Macao is a Special Administrative Region of China with an identity of its own: cobbled streets with a Portuguese air, baroque churches, Chinese temples and, a few steps away, gigantic casino hotels. That mix is its greatest charm for a couple: by day you stroll through the historic centre, with Senado Square and the Ruins of St Paul's; by night, the illuminated facades of the big hotels make Macao one of the most striking skylines in the region. We have not found any lifestyle venue, club or event in Macao with a verifiable official website, so we recommend none. Casinos are a gambling business, not lifestyle venues, and we do not present them as such. We include nothing related to sex tourism: it is a different field, with legal risk and the exploitation of people, and BarSwinger does not promote it.
What to do
Walk through the historic centre, a World Heritage site: squares, churches, colonial houses and small shops. Try the local cooking, which blends Chinese and Portuguese influences, with custard tarts and fish and rice dishes. The island of Taipa keeps a quieter old town, and Coloane has beaches and trails. If you are interested in shows, many resorts offer performances, spas and restaurants; check each establishment's official website for access conditions, opening hours and minimum age. Macao is small and can be covered quickly; many travellers combine it with Hong Kong on a short trip.
Entry and accommodation
According to the FCDO (Macao advice, updated on 11 December 2025, consulted on 7 November 2026), holders of a British passport can visit Macao for up to six months without a visa, with a passport valid for at least 90 days after the date they leave. Macao has its own immigration controls. If your passport is from another country, check with the Macao Immigration Department. A little-known detail: you must stay in licensed accommodation; the fine for staying in illegal accommodation can reach 3,000 patacas. Check the licence on the Macao Tourism Office website.
Crossing into mainland China
If you plan to travel from Macao to mainland China on a British passport, the FCDO says you must obtain the Chinese visa before you reach the border; otherwise you could be fined or detained by the Chinese authorities. If you enter and leave Macao through mainland China, you need a double or multiple-entry visa to re-enter. In addition, the mainland authorities may carry out thorough checks at border crossings, including of electronic devices. Plan ahead and ask the Chinese embassy.
Safety and casinos
Crime is low, but there is pickpocketing. The FCDO asks you to take care of passports, cards and money in crowded areas, your belongings when leaving the hotel, and your wallet and valuables when visiting casinos late at night. Uber is illegal in Macao and the police act against drivers and passengers of unlicensed services: use official taxis. The Safeguarding National Security Law allows the police to access social media and private communications to gather evidence, and applies to activities inside and outside Macao. Drug possession can lead to prison. Do not photograph military installations.
Weather and health
Typhoons arrive from May to November, though they rarely hit Macao; when the Typhoon 8 signal is issued, public offices close. The emergency number is 999. UK prescriptions are not valid in Macao: you would need to see a local doctor. Buy travel insurance with medical cover. The Tourism Crisis Management Office answers 24 hours a day on (853) 2833 3000.
A two-day itinerary
On day one, the historic centre: arrive early at the Ruins of St Paul's area to avoid the busiest hours, walk down the pedestrian streets to Senado Square and keep the afternoon for temples and viewpoints. Dine at a Macanese restaurant, the local blend of Chinese and Portuguese flavours. On day two, cross to Taipa to wander its alleys, have a coffee and, if you wish, visit one of the large resorts to see their public spaces, shops and shows. Leave the last hour for walking along the coast and watching the lights come on. Macao is compact, but summer heat and humidity are draining: bring comfortable shoes, water and a plan B indoors.
How to behave in a casino
If you enter a casino out of curiosity, treat it like any other gambling venue: set in advance the budget you are willing to lose, do not accept money or "tips" from strangers, do not carry more cash than you need and keep your wallet in an inside pocket. The FCDO advice recommends special care of your wallet and valuables in casinos late at night. Respect each room's rules on photography and dress, which vary by establishment and which you should check on its official website.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go from Hong Kong to Macao for the day? Many travellers do; check transport and border controls before you go.
Are casinos lifestyle venues? No. They are gambling and entertainment businesses; we do not recommend them as lifestyle venues.
Does Uber work? No, it is illegal in Macao according to the FCDO.
Can I rent a private apartment? You must stay in licensed accommodation; check with the Tourism Office.
This page is informational and does not replace legal advice. Source: the FCDO travel advice for Macao.
Keep exploring: all destinations, the guide to entry, registration and payments in China and the one on Hong Kong and Macao.
