A Casino Crawl in Macau
These days casinos are as much a part of the character of Macau as its cobblestone streets. Don’t expect dusty, dodgy caverns, though. This neon-clad city is all glam and glitz, chandeliers and sommeliers. Win or lose, checking out casinos is all part of the fun of being in Macau, and this itinerary includes some cultural sights, too.
Planning
Where to Stay: MGM Macau, Wynn Macau, Altira Macau
Where to Eat and Drink: Margaret’s Café e Nata, Portas Do Sol, Il Teatro, Robuchon au Dôme, 38 Lounge
Where to Play: The Hotel Lisboa, The Grand Lisboa, Wynn Macau, Altira Macau
What to See: Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Grand Prix Museum, Wine Museum, The House of Dancing Water
Itinerary
1. Margaret’s Café e Nata. Start the day with a warm, flaky egg tart.
2. Largo do Senado. You almost have to go home with the obligatory Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral photo. Saunter through Senado Square for a quick hit of history.
3. Wynn Macau. Break from the madding crowds and head to this swish address. With thick, beige drapes and plush furniture, the casino offers VIP treatment.
4. Hotel Lisboa. The infamous basement corridors and sparkling gaming floors of the Lisboa sister hotels are just a few blocks from the Wynn Macau.
5. Portas do Sol. Spend any remaining change you have left on dim sum. The pork buns and soup dumplings won’t disappoint.
6. Grand Prix Museum. A bit farther north, you’ll find colorful Formula 3 cars and memorabilia, as well as Macau’s Wine Museum next door.
7. Cotai Strip. Fast and furious in its own right, Cotai is constantly expanding. Despite a stream of incoming resort-cum-casino complexes, the Venetian Macao remains the highlight, with 2,000-odd slot machines and more than 600 gaming tables.
8. The House of Dancing Water. Snag tickets to the city’s most mesmerizing show, staged in City of Dreams.
9. Robuchon au Dôme. If you hit the jackpot, head to this French dining room for an unforgettable meal—and price tag to match.
10. 38 Lounge. Even if you end up with a thinner wallet, you can still cap the day with tapas and cocktails on the top floor of the Altira Macau. The views are fabulous—and free.
