Top 25 Attractions in Macau

For more than 400 years, Macau was in the status of a Portuguese colony, and only in 1999 was it returned to China. This fact left its mark on the way of life and architecture of the coastal region. Until now, European and Asian languages, religions and cultural traditions coexist very harmoniously here. And monuments of Christian culture coexist with ancient Chinese temples. The entire historic center of Macau is a living testimony to the integration of East and West and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Another feature of Macau is the presence of a large number of nightclubs, gambling houses, luxurious casinos and state-of-the-art entertainment venues. To date, the city has already won the championship from the American Las Vegas, striking its visitors with Asian scope and dazzling luxury.

What to see and where to go in Macau?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Senado Square

The heart of historic Macau. From here begins any trip around the city. The main objects are fountains, benches and green alleys, cafes and shops, black and white paving stones with a wavy pattern. As well as magnificent buildings from the colonial era, showcasing the multicultural spirit of Macau. Among the most famous are the Church of St. Dominic, the House of Mercy, the former Senate, the Chinese Temple, the Church of Our Lady, etc. National holidays, fairs, and festivals are held on the square.

Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral

The remains of the once majestic, largest in Asia, Catholic church are the main symbol of Macau. The flow of tourists does not dry up to it. It is under the protection of UNESCO. All that was left of it after the fire of 1835 was a lonely wall, or rather a facade with sculptural compositions, to which a monumental staircase leads. On the site of the former altar, there is an underground chapel with the surviving relics of Christian martyrs. Nearby is a museum of sacred art.

Village Coloane

A small colorful settlement in the south of the island of Coloane, which has retained the charm of the past. The center of the village is occupied by Eduard Markes Square, paved with multi-colored stones in the form of waves. The main attraction of these places is the chapel of Francis Xavier. Other interesting objects include 7 Chinese ancient temples, an old library, a Buddhist cemetery on a mountainside, an embankment, many shops, restaurants and coffee houses, excellent beaches.

Giant panda pavilion

. All buildings of the pavilion organically fit into the natural landscape. There are covered enclosures for pandas, food preparation rooms, a veterinary room, and a large courtyard. There are two paths for visitors. Considering that pandas like to sleep, it is better to come to the pavilion in the morning. In the park there are enclosures with other animals, a souvenir shop, a cafe, an information center.

macau tower

Opened in 2001. It has a height of 338 meters and 61 floors. It is a huge complex consisting of shops, restaurants, cafes, exhibition centers, cinema. The observation deck is located at a height of 233 meters, consists of two levels, has a glass, moving floor. The tower is listed in the Guinness book as the highest platform for bungee jumping. Also, fans of extreme sports are invited to climb the spire of a skyscraper and climb the outer walls.

Fort Guia

Defensive fortress of the early 17th century. It rises on the hill of Guia - the highest point of the peninsula. Simultaneously with the fort, a chapel was built, which is famous for its frescoes. Its design was carried out by the monks of the Order of Saint Clare. In 1864, a 15-meter European-style lighthouse was built nearby - the first on the Chinese coast. At its top there is an observation deck. The Maritime Museum is open in the fortress. You can take the funicular up the hill.

Fort Monte

It was erected at the beginning of the 17th century to protect against attacks from the sea. It was built by the Portuguese authorities with the support of the Jesuit order. Located on top of a hill, has a quadrangular shape. All corners are covered with bastions. The walls facing the sea are equipped with loopholes with ancient guns and towers. Inside the fort, the premises of warehouses, soldiers' barracks, and an arsenal have been preserved. There is a park between them. Equipped with an observation deck. There is a museum nearby.

Macau Museum

It opened in 1998 on the territory of Fort Monte, in a 17th-century building that belonged to a weather station. The expositions are located on 3 levels - two underground and one above ground. They are dedicated to the history of Macau, the Portuguese influence on the development of the region, the traditions, crafts and life of local residents, as well as the features of modern urban life. Among the exhibits are an ancient printing press and tape measure, old cards, famous Chinese shadow puppets, sculptures, etc.

"House of the Mandarin"

. Built in Chinese traditions, but with elements of Western cultures. Consists of several living quarters surrounded by a fence. Outside, the residence is decorated with round doors and arches, lattice windows, and ornaments on the walls. Furniture, books, decor items have been preserved inside. A museum has been open here since 2001. Free admission.

Macau Science Center

Opening date - 2009. It is a futuristic cone-shaped building, inside of which there are no floors, and all the galleries are arranged in a spiral. Each of them is dedicated to a separate topic - the planet Earth and natural phenomena, various technologies, robotics, culinary, scientists and discoveries, etc. The building has an overview gallery with excellent views of the sea and surroundings. A planetarium has been built nearby, in which films in 3D format are shown on a 15-meter screen.

House-museums of Taipa

Five villas of beautiful jade color, owned by members of the Portuguese administration, respected people of the city. Built in the early 1920s. The interior is a combination of Chinese and Portuguese styles. Today, the houses have been reconstructed and turned into exhibition halls, where collections of ceramics, sculptures, national costumes, photographs, household items, and paintings are presented. One of the houses is intended for receptions, banquets, cultural events.

Grand Prix Museum

Dedicated to Formula 3 car racing. The first tournament was held in Macau in 1954. Since then, the competition has been held every year in November. The museum opened in 1993. The initiator of its creation was a local entrepreneur who participated in the race - Teddy Yipp. The museum presents cars and motorcycles of famous pilots, a layout of the race track, photos of champions, cups, videos from competitions of different years. Entrance is free for everyone.

