Summer is now in full swing, and with it comes the travel bug. If you’ve been bitten and are now in search of a quick international getaway that isn’t too far away from Malaysia, consider Macau – located just four hours away by flight. This underrated destination has plenty to offer aside from the glitzy attractions and ancient landmarks it is conventionally known for.
In 2025, Macau is truly coming into its own as a hub for design, art, and culinary exploration. While embracing its Portuguese-meets-Chinese heritage, the city continues to surprise visitors with modern global experiences that are thoughtful, immersive, and often delightfully unexpected.
We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in Macau in 2025 that invite you to dig deeper, whether it’s basking in green pockets within the city or savouring haute cuisine at award-winning restaurants.
Discover the ‘Picasso: Beauty and Drama’ exhibition
The 'Picasso: Beauty & Drama' exhibition at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau pays homage to the legendary Spanish artist.
The exhibition follows the evolution of Picasso’s epoch-making art.
There are over 140 original works by Pablo Picasso across seven themed spaces at the exhibition.
As part of Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2025 – a city-wide event spearheaded by the Macau government to boost cultural and tourism development – SJM Resorts is presenting the global premiere of Picasso: Beauty and Drama. This limited-time only exhibition pays homage to world-renowned Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
The exhibition follows the evolution of Picasso’s epoch-making art, showcasing his artistic language and styles across different periods. Expect over 140 original works across seven themed spaces, spanning paintings, prints, ceramics, manuscripts, illustrations, and more from the Museo Casa Natal Picasso. Visitors will be immersed in Picasso’s innovative and experimental approach to art, stemming from his deep affection for his birthplace, Málaga, as well as stories about his family and muses from his love life.
Location: Shop 220, Level 2, Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau
Opening period: 20 July until 26 October 2025
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. | Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Book your tickets here.
Stroll around the serene Jardim Secreto
A European-style garden in Macau? Yes, that’s Jardim Secreto for you – and it’s even more whimsical than ever this summer with an Alice in Wonderland twist. Meaning ‘Secret Garden’, this hidden gem features enchanting mazes, carefully manicured gardens, elegant pavilions, and picturesque alcoves that offer a peaceful escape from Macau’s swanky buildings and dynamic entertainment scene. Go Down the Rabbit Hole to Alice’s Maze and see a softer, greener side of the city here – and take some photos for mementos while you’re at it!
Location: Level 3, Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau
Savour Portuguese cuisine at Mesa by José Avillez
Mesa serves up contemporary Portuguese fare using quality ingredients and fine culinary techniques.
The signature Seafood and Caviar dish at Mesa.
Mesa Bar offers cocktails that tell stories of Macau's Chinese and Portuguese heritage.
The Case de Abelha and Walk Walk? cocktails at Mesa Bar.
No visit to Macau is complete without a taste of its Portuguese culinary heritage – and Mesa by José Avillez delivers it with a modern twist. This Macau outpost of the acclaimed Portuguese chef boasts a number of accolades to its name, including a Five-Star Award from Forbes Travel Guide 2025 and a Platinum Restaurant rating from the Trip.Best Gourmet Awards 2024.
Located in THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU, the restaurant’s interior reflects the legendary designer’s cutting-edge style and signature black, white, and gold tones. A captivating ceiling and magpie motifs representing the cultural bridge between China and Portugal further set the scene for a memorable casual fine dining experience.
Bringing a taste of Portugal to Macau, Mesa serves up elevated classics and seasonal specialities using quality ingredients and modern techniques. Signature dishes to order include the Seafood Rice and Caviar – a decadent plate adorned with uni, caviar, lobster, and tiger prawns – and Carabineiro, Shrimp and Pork Wonton with Fisherman’s Stew Sauce.
Drop by earlier (or later) for cocktails at Mesa Bar, featuring a unique birdcage-inspired design and a menu that draws from Macau’s Portuguese and Chinese heritage. Keeping sustainability in mind, the bar crafts its drinks using house-made ingredients from house-planted herbs and fruit remnants from the kitchen. It’s the ideal spot to unwind over tipples after a day of exploring Macau.
Location: Level 3, THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU
Indulge in fine Italian fare at Don Alfonso 1890
Don Alfonso 1890 serves up fine Italian cuisine, complemented by bespoke furniture and elegant Rosenthal x Versace tableware.
The Brittany Blue Lobster, Mushroom, and Black Truffle dish served during the Chefs' Table collaboration between Don Alfonso 1890 and Estro.
The Chefs' Table experience at Don Alfonso 1890 was complemented by a delightful wine pairing selection.
Aside from Portuguese cuisine, fans of Italian fare may be pleasantly surprised to find authentic flavours at Don Alfonso 1890. This Macau outpost of the eponymous Michelin-starred, family-owned restaurant in Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi honours the millenary culture and food traditions of Italy’s Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast.
It is touted as one of the best Italian restaurants in all of Macau, complete with bespoke furniture and elegant Rosenthal x Versace tableware for a dining experience that does not shy away from glitz and glamour. Helmed by Head Chef Federico Pucci, the restaurant delivers a taste of Naples straight to your table – incorporating fresh produce such as San Marzano tomatoes, Nocellara del Belice olives, and Namonte lemons from its own farm in Punta Campanella.
Keep an eye out for exclusive Chefs’ Table dining experiences that happen regularly across SJM Resorts, with the most recent one being a four-hands collaboration between Don Alfonso 1890’s Chef Federico and Chef Antimo Maria Marone of Hong Kong’s one-Michelin-starred Estro. The collaboration brought the culinary expertise of both chefs to the table, with highlights like the former’s beautifully presented Brittany Blue Lobster, Mushroom, and Black Truffle entree, as well as the fresh, decadent Handmade Pici Pasta with Red Prawns from Mazara del Vallo. Each course was well-paired with a fine selection of wines, making the meal all the more delightful and memorable.
Location: Level 3, Palazzo Versace Macau
Where to stay: Grand Lisboa Palace Macau
As for accommodation, look no further than the Grand Lisboa Palace Macau. With its prime location in the Cotai area and convenient shuttle bus access from Macau International Airport, this sprawling integrated luxury resort is a great option for couples, families, or groups of friends. Better yet, all of the attractions and experiences above are within walking distance from the resort, making it your one-stop destination for art, dining, culture, and entertainment.
To learn more or make a reservation at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, visit grandlisboapalace.com.
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