Attractions in Macao (previously known as Macau)

As mentioned earlier (you can read it here), most travellers tend to visit Macao and cover mainly the hotels and casino, but what I want to share with you guys are places of interest/attractions in Macao. Yes, Macao has more to offer but you need to do abit of googling. And to help and ease my readers, I thought I should just share a few that I’ve covered. Aside from these historical places, you can also experience some culture shows.

If you are visiting Macao during May time frame, I would like to recommend you to attend the Macao Arts Festival which is happening from 30April - 29 May, 2016.

These are a few places to see/do in Macau.

Ruins of St Paul’s (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Macao most famous landmark is a 16th-century Portuguese complex that was once a college and a church. The Church of St. Paul is also known as "Mater Dei" and was restored by the Macanese government; turning it into a museum while maintaining the concrete and steel façade. If you are adventurous enough, you can attempt to climb up to the top. 

Guia Fortress/Guia Lighthouse (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Dated as far back as 1865, Guia Fortress and Guia Lighthouse is a military fort, chapel, and lighthouse complex, and also part of Macao UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress was built on Guia Hill, the highest point in Macao and it was constructed after an unsuccessful attempt by the Netherlands to capture colonial Portuguese Macau from Portugal.

Senado Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Named after Leal Senado or Loyal Senate building, is the original municipal chamber built in 1784 that is still standing strong till today. It is said that the name Leal Senado derives from the title “City of Our Name of God Macao”. Most of the buildings around the square are of European architecture and is protected under UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Guia Fortress/Guia Lighthouse (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Dated as far back as 1865, Guia Fortress and Guia Lighthouse is a military fort, chapel, and lighthouse complex, and also part of Macao UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress was built on Guia Hill, the highest point in Macao; it was constructed after an unsuccessful attempt by the Netherlands to capture colonial Portuguese Macau from Portugal.

Taipa Houses Museum

Built in 1921, these five Portuguese colonial residences used to belong to a well-off Portuguese families living in Macau during the 20th century. The houses have been restored and currently showcasing artefacts and exhibits of Macau’s culture and heritage. The Taipa Houses–Museum opened in 1999 and is administered by the Macau Civil and Municipal Affairs Bureau.

Monte Forte (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Monte Forte or Mount Fortress used to be a military centre for Macao. It is located near Ruins of St. Paul's and its main purposed was to protect Macao from pirates and invasion from Dutch. It is famous for the 32 cannons that was placed around the fort and was a restricted military area until 1965. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the mainland Macau from the park that is situated at the top of the fort.

St. Augustine Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

St. Augustine’s Church, Dom Pedro V Theatre, St. Joseph’s Seminary and Sir Robert Ho Tung Library are among a cluster of majestic Portuguese colonial buildings, settled within European- style cobblestone piazza and surrounded by monuments that left visitors awed by its interweaving culture.



I hope you guys are able to maximise your Macao trip base on the above tips I’ve shared, do include the prestige Macao Arts Festival that is happening in May into your itinerary.

Macao Arts Festival

Date : 30 April - 29 May, 2016

Website : www.icm.gov.mo/fam/27/en/