Viva Las Vegas: An Insider's Handbook to the City That Never Sleeps

Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)

If there is any blog post I am excited to write about, it’s Las Vegas. Personally, I’ve been to Vegas 5 times in total, and planning trip number 6. While I am not much of a gambler, there’s something special about visiting Vegas during the summer months, especially with all the pool parties. Having experienced the Strip in various seasons, I can confidently say that Vegas offers a diverse range of activities beyond just casinos and clubs, making it an ideal hotspot for any traveler. Below, you will find my top recommendations for your upcoming trip!

Fun Fact: One of my all-time favorite movies is "The Hangover." It is often available as an in-flight movie, and I make it a ritual to watch it just before landing in Vegas.

Best Time to Visit

In my opinion there is no “bad” time to visit Vegas. I will say that my personal favorite time to visit the strip is during the summer. I am a pool party type of girl! For those seeking warmer temperatures, March through October offers an ideal window. During the peak summer months of June to September, temperatures often rise above 100 degrees. When it comes to planning your visit, consider weekdays for more budget-friendly hotel rates, as weekends tend to be pricier.

Getting To Vegas & Around While There

Whether you're arriving from within the United States or internationally, your journey will likely lead you to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Of course, if you're driving, Vegas is accessible from various neighboring states. Landing in LAS always ignites a rush of excitement for me—it's the only airport I've experienced that consistently sparks such anticipation upon touchdown.

Once you're in Vegas, navigating the Strip is relatively straightforward, depending on your accommodation's location. Walking is a viable option, particularly depending on which side of the Strip you're staying on. Additionally, getting around via Uber or Lyft is convenient, with designated ride-share pick-up zones at larger hotels. The airport is just a 15-minute drive from the Strip. Plus, there's also the option of utilizing the Tram for added convenience between certain hotels.

How Many Days Did I Stay?

I have stayed in Vegas for a week and I have also stayed in Vegas for a weekend. Which do I prefer? Well, it depends on what I am going there for. I will say you can easily experience Vegas for a weekend getaway. During a week-long stay, my boyfriend and I found ourselves dedicating an entire day just to catch up on sleep—Vegas truly has a way of winning you over!

Places to Stay & Where I have Stayed

Vegas has so many hotels to choose from, it really depends on your budget and your vibe. I have personally stayed at Aria Casino and Resorts, Vdara Hotel, Cromwell Hotel, MGM Grand and Luxor Suite. There are still quite a few hotels on my Vegas bucket list so I will list my top recommendations below:

• The Wynn & The Encore

• Aria Resort & Casino

• The Cosmopolitan

• Bellagio Hotel & Casino

It's important to note that most hotels in Vegas charge daily resort fees, adding to your overall expenses during your stay. Be sure to factor this additional cost into your travel planning.

EXPLORE VEGAS (MUST SEE)

• Las Vegas Strip

• Fremont Street: Located off of the strip

• Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden

• Bellagio Fountains

• High Roller

• Grand Canal Shops at the Venetian

• Las Vegas Sphere

• "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign (at the beginning of the strip)

• Must do: The Big Apple Coaster (Located at the New York, NY hotel) - While the ride only lasts a few minutes, it's super fun. I would highly recommend (Ticket prices starting at $25 before taxes)

• Must do: Day Trip to the Grand Canyon (blog post on that coming soon)

Places to Eat

There are plenty of food options to consider in Vegas. Below, I'm sharing a handful of recommendations based on my personal dining experiences that I highly recommend:

• Any Gordon Ramsey Restaurant

• Park on Fremont - Located off the strip, but very good brunch food options!

• Lago (Located at the Bellagio)

• Jasmine (Located at the Bellagio)

Night Life

What happens in Vegas…. Well you know the rest! (Haha just kidding) But seriously, there are tons of night options in Las Vegas. There are always different shows, residency’s, Late Night Swim, After Hours Parties.  Feel free to reach out to me directly via the "contact" section of this site, and I'll gladly connect you with some promoters who can keep you in the loop with the latest events for your planned weekend!

Stay tuned for my upcoming blog about the Grand Canyon! Subscribe on the homepage to ensure you don't miss it when it's released.

Happy Pool Party Season!