7 Free Things To Do In Macau

Today’s guest post takes us to China where Agness of eTramping has sussed out some of the best things to do in Macau that won’t cost you anything.

Although Macau is not necessary a budget friendly place, there are still plenty of free of change attractions you can enjoy while exploring the Las Vegas of China. Here are our top 7 choices:

1. Senado Square

Senado Square, Macau

There is nothing better than strolling down the Senado Square on a sunny day, holding a cup of Portuguese coffee with some egg tarts (you will fall in love with Portuguese cuisine) and admiring wave-patterned mosaic colored stones and Portuguese styled windows and walls. This place is Macau’s urban center and an extremely common venue for big events and holiday celebrations. The Square looks lovely at night so it’s a perfect place to romantic walk. If you get hungry, you can get some local street seafood (steamed, boiled or grilled).

Senado Square at night

2. Ruins of St. Paul

Ruins of St. Paul

That should be the highlight of your visit in Macau. These 17th century ruins are the main touristic attraction of this place. As we found out, the ruins feature a spectacular façade with intricate carvings by Japanese monks. Get ready for the massive queues!

Ruins of St. Paul

3. Holy House of Mercy of Macau

The building of Holy House of Mercy of Macau

It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Centre of Macau” and it’s worth spending a couple of hours there. You are surrounded by charming Portuguese fountains, beautiful flowers and some statues made of stone.

Inside the Holy House of Mercy of Macau

4. Local Churches (St. Augustin Church, St. Lawrence Church)

St. Augustin Church

Almost all local churches are free of charge. You can not only go pray there, but also admire the Portuguese architecture. Their decorations and objects displayed in the church are very interesting to see. The good news is that churches are never busy. You can spot only a few locals praying and some tourists taking photos.

St. Augustin Church

5. Monte Forte

The front gate of Monte Forte

Monte Forte was built in the 16th century and it was later used as a military base. Nowadays, the fort features a public park, an observatory and the Macau Museum.

The view from the top of Monte Forte

It is located a few meters walking distance from the famous ruins of St. Paul Church. It is being preserved perfectly and it is open to visitors every day. You can enjoy a stunning view over Macau from here.

Having my lunch on the top of Monte Forte. What a view!

6. Macau Bridge

Macau Tower seen from the bridge

If you feel like exploring Macau on foot, try to walk towards the main bridge of Macau. It’s long and you will sweat a lot to get on the other side on a sunny day, but it’s worth the view.

The stunning view from Macau bridge

7. Hac Sa Beach

Empty Hac Sa Beach, Macau

Hac Sa Beach is considered to be the largest natural beach in Macau. It is on the southeast side of Coloane (you can easily get there by a local bus 25 or 26A which goes directly there from the city center). As its Chinese name implied, Hac Sa Beach is famous for its black sand. You can also enjoy a little picnic in the park nearby as we did.

Having a picnic in the park at Hac Sa Beach

Which of those attractions would you love to see?

Bio: Agness is a Polish vagabond who, after graduation, left her comfort zone and set off for a journey of her lifetime to China in 2011. She has been constantly travelling the world since then (slowly, but surely as she says), living like a local for less than $25 a day. She became a photography passionate and adventure blogger sharing her life enthusiasm and travel experience with everyone around. She blogs at eTramping and you can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.