Las Vegas travel guide: How to conquer Sin City beyond the casinos

Beneath its sequinned skin, Sin City is awash in creativity and surprising cultural substance. Consider this your elevated guide to Las Vegas — complete with all the top things to do, places to dine and ways to play.

By Eleanor Edstrom

Signature Luxury Travel & Style

Garish, glitzy, obscene. A behemoth of high-gloss ersatz and hedonic ideals. A neon mirage built on the promise of indulgence. Pool parties by day, poker by night. Time blurs. Dollars disappear. Decorum? Optional.

This is the Vegas the world claims to know — and, truthfully, the one I expect to hurtle into upon stepping off the plane. The latter assumption isn’t entirely unfounded; the airport arrival gates welcome us with a lurid jungle of blaring slots. Our taxi driver sports Elvis sideburns and speaks in a low, velvety voice. He also happens to be a singer. Barreling from the airport through palm-lined boulevards, we pass hotels of colossal scale and movie set-style billboard after billboard. ‘Lap dances, cheaper than eggs,’ one reads.

And yet, beyond its blackjack tables and LED-lit complexion, the Sin City harbors another lesser-known persona, I’ve since discovered. Vegas is also a hotbed of culinary excellence, thriving art culture and charismatic locals excited to show you their city’s beating heart. This is a place of high highs, curious contrasts and far more cultural substance than it gets credit for. Most importantly, it’s fun for all and all for fun. In this Las Vegas travel guide, we peel back the curtain to show you the soul behind the spectacle. Whether you’re here for 48 hours or a full week of indulgence, here’s your roadmap to the very best attractions, restaurants and stays the city has to offer.

Where is Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is located within the Mojave Desert in the US state of Nevada.

How to get to Las Vegas

The easiest way to get to Las Vegas is to fly into Harry Reid International Airport, which has daily connections to and from Los Angeles International Airport (approximately an hour and fifteen minutes in flight time).

Getting around Vegas

While certain areas of the city are walkable, getting around without a car can be challenging — especially if you are staying outside of the Strip. The best way to get around Las Vegas is to take taxis, use ridesharing services or hire a rental car. As far as public transport goes, the Las Vegas Monorail travels a 14-minute route along the Strip to several hotels, casinos and convention centers.

How many days should you spend in Vegas?

For first-time visitors, three to four days is generally considered enough to experience Las Vegas’s main attractions, though you could easily spend up to a week here.

THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS

Spanning art galleries and rejuvenating spas to high-thrill action, these are the best things to do in Las Vegas beyond the casinos.

Stroll the Arts District

A walkable pocket of Downtown Las Vegas with unmistakable Melbournian appeal, the Arts District is a collection of low-slung properties where the city slows down and shows its local soul. Roam secondhand stores (the stuff of vinyl hunting dreams, it bears noting) housed in former warehouses, indie art galleries, specialty coffee shops, pop-up pottery markets and craft breweries. Despite being just ten to fifteen minutes’ drive from The Strip, this charismatic locale is somewhat of a mystery for many out-of-towners. Time your visit to coincide with First Friday, a monthly celebration of creativity that attracts thousands of visitors to the neighborhood’s vibrant streets and art venues.

Step into the driver’s seat at Grand Prix Plaza

High-octane energy comes standard at Vegas’s newly minted F1 facility at Grand Prix Plaza — the world’s largest immersive Formula 1 attraction. We get a turbo-charged taste of Grand Prix racing as we go-kart along part of the official Las Vegas Strip Circuit, while the center’s interactive F1 X experience provides a tech-driven insight into F1 history, artifacts and supercar savoir-faire. If you’re looking for things to do in Las Vegas for motor car enthusiasts, this is it.

