11 Best Things to Do in Macao
Macao is a destination where contrasting worlds come together in the most fascinating way. In a single afternoon, visitors can wander through quiet alleyways lined with pastel-coloured Portuguese shutters before finding themselves, by nightfall, suspended 50 metres above a glittering cityscape of mega-resorts. This travelogue takes readers on a comprehensive journey across the Macao Peninsula and Cotai Strip, featuring 13 distinctive stops that bring together centuries of history, avant-garde entertainment, world-famous pastries and peaceful wildlife sanctuaries.
Part I: Grand Visions on the Cotai Strip
1. Checking into Studio City Hotel
The Cotai skyline makes a striking first impression, and Studio City stands out as one of its most theatrical landmarks. Flanked by high-rise towers inspired by classic Hollywood Art Deco architecture, the resort’s defining attraction is the Golden Reel, an iconic figure-eight Ferris wheel suspended 130 metres between its twin hotel towers. Stepping inside, guests are welcomed by a vast atrium that resembles a polished Hollywood soundstage, setting an energetic tone for a stay in Cotai.
Traveler Tip: If your room overlooks the pool and Cotai Strip, request a higher floor facing the Golden Reel for a better view of the neon wheel lighting up at dusk.
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2. MGM Cotai and the ‘Odyssey’ Flying Spectacle
Entering MGM Cotai brings visitors straight into The Spectacle, an impressive atrium crowned by an undulating glass canopy recognised by Guinness World Records. One of its main attractions is the complimentary animatronic aerial show, where robotic marine creatures and whimsical flying ladybirds appear to float effortlessly through the multi-storey space. Accompanied by enormous wraparound 4K LED screens showcasing lush landscapes and cascading waterfalls, the spectacle transforms advanced robotics into an immersive theatrical experience.
Traveler Tip: Shows take place periodically throughout the day. Secure a spot in the central lounge about 10 minutes before the performance begins for the best view of the flying creatures as they descend towards the audience.
3. Flying Over the Waters: The Wynn Palace SkyCab
Just across the boulevard, the Wynn Palace SkyCab offers a unique aerial perspective of the resort’s eight-acre Performance Lake. Once aboard the air-conditioned cable car, which accommodates six passengers, visitors are taken on a sweeping journey around enormous golden dragon sculptures wrapped around the supporting pylons. Below, powerful water jets shoot hundreds of feet into the air, dancing in perfect synchronisation with a selection of operatic and pop anthems.
Traveler Tip: The SkyCab ride is complimentary. Try queuing just before sunset, as the fountain performances take place every 20–30 minutes. Watching the scenery transition from dusk into a dazzling display of neon reflections across the water is particularly spectacular.
4. The House of Dancing Water at City of Dreams
Created by the late master director Franco Dragone, The House of Dancing Water at City of Dreams remains one of Macao’s most spectacular stage productions. The purpose-built theatre is an engineering marvel, featuring a custom-designed pool containing 3.7 million gallons of water, equivalent to the volume of five Olympic-sized swimming pools. Within seconds, the pool can transform from a deep abyss for breathtaking 24-metre dives into a dry performance stage, thanks to an intricate system of underground hydraulic lifts.
Combining heart-stopping acrobatic performances, motorcycle stunts and classical theatrical elements, the production delivers an extraordinary experience that keeps audiences captivated throughout.
Traveler Tip: If you book seats in the first four rows, known as the ‘Splash Zone’, consider bringing a change of clothes or making use of the complimentary plastic poncho provided at your seat.
5. Suspended Flavours: 30-Minute Dinner in the Sky
For those looking to add an extra dose of adrenaline to their dining experience, Dinner in the Sky outside City of Dreams offers a meal with an extraordinary view. Using a high-capacity crane, the experience lifts an entire communal dining table, together with chefs and safety personnel, approximately 50 metres above the Cotai streets.
Secured in individual bucket-style racing seats, diners can enjoy their meals with their feet dangling above the ground while taking in panoramic views of the illuminated Cotai skyline. The experience combines an unusual dining setting with carefully prepared bites and chilled champagne, making it an unforgettable way to enjoy the city’s nightscape.
Traveler Tip: Before ascending, place loose belongings in the complimentary lockers and make sure your mobile phone is secured with a reliable wrist strap.
6. Open-Top Bus Night Tour
As evening falls, the Open-Top Bus Night Tour offers a wonderful way to take in Macao’s illuminated cityscape. Departing from the ferry terminals and travelling along the city’s main attractions, the open-air upper deck provides passengers with an uninterrupted view of towering neon landmarks, including Grand Lisboa, Macau Tower and the illuminated Nam Van Lakes.
The cool breeze from the Pearl River Delta offers a refreshing break from the evening warmth, while the guide shares insights into Macao’s transformation from a relatively quiet trading port into an internationally recognised entertainment destination.
Traveler Tip: Seats on the left side of the upper deck generally offer better angles for photographing Macau Tower and the surrounding bridge crossings.