Maritime Museum

The building of the museum in the form of a white sailboat was built on the very spot where the Portuguese landed in 1553 - on the hill of Bar. It has been hosting visitors since 1990. Contains 4 expositions on the history of the maritime affairs of Portugal, China and Macau. Here you can learn about the life of local fishermen, the discoveries of Portuguese pioneers, the history of trade relations, and modern shipping. There are models of fishing gear, ships, junk boats, fishing boats, etc.

Macau Art Museum

, has 5 floors and consists of 7 exhibition galleries. They contain valuable collections of Chinese paintings, calligraphy and ceramics, historical paintings, European engravings of local landscapes, modern art. It also hosts temporary exhibitions of art works by Chinese and foreign authors. The building has an auditorium with 100 seats, a library, various workshops.

A-Ma Temple

Erected in the XIV century in honor of the patroness of sailors and fishermen - the goddess A-Ma. Situated on a hillside. Made in the Chinese style with small towers, the roofs of which are upturned. It consists of several pavilions and prayer halls. The area in front of the temple is paved with colorful cobblestones brought from Portugal. They form a pattern resembling waves. Services are still held in the temple today, the cult of the sea goddess A-Ma is revered.

Church of Saint Dominic

It was built at the end of the 16th century by Spanish monks. The main material was wood. Later, in 1828, it was reconstructed from stone. Made in the Baroque style using European and local design features. The interior is richly decorated with paintings, carvings, mirrors and sculptures. The bell tower is famous for the oldest bronze bells in the city. A museum has been opened here, where about 300 unique artifacts and works of religious art are kept.

Macau Cathedral

It was erected at the beginning of the 17th century. Subsequently, it was repeatedly reconstructed, the last time - in 1937, when the building was rebuilt from concrete. The facade is finished with Shanghai stucco, which gives the cathedral a monolithic, austere and somewhat ascetic look, complemented by pilasters and two symmetrical towers. Before the transfer of Macao to China, it was here that one of the main symbols of power, the scepter, was kept. The temple is currently active. Nearby is the bishop's house.

Catholic Chapel of Our Lady of Peña

It rises above the sea on a small hill of Peña. Date of foundation - 1622. It was built by the Augustinian order for sailors. Made in Romanesque style with Gothic elements. It was rebuilt many times, a bell tower with an original weather vane, a staircase, an arcade were added. Two sculptures of the Mother of God are installed in the courtyard. There is a garden with fountains, a recreation area, a playground. A popular place for wedding photo shoots.

Church of St Lawrence

It was originally built by the Jesuits in the middle of the 16th century from wood. It acquired its present appearance in 1846. It has the shape of a Latin cross. On the sides are two chapels. Made in neoclassical style with decorative baroque elements. The windows are decorated with stained-glass windows with scenes from the life of saints. Currently, it is the main church of one of the parishes of Macau. In the garden near the temple, a series of volumetric drawings on the theme of biblical scenes is exhibited.

Chapel of Saint Francis Xavier

Appeared in 1928 on the southern coast of the island of Coloane, near the monument in honor of the victory of the Portuguese over the pirates in 1910. It was used to store especially revered Christian relics. Among them are fragments of the bones of Francis Xavier. As well as the remains of Catholic priests crucified in 1597 in Nagasaki, and Japanese Christians who died in 1637 during the uprising in Shimabara. At the end of the 20th century, the relics were moved to the museum and other temples.

The Venetian

A whole city block under one roof - a hotel, 350 shops, a concert hall for 15,000 seats, 30 world-class restaurants, a conference hall, a gaming establishment for 850 tables and 4,000 slot machines. Under the "Venetian sky", painted by Italian artists, fountains, statues, squares, bridges and real canals were built along which gondolas glide. In the role of gondoliers - the best opera singers. It is the largest building in Asia and the second largest in the world.

grand lisboa

After restoration in 2007, Macau's oldest casino has acquired a new modern look. Made in the shape of a lotus flower. During the day it shines with gold, at night it shimmers with bright lights and spotlights. The interior is created in Chinese style, luxuriously decorated, with many ivory and gold decorations. The building has 57 floors, games rooms are on the upper levels. There are separate rooms for experienced players. The casino holds one of the largest diamonds in the world - 218.08 carats.

Galaxy Macau

A grand entertainment complex, one of the largest in the world. It includes 3 hotels, more than 50 bars and restaurants, 6 swimming pools, a beach, tropical gardens, a game room for 600 tables, etc. It is famous for its huge rooftop pool, where artificial waves are created and even windsurfing competitions are held. Another attraction of the complex is the Diamond Fountain. Every evening, a huge diamond rises from it, accompanied by music and visual effects.

city ​​of dreams

The City of Dreams, shining with lights, includes 3 hotels, fashion boutiques, one of the most famous nightclubs in Asia - Cubic, a two-level casino with 450 gaming tables, about 20 restaurants and bars. City of Dreams is also widely famous for its two theaters - "The Bubble" and "Dancing Water Theatre". Their performances are bright water shows with great sound and light special effects. The entertainment complex was built in 2009. Located in the Cotai area.

"House of Dancing Water"

An enchanting show program, for which an auditorium for 2000 seats was built with an unusual stage that turns into a huge pool. The most impressive sight in the world, the cost of which exceeded $ 250 million. 80 acrobats, 30 divers, 150 technicians participate in the performance. A colorful production based on European and Chinese scenes is filled with acrobatic and underwater numbers, bright dances, motorcycle stunts, special effects and animation graphics.