Detox at Lapis Spa & Wellness

It’s no secret that Las Vegas draws out late nights and questionable decisions. Fortunately, the award-winning Lapis Spa & Wellness at Fontainebleau has an antidote for every ailment. Soft spoken staff wrap us in fluffy robes and tuck our phones safely away, gently enforcing the first step of rejuvenation: disconnection. I rotate between infrared sauna sessions, cold plunges, the salt mist therapy room and mineral-rich vitality pools, before testing out the snow shower, which is indeed as bracing as it sounds. I don’t quite make it to the Event Sauna (a multisensory experience that, I’m told, defies explanation) but instead opt for a blissful nap in the stargazing lounge. I’m already plotting to install one in my own home.

Relive ‘70s disco culture at DISCOSHOW

There are infinite places to storm the dance floor in Vegas, but none quite compare to the euphoria of Spiegelworld’s DISCOSHOW. This 70-minute interactive dance show (think real-life Just-Dance-meets-Studio-54) celebrates the halcyon days of ‘70s New York disco culture — a movement originating from underground nightclubs that served as outlets for marginalized individuals during a period of economic stagnation. There’s roller skating, throwback ‘70s hits and a talented team of glitterati to keep the vibes high, making it one of the best things to do in Las Vegas for those who just want to let loose and have a good time (no substances required). Remember to don your best sequined attire.

Helicopter ride over the Strip and Grand Canyon

We’ve lifted off with Maverick Helicopters from the neon fizz of the Las Vegas Strip. At three hundred meters high with theatre-style seats behind wrap-around glass, it’s hard to imagine a more glorious way to experience the city’s glittering mirage. Soon we’re soaring over the blisteringly beautiful Mojave Desert en route to a private bluff in the Grand Canyon, gliding past rippling rocks and canted cliffs in rust-hued palettes. It’s awe-inspiring. We’ve opted for the four-hour Wind Dancer tour, but Maverick offers a host of flight offerings ranging from short rides over the Strip to sunset desert escapades.

Experience Las Vegas pool party culture

For those seeking slower paced, more languid things to do in Las Vegas (or those simply wishing to escape the fry-an-egg-on-the-pavement heat), relief can be found at the city’s clutch of pool parties and beach clubs. Daylight Beach Club at Mandalay Bay is an indulgent place to perch for an afternoon. We spend several blissful hours lazing and grazing in an exclusive cabana with a private plunge pool overlooking the action. There’s a DJ to set the mood, frozen cocktails to outpace the sun and poolside bites to carry the energy.

Visit the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art

While Vegas is better known for its blackjack tables than art collections, culture seekers can find an array of world-class art at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. Situated within the outrageously lavish grips of the Bellagio hotel, the art gallery itself is understated and refined — providing a welcome moment of quiet reflection. We’re lucky to have the gallery to ourselves when we visit, giving us plenty of time and space to soak in the current exhibition: American Duet: Jazz & Abstract Art (in situ until January 4 2026). It’s an inspiring exploration of the impact of jazz as a musical genre and 20th-century cultural movement, spotlighting innovative artists that translate the rhythms and sensibilities of jazz music into expressive visual forms.

Taste the best of Vegas on a Lip Smacking Foodie Tour

One of the best things to do in Las Vegas is to explore its burgeoning culinary scene. The best part? You can sample several of the city’s top tables in a single night with Lip Smacking Foodie Tours. While their tours span everything from swanky steakhouses to celebrity chef hotspots, we opt for the Arts District tour, a walking route through one of Vegas’s most creative and eclectic neighborhoods. Our first stop is seasonal Italian at Esther’s Kitchen from James Beard-nominated chef James Trees, where we devour crispy cauliflower infused with chilli and anchovy, along with handmade pasta doused in a pork sausage, fennel and blistered cherry tomato sauce — smoky and sensational. Then comes Mexican-meets-Greek saganaki at playful fusion restaurant Palate, before we finish the evening at The Pepper Club over an elegant Mediterranean feast — all served with a side of expert commentary and insider Las Vegas tips from our passionate local guide, Tom. Come hungry. Leave inspired.

