Back in 2019, I traveled to Hong Kong (yes, during the protests) to hike the 50-km Hong Kong Trail. I loved every moment of my slow days, switching between nature and city life, but I didn't have enough time to explore Macau properly. With just one day to spare, a day trip to Macau from Hong Kong was my only option. If you're short on time like me, keep on reading to find out how to enjoy Macau in less than 12 hours!
DISCLAIMER: The autonomous region of China can be spelled as Macao (official spelling in English) or Macau (official spelling in Portuguese), and both are accepted. For consistency, I will use the spelling 'Macau' throughout this post.
What's in Macau?
Macau, a special administrative region of China, is known for its vibrant nightlife, world-class casinos, and rich cultural heritage shaped by centuries of Portuguese influence. It's also home to delectable Macanese cuisine—a fusion of Cantonese and Portuguese flavors that foodies shouldn't miss.
Located on China's Southern coast, Macau is only 60 kilometers away from Hong Kong. Thanks to its proximity, Macau became a popular day trip destination from Hong Kong for both locals and tourists.
How to go to Macau for a day trip from Hong Kong?
Before leaving Hong Kong, make sure to check Macau's visa policy based on your nationality. While most travelers enjoy visa-free entry, it's always recommended to confirm to avoid any inconvenience. Keep in mind that visiting Macau from Hong Kong requires going through Passport Control on both sides.
💡 VISA POLICY: Philippine Passport Holders can enter Macau visa-free and stay for up to 30 days.
Despite its small size, Macau has an international airport (MFM) that serves flights mainly from China and other parts of Northeast and Southeast Asia. However, if you're coming from Hong Kong, flying isn't necessary—you have two main options:
1. By Ferry (Most Popular Option)
Ferries are the most common and convenient way to travel between Macau and Hong Kong. Two operators serve this route
- Turbo Jet
- Cotai Water Jet
💡 Tickets can be booked directly at the ferry terminals or online via Klook. I also have a detailed post covering my ferry experience, ticket costs, and terminal locations—check it out below!
🔗 RELATED POST: HONG KONG TO MACAU BY TURBOJET FERRY
2. By Bus via Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (Most Affordable Option)
Taking a shuttle bus across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge is the cheapest way to get to Macau. Multiple bus operators serve this route, providing several options and an alternative way instead of taking the ferry. Buses also run 24/7, and this means you can have more time to spend in Macau.
I haven't personally tried this option yet, but it's a great choice if you want to save money!
Attractions, Must-Eats, & Things to Do in Macau
Now that you know how to get to Macau from Hong Kong, let's dive into the must-visit attractions and the must-try dishes that you can do in a day trip!
1. Casino Resorts & Shuttle Buses
Known as the Las Vegas of Asia, Macau is so much more than just its casinos. But let's be real. You can't avoid them, and you might as well take advantage of their free shuttle buses!
Yes, casino resortss offer FREE SHUTTLE BUSES right outside the port to attract travelers into their properties. Whether you're traveling for gambling, shopping, or exploring—there's no judgment here! So hop on and enjoy the ride!
With dozens of casino resorts scattered around Macau, choosing where to start can be quite overwhelming. I went with the one I was most familiar with, The Venetian Macao, which was often seen in Korean dramas like Boys Over Flowers and Fated to Love You (gosh, I feel so old!).
Cotai Strip and Taipa Village are just walking distance (I understand that this is subjective!) from The Venetian Macao. It makes a great starting point to explore.
The second casino resort I visited was the Grand Lisboa Macau, mainly because of its proximity to Senado Square and the Ruins of St. Paul. Before going back to the port, I also had a chance to wander through the lobby, admire its grand interior, and check out the different displays around.
2. Macanese Cuisine & Street Food
Even though I am not a food blogger, eating to my heart's content in Macau was definitely on my agenda! And for that, Taipa Food Street was the perfect place!
Located on Rua do Cunha in Taipa, it's a crowded place for a reason. Lined with restaurants, food stalls, bakeries, and cafés, it's a food paradise! The moment I spotted Lord Stowe's Bakery, famous for its Portuguese Egg Tarts, I jumped straight into the queue!
