10 Free Things to do in Macau That You Shouldn't Miss

April 14, 2022 Alida England

Formerly administered by the Portuguese, this high-energy city on the South China Sea is world-famous as a gaming destination and has also begun attracting visitors with an increasing array of shows, entertainment, and nightlife. The city's historic center, with its rich blend of Chinese and European architecture and culture, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Restaurants in Macau

1. Our Lady of Penha

Penha Hill, Macau China +853 2857 2801
Excellent
48%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 314 reviews

Our Lady of Penha

Reviewed By thobias567 - Singapore, Singapore

An iconic Church which is out of ytourist hotpots. Making it best for taking photos. Sublime view of Macau. Only bad thing is that you need to walk uphill or taxi doesn't passby that place that often.

2. Lou Lim Ieoc Garden

No. 10 Estrada de Adolfo Loureiro, Macau China http://en.macautourism.gov.mo/sightseeing/sightseeing_detail.php?c=5&id=108#.VO2bG1OUc4Q
Excellent
40%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 215 reviews

Lou Lim Ieoc Garden

Reviewed By OrderintheHouse

For our 40th wedding anniversary my wife and I enjoyed an 18 day Asian tour from 28 December 2019 to 14 January 2020 taking in short stays in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Laos and Singapore. In Macau we had a two night stay in the Hotel Royal (reviewed separately) on Estrada da Vitória in the Macau parish of São Lázaro. For our one full day in Macau it rained on and off. Our program included a good visit in the morning to Guia Fortress (reviewed separately). After Guia Fortress, we decided to call in to see the Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, having no idea what to expect. We were not disappointed as this was a really lovely Chinese garden – an urban oasis in busy Macau and a quiet, peaceful resting place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Macau city life. It was still a great place to visit even in wet weather. The garden is modelled on those of Suzhou, China, the most famous of all Chinese classical gardens. It was the brainchild of local merchant Lou Kau who built the garden in 1906 as part of his residence. In 1973 the Macau government acquired the Garden as a public park and it was opened to the public the next year. There are lots of narrow paths, bamboo groves, rock grottoes and a lotus pond filled with golden carp and lotus flowers. There is also a very interesting nine-turn zig zag bridge to thwart evil spirits (which can travel only in straight lines). As we travelled through the Garden we admired a classic Chinese rich red columned covered walkway with an ornate white painted low side fence and green tiled roof. This was in the shape of a square with the walkway as the perimeter of the square and an open area in the middle with a nice floral display. There are a number of small four or five columned stone covered pavilions throughout the Garden with groups of people on the seats provided, no doubt taking a break from the excesses of the modern world and soaking up the very peaceful surroundings or meeting others for a chat. Taking centre stage is the waterside pavilion, Qingcao Hall, which is a fusion of Chinese and Western cultures with the external wall painted in light pastel yellow or beige, the favourite colour of Portuguese while the barrier close to the pond is painted red, China’s favourite colour. The corridor pillars are Gothic style, with European style engravings of white flower patterns at the top. The Garden offers an enchanting archway entrance with three Chinese tiled motifs above the arch and nice floral displays on both sides of the arch. As you enter you are greeted by an interesting stone sculpture of a lady beside a duck which obviously has some significance. We really enjoyed our surprise 30 minute visit in this lovely place. We saw the Garden on the map and didn’t know what to expect and our visit turned out to be a wonderful experience for both of us. We give it the “thumbs up” as a great place to include on any Macau travel itinerary.

3. Historic Centre of Macau

Macau Peninsula, Macau China https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1110
Excellent
44%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,777 reviews

Historic Centre of Macau

Reviewed By Connector820047 - New York City, United States

Amazing how the Portuguese and Chinese cultures blended so well. The Portuguese did an amazing job in keeping their identity and respecting the Chinese culture at the same time. Great authentic Portuguese architecture and restaurants, on the other side of the world. Forget the casinos and enjoy a nice walk in the historical center of Macau.

4. Mandarin's House

No. 10,Travessa de Antonio da Silva, Macau China +853 2896 8820 http://www.wh.mo/mandarinhouse/en/location/
Excellent
45%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 500 reviews

Mandarin's House

Reviewed By thobias567 - Singapore, Singapore

Must-see sightseeing during a visit to Macau. A delightful trip to scape the hustle. Constructed about 150 years ago, It has been restored and reopened to the public in 2010.

