Macau

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Eco-friendly travel guide to Macau advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Macau, Asia.

Marina at Macau Fisherman's Wharf


  • Air quality: 3.2 / 5
  • Exploring by foot: 3.8 / 5
  • Exploring by bicycle: 2.5 / 5
  • Public transportation: 3.4 / 5
  • Parks: 4.2 / 5
  • Outdoor activities: 4.4 / 5
  • Locals' English level: 3.5 / 5
  • Safety: 4.1 / 5
  • Accommodation: US$15 - $600
  • Budget per day: US$12 - $300a

Responsible Travel

Are you a tourist who wants to visit Macau but as a responsible traveler? If yes, as a traveling enthusiast, there are specific responsibilities that you have in addition to other moral obligations. While visiting the country, you must identify and control your activities accordingly so that you don't cause any harm to the local communities or the environment.

  • Try to opt for public transport and electronic vehicles like available buses, metro trains, trams, bikes, etc. These vehicles cause comparatively less harm to the environment and are also cost-efficient.
  • Instead of opting for luxurious 5-star hotels and guesthouses prefer the ones that follow eco-friendly measures like renewable resources, solar electricity, recyclable products, etc. By doing so, you can keep your carbon footprint minimal during your travel.
  • Also, people prefer buying and using local businesses and artists' services rather than international brands. If you want proper exposure to the local culture, traditions, crafts, and people, the local companies will help you the needful.
  • After sustaining the city life, try to visit parks and green spaces that act like an oasis buzzing with energy and gleaming bright green and blue under the harsh sun. Visiting the parks makes you feel refreshed.


Air Quality and Pollution

Air pollution in Macau is considered a serious problem. Cases of asthma and bronchial infections have soared in recent years due to reduced air quality. Factories in the Mainland is a significant cause of air pollution in Macau. Street-level air quality regularly falls short of the government's Air Quality Objectives, and even further short of the World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines, revised in October.

October to December is the best time to visit Macau. Dry and wet seasons are distinctive from Hong Kong and Macau. Therefore, the period between October and December marks the post-summer and pre-winter season, making it the best time to visit Hong Kong and Macau. Macau's weather is usually foggy and warm during the spring season, rainy and hot during the summers, clear and cool during the autumn season, and cold and sunny.


Respect the Culture

The Statistics and Census Service estimated Macau's population at 667,400 at the end of 2018.[107] With a population density of 21,340 people per square kilometer,[108] Macau is the most densely populated region globally. Several thousand residents are of Macanese heritage, native-born multiracial people with mixed Portuguese ancestry. Large a portion of the population is Portuguese citizens, a legacy of colonial rule; at the time of the transfer of sovereignty in 1999, 107,000 residents held Portuguese passports.

The predominant language is Cantonese, a variety of Chinese originating in Guangdong. It is spoken by 87.5 percent of the population, 80.1 percent as a first language, and 7.5 percent as a second language. Only 2.3 percent can speak Portuguese, the other official language. English is considered an additional working language and is spoken by over a quarter of the population. Macanese Patois, a local creole generally known as Patuá, is now spoken only by a few in the older Macanese community. Macau cuisine consists of a mosaic of Cantonese and Portuguese cuisines and fusion cuisine with significant influences from Southeast Asia and the Lusophone world. Besides local Chinese ingredients, Macanese dishes' ingredients and seasonings also include those from Europe, Latin America, Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.


Top 10 Places to Visit

Macau, or as we all also know it as ' Vegas of China,' is all about glamour, gamble, inspiring heritage, and a picture-perfect skyline. From casinos to Disneyland, there is a variety of nice places to visit in Macau. Certainly, this popular holiday destination knows entertainment art, regardless of the traveler's age and preferences.

