13 stunning instagrammable spots to visit in Macau

Many humans travel to Macau to enjoy the casinos, and it’s easy to see why – it is Asia’s answer to Las Vegas (it’s also more successful). However, I wanted to see the lesser-known sites of the city and delve into the Portuguese influence on Macau. I felt very excited to experience the culture and indulge in a few Portuguese egg tarts (let’s be honest, it was a lot more than just a few).

Typically, when I travel with my photographer, we compile a list of incredibly photogenic spots that are a must-visit, often using Instagram as a starting point. However, while researching Macau, my photographer found it challenging to identify picturesque locations beyond the numerous casinos. While the casinos are undeniably impressive, we were searching for the true essence of Macau rather than the glitzy replicas of famous landmarks.

Macau has achieved something many other cities have not: a perfect balance of eclectic streets and glamorous hotels. The Macau Peninsula is the most photogenic area in Macau as it is a wonderful mix of cultures which blend seamlessly. The peninsula is very walkable, though extremely hilly – so much so that it almost makes Hong Kong seem flat by comparison. Thankfully, Macau is very well signposted, which was a huge help; I rarely found myself lost, minimising the time walking up hills, simply following signs that led me to some of the most beautiful spots on the peninsula.

As a change from my usual blog posts where I ramble on about food and my adventures, I’d like to highlight my 13 favourite photogenic spots on the Macau Peninsula. For beautiful views of the Macau Peninsula from Taipa, I recommend the view from the Altira Macau Hotel. I enjoyed beautiful panoramic views from my room every day during my stay.

DISCLAIMER: Posting photographs of these locations on Instagram is not required, despite what the post title may suggest. You can share them on Facebook, or choose to keep the locations private to prevent them from becoming overcrowded tourist hotspots in the future.

1. San Francisco Garden

Macau’s oldest garden hides in the shadows of the iconic Grand Lisboa Hotel. While my photographer engaged in some tedious human tasks, I took the opportunity to wander around the area. The Chinese Pavilion Library and the Wallace Fountain are located at a busy pedestrian crossing, with the entrance to the garden just a short distance behind. The garden, established in the 1500s, is nearly as old as I am.

It features a traditional Moorish design, with pastel pink terraces separating the garden into different levels, adorned with decorative tiled pavements and fountains. Unfortunately, entering from the Ave. da Praia Grande side involves several steps, making it challenging to reach the top for those with mobility issues. However, there is the option to visit the park in two parts and walk along a flat incline instead of taking the steps.

The relaxing atmosphere feels more European than Asian, and I can see why so many couples were taking their wedding photos here during my visit. I enjoyed spending time in the cool but sunny winter weather. At the back of the park stands a small two-storey tower that once served as a memorial for WW1 heroes and military barracks. It is now a garden and home to the association of the handicapped. The building contrasts beautifully with the ancient trees, which were likely planted when the site was a Castilian monastery.

2. R. Nova a Guia (Grand Lisboa View Street)

If there is one thing I love (aside from eating), it is a visual illusion, and this street is one of the best I have ever encountered. Eye-catching photographs of this street have circulated online for many years, and I always believed them to be cleverly created in Photoshop, so it wasn’t high on my list of must-see places in Macau. However, I happened to find myself on this street purely by chance while on the quest for coffee (and maybe another egg tart). Getting extremely lost to find Cuppacoffee is 100% worth it.

The street itself is a bustling residential area with many crossings, but some humans, thinking they are above traffic, stand on the road to get the perfect shot. In a time of finding the ideal social media shot, I hate seeing humans risking their lives for a few measly likes. The view is best from the left side of the street when the hotel is behind you. Balancing on a bollard gave me enough height to see the building over the cars. Early morning is a great time to visit as the skies are clear and the sun doesn’t glare on your camera lens (this made my photographer sad).

3. Macau’s 3D streets

My photographer has always drawn inspiration from the vivid world of cyberpunk films, and the streets of Macau are a perfect embodiment of that futuristic aesthetic. The breathtaking architecture appears as if layers of buildings have been meticulously stacked upon one another, creating a striking skyline that challenges the imagination. The vibrant colours paint a mesmerizing tapestry, while the cacophony of sounds mingles with the enticing aromas wafting through the air, resulting in a delightful sensory overload. In this densely packed environment, the eclectic mix of shops and residences creates a unique charm, transforming the city into an extraordinary place unlike any other.

