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Old movies, countless novels, and gossip through the years have portrayed Macau’s nightlife as a combustible mix of drugs, wild gambling, violent crime, and ladies of the night. Up until the 1999 handover back to mainland China, this image of Macau was mostly accurate and did much to drive away tourists. But these days you can enjoy live music and cocktails in elegant surroundings at an ever-growing range of hotels and casinos.
DOWNTOWN MACAU
Bars
Bar Cristal.
An antique French chandelier from the 19th century is the centerpiece of this opulent spot, designed to look like a life-size jewelry box. Order a cocktail or sample one of the many champagnes in stock. | G/F, Encore at Wynn Macau, Rua Cidade de Sintra, Downtown | 853/8986–3663 |www.wynnmacau.com.
Fodor’s Choice | MacauSoul.
Housed in a bright pink building with pine-green shutters, this lively wine bar is just steps away from the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The two British expats who manage the place have assembled a wine list that includes more than 430 Portuguese varieties, and there’s a fine selection of whiskeys available as well. On the food front, look for British cheese plates, charcuterie boards, and many homemade offerings (desserts among them). Live after-dinner music plays on select dates—particularly Fridays, depending on the season. It’s best to call ahead for details. | 31A Rua de Sao Paulo, Travessa da Paixao, Downtown | 853/2836–5182 | www.macausoul.com | Closed Tues. and Wed.
Whisky Bar.
Depending on the time of day or night, this bar on the 16th floor of the StarWorld Hotel provides either upbeat cabaret entertainment or a cool moment of respite from the clinking casinos all around. Happy hour is daily from 5 to 8, and the Star Band starts playing nightly at 10:30. In addition to a full selection of the usual hard stuff, the bar has 100 different kinds of whisky, including the ultra-rare Macallan 1946. | StarWorld Hotel, Av. da Amizade, Downtown |853/8290–8698 | www.starworldmacau.com.
MACAU OUTER HARBOUR
Bars
Casablanca.
At this plush but friendly lounge you can play a game of pool or simply sip a cocktail, while listening to music from Africa, Portugal, Spain, and beyond. | Av. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, Outer Harbour | 853/2875–1281 | Daily 6 pm–2 am.
Macau’s Lan Kwai Fong.
A modest collection of bars lines a small stretch of street in NAPE, within sight of the huge golden Guan Yin statue in Macau’s Outer Harbour. Although it takes its name from the legendary bar area in Hong Kong, don’t expect the wild times and thumping music you might find in the original LKF. In reality, this is a bunch of quiet watering holes where you can meet with friends or watch sports on a big-screen TV. A large number of expats come to relax and drink in the evening. | Edifício Vista Magnifica Court, Av. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, NAPE, Outer Harbour.
TAIPA
Bars
Fodor’s Choice | 38 Lounge.
When you’re finally done with the casinos and ready to look down on the rest of the world, hop over to Taipa and take the Altira Macau elevator straight up the to this lofty spot. Sip cocktails under the stars on the outdoor terrace, where tapas are served from 2 pm to 2 am. Indoors, a live band plays from 9 pm to 2 am most evenings. | 38th fl., Altira Macau, Av. De Kwong Tung, Taipa | 853/2886–8868 | www.altiramacau.com | Closed Tues.
COTAI STRIP
LOUNGES AND PUBS
Cafe Deco Macau.
The lively restaurant and bar across from the Venetian Theatre in the south wing of the Venetian Macao features live music on Saturday night. Happy hour runs from 5:30 to 8:30, and the deal is buy one drink, get one free. | Shop 1036, Shoppes at Venetian, The Venetian Macao, Estrada de Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança, Cotai | 853/2882–3326 | www.cafedecogroup.com | Open 24 hours.
McSorley’s Ale House.
At this drinking establishment in the Venetian Macao you can chill out with a beer after one of the shows. The open mezzanine is a comfortable place to sit down for a pub menu of burgers and fish-and-chips; sports fans, however, may prefer to watch the game around the traditional mahogany bar. Occasional live music is casual and spontaneous. | Shop 1038, Shoppes at Venetian, The Venetian Macao, Estrada de Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança, Cotai |853/2882–8198 | www.mcsorleys.com.hk.
Shows
The House of Dancing Water.
Brought to Macau by Franco Dragone, former star director of Cirque du Soleil, The House of Dancing Water aquatic show is the primo attraction at City of Dreams. This 90-minute spectacle harnesses 14 million liters (3.7 million gallons) of water—think five Olympic-sized swimming pools—to weave elaborate stunts, dives, and explosions into a love story. Tickets cost MOP$580, and it’s best to book ahead. | City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai | 853/8868–6767 | www.thehouseofdancingwater.com.