Studio City Macau. Credit: Studio City Macau
When Studio City debuted in 2015, it introduced Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Star Tower hotel, a Four-Star spa, an eye-popping attraction (more on the Golden Reel below) and other things to Macau. It quickly became a staple in China’s glitzy gambling hub.
To discover what’s new in the area, we turned to Studio City’s vice president – operations, Patrick B. Schaub. Working at the property since its opening, Schaub is a member of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs (the oldest and largest food and wine society in the world) and is immersed in the local scene. He gave us the lowdown on the hottest restaurants and bars, and where to find China’s cuddly national animal in these parts.
What is the best way to spend one day in Macau?
I would recommend focusing on food and heritage attractions if you only have a day in Macau.
In the morning, go visit the landmark heritages in the heart of Macau city, such as Ruin of St. Paul’s, and close to Senado Square, there are a lot of historical buildings that best define Macau as a melting pot of Western and Chinese cultures.
There are many hidden home cookeries around the central Macau area, which would bring you an authentic taste of local Macanese flavors whenever you need a recharge.
Golden Reel. Credit: Studio City Macau
Hop onto the world’s first 8-shaped Ferris wheel, Golden Reel, in Studio City during sunset — it gives you breathtaking views of the city [almost 430 feet] up in the air. Enjoy the magic moment with your friends or loved ones.
Also not to be missed is The House of Dancing Water performance at City of Dreams. It’s the most spectacular water-based show to date. Extraordinary scene setting and performances are designed to awe every audience.
As a perfect closure, enjoy a sumptuous meal at Jade Dragon, a Chinese restaurant showcasing exquisite culinary masterpieces created by the chef team using the freshest seasonal ingredients and delectable delicacies. Jade Dragon definitely is a benchmark of refined Chinese dining in Asia.
Jade Dragon. Credit: City of Dreams
What’s new in Macau?
Anim’Arte Nam Van is a recently developed area for locals and tourists with a view of the whole Nam Van Lake and Macau Tower. During festive seasons, there are marketplaces, water activities, art exhibitions and cafés all around. It’s a perfect place to chill out in the evening.
What are some of the most underrated attractions?
Quite many visitors don’t know that we have a couple pandas in the Giant Panda Pavilion in Macau.
Situated in Coloane and just a couple minutes away by a taxi ride from Studio City, visitors have a chance to visit the Chinese national treasures along with other rare animals in this park, which is designed to be a key educational site for conservation of rare animals in Macau.
Pearl Dragon. Credit: Melco Crown Entertainment Limited
What are the hottest restaurants right now?
Pearl Dragon: Chinese restaurant Pearl Dragon offers you a refined taste of China complemented by sophisticated interior décor. Its mouthwatering signature dishes mixed with creative innovation will delight and surprise you with provincial flavors.
IFT Educational Restaurant: The Educational Restaurant is a training unit for the hotel and culinary students of Institute for Tourism Studies of Macau. Don’t underestimate its quality; it’s food surely surpasses what you’d expect from an “educational restaurant.”
King’s Lobster: A local restaurant that focuses on a lobster food menu, with burgers, salads and more, located at Old Taipa Village, Rua de Cunha.
Studio City From Above. Credit: Studio City Macau
What are some great bars?
Mugs Talk is one of the most welcome and hottest local bars in Macau, with a long list of signature cocktails and craft beer selection. With live music performances, you will see how local Macanese spend the happy hour.
Also minutes away from the Nam Van Lake, it’s in perfect location after a busy day in central Macau.
Give us your favorite insider tip.
Studio City has one of the best transportation networks in Macau. Besides connecting to almost all entry points in Macau, our routes also go far stretched into the heart of the city. Simply look for our bus — no matter whether you are sightseeing in central Macau or central Taipa, you can always hop on our free shuttles to avoid the hectic traffic.