After savoring the creamy tart with its silky-smooth filling, I was ready to line up for the pork bun. But the queue was insane, and it was under the sun. My skin suffered enough damage already, so I just gave up. Only to be pulled by sales ladies offering food samples instead!
Almond cookies, beef jerky, and endless snacks and pastries—it was a feast! Their marketing strategy worked wonders because before I knew it, I was already inside the stores buying snacks as souvenirs! Even without the pork bun, I was completely stuffed, so much so that I skipped lunch!
Over at Senado Square and Rua de Sao Paulo, it was another adventure! Although there were more food samples similar to those in Taipa, I indulged on snacks and drinks that were expensive in Dubai. Cream puffs, milkshakes, and even roasted chestnuts!
3. Sightseeing at Taipa Village, Senado Square, and the Ruins of St. Paul
In less than 12 hours, I knew it was impossible to see everything. So, instead, I focused only on two areas where I could cover as much as possible.
Leaving The Venetian Macao, I hopped on the shaded walkalator leading to Taipa Village (I told you it's just a walking distance!).
With its colorful yet narrow alleys, Taipa Village is a charming mix of Portuguese architecture and Chinese culture. Exploring on foot was the best way to take it all in!
From historical buildings and museums to a Taoist Temple, a Catholic Church, and a street packed with food stalls, Macau truly embodies the East-meets-West character. And what's best about it is that they were all within walking distance from each other!
On the other side of Macau stands the iconic Ruins of St. Paul's, a must-visit landmark that attracts thousands of tourists daily, including me! With its towering facade, life-sized statues, and stunning Baroque-style architecture, it's no surprise that this site remains one of the most photographed spots in Macau.
Behind the ruins is the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt, home to several paintings and religious artifacts. Unfortunately, it was already closed when I arrived. I settled for a peek at the photos displayed outside as well as what appeared to be a crypt—a little glimpse into the history I wish I had more time to explore.
After exploring the ruins, it was time to wander around Senado Square to admire its beautiful terraces, paved cobblestones, and colorful colonial architecture. For some reason, I couldn't find a single photo from Senado Square, a true testament that I was fully enjoying the moment...and my snacks!
Before going back to Grand Lisboa Macau (to take the shuttle bus back to the port), I made a quick stop at the Macau Portuguese School (Escola Portuguesa de Macau) to admire its vibrant Portuguese tiles.
💰Budget-Friendly Travel Tips in Macau:
- Get around Macau for free - Take advantage of the free shuttle buses provided by casino resorts to hop from one place to another! Also, walking is the best way to explore!
- Say yes to food samples - Whether in Taipa or in Senado square (technically, it's in Rua de Sao Paulo, the street to Ruins of St. Paul's), vendors would generously give away food samples. They are perfect for a quick bite, and they are free!
- Enjoy Macau's free attractions - From Taipa Village, Ruins of St. Paul's, Senado Square, and even the Macau Portuguese School, exploring these attractions doesn't cost a single money!
- Hong Kong Dollars are widely accepted- But if needed, you can change them for Macanese Pataca (MOP) in the city center
⏰ Suggested Itinerary for Less Than 12 Hours in Macau:
As a slow traveler, I don't usually pack so much in a short period. But a girl's got to maximize Macau since who knows when I will get to visit again. Here's my itinerary back then, and you can use it as a suggested itinerary.
- 8:00 AM – Depart from your accommodation in Hong Kong
- 9:00 AM - Ferry or Bus Ride to Macau
- 10:00 AM – Arrival in Macau and transfer to The Venetian Macau
- 11:30 AM – Explore and Lunch in Taipa Village (Portuguese Egg Tarts, Pork Buns, Etc.!)
- 2:00 PM – Head back to the Port and transfer to Grand Lisboa Macau
- 4:00 PM – Explore Senado Square & Ruins of St. Paul’s
- 6:00 PM - Head back to the Port
- 7:00 PM – Head back to Hong Kong
This itinerary is packed but doable for a quick day trip to Macau from Hong Kong!
And that's a wrap! I hope this post helps you plan your visit to Macau and gets you as excited as I was! If you don't want to miss out on future travel guides like this, make sure you subscribe to my mailing list for the latest posts!
