Image courtesy of Bellagio
Las Vegas runs on controlled chaos—where Michelin-starred kitchens share real estate with slot machines, and you can pivot from a Cirque du Soleil show to a 2 a.m. taco run without anyone batting an eye. The Strip delivers exactly what it promises: restaurants that justify the plane ticket, pools that operate like nightclubs, and production budgets that would make Broadway blush.
Beyond the neon lights, locals will steer you toward Red Rock Canyon for desert hikes and the Valley of Fire and Hoover Dam for easy day trips. Downtown’s Fremont Street delivers vintage Vegas flair, and newer districts like the Arts District and AREA15 are slowly bringing back a creative edge.
All types of travelers head to Vegas for food-focused trips, big-name concerts, or milestone celebrations. Discover how to prep for a weekend in Sin City, plus the best places to stay.
Need to know
Image courtesy of The Venetian Las Vegas
The city fills quickly during conventions, holidays, and major events, so book hotels, dining, and show tickets well in advance.
Airports: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) serves as Las Vegas’s primary gateway, welcoming both commercial flights and private jets. Non-stop routes connect to cities across North America, plus international cities like London, Amsterdam, and Seoul.
Transportation: Many travelers make the scenic drive from Los Angeles (about 4 hours), Phoenix (just under 5 hours), and San Francisco (just over 8 hours), with ample parking found across Vegas. The Strip is easily walkable, with buses, trams, and monorail also available. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are everywhere, but expect traffic during peak hours and times of the year.
Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer comfortable temperatures for exploring the city and surrounding natural attractions. Summer (June–August) is really hot, ideal for poolside relaxation, afternoons at the spa, and indoor entertainment. Winter (December–February) sees cooler days and increased holiday crowds.
Ideal length of stay: Three to four days gives visitors enough time to experience casinos, shows, and major Strip attractions. Extending your visit to five to seven days allows for side trips to nearby highlights like Red Rock Canyon and Hoover Dam.
Signature dishes and drinks:
Wagyu & tomahawk steaks: The Strip’s ultimate indulgence, carved tableside.
Caviar & seafood towers: Vegas-style appetizers, best shared with champagne.
Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni Vodka: A cult favorite and social media icon.
Japanese wagyu nigiri: Luxurious bite found at omakase spots.
Tableside caesar salad: Classic Vegas showmanship in salad form.
Late-night street eats: From tacos to ramen, post-midnight favorites across Vegas.
Verbena: Zesty cocktail topped with a numbing flower at the Chandelier Bar.
Smoked Old Fashioned: Dramatic, tableside, and timeless.
Pineapple Express: Tropical and photo-ready.
Midnight Manhattan: Smooth, dark, and elegant.
What to wear: Daytime is casual and cool, with linens, sneakers, and sunnies. Evenings go glam with heels, metallics, tailored looks, and bold accessories. Upscale dining and lounges call for polished outfits. And no matter what, bring great shoes because you’ll walk more than you think.
Travel tips:
Sun protection: Desert sun hits hard. Reapply if you’re poolside or walking the Strip. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle go a long way to stay comfortable.
Smoking: Allowed in most casinos and some bars, but banned in restaurants and non-gaming areas. Always look for designated smoking zones.
Tipping: Tipping is expected, with 18–20% the standard at restaurants and $1–2 per drink at bars and on casino floors.
Alcohol: Legal drinking age is 21. Alcohol is allowed on the Strip in plastic containers but open containers are restricted off the main tourist areas.
Las Vegas
Image courtesy of Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Las Vegas delivers bold, unforgettable escapism for every type of trip. Along the Strip, Vegas dazzles with towering resorts, world-class shows, and Michelin-starred dining. From boutique hotels to mega resort-casinos, there’s a place for everyone to stay.
Where to stay
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: A modern, design-forward resort casino on the Strip with chic rooms, multi-level pools, and cutting-edge dining. Art-filled interiors, rooftop terraces, and a buzzing nightlife scene make it ideal for travelers seeking style and energy.
Fora’s Marriott STARS partner perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast credit, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Bellagio: Famous for its iconic fountains, Bellagio blends classic Italian elegance with contemporary luxury. Sophisticated rooms, a fine-art gallery, botanical gardens, and a wide range of world-class restaurants make it a centerpiece on The Strip.
Fora’s Marriott STARS partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Wynn and Encore Las Vegas: Twin tower resort that combines refined luxury with expansive casino floors, designer boutiques, and vast pools. Wynn emphasizes elegance and high-end dining, while Encore adds a boutique feel with intimate nightlife and villas for ultimate privacy.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast credit, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Palazzo at The Venetian: Suites-only resorts that feature expansive accommodations, indoor canals, and an immersive Italian-inspired design. Guests have access to high-end shopping, award-winning restaurants, and integrated entertainment across both properties.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas: A sleek, contemporary resort with towering architecture, rooftop pools, and high-energy nightlife. Its modern aesthetic and expansive amenities make it a standout destination on the northern part of the Strip.
Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast credit, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Caesars Palace: A legendary Strip resort offering an expansive range of rooms and lavish villas, perfect for guests seeking privacy and space. The property also features the Nobu Hotel “hotel within a hotel,” bringing Japanese-inspired luxury and fine dining to the Caesars experience.
History and culture
Las Vegas began as a desert crossroads, originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples like the Southern Paiute. In the early 1800s, Mexican explorers and settlers gave the area its name, “the meadows,” for its natural springs and greenery. By the early 20th century, the city emerged as a railroad town and hub for mining and agriculture.
Its modern identity was forged in the 1930s between the legalization of gambling and the construction of the Hoover Dam, which brought a surge of workers and economic growth. Over the decades, the city transformed into the glittering global destination it is today, with world-renowned performers, innovative architecture, and cutting-edge dining. Landmarks like the Bellagio Fountains, Fremont Street Experience, and the neon-saturated historic district celebrate both the city’s inventive spirit and its theatrical flair.
Cultural celebrations and special events
Chinese New Year (January–February): Vibrant parades, lion dances, and fireworks light up the city with cultural experiences and festive cuisine.
Electric Daisy Carnival, EDC (May): One of the world’s largest electronic music festivals, featuring neon lights, carnival rides, and massive DJ performances.
Life is Beautiful Festival (September): A multi-day celebration of music, art, and food with live performances and interactive installations in Downtown.
Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix (November): High-octane racing comes to the Strip. Viewing stands and walls are installed about two months prior, restricting views and demanding premiums for some rooms with views.
National Finals Rodeo (December): Showcases professional rodeo competitions, western-themed events, and country music.
What to do in Las Vegas
Image courtesy of Wynn and Encore Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a city built for unforgettable moments, where every experience feels larger than life. Here’s a curated list of Sin City’s most iconic experiences, with no shortage of ways to make your time here unforgettable.
Bellagio: Watch the fountains dance in sync to music and lights. Wander through the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, where floral displays transform with each season.
The Sphere: Las Vegas’ newest architectural marvel, where immersive visuals and live performances blur the line between concert and cinematic experience.
Music residencies: World renowned artists like the Eagles, New Kids on the Block, Kelly Clarkson, and Jennifer Lopez have all called Vegas home, with even more scheduled.
Downtown Vegas: Explore the luminous history of Las Vegas at The Neon Museum. Head to Fremont Street for vintage charm, live performers, and a canopy of lights.
Car racing: Feel the rush of speed at a professional racetrack experience, taking the wheel of high-performance cars built for pure adrenaline.
Spa day: Unwind at one of the Strip’s legendary spas at the Wynn, Bellagio, and Waldorf Astoria, or retreat off-Strip for a more tranquil reset.
Shopping: Indulge in retail therapy with designer boutiques at The Shops at Crystals, eclectic finds in the Arts District, and discounted items at Las Vegas Premium Outlets.
AREA15: Step into a creative playground of immersive art, sensory exhibits, and music that transforms entertainment into something entirely new.
Golfing: Tee off at the Wynn Golf Club, a manicured oasis amid the city lights, or head to nearby desert courses framed by rugged mountain views.
Lake Mead: Charter a private yacht for a touch of glamour, sunset cocktails, and sweeping desert scenery.
Live theatre: Catch a mesmerizing blend of artistry and imagination at one of Cirque du Soleil’s shows like “O” at the Bellagio, or Wynn’s brand new “Awakening.”
Helicopter tour: Take to the skies over the Strip, the Hoover Dam, and to the Grand Canyon for a classic Vegas day trip.
Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart: Surreal, family-friendly, kaleidoscopic world of art. Wander hidden portals, immersive rooms, and mind-bending installations.
Where to eat in Las Vegas
Image courtesy of Ghost Donkey at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Vegas offers everything from hidden speakeasies to menus from Michelin-starred chefs. Here is a curated selection of the best restaurants, bars, and lounges that Vegas has to offer.
For additional suggestions, check out these guides from Fora Advisors Glenn and Judy Tudor, and Nadia Bess.
Restaurants on the Strip
Sinatra (Wynn): Classic Vegas glamour pairing timeless Italian dishes with martinis, live jazz, and refined service.
Prime Steakhouse (Bellagio): Old-school sophistication, serving steak and seafood with front-row views of the Bellagio fountains.
Lago by Julian Serrano (Bellagio): Airy and modern Italian fare, with creative small plates and stunning fountain views.
Beauty & Essex (The Cosmopolitan): Hidden behind a pawn shop entrance, this glittering hot spot delivers high energy, shareable plates, and inventive cocktails.
