Macau is an awfully strange place. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a very tiny peninsula on the south coast of China. It isn’t China – it is a SAR (special administrative region), just like Hong Kong is. Macau was for a long time a Portuguese territory, and much of this influence remains. So similar to Hong Kong with it’s unique British/Chinese meld, you have the same here in Macau, only Portuguese. I say it is a must-see daytrip from HK, and if you avoid those tawdry casinos, you will have plenty of time. The thing is, this is the biggest casino hot spot in the world – money pours through here 24 hours a day. But I hate casinos. So, here are my top 10 things to do in Macau that aren’t casinos [or even related them].
Sao Paulo Cathedral
This cathedral is only a façade - the rest has been destroyed – but it certainly is one of the top things to do in Macau – it is the city’s iconic symbol. It is beautiful sight of architecture and the perfect place to sit and enjoy a snack or just soak up in all of the hustle and bustle. Don’t miss it.
Eat an Eggtart
One of the famous things to do in Macau is of course to eat a traditional Portuguese egg tart. I had plenty, and I’m afraid to report they are not as good as the food in Lisbon, but they are still very yummy. You can get them hot from vendors all over the city. They are perfect for on-the-go snacks, so grab a couple to enjoy on the beach or while hiking around the peninsula.
Go Swimming
Believe it or not, once of the favourite local’s things to do in Macau is to enjoy a spot of time on the beach – or some swimming. Hac Sa is the black sand beach pictured above (oh that sand feels so lovely between your toes), and Choec Van is the ‘bamboo bay’ beach. On a really hot day, you will enjoy the refreshing waves.
Have a Milk Pudding
Of all the things to do in Macau, this is my favourite of the list. Leiteria i Son is a milk bar on the Senate Square – it’s not exactly like the milk bar in Clockwork Orange, but it is similarly strange. They staff acts like everyone who arrive know what’s going on, but that’s certainly not the case 
You see, you can order the bowls of egg pudding or egg custard, but for each you can get them both warm or cold. They also have these amazing milkshakes that are served in a metal container – it’s just milk and pulpy blended fruit juice, but oh they’re so good.
See the A-Ma Temple
Similar to the Sao Paulo cathedral, A-Ma is a well worn tourist item on most things to do in Macau lists you’ll find. But I did enjoy it, more so than many of the cathedrals in Hong Kong, mostly because it’s so spacious so you can wonder around to different rooms and terraces.
Take a Picture in Senate Square
We mentioned this yesterday in our roundup of beautiful cobblestone streets, and the square’s certainly one of the things to do in Macau. Just look at those waves in the cobblestones; and the European architecture surrounding it is truly stunning. There are lots of wee shops and restaurants leading off the streets from here, so just wander and explore.
Walk up to Guia Fortress
Get some perspective and enjoy a fantastic view at the Guia Fortress, probably the highest of things to do in Macau (apart from the cheesy bungy jump that you have a fantastic view of). They say this was the first lighthouse in China; this was built in the 1600s to ward off attacks from neighbouring China.
Eat some Dried Meat
If those egg tarts aren’t your thing, maybe the dried meat will be – it’s so popular it’s actually one of the things to do in Macau that’s hard to avoid. That’s because you’ll vendors out in front of their shop encouraging you to try a slice – they literally cut a piece of with a pair of scissors! Hysterical. Don’t be afraid to ask for a taste – there are lots of choices, and you might be surprised as to what you like or don’t like.
Check out the view at Mount Fortress
I choose this photo ironically, as it’s a canon aimed at a casino. Be as you can see, if one of the things to do in Macau you’re looking for is the view, this is it; nestled right in the midst of the city, the fortress has great views over the architecture (both old and new).
Go Shopping
Last but not least is the shopping, a popular thing to do. In Macau, you’ll find those good luck roosters everywhere, and they’re a nice souvenir if you’re looking for one. As for clothing and the like, you might prefer the shopping in Hong Kong more. Over on Tapia (one of the islands that makes up the peninsula), you can find lots of traditional craft shops.
