Senior travel: Macau Peninsula
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
Was this useful?
Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 56 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Largo do Senado (Senado Square)Step-free: yes · about 40 minFlat and paved, with a slippery surface when wet.
- Macau TowerStep-free: yes · about 100 minLifts and level halls; the skywalk is not suitable for wheelchairs.
- Our Lady of Carmel Church, TaipaStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 25 minA few steps at the door; the square is level.
- Taipa Houses MuseumStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 50 minMostly level paths; some steps at the houses.
- Mandarin's HouseStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 55 minCourtyards are level; some thresholds and steps between rooms.
- Monte Fort and Macao MuseumStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 90 minA lift serves the museum; the fort paths have gentle ramps and some steps.
- A-Ma TempleStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 45 minStepped paths between the halls; the lowest hall is nearly level.
- Ruins of St Paul'sStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 45 minAbout 68 wide steps; side paths may help (check).
Getting around in Macau Peninsula
The old town is hard on wheels: steep, narrow lanes, cobbles and steps at the temples and the ruins. Casino resorts, malls, the airport and the newer museums are step-free, and most hotels have lifts.
- Pavements:
- Stones (calçada) are uneven and slippery when wet; kerbs are high in the old town.
- Buses:
- Many newer buses are low-floor; check the route for a ramp.
- Taxis:
- Standard cars; a folding wheelchair fits in the boot; accessible taxis by booking (check).
- Hotels:
- Cotai resorts have step-free access and roll-in showers; some old-town hotels have lifts only to some floors.
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets in malls, casinos and the ferry terminals.
- Light rail:
- Taipa stations have lifts (check each).
Medicines and health on the ground
- Travel insurance · before flying: Covers medical bills and typhoon delays; gambling losses are never covered.
- Prescription medicines · carry: Keep in original packs with a prescription; strong painkillers and psychotropics are controlled — check.
- Heat:
- May–September: shade and AC every 60–90 minutes, electrolytes and no midday walks.
- Dengue:
- Mosquito-borne cases occur in summer and early autumn; use repellent by day and dusk.
- Water:
- Tap water is treated; many visitors drink bottled.
- Food:
- Busy stalls and restaurants are safe; avoid raw shellfish in the heat.
- Vaccinations:
- Routine vaccines are enough for most visitors; check your health service for hepatitis A and typhoid.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.