Just an hour or so from Hong Kong you’ll find yourself in Macau, a city with a rich melting-pot history, distinctive cuisine, a growing arts and entertainment scene, and even sandy beaches! Read this article to learn about all the routes, tips, and attractions in Macau.
Photo by John Mukiibi Elijah on Unsplash
Best Transportation Options from Hong Kong to Macau
There are four ways to get to Macau from Hong Kong:
- Speed Ferry (traditional way): the most traditional way to travel between Sheung Wan (Hong Kong Island) and Macau. The ride takes around one hour.
- Cross-boundary Bus (direct way): Cross-boundary buses go from downtown to Macau. There are many cross-boundary bus routes. Choose your start location.
- HZMB Shuttle Bus (cheapest way): This bus links Hong Kong and Macau customs on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Visitors must get to Hong Long Port and pass customs.
- Private Car (convenient and direct way): It takes about an hour to get from Hong Kong to Macao. You’ll find a rich history, distinctive cuisine, a growing arts and entertainment scene, and even sandy beaches.
| Options | Ride duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Speed Ferry | 55 min | $22,44 - $24,37 |
| Cross-boundary Bus | 110 min | $20,52 - $23,08 |
| HZMB Shuttle Bus | 35 min | $8,34 |
| Private Car | Depending on the start location | $410,39 up |
How to Plan Your Hong Kong to Macau Trip
Step-by-Step Itinerary Planning
Travel Mode: Take the ferry or the new bridge. The ferry is quick and scenic, while the bridge is a unique road trip.
Book your transport: Buy ferry tickets or book a bus in advance, especially during peak seasons. Ferries leave Hong Kong regularly.
Plan your day in Macau: Start at the Ruins of St. Paul’s, then wander through Senado Square. Try local food for lunch. In the afternoon, visit A-Ma Temple and the Macau Tower for views.
Go back to Hong Kong: Take the ferry or bus back to Hong Kong. Check the schedule to avoid rush hour.
Essential Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Currency: The Macanese pataca is the local currency, but Hong Kong dollars are widely accepted.
- Language: Cantonese and Portuguese are the official languages, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
- Weather: It’s hot and humid in Macau, so dress comfortably and drink plenty of water.
- Customs and Immigration: Keep your passport handy as there are border checks between Hong Kong and Macau.
- Transport: Many hotels run free shuttles to and from the ferry terminals.
Top Attractions to Visit in Macau
The St. Paul’s Ruins
St. Paul’s Cathedral, built in 1580, is Macau’s most famous landmark. They mix European and Asian styles, showing a mix of Eastern and Western cultures.
Photo by Vernon Raineil Cenzon on Unsplash
Senado Square
Macau was a Portuguese colony until 1999. Senado Square is an old Portuguese square with pastel-colored buildings and a church. The square is beautiful. You can buy Macau snacks like egg tarts, puddings, and pork sandwiches.
Photo by Macau Photography on Unsplash
The A-Ma Temple
The A-Ma Temple represents Macau’s Mazu culture. It is one of the oldest and most important temples in the city. The Portuguese saw the temple in the 14th and 15th centuries. It is still a spiritual center in Macau.
Photo by Constantine S on Unsplash
Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences
The Venetian Macao
Venetian Macao is a large Venetian resort. It has 3,000 luxury suites, 30+ restaurants, 330+ shops, 4 outdoor pools, and an 18-hole rooftop golf course. It has the world’s largest casino with lots of gaming tables and machines. Tourists must see it. It’s one of Macau’s most famous places.
Photo by Mauricio Muñoz on Unsplash
Grand Lisboa
The Grand Lisboa is a giant golden lotus flower. It is Macau’s landmark. There are also Michelin restaurants, outdoor pools, and spas.
Wynn Palace
It is owned by the world gambling king, Alan Wynn. It is said that this resort costs 4 billion USD and attracts a lot of tourists not only for its luxurious outside but even the decoration inside.
How to Book Ferries, Buses, and Private Transfers Between Hong Kong and Macau
- Ferries: Two high-speed ferries take passengers to different parts of Macao in about one hour. TurboJet ferries from Sheung Wan and Tsim Sha Tsui go to the Macao Maritime Ferry Terminal on the Macao Peninsula every 15 minutes. Cotai Water Jet sails to Taipa Ferry Terminal on Taipa Island every 30 minutes.
Photo by Richard Haas on Unsplash
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Buses: A shuttle bus connects the cities. Tickets are sold in the departure hall of the Passenger Clearance Buildings. For more info, see the HZMB website.
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Cars: Travelers can take a privately run coach or car for direct travel. Trans Island and One Bus offer advance ticket bookings.
Recommended Tours and Guided Experiences
Many companies offer day trips from Hong Kong to Macau. The tours include transport, a tour, and a meal.
- Cultural walking tours: These tours focus on Macau’s history and blend of Eastern and Western influences.
- Food and culinary Tours: You can try Macanese food at local restaurants. This includes African chicken, egg tarts, and dim sum.
Discover the Blend of East and West in Macau
Experience Macau’s unique heritage. Macau has beautiful buildings from different cultures, famous landmarks, nice restaurants, bars, and shops.
Senado Square is part of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macau. It is surrounded by grand Portuguese buildings, mosaic-tiled pavement, Chinese temples, and shophouses. It offers a great first peek at the city’s fascinating heritage.
You can’t miss the A-Ma Temple, dedicated to the Chinese Goddess of the Sea, who is believed to protect fishermen and sailors.
Food, Festivals, and Cultural Landmarks
Macanese cuisine captures Macau’s multicultural history. The food is a mix of Chinese and Portuguese with ingredients from former Portuguese colonies in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Africa. It’s one of the world’s first fusion cuisines.
Book a table at Restaurant Litoral for a traditional lunch. For modern Portuguese food, book a table at Mesa, a four-star restaurant.
Practical Travel Tips
What is the best time to visit China? The best time to visit China is during the spring and autumn seasons, when the weather is mild and perfect for sightseeing.
Essential advice on getting around
- Get an Octopus Card: This rechargeable smart card is for public transport and purchases. It saves time and money.
- Follow Signs: Stations are well-signposted in English and Chinese, making it easy to navigate.
- Bring Your Tissue: Not all public toilets provide toilet paper, so it’s a good idea to carry some tissues with you.
- Hand Sanitizer: Some public toilets may not have soap or hand sanitizer, so bringing your own is always a good idea.
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