Macao may be small, but it packs a lot into its 33 square kilometres. This epicentre of entertainment fuses Chinese and Portuguese culture with state-of-the-art attractions, exquisite cuisine, and a lot of fun.
The many sides of Macao
From lively streets and stunning shows to historic neighbourhoods and tranquil Chinese temples, there’s more to Macao than meets the eye. Discover impressive architecture, unique festivals, and entertainment that never stops. In this compact and walkable city, rich history sits alongside cutting-edge attractions and a culinary scene that’ll blow you away.
Discover Macao
Unique heritage and culture
UNESCO-listed living history
Macao is a real blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, which can be seen in its remarkable architecture, tasted in its fusion food, and felt in its everyday life. A Portuguese colony for more than 400 years, it has a historic centre and unique gastronomy that are UNESCO-listed. Explore European-influenced churches and plazas alongside Ming Dynasty temples and traditional Chinese shophouses. Take in the iconic ruins of St. Paul’s and A-Ma Temple, walk the mosaic-tiled Senado Square, and marvel at the traditional artistry of the Mandarin’s House. Or explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, including the pastel-coloured lanes of Taipa Village and the seaside charm of Coloane.
Extreme thrills
Gravity-defying adventures
If you like your thrills fast and high, Macao has you covered. This is the home of high-adrenaline city adventures, including Asia-Pacific’s first urban zip line, ZipCity Macau. Zip 388 metres across the city by day or by night, at speeds of up to 55 km/h - the nightrides feature an immersive audio-visual show. At Skypark Macau Tower, you can brave the world’s highest bungy jump from a building. Take the plunge from 233 metres, or go higher on the Tower Climb, up to Macao’s highest point at 338 metres. Both attractions offer a slightly less hair-raising walking experience, if you’d like the views without a quick descent.
Spectacular theatricals
Never-ending entertainment
Entertainment is big in Macao, and there’s always something happening. From world-class shows to jaw-dropping, choreographed performances, the what’s-on list is endless. The House of Dancing Water is an aquatic stage epic featuring aerial acrobatics and a vast pool that vanishes in seconds. Sea Odyssey is a free, underwater-themed virtual spectacle that transforms MGM Cotai’s atrium into a watery wonderland. More watery theatricals light up the Performance Lake at Wynn Macau every day - take the dragon-themed SkyCab for the best views. Other spectaculars to catch include the nightly Eiffel Tower light show, Wynn Macau’s golden Tree of Prosperity, and the Galaxy Macau Diamond Show.
Immersive art and technology
The ultimate hi-tech playground
Macao is awash with hi-tech experiences that put you at the heart of the fun. TeamLab SuperNature at the Venetian is a massive, 5,000-square-meter interactive art space featuring towering installations that you step into, interact with, and become part of. Legend Heroes Park is a tech-based entertainment complex with over 60 VR and AR rides and games, from multiplayer virtual escape rooms to professional car racing simulators. This high-energy indoor playground is a gamer’s paradise and perfect for keeping the kids entertained. Fans of racing will love the Macao Grand Prix Museum, with its Formula 3 and motorcycle VR racing simulators.
Aquatic adventures
Watery fun for everyone
The Macao International Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese celebration honouring the poet Wat Yuen. It’s now celebrated with colourful Dragon Boat Races on Nam Van Lake in Macao, with teams from around the world. Aside from this ancient festival, you can also cool off in one of Macao’s watery wonderlands. Studio City Water Park is Macao’s largest water park, and with its indoor and outdoor sections, it’s a year-round attraction. There’s an intense 300-metre water coaster, Macao’s only indoor surf simulator, and the Oblivion Pool, with a glass floor over the edge of the building. Grand Resort Deck is a sprawling rooftop oasis that’s part waterpark, part luxury resort. The Skytop Adventure Rapids, a 575-metre lazy river, is a huge hit with visitors. There’s also a wave pool, white-sand beach, and waterslides hidden in a man-made mountain.
Food packed with flavour
The birthplace of fusion cuisine
Macao’s fusion cuisine tells a story of coexistence between two distinct cultures for over 400 years. And thanks to this unique culinary heritage, Macao is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. From street food to three-Michelin-star restaurants, you’ll find new and traditional takes on Macao’s distinctive cuisine. Macanese food is influenced by Portuguese and Chinese cuisines, with ingredients and seasonings sourced from Europe, South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Popular dishes include minchi (minced meat and crispy potatoes), African chicken (a spicy, creamy, peanut curry), and crab curry (whole mud crabs in a coconut curry sauce). Of course, there are Portuguese favourites, too, including the ubiquitous pastéis de nata (Portuguese egg tarts).
A calendar of celebrations
Unmissable festivals and events
Macao’s culture is best experienced through its vibrant, year-round festive calendar, from the Catholic Procession of the Passion of Our Lord and the A-Ma Festival, which celebrates the goddess of the sea, Mazu, to the Festival of the Drunken Dragon and the Dragon Boat Festival, which honour the city’s maritime heritage. Visit during the annual Macau Food Festival in November for a showcase of the city’s culinary diversity, or December for Light up Macao, a light installation event celebrating Macao's culture and history. Also in September, the Macao International Fireworks Contest is a global pyrotechnic spectacular, while November is the time to catch the Macau Grand Prix, a professional street circuit race featuring two- and four-wheeled racing.
For a tranquil escape from the city, head to the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion, home to giant and red pandas in Coloane.
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