Macao is safe, beautiful and rich in culture — so bookmark this itinerary for your first solo trip!
Let’s face it, thanks to adulting, not many trips have made it out of the group chat. So as I grew older, the idea of solo-travelling became more appealing.
While it may seem daunting at first, travelling alone has lots of perks. For instance, not having to fit everybody’s preferences in the itinerary, and having the freedom to explore at your own pace.
If it’s your first time and you’re thinking of somewhere new, I’d suggest Macao!
It’s an easy solo travel destination that’s accessible (walkable city with frequent public transport), has good food (Portuguese egg tarts and pork chop buns), and plenty of exciting activities (ziplining across the city, renting a qipao, and hiking in nature parks).
Plus, Macao is only 4 hours away from Singapore via Scoot — flights operate daily. So you have plenty of options for a short weekday or weekend getaway. You can even earn KrisFlyer Miles and Elite Miles on your trip too!
To help you get started, here’s a 4D3N solo Macao itinerary you can follow!
*Note: Macao’s official currency is the Pataca (MOP). But it’s interchangeable with the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), so you can use both MOP and HKD there.
Day 1: Arrival in Macao
Check in to Hotel Central
My flight arrived in the evening and after collecting my luggage, I took a pre-booked airport transfer to my accommodation. Hotel Central is definitely not your typical hotel. It gave off retro vibes with mint walls and vintage themes in the lobby and rooms.
I really loved the attention to detail: my room was decorated with wooden furniture and even a working rotary dial telephone!
In addition, the bed was super comfy and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there for the entire trip. Furthermore, the hotel is only a 5-minute walk away from the iconic Senado Square 😉
Cost: From ~S$125/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: Av. de Almeida Ribeiro, No. 270, Macao
How to get there: ~20min taxi ride from Macau International Airport (Google Maps)
Light Bites and Drinks at Cinebrew Bar
After checking in, I wanted to explore a little and took a 15-minute bus ride to Cinebrew Bar. It’s a cool bar with a cinema-themed concept — even the entrance itself looks like a movie theatre box office! Once I stepped in, I was greeted by bright neon lights, famous movie quotes and posters plastered on walls.
The menu had a spread of mains and sides like pasta and fried chicken. But since I already had dinner on the flight, I just ordered truffle fries (MOP78) and a Barbie drink (MOP78), which had a nice balance of sweetness with yoghurt and alcohol!
There are also live performances every Thursday to Monday, so you can just come and vibe to the music.
Opening hours: 7PM – 4AM
Address: Unit A, G/F, Golden Bay Garden, 150 Avenida Marginal do Lam Mau, Macao
How to get there: From Hotel Central, walk 1min to Almeida Ribeiro bus stop. Take Bus 3X/4/101X and alight at Lam Mau. Walk 2mins (Google Maps)
Day 2: Macao Main Peninsula
Fresh Bakes for Breakfast
Can you really say you’ve been to Macao without trying egg tarts? So I started Day 2 bright and early by hunting down the best bakeries near my hotel for breakfast.
The first shop that caught my eye was Manteigaria Macau, a famous egg tart brand in Portugal! I tried an egg tart for MOP12, and it tasted sweet, with a custard-like texture and flaky crust.
Fun fact: The Macao branch is its first outlet in Asia, and it’s highly rated on Google reviews with 4.9 stars.
Manteigaria Macau
Opening hours: 8AM – 8PM
Address: R/C E, Edificio Milionario, No. 598 Av. da Praia Grande, Macao
How to get there: 5min walk from Hotel Central (Google Maps)
Along the way, I spotted the Snoopy-themed Ying Kee Bakery. Apart from freshly-baked egg tarts, the shop also sells cookies, egg rolls and pork jerky in Peanuts gang packaging! In addition, there were many photo-ops with Snoopy, which reminded me of my childhood :’)
Other notable bakeries nearby include Koi Kei Bakery and Margaret’s Café e Nata, as both are well-known for their delicious egg tarts 😋
Ying Kee Bakery (Snoopy Themed)
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 8:30PM
Address: 89號B地下, 89號 R. das Estalagens, Macao
How to get there: 7min walk from Manteigaria Macau (Google Maps)
Qipao Rental and Photoshoot
Moving on, I wanted to do something memorable in Macao, so I rented a qipao (Chinese traditional costume) to explore the main peninsula and take some IG-worthy photos!
