Casinos and Macau go back to 1847, when the Portuguese licensed gambling to revive an economy that took a dive after shipping business migrated across the Pearl River Delta to Hong Kong, which Great Britain had taken control of after the first Opium War in 1841. A century-and-a-half later, that decision is paying off big-time. Macau's gaming economy is booming. The world's largest casino, the Venetian Macau joins the Sands, Wynn Macau and nearly 20 others in entertaining growing throngs of punters. All the gambling has, of course, fueled the city's nightlife scene and added a gaudy Las Vegas edge to Macau's performing arts (not to mention, boosting its shopping options). And lest we forget the city's long history, the Museo de Macau and a number of other cultural sites of interest preserve and present Mecanese traditions and culture. A host of festivals and special events celebrate ancient traditions while others establish new ones.
Let us know about your Macau experience in our comments section, where you can also find out what other travelers have to say. And for the latest on having a good time in Macau, check out our listings for the best in Clubs & Bars, Performing Arts, Museums & Galleries and Festivals & Events.
Clubs & Bars
If glitzy casino floorshows and a night of gambling are your thing, Macau's got it covered. The casino scene has become increasingly competitive with the arrival of the Venetian Macau, which comes complete with canals and gondolas and boasts of being "large enough to hold ninety Boeing 747 jumbo jets". The Venetian also sponsors sporting events, from top-rated tennis to NBA exhibition games, as well as Las Vegas-style spectacles. Other top casinos, including the floating Macau Palace Casino, Hotel Lisboa, Sands Macau, Galaxy Waldo Casino and Macau Palace Casino are all upping the ante, some with expansions in the works or underway and all with competitive event programming and special deals to bring in the crowds. Downtown's Rua de S. Domingos is a bar street just north of the main square, Largo do Senado, packed with bars and cafes. Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-sen is another bar street worth checking out; facing the Outer Harbor (Porto Exterior) it offers a row of bars offering live music and outdoor seating. Local discos and karaoke clubs are open till all hours and can be found all over town. If you're looking for a quieter scene, try head to Taipa and Coloane.
Performing Arts
The casinos feature a number of Vegas-esque shows, from the slightly raunchy Crazy Paris Show at Hotel Lisboa to any number of other dance revues mixing Chinese, European cabaret and Latin elements. For something a little more authentic, check the Macau Cultural Centre schedule for theater, dance and musical performance. Various bars around town offer jazz, cabaret and lounge music.
Museums & Galleries
The Museo de Macau provides a long view of the area with excellent permanent exhibits on local history as well as visiting Chinese and international shows. The Macau Museum of Art covers ancient to contemporary, Chinese to international. For a nice, safe drinking and driving combo, check out the Grand Prix Museum then head to the Wine Museum (free samples included with entry).
Festivals & Events
From the internationally acclaimed Macau Grand Prix, which sees the city's old streets come alive with the roar of racing engines, to the Portuguese Catholic Procession of Our Lady of Fatima to the A-Ma Festival that honors the Goddess of Seafarers and from whom Macau reputedly took its name, the city's annual events calendar offers a unique mix of Macanese culture, thrills and fun.