7 days in Macau, China: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
Macau, also known as the “Las Vegas of Asia,” offers an incredible fusion of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, making it a truly unique travel destination. Centuries of colonial history blend seamlessly with modern entertainment and world-class dining experiences in this lively city. Some highlights include the iconic Ruins of St. Paul’s, Senado Square with its colorful architecture, and the dazzling Cotai Strip, home to luxury hotels and casinos.
Things to Consider Before Arriving in Macau
Affordable and delicious food scene
Rich cultural heritage with charming streets and historical sites
Can be crowded, especially during major events
✅ Ideal for history buffs, foodies, and gamblers alike
What to Bring With You
1. Comfortable walking shoes: Macau is best explored on foot.
2. Light, breathable clothing for the subtropical climate; a jacket for cooler evenings.
3. A plug adapter for electrical devices – Macau uses Type D, M, and G sockets.
4. A small umbrella or rain jacket, as sudden showers are common.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Macau
The best time to visit Macau is between October and December. The weather is pleasant, with little rainfall, and many festivals take place during these months, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the local culture.
How to Get Into Macau
1. By air: Fly into Macau International Airport (MFM) and take a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel.
2. By ferry: From Hong Kong, take the high-speed TurboJET or Cotai Water Jet ferries, which provide regular services to both Macau Peninsula (Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal) and Taipa (Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal).
3. By land: Cross the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge by shuttle bus or private car for an unforgettable journey over the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge.
7 day city guide trip to Macau, China
Day 1 – Arrival and Exploring the Historic Centre
Start your first day in Macau by exploring its Historic Centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the iconic Ruins of St. Paul’s, the Senado Square and the Macau Museum to understand the city’s Portuguese-Chinese history. For lunch, try the famous Macanese dish, African chicken, at Riquexo or at Restaurante Litoral. In the evening, visit the street market in the Red Market and dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Robuchon au Dôme.
Day 2 – A Day at the Venetian
Spend your second day exploring the Venetian Macao, the largest casino in the world. Enjoy the luxury shopping, take a ride on the gondolas, watch a Broadway-style show, and indulge in the hotel’s fine-dining restaurants like The Golden Peacock, Portofino, and North. End the night by watching the beautiful water show at the man-made lake outside the hotel.
Day 3 – Coloane Village and Beaches
Take a day trip to Coloane Village and explore the traditional Portuguese-style houses, temples and enjoy the local street food. Visit the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion and the Sea/Nature Trail for the stunning views of Hac Sa Beach. Take a dip in the black sand beach or learn about the traditional fishing methods at Cheoc Van Beach. Dine at Fernando’s, a famous Portuguese restaurant for delicious seafood.
Day 4 – Taipa Village and Ferris Wheel
Visit the charming Taipa Village and walk around the small alleys filled with traditional Chinese shops and eateries. Try the famous Portuguese egg tarts at Lord Stow’s Bakery or Koi Kei Bakery. Visit the beautifully designed Our Lady of Carmel Church and Taipa Houses-Museum. Take a ride on the Macau Eiffel Tower’s Ferris Wheel for a stunning view of the city.
Day 5 – Macau Tower and Casinos
Start your day by visiting the Macau Tower, one of the highest towers in the world. Enjoy the bungee jumping experience or walk on the world’s highest Skywalk around the tower. In the evening, visit the City of Dreams for its trendy clubs and bars, and try your luck at the casinos like The House of Dancing Water, Dragon’s Treasure, and Bubble show.
Day 6 – Day Trip to Hong Kong
Take a day trip to Hong Kong, located just an hour away by ferry from Macau. Visit the Victoria Peak for the stunning view of the city and take a tram ride. Explore the bustling Mong Kok and Central, shop at the markets, and indulge in the local street food. Visit the Symphony of Lights, a spectacular light and laser show, at the Victoria Harbour in the evening.
Day 7 – Macau Science Centre and Food Tour
Spend your last day at the Macau Science Centre, an interactive science museum with state-of-the-art exhibits. Take a virtual tour of space, watch a 3D movie, and participate in the workshops and experiments. End your trip with a food tour, where you can taste the local delicacies at popular eateries like Cafe Litoral, Wong Chi Kei, and Chan Kong Kei.
How to continue your travel after you have spent 7 days in Macau
If you plan to continue your travels after visiting Macau, consider visiting two nearby cities – Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Take a ferry from Macau to Hong Kong, where you can spend a day or two exploring the famous Victoria Harbour, the Peak, the Big Buddha, the Temple Street Night Market, and the Ladies’ Market. Then take a high-speed train to Guangzhou, a vibrant city famous for its Guangzhou Opera House, Canton Tower, markets, and delicious Cantonese cuisine. Make sure to try dim sum at the famous Taotaoju restaurant and visit the ancient Chen Clan Ancestral Hall.
