Macao is often seen as a quick stopover for its casinos and bright nightlife, but the city has a lot of hidden gems and experiences worth exploring. Macao is shaped by layers of Portuguese and Chinese history, reflected in its food, architecture, and streets that hold centuries of stories. It’s a place where high-rise hotels stand near tiled courtyards, and where meals stretch from local street stalls to grand restaurants. Macao has a quieter side, neighborhoods that are laid-back, temples that smell of incense, and corners that don’t appear in flashy brochures. Macao is full of surprises and offers adventures that are both classic and unexpectedly different.

Here are seven things worth doing when you are in Macao:

1. Macao’s Senado Square & the Ruins of St. Paul’s

The heart of the city is its UNESCO World Heritage centre. Senado Square is often the starting point, with its mosaic-tiled pavements and pastel buildings. You’ll notice the mix of Chinese shops selling dried seafood next to colonial-era façades. And a little further, you’ll also discover the old post office, the St. Dominic’s Church, and tucked-away souvenir shops that sell local products.

The Ruins of St. Paul’s is Macao’s most photographed landmark, and it’s worth the stop. What remains is the stone façade of a 17th-century church that once stood tall above the city. Take a moment to look closely at the intricate carvings and details that blend East and West influences. Behind the façade, you can enter the museum area that tells more about its history.

2. Try Street Food in Taipa Village

Taipa Village is a mix of colorful streets, small temples, and some of the best food in Macao. It’s here you can try authentic street snacks like pork chop buns, egg tarts, fish balls, and skewers that locals love. Rua do Cunha is the famous food street, crowded with shops selling peanut candies, almond cookies, and delicious street snacks. But away from the main stretch, there are many quieter restaurants with creative menus, mixing old and new influences. For Portuguese food, Antonio and A Petisqueira are long-time favorites.

Vegetarians can stop at Blissful Carrot, a cozy café serving wholesome plant-based meals, smoothies, and wraps. The Taipa Houses Museum gives a glimpse into Portuguese-style living in earlier centuries. The village comes alive at night, when lanterns glow and people spill onto the streets.

3. Explore Coloane Island

Away from the main city’s bustle, Coloane is known for its green hills, beaches, and laid-back vibe. The village has narrow streets lined with low houses, faded walls, and small temples tucked between homes. St. Francis Xavier Chapel stands out with its yellow and white façade. There are also many hiking trails through Coloane’s countryside. Coloane is also home to Lord Stow’s Bakery, famous for creating the Portuguese egg tart recipe that spread across Asia. It is a must try! Hac Sa Beach is known for its darker sand and casual seaside restaurants.

4. Visit the A-Ma Temple

The A-Ma Temple is one of the oldest and most significant sites in Macao, dating back to the late 1400s. It is dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess worshipped by fishermen and sailors for protection. The temple is closely tied to the city’s origins, the name “Macao” is believed to have come from “A-Ma-Gau”. The temple is made up of several sections, with winding paths, pavilions, and incense spirals burning slowly overhead. Locals still come here to pray, making it a living place of worship rather than just a tourist site.

Spend some time walking through each level, noticing the details carved into the stone and wood. The view from the top also gives you a glimpse of the old harbor area. It’s best to go early in the day, when the temple is quieter and you can see how the locals light incense, make offerings to their ancestors, and pray for health, safety, and success.

5. Macao’s Festivals and World Events

Macao has built a reputation for its nightlife and casinos, but it’s also known for its calendar of events that draw global attention. The Macao International Fireworks Display Contest is one of the city’s most anticipated festivals, with teams from around the world lighting up the night sky over the harbor. The Macao Grand Prix, held every November, is another major highlight; this street circuit race has become legendary among worldwide motorsport fans. The Macao Arts Festival brings theater, dance, and performances from across the world, while the International Music Festival attracts renowned artists. During Chinese New Year, temples are crowded with prayers, lion dances take over the streets, and shops are decorated in red.

6. Adventure Activities in Macao

Macao has surprising options for adventure lovers as well. The Macau Tower is famous for its Skywalk, Observation Deck and bungee jump, letting you look down over the city from nearly 233 meters above the ground. You can walk around the tower’s edge or take the leap with a harness, definitely gets your adrenaline pumping. If heights aren’t your thing, rock climbing and rappelling options near Coloane offer a quieter challenge surrounded by nature. For water lovers, try jet-skiing along the Cotai waterways or renting a paddleboard near Hac Sa Beach. Cycling is another way to explore the city at your own pace, the paths along Taipa and Coloane are ideal for a slow, scenic ride.

7. Slice of Europe in Asia

Step into Europe without leaving Asia. The Cotai Strip is home to resorts that recreate European cities with remarkable attention to detail. The Venetian brings Venice’s canals and bridges to life. Gondolas float past tourists while musicians perform, and the shopping areas are filled with both luxury brands and local boutiques. Adjacent, The Parisian Macao features a half-size Eiffel Tower that dominates the skyline, and the streets mimic Parisian gardens and cafés. The Londoner Macao captures London’s iconic landmarks with red double-decker buses, telephone booths, cobblestone streets, and façades inspired by Westminster.

Michelin-star restaurants offer everything from traditional European menus to Asian-European fusion creations. TeamLab’s immersive digital art exhibitions provide unique interactive experiences. Duty-free shopping here rivals any global city, featuring luxury brands, cosmetics, and local specialty items all under one roof. A visit here feels like walking through several European cities in a single evening.

These are seven experiences that show different sides of Macao. From historic streets and local flavors to modern resorts and unique attractions, the beautiful city offers plenty to see and do for every kind of traveler.