Heading to the City of Lights? This Las Vegas travel guide will equip you with everything you need to know before you go!
Istanbul Turkey
I believe there are two types of people in the world. One, the type who love Las Vegas. Second, the type who don’t know they love it yet. And the best way forward is to surrender without guilt.
If you’re looking to find that love for the entertainment mecca, a trip to the city will serve the purpose. You probably already have an image of Vegas…you know, the “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” says a lot 😉 But when you visit… you’ll find out there’s so much more to the city, too!
I visited Vegas a few years back with a friend and we had THE time of our lives! Keep reading as we share insider tips that we learned from our Vegas experience.
Over View of the city
How to Get to Las Vegas
If you’re coming by air, you will most likely land at the Harry Reid International Airport (just a few miles from the Las Vegas strip). From here, you can choose any one of taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, shuttle buses, or rental cars, to get to your accommodation. Wait, what accommodation? See below for your best options 😁
Best Hotels and Resorts in Las Vegas
You’ve landed now you need a spot to stay. Luckily, Las Vegas has so many amazing spots, and in a wide range of budgets!
This is one of THE best new hotels in Las Vegas. Here, you can find 36 restaurants and/or bars, seven pools, a private club, and an entertainment district crazy, I know! And should you need to recharge, their spa boasts the city’s largest thermal experience.
The recently refreshed rooms in Wynn Las Vegas are a master class in taste and the service is top-notch. We especially love the interactive culinary and beverage programming where guests “can attend collaborative dinners with the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards chefs”.
For folks hoping to stay in downtown this adults-only Vegas hotel is amazing. It is a little more lowkey than the likes of those on the strip, but never fear, you’ll still get the full Vegas experience. Here, you can find a massive casino resort (with almost 800 rooms). There’s also a restaurant and an outdoor pool. Yep, huge, loads of fun, and absolutely worth it.
This one’s as budget-friendly as Vegas gets. Oasis at Gold Spike is a vintage hotel that underwent a refurb into the millennial ideal. It combines a coworking space and crash pad with facilities like bike rentals, a library, etc. Their restaurant is open around the clock, and the backyard is an adult playground with occasional concerts.
The Vegas Strip
When to Go to Las Vegas
Most of the time, you probably aim to avoid the crowds. But you just may want to schedule your Las Vegas trip to coincide with popular days when the city is full of excitement!! This can be around any sporting event (like Super Bowl weekend) or a federal holiday (such as July 4).
You will, however, see soaring prices for accommodations. But that may be worth it if you want to experience Vegas when the city is electric.
That said, there’s really no bad time to visit Las Vegas. Even if you visit at a time with fewer crowds, there will still be a party nearly every day of the week and at all times of the day. If you head to Vegas in the summer months, the hot sun (and temperatures at least 104°F/40°C) will drive down resort prices. But you’ll still be able to keep cool with air-conditioning everywhere + enjoy the pool party season.
How Long to Stay in Las Vegas
The Neon Capital of the World is all things saucy but during our trip, we knew we were ready to go home on day four. I’d say 4 days are enough for a thrilling experience in the city, but if you want to visit some lesser-known sights, 7 days will be a good idea. Either way…there will be no quieter flight than the return flight home from Las Vegas. You want to set apart a day for rest afterwards!
Vegas the party city
What to Do in Las Vegas
I’d say it’s worth walking through different resorts to see their personalities. In fact, part of the Vegas charm is experiencing its eclectic decor and themes; the interior of resorts will often reflect the Vegas personality in the year they were built.
Apart from that…here’s what to do:
Bellagio Fountains
If you didn’t capture a boomerang of the Las Vegas fountains did you actually go to Vegas? The show goes off every 30 minutes in the afternoon and every 15 minutes from 8 pm to midnight.
Awana Spa
This place is so tranquil, you’ll struggle to tell it’s Vegas! Here, you’ll find an Aufguss performance sauna, a laconicum, vibrating stone loungers as well as hot and cold plunge pools.
Fashion Show Las Vegas
If you like shopping, let me tell you this ain’t your average shopping emporium. With over 250 retailers and 30 plus outlets, this mall is HUGE. Fun fact the steel cloud installation that you’ll see suspended outside the plaza weighs 1.1 million pounds!
XS Nightclub
This one’s for the nightlife lovers. Everyone from Justin Beiber to Drake has performed at this nightclub for A-listers.
Red Rock Canyon Recreation Area
When I thought I needed a break from the buzz, the Red Rock area served well! You’ll find all the relaxing, pleasant things here. Horse riding, rock climbing, and a suuuper scenic drive are some of my favorites.
The Sphere
The Sphere is massive even taller than the Statue of Liberty. This golf ball-shaped music and entertainment arena is cloaked in 1.2 million LED lights that form a statement in the city’s skyline. I’d describe this as futuristic and otherworldly like a piece of alien tech.
Mob Museum
History buffs will love the intriguing history of organized crime and law enforcement at this museum. It’s located in a historic courthouse downtown, and is well worth a visit.
Comedy Club
If you love to laugh your heart out you might as well want to head to the Comedy Cellar at Rio. The comedians will really show the lighter side of Vegas.
Walk down Las Vegas Strip
What to Eat in Las Vegas
Ah, finally. MY favorite part of any destination. I am a huge foodie and Las Vegas did not disappoint. Here’s what you want to try:
- Bazaar Meat—a whimsical steakhouse. I loved their snacks, especially foie gras cotton candy, and, of course, their series of tartares.
- Delilah—reminiscent of an opulent 1900s supper club. You want to try their grown-up chicken nuggets and beef Wellington.
- Carbone—if you’re hungry. They have HUGE portions! Plus, this is the world’s best red sauce haunt.
- Red Plate—a tiny jewel box within the Cosmopolitan. I loved their Cantonese cuisine, especially the exceptional hot pot.
- Milos—go there for the Milos Special: paper-thin and lightly fried eggplant and zucchini. Mhm 😋
