There are many things that make Macao an enchanting city. To quote Esquire writer Anton Brisinger, Macao is a melting pot of cultures that blends Eastern and Western charm together, allowing ancient traditions to coexist with modern innovations. Dubbed as “Las Vegas of the East”, Macao’s allure lies not just in its booming gaming industry but also in its pulsating nightlife, world class hotels, indelible culinary scene and thrilling activities.
The former Portuguese trading post has evolved into one of the top entertainment hubs in Asia, thanks to its juxtaposition of luxury offerings with old-world charm, while still retaining its mashup of cultures. It also helps that approximately 80 countries are able to enter Macao visa-free. The lively energy, architectural landscape, and inviting hospitality cement Macao as an unmissable tourist destination.
Studio City Indoor Water Park
Studio City isn’t just an award-winning luxury hotel, it’s also home to Macao’s only water park. This huge indoor water playground “transports” visitors into a sci-fi world of space travel. With exciting highlights such as the 20-meters high five-slide ride tower featuring a zero-gravity freefall and 360-degree high-speed bowl, this phenomenal indoor aquatic paradise provides a captivating aquatic adventure for those seeking some wet and wild fun.
In addition to the kiddie pools and slides for smaller children, there’s also a rainforest-themed running water area (called the Riverscape) where guests are able float and relax away.
- Address: Level 3, West Wing, Studio City, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai
- Tel: +853 8865 6767
- Opening hours: 12pm – 8pm
- Website: https://www.studiocity-macau.com/en/entertainment/waterpark
GoAirborne Indoor Skydiving
Ready for take off?
If you’ve always wanted to experience flying without jumping off a plane, GoAirborne Indoor Skydiving offers a safe free fall experience inside a controlled indoor environment. Here, fun-flyers will get to feels what it is like to jump from a plane at 12,000 feet with wind speeds topping 270km/hour. Fret not if this is your first time, as each guest will be supervised by a trained instructor before entering the wind tunnel.
- Address: R99, 1st Floor, H853 Fun Factory, Lisboeta Macau, Rua da Patinagem, Cotai, Macau (Located at The Lisboeta Macau)
- Tel: +853 2888 0882
- Opening hours: 9:45am – 10pm
- Prices: From MOP 799 onwards
- Tip: You can get an early bird discount if you purchase tickets 2 days in advanced. Alternatively, Klook or KKday may offer cheaper promos.
- Website: https://goairborne.com/mo/
ZIPCITY Macau
Another fun family activity to explore is ZIPCITY Macau. Dubbed as “the world’s first immersive ziplining experience”, this attraction is unique as it allows friends and loved ones to zipline simultaneously. Although ZIPCITY Macau offers the option of day or night experience, we’d strongly recommend the night experience as you’ll will get witness the stunning light show come alive while flying over famous landmarks and buildings. Thrillseekers will also get a better panoramic views of Lisboeta Macau and neighbouring Cotai properties.
- Address: Lisboeta Macau, Cotai, Taipa, Ilhas, Macau 000853
- Opening Hours: Weekdays 2pm- 10pm, Weekends 11am-10pm
- Price: MOP 388 (for Zipline)
- Website: https://www.zipcity.com/home
Macau Grand Prix Museum
Formula 1 (F1) is well-loved for its high speed thrills and fierce competition. This international sport’s global presence has been able to draw a diverse and widespread fan base – including Macao. Every year, the Macau Grand Prix would attract thousands of racing fans to the city. Since its official inauguration in June 2021, the Macau Grand Prix Museum now consists of 4 floors, featuring different eras of the MGP and historical racing heritage.
In addition to the immersive Moto VR (virtual reality) race experience, the ‘Tourism + Sports’ exhibition also spotlights 8 wax figures from its collaboration with Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. The 8 renowned racing drivers include John Macdonald, Ron Haslam, Michael Rutter, Robert Huff, Edoardo Mortara, Ayrton Senna da Silva, Lewis Carl David Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.
- Address: Rua de Luís Gonzaga Gomes n.° 431, Macau
- Tel: +853 8593 0515, +853 8593 0516
- Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm
Harry Potter The Exhibition
Harry Potter The Exhibition has travelled to many countries around the world where Potterheads get to re-live iconic moments, locations, characters, and magical creatures from the “Harry Potter” saga, “Fantastic Beasts” movies and the “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” play. Located on the 3rd floor in The Londoner Macao, the self guided walking exhibit offers visitors a fully interactive journey to the Wizarding World.