I booked my package with Qiyuan Rental on Klook (~S$57), which included the costume rental for 7 hours, basic hairstyling, and props like a fan, handbag and shoes.
There were many qipaos to choose from, and the staff gave some suggestions on what looked best on me. She also recommended some iconic and lesser-known photo spots, which I greatly appreciated.
Psst, if you’re willing to splurge, book the qipao photoshoot and professional makeup package (~S$388) for a photographer to take your photos! If not, be like me and save money by making do with a trusty tripod or ask strangers for help 😅
Cost: From ~S$57/pax via Klook
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 6PM, closed on Wed
Address: Hung Kong Court, 8-10 Patio da Batega, Macao
How to get there: 3min walk from Ying Kee Bakery (Google Maps)
For my solo “photoshoot” in this Macao itinerary, here are some places I went to:
Must-see Iconic Spots in Macao
Senado Square
Senado Square is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Historic Centre of Macao. Influenced by Portuguese culture, it features colourful neo-classical buildings and a wave-like pavement!
I found many food and shopping options here, including familiar names like Mixue and POP MART.
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Largo do Senado, Macao
How to get there: 4min walk from Qiyuan Rental (Google Maps)
Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady
The yellow building on the left is the main office of the Cathedral, while the actual Cathedral is on the right.
With over 400 years of history, the Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady is one of the most prominent churches in Macao!
It’s recognisable by its grey building with green doors, and is also part of the Historic Centre of Macao. There are masses throughout the week in Cantonese, Portuguese, English and Tagalog.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 8PM
Address: 1 Largo da Se, Macao
How to get there: 3min walk from Senado Square (Google Maps)
St. Dominic’s Church
Founded in 1587 by Spanish Dominican priests, St. Dominic’s Church features a 16th-century Baroque-style design with a yellow and green facade.
Within the church, there’s also the Treasure of Sacred Art with a collection of around 300 artefacts dated from the 17th to the 19th century — although I was just happy taking photos with the exterior.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM
Address: St. Dominic’s Square, Macao
How to get there: 2min walk from Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady (Google Maps)
Ruins of St Paul’s
The Ruins of St. Paul’s is made up of the facade of the Church of Mater Dei, and the remains of St. Paul’s College (next to the church), which existed back in the 17th century. Both buildings were later destroyed by a fire in 1835.
After being restored, it now stands as a symbolic cultural building in the city. What impressed me the most was how unique the structure was and how intricate the details were!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM
Address: Company of Jesus Square, Macao
How to get there: 7min walk from St. Dominic’s Church (Google Maps)
Lesser-known Gems in Macao
While walking around, I came across some lesser-known places too! The best thing about solo-travelling is that you don’t have to cater to what other people want to see, so you can take your own time to explore the area.
Although with that said, I’m the type of person who wants to cover as many locations as possible, so I kinda speed-ran through these attractions. However, for those who prefer to take it slow, just pick a few from this list as they are all within walking distance!
Dom Pedro V Theatre
Dom Pedro V Theatre was the first Western-style theatre in China back in 1860, with a seating capacity of 300! It’s home to many performances and cultural events, hence earning it a spot as part of the Historic Centre of Macao.
When there aren’t any events, you can also go inside for free to check out the space!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM, closed on Tue
Address: Largo de Santo Agostinho, Macao
How to get there: 9min walk from Qiyuan Rental (Google Maps)
Lou Kau Mansion
Lou Kau Mansion was actually suggested to me by the staff at Qiyuan Rental for photo-taking.