  • S.T. Paul's Cathedral - All the remaining artifacts in the St Paul’s cathedral were once considered as the finest building in the Eastern province, it now serves as a major landmark in Macau which stands on top of a plain flight over granite steps. A typhoon along with fire has destroyed the church in the year 1835, but the church remains on its foot displaying the cathedral’s glory. The inscription on top of the doorway is a thing to notice which dedicates the cathedral to the figures of saints and also the mother of god. This was the church of the adjoining St. Paul's college, the first western college in east Asia--where the noted Jesuits Matteo Ricci and Adam Schall and others studied. Designed by an Italian and built by Japanese craftsmen beginning in 1602, its stunning Spanish-style retable-facade with four colonnaded tiers made it the grandest Christian edifice in Asia. A fire that started in the kitchen of the college in 1835, however, destroyed both the college and the church, so that all that remains today is the facade with its marvelous statues and reliefs.
  • Senado Square - The Senado Square is considered as the heart of Macau full of historic artifacts, it is an area where you would love to start your trip to Macau from. Notable architecture consists of the old Senate building, which is now controlled by the Municipal Council which is now regarded as the finest Portuguese colony. The Senado Square is also considered as a spot great for shopping and dining in both Chinese and European dishes. The square is also home to a few other major attraction for tourist which includes the Dominic church established in the 17th century. The square is so named as since Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it has been in front of the Leal Senado Building. During the Portuguese control era, the local authorities used to review the troops on their inaugurations. In 1940, there was a statue of a Portuguese soldier named Mesquita in its center.
  • A -Ma Temple - The famous A-Ma temple which was built in the year 1488 was an inspiration for the Portuguese people after a few decades as it was among the other few architectural remains of the place. The temple is dedicated to the Matsu goddess. This temple is mainly for Buddhists which is one of the major tourist attractions and also an important site for the Buddhist monks. The construction of this temple displays the fierce architecture of this place where stone lions and various other statues of goddesses can be seen defining the serenity of the temple with a terrific view on top of the Bay.
  • Fortaleza Do Monte - The Fortaleza de Monte which was built in the year 1626 served as Portugal's military hub which is now present in some parts of China, gradually served as the residence of the Governor till the year 1749. Now, this three-storied fortress serves as a museum in Macau that displays proper historic artifacts from Macau’s history dedicated to the work done by Chinese, Macanese, and Portuguese people in the past. The forte covers about 10,000 square meters, which appear irregularly quadrilateral and features a public park, an observatory, and the Macau Museum. It was first built in the Ming Emperor Shenzong period (1617 AD) and was completed in 1626, lasted for ten years. The forte experienced the vicissitudes of 300 years of history and was finally lifted a ban in 1966; since then, it has become a tourist attraction open to the public. Today, in the main monte forte, the Macau Museum was built in 1998. At the top of the monte fort, it is a garden that can let you overlook a 360-degree landscape of Macau, even overlook the Pearl River Estuary and the scenery along the Gongbei area.
  • Macau Tower - The Massive tower in Macau is the main source of entertainment in the city, which is recognized as a landmark in the city very easily. It is also a famous tourist attraction which stands 338 meters high and is the building for broadcasting and telecommunication, the interesting part is that the tower includes a deck for observation which shows the terrific view of the city. It also has a few restaurants, shopping spots, and theatres. There's the Macau Tower Skywalk for thrill-seekers, a breathtaking walk along the observation level's outer rim. Be part of a Guinness World Record in the Sky of Macau! The AJ Hackett Macau Tower Bungy Jump is 233m / 764ft high, making this jump a Guinness World Record for the Highest Commercial Bungy Jump in the world. To make this jump from the Macau Tower a reality, a specially designed Bungy cord, guide cables, and recovery system had to be developed. A.J. and his team spearheaded the new design and testing of all equipment and, in doing so, invented what his organization is now referring to as the 2nd generation bungy cord.
  • The Giant Panda Pavilion - This place is situated in Cotai and is somewhat in the outskirts of the city which means lesser crowd. Visiting this place is one of the best things to do while your visit to Macau. Vetted by the faculty with roofs translucent are few normal pandas and red pandas and a big group of monkeys. The animals are seen easily in the morning and also during the afternoon when it’s time for their lunch. Inside this place, we have small beautiful ponds and a green garden where children will love to play. Entry into this place is free but a nominal fee is required to view the Pandas. Undoubtedly, the show stars are the pavilion's two giant pandas, named Kai Kai and Xin Xin. In 2016, giant panda Xin Xin gave birth to a set of adorable twins named Dabao and Xiaobao, whom the public are now able to visit as well. Besides, you'll not want to miss the pavilion's two red pandas named Luo Luo and Tong Tong. They hang out in the building adjacent to the giant pandas. Like the giant pandas, red pandas face the threat of extinction in the wild due to illegal logging and climate change threatening their habitats. Red pandas are relatives of the giant panda and the raccoon, with which it shares a ringed tail.
  • Guia Fortress - Located over a short distance from the ferry terminal this oasis of green is at the center of Macao. You can get inside through hiking paths and cable cars. At the highest altitude, you will find an impressive view of Macao and old cannons, a chapel small in size with a properly preserved lighthouse from around the 1600s. Few tunnels are open for the public so that they can get inside and know more about the lighthouse and some areas near the cable car. The history of the military is depicted by photos and exhibits all over the fortress. The fortress of Guia covers an area of 800 square meters with a trapezoidal plan. The lighthouse placed inside is 15 meters high with a diameter of 7 meters and a base area of 5 meters. The lanterns are installed at the top of the circular platform from where the city is observed. The rustic exterior of the tower makes it more interesting for travelers to explore.
  • Taipa Island And Taipa House - The island of Tapia is located in the South of Macao which is joined by a high-arched bridge which proves to be a fun outing. The town has many Portuguese colonies and over the roadside, it has Chinese shops that have been putting vessels in Macau as a tradition of firework for many decades. The town also has a racing track for horses. Considered as one of the cultural relics and heritages of the Island, the Taipa Houses-Museum comprises five distinctive greenhouses with the style of Portuguese architecture, featuring the "Macanese Living Museum," the "Exhibitions Gallery," the "Creative Casa," the "Nostalgic House" and the "House for Reception." In 1992, the Taipa Houses-Museum was acclaimed as one of Macao's top eight scenes for its outstanding beauty and important architectural value. In the old times, a large mangrove swamp was seen adjacent to the Portuguese residential complex. Today, the Museum is surrounded by large-scale tourism and entertainment facilities, witnessing the island's rapid urban development.
  • Kun Iam - The Kun Iam temple which was dedicated to the god of mercy was built in 1627, references can be taken back from the history of the Yuan Dynasty who ruled in the 13th and the 14th century. As soon as you enter the temple you will come around the statues of 3 Buddhas depicting past, present, and future while a figure of the goddess of mercy is flanked in another hall surrounded by 9 Buddhas. The roof ridges are ornately embellished with porcelain figurines, and the halls are lavishly decorated if a little weathered. Inside the main hall stands the likeness of Kun Iam, the Goddess of Mercy; to the left of the altar is a bearded arhat rumored to represent Marco Polo. The first Sino-American treaty was signed at a round stone table in the temple's terraced gardens in 1844.
  • Coloane Island And Hac Sa Beach - joined to the mainland by a bridge and causeway, the island of Coloane lies to the south of the Macau Peninsula, beyond Taipa's island, and should be included in your Macau itinerary. Visitors are often pleasantly surprised to learn Coloane is an island of pine forests, eucalyptus groves, tropical vegetation, and farmland, as well as boasting some beautiful beaches of fine white sand. Of these beaches, the best known is Hac Sa Beach on the east side of the island.
Macau Tower


