Macau Tourist Attractions

Macau has a rich heritage from both its Chinese and Portuguese past that includes many outstanding examples of western and oriental art and culture. Here you will find Chinese temples, catholic churches; ancient forts and other historical relics within a modern environment that bear testimony to a cultural blend of east and west.

Macau Peninsula
Macau comprises the Macau Peninsula and the outlying islands of Taipa and Coloane. Popular sightseeing places that form part of a traveler's itinerary are spread all over the Macau Peninsula.

The Central Part
 The Historic Centre of Macao
 Senado Square
 Ruins of St. Paul's
 St. Domingo's Church  
 Monte Fort
 The Museum Of Macau
 Camoes Garden and Grotto

Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, a main downtown thoroughfare in the southwestern part of the city, is called San Ma Lo (New Street) in Chinese by its residents. It stretches from Avenida da Praia Grande to the Inner Harbour, a distance of less than a mile. With the main square, Largo do Senado and several affiliated streets, this area is the most popular shopping and tourist part of the city.

This splendid square, Largo do Senado, with its wave-patterned pavement and central fountain is a highlight of the area. The surrounding simple, elegant Portuguese and baroque style buildings house many international branded clothes shops and restaurants. An exploration of the narrow alleyways that radiate from the square will open up to the visitor yet more fantastic places including curio markets, pharmacies, snack stalls and jewelry shops selling dazzling items.

The Monte Fort, one of the best-preserved forts in Macau can be seen from the main square and the Ruins of St. Paul's, standing close to the Fort, is a local landmark. A walk northward along St. Paul's Street leads to the façade of St. Paul's Church, which was devastated by fire in 1835, with its elegant reliefs that illustrate Bible stories. An underground tomb behind the ruins houses the remains of Catholic martyrs. The Museum of Macau, to the right of the ruins, should not be missed as it has an excellent exhibition of items telling much of the history of the city.

Situated at the base of Penha Peninsula is A-Ma Temple, built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The temple is dedicated to the sacred goddess A-Ma, which later was transliterated into 'Macau' by the Portuguese and so became the Portuguese name for Macau. Today this old-time temple is a symbol of the city and devout worshipers visit the temple to pray for good luck. Cross the A-Ma Street, you will reach the Maritime Museum in a building shaped like a boat, where you can learn more about the early days when Portuguese first time set foot here.

Southern Part - Outer Harbor

 Fisherman's Wharf  
 Grand Prix Museum
 Wine Museum

The southern part of the city near the Outer Harbor is a newly-developed area which is the result of reclamation from the sea. Tourist attractions in this area are devoted to modern things. The Art Museum houses fascinating exhibitions of Chinese traditional calligraphy, paintings, porcelain works and modern art works, the Grand Prix Museum and the Wine Museum are located here as well as the Macau Art Center, where ceremonial concerts and events are held.

The only traditional feature is the 20-meter high Kun Iam Statue, connected by a bridge to the waterfront, opposite the Avenida Dr Sun Yat Sen. The 'lotus seat' is a two storey building housing an exhibition hall and a library dedicated to religious culture and resources with collections of religious books in Chinese, English, Portuguese and other languages.

Outlying Island