Macau, known as the “Las Vegas of the East,” has long been a world-class gambling hub, with its magnificent casinos attracting millions of visitors each year. I still remember my first visit to Macau in 1986, when there were only four casinos. Now, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of casinos in Macau. In fact, almost every luxury hotel, large and small, also houses a casino. This includes the Golden Dragon Hotel where we stayed.
Unlike Las Vegas, which is steeped in American-style entertainment culture, full of glamour and hedonism, Macau’s casinos offer a unique appeal rooted in the fusion of Chinese and European cultures. One of the most popular and appealing themes is the classic European architectural and decorative style, which provides a distinct feel for visitors seeking a taste of continental luxury in this entertainment hub of the SAR region, which has been returned to Greater China since 1999.
Since its return to China, the “One Country, Two Systems” (Yi Guo Liang Zhi) has allowed Macau to maintain its autonomy, including regarding gambling regulations. While casinos are illegal in mainland China and Hong Kong, Macau has grown into the world’s largest gambling and entertainment center, even surpassing Las Vegas in terms of revenue. Consequently, nearly all Las Vegas-based casinos offer equally luxurious and glamorous facilities in Macau.
On our visit to Macau, we didn’t miss out on visiting some of the most famous and iconic sites, including:
The Venetian Macao
Using the free shuttle bus, we stopped at The Venetian Macao, located on Taipa Island. At first glance, it looked remarkably modern compared to the narrow, classic streets of the Macau Peninsula. Disembarking the bus, we entered the hotel lobby, which was bustling with visitors and those staying there. Besides gamblers, there are also many families with children. Understandably, Macau’s most iconic casino hotel resort offers a variety of family-friendly entertainment options, in addition to a casino for those looking to try their luck.
Besides entertainment, you can also shop in luxury stores, where a variety of branded goods are available. But what makes the Venetian Macao famous is its sky-blue ceiling, which is always lit brightly. Inside, time seems to stand still on a sunny day.
As its name suggests, the architecture of the Venetian Macao is inspired by the atmosphere of the Italian city of Venice. Walking through the casino’s corridors is like strolling along Venice’s famous canals, one of which is the legendary Grand Canal. There’s also a man-made canal where visitors can try a gondola ride, accompanied by a driver dressed like a Madurese satay vendor who sings classic Italian songs.
Since we hadn’t had lunch yet, we also stopped by the food court and enjoyed a rather delicious lunch. In short, stopping by here is like visiting Italy without having to leave the Asian continent.
Parisian Macau: The Enchantment of the City of Lights in Macau
While walking through the Venetian alleys, there were signs pointing to the Parisian Macau and the Londoner Macau. We walked slowly, following the signs, and then had to choose one, as right led to Paris and left to London.
In the end, we decided to visit Paris first. It turned out we were passing through an alleyway above the main road. The atmosphere was cool and comfortable, filled with Parisian icons. One of them was the towering replica of the Eiffel Tower across the street.
Here, we also encountered luxury boutiques selling branded goods. Almost all the famous brands found at Galeries Lafayette Paris are available here. But the main attraction of Parisian Macau is the magnificent replica of the Eiffel Tower. This tower stands almost 200 meters tall, half the height of the original in Paris. The tower serves as a casino icon and offers stunning views of Taipa Island.
Inside this casino resort, the romantic atmosphere of the city of love, Paris, immediately permeates every corner. There are rows of restaurants serving authentic French cuisine, as well as cafes offering Parisian pastries and coffee. Of course, the prices are quite high.
Interestingly, you can also climb the Eiffel Tower by paying for a ticket. While in Paris, you have to queue for a long time to climb the tower, in Macau, you simply buy a ticket and take the elevator up. If you don’t want to spend money, you can also just climb to the platform and take photos with the iconic tower, designed by Gustave Eiffel, which has been standing since 1883, in the background. There’s also a fascinating explanation of the history of the Eiffel Tower and its architect The famous tower. We even learned that this tower was originally built only as a temporary structure, but later became a permanent structure and icon of Paris.
More than just a gambling venue and resort, the Parisian Macau also offers a wealth of captivating shows and entertainment. The various facilities here regularly present spectacular shows for both adults and children.
Feel the Heartbeat of the British Capital at the Londoner Macau
From Paris, we then moved on to a brief stop at the Londoner Macau, simply by crossing the bridge. From a distance, this casino resort boasts unique architecture, themed after the capital of King Charles. Replicas of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, dominate its exterior facade. Furthermore, a replica of the London Eye, a giant ferris wheel that originally stood on the banks of the River Thames, makes us feel as if we are in the heart of London.
Inside the resort, we took the opportunity to explore the culinary options available. If London is known for its distinctive pubs, then this traditional British pub is also available at the Londoner Macau, serving legendary fish and chips. Furthermore, there are various restaurants offering luxurious British-inspired menus.
We’ve been visiting three European cities: Venice, Paris, and London in just a few hours. And who would have thought, all of this can be experienced and enjoyed for free, simply by taking a bus from downtown Macau.
In short, if you’re visiting Macau, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Italy, France, and England and enjoy the perfect combination of culture, cuisine, and entertainment, creating an unforgettable experience.
That’s a brief account of our visit to Macau’s European-themed casinos. Here, we can experience a classic elegance and luxury unattainable even in the original cities. Here, European architectural and artistic styles are reflected in the luxury, prestige, and long history, lending these casinos an exclusive feel.
By visiting a casino, even if you don’t want to gamble, you can experience the fascinating blend of East and West cultures. Featuring stunning architectural designs, valuable art collections, and a luxurious experience, these casinos offer a sense of glamour steeped in Macau’s history and culture, with its strong European influence.
