Choose from 8 Fun Things to Do in Macau Sar
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Ruins of the Church of St. Paul
One of the most recognizable, dramatic, and popular icons of the city of Macau are the Ruins of St Paul's Cathedral. Originally constructed in 1580 by Jesuit priests, the church was twice ravaged by fire in 1595 and 1601. Not to be deterred by the loss, construction resumed in 1602 and ultimately grew into what would be the largest Christian church on the entire Asian continent. As fate would have it, however, disaster met the church once again in 1835 when fire ripped through the soaring cathedral for the third and final time.
Devastated by the blaze all that remains of the Church of St Paul are the 66 stone steps which ascend a steep hill and the intricately carved five-tier façade for which the ruin is now so famous. Carved from granite which was able to withstand the fire, the façade features a panorama of carvings which fuse traditional European Renaissance and Oriental artistic styles. The façade was carved by Japanese Christians escaping religious persecution and was constructed in a classically Baroque style. Images found on the façade include traditional Jesuit scenes from the Bible to Portuguese sailing vessels with billowing sails. The stone lions which flank the third and fourth tiers are representative of the Chinese influence in the construction and design of St. Paul’s.
Behind the façade now sits St Paul’s Museum as well as remnants of the original city walls. Dating to 1569 the naturally formed barriers are formed from a blend of clay, soil, sand, glutinous rice, crushed rocks and small bits of oyster shells.
While viewing the façade from beneath the ruin is reason enough to pay a visit to St Paul’s, many visitors opt to ascend the steel staircase which runs behind the soaring structure. Already perched on a hill overlooking the city, steel staircase allows visitors to peer out the windows of the second-tier for a framed view of the city of Macau which is unlike any other. Be sure to bring a coin to toss into the second-tier window from the staircase—a classic Macanese tradition for bringing good fortune.
Devastated by the blaze all that remains of the Church of St Paul are the 66 stone steps which ascend a steep hill and the intricately carved five-tier façade for which the ruin is now so famous. Carved from granite which was able to withstand the fire, the façade features a panorama of carvings which fuse traditional European Renaissance and Oriental artistic styles. The façade was carved by Japanese Christians escaping religious persecution and was constructed in a classically Baroque style. Images found on the façade include traditional Jesuit scenes from the Bible to Portuguese sailing vessels with billowing sails. The stone lions which flank the third and fourth tiers are representative of the Chinese influence in the construction and design of St. Paul’s.
Behind the façade now sits St Paul’s Museum as well as remnants of the original city walls. Dating to 1569 the naturally formed barriers are formed from a blend of clay, soil, sand, glutinous rice, crushed rocks and small bits of oyster shells.
While viewing the façade from beneath the ruin is reason enough to pay a visit to St Paul’s, many visitors opt to ascend the steel staircase which runs behind the soaring structure. Already perched on a hill overlooking the city, steel staircase allows visitors to peer out the windows of the second-tier for a framed view of the city of Macau which is unlike any other. Be sure to bring a coin to toss into the second-tier window from the staircase—a classic Macanese tradition for bringing good fortune.
Address: R. De São Paulo, Macau, China
Hours: Open daily 9am - 6pm
From $ 72
Church of St. Dominic
In few places throughout Macau are the colonial influences of European rule more evident than at the historic Church of St. Dominic. Set at the back of a lively square this Baroque style church is instantly recognizable by its pastel-yellow and cream-colored façade. It's more picturesque on the outside than lively on the inside, and in an artistic touch the front of the church features green shuttered windows which symmetrically flank the three-story bell tower.
Built in 1587 by three Dominican priests from Acapulco, Mexico, the original chapel was ultimately destroyed and replaced in the 17th century with the building which stands today. Notable for being the first place to print a Portuguese language newspaper on Chinese soil (A Abelha da China: The China Bee), the Church of St. Dominic is better known for a violent and tumultuous past.
In what was perhaps the most notorious event, a military officer in 1644 who supported the Spanish against Portugal was murdered at the altar of the church during a regular Mass. Similarly, in 1707, upon receiving orders calling for their excommunication, an order of Dominicans locked themselves inside of the church and bombarded soldiers with a hailstorm of stones during a three-day standoff.
With the occasional violence having subsided long ago, the church now houses a collection of paintings and religious artifacts which date to the 16th century and are collectively known as the "Treasury of Sacred Art." A functioning place of worship for Macau's sizeable Christian population, the Church of St. Dominic is included as one of the buildings listed as part of the UNESCO recognized Historic Centre of Macau.
Built in 1587 by three Dominican priests from Acapulco, Mexico, the original chapel was ultimately destroyed and replaced in the 17th century with the building which stands today. Notable for being the first place to print a Portuguese language newspaper on Chinese soil (A Abelha da China: The China Bee), the Church of St. Dominic is better known for a violent and tumultuous past.
In what was perhaps the most notorious event, a military officer in 1644 who supported the Spanish against Portugal was murdered at the altar of the church during a regular Mass. Similarly, in 1707, upon receiving orders calling for their excommunication, an order of Dominicans locked themselves inside of the church and bombarded soldiers with a hailstorm of stones during a three-day standoff.
