Las Vegas

Welcome to the dazzling city of Las Vegas, where the lights never dim, and the energy is palpable, day and night. Known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas is a destination unlike any other, offering an array of attractions, entertainment, and experiences that cater to every taste and interest. From the iconic Las Vegas Strip with its world-class hotels, casinos, and shows, to the vibrant downtown area filled with eclectic bars, restaurants, and galleries, there's something for everyone in this dynamic desert oasis.

Interactive Map

Check out all my Las Vegas recommendations below in this interactive map!

Las Vegas - Moonlit Traveler Guide - Google My Maps

Check out all my Las Vegas recommendations on this interactive map! Including activities, photo opportunities, restaurants, and more! I’ve listed all the monorail and tram stations in order from north to south on the strip.

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Las Vegas, Nevada Must-See

• The Casinos - First and foremost, nobody does casinos quite like Las Vegas. Most of the big hotels along the strip are also casions. Whether you plan to gamble a little, a lot, or none at all, the casion floors are hard to avoid, and at the very least you'll end up walking through some while wandering the Las Vegas Strip.
• The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden - Seasonally decorated and always stunning. Worth a wander around.
• The Bellagio Fountain - A Las Vegas classic attraction. The fountains go off about eveery 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day and the day of the week.
• The Paris Hotel - Featuring an Eiffel Tower replica. Journey to the Eiffel Tower viewing deck and see the Las Vegas Strip from up high, or enjoy the view over a meal at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant.
• The Venetian and Grand Canal Shoppes - A beautiful hotel, intricately decorated for it's namesake. Take a stroll through the shops and restaurants and it may just feel a bit like you're wandering the streets of Italy, complete with blue sky overhead. You can even take a ride through the hotel canals on an Italian inspired gondola.
• The Strat - You can enjoy several thrill rides at the top of the Strat.
• New York, New York - A hotel inspired by the bustling big apple. Enjoy their wide selection of shops and restaurants, play some games at the arcade, and take a ride on the roller coaster!
• Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Aquarium - For a small fee you can wander around this impressiove aquarium. You'll want to allow 30 minutes to an hour to see the whole exhibit.
• The Linq Promenade - Various shops and restaurants. Also home to the High Roller.
  • The High Roller - The Las Vegas Strip ferris wheel. Take this during the day or after nightfall for spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip. Just outside the Linq Hotel & Casino.
• Cirque du Soleil - These shows are fantastic! They have several shows at various casions along the Strip - choose from Mystere, O, Mad Apple, Ka, Beatles Love, Micheal Jackson One, and Blue Man Group. Prepare to be dazzled by these live performances. If you're having difficulty choosing, I highly reccomend O, Ka, and Beatles Love.
• Meow Wolf - Omega Mart - If you've never heard of Meow Wolf, they are interative art exhibitions. In each one they create a world within the exhibit, and a mystery for visitors to solve. Great for family adventure or adults. The level of detail and creation in these exhibits is truly stunning. Just off the Strip, inside Area 51.
• The Sphere - whether visiting for a movie or a live performance, the Sphere is home to some pretty unique entertainment.
• The Container Park - Home to various local and small businesses. The stores are always cahnging and there's some usually some really unique finds there.
• Raider's Stadium - Whether you're a football fan, concert goer, or none of the above, this stadium is quite impressive to behold.

Getting Around Vegas

Cars, cabs, Ubers, and Lyfts are a great option if you're coming from or going to someplace off the main strip. But due to traffic along the Strip, taking a car up and down this road is usually quite time consuming, and most parking on the Strip is pay-to-park.

Walking is a great option, especially if you're traveling along the Strip. Be prepared to walk a lot though, they make the casinos like giant mazes, they want guests to walk by the casion floor on their way to any other activity, so it'll take some navigating to get around. Wear comfy shoes if you plan on walking everywhere.

I highly reccomend taking the Las Vegas Monorail and tram services. Conveniently running along the entire Las Vegas Strip. It'll take a bit of navigating at first to find the monorail stations, but once you get the hang of this, it's fast, cheap, and easy. But be prepared to also walk quite a bit if you'll be taking the monorail, you get to a lot of the stations inside hotels along the Strip, so you'll still be navigating through the casinos.
The Monorails runs from the Sahara Station at the south end of the strip all the way to the MGM Station at the northern end.The use of the monorail comes at a small fee, and you can buy days-long or week-long unlimited passes.
From MGM, you can cross the street to the Excalibur and take a tram all the way to Mandalay Bay.
There's also two other trams operating - one running from the Mirage to Treasure Island; another that is an express tram connecting the Bellagio to the Aria. All tram services are free for public use.

Where to Stay in Vegas

I definitely reccomend staying on the Las Vegas Strip if you plan to spend a good portion of your time here. The Strip is the center of the city and where you'll find most hotels, casinos, resaurants, shopping, and activities.

All the hotels on the Strip are pretty good, I'd reccomend looking for one of the bigger hotel&casions that has room deals when you're going. A lot of the time in Vegas a hotel will remodel it's rooms and offer room discounts for a period after to encourage more guests to experience their remodeled accomodations. I like to take full advantage of any deals I find for the specific times of my visits.

If you're using the monorail to get around the Strip I highly reccomend finding a hotel that the monorail stops at or near. The monorail has a station at the following locations:
Harrah’s & The LINQ; SAHARA Las Vegas; Westgate; Las Vegas Convention Center; Flamingo & Caesars Palace; Horseshoe/Paris; MGM Grand.

We love staying at The Sahara recently, its the last hotel on the Strip, but it's really convient since there's a monorail stop right at the hotel. I also love staying in the middle of the Strip, it makes getting around a little less time consuming. My personal favoritre spots to stay are the Venetian, the Paris, and Resorts World.

What to Eat in Vegas

Las Vegas is a diverse dining scene! From upscale celebrity chef restaurants to casual local eateries, the city offers a variety of culinary experiences to suit every taste and budget.

• Celebrity Chef Restaurants - There are plenty of celebrity chef restaurants to choose from while in Vegas, and these top celebrity chef restaurants exemplify the culinary excellence and innovation that define Las Vegas' vibrant dining scene.

  • Gordon Ramsay Steak - Located in the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, this upscale steakhouse by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay offers a modern twist on traditional steakhouse fare.
  • Giada - Situated in The Cromwell Hotel, Giada De Laurentiis' eponymous restaurant serves up Italian cuisine with a California flair, featuring fresh and flavorful dishes in a chic setting with stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip.
  • Hell's Kitchen - Inspired by Gordon Ramsay's hit television show, Hell's Kitchen at Caesars Palace offers an immersive dining experience where guests can enjoy signature dishes in a replica of the iconic studio set.
  • Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill - Located in Caesars Palace, Mesa Grill showcases the bold flavors of Southwestern cuisine crafted by celebrity chef Bobby Flay.
  • Momofuku - David Chang's Momofuku at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas offers an innovative take on Asian-inspired cuisine.

• Local Eats -

  • 7th & Carson Kitchen and Bar - Located just off the Strip, local spot has a unique and tasty menu. Brunch is my favorite time to visit this flavorful experience.

• Buffets - Vegas is home to a variety of quality buffets. These three buffets stand out for their exceptional quality, variety of offerings, and overall dining experience

  • Bacchanal Buffet - Located in Caesars Palace, this buffet is widely regarded as one of the best buffets in Las Vegas. With an extensive selection of high-quality dishes spanning various cuisines, including seafood, Asian, Italian, and American classics.
  • Wicked Spoon - Situated in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Wicked Spoon is known for its innovative approach to buffet dining. Featuring individual servings and chef-crafted dishes served in small plates, Wicked Spoon offers a modern and upscale buffet experience.
  • The Buffet at Wynn - The Buffet at Wynn, located in Wynn Las Vegas, is renowned for its elegant ambiance and exceptional culinary offerings. The Buffet at Wynn offers a sophisticated dining experience that consistently receives high praise from guests and critics alike.

• Food Halls and Markets are great for a variety of casual and fine dining options to choose from.

  • The Grand Canal Shoppes offer a wide variety of casual and fine dinging restaurants , all set within a whimsical Italian piazzo atmosphere.
  • The Cosmopolitan's Block 16 Urban Food Hall has a variety of food options from renowned chefs and local favorites.
  • The Park Vegas, nestled between New York-New York and Park MGM, is an outdoor dining and entertainment district featuring a selection of casual dining options and bars.
  • Eataly Las Vegas at Park MGM is a vibrant Italian marketplace, offering a variety of Italian delicacies, artisanal products, and dining experiences.

• Don't forget dessert! Get gourmet desserts at fine dining locations, or stop at a kiosk or shop along the strip for something sweeet! Popular dessert and sweet treat spots include Milk Bar, Sprinkles Cupcakes, Creamberry, Carlo's Bakery, or Saint Honoré Doughnuts & Beignets.

Alternative Attractions

While Las Vegas boasts a plethora of renowned attractions, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers seeking unique experiences off the beaten path. Venturing beyond the glitz and glamour of the Strip unveils a side of Las Vegas often overlooked by tourists.

• Ethel M Chocolate Factory: Indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory, located in nearby Henderson. Take a self-guided tour of the factory to see how gourmet chocolates are made, then wander through the adjacent Botanical Cactus Garden, home to over 300 species of desert plants.
• The Arts District: Discover the vibrant creative scene of downtown Las Vegas in the Arts District. Stroll along the streets lined with colorful murals, galleries, boutiques, and vintage shops. Don't miss First Friday, a monthly arts and culture festival featuring live music, food trucks, and open galleries.
• Neon Museum: Step into a world of vintage Vegas at the Neon Museum, where retired neon signs from iconic casinos are preserved and displayed. Take a guided tour through the Neon Boneyard and marvel at these neon relics, each with its own story to tell about the city's colorful past.
• Valley of Fire State Park: If you're adventurous, just a short drive from the Strip lies the Valley of Fire State Park, a stunning landscape of fiery red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and panoramic vistas. Hike through otherworldly terrain, photograph the dramatic rock formations, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert.