Macao SAR China
A Chinese special administrative region at the mouth of the Pearl River. Four centuries of Portuguese lanes and churches stand among casino towers, and the whole place can be walked in a day.
Landmarks
The cobbled old town, and the new city rising beside it.
- A church reduced to its facadeRuins of St PaulCentral peninsula
Fire left only the front wall standing. Most pictures of Macau are taken here.
- The wave-patterned squareSenado SquareCentral peninsula
Portuguese wave-pattern paving ringed by pastel buildings. Lanes lead from here to the St Paul ruins.
- The tower with the bungeeMacau Tower, 338mSouthern peninsula
Part of the observation deck floor is glass. One of the world’s highest bungee jumps drops from here.
- A resort strip built on reclaimed landCotai StripBetween Taipa and Coloane
Large resorts and theatres line up in a single row. Free shuttles run between them.
- The lighthouse on the hillGuia Fortress and LighthouseEastern peninsula
The oldest Western-style lighthouse on the Chinese coast. Reached by cable car or on foot.
- The old fishing villageColoane VillageSouthern tip
Low houses and a chapel, nothing like the casino strip. The bakery Macau’s egg tarts are known for is here.
World Heritage
Two dozen buildings and squares inscribed as a single site.
- Historic Centre of MacaoA set of buildings and squaresThe peninsula
The St Paul ruins, Senado Square, churches and temples are listed together. All are within walking distance.
- A-Ma TempleThe oldest temple hereSouthwest peninsula
Sailors prayed to the sea goddess here, and the name Macau is said to come from it. Part of the historic centre.
- Dom Pedro V TheatreThe first Western-style theatre in ChinaSt Augustine Square
A small pale-green playhouse that still stages performances. Part of the historic centre.
- Mandarin's HouseA late-Qing scholar’s residenceSouthern peninsula
A large courtyard house where Chinese layout meets Western detailing. Entry is usually free.
Where to go
A peninsula, two islands, and the reclaimed land between them.
- Macau PeninsulaThe old cityNorth
The historic centre, markets and long-standing restaurants. Walking is the fastest way around.
- TaipaBetween old village and resortsThe middle island
Taipa Village keeps a narrow street of restaurants. The airport is on this island.
- CotaiThe new resort districtReclaimed land
Hotels, shows and shopping connect indoors. A rainy day passes easily here.
- ColoaneThe quiet southSouthern island
Beaches, walking trails and a small chapel. Crowds thin out sharply.
- Hong Kong day tripAn hour by ferryEast
Fast ferries take about an hour, but you clear immigration in both directions.
When to go
Subtropical: hot, humid summers with typhoons passing through.
- AutumnOctober to DecemberEverywhere
Humidity drops and clear days are common, which suits walking. The easiest time to visit.
- WinterJanuary to FebruaryEverywhere
Above freezing, but the wind is cold and damp. Bring a light coat.
- SummerJune to SeptemberEverywhere
Hot, humid and prone to downpours. Not a problem for an indoor-heavy itinerary.
- TyphoonsMostly July to SeptemberEverywhere
When the signal is raised, ferries and shops stop. Watch the signal level.
- Macau Grand PrixNovemberPeninsula streets
City roads close for the race, changing traffic and pushing room rates up.
Before you go
Part of China, but with its own border control, currency and traffic direction.
- EntryVisa-free for short tourist staysEverywhere
Korean passports need no visa for short tourist stays. Mainland China and Hong Kong are separate checks, so you queue each time you cross.
- MoneyPataca, with Hong Kong dollars acceptedEverywhere
Hong Kong dollars are taken at near parity, but change comes back in patacas. Patacas are not usable in Hong Kong, so do not hoard them.
- Getting aroundDrives on the left; free resort shuttlesEverywhere
Resorts run free shuttles to the airport and ferry terminals. Many routes are open to non-guests.
- CasinosAge 21 and over, ID checkedResorts
Entry and photography rules are strict. Do not take pictures on the gaming floor.
- LanguageCantonese and Portuguese are officialEverywhere
Signs carry both, and English works in tourist areas. Few people actually speak Portuguese day to day.
- Emergency number999Everywhere
Reaches police, ambulance and fire. 112 and 110 route to the same place.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change year to year and by season. Check each operator or venue before you travel.