As twilight descends, the city becomes a captivating blend of light and shadow. The glow of streetlights mingles with the sunset’s fading colours, creating a magical ambience. The lively buzz of crowds and distant traffic combine to form atmospheric scenes that showcase the city’s dynamic spirit.

4. St Lazarus District

My favourite area in Macau is Tap Seac Square and the surrounding streets of St Lazarus because it is so colourful, relaxed, and unlike any other part of the city. This district features charming Portuguese villas and beautiful old Catholic churches lined along quaint cobbled streets, giving you a sense of being transported from Asia to Portugal. Surprisingly, despite its beauty, this area is very peaceful. Tourist attractions are minimal in this area, the local coffee shops are excellent and much more affordable than those near the ruins of St. Paul’s.

The streets branch out in various directions, and most of them are flat. However, if you walk to the end of one street, you’ll encounter Calçada da Igreja de São Lázaro or Crazy Hall Slope Alley (as humorously translated by Google Maps). At the end of this street, there is an exceptionally steep staircase that isn’t worth the effort to climb. Trees obstruct the best view, and I found that the street looks better from ground level. If you’re adventurous enough to tackle the stairs, they can provide a convenient shortcut to the Monte Fort.

5. Monte Fort and Gardens

I didn’t allocate enough time to visit this area. Mistakenly, I assumed the fort would be a small, old building with little to see. I was very wrong. The enormous fort is free to visit. Even though it is situated atop a hill, the paths are flat, and there is an elevator from the Macau Museum to the viewing deck at the top of the fort.

I appreciated the numerous park benches scattered around the fort so I could have a break and enjoy the view. Walking around the walls took me about an hour, and I stopped every two or three steps to enjoy the view. There is a 360-degree panorama of Macau and neighbouring China. I never realised how close China was; it felt as though I could almost reach out and touch it. I was fortunate to visit on a clear day when I could see for miles. I even managed to spot Santa peeking out from behind a rooftop! The fort is probably a beautiful place to watch the sunset, and I would love to return in the future to experience that.

The cannon placement is the best aspect of the fort, as it perfectly aligns with some of the modern skyscrapers. Even though they were only used for military action once in 1622, it’s as if the historical figures knew this would happen and planned for it. A fellow adventurer recognised me whilst I was gracefully attempting to sit on a cannon. It was lovely to meet a fellow adventursaurus who enjoys reading about my experiences. If you ever see me on an adventure, please come and say hello!

6. Ruins of St Paul’s

No, it’s not in London; I also was confused by the name. The area is, in fact, an ancient religious complex built by the Jesuits, shrouded in history and culture. I preferred the view of the ruins from a distance, because the view of the ruins is nothing short of breathtaking, allowing you to fully grasp the grandeur and scale of what once stood there. When standing directly in front, it looks like a normal old structure, but stepping to the side reveals a dramatic revelation: only a solitary wall remains, a silent guardian of an intricate past.

Crowds of humans covered the 68 stone steps leading up to the ruin, making the site less appealing. However, I found the stone masonry to be a redeeming feature because it tells a tale of Mary defeating a 7-headed hydra accompanied by the Chinese phrase “Holy Mother tramples the heads of the dragon”. The narrative uniquely combines elements of the Catholic Church and Chinese folklore, including 6 lions protecting the entrance at the base of the ruins.

Unfortunately, there are reminders of Portugal’s dark past, as a small burial site near the church marks the resting place of Korean and Japanese slaves. But, it is not all doom and gloom as I found the small museum to be quite interesting. Surrounding the site, several archaeological digs showcase the interesting discoveries made in the religious complex. They found many artefacts preserved in the ground around the area, which was destroyed by a fire during a Typhoon.

7. Na Tcha Temple

My photographer has taken shots at weird angles, as we do not like to photograph or disturb those who are praying.

I walked the scenic route via Travessa da Paixão to get to this tiny temple because I didn’t realise it was so close to the ruins of St Paul’s. Many people recommended this street to me for its fantastic view of St. Paul’s at the end of a row of colourful terraced houses. However, I found it quite underwhelming compared to the incredible views of the Grand Lisboa View Street.

