A Weekend Getaway Guide to Las Vegas

NIGHTLIFE / DAYLIFE

Few other places in the world rival the nightlife and day life found on the Las Vegas Strip. The pool parties alone are something everyone should experience at least once in their life - they're raucous, over-the-top affairs brimming with celebrity DJ sets, champagne showers and dollar bill confetti cannons. And the nightclubs? World class production value. Simply put, the extravagance is outrageous, and yet, that's why we love Vegas, isn't it? See below for my top picks:

XS Las Vegas: Best nightclub in the city. Epic indoor/outdoor layout (complete with a pool, if they’re having a night swim party, don’t sleep on it) with over-the-top design and the best DJ residencies across the system.

Encore Beach Club: My personal favorite day club. It features multiple pools, ample cabanas available for rent (some with their own private infinity pools), celeb DJs and all the extravagance one could want.

Marquee Dayclub: Featuring a more intimate vibe, this day club is located on a rooftop at the Cosmopolitan, with waterfall features and cityscape views.

Wet Republic: This classic mega day club features celeb DJs and all the typical Vegas tomfoolery — fog blasters, confetti and jumbo-sized tropical drinks.

Encore Beach Club at Night: On certain nights they transform the day club into a nighttime pool party. You'll get to enjoy all 3 pools under the stars, plus an indoor area for more traditional nightclub vibes.

Hakkasan: A true Vegas mega-club — I mean, this place has 6 stories! The production value is out of this world, complete with lasers, timed fog blasts and gogo dancers.

Omnia: Such a cool space, and the DJ residencies are top-tier. Its most iconic feature is the Transformer-like chandelier that hangs from the ceiling and moves in sync with the music.

Marquee: This is a smaller but fun nightclub, complete with two different dance rooms and a wraparound patio overlooking the Strip.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Of course, partying isn't the only thing to do in Las Vegas. There are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained on your weekend getaway. Keep reading for some highlights:

Tour the casinos: Half the fun of Vegas is the over-the-top, sometimes outright kitschy themes in all the hotels! You can’t miss the Bellagio Fountains and Conservatory, the volcano at Mirage, the Grand Canal at Venetian, the Eiffel Tower at Paris, the Chandelier Bar at Cosmo, the Pyramid at Luxor, the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and the overall grandeur of the Wynn.

Cirque du Soleil: Catch one of the 6 unique shows taking place around the city and prepare to be wowed.

Topgolf: Sports bar, entertainment zone and golf experience all in one.

Seven Magic Mountains: An art installation located 10 miles south of the Strip.

Hiking in Red Rock Canyon State Park.

Go zip-lining over Fremont Street.

Museum of Neon: Explore the history of Vegas through its neon past.

Meow Wolf: An immersive art museum experience.

High Roller: 90-minute Ferris wheel ride with 360 degree views of the city/desert
Rollercoaster at New York New York.

BRUNCH / LUNCH

Mon Ami Gabi (Paris): My favorite brunch spot in Vegas! Yummy French food with a patio underneath the Eiffel Tower that overlooks the Bellagio Fountains. Note: the patio is first come first served.

Eggslut (The Cosmo): Fast-casual, insanely good egg sandwiches. Be prepared for a long line but it's worth it!

Jardin (The Wynn): Poolside spot for American breakfast fare, juices and coffee.

True Food Kitchen (Caesars): Fresh, healthy Californian cuisine with great juices and brunch cocktails.

Wicked Spoon (The Cosmo): One of the highest-rated buffets in the city.

DINNER

Din Tai Fung (Aria): Some of the best dim sum you'll ever have in your life!! This is a Michelin-starred chain based out of Taiwan, with only a few locations in the US. Literally so good. Some must-tries include the Shanghai rice noodles, chili cucumbers and chocolate mochi dessert dumplings.

Canaletto (Venetian): Delicious Italian food by the Grand Canal.

Beauty & Essex (Cosmo): Trendy ambience (you enter through a pawn shop to get to it) with tapas-style fusion cuisine and really good cocktails. Think: street corn ravioli, poke tacos and mini avocado toasts.

TAO (Venetian): Yummy Pan-Asian food with a fun, clubby atmosphere.

Holstein's (The Cosmo): Stellar burgers and boozy shakes.

Casa Playa (Wynn): A sceney coastal Mexican place where you can devour ceviche, fish tacos and margs inside a fun, beach-house style environment.

Tacos El Gordo: Famous taco spot in Las Vegas; it's not fancy but it sure is amazing! Be prepared for long lines.

AFTER A NIGHT OUT

Secret Pizza (The Cosmo): NY-style slices, look for the hallway lined with records on the 3rd floor by Marquee and follow the smell of the 'za.

COCKTAILS:

Chandelier Bar (The Cosmo): a Vegas classic, this bar features three different levels inside an actual chandelier

Ghost Donkey (The Cosmo): Mezcal. Speakeasy. Need I say more?

Vanderpump Cocktail Garden (Caesars): Fans of Bravo star Lisa Vanderpump will love this sceney and fun spot for yummy cocktails.

Eiffel Tower Bar (Paris): This is the place if you want somewhere with incredible views overlooking the Strip and the Bellagio Fountains.

minus5 Ice Bar (Mandalay Bay, Flamingo): This is a fun experience more so than just a bar; literally everything is made of ice -—the tables, benches, even the rocks glasses! You get to don cozy robes and explore an Arctic environment alongside friendly and knowledgeable bartenders.