After both seeing and tasting colonial Macau, it’s time to get a feel for modern Macau – and nothing says Macau these days more than Casinos. The city is experiencing an unprecedented boom in both casinos and tourists, overtaking the Las Vegas strip in profits in 2007.
The Casino that started the boom is the Sands, soon to be eclipsed by bigger and ‘better’ casinos, the Sands brought Las Vegas glammer to the gritty Macau gambling scene. Even if you don’t want to take a punt on Lady Luck, the gargantuan Sands is worth taking a stroll around. Live bands, free drinks and a unique atmosphere, Macau’s new casinos will all follow the Sands model. Find out more about Macau’s casinos in our guide to Macau’s Top Five Casinos.
Just across the road from the Sands, is Macau’s largest tourist development, Fishermans Wharf. The area, rather tackily attempts to portray several European countries architecture, you’ll find England, Amsterdam, Portugal and the Coliseum, all rather gaudily displayed. However, if you want an evening drink, Fisherman’s Wharf boasts a number of hostelries, many of which have been imported from Hong Kong.
Once you’ve made your fortune at the Sands, the Hong Kong Ferry Pier is just a ten minute walk away, although the Sands provides shuttle buses. Read our Macau Travel Guide, for more on how to travel between Hong Kong and Macau
