The Ruínas de São Paulo must be Macau’s most famous landmark. After the cathedral burnt down during a typhoon in 1835, only the stone facade remained, an iconic symbol of Macau’s Catholic heritage – and a unmissable photo op for the tourist hordes that descend on the enclave every day. However what most of these visitors don’t know, is that just down the hill there is another preserved structure equally worthy of their attention – and a place that offers another type of sanctuary, one where you can refuel, recline and relax away from the hot, summer sun. Welcome to St. Paul’s Corner, or to be more precise, the Roof-top Bar.

Perched atop a listed building that also houses an art gallery and fusion-inspired restaurant, the open air bar serves up sumptuous views of the ruins. Patrons, meanwhile, can select a drink from the extensive menu, while lounging on the pink sofas and cushions that fill almost every corner of the space. With a canopy overhead, and a cocktail in hand, it’s oh-so-easy to while away the hours watching the sweaty turísticos stagger in the square below. Hungry? Order off the tapas menu, or pop downstairs for dinner (look for the review in an upcoming issue of Time Out). And whatever you do, don’t miss the sunset. Hong Kong never felt so far away…

Simon Ostheimer

3, 5 & 7 Travessa de São Paulo, Macau, (853) 2848 2848; www.stpaulscorner.com/en