Macao's Historic Centre
The Basics
Macao's Historic Centre is best enjoyed on a half-day or full-day walking tour. Popular stops include Senado Square, the heart of old Macau with its colorful colonial buildings; the Ruins of the Church of St. Paul with its grand façade; the 15th century A-Ma Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea; Monte Fort, which helped defend against the Dutch in the 17th century; and Guia Fortress, with its lovely chapel and the first modern lighthouse built on China’s coast.
Most sightseeing tours will stop at some of the sights in the Historic Centre. Tours originate from Macau, Hong Kong, or China. Those planning on visiting other attractions in southern China can opt for a multi-day tour of Macau, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, or Guangzhou.
Things to Know Before You Go
Macao's Historic Centre is a must-see for first-time visitors to Macau.
Though some of the sights are free to enter, others charge an admission fee.
Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes, as the sights are spread out and include some hills and stairs.
Full-day tours from Hong Kong can last upward of 11 hours.
How to Get There
Macao's Historic Centre is on the Macau Peninsula, which is located in southern China, near Hong Kong. It can be reached via ferry from Hong Kong or south China (Shenzhen, Shekou, Nansha). From the ferry terminal there is easy transport via taxi or bus. Macau also has an international airport, located on Taipa Island, about 20 minutes’ drive from the city center.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Macau and the Historic Centre can be visited year-round. Open hours and days will vary among the different sights. Macau is generally busiest during the weeklong May and October Chinese national holidays.
Sights in Macao's Historic Centre
Macao's Historic Centre includes the Ruins of the Church of St. Paul, St. Augustine's Square, Senado Square, the Leal Senado Building, Barra Square, A-Ma Temple, the Moorish Barracks, Mandarin's House, Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, St. Lawrence's Church, St. Joseph's Seminary and Church, Holy House of Mercy, St. Augustine's Church, the Cathedral, Dom Pedro V Theatre, Sam Kai Vui Kun Temple, Lou Kau Mansion, and several more.
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- St. Dominic’s Church (Igreja de Sao Domingos)
- Ruins of St. Paul
- Macao Museum
- Monte Fort (Fortaleza do Monte)
- Casino Lisboa
- Luis de Camoes Garden and Grotto
- Guia Fortress
- Lou Lim Ieoc Garden
- A-Ma Temple (Ma Kok Miu)
- Maritime Museum
- Kun Iam Statue
- Macau Tower
- Kun Iam Temple
- Macao Science Center (Centro de Ciencia de Macau)
- The House of Dancing Water