St. Lazarus District
A quiet quarter of restored Portuguese-era houses, now full of studios and small galleries.
Updated 3 September 2026
The St Lazarus quarter grew up around a church and leper hospice outside the old walls, and it survives as a few blocks of low pastel houses on calçada-paved streets, quiet in a way little else in central Macao is. Since the 2000s it has been colonised by design studios, small galleries, cafés and a weekend market, and the government arts institute occupies part of it. Calçada da Igreja de São Lázaro is the street most photographed.
What's there
- The pastel houses - low Portuguese-era buildings on paved streets.
- The studios and galleries - the design and art occupancy since the 2000s.
- The weekend market - the craft and design market held in the quarter.
- The quiet - a central district with almost no traffic or crowds.
When to go
October to December is dry and cool. Weekends bring the market and the fullest opening. Many studios close on weekdays.
Before you go
Most studios and galleries open only at weekends or on limited hours. The quarter is small and an hour covers it. It is residential and quiet rather than lively.
Nearby
Lou Lim Ieoc Garden is north, and the Ruins of St Paul's are southwest.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q1135657, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for St. Lazarus District
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