Explore

Macau is known as the Vegas of Asia, and it's only a mere 62 km away from the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong. Easily accessible by flight, ferry. Macau is an incredible place to visit. It is a cauldron of diverse cultures, beautiful scenery, and gob-smacking delicacies.


City Parks

  • Seac Pai Van Park- is Macau's largest natural green area and is a popular spot for family outings. Here you will find children's playgrounds, picnic areas, flowerbeds, a small zoo with several species of monkeys, and a large walk-in aviary with peacocks, pheasants, and other colorful species. Besides, Seac Pai Van Park is the starting point for walks along with two of Coloane's more scenic trails: the Seac Pai Van Nature Walk and the Seac Pai Van River Ecological Trail. Entry to the park is free, but there is a small charge of 10 patacas to enter the Giant Panda Pavilion.
  • Mong Há Fort - After the Chinese war got over in 1841, the new fortress constructed after the anticipation of Chinese invaders is located in the Mong Ha hills in the north of Macao. The completion of the fortress was done in 1866. The abandonment of the building took place in the year 1860 but the construction was soon resumed. The area today has been converted into a park with flowerbeds, slopes full of grass, and walking paths surround by this fortress. The view of the city from the north end is visible from here and people like to come here and spend time in peace.
Mong Há Fort


National Parks

There are no major national parks in Macau, Hong Kong.


Beaches

  • H.A.C. Sa Beach – The H A C beach is the largest and a very popular beach in Macau. Located on the south side of Coloane Island, the beach is a kilometer long with its famous black sand which travelers from far along come to see. This place can be chosen for relaxing and after having a tired and a day full of hustle one can come here and enjoy their evening in peace along with fresh breeze blowing. The beach offers some other facilities too. The public swimming pool which is located on the rear side of the beach opens from May till October. The barbeque hubs get packed during weekends, a special campsite for students is made and there are a few restaurants that sell souvenirs and snacks.
  • Cheoc Van - The second largest beach of Macau is the Cheoc Van, sometimes called the Bamboo Bay. It is so-called because it is fixed in a small beautiful bay covered by forest-clad hills, just by the side of the Coloane Village. The beach is comparatively smaller than the Hac Sa beach but the scenery is quite mesmerizing and calming while taking walks in the evening. Swimming is largely practiced throughout the year and the public swimming pool is open from May till October.
Cheoc Van Beach


Landmarks

Famous Landmarks in Macau are considered the Name Card of this famous tourist city, which could be time-honored architectures, amusement parks, or integrated hotel resort, ancient and new. Whether it is exploring the city's historical aspects in its museums and ruins, celebrating in the lush gardens, or soaking in the sun at the beaches, Macau has a huge array of unmissable tourist destinations that suit all ages.

