Is Macau cheap? It depends where you’re coming from. If you’re arriving from Thailand, Vietnam and, to a lesser extent, China it’s likely to leave you with a pain in your wallet. But if you compare the city to Hong Kong, and most people do, Macau is cheap – in fact it’s a bargain.
Cheap Macau accommodation
Your greatest expense when in Macau will be a bed for the night. There is no shortage of accommodation in Macau but much of it is at the higher range of the market. While casino hotels in Macau, such as the Venetian, do offer good value, they aren’t cheap.
We’ve put together our top tips on how to get cheap accommodation in Macau and also selected the best cheap Macau hotels for $75 or less. The Casa Real is a particular bargain for a gem of the city’s Portuguese heritage and warm service. Cheaper still are Macau’s hostels – although these represent a series decline in living standards and quality. Budget accommodation in Hong Kong is cheaper still and offers a broader range of options – only an hour away by almost constant ferry it’s a viable back up option.
Cheap Macau sightseeing
Almost everything. All of Macau’s best sights are completely free. Macau has done an incredible job in preserving its Portuguese heritage – an effort recognised by a listing as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Some of the highlights include the ruins of St Pauls and the Largo de Senado – but you can find the full list in our tour of Portuguese Macau.
Away from the Portuguese sights, there are also egg tarts, beaches and a fantastic bustling market. All free and all listed in our best cheap Macau sightseeing guide.
Cheap Macau food
Macau is an easy place to pick up very good food at very cheap prices. Cantonese cuisine rules and the local neighbourhood restaurants serve up fantastic dishes for no more than a handful of change. It’s difficult to get bad Cantonese food in Macau but a couple of recommendations include Nga Tim Café(Address: Coloane village) – where you’ll find Cantonese, Portuguese and Macanese – and authentic fast food– fast not low quality – at Wong Chi Kei (Address: 17 Largo do Senado).Rice and meat or Dim Sum meals will rarely top MOP$50 and can often be much less. Spend up to MOP$100 and you can enjoy some of Macau’s better class of restaurants including Portuguese stalwarts like Fernandos.
