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Macau combines Portuguese heritage with modern leisure and entertainment in one city. It is ideal for exploring historic neighborhoods, sampling local food, or planning a short getaway. The guide below covers preparations, attractions, food, accommodation, and suggested itineraries.

Before You Go and Crossing the Border

• Documents: Apply in advance for a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents and a valid Macao endorsement. Keep your border-crossing receipt safe, as some hotels may ask to see it at check-in.
• Internet and power: Mainland Chinese SIM cards may not have service in Macau, so consider purchasing a Macau data package or a short-term SIM card beforehand. Macau mainly uses British-style sockets, so bring a travel adapter.
• Currency and payment: Most shops accept WeChat Pay and Alipay, but some old-street snack stalls and taxis take cash only. It is helpful to exchange MOP 300–500 in advance.
• Border checkpoint: Gongbei Port is close to Zhuhai Railway Station but closes at midnight. The Macao-Hengqin Port is open around the clock and is suitable for late-night returns.

Must-See Attractions

• Ruins of St. Paul's: One of Macau's most important landmarks. Arrive before 10 a.m. to avoid the busiest crowds. Nearby Love Lane and St. Dominic's Church are also great for retro-style photos.

The Wynn Palace offers free sightseeing cable-car rides and regular musical fountain shows. Take the cable car at dusk to enjoy views of the surrounding night scenery.

Rua do Cunha is lined with snacks such as pork chop buns, egg tarts, beef offal, and serradura pudding. It is also a good place to buy souvenirs.

The mint-green Portuguese houses at Taipa Houses are framed by lakeside greenery. The peaceful setting is ideal for photos and a short break.

The Parisian Macao's Eiffel Tower is a replica of the Eiffel Tower. The lawn at Parisian Park across the road is a good spot for photos, and the view becomes especially romantic when the lights come on at night.

Coloane Fishing Village is away from the bustle of the city and retains its simple fishing-village character. Along Avenida de Cinco de Outubro in Coloane, you can see macaron-colored seaside buildings and stroll along the waterfront path.

Lord Stow's Bakery is famous for its Portuguese egg tarts. The filling is rich and fragrant, while the pastry has distinct flaky layers. Stop by for one when visiting Rua do Cunha in Taipa.

Old Day Beef Offal is a long-established shop on Rua do Cunha. Its beef offal portions are generous and mildly spicy, and there is usually a wait.

大利来记's signature pork chop bun has a crisp exterior and tender, juicy pork. It is a classic street snack commonly found in Macau.

Ngau Kee Curry Food is on Rua de Cinco de Outubro. Its curry beef brisket noodles are rich and spicy, while the shrimp-paste water spinach is fresh and tender, making it a good choice for those who enjoy spicy food.

Huizhenji is a roadside milk-tea shop. Its signature Macau milk tea has serradura pudding at the bottom. The sweetness is moderate, so the overall flavor is not overly rich.

Bay Restaurant specializes in Portuguese cuisine, with cream clams and codfish balls among its specialties. If you plan to have a full meal, avoid peak dining hours.

Accommodation on the Macau Peninsula offers good value, with many budget hotels and guesthouses. You can walk to attractions in the old town, such as the Ruins of St. Paul's and Love Lane. It suits travelers on a limited budget who mainly want to explore neighborhoods and try local food.

Taipa and Cotai generally have a more upscale resort atmosphere. Luxury hotels such as The Venetian, The Londoner, and MGM are concentrated here. Facilities are newer and the night views are expansive, making the area suitable for photos and relaxed vacations, though accommodation is usually more expensive.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 Historic Old Town: After crossing the border in the morning, head to the Macau Peninsula and visit the Ruins of St. Paul's, Love Lane, and St. Dominic's Church in that order. Have some snacks on Rua de Cinco de Outubro at noon. In the afternoon, go to Guia Lighthouse for panoramic views of the city. At dusk, take a free casino shuttle bus to Taipa, then enjoy the Wynn Palace musical fountain and the Parisian Eiffel Tower at night.
• Day 2 Taipa Resort Route: In the morning, visit the mint-green Portuguese houses at Taipa Houses, then sample snacks on Rua do Cunha. In the afternoon, see the indoor Grand Canal at The Venetian and Big Ben at The Londoner. In the evening, head to Cotai Strip in Taipa to experience the local nightlife.
• Day 3 Relaxing Coloane Route: Sleep in and then take a stroll around Coloane Fishing Village. Follow Avenida de Cinco de Outubro, enjoy the sea breeze, and admire the macaron-colored buildings. Have Portuguese food at noon, then make a leisurely return trip in the afternoon.