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Macau, a former Portuguese colony, is the Las Vegas of China. I did a day trip to Macau from Hong Kong in all of 9 hours and the best things to do in Macau don’t always involve gambling, in my view. I’m going to show you the best places to visit in Macau in one day that travellers who are here for the Portuguese flair would love.
Your 1 day in Macau itinerary should include visiting the historical downtown to tour the cathedrals. You must walk cobblestone streets for street food and you must definitely indulge in some classic Portuguese cuisine before leaving. Note the places I’m going to share with you in my free 7-day fillable travel planner.
I’ll tell you exactly how to get to Macau by bus from Kowloon. If you prefer taking the turbo jets, I’ve got you covered there too. A day trip from Hong Kong to Macau can be a great getaway to experience a hint of Portugal without going to Europe.
Know Before you Go
Visa and Entry Requirements: Bring your passport! And check for any visas you might need before you go.
Language: Cantonese, Portuguese, and Macanese.
Currency: Macau pataca or Hong Kong Dollars. Almost all businesses accept Hong Kong dollars, so no need to exchange for patacas if you’re coming from Hong Kong.
Voltage: 220V. See my post on Essential travel items from Amazon to pack in your carry-on for tips on what plug adapters to buy.
Major Ferry Terminal: Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal.
Major Airport: Macau International Airport
Macau Entry Requirements (Even for Day Trips)
Travellers must hold a valid passport to enter Macau, and depending on your nationality, you may also need a tourist visa.
Macau, like Hong Kong, is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China which means its entry rules are separate from mainland China’s. In short:
- Macau has its own entry requirements.
- Hong Kong has its own set of entry requirements.
- And China has another set entirely.
Yes, it’s confusing even for seasoned travellers.
If you’re planning to visit Macau, Hong Kong, and mainland China in one trip, double-check the visa rules for each destination before you leave home. Some nationalities (including Canadians) can enter Macau and Hong Kong visa-free for short stays, but that doesn’t automatically grant access to mainland China.
Check out Macao travel advice from the Government of Canada’s travel website for all the latest entry requirements if you hold a Canadian passport.
Safety Tips in Macau
Macau is the gambling enclave of China; the Las Vegas of the East! Their reputation isn’t unfounded; Macau is home to some of the most extravagant casinos in the world. Most travellers come for the gambling, but wherever there’s money changing hands, there’s also potential for petty crime.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Stay discreet with cash. Many visitors bring large sums of cash to hit the roulette wheels, but it’s best to keep your money and valuables secure. Use a money belt or a hotel safe whenever possible.
- Avoid casino scams. Walk away (fast!) if someone offers to exchange chips or claims to have inside information. These are common tactics used to target tourists.
- Be aware of pickpockets. Crowded areas like Senado Square, ferry terminals, and casino lobbies attract opportunists. Keep your belongings close and zipped.
- Avoid protests or demonstrations. Even peaceful gatherings can draw unwanted attention, and local laws are enforced strictly and sometimes arbitrarily.
- Stay polite and respectful. Macau is generally safe, even at night, but use common sense and stay vigilant.
Overall, Macau is a safe and welcoming city for travellers. Keep your wits about you and you’ll still be enjoying all the great sights the city has to offer.
How to get to Macau from Hong Kong
Don’t forget your passport or travel documents if travelling to Macau from mainland China or Hong Kong!
By Bus from Kowloon in Hong Kong
From Hong Kong, take the direct bus from the bus ticket office TIL Chinalink on
695 A Shanghai Road to the border crossing of the Hong Kong-ZhuHai-Macau Bridge. When you buy tickets, note the time table and ask which casino the buses go to and buy a return trip, if needed. The Grand Lisboa is the closest to downtown historic Macau which is on a separate island from the island of casinos linked by a bridge.
The bus will first take you to the border crossing where you pass customs to exit Hong Kong. Then you get back on the bus and cross the 55 km Hong Kong-ZhuHai-Macau Bridge to get to Macau. The bridge itself is a feat of engineering. It starts off as a bridge then turns into a tunnel halfway through the trip before resurfacing over water. It takes about 45 minutes to cross the entire bridge.
You then cross the Macau border once you’ve crossed the bridge. Then the bus should take you directly to the casino you asked to be dropped off at when you bought tickets. The entire trip could take up to 3 hours to get to Macau from Hong Kong.
Then use Google Maps to find your way from the hotel to downtown Macau. The bus will pick you up from the departure time listed on your ticket from the same casino to return to Hong Kong.
By Boat from the Pier
You also have the option of taking the turbojets from the docks. The major ferry options are Cotai WaterJet and Macau Turbojet Ferry. Check their websites for timetables and ticket prices. I personally get very seasick, so I avoid this option. But! It can be slightly faster depending on where you’re going in Macau.
