Macau encourages visitors to explore lesser-known areas through themed routes and community activities, fostering sustainable tourism and revitalising local areas
Macau’s compact layout and vibrant cultural scene make it ideal for walking tours that unravel the destination’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. Macau’s historic centre holds the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the entire city is recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. These elements enrich the experience, allowing visitors to savour local cuisine while exploring historical landmarks and other attractions, according to the Macao Government Tourist Office (MGTO).
Neighbourhoods such as the lively Taipa and Cotai areas, combined with the tranquil charm of Coloane Village, further enhance the walking experience. They offer a blend of unique cultural and modern attractions, providing visitors with plenty to explore on foot.
So far, the MGTO has introduced four major walking routes on its website and mobile app, namely World Heritage Tour in Central District; Art & Cultural Tour in St Lazarus Parish; Portuguese Ambiance Tour at Taipa Island; and Tranquility Tour in Coloane Village.
Additionally, MGTO offers an online Smart Trip Planner on its website and mobile app, allowing visitors to customise their time in Macau based on personal preferences in the areas of Sightseeing, Experiences, Shopping, Dining, and Recommendations.
Indeed, visitors are spoiled for choice, as The Walking Routes Map offers 38 thematic routes to explore. Created by the Cartography and Cadastre Bureau, Municipal Affairs Bureau, and the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the routes span from popular spots like Taipa Village and Guia Hill to the memorable buildings of Coloane and the scenic rockscapes along the Southern Coastline of Coloane. Visitors can immerse themselves in a journey through streets and alleys, rediscovering the charm of old Macau and uncovering the forgotten history and tales of these areas.
The recent recognition by Skyscanner as one of the Top 9 Walkable Cities in Asia and South Asia has significantly reinforced Macau’s appeal as a travel destination. Skyscanner highlights the city’s pedestrian-friendly layout, safety, and rich cultural and historical attractions, all within walking distance.
An MGTO spokesman said the accolade highlights the city’s commitment to sustainable tourism and strengthens Macau’s development as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
In fact, MGTO is actively driving tourism into different neighbourhoods. To support this, it has introduced financial support programmes for local associations, enabling them to utilise resources to develop diverse community activities that will attract tourists and bring about economic revitalisation.
Activities are centred around three main themes: Travel around Macau Community Tourism, Taste of Macau Food Promotion, and Waterfront Fun Maritime Tourism.
A total of 43 community activities have been approved this year. Among them is the 2025 Chinese Temple Journey, which offers guided tours of three temples, where guests will explore the historical and cultural significance of these sites and their surrounding communities. There will also be a traditional handicraft experience.
Another activity is the Macau Full of Fun – Community Tourism Guided Tour, which offers insights into local merchants of various districts, along with participation in handicraft workshops.
Seven community activities or tours will be available from May to June, including the Mong Ha Creatives Market, Family Adventure Macao Consumer Carnival 2, 2025 Chinese Temple Journey, Macao Full of Fun – Community Tourism Guided Tour, Past Memory Roaming Project, Songkran 2025, and Funny Island: Lotus Creativity Marketplace.
Private sector tour operators are already on the walking tour bandwagon. Agency Macau Explorer Cultural Travel started offering in-depth cultural walking tours, such as the Protestant Cemetery and Pilgrimage tour, six years ago. Recently, it collaborated with the historic Hotel Central on a 2.5-hour tour and partnered with young entrepreneurs on a gastronomy community tour. These tours are subsidised by the MGTO.
Managing director Manuel Wu told TTG Asia that the latter tour has been fully booked since its launch.
Fleshing out the gastronomy community tour, Wu said guests would follow a local to pick up ingredients before cooking in a studio kitchen. They would get to encounter local culture along the way. As such, the tour is ideal not only for international tourists and students from China but also locals who are keen to familiarise themselves with their community.
“It’s environmentally friendly too, as no transportation is used,” said Wu.
He added that Macau has around 300 pátios (courtyards in Portuguese) and becos (alleys), and these are where cultural experiences can be found.
As Macau celebrates the 20th anniversary of the historic centre’s UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription, there is a stronger push for visitors to explore beyond popular spots like the Ruins of St Paul’s and Senado Square, which are mainly frequented by backpackers.
Wu hopes to see the addition of new elements, such as blending local religions and pop culture to create unique intellectual property (IP) products.
He suggested integrating the IP of Chinese blockbuster animation Ne Zha 2 to create a Ne Zha mini show as part of walking tours in Macau.
Wu also addressed the lack of night walking tours in the destination, and suggested that an after-dark photography tour bundled with resident shows at leading integrated resorts, such as House of Dancing Water (performed at City of Dreams) and Macau 2049 (performed at MGM Theater) could work.
