Best Things to do in Macao 2023 | Best Cities in the World #82: Macao

82. Macao CHINA 🇨🇳 Score: 179.81

by Diego Delso [format changed] / CC BY-SA 3.0

The World’s Top Destination for Gambling Tourism with a Rich past under Portuguese Administration

Table of Contents

A. About Macao
B. Best Things to Do in Macau in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Macao
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Macao
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Macao (including close-by excursions)

A. About Macao

Just sixty kilometers west of Hong Kong, Macao has become a major resort city and the top destination for gambling tourism.

The casinos of Macau bring in more profit than those of Las Vegas and Monte Carlo combined.

But Macau is far more than just a casino city. The city's rich past under Portuguese administration is seen everywhere, in its fine architecture and well-preserved colonial buildings.

The Good:

While Macao does not score seven in any category, the city still scores well in most of the important ones.

There are many interesting sights from the Portuguese past and the city is clean and safe.

With lively nightlife and casino culture, the "Las Vegas of the East" attracts night owls from all over the world.

The Not-So-Good:

Fortunately, Macao has no category with a low rating.

B. Best Things to Do in Macau in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than fifty sights in Macao. The following sights and attractions contribute to a score of 6.85/10 in this highly important category:

# RUINS OF ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL 6

Built from 1602 to 1637 in Baroque style, São Paulo Cathedral was destroyed by a fire in 1835, leaving only the Renaissance façade and the front stairway.

Landmark World Heritage Site: since 2005

# HISTORIC CENTER 6

Comprising 25 monuments and urban squares interwoven in the heart of the city, the historic district is collectively known as "The Historic Centre of Macao".

City District World Heritage Site: since 2005

# A-MA TEMPLE 6

Part of Macau's UNESCO Historic Center, this Buddhist temple is Macau's oldest Chinese temple, believed to be the temple where Macau’s name is derived from.

Temple World Heritage Site: since 2005

by WiNG / CC BY-SA 3.0

# The Venetian 6

Opened in August 2007 and still the world’s largest casino, this very impressive $2.4bn complex replicates the famous architectural canals and icons of Venice.

It is just as awe-inspiring and luxurious as its famous sister resort in Las Vegas but considerably larger.

Casino

# LARGO DO SENADO (Senate Square) 6

Macao's gorgeous main pedestrian square with its charming pastel-colored colonial architecture is situated in the historic heart of the city.

Square World Heritage Site: since 2005

by The Red Hat of Pat Ferrick / Public Domain

# Macau Tower 5.5

Walk the 360-degree observation deck for unobstructed views across Macau.

Tower Total Height: 338 m | Observation Deck: 323 m | Opened: 2001

by Whhalbert / CC BY-SA 3.0

# SÃO DOMINGO’S CHURCH 5.5

This 16th-century Baroque-style church is without a doubt the most beautiful in Macau.

Church World Heritage Site: since 2005

by Whhalbert / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Grand Lisboa Casino 5

Shaped like a giant lotus flower and covered in LCD screens, this iconic 47-floor, 261-meter-tall (856 ft) hotel and casino is visible from miles away.

Casino | Modern Architecture Opened: 2008

by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / CC BY-SA 3.0

# FORTALEZA DO MONTE 5

Constructed in 1626, this renovated fort on the hill overlooking the ruins of São Paulo rewards you with excellent panoramic views of Macau. The former fortress houses the three-story Macau Museum, dedicated to the history of China and Europe.

Viewpoint | Fort and Museum