When it comes to scenic spots in Macau, most visitors' first reactions are likely the Macau Tower or the Ruins of St. Paul's. However, if you want to avoid the crowds while experiencing Macau's unique skyline that blends the old and the new, the Taipa Old Town area and several vantage points around it are definitely worth recommending as a hidden gem. This small island, situated between the Cotai Strip and the Macau Peninsula, not only retains the warmth of century-old shops but also offers views of the bustling night skyline across the water, making it a favourite among independent travellers in recent years.
Compared with the Macau Peninsula, Taipa offers a notable advantage for scenic viewing: the visitor density here is relatively lower, particularly on weekday evenings when you can almost have the entire skyline to yourself. The alleys of the Old Town retain the stone-paved roads and Portuguese-style architecture from the last century, and just a few minutes' walk from the alley entrance, you can see the neon lights of the Cotai Strip gradually lighting up in the twilight—this blend of old and new is precisely what makes Macau so captivating.
When visiting Taipa, there are several viewpoint locations worth making a special trip to. First is Rua do Cunha (the square in front of the old Taipa Railway Station), which is closest to downtown Taipa yet most easily overlooked. This was once the site of the Taipa Light Railway terminus in the 1910s, and today only a short section of tracks and the platform remain for visitors to contemplate. However, the real highlight is the small hill beside the square—climbing the stairs leads to a platform overlooking the entire Old Town. On a clear evening, linger here to watch the sunset paint the cream-yellow walls of the Portuguese-style buildings in orange-red, then wait for the lights to gradually come on—the scene is quite reminiscent of a European small town.
If you're feeling energetic, continuing uphill from Rua do Cunha will take you to the viewing platform at Taipa Houses Museum. This is one of Macau's most classic clusters of Portuguese-style architecture, with its mint-green exterior walls particularly striking in the sunlight. The Taipa Houses Museum itself is a tourist attraction, but actually there's a path leading to the wetland beside it, and the viewing platform at the end offers views of both the new hotel complexes on the Cotai Strip and the waterbirds in the wetland—with a bit of luck, you might even spot black-faced spoonbills. Admission here is free, making it one of the few places in Macau where you can enjoy premium scenery without spending money.
The third recommended spot is the East Asian Games Square near the Ferry Terminal. This location is relatively off the beaten path, yet it's one of the few places where you can capture both the takeoffs and landings at Macau International Airport and the Cotai skyline. In the evening, watching aircraft glide above the hotels on the Cotai Strip, complemented by the sunset glow, creates a rather magical scene. This spot is suitable for visitors interested in aviation photography, or simply those looking for a quiet corner to contemplate.
The final personal recommendation is the pedestrian bridge alongside Estrada do Istmo near the Notre Dame Bay. This bridge connects The Venetian Macao and the Galaxy resort, and features comfortable resting areas for pedestrians. Standing in the middle of the bridge, on your left is the Venetian's canal shopping complex, on your right is the Galaxy's Crystal Avenue, and directly ahead is the construction site of a new hotel nearing completion—this is arguably the best viewing platform for appreciating Macau's flourishing gaming industry. This location is best visited in the evening, as you can enjoy the daytime views and stay until the night scenery emerges.
Practical Information:
The most convenient way to reach Taipa's scenic viewpoints is by bus. From the Macau Peninsula, you can take routes 11, 22, 28A, 30, 33, or 34 to the "Taipa Central/Old Town" stop; from the Cotai Strip, routes 15, 21A, 25, or 26A are available. All buses accept Macau Pass electronic payment, with single journey fares ranging from MOP$3.2 to 6.4, depending on your destination. If arriving from Macau International Airport, routes AP1 or MT1 also provide direct service to downtown Taipa.
All scenic viewpoints are open free of charge, though some indoor areas of private resorts require visitors to be at least 21 years old and present identification to enter. The Taipa Houses Museum is open from 10am to 6pm (closed on Mondays), while all other outdoor viewing points are open throughout the day.
Travel Tips:
Taipa Old Town is compact in size, with all attractions accessible within 15 minutes' walk, making it perfect for a half-day excursion. We recommend visiting the famous old shops in the Old Town first in the afternoon—including the 60-year-old Lord Stow's Bakery (egg tarts from MOP$9) and the stone-paved streets of the souvenir shops—then head to the Taipa Houses Museum or the Cotai Strip for night views in the evening. The resort complexes in Cotai are connected by an enclosed pedestrian bridge system, so rain won't affect your plans—this is particularly useful for summer travel.
It is worth noting that Macau has become a popular destination for outbound travel from China, with the latest data showing that outbound travel from China exceeded 175 million trips in 2025. As the only gaming destination within the "one-hour living circle," Macau sees significantly increased visitor numbers during holidays and weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting on a weekday afternoon or evening—this is when the viewing experience will be most comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-visit viewpoints in Taipa Old Town worth recommending?
We recommend the century-old terrace beside the Nam Van Lake Wetland and the Cotai Strip viewpoint, which offer panoramic views of the Cotai skyline where old meets new, with the entire walk taking approximately 30 minutes.
Do I need to pay admission fees for the Taipa sightseeing walk?
Most viewpoints such as the Nam Van Lake and Cotai Strip viewpoint are free to access, though individual private terraces may charge an admission fee of 50-100 Macau Patacas.
How do I get to the viewpoints in Taipa Old Town from the Macau Peninsula?
You can take bus MT1, MT2, or N2 to Taipa Old Town, with a journey time of approximately 15-20 minutes; alternatively, you can walk across the bridge from the Lotus Port checkpoint.
What should I note when visiting the Taipa viewpoints?
We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing sun protection. Some elevated areas become quite dark after dusk, so we suggest going with companions and watching your step on wet or slippery stairs.
What is the best time to visit the Taipa sightseeing walk?
Visiting between 5pm and 7pm allows you to enjoy the changing skyline where sunset meets night-time views. The soft light at this time makes for easier photography, and the temperature is more comfortable than during the day.
5 to 3 kilometres, mainly walking north along Kwong Chi/Kwong Fuk Street, passing through the old city residential area before entering the Praia Grande area."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the main scenic points along the way?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The route passes through the St. Dominic's Church (Ruins of St. Paul's), Dragon's Rest Garden (Tap Seac Garden), the Lotus Road connected bridge and road, and finally arrives at the澳门威尼斯的、巴黎人等大型度假村。"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is this trail suitable for families with children?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Very suitable! The route is flat and easy to walk, with shaded sections in some areas. Children can enjoy the waterfront scenery along the way and relax and play at the final resort."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"If I get tired, what alternative transport is available?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"You can take the light rail along the route (Estação do Leste (Rua do Cunha) to Estância de Pac On), or use taxi-hailing apps like Uber at any time."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"When is the best time to undertake this walk?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It is recommended to go in the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and you can enjoy the sunset or night scenery. On normal days, setting off before 9 am is most comfortable."}}]} org/","name":"MGTO Macau Tourism Bureau English Site"}],"relatedLink":["https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/","https://www.mgto.org/"]} Here is the translation in British English: