau, I highly recommend getting a ticket to the House of Dancing Water. It’s undoubtedly the hottest show in town, and you won’t regret experiencing this spectacular performance firsthand.

 

What we, unfortunately, missed in our Macau Trip

Our trip to Macau was an unforgettable experience, although we only had three days to explore this unique Asian destination. As is often the case when travelling, there were many attractions that we missed out on due to time constraints.

We regretted not being able to visit some of the casinos in Taipa, such as the Venetian and City of Dreams, which are known for their grandeur and opulence. We also missed out on the Macau Tower, which is famous for its stunning views of the city from its observation deck and adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping. We didn’t get to explore the Fisherman’s Wharf, a waterfront theme park that offers a glimpse into Macau’s maritime history.

Despite these missed opportunities, we had a fantastic trip with many positive experiences. We explored the historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvelled at the blend of Portuguese and Chinese architecture. We also tried some delicious Macanese cuisine, a fusion of Chinese and Portuguese flavours. However, we did encounter a few setbacks along the way, including an unpleasant experience at our hotel.

Overall, our three-day trip to Macau was one for the books, and we’re glad we could experience this unique destination. We hope to return someday to explore more of what the city offers.