  • A-Ma Temple - is believed to be the temple from where Macao's name is derived. It's the oldest temple in the city and is dedicated to the goddess Mazu, protector of seafarers and fishermen. The temple 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). 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.
  • Mandarin's House - Built around 1869, the Mandarin's House is a remarkable historic residential complex. Occupying an area of 4,000 square meters (43,055 square feet) spread over 60 rooms, a house of this scale in Macao for one family is considered very rare. The house has the characteristics of traditional Chinese period buildings. It also features a fusion of architectural influences from Western cultures, making it a unique Chinese and Western cultural interchange. The compound features a moon gate, tranquil courtyards, exquisite rooms, and the main hall with French windows.
  • Dom Pedro V Theatre - Built-in 1858, it's the oldest theatre in Macao and was the first Western-style theatre to open in China. A Portuguese architect designed this striking green and white neoclassical theatre, and today remains a highly significant cultural landmark among the local community. It still serves as a venue for important public events and celebrations. Originally, the theatre was a venue for main drama, opera, concerts, and local high-society activities. It had a stint as a cinema, too, and after that became the venue for "Crazy Paris Shows," featuring adult entertainment. However, the theatre was restored in the late 1980s by the government. It was listed as one of the Historic Centre of Macao's historic buildings listed on the World Heritage list by UNESCO in July 2005.
  • Mandarin's House - Built around 1869, the Mandarin's House is a remarkable historic residential complex. Occupying an area of 4,000 square meters (43,055 square feet) spread over 60 rooms, a house of this scale in Macao for one family is considered very rare. The former ancestral home of Zheng Guanying was an influential author-merchant whose readers included emperors Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Chairman Mao. The house has the characteristics of traditional Chinese period buildings. It also features a fusion of architectural influences from Western cultures, making it a unique Chinese and Western cultural interchange. The compound features a moon gate, tranquil courtyards, exquisite rooms, and the main hall with French windows. Restoration work on the house was completed in 2010, with the complex's basic original image.
A-Ma Temple


Museums

  • Macau Museum - A trip to the museum of Macau will let you know about the history and culture of Macanese people in a more clear way. The floor of this museum is designed according to the popular art tradition which depicts Chinese shadow puppets and detailed structured fans. Recent exhibitions over this place included the map of china by Michele Ruggieri.
  • The Macau Museum Of Art - This region’s biggest local art gallery displays contemporary skilled works from both south china and Macau. The calligraphy done in Chinese with ceramics beside the paintings and photography is a thing to observe. The regional focus is put up over the permanent gallery of this place while the temporary exhibitions are held with a global purview, related to recent subjects such as the painting from the time of the Qing dynasty, colonial art of the Mexicans, and prints of Picasso.
  • Macaubtea Culture House - The most beautiful and heart-wrenching scenic view provided by the Lou Lim Loc garden is a thing to observe when visiting Macau. The tea gardens below with miraculous neo-colonial houses are bliss. For a few centuries, the city of Macau was a place where merchants were allowed to sell and buy goods without any duties for tea. This port has now become the most flourished port supplying tea to the whole of western China. The display at this place is both of trade and other antique goods such as cups and teapots. The regular exhibition takes place displaying all the significant contents. Monthly lectures are given on tea culture and other information regarding the brewing of tea in a proper way.
Macau Museum


Eat

Macau is more than just a casino city. It's also a place where East met West over 400 years ago to produce the world's first fusion food: Macanese cuisine. A unique blend of both Chinese and Portuguese ingredients and cooking techniques are included in Macau Cuisine.


Traditional Local Restaurants

  • Clube Militar De Macau - Built-in 1870 as a private military club, the stately pink-and-white structure was restored in 1995 and reopened as a restaurant. The place exudes old-world charm, complete with its colonial-style décor of teak floorboards, netted windows, and ceiling fans. It welcomes you to a much slower and quieter side of Macau, a sanctuary of peace and calms from the hustle and bustle out on the streets. The restaurant serves delicious Portuguese fare and offers an excellent selection of wines.
  • Robuchon Au Dôme - This was the first fine dining restaurant to ever open in Macau and has retained its three-star Michelin status for several years. For fine French cuisine in a beautiful setting, you can't go wrong here. The set lunch menu is one of the best meal deals in Asia. With its 14,500 labels (the most extensive collection in the whole of Asia), the wine list is equally impressive. The traditional dessert trolley wheeled out at the end of the meal is the icing on the cake. Eating and drinking here is a real treat.
  • The St. Regis Macau - The Manor is the signature oyster bar and grill restaurant of St. Regis Macao that serves the finest oysters, prime cut meats, and a wide array of exotic seafood. One of the top restaurants in Macau, it also has an exquisite wine list on its menu. The Manor adopts a special technique of grilling, called the Robata technique. This technique utilizes white oak Bincho-tan from Northern Japan to grill the meat to perfection – beautifully charred on the outside, succulent in the center with a hint of smoky aroma. This restaurant offers the best Portuguese food in Macau. This may not be a place for those who're in search of Indian restaurants in Macau.


