Tao Xu
What 's inside
I 've guided hundreds of backpackers through Macau, and the #1 mistake I see? They follow outdated advice from flashpacker blogs and blow half their budget on overpriced egg tarts and crowded casinos. Let me fix that for you. In this Macau backpacking guide, I 'll show you exactly where your money should (and should n't) go—down to the exact street stall and hostel bed.
Why most backpackers waste money in Macau
Macau is n 't as cheap as mainland China, but it 's also not the wallet-drainer many make it out to be. The trap?
Another waste: buying bottled water from convenience stores. Carry a reusable bottle and fill up at the free water stations inside casinos (yes, they exist—look near restrooms or food courts). I once saved a couple 40 MOP per day just on water.
Where to stay: Best hostels for backpackers
Forget the Cotai Strip—those hotels are affordable only if you 're splitting rooms. For solo backpackers, hostels are the way. My top picks:
| Hostel | Location | Price (dorm bed) | Why I like it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ah! Macau Hostel | Rua de Cinco de Outubro (walking distance to Senado Square) | ~120 MOP/night | Clean, social common area, and the owner gives free walking maps. |
| Macau Nam Yue Hostel | Near Macau Ferry Terminal | ~100 MOP/night | Cheapest option, but basic. Great for early ferries. |
| Pousada de Juventude de Macau (Youth Hostel) | Coloane Island | ~80 MOP/night | Super quiet, nature vibe. Bus #15 connects to city. Perfect if you want to escape casino noise. |
How to get around without breaking the bank
Google Maps is useless here—it often shows wrong bus routes. Use Apple Maps for walking directions (it works surprisingly well), or the Bus Travel app (download offline routes). Taxis are cheap for groups (start at 19 MOP), but solo? Use the free casino shuttles.
Yes, you heard that right. Every casino runs free shuttle buses between major points: ferry terminal, airport, border gate, and popular attractions. No need to gamble—just hop on. My trick: take the Wynn shuttle from the ferry to the city center. It drops you right at Wynn Macau, a 3-minute walk to Senado Square. Saves you 30 MOP per ride.
But careful: some shuttles require showing a casino member card. If stopped, just say "I 'm going to eat at the restaurant"—worked for me every time.
Free and cheap things to do
Ruins of St. Paul 's (free)
Go before 8:30 AM or after 5 PM to avoid the selfie stick army. Sunrise light hits the facade perfectly. Address: Rua de Sao Paulo. From Senado Square, follow the signs uphill (10 min walk). No entry fee, no reservation.
Macau Museum (15 MOP for students, 30 MOP full price)
Closed on Mondays. The air conditioning alone is worth the fee on a humid day. Take the escalator behind the Ruins—or use the free shuttle from the museum entrance. Pro tip: The museum exit leads to a quiet viewing deck overlooking the city. Great for photos without the crowds.
Casino hopping (free drinks)
I know, I know—but hear me out. You don 't have to gamble. Just walk in, go to the bar area, and order a coffee or juice. Many casinos offer free drinks to anyone sitting at the tables (even if not playing). The Venetian has a gorgeous atrium perfect for Instagram. Just avoid peak evening hours when security scrutinizes more.
Coloane hiking trail (free)
Take bus #15 from Taipa to Coloane village. The 2-hour circular trail starts near the chapel. Bring water and mosquito repellent. The view of the South China Sea from the top is worth the sweat.
Macau backpacking food guide: Eat like a local
Forget the famous egg tart queues at Lord Stow 's (50 MOP for a box of six—that 's like dinner money). Instead, hit these spots:
| Dish | Where | Price | Personal tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pork chop bun | Eduardo 's (Rua de Cinco de Outubro) | 28 MOP | Ask for extra chili oil. The bread is crispy on outside, soft inside. |
| Minchee (minced beef rice) | Restaurante Litoral (near St. Dominic 's Church) | 40 MOP | Their version is slightly sweet—my favourite. Walk past the tourist trap restaurants across the street. |
| Portuguese egg tart | Margaret 's Café (Rua do Campo) | 12 MOP each | Better than Lord Stow 's, and half the price. Get two—they disappear fast. |
| Congee with pork | Kong Chi (Rua da Felicidade) | 20 MOP | Open 7 AM-11 AM only. It 's a hole-in-the-wall with no English sign. Look for the line of locals. |
Always carry small bills—many stalls don 't accept cards. And yes, even street food stalls accept Alipay (scan the QR code with your phone).
Sample 3-day budget itinerary
This plan assumes you 're staying at Ah! Macau Hostel and using casino shuttles. Total cost (excluding accommodation): ~250 MOP/day.
Day 1: Macau Peninsula
8:00 AM – Free breakfast at hostel (instant noodles with bread). Then walk to Senado Square (10 min). 8:30 AM – Ruins of St. Paul 's (empty at this hour). 9:30 AM – Macau Museum (30 MOP). 12:00 PM – Lunch at Eduardo 's (28 MOP). 1:30 PM – Free casino shuttle from Wynn to Taipa? Actually skip shuttle; walk to A-Ma Temple (free) along the waterfront path. 3:00 PM – Bus #26 to Taipa village. Explore the old shops and try a Portuguese tart at Margaret 's (12 MOP). 6:00 PM – Dinner at Litoral (40 MOP). 8:00 PM – Walk to Macau Tower base (free) to see the city lights; don 't pay for the observation deck.
Day 2: Cotai & Coloane
9:00 AM – Free shuttle from city to The Venetian. Walk through the canals for free. 11:00 AM – Bus #15 to Coloane. Hike the trail (free). 2:00 PM – Lunch at Coloane village: pork chop bun from a local stall (30 MOP). 4:00 PM – Bus back to Taipa. Visit the Taipa Houses-Museum (free). 7:00 PM – Dinner at Kong Chi congee (if they 're still open? Actually they close at 11 AM. Alternative: try a Portuguese curry at Restaurante O Santos (50 MOP).
Day 3: Flexible & depart
Check out, store luggage at hostel (usually free). Visit any missed spots: Monte Fort (free), or shop for souvenirs at the Red Market area (cheaper than tourist shops). Alternative for rain: Spend afternoon at Fisherman 's Wharf (free entry) or the Macau Science Center (25 MOP with student ID).
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