12 Top Attractions and Photography Locations for Your Macau Vacation
In the mindset to replace your day plan with alleys of pastel, gargantuan casinos, and aged pagodas? Macau, where the West has converged with the East, has in store for you the combination of culture, glamour, and photo corners. Take us through as we explore must-visit sites, secrets, and unbeatable spots to complement your photo roll as well as your heart.
Remains of St. Paul’s
A visit to the Macau is incomplete without visiting the famous Ruins of St. Pauls. Having been once the most spectacular facade of a church in Macau of the 17th century these ruins are considered the most appreciated shot in the city. Don’t miss taking your photo of the carving, stone staircase, and — industry insider tip — going up the Monte Fort for panoramic shots and crowd-free compositions of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Senado Square
Senado Square, the vibrant center of Macau Historic Centre is the place where you can recognize typical mosaic tiles with wave pattern, colorful buildings of the colonial past and the smell of the celebration. The square with the European format is ideal to watch people, and its fountain is the favorite place of Instagrammers. Wander through in the evening, when the lights make the place a magical spell.
Macau Tower
Macau Tower is a mighty 338-meter structure that takes over the skyline and gives a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view of the city and beyond in its observation deck. Though your reason for being here might be the thrill (hello, world-record bungee jumpers) or the view, the views at heights are a definite must. For photography, frame the tower from the sea-side walkway next to Macau Science Center for a wonderful modern landscape.
A-Ma Temple
Since the year 1488, A-Ma Temple has been one of the oldest and most prominent temples of Macau. Walk through vintage pavilions and up zigzag stairways, where stone lions and coils of incense await. Don’t miss the city views through upper terraces in a peekaboo manner. It’s best experienced during a festival, when bright ritual processions take place and photo opportunities abound.
Taipa Village
Take a walk into another dimension at Taipa Village, the quaint compilation of alleys, Portuguese residences, vibrant mural work, and egg tart stalls. It is the photographer’s paradise, as well as the spot to indulge in real treats within the serene environment of the village.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Theme waterfront recreational center and park of the Fisherman’s Wharf surrounding the Maritime Terminal mix European buildings with amusement plazas, restaurants, and water features. Photogenic spots are everywhere—compose your scenes of stately columns, fantasy volcanoes, and views of the city. It’s a lighthearted respite from Macau’s culture side and ideal for casual, fantasy photography.
Monte Fort (Fortaleza do Monte)
To the east of St. Paul’s, Monte Fort is Macau’s earliest fortress. Climb up for panoramic views of the city, down at old Macau, down at new Macau. The cannon and fortress walls are the backdrop for atmospheric, moody photography, best at sunset. Below is the Macau Museum which narrates the fascinating story of the city.
The Venetian Macao
The Venetian presents a slice of Italy in Cotai with its canals, gondolas, and fancy-designed architecture. Take your photo in the interior canal, or go up to the second-story rooftop for bird’s-eye views that feature the long-distance replicas of the Eiffel Tower in the distance by the Parisian Macao. It’s a must in your dazzling, luxury vacation photographs.
Guia Fortress and Lighthouse
Ride the highest spot in Macao for panoramic views that center on the face of the MOP$100 bill! Take the “money shot” at the signature bench that looks down at skyscrapers bathed in neon lighting in the South China Sea. Go at sunset when the walls of the fortress are golden, and don’t miss the secret cannon platform—ideal for centering the Macau Tower that pierces fluffy-candy clouds.
Londoner Hotel’s “Big Ben”
Stand next to the 1:1 scale replica clocktower as red double-deckers hurtle by—no transatlantic flight to England necessary! For-added drama, photograph from the cobblestone driveway at blue hour when the tower’s clockface shines through indigo skies. Across the lobby, the Crystal Palace hotel’s diamond-encrusted escalators create otherworldly selfie backgrounds.
Kun Iam Statue
To experience something contemporary and religious, go to the bronze sculpture of Kun Iam on the lotus-shaped platform that is 20 meters tall. This otherworldly monument is dedicated to the goddess of mercy and offers beautiful waterfront sceneries, particularly at sunset during which the statue currently reflects golden laissez-faire- perfect dramatic silhouettes.
Grand Lisboa
The Grand Lisboa is a casino resort standing out due to its design, which resembles a lotus-flower in bloom. The building is glittering during the day and is neoned at night. Perfect angle to shoot? Shoot from the road of R. Nova a Guia, taking in the tower as well as the city’s daily life.
