Macao (or Macao in English) is a former Portuguese colonial trading port at the mouth of the Pearl River in southern China. Macao returned to China in 1999 and is administered as a Special Administrative Region of China (like Hong Kong). Although much smaller than its counterpart across the river, Macau has made a name for itself as the casino capital of China.
Macau's appeal is that it still has a well-preserved old town that is distinctly Portuguese. Macau is a popular day trip from Hong Kong, with regular ferries making the journey in an hour. there is also onehong kong bridge, which makes it possible to take the bus. A day trip is enough if you're not here to play and want to see the sights. If you wanna stay then thisGuide where to stayThese are the best areas to stay in Macau.
Guide to where to stay in Macau
Map of hotels in Macau
macau city(Historical area of the old town)
Type(Macau International Airport)
Cotai(Las Vegas of Asia)
columns(Loose southern end of Macau)
Map of hotels in Macau
The hotels mentioned in this article are pinned on this map.
[VistaMacau hotels map.]
macau city
[Macau City.]
Macau City is the best area to stay in Macau. HeMacau old areaThis is where most of the action is, with the Portuguese-style pavement of the highway andUNESCO World Heritage site. If it is your first time in Macau, please stay in Macau City to make the most of your trip.
Search and compare offersMacau city hotels.
Inns and Guest Houses
Hostal SanVaIt is the cheapest hotel in Macau. If you have ever dreamed of staying in an old house in the Far East, then this is your place. This former guest house is the only one of its kind now, so to stay here is to see old Macao before it is gone. I have stayed here before and the cheapest rooms are nothing more than a box with a bed inside and all rooms have a shared bathroom. HePosadait is famous for being a location for movies. It is located on Rua de Felicidade, one of the most picturesque old streets in Macau. Here it isreview of my stay.
[Felicidade Street, Macao SAR – China.]
Augusters Lodge was the guest house in Macau. They have since closed and the website recommended them.live in hong kong. New accommodation laws (pushed by the powerful hotel lobby) appear to be one of the reasons for the lack of traveler hostels in Macau.
For cheap hotel reservations onlinehouse of macaoyFrom Meng Villaare the best rated budget hotels in Macau.Villa Tong KengIt is another option if you are looking for a cheap room.
mid-range hotels
At the medium level (3-4 stars), they are a good option if you prefer not to stay in a casino.
Macao Hotel SyHotel SintraIt is the choice of 3-star hotels.
At this stage, Macau doesn't have mid-range casino options like in Las Vegas, where you can find 3-star hotels for $40 a night. All the casino operators are betting on the luxury market, so maybe in a few years, when the city is built, there will be more mid-range options.
5-star hotels in Macau
Most luxury hotels in Macau are part of a casino, so if you're here to gamble, there's usually a hotel deal somewhere that offers a discount. It's worth filtering the search results down to 5 stars, as there are often deals that would turn this visit into a cheap luxury getaway.
The best valued non-casino is theMandarin Oriental, Macau, while the casino hotel with the best rating is theHotel Wynn Macao.
[Hotel Wynn Macao.]
Macau's defining landmark isGrand Lisbon Hotel. This is the tallest hotel in Macau and is shaped like no other building in the world. It's supposed to represent a lotus flower, although I think it looks like a giant flame (perhaps a player's money bonfire). Anyway, if you stay here, you will never forget where your hotel is because you can only see it from about everywhere.
[Gran Lisboa Hotel.]
Other names familiar to Las Vegas visitors include theHotel Sands MacaoyMGM Macao.
Artyzen Grand Lapa Macaoit is a 5 star luxury hotel near the outer harbour. Here it ismy review.
Type
Taipa is located south of Macau City, but you don't have to think about staying here if it's your first time in Macau. If you are curious to see it, go to the streets around Rua do Cunha.
Macau International Airport is located in Taipa and the closest hotel to the airport is theHotel Golden Crown China.
Cotai
[The Cotai Strip - Las Vegas of Asia]
Cotai is across the bay from the old town, built on reclaimed land between the islands of Coloane and Taipa (hence the name Co + Tai). Cotai is modeled after Las Vegas and there is an area known as The Cotai Strip.
Cotai Strip is mostly luxury casinos and it is best if you are on a gambling trip or your favorite casino is here. When you're on the Cotai Strip, you'll see they're not kidding when they say Macau is the Vegas of the East. The Cotai Strip is starting to look like the Las Vegas Strip.The Parisian Macauit even has a half-scale model of the Eiffel Tower, just like Paris Las Vegas.
The Cotai Strip's flagship casino isThe Venetian Macao, which is the largest casino in the world. This luxury hotel and casino resort is owned and inspired by the Las Vegas Sands companyvenetian vegas.
