What to see in Macau, itinerary including the main monuments and places of interest of the Chinese city, including the historic center, with useful tourist information.
Tourist information
In Macau, also called the Las Vegas of the East for widespread gambling, architecture, food, lifestyles and Mediterranean and Asian temperaments coexist.
Since 2005, this city of China has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by Unesco for the richness of its historic center where there are churches, gardens, old cemeteries, colonial buildings and cobbled streets.
In addition to this, at the top of the hill there are fortresses, the ruins of the cathedral, Buddhist temples, romantic Portuguese cafes and Cantonese restaurants, elements that make the visit fascinating and surprising at the same time.
What see
Temple A-Ma
This labyrinthine complex, consisting of stone pavilions, gardens, Buddhist and Taoist statues and temples, is dedicated to A-Ma, a goddess of the sea from which it takes the name of Macau.
It is located opposite the Bay of A-Ma in a pleasant and spiritual atmosphere although often interrupted by the deafening explosions of firecrackers to chase away evil spirits, accompanied by the scent of incense dispersed in the air.
Guia Hill Fortress and Lighthouse
Built in 1637, the Guia lighthouse is still functioning to guide ships in the waters off Macau Bay.
It is an elevated observation point, also used to warn citizens of the arrival of typhoons.
During recent renovations, frescoes were discovered inside the chapel, nearby there is a fascinating series of war shelters dug into the hill and a small museum that tells the stories of those who served their homeland here.
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A walking path surrounds the hill with a view of the city and its bays, also a cable car runs along the side of the hill.
Historic center of Macau
The old town includes squares, historic buildings, colonial buildings, markets and cobbled streets.
The ruined facade of the Church of San Paolo is located adjacent to the suggestive Macao Museum and the cannons of Monte Forte.
Lou Lim Ioc Garden
This fresh and luxuriant garden contains huge trees, ponds, golden bamboo groves, caves and a nine-turn bridge to prevent evil spirits from using it, being able to move only in a straight line.
Locals use the park to practice tai chi or play traditional Chinese musical instruments.
The renovated Victorian Lou Lim Ioc Garden Pavilion, which is located in the center of the pond and is connected to the mainland by bridges, is used for temporary exhibitions.
Macau tower
At 338m high, this television tower dominates over reclaimed piece of land and is one of the tallest structures in the world.
The views from the observation deck on the 61st floor are spectacular.
Adventure sports enthusiasts can walk the perimeter or climb on its top. There is an entertainment center which includes cafes and shops.
Museo de Macao
The complex history of Macau is well told in this excellent museum. The ground floor focuses on the maritime legacies of China and Portugal with graphs regarding the discovery of the territory and its emergence as a strategic commercial port for raw materials and food products.
Do not miss the interesting collection of historical photos.
Senate square
This beautiful Portuguese-style square offers several stunning pastel-colored facades ranging from mandarin and lemon, combined with the gray color of the stones of the post office building and telegraph, one of the most beautiful post office buildings in Asia.
The main architectural jewel is the magnificent Senate building, decorated on the outside with a pattern of azulejo tiles, while inside it contains a splendid library.
Other buildings worth seeing are the Santa Casa della Misericordia and the splendid Church of San Domenico.
Taipa House Museum
This museum includes five lemon-green colonial-style villas overlooking the water.
They were built in 1921 as summer residences and three of them contain artifacts relating to the regions of Portugal, the culture of Macau, the history and development of Taipa and Coloane.
The two houses located east of the point where Avenida da Praia meets Rua do Supico are used for special receptions and exhibitions.
