I went to Las Vegas in November 2022 as a quick weekend trip from Salt Lake City (about a 6 hour drive). I really liked all there was to do and see, but it definitely is a city that will drain your bank account. Before going, be prepared to gamble (free drinks though!), shop, eat and see a show - as there really isn't much else to do.
I would probably recommend going during warmer weather as we did not get to attend any pool parties.
All recommendations beginning with an *asterisks are the ones that I recommend the most.
Hotels & Casinos:
The best place to stay in Vegas is on the main strip - that one well-known road with all of the restaurants, hotels, casinos, and more. While we only stayed at one hotel, I did list out a few recommendations.
Paris: We stayed here and loved it. Close to everything and lots to do.
Quick Eats/Coffee:
Located in the Cosmopolitan, the 3 below are the perfect spot for a quick bite to eat. It is similar to a food hall and has many more options than just the following:
Bang Bar: Fresh flatbread sandwiches and rice bowls.
Hattie B's Nashville Hot Chicken: Known in Nashville, this place has amazing food.
District: Slides, fries, & more.
Hello Kitty Cafe: A themed cafe that is perfect for a nice treat or a fun Insta pic. There is 2 locations in Vegas.
Breakfast/Lunch:
Suns Out, Buns Out: This place was pretty underwhelming but it got the job done. We got 2 breakfast sandwiches to go.
Egg Slut: Another quick breakfast spot, this one located in the Venetian. Was pretty busy so I would assume it's good.
Urth Caffe: The caffe is very popular in LA and known for being "healthy." I though my avocado toast was okay but the other food, including the acai bowl, looked really good so overall I would recommend.
Honey Salt: This isn't located on the strip but it was recommended to me. The menu looks pretty good.
Chica: Read that this place was pretty good!
Gabi Coffee & Bakery: A local recommended this brunch spot! The food looks incredible.
Lunch/Dinner:
I highly recommend making a reservation to any dinner place weeks in advance.
Nobu: Popular across many cities in the US - this place is known for it's top tier sushi.
Catch: Another well-known nice sushi spot.
Matteo's Ristorante Italiano: A really good Italian restaurant located in the Venetian. There were many restaurant options there as well.
Modenesi – parma prosciutto filled pasta, pistachios, mortadella, australian winter black truffles
Casonzei – pork and veal filled ravioli, pancetta, parmigiano reggiano, sage brown butter
Mandilli di seta – handkerchief egg pasta, almond basil pesto, ligurian extra virgin olive oil (we did not get this pasta but many people around us did and it looked delicious)
Gorden Ramsey's Hells Kitchen: Obviously this was recommended to us as it is super popular!
Drinks:
Although I have not been to most of the bars below, they all have great reviews and beautiful drinks. I will be hitting these up as soon as I return!
Skybar: This is the only bar we went to but it was located on the 20-something floor of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Very beautiful view of the city.
The Barbershop: This is a speak easy.
Seven Magic Mountains: An outdoor art sculpture photo-op that is located a few miles from the strip.
Taco Bell Cantina: The flagship restaurant which includes alcoholic baja blasts, neon lights and club music. Open 24 hours and definitely a fun experience.
Nectar Bath Treats: A bath product shop that sells body wash, bath bombs, bubble bars, etc. Expensive but quite the relaxing experience.
High Roller: The is the 550 foot high/30 minute ferris wheel located just off the strip. Tickets for adults range from $23 to $35 depending on the time of day - but I have heard that the view at night is better.
Top of Eiffel Tower: Tickets are sold at the Paris hotel and start at $24 for adults. It is 46 stories high.
Meow Wolf: An "interactive, mind-bending immersive art experience" with a few locations in the US. I definitely recommend as it is very captivating and unlike any other experience. I suggest buying tickets online.
Bellagio Water Show: A daily afternoon & evening fountain show outside of the Bellagio hotel. It goes off every 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day.
Cirque Du Soleil: I highly recommend going to see a show in Vegas. We saw the Cirque Du Soleil "O" show - which is their water show. Good tickets were about $175 a person, and we sat in about the 15th row. It was one of the best shows I have ever seen.
The Strat Thrill Rides: The stratosphere is almost 1200 feet tall and there are quite a few adventure seeking activities at the top. I plan on doing the SkyJump when I return.
Big Shot
Insanity
SkyJump
X-Scream
Fremont Street Experience: A very well-known entertainment and gaming destination. You can even go zip-lining through this indoor area! The only downside is that it is not located in the heart of the strip.
Pawn Stars: The "Gold & Silver Pawn Shop" is the home of the Pawn Stars show. This is located off of the strip in an area that isn't as nice. It was really cool to see, but if you don't plan on buying anything then I would just recommend driving by rather than going in.
Hoover Dam: A 30-minute drive from the strip. I didn't get to go but it would definitely be cool to see!
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