St. Francis Garden Macau
Macau's oldest garden, a serene 1500s urban oasis featuring a library, playground, and a charming bar.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
St. Francis Garden Macau
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Macau's oldest garden, a serene 1500s urban oasis featuring a library, playground, and a charming bar.
"Discover Macau's oldest garden, a tranquil 1500s urban oasis with a library, playground, and a charming bar."
🚎 Budget Bus to Macau
Take bus B5 from San Tin Station for a cheaper, less crowded trip from Hong Kong. :bus:
🗼 Free Eiffel Tower Views
Access the Parisian Macao's Eiffel Tower observation deck for free via Souvenir Shop 550. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. Francis Garden
Macau Peninsula
Discover Macau's oldest garden, a tranquil 1500s urban oasis with a library, playground, and a charming bar.
The Parisian Macao Eiffel Tower
Cotai Strip
Ascend to the observation deck for free by visiting Souvenir Shop 550 on Level 5. Enjoy stunning views and Parisian-themed decor.
Ruins of Saint Paul's
Macau Peninsula
Marvel at the iconic facade of this 17th-century church, a testament to Macau's rich history and Portuguese heritage.
Senado Square
Macau Peninsula
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic square, surrounded by colorful colonial buildings and bustling shops.
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Macau from Hong Kong
Maximizing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚎 Budget Bus to Macau
Take bus B5 from San Tin Station for a cheaper, less crowded trip from Hong Kong. :bus:
🗼 Free Eiffel Tower Views
Access the Parisian Macao's Eiffel Tower observation deck for free via Souvenir Shop 550. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Two-Day Itinerary
Allocate two days to fully experience Macau's diverse attractions, from casinos to historical sites. :clock1:
🎟️ Book Activities on Klook
Use Klook for booking activities, hotels, and transport; check for discount codes. +1 :ticket:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚎 Budget Bus to Macau
Take bus B5 from San Tin Station for a cheaper, less crowded trip from Hong Kong. :bus:
🗼 Free Eiffel Tower Views
Access the Parisian Macao's Eiffel Tower observation deck for free via Souvenir Shop 550. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Two-Day Itinerary
Allocate two days to fully experience Macau's diverse attractions, from casinos to historical sites. :clock1:
🎟️ Book Activities on Klook
Use Klook for booking activities, hotels, and transport; check for discount codes. +1 :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Macau for its unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, evident in its stunning architecture and delicious cuisine. The city offers a vibrant mix of historical sites and modern entertainment, with many attractions being free or affordable. However, some find the sheer scale of the casinos overwhelming and the city can feel very commercialized.
"Jardim de S. Francisco (San Francisco Garden) is one of the beautiful and interesting gardens that you've probably never heard of in Macau. Located behind the Grand Lisboa hotel, this well landscaped and architecturally interesting city park is much enjoyed by local residents but is off the radar for most tourists.
Built in the late 19th century, the garden is terraced with pastel pink mounts, decorative fountains, tiled pavements and two particularly interesting historical buildings to see, both of which are rarely covered in Macau guidebooks. The first is a Chinese Pavilion, located in midst the small car park at the garden. This structure has been refitted into a public library space. It is a neat structure and a good use of space for local residents.
On the upper terrace you will also find a round tower building built in dedication to combatants of WWI that is small, simple and just beautiful. This two storey round tower includes a decorate facade and is of the same pink pastel colour, matching the garden structures and the nearby military barracks building. It is such a cute building that is much adorned in Macau by local residents, being one of the iconic small buildings here that the outside world knows little about.
San Francisco garden includes park benches and plenty of places to grab a seat in the terrace areas. There is exercise equipment, a small children's playground area and lots of trees to provide shade for visitors who need a break from sightseeing in the nearby Historic City Centre, a 7-8 walk away. Lastly, there is free government wifi access at Jardim de S. Francisco"
Brad
"Was the first garden in Macau, European style with a children playground, where once was bar is nowadays a library. Public toilets available. In the morning you can find people doing Tai Chi."
Marta Pinhão
"Lovely little park in Macau where you will find locals practicing Tai Chi in the morning. The winding path down the hill is reminiscent of the windy street in San Francisco. Coincidence?"
Andrew McGee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most budget-friendly and less crowded option is to take bus B5 from San Tin Station. While ferries are available, buses often offer a more comfortable journey.
