TOP PLACES TO VISIT
For hundreds of years, Macao has been a city where the East and West have gradually and organically blended to create the unique Macanese culture so popular with visitors from around the world. This fascinating melange can be observed in Macao's cuisine, language, arts and architecture. Visitors may be familiar with the city's most famous attractions, such as the Ruins of St. Paul's and A-Ma Temple. There is much more to see, and to extend visitors' knowledge of Macao, we would like to recommend places to visit a little more off the beaten track.
An online global vote 'Macao New Eight Scenic Spots' carried out by the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association in 2019 to select eight scenic spots representing the new progress and landscape of Macao and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR.
In addition to these points of interest, there are numerous historic buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites that can be found on the websites of Macao World Heritage and Macao Government Tourism Office to explore and experience more traditional and modern attractions, culture, nature and wildlife of Macao.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT
For hundreds of years, Macao has been a city where the East and West have gradually and organically blended to create the unique Macanese culture so popular with visitors from around the world. This fascinating melange can be observed in Macao's cuisine, language, arts and architecture. Visitors may be familiar with the city's most famous attractions, such as the Ruins of St. Paul's and A-Ma Temple. There is much more to see, and to extend visitors' knowledge of Macao, we would like to recommend places to visit a little more off the beaten track.
An online global vote 'Macao New Eight Scenic Spots' carried out by the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association in 2019 to select eight scenic spots representing the new progress and landscape of Macao and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR.
In addition to these points of interest, there are numerous historic buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites that can be found on the websites of Macao World Heritage and Macao Government Tourism Office to explore and experience more traditional and modern attractions, culture, nature and wildlife of Macao.
MACAO NEW EIGHT SCENIC SPOTS
1. PENHA HILL (
≈ 13 MINS)*
Covered by trees, Penha Hill is a quiet, beautiful place with the famous Our Lady of Penha Chapel on its top. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Praia Grande and Inner Harbour. Penha Hill is also a popular spot in town for photo-taking, especially with newly-weds!
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
2. TWO LAKES AND ONE TOWER ( ≈ 6 MINS)*
'Two Lakes and One Tower' refers to the Nam Van Lake, the Sai Van Lake and the Macau Tower area, a great location for superb landscape photography. Nam Van Lake is one of two artificial lakes on the southern side of the peninsula. Gorgeous fountain and laser shows are staged here nightly. At the lower level of the Sai Van Lake Square, you can enjoy lake views, Penha Hill and southern European style architecture at the bottom of the hill.
From the top of the 338-meter Macau Tower, Macao's tallest building and highest commercial Skyjump in the world, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Pearl River Delta. The Macau Tower is where tourism, sightseeing and entertainment all come together.
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
3. SENADO SQUARE ( ≈ 12 MINS / 
26A ≈ 45 MINS)*
Senado Square is the most visited spot in Macao outside of Cotai Strip. The imposing colonial buildings that surround it include the IAM Building, Post Office Building and Holy House of Mercy, together representing the Portuguese heritage of Macao. It is also famous for the iconic Portuguese paving stones, with their distinctive wavy pattern. You will also find numerous local restaurants and retail outlets for souvenir hunting.
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
4. LONG CHAO KOK COASTAL TRAIL ( ≈ 10 MINS / 25 ≈ 35 MINS)*
Long Chao Kok Coastal Trail is located on the southwest coast of the famous Hac Sa (Black Sand) Beach. Along the trail are amazing rock formations and dramatic landscapes, and being paved makes it perfect for walkers of all ages to enjoy Macao's natural scenery. For a short hike, with great scenic spots for photography lovers, Long Chao Kok is an experience you can't miss.
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
5. COLOANE FISHING VILLAGE ( ≈ 5 MINS / 25 ≈ 25 MINS)*
This former port has a rich history, with outstanding landmarks including Coloane Pier, the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, Largo Eduardo Marques, Coloane Library, Kun Iam Temple, Tin Hau Temple and others. It is definitely worth visiting Coloane Fishing Village to discover the history and culture of Macao. From here you can see across to the skyline of nearby Hengqin. Coloane Fish Village also provides a popular setting for video and film shooting.
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
6. TRAVESSA DA PAIXÃO ( ≈ 15 MINS)*
This 50-meter alley is adjacent to the Ruins of St. Paul's and popular for video shooting due to its colorful colonial buildings. The Portuguese word 'Paixão' means 'being in love' in its Chinese name, giving it a romantic reputation and attracting numerous tourists. Don't miss out the chance to take a photo on the alley if you are visiting Macao with your special one!
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
7. RUA DA FELICIDADE ( ≈ 12 MINS / 26A ≈ 45 MINS)*
The old street is famous for the well-preserved, two-storey traditional Chinese-style buildings with blue-grey bricks and red-tiled roofs on both sides of the street. The street has become a must-visit tourist spot where visitors can taste local cuisine and find some of Macao's best souvenirs – including from the numerous traditional bakeries.
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
8. HONG KONG-ZHUHAI-MACAO BRIDGE ( SANDS RESORTS MACAO SHUTTLE BUS ≈ 20 MINS)
The 55km bridge-tunnel system connecting Macao with Hong Kong and Zhuhai – three major cities on the Pearl River Delta – is the largest sea crossing in the world. If you are landing in Hong Kong or traveling to Macao via Zhuhai, the bridge is a convenient alternative for meetings and events groups. Traveling from Hong Kong International Airport via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to Macao takes just 45 minutes.
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
MACAO NEW EIGHT SCENIC SPOTS
1. PENHA HILL ( ≈ 13 MINS)*
Covered by trees, Penha Hill is a quiet, beautiful place with the famous Our Lady of Penha Chapel on its top. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Praia Grande and Inner Harbour. Penha Hill is also a popular spot in town for photo-taking, especially with newly-weds!
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
2. TWO LAKES AND ONE TOWER ( ≈ 6 MINS)*
'Two Lakes and One Tower' refers to the Nam Van Lake, the Sai Van Lake and the Macau Tower area, a great location for superb landscape photography. Nam Van Lake is one of two artificial lakes on the southern side of the peninsula. Gorgeous fountain and laser shows are staged here nightly. At the lower level of the Sai Van Lake Square, you can enjoy lake views, Penha Hill and southern European style architecture at the bottom of the hill.
From the top of the 338-meter Macau Tower, Macao's tallest building and highest commercial Skyjump in the world, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Pearl River Delta. The Macau Tower is where tourism, sightseeing and entertainment all come together.
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
3. SENADO SQUARE ( ≈ 12 MINS / 26A ≈ 45 MINS)*
Senado Square is the most visited spot in Macao outside of Cotai Strip. The imposing colonial buildings that surround it include the IAM Building, Post Office Building and Holy House of Mercy, together representing the Portuguese heritage of Macao. It is also famous for the iconic Portuguese paving stones, with their distinctive wavy pattern. You will also find numerous local restaurants and retail outlets for souvenir hunting.
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
4. LONG CHAO KOK COASTAL TRAIL ( ≈ 10 MINS / 25 ≈ 35 MINS)*
Long Chao Kok Coastal Trail is located on the southwest coast of the famous Hac Sa (Black Sand) Beach. Along the trail are amazing rock formations and dramatic landscapes, and being paved makes it perfect for walkers of all ages to enjoy Macao's natural scenery. For a short hike, with great scenic spots for photography lovers, Long Chao Kok is an experience you can't miss.
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
5. COLOANE FISHING VILLAGE ( ≈ 5 MINS / 25 ≈ 25 MINS)*
This former port has a rich history, with outstanding landmarks including Coloane Pier, the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, Largo Eduardo Marques, Coloane Library, Kun Iam Temple, Tin Hau Temple and others. It is definitely worth visiting Coloane Fishing Village to discover the history and culture of Macao. From here you can see across to the skyline of nearby Hengqin. Coloane Fish Village also provides a popular setting for video and film shooting.
