A happy outcome of Macau’s transformation from a sleepy Portuguese enclave to the world’s most profitable gambling mecca is its burgeoning nightlife, which before the 1999 handover to China consisted only of hotel lounges and a dozen casinos. Today, diversions range from electrifying shows to neighborhood bars. After all, Macau attracts not only 29 million tourists a year but also a growing number of expats, from hotel managers to musicians, looking to unwind after work. Many venues stay open until dawn.

Come sundown, Macau erupts into a rainbow of flashing lights emanating from hotels and casinos, none more conspicuous than the 44-story Grand Lisboa looming over downtown like a vertical spaceship. Start out your night on the town atop this showy beacon at Robuchon au Dôme, ensconced under a glass bird cage-like dome and offering outstanding views and the city’s most famous haute French cuisine.

More down to earth but equally compelling, the sleek, suitably dark Sky 21 serves up Asian fusion fare and live piano music. One floor up you’ll find the venue’s most unexpected feature, a bar with a wraparound outdoor deck boasting Macau’s best alfresco views and attracting a hip after-work crowd. It’s tempting to stay put and groove to the DJ who gets things rolling after 10 p.m., but close by in the MGM Macau Lion’s Bar, live music inspires dancing throughout the night.

Stages productions such as The House of Dancing Water © Beth Reiber

Over in Cotai, home to Macau’s ever-growing list of casinos and mega-hotels, the Bellini Lounge at The Venetian Macao attracts expats and business travelers alike with its resident bands and late hours. Nearby Club Cubic, in the City of Dreams, stages the titillating cabaret experience TABOO, highlighting the talents of singers and scantily clad dancers along with dramatic visuals in an intimate nightclub setting. Be sure to catch The House of Dancing Water, also at City of Dreams — a jaw-dropping extravaganza featuring a 26-foot-deep pool; rising and descending platforms; elaborate stage sets; and 80 acrobats, divers, gymnasts, trapeze artists, motorcycle stuntmen and others who perform death-defying acts that keep spectators on the edge of their seats.

Although Macau has seen a recent surge in LGBT activism, gay culture remains mostly invisible, and there are no gay bars in Macau. Hong Kong, however, with a small but lively gay nightlife scene, is just an hour’s boat ride away.

Of course, Macau’s 35 casinos remain a top draw, including those operated by The Venetian, Wynn, MGM and other big operators. At the other extreme, look to low-key neighborhood hangouts like the Moonwalker, Old Taipa Taverna, Mini Bar & Lounge and Innside Bar. In short, there’s something for everyone when the sun goes down in Macau. And the options just keep getting better.