Just an hour by ship from Hong Kong lies a former European colony on Chinese soil: Macau. The Portuguese-style island has always been in close contact with Hong Kong to the east. Where facades crumbled in the last years of #colonial rule, an unbelievable #entertainment industry has spread that doesn't need to shy away from comparison with Las Vegas.  In the past it served as a summer residence for rich merchants or as a refuge for British soldiers in the Second World War, but today millions of tourists come to the small #island. Most of them have only one goal: to seek their fortune in the #casinos banned in Hong Kong and China. At the same time, the old town has been preserved, reminding travellers of old Lisbon.  Modern Asia and old Europe live together here in a #unique symbiosis, which makes up the charm of this small city by Chinese standards. 

We'll show you where you can take the best snapshots for "the gram".

Rua da Felicidade

Rua De Felicidade, also known as the ‘Happiness Street’ might have a shady past. Macau’s former Red Light district is now a happy street with buildings painted with many red details and one of the most Instagram-worthy places in #macau. Chinese-style shophouses with red-shuttered doors and windows line the street, making it one of the most scenic spots in the city.

Besides the cute coffee shops and #art stores, Rua De Felicidade has become a popular #streetfood spot and is home to one of the oldest noodles shops in the city, as well as some cool souvenir shops.

Ruins of St. Paul’s

This iconic spot in Macau is an absolutely must visit and might be Macau’s most famous landmark. These are the ruins of a 17th century college and church in Macau. The church burned down during a typhoon, leaving only the beautiful façade. Today, they are part of a UNESCO Heritage Site. 

Walls of Macau

You’ll find the Walls of Macau right next to the Ruins of St. Paul’s, so simply use the same directions to get here. They were built as early as 1569 by Portuguese settlers. Today, only parts of the walls remain, but it is still worthy of your time. If you look closely, you’ll be able to see some of the interesting materials used to build this defensive structure – such as clay, rice straws, crushed rocks and even oyster shells.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Nearby the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry, you’ll find the Fisherman’s Wharf - an interesting entertainment area spanning over 133,000m². In this area, you can find an entire replica of the Roman colosseum! (but of course, on a much smaller scale). If you walk a little further, you can also find you’ll find loads of restaurants and accommodation options, as well as cute shops and European themed #architecture – all in one place!

Rua Sul do Patane

You’ll find this apartment complex next to the bus stop Rua Sul do Patane. The only ‘catch’ is that you have to sneak in the building. Just wait for someone to open the doors and act as a local. But be respectful to the people that live there, be quiet and don’t leave waste behind!

Taipa Village

This is authentic Macau, filled with traditional shop houses, cute streets, street art and the typical mix between Portuguese and Chinese architecture. Browse through traditional shop houses, hipster cafes, museums, galleries and streets lined with colourful buildings and street art on your visit here. Don’t forget to try some of Lord Stow’s famous ‘pastéis de nata’ (Portuguese egg tarts). 

Once you’ve made your way through the winding lanes and alleys, sampled some street food, head to the Our Lady of Carmel Church and the Taipa Houses.

Travessa da Misericordia

This little street off of Senado Square is full of color facades, flowers, and shrubbery, all of which make it a prime location for photos! It is still an undiscovered gem, so you won’t run into crowds here.

Senado Square

Senado Square is one of the most iconic sights in Macau. Given that Macau was colonized by the Portuguese, it only makes sense that much of Macau looks like Portugal, but none more so than Senado Square. It is famous for its pastel coloured colonial buildings, wave-patterned stone walkway and vibrant atmosphere. The square is right in the heart of the city’s UNESCO Historic Centre. It’s a great place for those looking to buy souvenirs, so be sure to drop by some of the cute shops lining the square.

St. Dominic’s Church

Your visit to Macau would simply not be complete without popping into the St. Dominic’s Church – another one of Macau’s many World Heritage Sites. The church was built in 1587, by Spanish Dominican priests and is an excellent example of the early Baroque architecture dotted around the Historic Centre.

Travessa da Paixao

Right beside the Ruins of St. Paul’s, you will find one of the most picturesque little streets in Macau. The lane has become quite an Instagram hot spot, so it’s best to time your visit here. Come in the early morning hours if you want to miss the crowds. 

The Cotai Strip with “The Venetian Macau” and “The Parisian Macau”

Of course, you can’t leave Macau with at least one casino picture. Just like Las Vegas, Macau has got its own replica of the Eiffel Tower. You can actually go up to the top for a bit of a steep price. The Eiffel Tower has two observation decks – a large deck on the 7th floor, where most people tend to go. But, if you really want an amazing view of the cityscape, be sure to head to the small deck on the 37th floor. Also like Vegas, Macau has got its own fake Venice! Just like the real Venice, the Venetian Macau has an entire network of canals, gondolas with singing gondoliers at the ready, and is absolutely photogenic at every single turn.

Golden Reel

You can find the world’s first figure eight Ferris wheel, right here in the heart of the Cotai Strip. Seeing it is a real must-do in the city. At roughly 130 meters high, you’ll be able to get stunning views of Macau’s cityscape and even of the South China Sea.

We highly recommend grabbing your Golden Reel tickets beforehand. Not only will you save time, you’ll also save a few bucks booking online.

Chai Bei

This hidden cafe is a great place for afternoon tea. The places has a very photogenic decor and you get tons of little pastries served on layered pastry displays. 

Cafe Litoral

This cute little café in the Taipa area of Macau has a beautiful ivy covered front. Make sure to grab a quick snack!

Macau Tower

The tower stands 336 meters tall and was first opened in 2001. Apart from the great panoramic views on offer here, more adventurous travellers can also enjoy Bungee Jumping from the 57th floor or even an exhilarating walk around the outside of the tower with the Tower Skywalk X. 

Our tip: If you’d like to skip the lines, consider grabbing your Tower Admission ticket first. Alternatively try to time your visit to early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds.

Monte Fort (Mount Fortress)

Monte Fort was the city’s main defence structure. It was built during 1617 to 1626, and covers more than 8,000 square meters. Till this day, you can see some of the original canons which were used here. 

A-Ma Temple

A-Ma Temple is the oldest temple in Macau, and dates back more than 500 years. It consists of a variety of pavilions on four levels, as well as a Memorial Arch and some halls. Each of the pavilions are dedicated to different deities, making A-Ma Temple an excellent example of Chinese culture influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and multiple folk beliefs.

Coloane

The area of Coloane Village is not very big, but it’s a great place to have a leisurely stroll along the seaside. There are tons of cute pastel-coloured buildings and wall murals dotted around, offering endless photo ops. Further along the riverside you’ll also find the local library and the Tam Kong Temple – a small Taoist Temple dedicated to the seafarer god, Tam Kong.