Do you love capturing travel moments through your lens or looking to up your Instagram game? If so, you’re in for a real treat! Macau offers plenty of picturesque spots, and in this guide, I’m sharing my favorite Instagrammable places in Macau.
Despite its small size, Macau has much to offer. It’s an interesting blend of old and new, featuring extravagant casinos, Portuguese ruins, and ancient Chinese temples dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
While the “Las Vegas of Asia” might not be at the top of your travel list, it’s well worth a visit because there are loads of cool things to do in Macau and pretty places to photograph.
Ready to discover the most Insagrammable places in Macau? Let’s go!
Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Top 14 Instagram-Worthy Places in Macau
Senado Square
Senado Square (Google Maps) is one of Macau’s most iconic photo spots. It is right in the heart of the city’s UNESCO Historic Centre and is known for its pastel-colored colonial buildings, traditional Portuguese wave-patterned stone walkway, and vibrant atmosphere. The square is a popular venue for public events and celebrations and a great place to buy souvenirs and snacks.
The best time to visit Senado Square is in the early morning before the crowds get in. Alternatively, enjoy a stroll in the late afternoon or early evening. It’s best to avoid Senado Square during festivities, as it will likely be very crowded. I visited just before Chinese New Year, and the square was so packed that it was almost impossible to walk.
St. Dominic’s Church
Dominic’s Church (Google Maps) is just one of Macau’s many World Heritage Sites, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most impressive. The church was built in 1587 by Spanish Dominican priests and is an excellent example of the early Baroque architecture dotted around the Historic Centre. Interestingly, it is also here where the first Portuguese newspaper was published on Chinese land.
In addition to its iconic altar, decorated wooden ceiling, and colorful exterior, the church’s bell tower houses a quaint little museum — the Treasury of Sacred Arts. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of more than 300 artifacts containing statues, sacred art, and the church’s impressive bell. The church is open to visitors from 10 am to 6 pm daily.
The Ruins of St. Paul
One of the most Instagram-worthy places in Macau is The Ruins of St. Paul (Google Maps). This grand carved stone facade is the only archaeological remains of the first Church and College of the Jesuits in China. Originally built in the 16th century, it was destroyed by fire in 1835. Although the extended staircase has been rebuilt many times, the Ruins remain the most popular tourist attraction in the city’s Historic Centre and one of the most famous Asian landmarks.
It features mainly Baroque architecture, but if you look closely, you can see hints of Chinese and Japanese roots in the design. This is why it’s also known as one of the most unique Catholic structures in the world.
If you’re into history and art, the Museum of Sacred Art is a great addition to your visit here. It houses a fantastic collection of paintings and statues of Macau’s churches and monasteries. Among the museum’s most notable features are its oil paintings, among the oldest in the Far East. The museum also contains the remains of martyrs from Japan and Vietnam.
- Opening hours: The Museum of Sacred Art is open from 9am – 6pm daily, except on Tuesday afternoons when it closes at 2pm. The last admissions are at 5:30, so be sure to time your visit here.
Walls of Macau
Portuguese settlers built the Walls of Macau (Google Maps) as early as 1569. Only parts of the walls remain today, but they are still worth your time. If you look closely, you’ll see some interesting materials used to build this defensive structure, such as clay, rice straws, crushed rocks, and even oyster shells.
When visiting here, be sure to also pop into Na Tcha Temple — a small traditional Chinese temple built in 1888. Then, pass through the City Wall where you’ll find a cute little courtyard. It’s a great spot to take a breather, and get away from all the tourists.
Travessa da Paixao
Right beside the Ruins of St. Paul, you will find one of the most picturesque little streets in Macau. Travessa da Paixao (Google Maps), also known as ‘The Romantic Lane,’ is only about 50 meters long. But the beautiful pastel-colored buildings make for awesome pics! Little wonder it is one of the most Instagram-worthy places in Macau!
The lane has become quite an Instagram hot spot, so it’s best to time your visit here. Come in the early morning hours if you want to miss the crowds.
Oh, foodie tip – just a stone’s throw from here, you can grab Macau’s famous pork chop bun at Tai Lei Loi Kei. Afterward, wander down the staircase to Portuguese Street, where you’ll find interesting art galleries and cool cafes.
- How to get there: Once you get to the Ruins of St. Paul’s platform, make a left towards the Walls of Macau. Na Tcha Temple will be in front of you, to the right. Turn left and walk along the side of the old city walls. Then, walk down the small staircase once you see the small lane lined with pretty pink and yellow buildings.
Monte Fort
Monte Fort (Google Maps), also known as Mount Fortress, was the city’s primary defense structure. It was built from 1617 to 1626 and covers over 8,000 square meters. To this day, you can see some of the original canons used here. However, what makes Monte Fort such a must-visit place is the views! It is an excellent vantage point, offering sweeping views of the cityscape.
But just a tip: You really don’t need more than 30 minutes here unless you need more time to take pictures or plan to visit the Macau Museum.
