Guess what? Macau is visa-free for Indian passport holders for up to 30 days, no paperwork, no drama! (As long as your passport is issued from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore, we double-checked that fine print!) So naturally, while visiting Hong Kong for our daughter’s first birthday, we decided to hop across to Macau for a one-day adventure.
Macau is like Europe and Vegas had a glittery baby, with egg tarts for snacks and ancient ruins as its backyard. Perfect for our baby’s cultural debut. but first, head over to our blog on how to club Macau with your trip to Hong Kong and vice versa. It’s the perfect itinerary for 4 Days!
First Things First: Off to Macau on the TurboJet!
We started our day at the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan. With several ferry options available, we booked the TurboJet, known for being fast, smooth, and baby-friendly (hello, air conditioning and comfy seats). It’s about a 55-minute ride, which in baby time = 1 bottle, 3 “row row row your boat” renditions, and a nap attempt. The TurboJet has been sailing these waters since the 1960s and was once Asia’s fastest passenger ferry!
Our daughter was fascinated by the movement and insisted on waving at absolutely everyone on board. Future cruise director? Maybe.
First Stop: The Venetian Macau… Faux Italy, Full Comfort
After arriving and clearing immigration (bring those passports!), we headed straight for the Venetian Macau, because let’s face it, we needed air conditioning, restrooms, and space to roll our stroller like royalty.
And wow. The Venetian is a whole vibe. The Venetian Macau is the largest casino in the world, and its Grand Canal stretches over 3,000 feet, almost enough for a nap lap! A massive indoor mall themed like Venice… complete with a sky-painted ceiling, singing gondoliers, and canals running through a glittering shopping complex. It was over-the-top in the best way, and also baby heaven: safe, stroller-friendly, and full of sparkly distractions.
We wandered along the Grand Canal Shoppes, took turns posing under the faux bridges, and stopped for a quick lunch. Wantons and noodles for us, banana mash for baby. She was too busy staring at a gondolier belting out Italian opera to notice her spoon.
Senado Square: Baby’s First Europe?
With full tummies and an energy boost (for us, she was slowly sliding into nap zone), we grabbed a cab and made our way to Senado Square, the heart of old Macau.
Cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and colorful pastel buildings gave us serious Lisbon vibes. It’s stroller-friendly (hallelujah!), shaded by palm trees, and filled with history and pigeons, which became our daughter’s main attraction.
We strolled, window-shopped, and sipped on iced milk tea while she made friends with an elderly shopkeeper who gifted her a red silk tassel for good luck.
Did you know: Senado Square has been the city’s civic hub for more than 400 years, and is a proud part of Macau’s UNESCO World Heritage Site!
The Great Egg Tart Stop: A Custard Love Story
Time for a snack. A very important one.
Macau’s egg tart is a local twist on Portugal’s pastel de nata — introduced during colonial rule and now a proud culinary icon. We made our pilgrimage to Margaret’s Café e Nata, one of the most famous places in Macau for Portuguese egg tarts— and trust us, they live up to the hype. Buttery, flaky pastry filled with creamy, just-sweet-enough custard and topped with that golden blistered finish. Honestly? Dessert perfection.
We cooled off under a tree, broke off a soft piece for our daughter (scraping off the sweet top), and watched her face light up. And then demand another. And another.
Ruins of St. Paul’s: Big History, Bigger Stairs
With sugar powering our legs (and stroller wheels), we pushed onward to Macau’s most famous landmark: the Ruins of St. Paul’s. The Ruins are all that remain of the Church of St. Paul, built in the early 1600s and destroyed by fire in 1835. The façade, built to withstand typhoons, has become Macau’s most iconic photo spot.
Now, a quick baby-travel heads up: the steps leading up to the ruins are steep and not stroller-friendly, so we took turns going up while one of us stayed below with our daughter — who was more than happy to munch on puffs and watch the crowds.
The view is impressive… a towering 17th-century façade framed by stone carvings and blue sky. It felt like a moment. Even from below, you could feel the history.
Evening Views: Neon, Lights & Baby Snoozes
By late afternoon, we made our way down through side streets filled with souvenir shops and durian stalls (yep, the scent is unmistakable). As dusk settled in, the lights of Macau began to glow like someone flipped on a neon switch. Macau Tower stands at 338 meters tall, and offers the world’s highest commercial bungee jump — not baby-approved, but super cool.
We found a spot near the waterfront and watched the city’s famous skyline light up… glittering hotels, LED displays, reflections on the Pearl River. Our daughter snoozed contently in her stroller, clutching her red tassel and dreams of custard.
In the distance stood the Macau Tower, rising boldly into the sky. While we didn’t have time (or toddler logistics) to head up this time, it’s on our future trip wish list.
Final Thoughts – Macau with a Baby? Yes. Just Yes.
Was it a whirlwind? Definitely. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
From over-the-top Venetian canals to European-style squares, custard-fueled walks, and epic ruins, Macau gave us a perfect mix of history, food, and fun — all surprisingly baby-compatible. We didn’t need a visa, didn’t need a plan B, and didn’t even need a meltdown (though we were prepared!).
So, hope you’re fueled up to plan your Macau trip! If you think you want to stay overnight, go ahead… just pack your bags! Happy Traveling!
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