South China
The former Portuguese colony on the Pearl River delta has one of the highest concentrations of luxury hotels per square kilometre anywhere in Asia, and a food culture that is its own thing.
The case for going
The centre of the old Portuguese city, on the UNESCO list.
The resort district, with the performance lakes and the gondolas.
The old fishing village, now the best food street in the region.
The oldest temple in Macau, on the waterfront since 1128.
The quiet back of the peninsula, with a beach and a bird park.
The Portuguese-Chinese cooking that only exists here — African chicken, Portuguese-style crab, and the best egg tarts in China.
Practical
Subtropical, humid. Warm all year, with the typhoon season from June to September.
Macau International (MFM) is served by the hotel shuttles from the Cotai Strip. The Hengqin and Lotus crossings connect directly to Zhuhai, and the Shekou ferry connects to Shenzhen.
Airport. Macau International Airport (MFM)
Rail. No rail; the Hengqin port connects to the Zhuhai and Guangzhou network.
In pictures
Questions travellers ask
One full day covers the UNESCO historic centre, the Portuguese quarter and a proper lunch; two if you add the Cotai shows or the southern islands. It slots neatly beside Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
The historic peninsula for the walkable old city, or the Cotai Strip for the resorts. The two are 20 to 30 minutes apart by the hotel shuttles, which are free.
Fly into MFM, take the 55-minute ferry from Hong Kong or Shekou, or cross the border on foot at Hengqin from Zhuhai. From Guangzhou the rail to Zhuhai plus the crossing is about two hours.
Yes — the old Portuguese centre is the only European old town in China and the food is its own cuisine. It is the easiest half-day cultural add in the south.
Routes through here
South China
5days
The most efficient first trip into China from Hong Kong or Southeast Asia. Two mainland cities with genuinely different characters, one hour apart on the high-speed rail, finished with a half-day in Macau across the border.
From US$1,400per person
Combine it with
Where to eat
Michelin 3 Stars
Three-starred Cantonese dining inside the Grand Lisboa, where dim sum becomes haute sculpture — the gold-leaf "eight"…
Michelin 3 Stars
A long-standing three-star at City of Dreams: wok-fried lobster with noodles in supreme broth, double-boiled soups and…
Michelin 3 Stars
Joël Robuchon’s three-star perch on the 43rd floor of Grand Lisboa: the classic caviar-lobster and pommes purée…
Local Institution
The egg tart that made Coloane famous: Andrew Stow’s buttery, blotting-paper pastry and custard, best eaten warm at the…
Where to stay
Mandarin Oriental · Luxury
On the Cotai Strip, a short walk from the Cotai arenas and a five-minute shuttle to the old Taipa village. A convenient base for a half-day Macau taster or a longer casino-resort break.
From US$270 per night
Valid to 2026-12-31
Wynn · Luxury
The performance-led end of the Cotai Strip: a choreographed lake show, a full resort promenade and SkyCabin cable cars that carry you straight across to the casino floor.
From US$300 per night
Valid to 2026-12-31
Four Seasons · Luxury
The calmest address on the Cotai Strip, backstaged by a private park and a short covered walk to the casino. Our pick for travellers who want Macau at a lower volume.
From US$840 per night
Valid to 2026-12-31
W Hotels · Luxury
The design-led address inside the Studio City complex on Cotai: a W with a film-and-music personality, and the most visually playful stay on the strip.
From US$160 per night
Valid to 2026-12-31
Alila · Luxury
On Dong’ao Island in the Wailingding archipelago, a short ferry from Hengqin. A two-night sea-view suite package with meals included.
From US$1,040 per night
Valid to 2026-11-28