5. Guia Lighthouse

Guia Hill, Macau Peninsula, Macau China +853 2859 5481 http://pt.macaotourism.gov.mo/sightseeing/sightseeing_detail.php?c=10&id=11#.Wm8uZDeYPIU
Excellent
42%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 252 reviews

Guia Lighthouse

Reviewed By 34vera

A trip to the past, to visit the most ancient western-style beacon in the East. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden, on a hill, and has a spectacular view over Macau. Sadly, it is now very far from the water, because of all the continuous land reclamation. Good to visit with children, they can run around and play safely. One of Macau most popular jogging circuits.

6. MGM Casino

Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, Macau China +853 8802 8802
Excellent
45%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 314 reviews

MGM Casino

Reviewed By Kaymtravel7 - Los Angeles, United States

We don’t gamble, but we loved walking through this exquisitely designed hotel. The lobby is incredible, with a giant fish tank, beautiful butterflies, and so much detail. This is much more beautiful than many hotels in Las Vegas. There are lots of shops and restaurants as well, though they seemed a bit expensive.

7. A-Ma Temple (Ma Kok Miu)

Barra Square Rua de Sao Tiago de Barra and Calcada da Barra, Macau China http://en.macautourism.gov.mo/sightseeing/sightseeing_detail.php?c=10&id=9#.VO1oslOUc4Q
Excellent
28%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,464 reviews

A-Ma Temple (Ma Kok Miu)

Reviewed By santhoshi2018 - Kochi (Cochin), India

A-Ma Temple, dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu located in Sao Lourenco in the Barra Hill. The name “Macao” is believed to derive from the Chinese “A-Ma-Gau” meaning “Bay of A-Ma”, on which A-Ma Temple is located. It consists of the Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence, the Hall of Guanyin, and Zhengjiao Chanlin (a Buddhist pavilion),each forming a small part of the well-ordered complex which sits in perfect harmony with the natural environment. The variety of pavilions dedicated to the worship of different deities in a single complex make A-Ma Temple an exemplary representation of Chinese culture inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and multiple folk beliefs.

8. Ruins of St. Paul's

Rua de Sao Paulo, Macau China
Excellent
34%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 7,942 reviews

Ruins of St. Paul's

Considered Macau’s most famous landmark, the ruins of this 16th-century cathedral features a spectacular façade with intricate carvings by Japanese monks.

Reviewed By patrickperbkk

One of the iconic landmark in Macau with great history. It's highly suggested to walk from the Senado Square via Macau museum where you get the best view / photo of Macau city and Ruins of St Paul's. The museum underneath the Ruin is worth to visit too.

9. Monte Forte (Fortaleza do Monte)

Off Estrada do Repouso, Macau China http://www.macauheritage.net/en/HeritageInfo/HeritageContent.aspx
Excellent
27%
Good
53%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 871 reviews

Monte Forte (Fortaleza do Monte)

Built in the 16th century by the Jesuits and later used as a military base, this fort today features a public park, an observatory and the Macau Museum.

Reviewed By DickyKnees63 - Adelaide, Australia

The Macau Museum is spread over multiple levels atop the Monte Fort - great city views by the way. Escalators get you to the top for this no fee attraction which contains well curated displays of Macau's colonial and Chinese heritage. Essentially, you work your way from floor to floor to peruse artworks, static display, dioramas & AV prentations covering the history of Macau. Everything from a traditional Chinese bridal bed to memorabilia from the long defunct Macau fireworks factories. Very worth while.

10. Rua da Felicidade

Rua da Felicidade, Macau China
Excellent
24%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 247 reviews

Rua da Felicidade

Reviewed By eteo232 - Sydney, Australia

Gosh, this is one lane where all your old-charm nostalgic photos can be taken! Come before the shops open (10am), and get the deserted lane feel... so amazing for photography. The shops make a great backdrop! I think it is worth a visit... after your photo-frenzy, and the shops for business, then it is time to spend some $$ haha.

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