Part II: The Living History of the Old Peninsula
7. Ruins of St. Paul’s (Ruínas de São Paulo)
No visit to Macao would be complete without standing before the historic stone facade of the Ruins of St. Paul’s. Built between 1602 and 1640 by Jesuit missionaries and exiled Japanese Christian craftsmen, the church was once considered the largest Catholic cathedral in East Asia.
A devastating fire following a typhoon in 1835 destroyed the wooden nave, leaving behind only the impressive four-tiered granite facade, which continues to stand proudly above the grand stone staircase. Visitors should take a closer look at the intricate relief carvings, which reveal an interesting blend of cultural influences. Alongside Christian saints, the facade features Chinese characters, Japanese chrysanthemums and a Portuguese caravel ship, offering a fascinating glimpse into the global connections of the 17th century.
Traveler Tip: Visit before 9:00 AM to avoid the larger tour groups, or return after 9:00 PM when the facade is beautifully illuminated by ground lanterns and the surrounding stone plaza becomes quieter.
8. Strolling Along Travessa da Paixão
Just a short walk from the busy staircase of the Ruins of St. Paul’s is Travessa da Paixão, commonly known as ‘Love Lane’. This narrow, sloping pedestrian street is lined with neoclassical residential buildings painted in soft pastel shades of pink, warm ochre and mint green, complemented by traditional dark green wooden shutters.
Looking up through the alleyway, visitors can enjoy a picturesque framed view of the stone facade of St. Paul’s rising above the colourful rooftops. The combination of historic architecture and charming pastel-coloured buildings makes this one of the most photogenic corners of the old peninsula.
Traveler Tip: Ask your travel companion to walk a few steps ahead along the cobblestone slope. Taking photographs from a lower angle helps capture both the colourful building facades and the ruins above in a single frame.
Part III: Cafés, Sweet Crusts and Coloane Greenery
9. A Chic Respite at EL&N London
After exploring Macao’s historic neighbourhoods and hillside attractions, stepping into EL&N London feels like entering an entirely different aesthetic world. Recognised as one of the world’s most Instagrammed café brands, its Macao outlet features floor-to-ceiling blush-pink floral walls, neon signage and polished marble counters.
Beyond its eye-catching interiors, the café also offers a selection of speciality coffees, artisan Spanish lattes and delicate pastries, making it an ideal place to recharge during a busy day of sightseeing.
Traveler Tip: Pair one of the signature ruby or pistachio speciality lattes with an afternoon slice of cake for the quintessential EL&N photo opportunity.
10. Lord Stow’s Bakery: The Definitive Egg Tart
A visit to Coloane Village would not be complete without stopping at Lord Stow’s Bakery, the modest storefront where a much-loved culinary icon was created. Founded in 1989 by the late Englishman Andrew Stow, the bakery introduced its own interpretation of the Portuguese pastel de nata, adapting the traditional recipe to appeal to Asian tastes.
By replacing the traditional flour-and-starch paste with rich English fresh cream and developing an exceptionally flaky, buttery laminated puff pastry, Stow created what has become one of Macao’s most recognisable treats.
Fresh from the oven, each egg tart features a velvety, molten custard filling topped with caramelised brown patches. The contrast between the creamy centre and crisp pastry makes every bite a delight, especially when enjoyed while still warm.
Traveler Tip: Enjoy your first egg tart straight from the oven on the stone benches overlooking the Coloane waterfront. Once you’ve had your fill, pick up a boxed half-dozen to take away.
11. Macao Giant Panda Pavilion
Set against the lush greenery of Seac Pai Van Park in Coloane, the Giant Panda Pavilion offers a peaceful escape from the city’s busy urban environment. The facility features spacious, climate-controlled indoor habitats alongside natural outdoor enclosures shaded by bamboo groves.
Visitors can observe giant pandas, including resident pair Kai Kai and Xin Xin, together with their playful twins, as they lounge, roll across grassy mounds and munch on fresh bamboo stalks. Beyond the giant panda habitats, the park also houses a separate pavilion dedicated to red pandas and a conservation education hall, making it an enjoyable stop for visitors of different ages.
Traveler Tip: Plan your visit around mid-morning, approximately 10:00–11:00 AM, or early afternoon, around 2:00–3:00 PM. These periods coincide with the pandas’ scheduled feeding times, when they are generally more active.
Getting to Macao with AirAsia
Getting to Macao is part of the journey, and for this trip, I travelled with AirAsia, making it a convenient getaway from Malaysia. With flights connecting Kuala Lumpur to Macao, travellers can look forward to exploring the city’s fascinating mix of heritage, entertainment, shopping and culinary experiences. From the dazzling Cotai Strip to the charming streets of the old peninsula, Macao offers plenty to discover, whether it is your first visit or a return trip. With so many attractions packed into one destination, it is certainly worth adding Macao to your next travel itinerary.
Traveler Tip: Check AirAsia’s official website for the latest flight schedules, fares and available promotions when planning your trip to Macao.
About The Author
I write travel articles, destination features, and social media content that spotlight amazing places across Malaysia and beyond. Whether it’s exploring new cultures, meeting locals, or capturing that perfect travel moment, I’m all about storytelling that inspires people to get out and explore.
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