The temple is a small Chinese Folk Religion site built in 1888 and dedicated to Na Tcha, the god of war. It was constructed during a time when plague was ravaging the city, with the hope that appeasing the gods would help put an end to the outbreak. The temple is tiny, dwarfed in the shadows of St Paul’s, with the offerings and incense burning on the street outside.

I love finding places like this, as many people overlook them. My favourite part was spotting the guardian animals on the roof. It sits quietly between the grand ruins of St Paul’s and the ancient walls of Macau. The walls themselves are not the most exciting thing to look at (though I am no wall expert), it’s remarkable to think that a structure made of oyster shells, sand, soil, rocks and rice straw in the 1500s still stands strong today.

If you walk down Calçada de São Francisco Xavier after visiting Na Tcha Temple, you can visit the Pi Café. I was astounded to see that their sign features the numerical figure of Pi, extended to 30 decimal places. I did wonder whether they sell pie, the food … (but that is an adventure for another day).

8. Largo de Santo Domingo

My photographer has taken shots at weird angles, as we do not like to photograph or disturb those who are praying.

As I strolled through the narrow streets of Macau, led by my nose, I was enveloped by the enticing aromas wafting from various food stalls and shops – a tantalizing blend of spices, stir-fried food, and sweet treats that beckoned me to explore further. The perfect blend of Chinese food stalls, Portuguese pastelerias and small cafes gave the area an eclectic feel, which buzzed with life when I visited in the early evening. Each step took me deeper into this vibrant tapestry of culture. Before long, I emerged into a more spacious and developed area in the city.

At the edge of one of the bustling squares, I found a charming Catholic church painted in a bright, cheerful yellow. Although it wasn’t the largest or most ornate church I had ever encountered, I found myself captivated by its simplicity and the intricate white decorations that graced its façade. The sunlight danced off its vivid exterior, adding a warm glow to the surroundings, and drew me in further.

The adjacent street was decorated with Chinese and Macanese flags, which fluttered overhead gracefully in the gentle breeze. The street led me to Senado Square. The vibrant colours and patterns beautifully contrasted with the bright buildings that lined the street. Senado Square transported me back to Portugal again with the huge colourful buildings lining the square, which was still decorated with Christmas decorations for some strange reason.

9. St Augustine’s Square

I continued my walk up one of Macau’s many hills. I arrived at a shaded piazza that was more triangular than square. The ornately tiled pavement forged connections between the colourful churches and a theatre. This area reflects the traditional Portuguese streetscape I have imagined, even though I haven’t visited Portugal yet, thus, I could be mistaken. After wandering through the neon-lit, crowded lanes earlier in my adventure, I found this square incredibly peaceful.

Several notable buildings can be found in the square, including St. Augustine’s Church, which was built in 1591 and features another beautiful lemon-yellow façade. St. Joseph’s Seminary is also a striking yellow building with a distinct Baroque style. As a blue dinosaur, I’m starting to develop an appreciation for the colour yellow (just don’t let my photographer hear that).

My favourite building in the area is the Dom Pedro V Theatre, the oldest Western-style theatre in China, built in the 1860s. The white columns contrast beautifully with the sage-green arches. I believe this is the most photogenic building in Macau. The most surprising thing for me was to see many people walking by and completely ignoring it.

10. Moorish Barracks

I found an ornate yellow building at the bottom of Barras Hill, a place where I was not expecting to see anything other than residential apartments. Originally built in 1874 to house soldiers from Portuguese India, this structure showcases beautiful Mughal architecture, characterised by its linear style interspaced with numerous ogive arches.

The yellow building stands silently amidst many apartment buildings. I love how numerous buildings in Macau are painted yellow; they truly stand out and brighten up the otherwise greyscale streets when the sunlight reflects off them. The Moorish army barracks are adorned with white geometric motifs that create a stunning contrast to the yellow walls. Although this building is inspired by the Indian subcontinent, it fits Macau’s multicultural personality perfectly.

11. A-Ma Temple

My photographer has taken shots at weird angles, as we do not like to photograph or disturb those who are praying.

One incredible temple located in the area of São Lourenço fascinated me. Chinese temples are uniquely captivating, each one more interesting than the last. A-Ma temple stands out as the most interesting temple I have visited because it is built on the western side of Barra Hill. As you explore deeper into the temple, you find yourself climbing the hill.