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
6. TRAVESSA DA PAIXÃO ( ≈ 15 MINS)*
This 50-meter alley is adjacent to the Ruins of St. Paul's and popular for video shooting due to its colorful colonial buildings. The Portuguese word 'Paixão' means 'being in love' in its Chinese name, giving it a romantic reputation and attracting numerous tourists. Don't miss out the chance to take a photo on the alley if you are visiting Macao with your special one!
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
7. RUA DA FELICIDADE ( ≈ 12 MINS / 26A ≈ 45 MINS)*
The old street is famous for the well-preserved, two-storey traditional Chinese-style buildings with blue-grey bricks and red-tiled roofs on both sides of the street. The street has become a must-visit tourist spot where visitors can taste local cuisine and find some of Macao's best souvenirs – including from the numerous traditional bakeries.
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
8. HONG KONG-ZHUHAI-MACAO BRIDGE ( SANDS RESORTS MACAO SHUTTLE BUS ≈ 20 MINS)
The 55km bridge-tunnel system connecting Macao with Hong Kong and Zhuhai – three major cities on the Pearl River Delta – is the largest sea crossing in the world. If you are landing in Hong Kong or traveling to Macao via Zhuhai, the bridge is a convenient alternative for meetings and events groups. Traveling from Hong Kong International Airport via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to Macao takes just 45 minutes.
Image courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
If it is your first time visiting Macao, don't miss out the chance to visit Macao's most iconic landmarks, including Ruins of St. Paul's, A-Ma Temple, and Taipa Houses, which are just a five-minute walk from Sands Resorts Macao. Your first trip to Macao won't be complete without hitting these great spots!
RUINS OF ST. PAUL'S ( ≈ 15 MINS)*
The Ruins of St. Paul's refers to the facade of what was originally the Church of Mater Dei, built in 1602-1640 and destroyed by fire in 1835. It is regarded as Macao's most significant landmark and one of the most visited spots in town.
A-MA TEMPLE ( ≈ 6 MINS)*
A-Ma Temple existed before the city of Macao came into being. The variety of pavilions dedicated to the worship of different deities in a single complex make it an exemplary representation of Chinese culture, inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and multiple folk beliefs.
TAIPA HOUSES (
≈ 5 MINS)*
Taipa Houses are one of the former 'Macao Eight Scenic Spots' and typify the charming Portuguese architectural style in Taipa. The Portuguese residences along Avenida da Praia, together with the neighboring Our Lady of Carmel Church and the garden, comprise a picturesque landscape in which the five green houses stand out as the most representative.
*Estimated travel time based on departure from Sands Resorts Macao
If it is your first time visiting Macao, don't miss out the chance to visit Macao's most iconic landmarks, including Ruins of St. Paul's, A-Ma Temple, and Taipa Houses, which are just a five-minute walk from Sands Resorts Macao. Your first trip to Macao won't be complete without hitting these great spots!
RUINS OF ST. PAUL'S ( ≈ 15 MINS)*
The Ruins of St. Paul's refers to the facade of what was originally the Church of Mater Dei, built in 1602-1640 and destroyed by fire in 1835. It is regarded as Macao's most significant landmark and one of the most visited spots in town.
A-MA TEMPLE ( ≈ 6 MINS)*
A-Ma Temple existed before the city of Macao came into being. The variety of pavilions dedicated to the worship of different deities in a single complex make it an exemplary representation of Chinese culture, inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and multiple folk beliefs.
TAIPA HOUSES ( ≈ 5 MINS)*
Taipa Houses are one of the former 'Macao Eight Scenic Spots' and typify the charming Portuguese architectural style in Taipa. The Portuguese residences along Avenida da Praia, together with the neighboring Our Lady of Carmel Church and the garden, comprise a picturesque landscape in which the five green houses stand out as the most representative.
*Estimated travel time based on departure from Sands Resorts Macao