Macau Outer Harbour Attractions

A-Ma Temple

The most famous and oldest (built in 1488) of Macau’s Chinese temples, this Taoist building was around before the Portuguese colonisation and therefore has a huge historical significance to the island and its initial religious standing prior to the western colonisation.

The goddess A-Ma is also where Macau gets its name from. When the Portuguese landed on a sea promontory 400 years ago it was near this temple. When they asked the locals the name of the land, they (the locals) misunderstood, thinking that the Portuguese were asking for the name of the temple. So they answered 'Ma Ge', which was the name of the temple; this later distorted into Macau. Read More...

Avenida Da Republica

The arc between Avenida da Praia Grande and Rua da Praia do Bom Parto becomes the Avenida Da Republica – the oldest part of Macau. An interesting street to visit, you really get the feeling of being in old Macau, even though the street is in the most modern part of the island. The grand colonial villas are not open to the public but are enjoyable for the historical ambience they exude. Nearby is the Santa Sancha Palace which is used to accommodate state guests and was the one-time residence of Macau’s Portuguese governors.

Grand Prix Museum

This is a definite must for all car enthusiasts. Starting off in 1953 the annual Macau Grand Prix includes a number of automobile and motorbike races and takes place in November. The Museum pays tribute to individuals who contributed extensively to the success of the Grand Prix. A great opportunity to admire a collection of magnificent machines that raced the Guia circuit - one of the world’s most exciting races.

Handover Gifts Museum of Macau

This museum features an in-depth look into the colonization of Macau and the eventual handover that took place in 1999 after 400 years under Portuguese rule. The long relationship between the two is held in high regard by the Macanese. The handover gifts exhibition gallery basically showcases gifts that were presented by the State Council of the People's Republic of China, its country-wide provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions, and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The special exhibition gallery will be used to hold different exhibits, which are mainly themed on the local culture and history of Macau. 

Kun Iam Statue and Ecumenical Centre

Situated on a man-made island that is linked to the Sun Yat-sen, the 20 metre-high bronze statue of the goddess of Mercy and dome-shaped lotus with sixteen petals stands on a seven-metre high pedestal. The Kun Iam Ecumenical Center in Macau (housed within the dome-shaped lotus) comprises two levels.

The primary level is the Polyvalent Room housing the souvenir counter. The second stage is a basement, home to a contemplation room and a small library for tourists providing information on China's major religions. Both buildings were designed by Portuguese architect Cristina Rocha Leiria. 

Kun Iam Temple

Built in the 1400’s to honour the goddess of mercy, Kun Iam Temple is the oldest one in Macau. It has three main halls including the Hall of Sakyamuni, the Longevity Hall, and Kum Iam Hall. Each contains fairly rich decoration and an impressive collection of wall paintings, pictures, and scrolls.

The temple also houses some beautiful statues and Buddha images. At the back of Kun Iam temple, there are terraced gardens and the first Sino-American treaty (Wong Ha Treaty) signed in 1844 on one of the stone tablets here. Located on Avenida do Coronel Mesquita, the temple opens daily from 10:00 until 18:00.

Macau Art Museum

Illustrating the cultural and artistic side of Macau, the museum is spread out over five floors. Much of the work contemplates the fusion between eastern and western art. Set within the Macau Cultural Centre, the museum is vast and filled with permanent exhibitions that consist of Chinese calligraphy and paintings, seals, ceramics, copperware, western paintings, contemporary arts, photography artwork and other significant pieces.

The ground floor houses an art library which is handy for sourcing references or learning more about a particular movement featured within the gallery. The Museum is an attempt of the Macanese government to get locals interested in their history and establish the island as a true gateway between the east and the west.

Macau Cultural Centre

This 100-million dollar centre is where the vast majority of Macanese high-brow culture happens; home to the excellent Art Museum it is also the place to see world-class opera and other cultural performances.

Opened in 1999 with the intention of increasing cultural interchanges and highlighting the territory's interesting history, the centre brings an element of cultural balance to what could just be a casino town. Inside there is a garden a complex of two Auditoria's and an Art Museum and the Cultural Centre is the newest addition to the Macau skyline.

Macau Tower

The tallest building in Macau at a staggering 338 metres high is an impressive structure that stands tall as a mark of Macau’s willingness to embrace the modern age. An observation deck with panoramic views, restaurants, theatres, shopping malls and the Skywalk X, a thrilling walking tour around the outer rim; it offers the best views of Macau and in recent years has been used for a variety of adventurous activities. From the highest viewing deck it is possible to see 55km away, weather allowing. Read More...

Macau Wine Museum

Located in a busy area, the Macau Wine Museum is a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the outside. Consisting of barrels, wine racks, presses and the general tools needed to make wine. With over 1,300 bottles of Portuguese wine on display, visitors will be happy to know that a tasting session is included within the entry fee.

The tour is broken down into; historical information, wine cellar, and museum and exhibitions, the museum gives an extensive and informative account of the business of wine.

Maritime Museum

One of the most important of the island's many museums, it tells the story of how Macau has constantly been connected to the sea, which consequently led to its colonisation by the Portuguese and its subsequent rich history. The Maritime Museum is just beside the sea and the A-Ma Temple (the Goddess and protector of fisherman).

Situated in Barra Pagoda Square, it was inaugurated in 1987, and housed in an old mansion and the exhibits were then re-housed in a more modern, purpose-built building in 1990. Exhibits focus on Portuguese and Chinese maritime themes with videos, models and actual parts of vessels as well as archaeological discoveries which were unearthed in 1993 during reclamation work for Macau Airport. Read More...

Sun Yat Sen Memorial House

Sun Yat Sen Memorial House is in mock-Moorish style with wide verandahs and spacious courtyards. Dr. Sun was the first Chinese to practice western medicine in Macau and has been called the 'Father of Modern China'. The House bears witness to his short but extremely significant sojourn in Macau in the early 20th century before he travelled around the world.

The House itself is a three-storey high building with ornate verandahs and spacious courtyards and is typical of its epoch. The House is currently open to the public and it showcases his letters, photos, books, personal belongings and old newspapers accounts of his life. Read More...

The Cybernetic Fountain

The Cybernetic Fountain is the largest manmade water fountain in Asia. Through its 86 water spouts, the main cannon shoots a spray of water 80 metres high. The Cybernetic Fountain also sports a laser show and the sight of 288 coloured spotlights shining through falling water is certainly impressive. The laser show is free to the public but make sure you check the schedule to go to see it at the right night. Show times vary throughout the year with extra spectacles put on during holiday season, especially at Chinese New Year, New Year’s Day, the mid-autumn festival and around Christmastime. Access to the fountain laser show is relatively easy as it is located by the Ferry Terminal. Read More...