Vegetarian and Vegan

  • Chakra Space - The chakra space is the reflecting lifestyle of Meng Wong, the owner of this place. He is responsible for the preparation of food here. The Vegan menu is mouth-watering because the cooking technique used by him is sustainable. An Instagram story is a must because the dishes are served in such a way, it seems that we are sitting at our homes and enjoying the food. The menu is center-filled with flavors of Asia, mushrooms and curries and lastly desserts which cannot be missed. Pet animals are also welcomed here without any complication.
  • He Blissful Carrot - The Owners of this place are health conscious and they offer the tastiest food all over the village with a wide variety of vegetarian dishes. Asian dishes have also been added to their menu. If you request for the tuna bun which is a vegan platter they will come up with such hosiery that you will be pleased enough. They are available socially so that you don’t miss out on any important updates. Advance ordering of food is suggested to enjoy the food properly and not wait for your order to arrive after you have reached the place.
  • Rawlicious - Rawlicious is a fully plant-based raw food restaurant serving up healthy Romanian-inspired vegan dishes and desserts. Founded in 2016, Rawlicious is now a hotspot for those who prefer slightly high-end western vegan dining in Macau. The menu of vibrant dishes like Raw Vegan Pizza With Cajun Cashew Cream Cheese, the Pasta Buddha Bowl, and Mango Turmeric Cake is sure to impress. Green Queen Recommendation: make sure to try their cakes, crafted out of nuts and seeds and containing no refined sugars- they are a winner. Rawlicious also offers private dining services and hold seasonal cooking classes if you want more.


Street Food

The street food provided by the Macanese people is not ordinary; it’s a rated Michelin street food. There were about 12 vendors for street food in the year 2016 Michelin food and dining guide. This statistic just confirms the extraordinary mouth-watering street food that the locals have been serving for the past few years which is considered as one of the best globally. Listed below are some hand-picked food restaurants that you cannot miss while your visit to Macau.

  • Lord Stow's Bakery - When it comes to egg tarts the Portuguese egg tarts top them all. They have become Macau’s most wanted street food by locals and by travelers from recent years of study. They come along from this famous bakery which was introduced in Macao in the past. They taste nicer when piped with hot and flaky crusts, with delicious custard of egg in between, and for topping the crisp crème does the trick.
  • Fong Kei - The almond cakes and cookies is another delicacy that people of Macau go crazy for. The older pastry shops are specialized in baking these kinds of street food from the past century. The Fong Kei has made this dish their signature by adding up ubiquitous cookies with pork seasoning and Michelin. The tourists who come along buy this delicacy in huge number and approved it one of the best.
  • Lemon Cello - One word to describe this shop is the pinnacle of ice-creams. You will find more than 60 varieties of ice-cream in this shop, including unconventional flavors like ginger, beancurd, and so on. This shop would make you confused as to which flavor you should go after. The shop caters to a unique flavor called Lemon Cello Gelato, which is the most ordering one.
  • Lei Ka Choi - It is the best place to come for traditional clay pot dishes and snacks (hearty Cantonese comfort food). Signature dishes include their boiled beef brisket, stewed chicken soup with Chinese herbs, and their famous deep-fried fish balls. A duck's blood soup was among the dishes noted by Michelin. Of course, wontons and noodles are also available for the less adventurous among you.


Drink

There is a buzzing nightlife in Macau. There are various bars and clubs along with the Avenida Sun Yat Sen close to the Kum Iam Statue and the Cultural Center where you can have a good night out. Locals, especially younger people, prefer to meet up with their friends in Western-style cafes or places that serve 'bubble tea.


Tap-water

Tap water in Macau is safe to drink. Bottled water is inexpensive and available in convenience stores and supermarkets. For short business travel, drinking only bottled water will reduce the possibility of illness. The water from fire hydrants is safe for consumption, and Macao Water regularly monitors the water supply network.


Organic Cafés

  • Quarter Square - If you want to experience something different then head to this stylish three-storied coffee bar situated in Taipa. This design is done by a graduate of New York City, it is considered one of the coolest places to hang-out in the whole town. This is not just because the coffee served by this place is great but also the gallery or popularly known as the showcasing of design imported nationally and internationally. While your visit to this place doesn’t forget to try the eggnog latte. This place is the best for chatting and spending time with friends with a cup of coffee over a beautiful rooftop with a tremendous view.
  • Common Table - Many locals know Common Table as a nice spot to get together with friends for a laid-back breakfast or lunch. However, this Taipa cafe happens to serve some of the best coffee in the city, mainly thanks to Vida's talented and precise barista. The blend of Brazilian, Colombian, and Yunnan beans creates a balanced, rich-flavored coffee. Try their Project 19 coffee latte, a perfectly balanced Ethiopian blend with a double espresso and 55-degree steamed milk.
  • Single Origin - If you want to get to know a city, you should never be afraid to explore its backstreets. And when a town's smaller thoroughfares are hiding cafés like Single Origin, there's every reason to venture off the beaten path. This café lacks size it more than makes up for in charm, with a sunlight-filled space that serves up some of the best brews in town, including one of the finest iced Americanos in Macau. And Hong Kong, too, for that matter.


Breweries

  • Prem1Er Bar & Tasting Room - PREM1ER Bar has the best craft beers on tap, artisanal spirits, cocktails, and amazing wines. The food is homemade and delicious. Try the Soyombo vodka! It's from Mongolia and delicious. Great atmosphere bar with locals and ex-pats. Live music was very good. Drinks and food excellent and very reasonably priced. Irish/Mongolian owned and fabulous hosts. It is highly recommended.
  • Agora Taproom - The bar of Agora which is inspired by the space of the central public in the city of ancient Greek has two branches. One of them at the NAPE area and the other one near the Kiang Wu Hospital. The area is quite big with both games and music for children and classic beers and crafts for entertainment. The decoration is done with the help of empty wine bottles.


Activities

Macau is far more than just a casino city; with its rich East meets West history, one of a kind culture, delicious street food, and record-breaking world attractions, there is truly nowhere else quite like it.


Yoga and Retreats

The art of practicing yoga helps in controlling an individual's mind, body. It also helps in increasing flexibility, muscle strength, and body tone. After a busy and hectic schedule, people should find a way to rejuvenate, and doing yoga is one of the best methods to cope with stress. Here are the most famous yoga centers in Macau are:

  • Yoga Loft Macau
  • V Studio Macau
  • Yoga Light Taipa


Accommodation

Macau's accommodation prices can vary anywhere between the U.S. $24 to 200, catering for all budgets and preferences. The vast majority of hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and homestays include breakfast – and nine times out of ten, this is toast topped with an egg, sugar, banana, and a cup coffee (not on top of the toast, that would be weird). There's also a local's breakfast available – you just have to ask.


Green Hotels

  • Hotel Okura Macau
  • The Ritz-Carlton Macau
  • The Venetian Macau


Hostels and Guest Houses

Some people often think about what is the real difference between hotels and guest houses. A guesthouse is a small and private house given out for rent daily to give a clear idea. Guesthouses are usually just as social as hostels in Macau, and if you're traveling with a buddy, it's often cheaper or around the same price to get a private room.

  • Studio City Macau
  • Mandarin Oriental Macau
  • Ka Meng Villa
  • Home Of Macau


Apartments

For the travelers who appreciate a space of their own at the end of the day, an apartment or flat is the perfect home away from home. Furnished rooms and kitchen facilities give groups and families the flexibility to enjoy downtime separately or plan the next day's activities over a shared meal. Often available for short and long-term. Some of the famous apartments in Macau are:

  • Macau Co - Living
  • The Buckingham


Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a travel community with millions of members worldwide and is the best way to experience Macau like a local. Reach out to over hosts in Macau to discover unique places to stay and locals to stay. Use Couchsurfing to find accommodation in Macau, meet up with locals and travelers, and more.


Camping

This is the perfect experience If you want to escape from the crowd and enjoy a spectacular sea and green landscape. Camping is the better way to get back to nature while traveling. People believe that spending nights under the stars is the perfect way to experience the unique landscapes fully you travel through. Wake up in the morning to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and enjoy a hearty breakfast before hitting the road...

  • Hác Sá Campsite
  • Man Cheung Po Campsite


How to Get There

For many years, the usual way to get to Macau was to fly into Hong Kong and take a ferry across to Macau. Today, Macau is becoming a low-cost airline hub, and some are now arriving at Macau to later go to Hong Kong. Macau has a separate immigration regime from mainland China and Hong Kong. All travelers from mainland China and Hong Kong and all foreign countries have to go through immigration and customs checks on Macau's arrival.


Air

Near the shore of Taipa island, the Macau International Airport is situated with normal facilities including a number of aerobridges, but the parking can be done by the Tarmac and buses are available till the terminal. Macau’s famous carrier is Air Macau because it is cheaper compared to other airlines, thanks to the landing fee which is low. It is usually cheaper to fly to Zhuhai and cross the border by land as flights between Macau and the mainland are international flights.

Macau International Airport


Bus

With the opening of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, it is possible to take a bus to Macau from Hong Kong. You can take Hong Kong's public transport buses to the Port for the bridge. You can take the coach from Guangzhou, the mainland's third-largest city (formerly Canton). The trip takes about 3 hours and costs around ¥80. There is also a direct coach from Shenzhen airport and also Shenzhen long-distance bus station. The trip from Shenzhen is about 3 hours. There is also a direct coach from Dongguan to Macau Airport. The trip takes about 3 hours and costs around ¥100. You can also get a bus from either place to Gongbei bus station in Zhuhai. That puts you right across the street from the border facilities so you can walk to Macau.

