For most of us, when we hit Macau for a weekend of debauchery, its flashy clubs and raucous pool parties come to mind. Sure, Macau does these pretty well – but there’s so much more to the nightlife scene in our sister SAR. There’s something to suit every taste, from classy lounge bars to laidback neighbourhood joints – if you knew where to look. Check out our favourites below. Still can’t get enough of the clubs? We’ve got those covered too.
The Macallan Whisky Bar
If you're up for a night of sipping fine whisky, The Macallan Whisky Bar at the Galaxy Hotel is a top choice – after all, who doesn't like a good dram with these sophisticated surroundings? Comfy leather couches, a fireplace, and stag antler chandeliers make up this space, the first Macallan-themed whisky bar in Asia, with a menu of over 400 choices of premium malts, especially the rarest varieties from the Macallan Distillery. Drop in for a Glenfidditch Whisky Flight for $388MOP, or choose from six different refreshing mojitos for just $78MOP each. Live music by the Macallan Duo plays every Monday to Saturday from 9pm.
Shop 203, 2/F, Galaxy Hotel, Avenida de Cotai, Cotai, Macau
(853) 8883 2221
Sky 21
Encompassing two floors of the AIA Tower in the heart of Macau’s peninsula, Sky 21 is the place to be if you’re looking to drink and dance the night away from high on up—with a fantastic panoramic view of the city and Macau Tower to boot. It’s split into two sections, with a dining room on the 21/F and the B Bar lounge, deck and mezzanine dance floor on the 22/F. Whether if you’re one to show off your moves in a glamorous crowd or looking to sink back in a comfy couch for intimate conversation with a cocktail or three, this is one hotspot away from the hotel strip you’ll want to hit up.
21/F, AIA Tower, 251A - 301 Avenida Comercial de Macau, Macau
(853) 2822 2122
The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge
Towering 51 floors above the Cotai strip, the Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge is a destination in itself, taking you from its renowned champagne afternoon tea sets to late night drinks complete with lush interiors befitting of the Ritz, and exceptional city views. Here, you can take your pick from classic cocktails – especially gin and tonics, the bar’s specialty – along with scrumptious bites including slow braised wagyu beef ribs, hairy crab roulade, homemade smoked salmon and more.
51/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Estrada Da Baia Da Nossa Senhora Da Esperanca, Macau
(853) 8886 6868
Old Taipa Tavern
Neighbourhood favourite Old Taipa Tavern serves up a decent selection of beers and delicious fusion pub grub. Its cheerful, welcoming staff also makes it one of the most popular watering holes in the area. Located in the heart of Taipa Village right by the historic Pak Tai Temple, it’s housed in a charming colonial-inspired building complete with window shutters and sliding doors. Come evening time, you’ll find locals and tourists alike gathered at OTT’s alfresco space with a pint or two. For something a little different to the high-energy nightclubs and ritzy hotel bars of Macau, OTT is where it’s at.
Shop A-C, G-1/F, 21 R. dos Negociantes, Macau
(853) 2882 5221
Prem1er Bar & Tasting Room
Tucked away on a quiet street in the old town, the Prem1er Bar & Tasting Room is a little hard to find – but it’s well worth the journey. Don’t let the nondescript shop front fool you – inside, you’ll find a speakeasy-like space stocked with high-end liquors that you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Run by a hospitality industry veteran, Prem1er is stocked with gems like traditional Dutch gin Genever, Colombian-produced Insolent XO Rum – and even a 50-year-old blended scotch whisky that costs a whopping MOP80,000. If you’re after a well-made cocktail in a relaxing setting, give Prem1er a try.
86 Rua Direita Carlos Eugenio, Macau
(853) 2882 7109
38 Lounge
Hotel bars don’t have to be boring. Perched on the roof of the Altira, 38 Lounge offers some of the best views of Macau. The stylish outdoor terrace is decked out with cabanas, a perfect setting for an aperitif or nightcap. You’ll want to sample the bar’s extensive selection of drinks – there are 38 varieties under each type of booze, to be precise. Order up tapas and light bites to go with them. Still not enough to draw you in? Live music performances take place six nights a week.
38/F, Altira Macau, Avenue de Kwong Tung, Taipa, Macau
(853) 2886 8868
Club Cubic
If you’ve ever spent a weekend partying up a storm in Macau, chances are you would have stepped foot inside the Hard Rock’s legendary Club Cubic. The extravagant nightclub comes complete with a massive dance floor and stage, a Perrier-Jouët bar (plus a standard one for the hoi polloi), as well as six private rooms for VIPs looking to indulge in a spot of karaoke. As one of the hippest, most happening spots in Macau, it’s no wonder that the club has attracted some of the biggest names in showbiz to performed here think Nelly, Ne-Yo and Dita Von Teese. FYI: the Hard Rock’s signature cabaret show, Taboo, also takes place here at Club Cubic.
2/F, Hard Rock Hotel, City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau
(853) 6638 4999
Pacha Macau
The latest addition to Macau’s nightlife scene, Pacha opened its doors in 2015 and is a contender in the race to become the biggest, baddest club in town. A sister branch of the legendary Ibiza haunt, Pacha Macau takes up a massive space at Hollywood-themed mega resort Studio City that features a 1,000 square foot dance floor. It’s all futuristic lighting and curved ceilings in here, with not one, not two, but three bars spread across the club. Have a nightcap at the outdoor terrace, perfect for those not looking for a wild all-nighter – but then again, why come to the club for a quiet one? Pacha has played host to rapper Lil Jon, celebutante-turned-DJ Paris Hilton, as well as numerous DJs big in the EDM music scene.
Studio City Macau, Estrada Flor de Lotus, Cotai, Macau
(853) 8865 6699
D2 Club
While lesser known than the major players, D2 is, in many ways, the OG of Macau clubbing culture. Opening way back in 2001, D2 still manages to draw in a fun-loving crowd to this day. Naturally, music is a big part of what makes this club special – evenings normally kick off with chilled-out lounge tunes, followed by R&B and ending in deep house tunes, perfect for the late-night crowd. Expect to see performances in the likes of acrobatics and cabaret.
Macau Fisherman's Wharf, Edf. New Orleans III, Macau
(853) 2872 3777
Heart Bar
Opened in 2015 at the Ascott Macau to the joy of cocktail connoisseurs, Heart Bar is one of the first Macau watering holes with a focus on mixology. With lavish yet modern decor and a sleek garden space, the only thing thing you’ll have to worry about here is which drink to get from its broad menu: You’ll want to try the signature Whisky Figgy ($85MOP), which is perfect for the holiday season with its complex flavors derived from blended scotch, dried fruit and toffee.
Ascott Macau, Heart Bar. Rua Cidade de Braga, NAPE, Macau
(853) 2822 8523
Article by Andrea Lo and Evelyn Lok