Opposite The Venetian Macao is the City of Dreams Casino and Resort. The casino is surrounded by four towers: theCity of Dreams – The Countdown Hotel,City of Dreams - Nuwa Macao, yHotel Grand Hyatt Macao, occupying two towers.
While Cotai's casinos copy the Las Vegas formula, it is also beginning to produce its own unique architecture. Also in City of Dreams isMorpheus– a hotel designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The impressive design of this hotel has drawn it to manybetter than lists, and may mark a new era in Cotai, where hotels strive for unique architecture.
Although Macau has surpassed Las Vegas in terms of gaming revenue, it still has a long way to go before Macau's nightlife catches up with the cool factor that Las Vegas has. There are plans for moreVegasization of Macao, which means growing the non-gaming entertainment that Las Vegas does so well. Most of the entertainment options are aimed at the Chinese public, so I'll be curious to see how Cotai develops in the future and if it offers more entertainment options like Las Vegas.
Such a hotel that bringsHollywood-style entertainmentescity study. This hotel complex has more attractions for the family, including the Batman Dark Flight simulator and Warner Bros. Fun Zone.
Search and compare offershotels in the Cotai Strip.
columns
Coloane was the island south of Macau that is now attached to the island of Taipa. The village of Coloane is the main point of interest here, with the chapel of Saint Francis Xavier as a landmark. There aren't many accommodation options, so it's best for a day trip.
Considering that Macau has a decent collection of heritage buildings, there's a surprising lack of boutique hotels in any of the old colonial properties. One of those places isPousada de Coloane Boutique Hotel, which is located in the old fortress of Fortaleza da Barra.
Great Columns Complexit is the only true beachfront resort in Macau, overlooking Hac Sa Beach. Macau is part of the Pearl River Delta, so don't come expecting the Algarve.
[Great Column Spring.]
FAQs
How many days in Macau is enough? ›
If you're only visiting Macau, a good 3 days and 2 nights is enough to fully enjoy the top tourist spots and attractions in Macau. If you're coming from Hong Kong and just want to visit Macau, a day tour or overnight stay is also quite okay.
What are the top cities in Macau? ›Travelers are voting A-Ma Cultural Village, Coloane Village and Taipa Village as the best of 6 cities in Macau (China). Also popular are Freguesia de São Lourenço, Freguesia de Nossa Senhora de Fátima and Freguesia de Santo António in Macau (China).
Is Macau a good tourist destination? ›What is Macau known for? Macau is known for being a blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures and its gambling industry. It is also famous for being home to many alluring tourist places where kids, as well as adults, can enjoy.
Which area is best to live in Macau? ›Taipa – Best Neighbourhood in Macau for Families. The Taipa District is located between the Macau Peninsula and Cotai. It is a mostly residential neighbourhood that has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years.
Which month is best for Macau? ›Peak Season
Macau enjoys pleasant weather from October to December and this is the ideal time for you to visit the city. Spring time (March to April) is also a great time to travel to Macau.
The two official languages of Macau are Chinese and Portuguese, although the latter is only spoken by a small minority. English is also widely spoken.
Is Macau more expensive than Vegas? ›On average, solo travelers spend between $50 and $100 on enjoying bars and local restaurants and transportation. All things considered, visiting Macau is cheaper than traveling to Las Vegas and Monte Carlo.
Which is the most expensive Macau? ›$4.2 billion Wynn Palace debuts as Macau's most expensive resort ever | Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong.
What is the best way to get around in Macau? ›Taxis or walking will be your only options for transportation after 12 a.m. It's safe to walk around Macao at night. Walking to a place will be the most efficient way to get there sometimes. You can use Macanese pataca or Hong Kong dollars to pay for the bus and taxis.
Is Macau expensive for tourists? ›The average price of a 7-day trip to Macau is $1,440 for a solo traveler, $2,586 for a couple, and $4,848 for a family of 4. Macau hotels range from $67 to $183 per night with an average of $112, while most vacation rentals will cost $120 to $380 per night for the entire home.
How long can a tourist stay in Macau? ›
If you're visiting for tourism for less than 30 days, you generally won't need a visa. In other situations, you will. Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. It has separate visa and entry administration to Hong Kong and mainland China.
What are the weaknesses of Macau? ›The weaknesses include the lack of human resources, poor infrastructure and trans- portation, the lack of attractions, the lack of legal regulation or a government department to coordinate the sector, limited capacity of the border gates, and the absence of an industry base and a poor business climate.
Can Americans move to Macau? ›You only need a visa if: You plan to stay for more than 30 days – obtain an extension with the Macau SAR Immigration Department, if necessary. You plan to work or study in Macau – visas must be obtained prior to departing the United States.
