Located just across the estuary of the Pearl River from the city of Hong Kong is the former Portuguese territory of Macau. The city is most recognized as the largest gambling destination in Asia as well as being the most densely populated city in the world. The city actually earns more revenue than Las Vegas. It was the very first European colony in China and the last to finally be free of colonial rule. However, when you walk down the streets of Macau today, you are still reminded of Portuguese occupation.
Photo by hern42
The city of Macau now has 33 different casinos to gamble in, all of which are operated by the local government and follow a common set of guidelines and rules. Macau nightlife is primarily divided into three different areas or categories – Downtown Macau, Inner Harbor, and Outer Harbor as follows:
- -Downtown Macau – frequented more during the daytime, this area tends to be quieter and more relaxing
- -Inner Harbor – considerably more peaceful than the Outer Harbor
- -Outer Harbor – the most active nightclubbing scene of the three
The top three recommendations for the best nightlife venues in Macau are the following:
Bellini Lounge – you’d never know it, but one of Macau’s friendliest bars is located within the Venetian Casino, the largest gambling venue and the city’s most popular casino. Although it is ritzy in appearance, this lounge is a very down-to-earth venue.
Cinnebar – offers some of the most distinctive, signature cocktails in town, a high-style design, and the largest assortment of drinks in the city which separates this bar from all the others. You have the option of relaxing here for the evening or using it as your starting point for the rest of the night.
Fashion Club – if you have a problem with crowds during the weekend, then this is not the place to go. This is a combination karaoke bar and nightclub located in the Fisherman’s Wharf district of the city.
The casino scene is unlike any that you can find anywhere else in the world:
The Venetian – the largest of Macau’s casinos, it operates 24/7/365. It offers 550,000 square feet of gambling comprised of 3,400 slot machines and 800 gaming tables as well as 3,000 resort suites, a convention center, and retail venues.
The other largest casinos are:
City of Dreams – 1,500 slot machines and 550 gaming tables
Galaxy Cotai Mega Resort – 1,000 slot machines, 348 gaming tables, and 2,000 hotel rooms
Macau Studio City – 500,000 square feet of gambling including over 400 gaming tables and an undisclosed number of slot machines
MGM Grand Macau – 1,035 slot machines, 345 gaming tables, and 600 hotel rooms
Wynn Macau – 375 slot machines, 212 gaming tables, 600 hotel rooms, and restaurants
Hotels in Macau:
Casa Real Hotel, Macau
Average Price: €71
Average Rating: 8.0
Holiday Inn Macau
Average Price: €80
Average Rating: 7.0
Hotel Sintra
Average Price: €57
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