Photo credits from Flickr: photography_101, rain rannu, cloodlebing, mr mabu, Adrian F,m roach,photocopy,dawvon,jacomi.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post – you have raised my interest in an area that I previously had none! Love the reference to Clockwork Orange…I would love to check out the milk bar!
I was in Hong Kong about 5 months ago but missed out on a side trip to Macau. I’m not overly interested in blowing my money at casinos either. Great suggestions for things to do besides losing money… and I would love to sample the dried meats and milk pudding!
Nice post! I’ve been to Macau several times and am always equally intrigued and weirded out by it. The one thing I think you missed on this list of non-casino activities in Macau is to sample some local wine! There is even a wine museum in Macau that highlights local wine-making tradition (obviously brought by the Portuguese) and offers a few samples. Better yet, just head to a local restaurant for some Macanese chicken and a glass of local vino!
Sherry, nice catch on the sly Clockwork Orange reference
And great tip on the chicken, Megan – I think Macau is totally a foodies destination (Mark – you’d love it!).
There are things to do in Macau other than visit casinos?
Great list, Andy.
Before I read your post, all I know about Macau is nothing but casio (gambling). It’s nice to know that Macau has so many attractive places to visit. Great post.
Macau is absolutely wonderful! and yes, even I do a little gambling every now and then… but I have only been to the Venetian in Macau.
For a great relaxed and casual dinner, I must suggest this lovely little informal al fresco Portuguese restaurant called Restaurante Fernando or simply “Fernando’s”. The website is http://www.fernando-restaurant.com
Rob
Thanks for the recommendation, Rob – yummy!
Great post. I just went to Macau and found it to be an amazing place. I’d also recommend trying the peanut candy that’s made fresh; you can find them around the dried meats vendors.
Also, there’s this old man who makes these golden colored cookies by hand. They are really good, made right in front of you, and a bag is only 10 HKD/MOP. He owns a stall that’s located on the road up to the Sao Paolo Cathedral from Senado Square. There’s always a line to his stall, so you know it’s good.
Wow!!! There are so many things i missed when i was there last summer! I might have to come back
what can i say andy? great post. short, simple yet very informative. im off to macau next month and this is exactly the kind of info that i had been looking for. i myself am not interested in gambling, so having stumbled upon ur post is great timing.
trust me, i was actually jotting down while reading ur list. now i am truly looking forward to seeing macau… though i have to admit, its the beach which intrigued me the most.
great list…thanks for sharing.
Hi there Andy! I’ve been to Macau in 2009, but I did not enjoy Macau that much because I’ve only stayed there for 3 hours. Then I have to go back to Hong Kong for my flight back home to the Philippines. I have only visited few places, but in that short stay, I’ve enjoyed the Ruin’s of St. Paul and the Senate Square. I have also tried the street foods there and oh my, it’s so good. I have also bought some souvenirs and the dried meat of course. Anyway, when I get back to Macau, I’ll surely spend the most time out of it. Thanks for the wonderful post!
Be sure to let us know of any new secrets you find in Macau, Jam
hi, i stumbled into this site quite by accident. i am leaving for a night and 2 days trip next week. your post and the other views are great help for me and my friends. thanks for the information and great pictures too!
You’re welcome, Ellsie – travel safe and stay in touch!
Great Post. I’ve been to Macau twice before and each time is always a different experience. Whats great about Macau is that most of the sites you can explore by foot. The last time I went to Macau, I walked all the way from Macau all the way to the China border to Zhu Hai, and crossed over for dinner (way cheaper in the mainland). By the way your articles are fantastic, its a wealth of information for fellow travel enthusiasts!
Why gosh, thank you Alec!
Thanks for the info! Really useful!
You’re welcome.
Nice! I’m heading to Macau soon. Will keep this post in mind!!
I’m heading to Macau Feb 2012 for a week with a few of those days in Hong Kong too. This is a great list that I’ll be using! Thanks a lot for this. I wonder if my friend who lives there is aware of all these great things (the view from Mount Fortress in particular). Thanks Andy!
You’re welcome