A-Ma temple beautifully represents a blend of Chinese culture, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and various folk beliefs. Construction began in 1488, with the Hall of Benevolence believed to be the first structure erected on the site, making it older than Macau itself.

The temple is dedicated to the sea goddess and Queen of Heaven, Mazu, also known as Matsu. In Chinese, she is referred to as 阿媽 (Ah Ma), which translates to “Grandma” in English. It is thought that this temple gave its name to Macau; when Portuguese sailors asked for the name of the city, they were told 阿妈阁 (Ah Ma Gok), or the Temple of the Sea Goddess Mazu. Over time, this evolved into “Macao” or “Macau,” as the city is now known.

Guarding the Gate Pavilion, a large granite structure, is two impressive stone lions. Stepping through the round moon gate transports you away from the chaos of city life and into a tranquil oasis. Ceramic animals adorn the upturned roof, standing guard over the temple. Inside, numerous paths await, some leading up steep stone staircases. Each pavilion is aligned with the main gate, allowing the complex to be well-organised and harmoniously integrated with the natural environment.

My favourite building was the Zhengjiao Chanlin Pavilion, which featured the most intricate architecture. Its delicately decorated moon gate marks the entrance. I enjoyed discovering the delicate ornaments hidden in the eaves and the vibrant wall sculptures. Incense smoke gracefully meandered around the pavilion and temple grounds, passing by ancient Chinese poems carved into stone. The late afternoon light illuminated the building beautifully, and I spent several hours exploring the many hidden paths.

12. Sai Van Lake

The lake is quite expansive, and I had the pleasure of visiting during the enchanting golden hour. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, it cast a warm, golden hue over the surrounding skyscrapers, transforming their sleek silhouettes into a mesmerizing pattern of shimmering colours. I found myself captivated by the playful assortment of inflatable sea creatures that adorned the promenade. Their vibrant colours and whimsical shapes added a cheerful vibe, although I remained puzzled about their purpose, as my grasp of Cantonese was limited to only the most basic phrases. The giant crab was my favourite as it seemed to be doing a friendly wave to all of the humans who were walking past.

I can only imagine how the lake transforms after dark. The dazzling fountain, illuminated with a spectrum of colours, must create a breathtaking display as it dances against the backdrop of the night sky.

13. Ponte de Sai Van Bridge

Known as the Friendship Bridge, this impressive 2.2km structure offers stunning views as you drive across it, and it lights up beautifully at night. Walking across this bridge is not allowed, and with the heavy traffic, it’s probably for the best.

If you take a taxi or one of the many shuttle buses from the casinos, you can enjoy expansive views on a clear day. I was fortunate enough to see China clearly when I drove across the bridge.

The highlight of my exploration of the Macau Peninsula was the end of my day, not just because I could finally sit down and rest my feet after an exhausting 27,000-step tour of the area. I found myself caught in rush hour traffic on the bridge, and as I made my slow journey back to my hotel, I was rewarded with a breathtaking sunset.

From my hotel window, I watched the Friendship Bridge light up each night, perfectly complementing the skyscrapers behind it. My favourite moment was when everything turned blue—I think Macau was celebrating the visit of a blue dinosaur to this beautiful city.

Overall

So there you have it, thirteen of the most photogenic spots in Macau. As a reward for making it this far, I will let you in on a secret: visiting these places in order is a loop tour around the city, which you can use as a guide. Macau is a city that offers much more than its famous casinos and glitzy attractions. By exploring the charming streets and hidden gems of the Macau Peninsula, I discovered a unique blend of cultures, history, and beauty that tourists often overlook. From the serene atmosphere of the San Francisco Garden to the captivating A-Ma Temple, each location presented its own story and aesthetic, truly capturing the essence of this vibrant city.

For anyone looking to experience something different beyond the typical tourist path, I encourage you to venture off the beaten track and immerse yourself in the local culture and rich heritage of Macau. Whether you’re taking photos for that perfect Instagram shot, enjoying delicious Portuguese delicacies (like me), or simply soaking in the surroundings, there’s a distinct charm to be found in every corner of this fascinating destination.

If you enjoyed reading this, you might enjoy:

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