Macau is relatively small, making it walkable for many attractions. Public buses and free casino shuttles are also convenient options for getting around the city.
Yes, many casinos offer free shuttle services that connect major hotels and ferry terminals, which can be a great way to save on transportation.
While possible, a day trip might feel rushed. Many recommend at least two days to fully experience Macau's diverse offerings.
For families, a combination of walking, public buses, and casino shuttles can be efficient. Consider the convenience of taxis for shorter distances with young children.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
St. Francis Garden is a public urban green space and typically does not have an entrance fee, allowing for free exploration.
You can visit the observation deck of The Parisian Macao's Eiffel Tower for free by accessing it through Souvenir Shop 550 on Level 5.
For popular attractions like the Ruins of Saint Paul's or Senado Square, advance booking is generally not required as they are open public spaces. However, for specific exhibitions or shows, it's advisable to check.
Platforms like Klook often offer discounted tickets for various attractions, tours, and activities. Using promo codes can further reduce costs. +1
As an urban garden, St. Francis Garden is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific opening and closing times may vary, so it's best to check locally if possible.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic spots include the Ruins of Saint Paul's, Senado Square with its colonial architecture, and the Venetian Macao's canals. The Parisian Macao also offers great photo opportunities.
Photography is generally prohibited inside the gaming areas of casinos for security and privacy reasons. However, common areas and hotel lobbies are usually fine for photos.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for outdoor shots. Evenings are also great for capturing the vibrant city lights.
TikTok creators often highlight the free Eiffel Tower view at The Parisian Macao and the picturesque Senado Square for photo opportunities. +1
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is useful for capturing both wide cityscapes and detailed architecture. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most travelers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss Portuguese egg tarts, African chicken, and Macanese minchi. Exploring local eateries and street food stalls is highly recommended.
Look for restaurants in the historic Macau Peninsula, particularly around Senado Square, which offer traditional Macanese dishes blending Portuguese and Chinese flavors.
Yes, street food and local 'cha chaan tengs' (tea restaurants) offer delicious and affordable meals. Exploring markets can also lead to great finds.
These integrated resorts offer a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Dining costs can vary significantly. While fine dining can be pricey, numerous local eateries and food courts provide more economical choices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For practical tips, utilize the free casino shuttles for easier transit between locations, which can be less stressful with strollers or tired little legs.
couples
Indulge in a culinary journey together, sampling authentic Macanese and Portuguese cuisine, perhaps with a bottle of wine.
Day-Trippers from Hong Kong
Consider visiting one major resort on the Cotai Strip, perhaps for the free Eiffel Tower views at The Parisian Macao
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Macau's Transport
For families or those with mobility concerns, taxis are readily available, though they can be more expensive. It's wise to have your destination written down in Chinese or Portuguese to ensure clear communication with drivers. Planning your routes using a combination of walking and these various transport methods can significantly enhance your exploration of Macau.
When planning your itinerary, consider the locations of your desired attractions. The Macau Peninsula is home to historical sites like Senado Square and the Ruins of Saint Paul's, while the Cotai Strip is known for its large integrated resorts and entertainment venues. Understanding the layout and transport links between these areas will help you create a more efficient travel plan.
Experiencing Macau's Unique Blend of Cultures
Visitors can immerse themselves in this heritage by exploring sites like Senado Square, with its distinctive wave-patterned mosaic pavement, and the iconic Ruins of Saint Paul's, the remains of a 17th-century church that serve as a powerful symbol of Macau's history. Beyond these landmarks, smaller gardens like St. Francis Garden offer a glimpse into the city's older, more tranquil side, showcasing its historical urban green spaces.
The culinary scene in Macau is another vibrant expression of its multicultural identity. Macanese cuisine is a unique fusion of Portuguese and Chinese flavors, with dishes like African chicken and minchi being popular. Of course, no visit is complete without indulging in the world-famous Portuguese egg tarts.
Budget Travel Tips for Macau
When it comes to accommodation, consider staying slightly outside the main tourist hubs or looking for guesthouses and smaller hotels. Booking through platforms like Klook can also yield discounts on hotels and activities, making your overall trip more affordable.
Many of Macau's most iconic attractions, such as Senado Square, the Ruins of Saint Paul's, and even the observation deck of The Parisian Macao's Eiffel Tower, are free to visit or offer free access to certain areas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit