As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Las Vegas is known as a resort city that offers fine dining, gambling, entertainment, shopping, and nightlife. It is impossible to visit Las Vegas without experiencing the strip as it is considered one of the most famous streets in the world. Sin City is a tourist hot spot due to the variety of restaurants and luxury hotels. Not only are there amazing restaurants, entertainment, and shopping on the strip, but off the strip as well.
Let’s dive in to some of the best places this city has to offer. Who knows, maybe we’ll run into some of you while we are there.
Where to stay
For a luxurious resort style vacation, book your stay with the Cosmopolitan. This five-star hotel is located in the heart of the strip with windows overlooking the Bellagio fountain. Their city room features two queen size beds and a beautifully, large bathroom. The hotel offers an amazing restaurant selection as well as great amenities such as a spa, sauna, beauty salon, and wellness areas.
This hotel is a pink lovers dream. Their newly renovated designs are booking fast so jump on the great deals they are now offering. The Flamingo hotel is right next to the Linq Promenade and High Roller making it a perfect location for those looking for great dining and shopping experiences.
This five-star resort will have you feeling like you’re in the Italian countryside and Amalfi Coast in no time. Not only are the rooms luxurious, but the Palazzo features a world renowned spa called Canyon Ranch. Guests can enjoy many dining options inside the hotel as well as nightly entertainment minutes from your room. This is truly an all in one destination for those already familiar with the strip.
Where to eat & drink
Located in the Cromwell is Emmy Award-winning celebrity chef’s restaurant, Giada De Laurentiis. Her menu consists of some of the most iconic dishes from her Italian family recipes. For great Italian food in Las Vegas, Giada at the Cromwell is where it’s at.
Tucked away in the corner of Summerlin is a farm to table restaurant called Honey Salt. This neighborhood restaurant serves your traditional classic comfort food with a relaxed vibe that caters to every taste bud. Some of their specialty items include lobster rolls, turkey meatball flatbread, and farmers toast.
If you’re into coffee, brunch, or lunch, Neighbors cafe is the place to be. Not only is the food amazing, but the atmosphere is great to enjoy with friends and family. For one of their fun signature drinks, order a lavender London fog or the queen bee latte.
This is a must-see place to visit when in Vegas. For amazing food and desserts, Peppermill is the place to be. It has been around since 1972 and continues to remain an iconic Las Vegas attraction. This spot is centrally located on Las Vegas Blvd between the Wynn and Riviera.
This lively American bistro features menu items infused with flavors from Spain, France, and Italy. It is in the heart of Summerlin so prepare for a little drive from the strip. Vintner grill is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, work lunch, date night, and even weddings. Dinner items include flatbreads, pastas and risotto, fresh fish, and wood-grilled dishes.
Where to go & what to do
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area is one of Southern Nevada’s greatest treasures. More than 2 million people visit these iconic red mountains each year to hike, climb, bike, and even drive through the 13-mile scenic loop.
This is a fun place to see if you’re coming to Las Vegas with kids. Located just minutes from the strip is the largest collection of pinball machines from all over the world. Machines range from the 50’s to the 90’s and anyone can enjoy them even if you only come with $5. Games range from 25-50 cents.
Experience the history of Las Vegas through old neon signs. This non profit organization has been around since 1996 and preserves the life of iconic Las Vegas signs. Pieces at the neon museum range from the 1930’s to today. To view the collection, take an hour-long self guided tour or guided tours are available seven days a week on a limited basis. Book your tickets in advance.
The worlds tallest observation wheel is sitting right here in Las Vegas, Nevada. This 30-minute ride takes you 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip to take in views of the strip and the surrounding valley. For an open bar in the sky experience, purchase happy half hour tickets for bartender service from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.
If Venice has been on your bucket list, but you have not quite had the chance to visit yet then the Venetian is the next best thing. Experience everything you would in Venice, Italy while being serenaded in a gondola that is floating through the Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes.
For an off the strip experience, head downtown for the container park that has been a hub, not only for tourists, but locals as well. You will know when you have arrived because there is a 40-foot praying mantis, an original Burning Man attraction, that breathes fire at night. Here you can eat, drink, shop, and play. In the summer, Downtowns Container Park provides live entertainment and outdoor movie nights that make for a great date night in Las Vegas.
Car Forest
This is most definitely not your traditional Vegas attraction as it is far out from the Las Vegas Strip. Pack a picnic, camera, and your best girlfriends to take the coolest Instagram pictures of the Car Forest that is full of old, beat up cars. You can find this car forest off the US Hwy 95 South of Tonopah in Goldfield, NV.
First Friday
If you’re lucky enough to be in Vegas on the first Friday of a month, then you are in for a real treat. The downtown area fills up fast with tourist and locals to experience one-of-a-kind art, live entertainment, and food trucks. You’ll get a sense for the local art scene and have a chance to vibe with the locals.