Time Off

Despite being the little brother of Hong Kong economically, Macau has plenty to offer in addition to the famous casinos which abound in this small enclave. The city is rich in Portuguese colonial history, especially its churches and forts. If you need to escape from the hectic lifestyle of Hong Kong and have an interest in the past, then Macau is perfect.

Macau Attractions

St. Paul's
Rua do Belchior Carneiro, Macau

Macau's most famous monument is the remains of the church adjoined to the Jesuit College of St. Paul's, which was the first western college in the Far East. Built in 1602 and taking twenty-five years to complete, St. Paul's was extremely beautiful with the Spanish-style carved stone facade and the wonderfully decorated and furnished church made of taipa and wood. A fire in 1835 destroyed the complex, leaving only the front standing. Covered with statues and reliefs that are over 350 years old, it powerfully illustrates the spirituality of the time.


Macau Museum
Estrada do Engenheiro Trigo, Macau
Tel: +853 394 1215

The culture and traditions of Macau are revealed here at the Macau Museum using state-of-the-art techniques. There are over 3000 artifacts displayed in the Genesis of Macau, Popular Arts and Traditions of Macau, and Contemporary Macau areas of the museum.


Macau Museum of Art
Avenida Xian Xing Hai, Nabe, Macau
Tel: +853 700 699

This five-story building, contains five separate exhibition galleries of differing sizes. It is one of the finest museums in Macau displaying fine works of art and significant cultural artifacts. The collection includes Chinese calligraphy and paintings as well as Western paintings and pottery, illustrating the influence of the different cultures on Macau. The plan of the museum is to show visitors the style that has developed from this influence from both the East and the West.


Leal Senado Square
Avenida de Almeida Ribero, Macau
Tel: +853 399 3128

This is one of the most spectacular sites in Macau located in the heart of the city's shopping area. The square is perfect for pedestrians, as only a small amount of cars are allowed to visit. Surrounding a circular fountain, a wave-patterned mosaic flows across the tile pavement of this delightful square, which creates a most peaceful rhythm and surreal atmosphere.


Hotel Lisboa Casino
Hotel Lisboa, Avenida de Lisboa, Macau
Tel: +853 577 666 Fax: +853 567 193

This is the largest casino in Macau with four floors playing all games. Besides the excitement of gambling, you have access to bars, restaurants and shops where one can celebrate or wallow in sadness. Good Luck!!


Museum of "Sacred Art"
Rua do Belchior Carneiro, Macau
Tel: +853 358 444

Behind the facade of St. Paul's there are collections of paintings, sculptures and church regalia from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries. Many of the pieces are most significant, rare, and exquisite. The Crypt is also part of this sacred museum, which contains bones of martyrs from past wars.


A-Ma Temple
Rua de San Tiago da Barra, Macau

This is the oldest Chinese temple in Macau with parts of it dating back over 600 years. Legend has it that a poor girl miraculously saved a ship from a vicious storm, and where the ship landed a temple was built in her honour. The girl mysteriously disappeared only to reappear at the temple as A-Ma, the Goddess of the Sea and Queen of Heaven.


Macau Jockey Club
West of Taipa Village, Taipa, Macau
Tel: +853 821 188

Located on Taipa Island this state-of-the-art racecourse seats 18,000 and hosts internationally renowned races. There is an air-conditioned grand stand where European and Chinese meals are served.


Camoe Garden & Grotto
Praga Luis de Camoes, Macau

This is a beautiful wooded garden with wandering paths through ferns, flowerbeds, and great banyan trees. A bronze monument of the famous Portuguese poet, Luis de Camoes, stands in the garden.


Macau Maritime Museum
Rua de San Tiago da Barra, Macau
Tel: +853 307 152

This unique museum focuses on the sea and the significance of it to the people and cultures of Southern China and beyond.


Temple of Kun Iam
Avenida do Coronel Mesquita, Macau

This beautiful Buddhist temple built in 1627 is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. The temple is significant in modern history, as the first treaty between the United States and China for trade and friendship was signed here, in 1844.