Macau travel guide
Macau Tourism | Macau Guide
You're Going to Love Macau
A Portuguese colony until 1999, Macao still showcases the cultural mix of Portuguese and Chinese influences through food, local street names, and architecture.
It's a country of contrasts, with an old city center classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO and super modern casinos in Cotai.
What to do in Macau
1. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites
From the ruins of Church of St. Paul to the mansion Mandarin's House, you'll see the mix of architectural styles and cultural influences that Macao is famous for.
2. Visit the Macau Museum
Macau Museum is the perfect place to understand the complex history of this former Portuguese colony for 300 years and what it grew into after 1999.
3. Discover Local Cuisine
Finding Chinese, Portuguese, and Macanese food all in one place is only odd elsewhere in the world. In Macao, you get to experience all three in high-end but affordable restaurants.
4. See a Show at the House of the Dancing Water
Choreographed and designed by the former director of Cirque du Soleil, expect an unforgettable show of acrobatics, light, and water.
5. Experience the Casinos
Find out why Macao is known as the "Las Vegas of China." The MGM Cotai, a luxurious casino-hotel known for its design and its chocolate fountain, is a good place to start.
When to visit Macau
From March to May is the best time to visit Macao for the local cultural and religious celebrations. From June to September is the ideal time if you're planning a lot of outdoor activities.
How to Get to Macau
Entry requirements
Nationals from most countries, including the European Union, Canada, and the US, can enter Macao with just a valid passport and stay from 30 to 90 days, depending on their origin country.
Passengers who need a visa can get one on arrival, valid for one month.
Plane
All international flights to Macao land at the Macau International Airport. Passengers who are not flying in from another country in Asia must account for at least one layover, usually in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
Car
To enter Macao by car from mainland China, your vehicle must have license plates for both countries and you have to carry driver's licenses issued both by Macao and China.
Bus
The easiest and fastest way to get to Macao by bus is taking the 24h shuttle that connects Hong Kong Port to Macao Port via the Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macao Bridge. From there you can take the bus 101X to the Macao Peninsula.
Boat
The Macao Ferry Terminal is served by regular connections from Hong Kong, Shekou, and Fuyong. From Hong Kong and Shekou, you can also travel by boat to Taipa Ferry Terminal in Macao.
Popular airports in Macau
Popular airlines serving Macau
Where to stay in Macau
Macao Peninsula has the most options when it comes to types of accommodations, from affordable business hotels to luxury international chains.
Where to stay in popular areas of Macau
Most booked hotels in Macau
How to Get Around Macau
Public Transportation
TCM and Transmac operate an efficient network of buses and minibuses that run from early morning until midnight.
Passengers pay a standard fare of approx. 6 MOP (0.75 USD) in cash aboard the bus, no matter the route.
Taxi
Getting around by taxi is a convenient option, especially to travel between the airport and your hotel. The taxi fare starts at approximately 19 MOP (2.35 USD).
Car
It's not the most convenient way to get around Macao, but you can rent a car with or without a driver.
You'll need an International Driving Permit. Roads are well-maintained, signs are written in Portuguese and Chinese, and you must drive on the left side.
The Cost of Living in Macau
The Macau Pataca is the official currency, but you'll sometimes come across prices displayed in Hong Kong Dollars, a currency that's also accepted as payment. Credit cards are widely accepted at large hotels and restaurants. For any other business, pay in cash. A weekly run to the grocery store might cost around 320 MOP (40 USD). An average meal costs about 42 MOP (5 USD).