澳门历史城区

Why this place

The historic centre of Macao, China is a UNESCO site covering the old Portuguese settlement: Baroque churches, Chinese temples, Mediterranean squares, colonial government buildings and the ruins of St Paul's, all within walking distance of each other. It is the oldest and most complete European colonial townscape in China.

What to see

• The Ruins of St Paul's and the Largo do Senado, the city's ceremonial core
• A-Ma Temple, the Chinese temple that gives the city its name
• St Dominic's Church and the Cathedral, and the old Protestant cemetery
• The Mandarin's House and the Chinese courtyard buildings in the same district
• Monte Fort and the Macao Museum, above the old town

What to eat

• Portuguese egg tarts, and the pork chop bun
• Macanese food: African chicken, minchi and the local curries
• Almond cakes from the old shops on Rua dos Mercadores

How to plan

One full day on foot around the historic centre.

Best time

October–December and March–April

Practical tips

• The whole centre is walkable and small — start at A-Ma Temple and end at the ruins, which is the chronological order