12 April 2025
Do you wanna see the "Las Vegas of Asia"? Then, don't miss visiting Macau with this 1-day Itinerary!
I had a chance to visit this beautiful region twice in 2024, and I should say, I want to see it again and again. It may be tiny, but it is packed with beautiful destinations and hidden gems.
Why Visit Macau?
Here's a little overview of Macau...
Macau is part of the Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, like Hong Kong, which is only an hour's drive away. The city offers far more than glimmering cityscapes and world-class casinos.
Macau was a Portuguese colony in the past, so don't wonder if you see signage and posts in Portuguese from the port to anywhere in the region. Apart from this, it has a rich colonial history, which can be seen in the city's culture, architecture, and, of course, cuisine.
Macau is also a UNESCO World Heritage destination. It is a dynamic city with a mix of tradition and modernity. It is packed with not just historical landmarks but also luxurious resorts and world-class casinos, which is why it is dubbed the "Las Vegas of Asia." So, Asians don't need to go to LA, USA, to see world-class resorts and casinos, and gamble their wealth because Macau is just on our continent.
My favorite part of Macau is not only the mixture of Asian and European architecture and culture, but also the cuisine! You will love the food wherever you dine in Macau; even street food is a must-try!
Now, let's go to Macau! I created a one-day Itinerary that you can consider.
1-Day Macau Itinerary
I was from Hong Kong, so this itinerary is designed with travelers from Hong Kong in mind.
MORNING:
Depart from Hong Kong: If you are coming from Hong Kong, you have two affordable choices. Don't ever think of riding on the plane because it is just more or less an hour's drive from the city.
- Ferry (Sheun Wan Terminal - approx. 55-60 mins): Prices start from HK$176 to HK$346. There are two options: Economy and Super Class.
- HZMB Shuttle Bus (via HK-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge - aprrox. 40-50 mins): HK$65 (Day), HK$75 (Night).
Immigration Checkpoints: If you catch the 6 am bus in Hong Kong, you will probably arrive in Macau at 7-7:30 am. You should always consider the waiting hours for ticket buying and immigration checkpoints at both the HZMB Hong Kong and Macau Ports. At this point, you will probably exit the Macau HZMB Port at 8-8:30 am after passing through immigration checkpoints.
Transfer to Senado Square (approx. 20 mins.): To reach the heart of Macau, take the 101X bus.
This UNESCO Historic Center is popular for its wave-patterned mosaic tiles, colonial buildings, and pastel-colored facades. It is as if you will be transported to Europe, particularly to Portugal. Popular structures within Senado Square are:
- Leal Senado: The former Macau's Portuguese government office.
- General Post Office Building: Still an active post office up to date.
- Holy House of Mercy (Santa Casa da Misericordia): Founded by the first bishop of Macau, it now houses a small museum.
- St. Dominic's Church: Founded in the 16th century, it is famous for its striking yellow facade.
Head by foot to the St. Paul's Ruins (approx. 5-7 mins. walk): The ruins is just a short walk uphill away from the Senado Square. The 17th-century church facade is now the most photographed part of Macau. Popular spots around the ruins are:
- Sacred Art Museum and the Crypt: Underneath the ruins lie religious antiques and skeletal remains of Japanese and Vietnamese martyrs.
- Mount Fortress (Fortaleza do Monte) and Macau Museum (Museu de Macau): A former military fort in the 17th century. The museum houses exhibits of Macau's cultural history and local life. The entrance fee to the Macau Museum is MOP 40 (HK$40).
- Rua da Palha and Rua de Sao Paulo: Before leaving the ruins, remember to stop by these streets to savor Macau's local street foods and delicacies.
Pro tip: If you want less crowded views of these destinations, be there before 9 am. Popular casinos like Grand Lisboa Casino and Wynn Macau are also located near Senado Square, which is approximately 10-15 mins. walk or bus away.
LUNCH
Walk toward Rua da Felicidade (Street of Happiness): Don't leave the place yet. Walk a short distance from the ruins toward Rua da Felicidade, a historic street with local eateries and restaurants serving Chinese, Macanese, and Portuguese cuisine, as well as food shops selling local delicacies and street foods.
A Lorcha Portuguese Restaurant (approx. 10-15 mins.): Another option is A Lorcha. It is popular for its Portuguese-Macanese cuisine and vessel-like interior. Take 10/10A bus from Senado Square to Almeida Ribeiro.
Pro Tip: If you want to take photos of classic Chinese architecture, Rua da Felicidade street is picture-perfect! From A Lorcha, walk to the right and see the A-Ma Taoist temple also known as Ma Kok Miu.
AFTERNOON to EVENING
After lunch, you can visit Coloane Island, Taipa Island, and Cotai Strip. They are worth visiting. We chose Coloane Village first, then Cotai Strip.
Coloane Island (approx. 30 mins): Take 26A Bus to Coloane village.
This place is more laid-back and nature-focused. It has beaches and hiking trails. Popular spots include:
- St. Francis Xavier Chapel: Yellow chapel built in 1928.
- Lord Stow's Bakery: The birthplace of the original Portuguese egg tart, a must-try delicacy in Macau.
- Hac Sa Beach: Popular for its black sand beach. Hac Sa means black.
- Alto de Coloane: The highest point in Macau with panoramic views of the South China Sea.
- A-Ma Cultural Village & Statue: A massive temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu (A-Ma).
Tai Pa Island (approx. 20 mins): Take 26A or 21A bus from Coloane Village to Tai Pa Village.
This place is popular for its colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and local food shops. Popular spots include:
- Rua do Cunha: A popular street with local snacks and souvenir shops.
- Taipa Houses-Museum: Green colonial houses that showcase Macanese life.
- Pak Tai Temple: Dedicated to the Taoist sea god, Pak Tai.
Cotai Strip (approx. 15 mins.): Take the 26A bus from Taipa Village to Cotai Strip.
This part is located between Coloane and Taipa, also known as the European side of Macau because of the European-inspired architecture of resorts, hotels, and casinos. This is more like the modern part of Macau. Popular spots include:
- The Venetian: Popular for its indoor canals, gondola rides, and grand architecture inspired by Venice, Italy.
- Parisian Macau: Popular for its half-scale Eiffel Tower and elegant Paris-themed interiors.
- Londoner Macau: Popular for its British-themed resort and iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
- City of Dreams & Studio City: Popular for luxury shopping, entertainment, and casinos.
- Galaxy Macau: A mega-resort, known for its grand golden facade.
- MGM Cotai: Popular for its atrium with digital art displays and casino.
It's time to leave Macau and return to Hong Kong!
Head back to Senado Square (approx. 30 mins.): The bus stop returning to Macau HZMB Port is at Senado Square. Take the 21A/26A bus from Parisian Macau bus stop to Praca de Ferreira do Amaral bus stop, then walk to Senado Square. You can spend your dinner on nearby streets with local restaurants and cafes.
Pro Tip: Before returning to Mazau HZMB Port/Ferry Port, you can visit the Macau Tower for spectacular city skyline views or catch the House of Dancing Water show.
After dinner...
Ride A Bus to Macau HZMB Port (approx. 20 mins.): Take 101X bus to Macau HZMB Port. Buy a bus ticket, pass through immigration checkpoints, and head to the bus queue area.
Pro Tip: Note that many passengers are returning to Hong Kong at night, so expect to spend a longer waiting time at the bus queue line.
Some Considerations:
- Macau currency is Macau Pataca (MOP), but the Hong Kong dollar is also widely accepted. Always have the exact amount of coins to pay for the fares on public transportation.
- Use the Macau Guide Map, which is available at the Macau HZMB Port. You may also check the Worldmappin map to see the tourist destinations in Macau.
- Macau and Hong Kong have different internet networks; you may purchase a temporary SIM card to connect to the internet and communication apps while traveling.
- I recommend Klook for booking Macau tickets, hotels, private cars, or tour packages. It has everything you need, from hotels to tickets, passes, SIM cards, transport, and promos. Just click my Klook affiliate link below.
Refer to the link below to check the ferry and bus routes, schedules, availability, and ticket prices.
Direct Ferries
HZMB Shuttle Bus
For Macau routes and fare prices, you may refer to this link below:
Macau Public Transportation Guide
If you want to stay longer in Macau and looking for places to stay, I might tackle it in a different article. For now, you may want to read my Macau travel stories below.
Macau Travel Stories:
(Family Vacation)
My First Family Trip To Macau
Exploring Macau's Local Flavors, Rich Heritage and Culture with the Family
Exploring The Little Europe in Macau
(My First Macau Trip)
Venetian Grand Canal
Fortaleza do Monte and Museu de Macau
St. Paul's Ruins, Sacred Art Museum, and the Crypt
A Lorcha Portuguese-Macanese Restaurant
Coloane Village
Rua da Felicidade
Largo do Senado (Senado Square)
Leal Senado
Macau Street Food
Europe in Macau
MGM Cotai Casino and Art
Thanks for your time.
Jane is a Filipina wanderer in a foreign land who finds comfort in nature and freedom in writing. She loves watching raw picturesque landscapes, listening to the symphony of nature, breathing in drops of sunshine, walking through scenic trails and cityscapes, tasting new culinary flavors, capturing pretty little things, venturing into hidden gems, and dancing with the flow of life.
Her new experiences, adventures, challenges, lessons, small successes, and joys are colorful paints that fill up her canvas of life. She hopes to see it beautifully painted while she can.
Join her on her quest for self-discovery and wanderlust. If you like her content, don't hesitate to upvote, drop a comment, reblog, and follow for more wonderful adventures.
©All Rights Reserved 2025
(Unless Otherwise Stated)
//:# (//:# (!worldmappin 22.14708 lat 113.56252 long d3scr))