Why Macau is better than Vegas? ›One of the main reasons why Macau is supplanting Las Vegas as the gambling capital of the world is its demographics. Specifically, two-thirds of Macau's visitors come from China. China is a growing economy, and people like to spend money on things they couldn't afford before.
Can you drink alcohol in Macau? ›There are no alcohol licensing laws in Macau, and this means that there is no legal minimum drinking age.
What is the coldest month in Macau? ›Macau has a subtropical climate with cool, dry winters and hot, wet summers. January and February are the coldest months with temperatures falling to as low as 10˚C (50˚F).
What is the hottest month in Macau? ›July is the warmest month, and the temperature that month averages about 28.6 °C (about 83.5 °F). The coolest month is January, with an average temperature of 14.5 °C (about 58 °F).
Are Macau people friendly? ›Macanese people are generally friendly to foreigners but are also shy. Note that English is only spoken well by a minority of locals and avoid speaking loudly in public. When communicating, try using body language with small, friendly gestures to help them understand.
Does the US recognize Macau? ›In recognition of Macau's high degree of autonomy, the United States continues to treat Macau as a special area distinct from the People's Republic of China.
What is the difference between Macao and Macau? ›Macao is the English spelling and Macau is the Portuguese spelling. If you are planning a visit to Macao and researching on the internet. You will find more information by searching for Macau rather than Macao. This is changing as journalists and travel writers are now using the spelling Macao.
What is so special about Macau? ›
It's the most densely populated region on earth.
While other places might seem more overpopulated, the key with Macau is its tiny size. A population of 648,500 squeezes in to just 30.5 sq. km making it, officially, the most densely populated territory on earth. This equates to 55,454 people per square mile.
Originally a sparsely populated collection of coastal islands, Macau, often referred to as the "Las Vegas of the East", has become a major resort city and a top destination for gambling tourism, with a gambling industry seven times larger than that of Las Vegas.
What is the most expensive casino in Macau? ›City of Dreams Casino, Macau
The City of Dreams Casino is one of the world's most famous and expensive gambling spots, with extravagant flashing lights and swirling water installations giving it an awe-inspiring vibe from the moment you set foot onto its driveway.
With its huge casinos, amazing bars, and parties that don't stop till the sun rises, it comes as no surprise that Macau is known as the Vegas of China. The nightclubs of Macau have exotic dancers, amazing interior designs, and often host international musical acts.
Does Macau have more casinos than Vegas? ›Macau has less than half of that, with 49 casinos. Macau is still seen as the place for more serious gamblers though. Macau isn't the place for partying like Las Vegas as you aren't even allowed to drink at the casinos in Macau and smoking is only allowed in certain lounges.
How many casinos are there in Macau? ›Macau has 36 casinos with more than a total of 8900 slots and video gaming machines as well as over 3,500 table games, so it's difficult not to find a casino near me or you.
What is the largest hotel in Macau? ›The Venetian Macao (Chinese: 澳門威尼斯人, Portuguese: Macau Veneziano) is a hotel and casino resort in Macau owned by the American Las Vegas Sands company. The 39-story structure on Macau's Cotai Strip has 10,500,000-square-foot (980,000 m2) of floor space, and is modeled on its sister casino resort The Venetian Las Vegas.
Where is the most expensive city in the world? ›Singapore and New York City tied for the first rank amongst the world's most expensive cities in 2022, pushing Israel's Tel Aviv from the first place in 2021 to the third place in 2022. Both these cities had high inflation and a strong currency.
Is Hong Kong more expensive than Macau? ›Is Hong Kong or Macau more expensive? Macau is a gambling hub and as luxurious hotels and so it is more expensive than Hong Kong.
Is Uber available in Macau? ›The most popular Uber-destination in Macau is the Border Gate! Following that is Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal and Cotai. Galaxy Macau is on the top of the chart for the most popular integrated resort for Uber riders, so is The Venetian Macao and Sands Cotai Central.
How long is the ferry from Hong Kong to Macau? ›
The TurboJet takes around 50 minutes to reach Macau from Hong Kong Ferry Terminal, whereas the Cotai Water Jet takes 60 minutes. While both the ferries run every 15 minutes, i.e. from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 7:00 AM, TurboJet also runs special ferries at night, peak hours, and during holidays and festivals.
Where do most tourists to Macao come from? ›Most of the tourists are from Mainland China and Hong Kong which are near Macau. It also attracts tourists from Western countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Portugal.
How much is buffet in Macau? ›The good news is a buffet meal in Macau is excellent value. You can expect to pay between MOP 150 to A$30 to $50 (So if you're looking for a delicious meal with lots of choices, you'll be rewarded in Macau.
How much cash can I bring to Macau? ›The currency is the Macao pataca (MOP). Hong Kong dollars are also accepted. Upon entering or leaving Macao, you must make a declaration to customs if you travel with more than MOP 120,000 or the equivalent in other currencies.