Day trip to the Hoover Dam

Barely a forty-minute jaunt from the buzz of the Las Vegas Strip, the Hoover Dam offers an extraordinary yet sobering look back into the Great Depression of 1930s America. It’s an engineering feat so grand it took more than 5000 workers to construct (96 of whom lost their lives to the grueling conditions) and is now recognized as the largest man-made body of water in North America. For a unique perspective, join Lake Mead Mohave Adventures on a Hoover Dam Postcard Tour to see this American landmark from onboard a leisurely river raft. “The Canyon itself is magic. It’s very quiet down there. You get to just relax and forget that you have a cell phone for five minutes,” says Jame, Recreation Manager at Lake Mead Mojave Adventures. You’ll glide down the mighty Colorado River past sheer canyon walls, spotting and learning about remnants of the dam’s original construction along the way.

Wander through Fremont Street

For a taste of old-school Vegas with a high-voltage twist, head to Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. This pedestrian-only promenade spans five vibrant blocks beneath a 419-metre-long LED canopy, one of the largest video screens in the world. This is the historic heart of Vegas, where the city’s first casinos — such as the Golden Nugget (which you can still visit today) — helped define the Strip before the Strip even existed. Today, it’s a colorful, eclectic hum of street performers, retro neon signs and live music spilling out from casinos and bars — making a visit one of the most enthralling things to do in Las Vegas for night owls craving a slice of authentic Vegas grit.

See a show at The Sphere

No matter where you are in Vegas, you can almost always catch sight of The Sphere. Standing 112 meters tall and wrapped in 1.2 million LED lights, it’s the largest spherical structure in the world, doubling as a state-of-the-art concert and immersive show venue. Inside, a wraparound 16K screen and spatial audio system makes every seat feel like front row. We sit in for a screening of Postcard from Earth, a thought-provoking and sensory journey to the planet’s wildest and most colorful corners.

Visit Red Rock Canyon

If you’re looking for things to do in Las Vegas that showcase the area’s otherworldly natural beauty, zip over to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This inspiring geological playground offers hiking trails, rock climbing, biking routes and photo ops so stunning you’ll forget you’re just 25 minutes from the humming centre of Las Vegas. Take the 20-kilometre scenic drive through the highs and the lows of the canyon to witness spectacular iron-rich rock formations in stratified layers of rose, chalk white and burnt sienna.

Snap a photo at Seven Magic Mountains

Just south of Las Vegas Boulevard near Jean Dry Lake, Seven Magic Mountains is a striking large-scale sculpture that makes for a magical desert detour. Commissioned by the Art Production Fund and the Nevada Museum of Art but created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, the public art installation comprises seven stacks of brightly hued boulders backgrounded by the jagged ridges of Sheep Mountain and Bird Spring Range — a vivid expression of human presence in desert environments.

Explore the city’s specialty cocktail scene

It’s a sophisticated start to the night; Allē Lounge on 66 overlooks the Strip below, glowing and exuberant, from an elegant sky-high setting where attentive staff take our orders. With classic negronis, yuzu lemon libations and hibiscus palomas in hand, we’re a bunch of happy campers.

No doubt one of the top things to do in Las Vegas is enjoy a laid-back tipple at one of its many dazzling cocktail bars. Just a swift elevator ride down from Allē is Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge, also located within Resorts World Las Vegas and renowned for its theatrical champagne bath intoxicants (proceed with caution). Other cocktail hotspots to try in Vegas include the Velveteen Rabbit, Herbs and Rye and Juliet Cocktail Room.

Dive into crime history at The Mob Museum

From exhibited devices used by casino cheats and gas chamber chairs to an original script of The Godfather, The Mob Museum (officially known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement) provides a provocative insight into the corruption and crime that built Las Vegas — along with its wider impact on American society. Located in the building that served as the city’s main post office for decades, the museum is a must for visitors interested in the dark underbelly of Vegas history.

Hotel hop along the Strip

Sin City is famed for its tangle of extravagant hotels that flank the strip, each flaunting unique personalities and themes often reflecting the year in which they were built. It’s no surprise, then, that heading out on a walk-through tour of these monuments is one of the most popular things to do in Las Vegas. Take a ride on the Big Apple Coaster at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino, be transported back to ‘50s Vegas at the kitschy pink Flamingo Las Vegas, or perhaps watch gondolas drift along canals and admire Roman-inspired ceiling frescoes at The Venetian. And of course, don’t miss the infamous Bellagio fountains, which put on a mega-scale water show every 15 minutes come evening.

WHERE TO EAT IN LAS VEGAS

From Italian neighbourhood locales to bespoke brunch spots and fine dining addresses, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best restaurants in Vegas to try during your next visit.

Wakuda Vegas at The Venetian Resort

The lights are low; the cocktails are strong. Striking contemporary artwork frames the walls, and in the center of it all lies two wrestlers (named Su and Mo, our waiter Andy sharp-wittedly informs us), enveloped in a swirl of blushed cherry blossoms.

After celebrated Japanese-Australian chef Tetsuya Wakuda closed his famed Sydney restaurant in 2024 after 37 years of operation, the Australian public was grandly disappointed. Now, Wakuda Vegas is one of just two locations in the world where gourmands can experience the chef’s accoladed culinary creations. One of the best restaurants in Las Vegas for sashimi enthusiasts, the North American culinary outpost is rewriting the rules of fine dining. It’s modern Japanese that’s not afraid to have fun; Wasabi Caesar salads that swap croutons for rice crisps, amberjack sashimi that dissolves on your tongue, exquisitely balanced flavors and flawless service to round out the experience.

Casa Playa at Wynn Las Vegas

It begins with a simple but stupendously good fire roasted salsa, prepared tableside and served with Oaxava tortilla chips, and continues with charred octopus, and crispy ginger and habanero tilefish. The grand finale? Roasted mango flan with agave lime caramel. Located inside Wynn Las Vegas, Casa Playa lives up to all my upscale Mexican fare dreams — thanks to a genius coastal menu from James Beard nominee Chef Sarah Thompson. Extra brownie points for the clever tequila cocktails and warm-lit marigold decor.

La Fontaine at Fontainebleau Las Vegas

Of all the best restaurants in Las Vegas, La Fontaine takes the top slot for elegant brunch destinations with French flair. Happily caffeinated with European-quality coffee (a rarity in the States), we share a smorgasbord of cloud-like soufflé pancakes, elevated eggs Benedict and immaculately flaky croissants. The interiors are just as elegantly layered, rendered in soft pastels and sculptural features — my personal favorite being the petite chairs provided to rest your purse on.

Tacos El Gordo

While there are certainly more elegant settings to get your Mexican fix, this counter-serve taco joint is where all the locals go for authentic, no-frills street food. Even at 10pm, the lines at Tacos El Gordo on Las Vegas Boulevard were snaking out the door. We waited a good half hour to get our hands on the famous steak tacos our Uber driver so fiercely urged us to try. The verdict? Absolutely worth the wait. Sometimes, flavor trumps formality.

Diner Ross at The LINQ Las Vegas

Swing into Diner Ross, an upmarket take on a retro New York diner that riffs off international cuisines and abounds in old-school charm. The bavette steak frites with chimichurri is buttery and tender; the baked potato croquettes are effortlessly crisp. Perhaps savor a cocktail or two (cherry palomas anyone?) here before sliding into DISCOSHOW, located right next door, to dance the night away.

Esther’s Kitchen

Unlike many of its grand hotel-encased culinary peers, Esther’s Kitchen lies on an unassuming street in Downtown Las Vegas’s Arts District. And it’s by no accident; chef and James Beard finalist James Trees chose to open his first independent restaurant in his hometown, named after the great aunt who helped nurture his love for cooking. With its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and seasonal Italian dishes, the neighborhood address has quickly become one of the most locally praised restaurants in Las Vegas since opening its doors in 2024.