You can see the fortress and gardens daily from 7 am to 7 pm and the Macau Museum from 10 am to 6 pm. Please note that the museum is not open on Mondays; the last admissions are at 5:30 pm.
Tips for visiting the fort
At the entrance, there are vendors selling snacks and drinks. If you want to buy some water, try asking for it in Chinese, as you’ll get the most expensive bottle when asking for it in English.
- Wǒ xiǎng yào yī píng shuǐ (Wo
shiang jao ee ping shway .) — I want a bottle of water. - Wǒ xiǎng yào yī xiǎopíng shuǐ (Wo
shiang jao eeshou pingshway ) — I want a small bottle of water. - Wǒ xiǎng yào yī dàpíng shuǐ (Wo
shiang jao ee da pingshway ) — I want a big bottle of water.
Although I could speak English for most of my trip, I often had to rely on Chinese in the less touristy spots. Macanese mainly speak Chinese or Cantonese, so even if you can speak a bit of Taiwan Chinese like me, you’ll still get by, since the tones are only slightly different. Here are some key Chinese phrases that could come in handy on your trip to Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong, or China.
Just a heads up: Taiwan uses Traditional Chinese in writing, whereas China uses Simplified Chinese. But then again, if you can only speak Chinese (and not read or write it) you won’t have much trouble getting by.
Rua De Felicidade
Rua De Felicidade (Google Maps), also known as Happiness Street, might have a shady past as the city’s former red light district, but today, it is one of the most Instagram-worthy places in Macau. Chinese-style shophouses with red-shuttered doors and windows line the street, making it one of the most scenic spots in the city.
Besides the cute coffee shops and art stores, Rua De Felicidade has become a popular street food spot and is home to one of the city’s oldest noodles shops and some cool souvenir shops. The street is within walking distance from Senado Square.
A-Ma Temple
A-Ma Temple (Google Maps) is the oldest temple in Macau and one of the city’s most Instagrammable places. With a history of more than 500 years, the temple is rich in character and offers plenty of photo opportunities.
Though relatively small, it has several pavilions, a Memorial Arch, and a few secret halls to explore. Each pavilion is dedicated to a different deity, showcasing the influence of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and various folk beliefs on Chinese culture.
Even if you’re not interested in religious temples, A-Ma Temple is still a great place to visit in Macau. You’ll find plenty of great photo opportunities here, from the viewpoints overlooking the Inner Harbour and temple exterior to the spiraled incense coils and colorful wish cards.
- Opening hours: 7 am – 6 pm daily.
Macau Tower
If you’re looking for terrific views, the Macau Tower (Google Maps) is undoubtedly one of the most Instagram-worthy places in Macau. The tower stands 336 meters tall and was first opened in 2001.
Besides the great panoramic views, the tower is also a hub for thrill seekers. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can bungee jump from the 57th floor or walk outside the building with the Tower Skywalk X. Another great thing to do here is to enjoy a delicious meal in the rotating 360° Café, on the 60th and 61st floors. It offers amazing food and ever-changing views! Both lunch and dinner buffets are available, but if you only want a light snack, try their famous afternoon tea. It includes a tasty selection of savory bites and sweet treats.
While there wasn’t much of a queue during my visit, the observation deck did fill up quickly just before sunset. If you prefer not to wait in line, buying an admission ticket beforehand is a good idea. Alternatively, try to visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds.
- Opening hours: The Macau Tower is open from 10 am – 9 pm on weekdays and 9 am – 9
10pm , daily.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf, near the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry, is a huge European-themed entertainment area covering over 133,000m². It has dozens of restaurants, hotels, and shops, all in one place! ThE Roman-inspired colosseum is also one of the best Instagram spots in the city, so be sure not to miss it on your visit to Macau.
You can walk around the area 24/7, but note that the shops and restaurants are only open during business hours. If you plan to eat here, it’s best to come between 12 pm and 10 pm. Most restaurants are also closed on Mondays.
- How to get there: The Fisherman’s Wharf is only a 5-minute walk from the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal. Take any free shuttle bus to the ferry terminal and continue on foot. Alternatively, public buses 3A, 3AX, 10AX, or 12 can also get you there. Google Maps.
Taipa Village & Houses
Taipa Village is one of the best places to experience authentic Macau. It offers visitors a glimpse into Macau’s old-world charm and unique mix of Portuguese and Chinese architecture.
Apart from being one of the most Instagram-worthy places in Macau, it’s also a popular tourist spot for art and history lovers and those looking to sample Lord Stow’s famous ‘pastéis de nata’ (Portuguese egg tarts). On your visit, browse through traditional shophouses, hipster cafes, museums, galleries, and streets lined with colorful buildings and street art.
Once you’ve made your way through the winding alleys and sampled some street food (don’t miss the egg tarts, almond cookies, and traditional Portuguese treats on offer here), head to the Our Lady of Carmel Church and the Taipa Houses — two fantastic examples of the area’s unique culture and history.
The Taipa Houses comprise five houses transformed into a museum displaying exhibitions and scenes from Macau’s past. There is a small entrance fee, but it’s worth it. The museum is open daily (except Monday) from 10 am to 7 pm, with the last admissions at 6:30 pm.
