On my first night in Macau, I went to Senado Square to explore a bit despite the slight rain. I couldn’t just let the first night pass without walking around a bit. If you’ve read my previous blog post, I visited Macau alone coming from Hong Kong via bus. With my trusty umbrella, I walked from my hotel to Senado Square following the path from Google Maps.
Senado Square, also known as Largo do Senado, is located in the heart of the historic center of Macau, China. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Macau.
The square dates back to the 16th century when it was used as a meeting place for the Portuguese and Chinese authorities. Today, it serves as a bustling hub of activity, surrounded by beautiful colonial-style buildings, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
It was around 7 PM and I was heading out to eat. The Senado Square glistened and shined under the rainy night sky. It’s beautiful – and the lights were stunning. I was glad I got to visit it at night, then made a mental note to visit it again the next day to experience it during the day.
If it’s your first time in Senado Square and don’t know where to start exploring, lucky you because the tourist spots are really just within reach. Here’s where you can start.
Senado Square
Start your exploration from the square itself. Admire the intricate Portuguese-style pavement, featuring a wave-like pattern of colored stones known as “calçada portuguesa.”
St. Dominic’s Church
Visit the adjacent St. Dominic’s Church, a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Marvel at its ornate interior, including intricate wood carvings and beautiful frescoes.
St. Dominic’s Church is said to be the most beautiful church in Macau. First built in 1587 by Spanish Dominican priests, it was taken over by Portuguese disciples the next year.
Source: Visit Our China
It also entered the list of World Heritage Site in 2005 as it forms part of the historic center of Macau. It is now the main venue for yearly Macau International Music Festival.
Leal Senado Building
This historic building, dating back to the 16th century, once housed Macau’s municipal chamber and is now home to the Macau Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau. Its distinctive yellow facade and elegant architecture make it a must-see landmark.
The name ‘Leal Senado’ (“Loyal Senate”) derives from the title “City of Our Name of God Macao, There is None More Loyal” which was bestowed by Portuguese King Dom John IV in 1654.
The Leal Senado Building (now known as IAM Building) has a neo-classical design and has retained all its original master walls and primary layout, including the courtyard garden in the back.
Source: Macao Government Tourism
The funny thing is I don’t have an actual picture of the building because I didn’t know that was it when I was there. 😅 I just took a picture of the fountain and didn’t realize that the building just across was Leal (see photos above).
Holy House of Mercy
Explore this historic institution founded in the 16th century to provide assistance to the poor and sick. The building features a beautiful blend of European and Chinese architectural styles.
Established by the first Bishop of Macao in 1569, this institution was modeled after one of the most prominent and oldest charitable organizations in Portugal, and was responsible for founding in Macao the first western-style medical clinic and several other social welfare structures that still function to this day.
Source: Macau World Heritage
The Holy House of Mercy features a richly decorative arcaded façade which occupies a prominent position on Senado Square. It is composed of a mixed variety of columns and pilasters set between the archways, creating behind them a passageway for pedestrians on ground level and a balcony on the upper level.
Rua da Felicidade (Happiness Street)
Take a stroll down this charming street lined with traditional Chinese-style buildings, vibrant red lanterns, and enticing eateries. It’s a great place to sample local delicacies and soak in the atmosphere. This also used to be Macau’s red light district.
Rua da Felicidade is located in the heart of the city and has featured as a backdrop in films such as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Now You See Me 2 and In the Mood for Love.
Source: The Macao News
On my second day in Macau, I finally found a local eatery. It was raining so hard and it’s getting a bit harder to navigate the slippery streets so I figured I needed to rest and eat lunch. I soon realized the challenge of understanding what to eat because there were no English translations. Although there are photos, I still wanted to be sure what the food was.
I whipped out my phone and used Google Translate / Google Lens to translate the menu. It proved to be super helpful. 👌I ordered the Mapo Tofu Chicken Chop Rice and the one that says “must eat in Macau” under Special Snacks. The must-eat food tasted like curry and the tofu meal was good for 2 people. 😅
This sign was in front of my table and I got curious so I looked up the translation too. The translation was a bit off so I just took it to mean “clean as you go” to be safe.
Ruins of St. Paul’s
While not directly in Senado Square, the Ruins of St. Paul’s are just a short walk away and should not be missed. These iconic ruins are the remains of a 17th-century church and college and are one of Macau’s most famous landmarks. I also have a separate blog post about this. 😉
As you can see in the photo, it was rainy and gloomy. The pavement was slippery. Nonetheless, I braved through the rain. The cool thing is there are lots of shops, boutiques, and cafes on the way to the Ruins and you’ll never run out free tasting food spots.
Here are some highlights at Senado Square.
Cultural Fusion: Senado Square showcases the unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures that defines Macau. From the architecture to the cuisine, you’ll find elements of both cultures throughout the area.
Shopping: Explore the numerous shops and boutiques surrounding the square, offering everything from souvenirs to high-end fashion. Don’t miss the chance to pick up some traditional Macanese snacks and treats.
Street Performances: Depending on the time of day, you may encounter street performers entertaining visitors with music, dance, and other performances. Take a moment to enjoy the lively atmosphere and maybe even join in the fun!
Tips for New Travelers
Comfortable Footwear: Senado Square is best explored on foot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Check the weather: Macau can get quite hot and sunny, especially during the summer months. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. In my case, it was raining so an umbrella was a must!
Try Local Cuisine: Take advantage of the numerous dining options in and around Senado Square to sample authentic Macanese cuisine, which blends flavors from Portugal, China, and other Asian countries.
Visit Off-Peak Hours: Senado Square can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Consider visiting during off-peak hours when you can to avoid the crowds and fully appreciate the beauty of the area.
Respect Cultural Sites: When visiting churches and other cultural sites, remember to dress modestly and behave respectfully. Photography may be restricted in some areas, so be sure to check for signs or ask permission before taking photos.
💙💜❤️️
Senado Square is a vibrant and culturally rich destination that offers visitors a glimpse into Macau’s fascinating history and heritage. Whether you’re exploring the historic buildings, sampling local delicacies, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, Senado Square is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. Don’t forget to take your time and savor every moment of this unique and enchanting destination.
