Buzz
Macau boasts majestic cathedral, ancient cobblestone squares, delicious cuisines... promising your family an exciting getaway.
Adjacent to Hong Kong, Macau offers captivating destinations for both adults and children. Its diverse culinary scene will surely leave a lasting impression. Let's explore Macau for a day with Skyscanner.
Morning Exploration
- Explore A-Ma Temple
Built in 1488 (4 years before Christopher Columbus voyaged to the Americas), A-Ma Temple is one of the oldest Daoist temples dedicated to worshiping the sea goddess Mazu. The lingering scent of incense, prayers written on red paper, and the flow of worshippers create an immensely solemn atmosphere here.
- Visit Mandarin’s House
Mandarin’s House was the residence of a prominent figure, Zheng Guanying, who deeply influenced later policies of the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China. With over 60 rooms, this house follows the architectural style of Guangdong Province while still retaining hints of European architecture. It's an ideal place to learn about Chinese history and appreciate the tranquil beauty amidst bustling life.
- Sip at Ou Mun and Obrigado Hello Kitty Cafés
Right in the heart of Macau, visitors can find cafes steeped in Western culture. Ou Mun offers delicious pasta dishes, rich coffee, and a variety of Portuguese specialties. Additionally, Obrigado Hello Kitty, a café and souvenir shop dedicated to Hello Kitty enthusiasts, is a must-visit, especially for women and young girls.
- Explore Largo Senado Square and St. Paul's Church
Largo Senado (also known as Senate Square) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the fourth largest square in Macau. Surrounding the square are historic buildings such as the Leal Senado, the Royal Senate Building named after those who held sovereignty over Macau under Spanish rule in Portugal for 60 years.
However, the highlight that draws visitors to the main square is to admire Macau's most famous attraction, the ruins of St. Paul's Church. After the steps to the left of the church, at the southern door, is a spot that appears frequently in travel images. However, the remaining part of the church was burned down in a storm in 1835. Nevertheless, the remaining ruins still impress viewers.
- Visit Macao Museum
The Macau Museum is not far from St. Paul's Church, located on the former site of Mount Fortress. From here, visitors can overlook the city, traverse the azure sea, and even the tranquil hills of Guangdong Province. The museum exhibits many artifacts related to the civilization of the Pearl River Delta, the Portuguese colonial period, and modern Macau.
Afternoon
- Dine at Wong Chi Kei and Yee Shun Milk Company
When hunger strikes, head back to Senado Square with your family and find Wong Chi Kei, a restaurant specializing in delicious congee and noodles. The bustling crowd here is a testament to its renowned status.
Their specialty is crab congee with tender chunks of crab meat in a smooth congee bowl. A few buildings away is Yee Shun Milk Company, famous for its double-boiled milk pudding. This delightful dessert might have you reaching for a second bowl; the question is, do you have the resistance to resist?
- Bungee Jump and Skywalk at Macao Tower
After lunch, head straight to Macau Tower for some sightseeing if your family is into adventurous activities. This 338-meter-tall tower features observation decks, restaurants, and the Skywalk X skywalking experience priced around $220 for a walk. However, if you're up for a superhero experience, you can sign up for bungee jumping at a height of 223 meters, also known as the world's highest bungee jumping spot.
- Shopping in Macau
To fully immerse in the shopping experience of Macau locals, you can't miss Macau Creation, a shop located in Macau Tower or near the stairs leading up to St. Paul's Church. This is where Macau artists gather to sell their works, so you'll easily find T-shirts, stickers, mugs, and even miniature models of Macau buildings. Your family will surely find some unique souvenirs exclusive to Macau here.
- Indulge in Lord Stow's Bakery
You can't miss the egg tarts when in Macau. Visit Lord Stow's Bakery on Coloane Island to savor freshly baked golden tarts, indulging in their sweet, creamy, slightly bitter goodness.
- Explore Coloane Village and Cheoc Van Beach
Coloane Village sits peacefully amidst narrow streets and colorful Mediterranean-style buildings. Here, you'll find the beautiful St. Francis Xavier Church located in the village square, and a 1.5 km long beach starting from Coloane called Cheoc Van Beach. Facilities here include changing rooms, showers, and an ideal sandy shore for leisurely enjoyment.
Evening
- Dine at Albergue 1601
Just a few steps from St. Paul's Church, you'll find a renowned Portuguese restaurant called Alberque 1601. Your family can enjoy delicious meals under the shade of large ancient trees covering the entire square area. You can try Macau dishes, African chicken, or Portuguese favorites like codfish balls, stuffed squid, and of course, Portuguese wine.
- Watch the Water Show
Before bidding farewell to Macau, you must watch the spectacular performance of this city. The Water Show is a love story told through water performed by 80 talented performers dancing around a deep blue water lake. Designed by the famous Cirque du Soleil artist Franco Dragone, this performance features mesmerizing lighting, costumes, and water transformations, making it an unforgettable experience for your family.