Before you begin your journey, you’re given a Golden Snitch wrist band to register your details. After selecting your Hogwarts House, you’ll get to earn points via interactive activities as you move through the exhibition. From the Great Hall and Hagrid’s hut, to participating in quidditch practice and facing a Boggart in Defense against the Dark Arts, there’s plenty of interactive elements to explore.
Certain areas like Dolores Umbridge’s pink office in the Ministry of Magic will offer fans photo-opts. Similarly, you and a friend can also recreate the iconic wand duel between Harry and Voldemort at the Battle of Hogwarts. There are 2 wands on each side; by holding unto the wand, it will prompt the wall projection to create streams of power from the wand. This definitely makes for a sick photo/boomerang/video for the Gram.
Even if you aren’t a mega Harry Potter fan, this attraction is worthy of being on your must-visit list when in Macao.
- Address: The Londoner Macao, 3rd Floor
- Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 7pm
- Website: https://harrypotterexhibition.com/locations/macao/
Macau Giant Panda Pavilion (澳門大熊貓館)
Although Macao doesn’t have a zoo, it does have a Giant Panda Pavilion that houses several rare giant pandas. Located at Seac Pai Van Park in Coloane, the structure has both indoor and outdoor areas for visitors to see these fluffy animals in their natural habitat. When they’re not napping, the giant pandas can be seen enjoying their bamboo snacks or simply roaming around. That’s not all, the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion is also home to red pandas, lemurs, flamingos, and more.
The best part? It’s absolutely free!
- Address: Avenida de Seac Pai Van, Coloane
- Tel: +853 2833 7676
- Website: http://www.macaupanda.org.mo/e/info/default.aspx
Ruins of Saint Paul’s
Step back in time when you visit the ruins of St. Paul’s in Santo António. Although only the facade of the church is well preserved, this Unesco World Heritage Site also has a small museum that offers a good explanation of its history and relics. While the view is spectacular, do keep in mind the ruins of St. Paul’s is often crowded with tourists.
After snapping some Instagrammable shots, feel free to make your way down to the square for some shopping and snacks. Other World Heritage attractions nearby include the Na Tcha Temple, Old City Wall and Monte Forte.
Portuguese Traditional Costume Experience
The Portuguese rich cultural heritage is still very much present in Macao’s streets, food, and cultural traditions. As aforementioned, the Macanese people have been able to maintain the region’s unique cultural identity with the blend of Eastern and Western influences. Visitors can also opt to rent traditional Portuguese costume and take beautiful snapshots while roaming Portuguese-style houses in Taipa Village. If time permits, do indulge in authentic Portuguese cuisine (egg tarts), music and cultural festivities.
Bonus:
Newly-launched Brown & Friends CAFE & BRISTO
Lisboeta Macau recently introduced the world’s first LINE FRIENDS themed restaurant, titled Brown & Friends CAFE & BRISTO, where diners can savour on a wide range of delectable LINE FRIENDS-themed dishes and signature beverages. Brown & Friends CAFE & BRISTO is divided into 3 dining zones – “Fashionable Food Street”, “Nature Glamping”, and “LOFT Bistro”. Each of these zones offers its own distinct style, cuteness, deliciousness, and fun. The Western-style light meals and LINE FRIENDS desserts are not only Instagrammable but also belly-good! There’s also a dedicated LINE FRIENDS Merchandise Zone for diners to purchase some adorable souvenirs home.
- Address: H853 Fun Factory 2nd Floor, Lisboeta Macau
- Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm
- Social media: https://www.instagram.com/cafebistro_linefriends/
Watch some of our Macao highlights here:
Some handy tips to take note when travelling to Macao:
- Remember to hold on to your immigration slip when entering Macao. You will need it when exiting immigration on your final day.
- Although HKD and MOP currencies are accepted in Macao, we found out that money changers in Malaysia won’t be able to change MOP back to RM currency. Be sure to use up your MOP currency before leaving Macao.
- AirAsia now offers round trip flight tickets from Malaysia to Macao, starting from RM705.
