Macau, 28.–29. June 2025
Quick Description:
Macau is often called the “Las Vegas of Asia” — a city full of massive modern casinos. However, the atmosphere is completely different from Vegas. It’s much more serious, focused purely on gambling, with almost no party vibe.
How I Got There:
I took the ferry from Hong Kong Island. The ride takes about 1 hour and costs between 20–40 USD. After a quick immigration at the ferry terminal, it’s a very smooth and easy trip.
Where I Stayed:
I stayed at the Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau, a nice 5-star hotel for around 170 USD per night. The location was perfect — just a 10–15 minute walk to the main casinos (Wynn, MGM, and Casino Lisboa).
What I Did:
On the first day, I explored the cultural side of Macau first. The city was under Portuguese rule for nearly 400 years, so many streets and buildings still show strong Portuguese influence. I had lunch at 3 Sardines, a proper Portuguese restaurant. It was a great change after days of Chinese food — I highly recommend it.
In the afternoon and evening I visited the casinos. Interestingly, you don’t need to show any ID to gamble. I started at the older Casino Lisboa, then went to the modern and luxurious Wynn, and finished at MGM.
The next day I crossed over to the Taipa side, where the really big casinos are located — The Venetian, Parisian, Four Seasons, and City of Dreams. They’re all close to each other, so you can easily walk between them.
My Impression:
I liked the modern architecture and the insane amount of luxury shopping inside the casinos. However, I was quite surprised by the overall atmosphere. Unlike Las Vegas, there is almost no party mood here. People gamble very seriously, there’s no alcohol allowed on the casino floors, and most restaurants close already at 11pm — even on a Saturday.
Summary:
Macau is impressive in terms of its size and luxury, but it lacks the fun, lively energy I expected. It feels more like a serious gambling destination than an entertainment city.
