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Las Vegas isn’t just a destination – it’s an experience. I find the history of Las Vegas to be fascinating. From Mormon missionaries, the railroad boom, to the construction of the Hoover Dam – Vegas has seen many eras.
Whether you’re chasing neon lights, gourmet eats, poolside vibes, or unforgettable shows, Sin City delivers on every level. I recently spent a weekend exploring the best of what Las Vegas has to offer, and here’s everything I loved (and a few tips for next time).
Tips for First-Timers
Hydrate hydrate hydrate: The desert heat and free drinks don’t mix well. Carry around a water bottle and order a water with every drink.
Comfortable shoes are a must: The Strip is longer than it looks.
Don’t gamble more than you can lose: Obvious, but still.
First trip in a while? Here’s a post of my top safety tips along with my favorite travel items, from making economy seats comfortable to a portable charger to take all the photos around.
Where to stay in Las Vegas
Vegas hotels are an experience in themselves. Think over-the-top design, epic views, and pool parties that feel straight out of a music video. Here are some top picks, depending on your vibe:
The Excalibur – Out of all the big hotels, this is the one that I really wanted to stay at. I love castles and the rooms at the Excalibur were slightly more reasonable than other hotels.
The Cosmopolitan – Chic, modern, and buzzing with energy. Balcony views of the Bellagio Fountains? Chef’s kiss. The Cosmo is great for couples, foodies, and nightlife lovers
The Bellagio – Classic Vegas elegance. It’s more upscale and a little quieter than party spots, but still central to everything. Plus, the Ballagio fountains are a must see.
Caesars Palace – Iconic and massive. You can basically live inside this resort without stepping outside for days and never run out of things to do. Caesars Palace is worth at least checking out.
Where to eat & drink in Las Vegas
Best Friend
Roy Choi is a cuisine artist. The ambiance of Best Friend is so Las Vegas, and everything we ordered was worth it. The lumpia is the best lumpia I’ve had to date, and I recommend ordering the off-menu vegetable fried rice. We also order the garlic chicken, and paired out taps-style meals with the Peach Tea, Something Sweet and Juciy, and the Cucumber cocktails.
Skyfall Panoramic Bar & Lounge
Found on the 64th floor of the Delano Las Vegas, Skyfall lounge is where you go when you want cocktails with a view. Picture panoramic skyline scenes: a front-row seat to the neon glow of the strip below.
I would describe the vibe as sleek and upscale but it was still pretty relaxed. We sat in lounge chairs and had fantastic cocktails with truffle fries. I ordered an off-menu espresso martini that rivals any other espresso martini I’ve ever had. It’s romantic, it’s Instagrammable, and it’s easily one of the best-kept secrets above the Strip.
Eataly
Step into Eataly at Park MGM and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to an Italian food market—just with a Vegas twist. This sprawling culinary playground is part market, part restaurant, and all kinds of delicious.
You can wander from station to station, grabbing freshly made pasta, wood-fired pizza, cheeses, and even gelato, all under one roof. Whether you want to sit down for a glass of wine and a leisurely meal or just snack your way through like a true foodie, Eataly is a must for anyone who loves authentic Italian eats. Pro tip: Don’t skip the fresh mozzarella bar. Trust me.
Evel Pizza
Found near the Freemont Street Experience, the selection of ready to go pizza-by-the-slice revived a lot of us on a night out. Evel Pizza feels like a classic dive bar and provides a break from the neon lights outside.
Secret Pizza hidden in the Cosmo
Literally hidden inside The Cosmo, but so worth the hunt after a night out. Good luck on the hunt to find this coveted pizza!
Zeppola Cafe
I didn’t get a chance to check out Zeppola, but it was high on my list based on the reviews on their pastries. It’s a must visit if I ever found myself back in Vegas.
What to do in Las Vegas
The Bellagio Fountains: Classic, but it never gets old. Go at night for a true view.
Fremont Street Experience: Downtown Vegas has a totally different vibe—more gritty, more local, more wild. We went when there was a Katy Perry lightshow experience, and then a live band came on, all while we watched people above on the zipline and fellow patrons wander in and out of casinos. This was a late night but so much fun!
High Roller Observation Wheel: Epic views of the Strip from 550 feet up. You can even book a Happy Half Hour cabin with an open bar!
Cirque du Soleil: Multiple shows on the Strip, but Cirque du Soleil O and Michael Jackson ONE are fan favorites. The Michael Jackson ONE can be found across the entrance to the Skyfall Lounge – making it easy to cross both of your list in one night.
Day Club at Encore: If this is your thing, you’ll have a blast. There’s a Poolside DJ, good drinks, and high energy. Enough said.
Magic Shows: Criss Angel and Shin Lim both bring serious wow-factor.
Comedy Clubs: Hit up shows at The Mirage or Laugh Factory for some late-night laughs.
Residencies: Big-name artists are always performing in Vegas. (Check ahead—Adele, Usher, and U2 have all had epic runs.)
?Welcome to Las Vegas” Sign: Erected in 1959, it’s likely you’ve this sign or a version of it before you ever stepped foot in the fabulous Las Vegas. We visited the sign as we were headed to the airport: we scheduled our uber with a stop here for a quick photo op. I was shocked but not surprised to see how many people were visiting the sign. It’s not a ?must-do” but it is cool to see.
Catch a sporting event: Depending when you visit, you can catch The Las Vegas Raiders, The Golden Nights, the Athletics, or the Aces.
Vegas is wild, weird, and wonderful. It’s a place where every day can feel like Saturday night, and that’s exactly what makes it so unforgettable. Whether you’re there for the glitz, the games, or just the good times, one thing’s for sure – you’ll leave with stories.