- How to get there: Take bus numbers 11, 15, 22, 28A, 30, 33 or 34 to Taipa Village. There are clear signs pointing the route to the Taipa Houses and the Our Lady of Carmel Church. Alternatively, free shuttle buses also run from the ferry terminals, Studio City, Galaxy Macau or Wynn Palace to here.
Coloane Village
One of my favorite Instagram-worthy places in Macau is the quaint seaside area of Coloane Village. Although small, it’s a great place to stroll along the water and snap photos of all the cute pastel-colored buildings and murals. Don’t miss the iconic Chapel of St. Francis Xavier. It was built in 1928 and features a bright yellow facade. The chapel is open daily from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm.
Further along the promenade, you’ll also find the local library and the Tam Kong Temple, a small Taoist Temple dedicated to the seafarer god, Tam Kong.
Coloane is also where the first Lord Stow Bakery came to life, so be sure to grab some egg tarts for the ride back or even to enjoy on the spot. If your tummy starts to rumble, there are also some great restaurants serving Portuguese and Chinese food.
- How to get there: Take bus 15, 21A, 26, 26A or N3 to reach Coloane Village. (GPS Coordinates: 22.1261° N, 113.5639° E)
Macau Eiffel Tower
An amazing Instagram spot in Macau’s famous Cotai Strip is the city’s very own Eiffel Tower at The Parisian, a well-known casino resort. You can visit the observation deck to enjoy stunning views of the city, especially at night. The Eiffel Tower has two observation decks – a large one on the 7th floor, which is popular, and a smaller one on the 37th floor, offering an even more spectacular view.
- Opening hours: 11 am – 11 pm daily, depending on the weather.
- How to get there: Take bus 26A to get to the Parisian Macau. You could also take one of the free shuttle buses, which stop nearby. See bus schedules.
The Golden Reel
The world’s first figure-eight Ferris wheel is located in the heart of the Cotai Strip. The wheel has 17 pods, and the track takes 10-15 minutes to complete. At roughly 130 meters high, it offers stunning views of Macau’s cityscape and even the South China Sea.
Since the Ferris wheel is a real must-do, I recommend grabbing your Golden Reel tickets beforehand. I didn’t have time to do this and waited more than 45 minutes in line!
- Operating hours: You can take the Ferris wheel between 12 pm – 8 pm on weekdays and 11 am – 9 pm on weekends. The last admissions are 30 minutes prior to closing time.
- How to get there: Make your way to Studio City by bus 26A. Or simply hop on any of the free shuttle buses from the Macau Ferry Terminal, Macau International Airport, or the Taipa Ferry Terminal.
Getting Around in Macau
Getting around Macau is pretty easy considering there is a very reliable bus network, which runs at a flat rate of MOP 6 (less than USD 1). This means, you’ll only pay the fixed rate to reach your destination (no matter how far the stop is, but granted you do not change buses).
If you are staying at one of the casino resorts, hop on their shuttle bus and head to one of the ferry terminals. From there you could simply get on to any casino’s shuttle bus and whizz off to your destination.
The casino buses are free to use and you do not need to stay at a specific resort to use them. Win, win, WIN! If you do however plan to use the free shuttle buses, make sure to do proper research in advance and check out which casino buses, go where.
Alternatively, there’s also the hop-on-hop-off bus that allows you to explore the city at your own pace. (But just a side note, the bus is in need of an interior make-over, so don’t expect anything too fancy.)
Popular Macau Tours
If you are short on time, or not comfortable accessing the city on your own, there are a number of great tour options available which will still allow you to see what the city has on offer. Here are my top tour options.
Klook.comWhere to Stay in Macau
The great thing about Macau is that with a bit of planning, it’s actually one of the few places in East Asia where you can get luxury accommodation at mid-range prices. But, do note that it will take some planning. Book well in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes and keep an eye out for special offers from the casino resorts.
This probably goes without saying, but you’ll often find that prices are much higher during Chinese New Year. So, if you are travelling on a shoestring, rather try coming before of after this annual celebration.
Whether you’re staying near the historical hub or on the Cotai Strip, there are two ferry terminals which allow easy access to and from Hong Kong.
Historical Centre
I always prefer to stay close to the action. Which is why, I love staying in the heart of Macau’s city centre. Not only are there plenty of accommodation options to choose from, the historical sights are all easily accessed from here, too. Here are some excellent choices.
Cotai Strip
If you’re looking to stay in one of Macau’s glitzy casino resorts or close to the Cotai Ferry Terminal, I highly recommend basing yourself on the Cotai Strip. There are tons of accomodation options to choose from and with the free shuttle buses nearby, you could easily travel around. Here are some great options.
Have you visited Macau yet? What are your favorite photo spots in Macau? If you have any Instagrammable places in Macau worth checking out, share them in the comments below!
If you found this guide useful, don’t forget to save it to your favorite Pinterest travel board! places in Macau?
Leave a Reply