Why most people walk it backwards
The usual attempt sprints to St. Paul’s, walks down to find Senado, then climbs back up to Monte Fort — the same steps three times. Start low at the squares instead, climb steadily to the fort, and descend the other side towards Camões or the Inner Harbour without repeating a metre.
Do not stop at façades: what is worth entering
The St. Paul’s arch is a façade; the story sits in the ruins behind it and the displays at the fort next door. The Mandarin’s House is the key stop for understanding how wealthy Chinese Macau actually lived, and it rewards a slow walk. Opening hours and closing days differ by site and shift for maintenance — check on the day.
A-Ma is both origin and ending
A-Ma Temple sits at the southern end, a real distance from St. Paul’s. Rather than wedging it into the middle, treat it as the head or tail of its own segment: north from A-Ma in the morning, or south to A-Ma at dusk. It is an active temple — keep your camera away from people mid-offering.
Calçada, gradient and shoes
The Portuguese calçada turns slick after rain and the slopes are steeper than photographs suggest. Wear flat shoes with grip; pushchairs and suitcases will fight you the whole way. If step-free access matters, keep to the flat stretch along the avenue and confirm in advance whether individual sites offer a lift or alternative entrance.