How to get from Hong Kong airport to Macau? ›- Take the subway from Airport to Kowloon.
- Take the ferry from China Ferry Terminal to Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal.
U.S. Citizens visiting Macau for up to 30 days are not required to obtain visas. While other territories in the region require a passport with six months of validity remaining, Macau requires that your U.S. passport be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended period of stay in Macau.
Do US citizens need a visa for China? ›Do U.S. citizens need a visa to visit China? Yes. U.S. citizens planning to visit China's mainland must apply for an entry visa through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General.
Do I need a visa to enter Macau? ›United States citizens visiting for less than 30 days do not need a visa for travel to Macau. For longer stays, an extended visa processing fee can vary between $10 and $50. For other travel purposes, visas-on-arrival are available starting at $100.
What is the dark side of Macau? ›Macau is on a U.S. State Department watch list for human trafficking and according to the 2012 report, criminal syndicates are involved in recruitment. It says many women fall prey to false advertisements for casino jobs but upon arrival are forced into prostitution.
Why do so many people visit Macau? ›Visiting Macau, the former Portuguese colony, allows you to learn more about the fusion of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, architectural legacies and authentic cuisine. Take a scenic walk on the cobbled streets and ornately tiled plazas, visit historic architectural gems, and enjoy unique Macanese cuisine.
Why is Macau important to Portugal? ›
Macau is a special administrative region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. It was leased to Portugal in 1557 as a trading post in exchange for a symbolic annual rent of 500 tael. Despite remaining under Chinese sovereignty and authority, the Portuguese came to consider and administer Macau as a de facto colony.
How long can US citizens stay in Hong Kong? ›You only need a visa if: You plan to stay for more than 90 days – obtain an extension with the Hong Kong SAR Immigration Department, if necessary. You plan to work or study in Hong Kong – visas must be obtained prior to departing the United States.
How much is a tourist visa in Macau? ›No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days. Please keep in mind that if you are staying less than 30 days, you must: Hold a passport valid for at least six months with at least one blank visa page. Hold proof of onward and return flights.
Is Macau cheap to live? ›In general, the cost of living in Macau may be a little bit expensive, but the salary is quite higher than in other countries so you'll be able to live comfortably. If you know how to budget, you'll be able to travel, save money, and buy things you want.
What are the best cities in Macau? ›Travelers are voting A-Ma Cultural Village, Coloane Village and Taipa Village as the best of 6 cities in Macau (China). Also popular are Freguesia de São Lourenço, Freguesia de Nossa Senhora de Fátima and Freguesia de Santo António in Macau (China). Want more?
What is the most famous Macau? ›The Ruins of St Paul's is not only the most famous landmark in Macau but also in China.
What is the gambling capital of the world? ›Since then, Macau has become known worldwide as the "Gambling capital of the world" or "Monte Carlo of the East". Gambling tourism is Macau's biggest source of revenue, making up about 50% of the economy. Visitors are largely from mainland China and Hong Kong.
How many days are enough for Hong Kong and Macau? ›How many days should I spend in Hong Kong? If you want to explore Hong Kong then spend at least 3 days there and 2 more days in Macau.
Is Macau or Las Vegas better? ›Las Vegas is famous for its casinos, but Macau has the world's highest stake in gambling. It's built up an impressive casino industry in its corner of the world. Las Vegas and Macau are two of the world's most famous cities and are popular destinations for millions of people each year.
Do US citizens need a visa for Hong Kong? ›Do You Need a Visa to Go to Hong Kong? With a U.S. passport, citizens do not need a visa to enter Hong Kong, but travelers who plan to visit China's mainland while in the region will need a visa to travel from Hong Kong to China.
Who can enter Macau without visa? ›
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Macao Government Tourism Office.
| Address | Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção, n.os 335-341, Edifício "Hot Line", 12º andar, Macau |
|---|---|
| Fax | +853 2851 0104 |
| Tourism Hotline | +853 2833 3000 |
Verdict: Where to stay? If it's your first time in Hong Kong and you can afford it, stay on Hong Kong Island. It remains the best of the city from a tourist point of view – from the historic buildings to the bars and restaurants of Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong.
How long is the ferry ride from Macau to Hong Kong? ›Ferry from Macau to Hong Kong
The crossing operates up to 78 times each day with sailing durations from around 55 minutes.
It is famous for the blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures and its gambling industry, which includes Casino Lisboa, Macau, Sands Macau, The Venetian Macao, and Wynn Macau.
How do you get around Macau? ›- Taxis or walking will be your only options for transportation after 12 a.m.
- It's safe to walk around Macao at night.
- Walking to a place will be the most efficient way to get there sometimes.
- You can use Macanese pataca or Hong Kong dollars to pay for the bus and taxis.