Once home to a well-known Chinese merchant named Lou Kau — who owned several businesses in the city — this stunning traditional grey-brick courtyard mansion showed a fascinating glimpse into how the wealthy lived back then.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM, closed on Mon
Address: No.7, Travessa da Sé, Macao
How to get there: 8min walk from Dom Pedro V Theatre (Google Maps)
Social Welfare Bureau
The vibrant blue colour stood out against the pastel-coloured buildings in Macao, so initially I thought it was just a nice photospot. However, the Social Welfare Bureau has a more meaningful purpose: providing services like financial assistance to locals who need help.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM (Mon – Fri), closed on weekends
Address: Estr. do Cemiterio, n.o 6, Macao
How to get there: 12min walk from Lou Kau Mansion (Google Maps)
Tap Seac Gallery
Sporting a red-yellow exterior, Tap Seac Gallery is a public space for both cultural and artistic exhibitions! Unfortunately, it was closed when I went, but previous displays include shadow puppetry, and gold and silver handicrafts.
For future exhibitions, do check out the Cultural Affairs Bureau website.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM
Address: 95 Av. do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida, Macao
How to get there: 5min walk from Social Welfare Bureau (Google Maps)
Lou Lim Ioc Park
The last stop before I had to return my qipao was Lou Lim Ioc Park. It was built in 1906 by Lou Kau and modelled after the famed Classical Gardens of Suzhou. Featuring a circular entrance, red pavilion and large pond — it felt like I had been transported to ancient China!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 6AM – 12AM
Address: 10 Estr. de Adolfo Loureiro, Macao
How to get there: 2min walk from Tap Seac Gallery (Google Maps)
Nearby Local Food Options
Beef Steak Portuguese Style at Lucky Dragon Portuguese Steak Cafe.
Since Macao has both Portuguese and Chinese influences, I opted to have Portuguese food for lunch and Chinese food for dinner.
While I’m not usually a steak person, I’ve gotta say that the Beef Steak Portuguese Style (MOP136) at Lucky Dragon Portuguese Steak Cafe made me a convert.
The steak was juicy — not tough at all and easy to eat. The black pepper sauce also gave it the kick it needed! Besides steaks, the cafe also serves other mains like pork chops, curry dishes, and even vegetarian options like vegetable soups.
Lucky Dragon Portuguese Steak Cafe
Opening hours: 11AM – 11PM
Address: Tv. dos Becos, No. 26, Macao
How to get there: 2min walk from Qiyuan Rental (Google Maps)
E-fu Noodles with Shredded Pork in Soup at Wong Chi Kei.
On the other hand, Wong Chi Kei serves affordable Chinese dishes from MOP40 such as soup/fried noodles, fried rice, and even congee. I tried the E-fu Noodles with Shredded Pork in Soup (MOP65) — the egg noodles were QQ, and the pork was tender. The soup was also thicker than I expected and quite salty (which I loved).
Wong Chi Kei
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 9:30PM
Address: 17 Largo do Senado, Macao
How to get there: 3min walk from Qiyuan Rental (Google Maps)
Other options near the qipao rental include Portucau and Boa Mesa Macau Restaurant for Portuguese food, and Man Lay Hong Kei for Chinese food!
Day 3: Taipa Village and Cotai Area
Taipa Grande Viewing Platform
Since I explored the main Macao peninsula on Day 2, I wanted to cover the other side too — Taipa and Cotai. So from my hotel, I took a taxi to my first attraction of the day, the Taipa Grande Viewing Platform.
There are two ways to head up the observation deck: taking a 2-minute incline lift, or hiking up for 15 to 20 minutes. Considering my lack of fitness, I went for the former. Although short, the ride was pretty cool — it was built on a slope, so the lift went up diagonally!
Once at the top, I had a clear view of Taipa village and the integrated resorts along the Cotai area, as well as the surrounding greeneries.
