St. Augustine’s Square Macau
A serene piazza in Macau's historic center, featuring a vibrant yellow church and elegant theatre, set against ornate tiled paving.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St. Augustine’s Square Macau
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene piazza in Macau's historic center, featuring a vibrant yellow church and elegant theatre, set against ornate tiled paving.
"Step back in time at this charming square, a peaceful gem in Macau's UNESCO World Heritage."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The historic center involves a lot of walking on cobblestone and tiled paths.
📸 Capture the Architecture
The colorful buildings and intricate paving make for stunning photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. Augustine's Church
St. Augustine's Square
A beautiful Baroque church with a striking yellow facade, offering a glimpse into Macau's colonial past.
Dom Pedro V Theatre
St. Augustine's Square
An elegant, neoclassical theater that once hosted performances and gatherings for the Portuguese community.
St. Augustine's Square Paving
St. Augustine's Square
Admire the intricate, wave-like mosaic patterns of the tiled paving, a signature of Macau's historic streets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to St. Augustine's Square
Best Time to Explore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The historic center involves a lot of walking on cobblestone and tiled paths. +1
📸 Capture the Architecture
The colorful buildings and intricate paving make for stunning photos.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially if visiting during warmer months, carry water as you explore.
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Square
This area is a gateway to other UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Ruins of St. Paul's.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The historic center involves a lot of walking on cobblestone and tiled paths. +1
📸 Capture the Architecture
The colorful buildings and intricate paving make for stunning photos.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially if visiting during warmer months, carry water as you explore.
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Square
This area is a gateway to other UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Ruins of St. Paul's.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the historical charm and architectural beauty of St. Augustine's Square, finding it a peaceful escape. The ornate paving and colorful churches are frequently highlighted as picturesque. Some find it a brief stop, while others enjoy it as part of a larger exploration of Macau's heritage.
"it is a public area/square outside/leading to one of macau's oldest/historical opera performace theatre (now only for public exhibition, theatre opera no longer in operation). You can see the architecture going inside, also an exhibition hall showing different kinds of collection (see photos) donated by owners, macao residents and tourists, including newspaper clippings on macao's return of sovereignty to china, and news clipping that the red rouge girl dance group from paris, france had performed there some decades before"
dr ken chao
"The very pleasant and peaceful walk from Senado Square and then making one's way to St. Augustine's Square is truly a "delightful treasure"-- as well as an enormous change from the "Hustle and Bustle" and "modernity" of Macau's large casino hotels and large shopping centres. There usually are only a few few tourists.. and one will see many "locals"... but the UNESCO World Heritage buildings are really very interesting as they convey Macau's Portuguese and Chinese "hybrid history". In he early evening--- when it is cooler, it is a "must see/experience" when visiting Macau-- and one can also give some thought as to "the Other Face" of this wonderful city !!"
Mark Doctoroff
"Beautiful church, theater, buildings... and cozy cafeteria! Worth to visit while you are strolling back streets of Macau!"
OKKO NADIA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From the Macau ferry terminal, you can take a public bus (e.g., routes 3, 3A, 10, 10A) or a taxi directly to the vicinity of St. Augustine's Square. Many visitors also utilize the free shuttle buses provided by casinos, which often have stops near the historic center. +1
Yes, St. Augustine's Square is part of the UNESCO World Heritage historic center. It's within walking distance of other key sites like the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square, making it easy to explore on foot.
Absolutely! You can take a bus from Hong Kong to Macau, which is often cheaper and less crowded than the ferry. Once in Macau, you can use local buses or taxis to reach St. Augustine's Square. +1
Yes, many casinos offer free shuttle bus services that can drop you off at convenient locations near the historic center, including areas close to St. Augustine's Square. Check the routes for casinos like Grand Lisboa or Wynn Macau. +1
The historic center, including St. Augustine's Square, is best explored on foot. The streets are pedestrian-friendly, and walking allows you to fully appreciate the architecture and atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, St. Augustine's Square itself is a public piazza and is free to enter and explore. The surrounding churches and the theater may have their own visiting hours and potential small fees for specific areas or exhibitions.
St. Augustine's Church typically has visiting hours, often from morning until late afternoon. It's advisable to check locally or look for signs upon arrival, as hours can vary.
The Dom Pedro V Theatre is a historic landmark and often open for visitors to view its architecture. Check for any specific tour times or event schedules if you wish to see inside.
There's no need to book tickets for St. Augustine's Square as it's an open public space. However, if you plan to visit specific attractions within the historic center that require tickets, booking in advance might be beneficial during peak seasons.
While there might not be official tours specifically for the square, many general Macau historic center tours will include a stop here. You can also find independent guides or explore using audio guides.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire square offers great photo opportunities! Focus on the ornate tiled paving, the yellow facade of St. Augustine's Church, and the elegant Dom Pedro V Theatre. The interplay of light and shadow can be beautiful.
Photography rules can vary inside churches. Generally, it's permitted for personal use, but flash photography is often discouraged to preserve the interior and avoid disturbing worshippers.
Late afternoons, during the 'golden hour,' offer soft, warm light that enhances the colors of the buildings and paving. Early mornings can also be good for fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere.
Don't miss the intricate mosaic patterns of the paving, the Baroque architectural elements of the church, and the neoclassical design of the theatre.
Drone usage is generally restricted in Macau's historic areas and near public spaces due to regulations and preservation efforts. It's best to avoid flying drones here.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it part of a larger walking tour that includes other family-friendly historical sites. Pack snacks and water, as amenities directly on the square might be limited. The relatively flat, paved areas are manageable for strollers, though some older streets can be uneven.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Leverage the free shuttle buses from ferry terminals and border crossings. Walking is the best way to explore the square and surrounding historic sites, saving on local transport. Look for affordable local eateries away from the main tourist drags for meals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Macau's Historic Center
Visitors often find themselves captivated by the vibrant yellow facade of St. Augustine's Church, a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. Adjacent to it stands the Dom Pedro V Theatre, an elegant structure that once served as a cultural hub for the Portuguese community. Exploring these landmarks provides a serene escape from the bustling casinos and offers a deeper appreciation for Macau's rich history.
Many travelers recommend dedicating ample time to simply wander through this district. The intimate scale of the square and its surrounding streets encourages leisurely exploration, allowing you to discover hidden courtyards and charming details. It’s a place where history feels alive, inviting you to step back in time.
Getting to and from Macau
Alternatively, the ferry service between Hong Kong and Macau is frequent and efficient, though typically more expensive. Both options arrive at different ferry terminals in Macau, so it's worth checking which terminal is closest to your accommodation or intended destinations.
Once in Macau, free shuttle buses provided by various casinos are a fantastic way to get around, especially to and from the ferry terminals and border gates. These shuttles can often drop you within walking distance of major attractions like St. Augustine's Square, making them a convenient and cost-effective option.
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