Where to Stay in Macau for Easy Access to Historic Centre
I haven’t had a chance yet to stay overnight in Macau. But here are some top rated hotels that I’d love to stay in when I get the chance. They fit my criteria for being refined, in a central location, with reliable service, and quiet rooms.
Mid-tier option: Rio Hotel
Rio Hotel is your best choice if you’re looking for a comfortable stay in a central location in Macau without paying top-luxury resort rates. Top reviews from guests regularly highlight the spacious, clean rooms and the hotel’s prime location just minutes from major attractions (ferry terminal, Senado Square, historic centre).
The staff generally offer friendly service, though some reviews caution that experiences may vary. It’s also worth requesting a well-reviewed room or confirming certain services are available ahead of time. Because the hotel is centrally located, light sleepers may want to ask for higher-floor or quieter-facing rooms to minimise street or casino-district noise.
Premium option: Crown Plaza Macau by IHG
The Crowne Plaza Macau by IHG Hotel is a top choice if you’re looking for a refined place to base yourself in Macau. It’s located near the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and it offers a slightly quieter alternative to the main casinos (e.g. Casino Wynn, Casino Lisboa) while still giving you easy access to the tourist spots.
Top rated reviews from guests highlight the warm, attentive service, impeccably clean rooms with upscale fittings (rain-shower bathrooms, premium bedding, sea-view options) and strong amenities including an indoor pool and 24-hour fitness centre. While it isn’t right in the heart of Macau’s busy tourist district, that’s part of the appeal if you’re after something premium yet relaxed.
Best Cultural Things to Do in Macau in 1 Day
Your Macau 1 day itinerary definitely should include visiting some major, historical landmarks.
Marvel at the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral
The ruins refer to the façade of the cathedral built by the Jesuits in 1640. The entire building caught fire in 1835 destroying everything but the façade. The face of the cathedral is beautifully preserved with carvings depicting biblical scenes. Take a walk down into the archaeological site below the cathedral to see the catacombs of Portuguese missionaries and other religious artifacts.
Stroll Lover’s Lane with a view of St. Paul’s Cathedral
Lover’s Lane is literally a charming, adorable laneway on the side of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The lane is flanked by tall, colourful buildings making it great for photo opportunities. You also get a sliver of a view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Walk Along Senado Square
Senado Square is the main square in Macau surrounded by pastel-coloured buildings and paved with gorgeous mosaics. The ground is covered in mosaic tiles in spectacular patterns. Come at night to see the fountains and buildings lit up. You’ll get some gorgeous night shots.
Where to get the Best Food in Macau
Indulge in some classic Portuguese good eats while exploring Macau in 24 hours. If you’re a fan of Hong Kong’s food scene, you’ll enjoy Macau as well.
Delight in Delectable Po Tat
This is Macau’s take on the custard egg tarts inspired by the Portuguese pasteis de nata. Make sure to look for a food stall selling these on the main streets and definitely give one a try. Look for ones that seem like they’re baked fresh for the day (custard will be shiny and the crust, flaky).
Savour Classic Portuguese Fare at Portuçao Restaurant
Restaurant Name: Portuçao Restaurant
Address: Edificio Pak Hou, 7 Tv. de São Domingos, Macao
Head to the wonderful Portuçao restaurant for some savoury and classic Portuguese fare. We tried the succulent octopus, roasted piglet, gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and chorizo seared table side inside a ceramic pig. Don’t forget shishito peppers and order some crisp, white Portuguese wine to go with all the scrumptious food.
Snack on Street Food
There are plenty of shops and stalls selling local snacks all around town. However, I find the main street R. de São Paulo, which leads to the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral, has the most interesting food stalls.
Simply walk up to a shopkeeper and see what they’re handing out as tasters and try a bit of whatever they’re offering. I love the honey beef jerky which is a staple on this street.
Your Short and Sweet Macau Day trip from Hong Kong
Accomplishing the best things to do in Macau in 1 day is pretty easy. The historical centre is small and easy to get around. The most important thing is planning your commute to Macau and from Hong Kong (if that’s where you’re coming from).
Remember to bring all your travel documents! This includes your passport and any visas you might need. Hong Kong, Macau, China: it’s one country, but two systems. Translation: could be a headache for travellers trying to visit all 3 places because of all the different entry regulations. So please! Check the entry requirements before you leave home!
And once you’re in Macau: enjoy the historical sights like Ruins of St. Paul, Senado Square, Lover’s Lane. They’re all gorgeous sights that should be noted in your fillable 7-day free travel planner. My free planner lets you plan your trip (so you don’t have to plan on how to plan it!)
Wishing you happy travels,
Chloe
