6 hours in Macau, How to enjoy fully in a short time
Travel,  Travel Guide

6 hours in Macau, How to enjoy fully in a short time

If you’re in Hong Kong, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll enjoy a side trip to Macau. This is your 6 hours in Macau Guide should you plan to have a quick getaway to the place where giant malls and casinos are located.

WHAT YOU NEED 

PASSPORT.  You must bring with you your passport, it is necessary before buying your ferry ticket.

We bought a ticket at Turbo Jet, one of the travel agencies at the Macau Ferry Terminal. There are several travel agencies to choose from, with some selling expensive while others were cheaper. A one-way ticket costs 186HKD per person. The return ticket, though, was a bit higher at around 200HKD per person.  ( photo)

6 hours in Macau, getting started

HONG KONG DEPARTURE TIME: 13:35

We stayed at the waiting area until we were ready for departure. We were also given seat numbers. Luckily, our seats were at the right corner, just the way we wanted!

MACAU ARRIVAL TIME: 14:35

As expected, we arrived on time.

Please note that despite Hong Kong and Macau being neighboring states, you still have to go through IMMIGRATION, and that may take some of your already limited visit to Macau. Prepare your passport and fill out the arrival and departure card that you’ll find near the immigration windows. Don’t worry; immigration officers are available to assist you.

HOW TO GET TO THE CENTRAL CITY

  • By Bus. We took bus #10A to get to Central City. Our main purpose was to see the St. Paul Ruins. As for the bus payment, we tried to use our Octopus card but unfortunately had to pay in Hong Kong dollars instead. Just try to pay by the exact amount as the bus drivers don’t give change.
  • By free shuttle. On my first visit to Macau with my BFF, Jonas, we took the free hotel shuttle. Depending on your destination around Macau, hop on since some of the popular tourist spots are just around the area! 

How to enjoy 6 hours in Macau? It’s a quickie, sounds like it

Well, to be honest, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this city of giant casinos and shopping malls. But I don’t mean to say that you must splurge on gambling clubs or branded items. No no, not like that. Besides doing the most attractive things, you can also do fun and interesting activities.

Here are the highlights we’ve done during our 6 hours in Macau.

Basically, since we only had a short hour to spare, we made sure to see :

The Ruins of St. Paul Cathedral * Macau Skyline * Tried Local Snacks * Bought Souvenirs * Senado Square

Macau Skyline

Climb the stairs at the rear end of the ruins to see the panoramic view of the Macau skyline, the cannon lines and the relaxing garden landscapes of this Portuguese landmark. 

Senado Square

Senado Square is probably one of the most famous spots in Macau. Anyone would surely not overlook this as here you’d find varieties of shops, restaurants among many others. Last time I remember when I was with my BFF, it’s where we found Mac Donalds!

Try local Snacks

What’s going to a new place without devouring on local street foods? Well, that was definitely an ingredient of our 6 hours in Macau that I didn’t miss!

Buy a Souvenir

Souvenir shops are just down the Ruins of St. Paul Cathedral. Take a postcard with you or even ref magnets! Prices are pocket-friendly!  Of course, I bought postcards for us!

Who else also collects postcards from his/her destination like me?

Lastly, of course, don’t forget to take pictures as a beautiful takeaway!

Head back to the port, so you don’t miss your departure!

On the way back to the Port, you will take the same bus number you took before. Travel time takes only 20 to 30min.

Above all the enjoyment and fun, don’t forget to head back! ( if you wish!)

MACAU DEPARTURE TIME: 19:30

Make sure to not miss your departure time. At least arrive 30 minutes before!

WEATHER 

In April when we were there, it was rainy so better prepare a raincoat, boots, umbrella and you might as well bring a sweater with you though it’s not really that cold.

MACAU is a small city that allows tourists to roam around and enjoy the sight of popular landmarks in just a short span of time. Take note that The Ruins is one of the most popular spots bursting with people, so expect a photo with the crowd as background.  Should you have plenty of time and want to explore Macau longer, you may also buy your ticket in advance. Leave early, depending on your preference. 

On a side note

I hope that this quickie guide has helped you how to enjoy your trip to Macau shortly fully. Although I know it’s swift, I wish you had a great time and didn’t feel the rush. I never really thought about this was possible until we’ve done it so.

Overall, I believe that there’s more to see inside Macau territory. Hence, we’re looking forward to be back here next time. Also, there are many Filipinos working here, very interesting!

Born, raised, and forever loyal to the Philippines. Catherine is a teacher and a BA in Mass Communication graduate who loves anything child-friendly. She loves writing in her diary every day and is in love with beaches, books, Safari, and Tokyo. Her ultimate dream destinations are Madagascar, Mongolia, and Hawaii. Check out her van camping adventures in Europe at vancampingguide.com.

11 Comments

  • Paula

    Very cool! I would definitely like to visit Macau someday. It looks like a compact place to visit. I love the jet you took to get there. Looks like a lot of fun.

  • Hannah

    My sister spends a lot of time in Macau for work. I didn’t realise it was so easily reached from Hong Kong – what a good idea for a day trip! The ruins of St Pauls Cathedral look fascinating!

  • Kimanis Ome

    What a cool trip and get away. I’d love to visit Macau one of these days. Had no idea you can get there from Hong Kong via ferry. We were in Portugal recently and I’m most curious to see the Portuguese influence in the country. As I can see, the egg tarts is a great start 🙂

  • dare2gocom

    Although I have been to Hong Kong several times I never visited Macau. I know about the Portuguese past of this small state but always considered it just a “casino gambling” destination. Your post made me rethink. I agree: in the tropics you always need to carry an umbrella and a sweater; restaurants are air-conditioned to near freezing, and with rain it feels even cool outside. You don’t want to get a cold in the tropics!

  • Punita Malhotra

    Such a delightful 6 hours in Macau. The buildings are beautiful and historic. You even got to stop at cafes and enjoy the rains.

  • Sherianne Higgins (SherianneKa

    This sounds like a great day trip. Bummer hat you have to take the time to go through immigration. Ruins of St. Paul Cathedral and the view of the Macau skyline make it worth it. I really want an egg tart!

  • Elaine J Masters

    Looks like a cool place to explore and I love learning how close it is to Hong Kong. Would love to spend months exploring the area.

  • Katelyn Brin Bossany

    I especially love the night skyline view of Macau from the ferry! The St. Paul Cathedral ruins definitely stand out! Really great tips to make sure that we make the most of a day in Macau without missing the ferry departure.

  • Dylan K Myers

    Macau is now on my list. The ferry looks like a great way to get there to spend the day. Great tips about having an umbrella. The views and snacks look great as well!

  • Archana Singh

    Macau is such a great short stay destination. Perfect place to hop on from Hong Kong. Love the beautiful and historic buildings there along with the bungee jumping.

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