Best of all, entry to the platform was free and it wasn’t crowded at all. As a self-proclaimed introvert, I sat on the bench for a good 10 minutes in silence while admiring the view, and never felt more recharged.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs (platform), 6AM – 12AM (lift)
Address: Miradouro da Colina da Taipa Grande, Taipa, Macau
How to get there: From Hotel Central, take a 13min taxi ride or walk 3mins to Kam Pek Community Centre bus stop. Then take Bus N3 and alight at Edf. Greenville. Walk 15mins (Google Maps)
Taipa Grande Trail Hike
The viewing platform is also the starting point of the Taipa Grande Trail! The trail is a 4km loop through the Taipa Grande Natural Park and back.
Thankfully, there are different sections to enter the trail, depending on your physical abilities. For instance, the slightly more challenging route has stairs leading to Taipa’s highest point, at 158.2m above sea level.
Considering my lack of fitness (x2), I opted for the less elevated — and mostly flat route around the park. It still offered great views of the city, and I was surprised to see the Macau International Airport too!
In summary, the hike wasn’t too tough and I completed the round trip in less than an hour.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Parque Natural da Taipa Grande, Macao
How to get there: 1min walk from Taipa Grande Viewing Platform (Google Maps)
Street Snacks along Rua do Cunha
After the tough workout, it was time for food and relaxation. Located in the heart of Taipa village, Rua do Cunha is an area of narrow lanes and alleys filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops selling street snacks and souvenirs.
Some food options I came across were Lao Day Beef Offal, Yee Shun Milk Company and Lord Stow’s Bakery — which had super buttery egg tarts! There were also interesting shops like Loja das Conservas Macau, which sold canned sardines, an important dish in Portugal’s food culture.
Rua do Cunha
Opening hours: Varies for different shops
Address: R. do Cunha, Macao
How to get there: From Taipa Grande Viewing Platform, walk 6mins to Jardim Do Lago bus stop. Take Bus 34 and alight at Rua Do Cunha (Google Maps)
Lunch at Tapas de Portugal
Once I was done walking around, I settled down in the nearby Tapas de Portugal for lunch. The restaurant had a pink theme for both its interior and exterior decor, but what impressed me were the Portuguese dishes with a twist.
I tried the Cheese Toast with Octopus and Black Pork Tapas (MOP88), and Beef Tenderloin Steak with Melted Cheese (served with Beer Sauce and French Fries, MOP238).
Not gonna lie, I did splurge quite a bit for this meal, totalling ~S$52 for one person. But I could really taste the fine dining — the black pork and octopus were so tender it melted in my mouth, and the steak was flavourful in the beer sauce.
Tapas de Portugal
Opening hours: 11:30AM – 10:30PM
Address: Rua dos Clerigos No.22-A, Taipa, Macao
How to get there: 1min walk from Rua do Cunha (Google Maps)
Shows and Attractions at Integrated Resorts
Macao is known for its fancy integrated resorts, and I couldn’t wait to visit them all! Most of them had interesting performances and attractions that are open to the public, even if you’re not staying at the resort. And best of all, they’re (mostly) free.
Honestly, I didn’t feel lonely at all while visiting these shows and attractions by myself. Rather, I enjoyed it as I could be fully focused and immersed in the moment without being distracted by friends or family 😂.
Galaxy Macau
First up was the Crystal Lobby Show and Diamond show at Galaxy Macau, situated in two different lobbies.
The former showcased the beauty of 380,000 fine crystals via colourful lights, mini water fountains and moving chandeliers! The latter had a huge reveal at the end, which was the highlight of the show for me — I mean, how did they fit that diamond in there?!
Show timings (Crystal Lobby): 12:15PM – 9:45PM, every 30mins (Mon – Thu); 10:15AM – 11:45PM, every 30mins (Fri – Sun & PH)
Show timings (Diamond Lobby): 12PM – 10PM, every 30mins (Mon – Thu); 10AM – 12AM, every 30mins (Fri – Sun & PH)
Address: Galaxy Macau, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Cotai, Macao
How to get there: 12min walk from Tapas de Portugal (Google Maps)
Wynn Palace
Next is the Performance Lake Show at Wynn Palace. It features water fountains dancing to music and changing colours every few beats, making it incredibly mesmerising.