With the occasional violence having subsided long ago, the church now houses a collection of paintings and religious artifacts which date to the 16th century and are collectively known as the "Treasury of Sacred Art." A functioning place of worship for Macau's sizeable Christian population, the Church of St. Dominic is included as one of the buildings listed as part of the UNESCO recognized Historic Centre of Macau.
Address: Largo de Sao Domingos, Macau, China
Hours: Open daily 8am - 6pm
From $ 192
Kids' City
The family-friendly, 17,000-square-foot Kids' City at Macau's City of Dreams is a place for kids to play, get involved with various activities, eat, and even sleep. Split into four main zones (dream, excite, create, and explore), this indoor park allows little ones to enjoy slides, rope bridges, ball pits, and inflatable bouncy castles.
There's also plenty to develop kids' creative sides, with soft clay, origami, and brightly colored crayons complete with a glass wall for scrawling on. A walk-in closet with princess dresses and superhero costumes will keep those who like to play dress-up amused, while arcade games, consoles, and an interactive video wall will appeal to older children. Professionally trained staff members are on hand at all time, allowing adults to relax for a few hours while the kids roam and play.
Insider Tip: Most hotels in the tourist area of Macau provide free shuttle buses to all major attractions, meaning you can get a free ride to the City of Dreams for your visit to Kids' City.
Practical Info
For convenience, it's best to pre-book your Macau Kids' City admission ticket, which allows entry for one child and one accompanying adult. Extra adults incur an additional charge. Tickets include two hours of play, but additional time can be purchased in 30-minute increments.
Address: Level 2, City of Dreams, Cotai Strip, Macau, China
Hours: 10:30am-9:30pm
Admission: Monday to Friday: MOP 120 / Weekends & school holidays: MOP 150 (Kid plus adult price)
From $ 79
Casino Lisboa
When the Casino Lisboa first opened in 1970 it set the stage for the gambling legacy which continues to power Macau's economy to this day. With the original 12"“story building was spearheaded by real estate magnate and entrepreneur Stanley Ho, the 2006 addition of the Grand Lisboa brings the total number of rooms in the Lisboa complex to a staggering 2,362 rooms. Located in the Central Business District of Macau, the Casino Lisboa is the iconic, "original" casino of Macau which came to prominence prior to the recent explosion of neighboring casinos built on the reclaimed land of the Cotai Strip.
Despite frequent renovation, the Casino Lisboa manages to retain its welcoming charm and avoids the ostentatious display some of the newer casinos thrust at their deep-pocketed, starry-eyed visitors. With the newly designed Grand Lisboa crafted around the style of a towering lotus leaf, the casino deftly manages to incorporate elements of both Portuguese as well as Chinese features into its design. In addition to the myriad gaming opportunities available within the complex, the Casino Lisboa similarly features award-winning restaurants, a fitness room and salon, and even a swimming pool where gamers can cool off before turning up the heat at the baccarat table or the casino's infamous Cabaret show.
Despite frequent renovation, the Casino Lisboa manages to retain its welcoming charm and avoids the ostentatious display some of the newer casinos thrust at their deep-pocketed, starry-eyed visitors. With the newly designed Grand Lisboa crafted around the style of a towering lotus leaf, the casino deftly manages to incorporate elements of both Portuguese as well as Chinese features into its design. In addition to the myriad gaming opportunities available within the complex, the Casino Lisboa similarly features award-winning restaurants, a fitness room and salon, and even a swimming pool where gamers can cool off before turning up the heat at the baccarat table or the casino's infamous Cabaret show.
Address: 2-4 Avenida De Lisboa, Macau, China
Hours: All day
From $ 72
Macau Tower
Reaching a neck-pinching height of 1,109 feet (338 meters), Macau Tower dominates Macau’s skyline and offers sweeping views of the peninsula for over one million visitors per year. Visitors without a fear of heights can rapidly ascend the high-speed, glass-fronted elevator to the tower observation decks on the 58th and 61st floors.
The Basics
Inspired by the Sky Tower in Auckland, Macau Tower ranks among Macau’s most popular attractions, with plenty of ways to experience it depending on the thrill level you’re looking for. Options range from a basic admission ticket to the outdoor observation deck for 360-degree views of Macau and the Pearl River Delta to more adrenaline-fueled activities like one of the world’s highest commercial bungy jumps or a more controlled Skyjump or outdoor Skywalk. If you fancy more of a challenge, you can even scale the side of the building to its highest point with the help of safety cables, ladders, and guides.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Macau Tower is a must-see for thrill seekers and first-time visitors.
- Don’t forget your camera for a photo op from the top.
- Book your Macau Tower admission ticket or experience in advance, especially during high season, to avoid long lines.
How to Get There
The best way to reach Macau Tower is by taxi or public bus. Routes 9A, 18, 23, 26, and 32 stop at the base of the tower.
When to Get There
Macau Tower is open daily, with extended hours on weekends and public holidays. Since the view is the biggest draw, plan to visit on a clear day. Expect frequent rainfall during spring and summer (April to August).
Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment at Macau Tower
Even non–thrill seekers will find something to do within Macau Tower. The building is home to a movie theater, casino, shopping center, and several restaurants serving both Chinese and international fare.
Address: Largo da Torre de Macau, Macau, China
Hours: Open Mon - Fri, 10am - 9pm; Sat - Sun, 9am - 9pm
Admission: MOP 145 for adults, MOP 75 for seniors and children
From $ 18
The House of Dancing Water
Just as visitors to Las Vegas pay big money to watch “The Blue Man Group” or “Cirque du Soleil,” so too do visitors to Macau cram themselves into the City of Dreams casino for an evening showing of the “The House of Dancing Water.” Unabashedly referring to itself as one of the greatest shows on Earth, after producers and investors poured over $250 million into the creation of the show the end result is a performance which obliterates any live performance or sensory experience you’ve ever experienced. Handcrafted and created by Franco Dragone, a veteran Las Vegas show maker during the 1990s, the House of Dancing Water has sculpted a storyline and series of effects specifically designed to be infectious and engaging for mainland Chinese visitors and foreign guests alike.
While the holograms, special effects and state of the art sound and lighting are empowering components to the show, one of the most striking inclusions is the integration of a 3.7 million gallon swimming pool into the overall stage. The equivalent of five Olympic swimming pools, the aquatic element of the show is fused with aerial stunts, acrobatics and classic elements of theater which sculpt a love story ranking as arguably the best overall show in Macau. Despite the high price of admission and the fact that it’s performed inside of a casino, the House of Dancing Water is nevertheless a family-friendly event where kids and adults alike are entranced by the shimmering lights and the jaw-dropping stunts which literally take place by the minute.
While the holograms, special effects and state of the art sound and lighting are empowering components to the show, one of the most striking inclusions is the integration of a 3.7 million gallon swimming pool into the overall stage. The equivalent of five Olympic swimming pools, the aquatic element of the show is fused with aerial stunts, acrobatics and classic elements of theater which sculpt a love story ranking as arguably the best overall show in Macau. Despite the high price of admission and the fact that it’s performed inside of a casino, the House of Dancing Water is nevertheless a family-friendly event where kids and adults alike are entranced by the shimmering lights and the jaw-dropping stunts which literally take place by the minute.
Address: City of Dreams Macau, China
Admission: Varies
From $ 79
Macau Science Center
Housed in a silver cone-shaped building designed by architect I.M. Pei, the Macau Science Center is a science-themed museum and learning center. With exhibitions, films, live demonstrations, and interactive experiences across different science and technology themes, the museum offers a fun learning environment for the whole family.
The Basics
The Macau Science Center comprises an exhibition center, planetarium, and a convention center in an area of 248,000 square feet (23,000 square meters). The 5-story exhibition center is the highlight; it features 14 galleries covering themes such as the environment, food science, robotics, and more. The planetarium shows both 2D and 3D films, while the convention center is used for lectures and performances.
Prebook your tickets for convenience and to guarantee admission, or visit on a hop-on hop-off bus for the most flexibility.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Science Center is a great destination for families with children.
- Large items and luggage are not permitted inside; free lockers and storage are available.
- The center is wheelchair and stroller accessible; wheelchairs are available at the ticketing center.
- Free Wi-Fi is available.
- A cafe and fast-food restaurant are on-site.
How to Get There
The Macau Science Center is located on Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, near Macau Outer Ferry Terminal and the Cultural Center. It's easiest to take a taxi directly there, or take bus Nos. 3A, 8, 10A, or 12.
When to Get There
The Science Center is closed Thursday, public holidays and New Year's Eve, and for the months of July and August. Otherwise, it is open daily, and free admission is offered on May 1 and 18, October 1, and December 19 and 20. Ticket sales close 30 minutes before closing time.
Planetarium
The planetarium was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest-resolution 3D planetarium in the world. The tilted semidome screen spans nearly 49 feet (15 meters) and can also show Digital Dome films. Films are shown in 2D and 3D, and audio narrations are offered in Mandarin, Cantonese, English, and Portuguese.
Address: Avenida Drive, Macau, China
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Kun Iam Statue
Behind all the flashing neon lights and over-the-top extravagance of Macau's casino scene and the dominant Portuguese influence is a subtle yet rich Buddhist heritage. This religious heritage is evident in the various monuments to Kun Iam, Goddess of Mercy, located throughout the area. Once such monument is the Kun Iam Statue, notable as being one of the only statues on the planet where the goddess faces inland rather than toward the sea.
Perched atop a lotus-shaped dome, the bronze likeness of Kun Iam stands 66 feet (20 meters) tall. The dome beneath her feet houses the Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre, a small museum where visitors can read up on Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.
Practical Info
The Kun Iam Statue is located about a 15-minute walk from the MGM Grand along the waterfront separating Macau City from the Cotai Strip. Entrance is free.
Address: Kun Iam Temple, Macau, China
From $ 72