A bus in Macau


Train

There are no major trains or railway system in Macau.


Hitchhiking

The Barrier gate which is popularly known as the Gongbei/Portas do Cerco is the way to mainland China which people can cross by foot, they have to cross Zhuhai which is on the south. This crossing is busy throughout the year because every Chinese and Macanese do it every day. Before moving ahead of the customs of mainland China you can exchange money from the money changers that are present at the Barrier gate giving good exchange rates. A bus is required to cross the bridge between Cotai and Wanzai because you will not be allowed to do that on foot.


Others

Helicopter service in Macau is very much affordable and available as the sky shuttle provides service every 15-20 minutes from Maritimo till Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Pier and also five times every day up and down from Shenzhen Airport. The legal driving age in Macau is 18, the same as in Hong Kong and the Mainland. There are two vehicular entry points into Macau from China. You can only enter if your vehicle (cars only, no motorcycles) has both Macau and mainland China number plates and the driver carries both Macau and China driver's licenses. Several ferry companies run to Macau from mainland ports, including Jiangmen, Shekou (in Shenzhen), and Fu Yong Ferry Terminal (next to Shenzhen Airport).


Moving Around

Visitors to Macau are frequently surprised by the orderly way that traffic moves in this small city. On average, some 130,000 vehicles each day take to the narrow and winding roads in an area of under 30 square kilometers, so an order ordered traffic has proved vital. A plentiful supply of taxis at the airport and ferry terminals and an excellent public bus service helps with the movement of people at all times.


Walk

Walking is considered the best way to explore the peninsula of Macau, every small detail can be discovered in full without any miss. There are a few roads which are one way so transportation is not always an option, therefore, people chose walking overriding, though it consumes a lot of time the discovery over the path is better and bearable. The pedestrians make walking easy because it is almost present almost all over the place and people find it easy to follow. A single complexity that arises is to face the crowd of Macau while walking because almost 70% of Macanese people chose to walk. Traffic rules are not followed properly so it is better to be aware of busy and fast traffic.


Bicycle

The biking tour experience is a great way to discover Macau and connect to its culture.


Electronic Vehicles

Electric vehicles (E.V.s) can operate an emission-free system and thus overcome many environmental and health issues associated with cars run on fossil fuels. Fast-DC charging significantly reduces the recharging time and can make longer E.V. trips possible, e.g., on highways between cities. There are many electric cars you can rent to travel around Macau.


Public Bus

The district of Macau runs three bus services namely Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos de Macau, Transportes Urbanos Macau, and from around 2011, Sociedade de Transportes Publicos Reolian. The system of buses over here is quite difficult to follow. The directions for new travelers tend to be confusing and curvy therefore the bus fare increases because of extending the short ride into a long one. Within 3.20 dollars rides are covered in the peninsula of Macau and 4.20 dollars between the Taipa and the Peninsula. There are many other options available from the peninsula to the village of Coloane. But within Hong Kong, the bus fare varies according to the number of stops and not by the distance of the journey.


Tram, Train and Subway

There is no train or railway system in Macau.


Sustainable Shopping

There is a flat fare of $3.20 for rides within the Macau Peninsula, $4.20 between the Peninsular and Taipa, $5 between the Peninsula and Coloane village, and $6.40 between the Peninsula and Hác Sá (Coloane). But like the buses in Hong Kong, your fare is according to the bus stop you board, not by the length of the journey. A full-fledged haggling match is quite rare, as most antique shops sell precisely the same things at precisely the same prices.


Food Markets

A food market is a pedestrianized area that has been designated for restaurants and cafes. One can also visit the Macau food market to taste some of the most delicious local dishes available here. The most famous food markets are :

  • Red Market - This is a very famous wet market in Macau. The red brick building is the location where this flea market is located; here we can experience the authentic side of the Macanese culture. The three-storied brick building sells all kinds of products ranging from seafood, pork, poultry, veggies, and many other eateries. Here we can see different types of food being served by vendors in stalls with Asian and Mexican flavors along with a tempting aroma. This market is an example of the culinary culture of the Macanese people which is kind of Unique mixed with both Portuguese and Chinese traditions.
  • Blissful Coloane Market- This market is one of its kind and there is no other market like this in town. The main focus of this market is on organic food and the shopkeepers here aim to make sure that everyone is aware of their health condition and eat proper organic food without any side-effect. Here vendors serve many organic products with local artisan products, music, and another source of entertainment.
  • Food Street At Broadway Macau - Inside the Galaxy Broadway resort this place is situated with streets full of local shops selling Asian products based on the Macanese Hawker style which is practiced traditionally. There are more than 40 food stalls in total. Food ranges from local traditional Macanese food to Asian and Portuguese flavors all over the street sold by hawkers. Egg tarts and Tim Ho Wan are the famous delicacies of this place. This place is very good and pleasing to come along for a lovely walk and pick up products according to your needs. When tired you can swing by to any of the restaurants located nearby for freshly prepared food. Entertainment is not left behind as locals of Macau play music in the street and magicians are present too. Sometimes nice dance moves are performed by trained locals. This is a place to simply make your evening a memorable one.