¡VIVA! by Ray Garcia at Resorts World Las Vegas

A bright and bold lunch or dinner spot located within Resorts World Las Vegas, ¡VIVA! is a celebration of Latin cooking and fresh ingredients. The restaurant was created in partnership with Esquire Magazine’s ‘Chef of the Year’ Ray Garcia, who brings his unique culinary perspective to the city’s blossoming dining scene. Try the yellowtail ceviche with puffed rice and leche de tigre, roasted cauliflower tacos and heritage pork pozole.

Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand

For travelers with an interest in the culinary arts (and a high budget), Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand is one of Vegas’s must-try fine dining restaurants. The three Michelin star establishment is renowned for its technically precise and flavor-rich French dishes, along with its excellent service. Expect Art Deco interiors and equally artful plates.

LPM Restaurant and Bar at The Cosmopolitan

Inspired by the French Riveria, LPM Restaurant & Bar promises harmony on the palate and joie de vivre whimsy in every bite. We come for brunch, where sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh baguette and olive oil await us at our table. The herby escargots, roasted parmesan potatoes and zingy avocado toast are highlights. Go for dinner and choose from Mediterranean-style whole grilled sea bass, orange glazed-duck and rib-eye with bordelaise sauce.

Signature Selects: where to stay in Las Vegas

I’m bedding down in Hilton Las Vegas, nestled within the LED-sheened Resorts World Las Vegas. The hospitality and entertainment complex houses two other luxury hotels (Conrad and Crockfords), plus a buzzing casino, a sprawling rooftop cabana pool area and more than 50 food and beverage experiences to tempt every palate. Conveniently located at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, it’s perfect for those who want to be close to the action without being caught in the thick of it.

If you’re after a sophisticated atmosphere and gallery-worthy art collection, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is an excellent choice. This fairly recent addition to Vegas’s hotel scene (it debuted in December 2023) has a grand yet polished feel, offering curated high-end shopping, regal residential-style suites and elegant dining venues.

For a quieter stay away from the rattle and roar of slot machines, consider booking a non-gaming hotel — properties without an on-site casino that offer a surprisingly tranquil oasis in a city built on high stakes. The Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, Four Seasons Las Vegas and Vdara fall into this category, ideal for travelers craving a little calm amid the chaos.

TRAVEL FAQS

Is it better to stay on the Las Vegas Strip or downtown?

If you’re keen to be close to the action — shows, celebrity restaurants, world-famous hotels, casinos and all — the Strip is your best option. Downtown Vegas, however, offers plenty of calmer accommodation that often provide better value for money.

When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?

Unless you enjoy melting in the streets, Vegas is best avoided during the summer months from June to August. The best time to visit Las Vegas is during the more temperate spring and autumn months, though it is worth noting these are usually the more popular tourist periods.

What is the cheapest month to go to Vegas?

Due to cooler winter weather, fewer conventions and fewer crowds, December, late January and February are often the cheapest time of year to visit Las Vegas. There are, however, a couple of disadvantages (such as seasonal pool closures) that come with visiting this time of year.

What is the most expensive time to visit Vegas?

The most expensive times to visit Las Vegas often fall upon major public holidays and events such as New Year’s Eve, the Fourth of July and the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are considered peak tourist seasons so can be quite pricey. Major conventions can also see flight and accommodation prices soar, so check what’s on in advance and consider booking around these.

Is it safe to walk around downtown Las Vegas at night?

Yes, it is generally safe to visit downtown Las Vegas, with a few savvy caveats. It’s wise to keep your wits about you, travel in groups and to stick to well-lit areas — especially Fremont Street. Avoid wandering into sketchier side streets after midnight. Like any city hotspot, a little street smarts goes a long way.

The writer was a guest of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.