5 best places to explore in Macau

Rediscover Macau’s charm through its iconic landmarks, world-class dining, and a lavish resort getaway.
Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau
Photograph: Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau
Time Out Bangkok in partnership with Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau
Advertising

Just a short flight from Bangkok, Macau is the perfect blend of rich heritage and modern luxury, ideal for a quick getaway. Start by exploring the quaint Rua Nova à Guia, a hidden spot where local life pulses with charm. Then, make your way to Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, Macau’s lively boulevard brimming with shopping and dining options. For a romantic touch, stroll down Travessa da Paixão. And of course, no trip is complete without visiting the Ruins of St. Paul’s, one of the most iconic heritage sites in Macau.

After soaking up the city's cultural highlights, retreat to the epitome of luxury: the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau. Here, your experience shifts to full-on pampering, from upscale accommodations that blend sophistication with comfort to world-class restaurants with feasts for the senses. 

Ready for an unforgettable escape? Here is how to turn your quick trip to Macau into lifelong memories.

Rua Nova à Guia

What makes Rua Nova à Guia truly unique is its blend of history and modernity. The towering Grand Lisboa Macau in the background also makes it the perfect spot to snap some photos – National Geographic magazine certainly thought so. Beyond the visual appeal, it’s also a great stop for those seeking to connect with the city's rich cultural fabric.

Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro

Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro is the beating heart of Macau Peninsula and one of the city’s most vibrant boulevards. Recognised as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, its iconic fountain serves as a meeting point. The avenue offers plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s bustling street life. Lined with numerous cafes, boutiques, and restaurants, it is truly a shopping and dining paradise.

Travessa da Paixão

Known as the ‘Romantic Lane’ in Macau, the Travessa da Paixão features cobbled streets adorned with historic lamp posts and decorative tiles that evoke a sense of timeless elegance. Whether you're there for some picturesque shots or simply to soak up the ambience, this alleyway offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city and allows for a perfect glimpse into Macau's rich cultural heritage.

St. Paul's Ruins

No visit to Macau is complete without exploring the Ruins of St Paul's. The Ruins of St Paul's, the city's most treasured icon, are the remains of a 16th-century Jesuit church. It was destroyed by fire in 1835, but the facade remained, leaving the church as we see it today.

Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau

To make Macau your home away from home, book your stay at the Grand Lisboa Palace Macau. The hotel offers Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star service paired with Chinoiserie-inspired guestrooms decorated with bespoke art pieces by famous local artists. While relaxing in your guestroom, don’t miss the unique pleasure of starting your day with an in-room breakfast while enjoying views of the lush gardens of Jardim Secreto or the dazzling Cotai city view. After your morning fill, head down to explore Jardim Secreto and wander through its hedged mazes, lush lawns, romantic gazebos, and striking dome-shaped centrepiece. Discover tranquil spots perfect for a quiet retreat.

Bonus: dining experiences

Chalou

The resort's dining options are equally impressive. At Chalou, a chic tea house, you can savour a truly authentic yum cha experience. This dining tradition, which means 'drinking tea' in Cantonese, is celebrated here with a unique dim sum trolley service. The menu features Cantonese dim sum, including shrimp dumplings with asparagus and barbecued pork puff pastry. Chalou's signature lychee and rose petal milk tea adds a refreshing twist to your meal, making it the perfect place to have lunch with friends and family.

Mesa by José Avillez

Mesa by José Avillez is another jewel in the resort's crown. The restaurant showcases the amazing work of Michelin-starred chef José Avillez. His menu features innovative Portuguese flavours, including spring piri piri chicken and suckling pig sandwich. Complement your dining experience with its signature cocktails inspired by Portugal and Macau's rich stories. You can also explore a wide selection of Portuguese wine from Mesa's extensive wine list.

At Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, luxury, culture, and gastronomic excellence come together to create an unforgettable getaway. Book your stay today.

Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising