Home /
News /
The Biggest Attractions in Macau /

The Biggest Attractions in Macau

When most people think of the city of Macau, they immediately picture gigantic casinos. And for some reason it's always night time! Though the Southern Chinese state is most famous as a gambling hub, there are in fat, a lot f other things to see and do apart from spending all your time and money at the gaming tables. Let's take a tour of the biggest attractions in Macau.

Rate this news

Biggest Attractions in Macau: A-Ma Temple

This Buddhist temple is the oldest in the city, having been build around 1400. It’s dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the city itself. It also happens to be a World Heritage site and boasts some wonderful statues and architecture. Among them, you’ll find the statue of the goddess herself, after whom the city is so named. It’s a pleasant walk around the buildings, and certainly offers a complete change of pace from the loud and tacky casinos. Being quiet and peaceful, it’s a welcome distraction from the world of gambling just around the corner.

The Ruins of St. Paul’s

This Jesuit church is probably the most iconic building in the whole of Macau. All that remains is the facade which is one of the seven Portuguese Wonders of the world. Just like the A-Ma Temple, it too is a World Heritage Site, having gained the honor in 2005. Originally built in the 1600’s under the direction of Italian Jesuit Carlo Spinola by Japanese Christians who were forced to leave their homeland, it served as the major religious structure of the Far East. At the time it was being to at the time as the “Vatican of the East”. But in 1835’s the whole building apart from the Southern stone facade, perished in a fire caused by a typhoon.

Between 1990 and 1995, the remains were excavated and led to the discovery of the crypt and foundations. More recently the ruins saw restoration by the Macanese government. The ruin is now buttressed with concrete and there’s a stairway going up to the top.

Biggest Attractions in Macau: Fortaleza do Monte

Like the above church, this fort was built in the 1600’s and served as the de facto military base for the Portuguese allowing them to dominate the surrounding countryside. Eventually it would serve as the Governor’s residence. Whereas the ruin of St Paul’s can be seen in less than an hour, the Fortaleza do Monte is a good half a day tour. Housed here is the Macau Museum. This is the home of all the city’s history and you can learn about the colony’s interesting past. You might find it surprising as to just how many colonizers have passed through the city.

Maritime Museum and Fisherman’s Wharf

If you’ve decided to take a complete day off from the casinos, then you really should visit the Maritime Museum and Fisherman’s Wharf. For centuries the city was a main hub of trade as the sea and harbor are both deeply important to the city’s reputation and wealth. The actual Maritime Museum resembles an old-time sailing ship and is home to many displays and collections from the city’s rich history of maritime travel. One of the most interesting collections is that which features the evolution of maritime instruments dealing with direction and weather conditions.

From here it’s but a short stroll down to the Fisherman’s Wharf. Here you’ll find no end of restaurants, and all serving fresh seafoods. There are also places for shopping and the whole atmosphere is one of a theme park attraction.

Biggest Attractions in Macau: AJ Hackett Macau Tower

You may not of heard the name AJ Hackett, but you’ll surely know of his famed sport. He invented bungee jumping and the Macau Tower is home to many of the world’s most scary bungee jumps. The Macau Tower is 300 meters tall. Of course, you can go to the top without having to jump, and the scenic views are amazing. As for other attractions, there are skywalks, tandem sky diving, tower climbing, and bungee jumping for all taste and styles. If you have a head for being frightened senseless, then this is a must-visit place.

The House of Dancing Water

Macau is certainly home to many varied and spectacular sights. One such is the House of Dancing Water. This is a 90-minute show that takes place in a massive custom build theater that can be flooded and emptied at will. The actual water tank has a series of lifts and platforms thereby enabling the performers to leap and dive into the waters. Some compare it to Cirque de Soleil, but underwater. Definitely a must-see.

Biggest Attractions in Macau: Taipa Village

Situated close to the gambling strip, is a quaint little village, called Taipa Village. It’s a living and breathing village, set among the skyscrapers and enormous casinos. There are plenty of places to eat and drink as the whole set up features a heady mix of cultures, from Portuguese to Chinese influence. You’ll also find temples, museums, art galleries and souvenir shops. Within the village sits Taipa House. This lovely lime green and cream building was once the home to the Portuguese Governor. Now it’s full of artifacts and exhibitions that explore the colonialism of Macau over the centuries past.

Grand Resort Deck

This is technically part of a casino. But it still represents something to do as opposed to just gambling. Essentially it’s a massive expanse of water attractions. There’s everything here for all tastes, shapes and sizes. Whether you just want to relax and read a book or go headfirst down a terrifying water slide, it’s all here for the taking.

Biggest Attractions in Macau: The Giant Panda Pavilion

Of course no visit to the city of Macau would be complete without going to see the iconic pandas. Their huge and sprawling enclosure is designed to mimic their natural habitat. Not only will you be able to see these cuddle animals close up, but there are also other animals within the pavilion. It should be said that the whole park is a beautiful place to hang out. It’s full of trees and plants to take your mind off those casino games. A place to relax and chill.