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Macau is coined as the “Las Vegas of Asia,” but behind the glitz and glamour, the city has a rich Portuguese heritage and Chinese roots. With only 11,000 square kilometres of land, Macau is definitely worth visiting when looking for a quick getaway. During your visit to Macau, head away from the hotels and casinos to check out these Instagram-worthy spots with historical significance.
Once one of the most prosperous commercial centres in Macau, this street was one of the earliest of it’s kind. However, the neighbouring sites—the Ruins of St Paul and Senado square—often overshadow this in popularity. Wander around this street and check out some antique stores and street art, as well as Sam Kai Vui Kun (三街會館) and Sun Yat-Sen memorial place for photos that look like they were taken decades ago.
Located in Taipa Village, Taipa Houses consists of five houses which are known for its beautiful colours and architecture. These houses are considered as cultural relics and heritage sites of Macau—not only can you pose with these amazing buildings in the background, you can also explore the village it is in.
Taipa village as a whole is a great place to experience Macanese culture, which is a unique mix of Portuguese and Chinese elements. This spot is great for some Instagram-worthy pictures and also a chance for you to browse cafes, museums, galleries, and colourful streets.
Taipa Houses, Avenida da Praia, Taipa
A well-known wedding picture spot, the Chapel of our lady of Penha is a great spot to check out if you are looking to take some spectacular shots of Macau or photos of yourself in this beautiful chapel. A visit to this spot will allow you to explore the exterior and garden that surround the chapel. After your photo-taking session, you can sit down and have a cup of coffee at the small cafe nearby.
Chapel of our lady of Penha, Hilltop of Penha Hill, Macao
Probably the most well-known attraction in Macau, the Ruins of St Paul's is a definite spot to take the most classic Macau Instagram photo. This spot is much more than just a spot to take a picture—it is the archaeological remains of the First Church and College of Jesuits in China. Like many things in Macau, the ruins feature Baroque architecture but also have Chinese design elements.
Ruins of St Pauls, Santo António, Macau, China
Once a red-light district, this spot has now become one of the most Instagram-worthy places in Macau. With red shuttered doors and windows lining the street, this is a great spot to get shots of you and your friends posing in front. If taking pictures isn’t enough, then maybe the street food stalls featuring local delicacies like pork chop buns and Portuguese egg tarts will.
R. da Felicidade, Macao
Being one of the three oldest churches in Macau, these streets transport you back to another century. With a unique combination of colonial buildings and cobblestones, this is a great spot to film an Instagram story and of course, to take pictures!
Calcada da Igreja de S. Lazaro, Macau
Located right next to the Ruins of St Paul’s, these little streets are perfect spots for some nice looking photos. Known as the ‘The Romantic Lane’ this spot is only 50 metres long, but the pastel buildings make for some nice photos. Watch out for the huge crowds, though!
Tv. da Paixao, Macao
Growing up in Hong Kong, Rosamond is a recent high school graduate who is in the middle of her gap year. She has always been interested in capturing little moments and stories in the places she goes to. Whether it’s her love for film photography or her obsession with making playlists, you will always see Roz with a camera around her neck and lo-fi bops playing on her headphones. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
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