Block 16 Urban Food Hall (The Cosmopolitan): A collection of chef-led casual spots that bring serious flavor to fast dining.
Via Via Food Hall (The Venetian): Las Vegas’ newest foodie destination, featuring beloved global names for casual yet curated variety.
PISCES Bar & Seafare (Wynn): A sleek, ocean-inspired restaurant beside the Lake of Dreams, blending Wynn’s signature polish with Riviera ease.
Restaurants off the Strip
Edith’s (Downtown/Arts District): Southern gems served in a cozy, neighborhood space that locals adore.
La Mona Rosa (Downtown): Vibrant and full of personality, this lively Mexican spot boasts bold flavors with festive energy.
Sparrow + Wolf (West Vegas): A neighborhood favorite blending global flavors with bold creativity in a warm, industrial-chic setting.
Herbs and Rye (West Vegas): A Vegas institution where steakhouse classics meet Prohibition-era drinks in one of the city’s best bars.
Main St. Provisions (Arts District): Elevated comfort food meets modern Americana in one of the city’s most beloved local restaurants.
Drinks on the Strip
Chandelier Bar (The Cosmopolitan): A shimmering icon inside a curtain of crystal strands, where each level offers a different mood.
Vanderpump Cocktail Garden (Caesars Palace): Glamorous, floral, and unmistakably Lisa Vanderpump, sip photogenic cocktails surrounded by velvet textures.
The NoMad Library (NoMad Las Vegas): An elegant, dimly lit refuge lined with thousands of books and filled with old-world charm.
Pinky Ring (Bellagio): Bruno Mars brings golden-era glamour to this soulful lounge with velvet booths, smooth live music, and top-shelf cocktails.
Ghost Donkey (The Cosmopolitan): Hidden inside Block 16 Food Hall, this mezcal and tequila bar is pure sensory fun with disco lights and Mexican street snacks.
Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails (The Cosmopolitan): Behind an unmarked janitor’s door lies a moody speakeasy serving whiskey flights with live bands.
1923 Prohibition Bar (Mandalay Bay): Step through the curtain and into the Roaring Twenties with jazz and burlesque in a sultry, candlelit lounge.
The Lock (Horseshoe / Cabinet of Curiosities): A vintage-inspired hideaway with live jazz and finely crafted cocktails served in antique glassware.
Drinks off the Strip
CC Speakeasy (Arts District): Tucked behind Craft Creamery, this hidden cocktail den delivers creativity in every glass that’s equal parts secretive and stylish.
The Laundry Room (Downtown): An intimate speakeasy inside the Commonwealth bar where phones are tucked away and cocktails are tailored to your taste.
Legacy Club (Circa Resort): High above Downtown, this old-school rooftop bar delivers panoramic city views and an effortlessly polished atmosphere.
Trips to add on
From desert vistas to towering canyons and major cities, these destinations offer half-day or multi-day contrasts to Sin City’s neon energy.
Red Rock Canyon (30-minute drive): Sandstone cliffs and scenic drives offer the perfect escape. Hike, climb, or simply take in the desert stillness contrasting Vegas’ high-energy.
Valley of Fire State Park (1-hour drive): Named for its glowing red sandstone, this park is a photographer’s dream with ancient petroglyphs, winding trails, and fiery landscapes.
Death Valley National Park, California (2-hour drive): Vast, surreal, and otherworldly, Death Valley’s salt flats and rolling dunes create an unforgettable desert experience.
Zion National Park, Utah (2.5-hour drive): Towering cliffs, emerald pools, and winding trails define this dramatic canyon landscape delivering cinematic beauty at every turn.
Joshua Tree National Park, California (3-hour drive): A desert icon near Palm Springs known for its twisted Joshua trees, boulder-strewn terrain, and star-filled skies.
Los Angeles, California (4-hour drive): Art museums, oceanfront dining, and iconic sights that capture California’s effortless allure, creativity, and coastal cool.
If not Las Vegas…
Image courtesy of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab
For a different kind of escape, these destinations offer unique blends of culture, luxury, and distinctive local character. Each provides an alternative urban adventure mixed with outdoor sights that provide equally memorable experiences.
Dubai, UAE: A city of striking contrasts. Futuristic architecture, desert adventures, and luxury resorts are paired with traditional souks, dhow cruises, and vibrant culinary scenes.
Macau, China: Known as the “Las Vegas of Asia,” combining world-class casinos with history and culture, ornate temples, and coastal promenades .
Monaco: Chic, coastal luxury with grand casinos, high-end shopping, and yachting. Great for elite experiences in a scenic European setting.
Singapore: A sleek urban playground with rooftop bars, Michelin-starred restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, plus cultural districts and waterfront attractions.