I could even take a cable car ride around the lake to watch the show from above! And good news, it’s totally free. I’d recommend arriving later at night after 7PM though, for the vibrant neon lights.
Show timings (Performance Lake): 12PM – 6PM, every 30mins; 6PM – 12AM, every 20mins
Operating hours (SkyCab): 4PM – 12AM (Fri – Sat), 4PM – 10PM (Sun – Thu)
Address: Wynn Palace, Av. da Nave Desportiva, Macao
How to get there: 5min walk from Cotai Leste LRT Station (Google Maps)
Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau
Then, I visited the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau’s secret garden on Level 3, that’s free to enter for all visitors.
Jardim Secreto currently has an Alice in Wonderland theme, and while walking around, I spotted familiar motifs like the Queen of Hearts and Alice herself! Within the resort, there’s also duty-free shopping at CDF (China Duty Free) for souvenirs.
Opening hours (Jardim Secreto Garden): 8:30AM – 10PM
Address: Grand Lisboa Palace Resort, R. do Tiro, Macao
How to get there: 10min walk from Cotai Leste LRT Station (Google Maps)
The Parisian Macao
Last but not least is The Parisian Macao, complete with its own Eiffel Tower! I immediately broke into song when it played “Be Our Guest” for the Grand Illumination Show, as the tower lit up in rainbow colours.
The level 37 observation deck is ticketed (MOP88) but has a good view of the Cotai area from high up above. Since I was on a budget, I went to the level 7 deck instead, as it has free entry from the Eiffel Tower Souvenir Shop on level 5.
Show timings (Grand Illumination): 6:15PM – 12AM, every 15mins
Opening hours (Eiffel Tower): 12PM – 11PM (Weather permitting), last entry 10:15PM
Address: The Parisian Macao, Estrada do Istmo, Lote 3, Cotai Strip, Macao
How to get there: 5min walk from Joyride Diner (Google Maps)
*Note: The Eiffel Tower was actually the last place I visited on Day 3, since The Parisian Macao was located far from other resorts. It’s also nearer to Joyride Diner, where I had dinner!
Other Integrated Resorts
Other integrated resorts worth visiting would be The Londoner Macao — catch a glimpse of “Big Ben” and the iconic London red bus, and The Venetian Macao — modelled after Venice with an inbuilt canal filled with gondolas!
There’s also MGM COTAI, which has a Guinness World Record for the largest free-span gridshell glazed roof (self-supporting) in the world! Additionally, it holds stunning shows at the MGM Theatre, Asia’s first dynamic theatre. Check out the Residency Show, Macau 2049, directed by renowned Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou — featuring an incredible fusion of art and cutting-edge technology!
Photo credit: House of Dancing Water
If you’re only planning on catching one show, don’t miss the House of Dancing Water!
Located in the City of Dreams’ Dancing Water Theatre, the once-in-a-lifetime aquatic show performance tells a tale of love and adventure to rescue a princess. This is done through a seamless blend of acrobatics, dynamic dance choreography, and daring water stunts with cutting-edge stage technology at a purpose-built 270° theatre-in-round!
I really wanted to watch it, but unfortunately, the timings couldn’t fit into my solo Macao itinerary. Hence, do let me know in the comments if it’s worth it!
Zipcity Macau
After exploring some of the integrated resorts, I decided to take things up a notch and zipline across the city for my final night in Macao!
Located at Lisboeta Macao, Zipcity is the world’s first immersive zipline, with an audio-visual show. You can also zipline in the day, but I went at nighttime (after 7PM) for the light show and the vibrant city lights.
Standing at the top of the building was pretty scary, but as I zipped 388m across the skyline and soaked in the sights, the fear quickly turned into excitement. Having the courage to ride it by myself was also a personal achievement, and I’m super proud that I did it!
For thrill-seekers, go for the bundle package, which includes the zipline and the challenge jump — where you’ll freefall 25m down the tower!
