~ Exploring Macau’s Iconic Casinos: A Visual Journey ~

During all the times we have been to Macau, we have never visited the famous casinos. This is something that has been on my list for a while.

Macau’s economy relies heavily on gambling. Macau has 61 casinos of which the biggest is The Venetian Macau. It’s surprising to note that Macau is the gambling capital of the World, the hotels and casinos are much larger for one thing.

Walking back from dinner on our first night, we passed by the MGM. So we stepped inside to take a look. There were several sculptures of lions, on display. As everyone knows the lion is the symbol of MGM.

The MGM Hotel

  • The Lobby of MGM
  • “The Silk Road” by
    Robert Paravy & Cecile Paravy-Vigliengo
  • “Floral Patterns” by
    Alexandrine Guerin & Yning Zhao
  • Louise de Macao – Lacy Dress
    on the Grand Lion
    by Hong Wai

I loved the amazing detail of these lions, there were many more too.

  • Entry to the casino

Neither of us are gambling types which is fortunate, otherwise the temptations would be too great!

“Dalinian Dancer” – Salvador Dali

The artwork at the MGM is stunning, I could have stayed a night or two here quite happily. It felt more like a museum than a hotel.

Most of the casinos are located in Taipa and the three biggest are The Venetian, The Parisian and The Londoner. We managed The Venetian and The Londoner, but our senses were overwhelmed and we didn’t get to The Parisian. I did feel as if I had visited three cities in one day.

The Venetian

The Venetian in Macau was built to replicate The Venetian in Las Vegas. To say it is astounding would be an understatement. My first impressions on walking to the canals section were that the weather had improved and turned warmer. Realising that it was in fact a false ceiling, I had the feeling I was an extra on The Truman Show.

  • Inside The Venetian
  • The Venetian

It was a Sunday the day we visited and also a festive holiday and the crowds were out in force. When I looked up I was momentarily confused as to what the dark holes in the sky were. I thought at first they were drones. I have to say it was very disconcerting.

  • Canals of Venice

I’ve now been to Venice!

As we left The Venetian, I looked up to see the striking ceiling, with such complex designs.

Ceiling of The Venetian depicting signs of the Zodiac

The Houses of Parliament from The Londoner in the background.

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben at The Londoner

After a while Anthony said he had to get out, it was getting to be claustrophobic! They don’t make it easy though to find an exit, everywhere just seemed to lead to more labyrinths.

  • The Eiffel Tower
  • In a different light

Before heading over to The Londoner I managed to take a couple of photos of the Eiffel Tower at The Parisian.

The Londoner

  • Another ornate ceiling
  • The statue of Eros

  • Eros at Piccadilly Square
  • Which London Station?

We stopped for a drink at one of the many cafes inside and watched The Changing of the Guards.

Big Ben

I enjoyed visiting The Londoner, the architecture is unbelievable. I can’t imagine how it would be to stay in a place like this. For one, the cost would be extortionate and also I think it would feel too overwhelming.

I’m happy that we visited some of the casinos but I doubt we would go back, Macau has so much more to offer. If you visit and want to see some fabulous art, I would suggest one of the big casinos.

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Author: Alison

Hi A nanny of two and a mum of two adult children, mum to two fur babies and wife of one. I love to travel and up until recently travelled the world, now exploring Western Australia! I play bridge, board games, read dance and blog in my spare time.

39 thoughts on “~ Exploring Macau’s Iconic Casinos: A Visual Journey ~”

  5. We’re not gamblers either, which has to be lucky in its own right! Stunning buildings admittedly, but I’m really not a fan of this kind of replication – Las Vegas for instance doesn’t hold the slightest temptation for either of us. As a bit of an aside, if you’re maybe just for a minute interested in the damage done by gambling addiction, you might want to Google a certain Dr Steve Sharman, specialist in the subject. He’s my son, you see….😀

    1. It’s a terrible addiction I know. We didn’t go near the gaming tables. I just wanted to see the artwork which was incredible

  6. Alison, I loved your email about the casinos.  The Venetian in Las Vegas left me amazed.  The Murano glass, the canals and so much more.  Wandering around kept me happy, no need to gamble and you know I love a “21” table.  Xx

    Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

  7. If you hadn’t said I would have believed this was Vegas, it looks so like it (although I don’t think there’s a London-themed casino there – yet!) I know what Anthony means about feeling claustrophobic, I felt it too in Caesar’s Palace a bit. The noise and flashing lights are just too much, although like you I find the architecture and art details fascinating. We stayed in the cheapest Vegas casino hotel I could find, New York New York – it was an interesting experience but I wouldn’t do it again!!

    1. Thanks for your comments Sarah. If you don’t go into the casinos you wouldn’t believe they were there. They are completely separate and I think if we went back in the week would be quite peaceful

    1. It’s a place not many people know about. It’s incredible to see all those buildings together in such a small place
      Thanks for visiting Maggie

      1. We flew in and out of Vegas when we toured S Utah. We stayed somewhere less flashy when we arrived, but it was my birthday on the day back so we chose somewhere more “exotic”. I had never felt the need to visit Las Vegas but thought we might as well have a couple of days to look round since we were using the airport anyway. Definitely a one off!

    1. We love a side trip to Macau, and usually just wander around the older lanes and streets. So many good places to eat

  13. I had no idea this place existed. How interesting. We have been to Las Vegas and find the hustle and bustle entertaining. There are great shows, great restaurants, and pretty buildings, with ostentatious displays—a grownup fantasyland. I imagine Macau’s attraction is similar.

    1. Thanks Suzanne for your comments. I don’t think there are shows, just gambling and mostly super rich Chinese. Gambling is not allowed in China.

  14. Great photos, Ali. The sensory overload in these places are real. I also visited the hotel casinos in Las Vegas and Macau for their interior designs and artworks. I saw some incredible shows in Las Vegas.

  15. Wow, those buildings really are stunning, and they do look like Las Vegas, Ali. The statues are different, and they look amazing. Thanks for sharing. I had never heard of Macau. Happy New Year. 🙂 xxx

    1. Thanks Marsha, I have been surprised by everyone’s comments about not knowing about this place.
      Happy New year to you and yours 🙂

    1. Thanks Meg, hope the start of your new year has gone well so far
      Having my hair done atm for my son’s wedding today

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