Its facade may scream outrageous excess, but behind the neon lights of Macau you can find more than a touch of class. Thanks to its reputation as the gambling capital of the East that also boasts an interesting history, Macau regularly attracts some of the wealthiest people in the world. And when they are not anteing up at the blackjack table or playing poker, they want to enjoy the finer things in life.
Having the ability to drop thousands of dollars on a single bet often means that money is not an object for Macau’s high rollers and the resort’s casinos and hotels have responded to that by creating a network of exclusive entertainment options.
Whether it is eating out or taking in a show, Macau has everything the classy traveler could want. Of course, bathing in luxury 24/7 can become tiresome so, to counter this, Macau also offers a plethora of adrenaline-fuelled activities to satisfy your adventurous side.
Anyone who has ever been to Macau will know that it has two sides, and to ensure you get the most from both sides of the divide we have outlined some of the best things to do.
Macau’s Adventurous Side
Eat with the Locals
Before you rush off for a day of outlandish adventures, it is usually a good idea to fuel up with some local cuisine and there are few better places to do that than Loja De Comidas Sio Seong Hoi. Away from the fancy décor and shiny cutlery of Macau’s high-end restaurants, this local eatery offers a touch of the traditional.
In fact, when you sit down for one of the venue’s famous dishes, you will not find fine china plates, but the simple yet delicious food. At first glance, the diner might look somewhat unassuming, but this humble eatery serves some of the best pork chop buns in Macau and is a must if you want a real taste or if you want something out of your comfort zone.
Reach for the Sky
After filling yourself with some traditional Asian fare, the next step for the adventurous is the Macau Tower Skywalk. Although Macau is known for its high stakes gambling, the skywalk takes the phrase to a whole new level as it puts you 233 meters above the ground with nothing between you and oblivion but a thin harness. Costing $110, the walk allows you to circle the outside perimeter of Macau’s highest building and, if you dare, lean over the edge.
If a leisurely stroll around the top of the tower is not enough of an adrenaline rush, then you can also jump from the very top of the building. Known as the tallest bungee jump in the world, the 338 meter descent is an experience that few try, but no one ever forgets.
A Bit of a Flutter
Having set your pulse racing at the top of the tower, the next logical step for the adventurous in Macau is to hit the gaming floor. For those who are not aware, Macau is well known for its casinos and it does not matter which one you enter because inside you will find a veritable smorgasbord of betting options. From blackjack and roulette to pai gow and poker, the gaming floors have something for punters of all persuasions.
Although big money games are common in Macau, novices can still enjoy a few rounds of betting for just a few dollars. For those who like to battle with lady luck, Macau’s casino culture is a great way to while away the hours.
Fine Dining with a View
Having taken in some of the more adventurous activities Macau has to offer, it is time to kick back and soak up the classy side of the resort. The first thing you will want to do is refuel and one of the finest dining experiences in Macau has to be Robuchon au Dôme at the Grand Lisboa.
Catering to high rollers with expensive tastes and described as one of the “most beautiful” restaurants on the planet, Robuchon au Dôme offers unparalleled food and views for all its diners. Because it sits atop of the imposing Grand Lisboa, this modern venue offers panoramic views across Macau and one of the best lobster dishes in Asia. For a touch of classy dining, this restaurant is a must.
A Night on the Tiles
With dinner done and the night young, the only thing left to do is hit some of the fanciest clubs in Macau, of which Club Cubic at the City of Dreams is one. Known as the largest club in Macau at 2,800 square-meters, this hub of revelry was designed by Bosco Lam and has an interior worth $13 million alone. Inside Club Cubic you will find five VIP rooms as well as a live stage that has seen the likes of Flo Rida, Steve Aoki and LMFAO wow the crowds.
If you prefer something a little more exclusive, then China Rogue offers a more intimate clubbing experience. Although it is billed as a member’s only club, the door policy is a little less strict than similar venues in the city and, if you turn up looking smart, you stand a good chance of getting in.
Bringing it all to an End
The final stop for any Macau adventurer is a night of rest and the Wynn Macau is arguably one of the finest hotels in the city. Designed by Vegas casino legend Steve Wynn, the property is a mirror image of its counterpart in Las Vegas. Like the Wynn Las Vegas, Wynn Macau offers an array of entertainment options as well as some of the finest suites available. From the luxurious to the super luxurious, a night in this hotel will cost anywhere from $300 upwards.
Regardless of your tastes and aspirations, Macau has something for everyone. Effortlessly combining the wild and the sophisticated in a relatively small area means that every classy traveler can enjoy Macau’s full range of fantastic attractions.
Robert Fuller started travelling to Macau for business trips. He soon got the bug and now travels to Macau with his family. He enjoys sharing his travel experiences online.