*Note: Photos and videos aren’t included in the standard ticket, so you’ll need to add an extra MOP99 for the memories.
Cost: From MOP399/pax (standard ticket), From MOP557/pax (bundle package)
Opening hours: 2PM – 4:30PM, 6PM – 9:30PM (Thu – Tue), closed on Wed
Address: Lisboeta Macao, Rua da Patinagem, Cotai
How to get there: 4min walk from Grand Lisboa Palace Resort (Google Maps)
Dinner at Joyride Diner
As for dinner, I went to Joyride Diner in Studio City because of its cool concept. The place is decked out in a retro theme, complete with neon lights, a jukebox and “cars” to dine in!
In true American fast food fashion, I had a juicy Wagyu Beef Burger with Bacon and Fries (MOP120), a Sprite (MOP35) and Chocolate Ice Cream (MOP30). Other items on the menu include pizza, spaghetti and hot dog buns.
Opening hours: 11AM – 9PM (Mon – Fri), 11AM – 10PM (Sat – Sun)
Address: Joyride Diner, Level 1 Studio City, Estr. do Istmo, Macao
How to get there: 10min walk from Cotai Oeste LRT Station (Google Maps)
Read also: 15 Things to Do in Macao on a Long Weekend Getaway — 4 Hours From SG
Day 4: The “Outskirts” of Macao Main Peninsula
Macau Fisherman’s Wharf
Before my evening flight back to Singapore, I had some free time to explore a couple more attractions.
So I kicked off the final day in my solo Macao itinerary with Macau Fisherman’s Wharf. Honestly, I was expecting a fish market of sorts based on the name, but was pleasantly surprised to find a replica of the Roman Colosseum instead!
There’s even a mini theatre with seats, though there weren’t any ongoing performances when I went. But you can check out the official website for future events!
After some quick research, I found out that the “wharf” is actually the first-ever cultural, themed and creative attraction in the tourism industry of Macao.
Entrance free: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs, varies for different shops
Address: Av. Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Macao
How to get there: From Hotel Central, walk 1min to Almeida Ribeiro bus stop. Take Bus 3A and alight at Av. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. Walk 4mins (Google Maps)
Chapel of Our Lady of Penha
Next, I visited the Chapel of Our Lady of Penha. It used to be a pilgrimage site for sailors on a dangerous journey, but has since transformed into a holy church.
While the church facade was impressive, the views from the top were even more so. It’s located on top of Penha Hill, giving a bird’s eye view of the city and the famous Macau Tower.
Entrance free: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 5PM
Address: Hilltop of Penha Hill, Macao
How to get there: From Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, walk 5mins to Av. Amizade/ Viaduto bus stop. Take Bus 28B and alight at Largo Do Lilau. Walk 6mins (Google Maps)
Avenida da República
For a closer look at the tower, I headed down to Avenida da República — a street running along Sai Van Lake.
It was nice to just stroll by the waterfront and soak in the peace and quiet. Being alone actually gave me time to really appreciate my surroundings and just be in the moment.
Furthermore, the street is lined with interesting buildings, like this pink one! Other landmarks to look out for include the Santa Sancha Palace, the former Bela Vista Hotel, and Barra Fort.
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Av. da República Street, Macao
How to get there: 12min walk from Chapel of Our Lady of Penha (Google Maps)
A-Ma Temple
Before leaving Macao, my last stop was the historic A-Ma Temple! Built in 1488, it’s said to have existed way before the city was even established.
It’s dedicated to the Chinese sea-goddess A-ma (or Mazu) and is made up of the Gate Pavilion, Memorial Arch, Prayer Hall, Hall of Benevolence, the Hall of Guanyin, and Zhengjiao Chanlin (a Buddhist pavilion). Most people come here to pray for good fortune and protection, as Mazu was believed to have blessed fishermen at sea in the past.