Flea Markets

A flea market is a type of street market that provides space for vendors to sell previously-owned merchandise. This type of market is often seasonal. If you're a bargain hunter, Macau is a treasure trove of places to seek out the best buys. The most famous flea markets in Macau are:

  • Rua De Tercena Flea Market- The market of Macau tends to come into action right after lunchtime. This is Macau’s well-known flea market situated right by the ruins of St pauls. Here you can find crockery to carved figurines to mementos for giving to loved ones and lastly historical artifacts which can be used as home decor. The price can be negotiated if your bargaining skills are good. Many other things such as tablecloths sold by vendors to potteries filled with treasures, paintings with detailed skilled work, and most importantly the calligraphy which impresses the tourist the most. Handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothes are sold in good variety over here. To get to this hub you will have to walk straight from the St. Paul’s to the Rua de Sao Paulo till you get near the Rua das Estalagens, the hills will have to cross right after it and after crossing tailors, antique stores you will find this market which shows its true colors right after lunch.
  • The Taipa Flea Market- The flea market of Taipa is held every Sunday from 11 am till 8 pm over the Bombeiros square, it is a very commendable spot in the center of Portuguese style village on the island of Taipa. Many booths can be noticed selling traditional artifacts, souvenirs, beverages, foods, and wearable items such as clothes and other kinds of stuff. You have found the perfect place if you want to take back something for your family or loved ones. This place will never disappoint you with its collection. If you get tired while shopping, you can grab some egg tarts, pudding, pork chops, and bakkwa. The full source of entertainment is provided by the Portuguese people including street dance, lion dance, folk dance, magicians roaming around along with good music and paintings all over the street.
  • Three Lamps District - Macau’s well-known market which is famous for its active street shopping begins at the Rotunda De Carlow De Maia. The entire area is filled with small stalls, eateries, and vendors all over the street. Each and Every Product is sold here from fabrics to clothes and also a huge variety of household eateries and food. A visit to this flea marking is worth it. The daily lives of Macanese people can be noticed from this market because they come over the flea market for shopping. The shopping arena extends for quite a several blocks in the north direction near the historic building of the red market.


Second Hand Stores

Thrifty lovers would spend hours just to scour for the right piece of clothing that resonates with them. In a way, shopping at a second-hand shop is no longer about finding the right design for yourself, but it's about finding the right history that you would happily boast. Some of the famous second-hand stores in Macau are : • GOING MACAU

• CHENGCHAO SECOND-HAND STORE


Eco-Fashion

Sustainable Eco-fashion is a movement and process of fostering change to fashion products and the fashion system towards greater ecological integrity and social justice. The most famous brands which make eco-fashion clothes and accessories in Macau are:

  • Indigo Fashion Ltd
  • G- Star Raw Store


Recycling

A study indicated that Macau's recycling facilities and site conditions are currently 'very poor,' with 'limited space for recycling and storage, aging facilities, an informal recycling process and a lack of workforce.' However, the recycling rate for the collected solid waste of 22.1 percent in 2018 was much lower than in other countries and regions. The study also indicated that residents perceive solid waste to be the second-most important environmental problem in Macau, with air pollution topping the bill.


Waste

The program which is based on the concept of Proactive recycling is arranged by the domestic waste separation recycling program. There are small baskets placed over the refuse room on every floor of the building, there are three bins of different color placed strategically in appropriate places all over the building for a convenient recycling process


Work and Study Abroad

If you want to study or do an internship in Macau, you need to arrange certain matters, like a visa, a student grant, or accommodation. Macau does not have its universal education system; non-tertiary schools follow either the British, the Chinese, or the Portuguese education system. There are currently ten tertiary educational institutions in the region, four of them being public.


Exchange Student

The Student Exchange Program at the Macau University of Science and Technology (M.U.S.T.) represents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in another culture that will produce rich payoffs in personal development and career prospects. M.U.S.T. encourages all international students to benefit from its educational offer. As the cost of living and accommodation may be higher abroad, you can apply for an extra loan known as an additional loan for studies abroad. You can also apply for an additional loan to cover additional costs, i.e., travel and insurance costs.


Au Pair

An au pair is a helper from a foreign country working for, and living as part of, a host family. Typically, au pairs take on a share of the family's responsibility for childcare and some housework and receive a monetary allowance for personal use. A large number of opportunities are available for Au pairs in Macau.


Volunteering

Volunteering means a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to launch a service. Opportunities are now available for professionals, volunteers, nurses, doctors, and healthcare professionals in Macau.


See Also