Ling Wu
Brought a group here last week. First thing they all asked? “Where’s the ATM?” — Macau still runs heavily on cash and WeChat Pay. International cards? Forget it at most street stalls. Here is the catch: you need to prepare before you land. This Macau travel guide gives you the unfiltered reality, the shortcuts I’ve learned after 50+ trips, and exactly how to avoid the tourist traps.
I’ll walk you through the must-see spots, the best eats (that locals actually go to), where to rest your head, and the nitty-gritty of getting around. Plus, I’ll throw in a dummy-proof 2-day itinerary. Let’s dive in.
Top Attractions & How to Visit
Macau packs a punch for its size. But here is a mistake I see every day: tourists queue at the wrong entrance or show up without a reservation. Let’s fix that.
Ruins of St. Paul’s
The iconic facade. You’ve seen it on Instagram. But the real trick is timing. Go before 9 AM (opens 24/7 exterior) — after 10 AM it’s a sea of selfie sticks.
- Address: Rua de São Paulo, Macau
- Ticket: Free (no reservation needed)
- How to get there: Take bus 3, 3X, or 4 to “Almeida Ribeiro” stop, then walk 5 minutes uphill. Or taxi from central: about 30 MOP.
- Pro tip: The small museum to the right (entrance 20 MOP) has AC and fewer crowds — great escape from the heat.
Macau Tower
Skywalk or bungee? I’ve done both. The view is killer, but the ticket pricing can confuse you.
| Item | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Observation Deck (adult) | 165 MOP | Buy online on Trip.com to skip queue |
| Skywalk (walk around rim) | 888 MOP | Includes entry, harness, photo |
| Bungee Jump | 3,488 MOP | World’s highest? No, but still insane |
Hours: 10:00–21:00 (last entry 20:30). Address: Largo da Torre de Macau. Bus: 9A, 18, 23. Tip: Afternoon light is harsh for photos; go just before sunset.
Senado Square
It’s beautiful, but don’t spend more than 30 minutes here unless you’re shopping. The real gem is the小巷 (small alleys) leading to St. Paul’s – they have hidden bakeries selling fresh egg tarts.
The Venetian Macau
Yes, it’s a casino. But the canals and shopping are open to all. No reservation required. Take the free shuttle from the ferry terminal. Warning: Gondola rides cost 128 MOP per person and the line can be 45 minutes. Skip it and just take photos.
Where to Stay for Every Budget
I’ve slept in hostels and five-star resorts here. Here is my breakdown:
| Area | Best for | Hotel example | Price range (per night) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macau Peninsula (city center) | Budget travelers, food lovers | Hotel Sintra | 400–800 MOP | Close to ruins, but rooms are tiny |
| Taipa Village | Authentic vibe, moderate | Pousada de Coloane | 600–1,200 MOP | Old Portuguese charm, great for couples |
| Cotai Strip | Luxury, casinos | Galaxy Macau | 1,000–3,000 MOP | Huge rooms, shopping attached. English service. |
Macau Food Guide: What & Where to Eat
You can’t miss the egg tarts. But there are two famous shops: Lord Stow’s (in Coloane) and Margaret’s (in city). I personally prefer Lord Stow’s — the crust is flakier. Margaret’s is more custard-heavy. Both around 12 MOP each.
For a real local meal, try Riquexo (Estrada de Cacilhas, Taipa). Their African chicken (spicy, coconut-based) is a must. Cash only, about 80 MOP per person.
Another favorite: Macau Soul (Rua de Cinco de Outubro) — modern Macanese fusion. They accept Visa. Book ahead on openrice.com.
Quick list:
- Pork chop bun: Try at “Pork Chop Bun” shop near Senado (25 MOP, cash)
- Serradura (sawdust pudding): Many dessert shops, I like “Koi Kei Bakery”
- Almond biscuit: Koi Kei is touristy but consistent
Getting Around: Transportation Tips
Google Maps is useless here. Use Apple Maps or Baidu Maps (English interface okay). For taxis, download Macau Taxi app (or just hail on street). Taxis start at 19 MOP. Average ride within peninsula: 30–50 MOP.
Buses are cheap (6 MOP flat) but routes can be tricky. I always tell tourists: if you’re not comfortable, take the free hotel shuttles — they run between casinos and ferry/border. No need to gamble.
Key stations: “Portas do Cerco” (border gate to mainland) and “Terminal Marítimo” (ferry terminal).
Essential Tips for Foreigners
- Payment: WeChat Pay and Alipay are king. But as a foreigner, you can only use them if you link a foreign card (high fees). Best to bring a mix: MOP cash (exchange at银行 or money changers) and a no-foreign-fee credit card (Visa/Mastercard accepted at major hotels and casinos).
- Language: Cantonese and Portuguese are official. Most tourist staff speak basic English. Download Google Translate offline pack for Cantonese.
- Reservations: Many attractions require advance booking with passport number. For example, the Macau Grand Prix Museum (entry 80 MOP) needs online reservation on their website (English available).
Sample 2-Day Itinerary
This is my go-to for first-timers. Not too rushed, and includes backup plan for bad weather.
Day 1: Heritage & Sights
- 9:00 AM – Ruins of St. Paul’s (arrive early, avoid crowds)
- 10:30 AM – Senado Square + egg tart break at Margaret’s
- 12:00 PM – Lunch at Riquexo (Taipa, take taxi ~50 MOP)
- 2:00 PM – Macau Museum (near St. Paul’s, entry 15 MOP, AC!)
- 4:00 PM – Macau Tower (watch sunset from observation deck)
- 7:00 PM – Dinner at Macau Soul (book ahead)
Day 2: Modern & Relaxed
- 10:00 AM – The Venetian (free shuttle from ferry terminal)
- 1:00 PM – Lunch at Food Court, Venetian (many options, ~100 MOP)
- 3:00 PM – Coloane Village (bus 15 from Taipa) – quiet, Portuguese vibe
- 6:00 PM – Lord Stow’s Bakery (original shop) for egg tarts
- 8:00 PM – Casino walk (if interested) or night views at Macau Tower
Plan B for rain: Swap outdoor for Macau Science Center (100 MOP) or Wynn Macau’s fountain show (free, indoor).
Frequently Asked Questions
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