Entrance free: Free
Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM
Address: Barra Square, Macao
How to get there: 12min walk down Avenida da República Street (Google Maps)
Getting to and around Macao
Flights from Singapore
Macao is only a 4-hour direct flight from Singapore, and with Scoot, you can enjoy greater value with their 10kg cabin baggage allowance! That’s 3kg more than most carriers — and I loved having the extra space to bring back last-minute boxes of egg tarts souvenirs.
Plus, you can earn KrisFlyer miles and Elite miles on your Scoot flights too!
Overall, the flight was smooth, and the crew was friendly and attentive. I was even surprised by how filling the in-flight meal was! Mine came with a good portion of beef brisket hor fun, a choice of drink, and sponge cake and cookies as sides.
*Pro-tip: Pre-book your meals up to 72 hours before departure to snag your preferred meal options! There’s a wider selection of food online, and not to mention, you’ll also be served first on the plane 😉
Psst, Scoot has daily flights to Macao, making it super convenient for a quick solo trip whenever you feel like it!
Travelling around Macao
Public transport: For this solo itinerary, I mostly got around Macao via public buses. They were quite frequent (5 to 10 minutes), and there were plenty of bus options to where I wanted to go. Fares are fixed at MOP6 (~S$1) per person, regardless of the number of stops.
Do pay the exact fare as there won’t be any change given. Besides buses, you can also take the Macao Light Rapid Transit (LRT). However, the fare depends on the number of stops you take.
Taxi: Macao doesn’t have the usual car hires like Grab or Uber, so you’d need to flag down a cab or wait at the taxi stand. From my experience, it was easy to get one — even late at night — and it’s not as over-the-top expensive as I thought. For example, a 15-minute ride from my hotel to Taipa Grande Viewing Platform cost MOP87 (~S$14).
Itinerary Tips for First-time Solo Travellers to Macao
Although this wasn’t my first time travelling solo, it was my first time in Macao. And glad to say that I really enjoyed myself!
It was so interesting to see a blend of traditional and modern sides in one trip. For instance, historical landmarks like the Ruins of St. Paul’s vs. the various integrated resorts.
I felt safe travelling around the city too, even though I was by myself. Public transport was easily accessible, and locals gave me directions when I got lost. So if you’re planning your first solo itinerary, I would say Macao is a good start! But before you go, here are some useful tips:
1) Stay within walking distance of attractions. This is a great way to save on transportation. I stayed at Hotel Central throughout the trip, which was within a 5 to 15-minute walk to attractions such as Senado Square and St Dominic’s Church.
2) Bring a tripod to take photos. I CANNOT STRESS HOW IMPORTANT THIS IS. Get a good, sturdy tripod so that you can take photos of yourself at each attraction to show that you’ve “really been there”. My go-to is the Valore Wireless Selfie Stick, as it has four legs for stability!
3) Don’t be shy. That said, in situations where you can’t set up your tripod (e.g. crowded areas or uneven ground), don’t be afraid to ask a stranger for help. It makes things so much easier, and the pictures you get make it a beautiful memory.
4) Don’t pack your itinerary too tightly. While it’s good to have a rough itinerary, leave some free time in between for exploration. One of the biggest advantages of solo travelling is not having to accommodate anyone else’s preferences and being able to travel at your own pace! For example, I enjoyed finding quirky photo spots while walking around on Day 2 of my solo Macao itinerary.
5) Always let someone know where you are. This is more of a safety tip, especially for solo travellers. Do keep your family and friends updated on your location and drop them a “I’m having fun at XXX” text once in a while. In addition, you can use tracking apps like Life360 or share your LIVE location on WhatsApp/Telegram for extra safety.
Bonus tips:
– Bring cash for street stores and public transportation, as they do not accept cards
– Use Google Translate to communicate with the locals in Chinese, as most aren’t well-versed in English
– Bookmark our Macao guides and itineraries for things to see, eat and do
Read also: Ultimate 48hrs in Macao Guide – Things to do, food to eat, and handy tips to maximise your getaway
Have any questions about this solo Macao itinerary? Let us know in the comments below!
This post was brought to you by Scoot and the Macao Government Tourism Office.
