In the spring of 2020, the Las Vegas Strip was deserted.
A drive through the famous street, lined with mega-resorts and their glittering lights, was reminiscent of a drive through a post-apocalyptic city in countless dystopian films. The cause of this desertion – the COVID-19 pandemic – has only exacerbated this uncomfortable eeriness.
Fast forward more than a year and one of the country’s tourism magnets is open and bustling. The city’s economy is booming again, as are the slot machines in the famous casinos. Flights to Las Vegas from almost anywhere are cheap, and so can accommodation. And the prices for food and drinks off the strip are not as fancy as in the mega-resorts.
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Las Vegas needs tourism. The city’s economy is almost entirely devoted to hospitality. But most importantly, Las Vegas has a lot more to offer than conventions, gambling and parties. Whether you’re sitting in an electric Vegas Golden Knights game, exploring the nearby desert and mountain scenery, or exploring the surprisingly lively beer scene, there’s plenty to do off the strip if that’s not your thing.
Vegas is so much more than most people think. It’s slowly supplanting the negative perceptions that many have, thanks in part to an incredible food scene beyond the hotels, a growing arts scene, and the national attention that the new professional sports teams are bringing.
Where to sleep
Las Vegas has very obvious places to stay when you are gambling and partying there. There are the huge resorts on Las Vegas Boulevard. The famous series of hotels regularly seen on TV and in movies – such as MGM Grand, Bellagio, Caesars Palace. There is also Old Vegas; the fancy older hotels on Fremont Street. And then you can move on to Las Vegas, including posh resorts like Red Rock.
Four Seasons Las Vegas
Four Seasons
The Four Seasons is part of the Mandalay Bay complex and is located on the southern end of the strip. The Four Seasons is one of the few non-gaming hotels in town. The non-smoking accommodation, also a rarity in Las Vegas, is perfect for a quiet vacation in the middle of a noisy desert. The resort has a five-star spa and private pool. But there is also the option for a harsher environment. Hotel guests also have access to the huge Mandalay Bay pool system, which includes a real sandy beach, a lazy river and three pools. Restaurants within the complex include Charlie Palmer Steak, Border Grill, and Libertine Social. There is also the House of Blues and the Shark Reef Aquarium.
- Nearest airport: McCarran International Airport
- Time: 10 minutes by car
- Distance: 5.2 miles
Cosmopolitan Las Vegas
Probably the chicest resort in Las Vegas, Cosmo has it all. The atmosphere is cheerful and the furnishings are stylish. While there are all normal table games, the gaming area isn’t nearly as loud and intrusive as most of the other strip hotels. Chic bars and restaurants are hidden around the hotel. From David Chang’s Momofuku to the ultra-hip STK, the upscale cuisine is excellent. Then there is the Food Court Block 16 Urban Food Hall with incredible offerings from all over the country. Club ready – slap Marquee. Down for a concert – trendy artists slip through The Chelsea all the time.
- Nearest airport: McCarran International Airport
- Time: 8 minutes by car
- Distance: 3 miles
Best Airbnb in Las Vegas: Whole House
Airbnb
With so many hotel options in Las Vegas, finding a great Airbnb can be tough. The good news is that residential neighborhoods surround the Strip and everyone is within easy reach – you have to go pretty much anywhere in the sprawling metropolis. If Airbnb is a necessity, this sprawling home in the posh Summerlin neighborhood is sure to please. The house collides with the mountains that line the western edge of Las Vegas. The pools in the back yard offer a cool respite after a day of hiking in Red Rock Conversation or Mount Charleston. Golf is nearby, as is downtown Summerlin, an upscale shopping district with plenty of great restaurants. This summer, experience the Triple A Las Vegas Aviators in one of the best minor league baseball stadiums in the country.
Where shall we eat
The Strip is a land of extravagance and indulgence, restaurants included. The beauty of having been known as a culinary stronghold for years has helped spawn a new movement of off-the-strip restaurants that are well worth a stopover. In fact, many in terms of experience and quality – especially value – are far better than most of what you will find at the mega-resorts. There are dozens of fantastic off-the-strip restaurants that don’t get enough attention in the shadow of the resorts. Here are just a few great options.
Best for Asians: Lotus of Siam
Lotus of Siam
It is arguably the best Thai food in the US. Lotus of Siam isn’t on the Strip, but its two locations are close enough to make it a worthy stopover. Plus it delivers. You can’t go wrong with any order, but it does make a name for itself as a Northern Thai eatery so it’s best to stick to the “North” section of the menu. The Khao Soi with crispy duck is a must. There’s also a huge Chinatown neighborhood on Spring Mountain with dozens of excellent eateries to satisfy the appetite for Asian cuisine.
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Read more: Thai Cuisine Guide
Best Bar Grub: 595 Craft and Kitchen
595 Crafts and Kitchen / Facebook
Most bars in Vegas have gaming computers in the bar and smoking. 595 is not one of these places. The beer bar would feel normal in any beer town and regularly has one of the best tap lists in the Valley. Aside from the beer – and an excellent cocktail menu – 595 check in with incredible food. The burger may be the best in Vegas, while the hot chicken sandwich will make you sweat.
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Best Italian: Esther’s Kitchen
Esther’s kitchen
Chef James Trees was nominated for a James Beard Award, and for good reason. His rustic take on classic Italian dishes is second to none in Las Vegas. Just try not to fill yourself up with the freshly baked sourdough bread in the Arts District restaurant. Whether with one of the homemade pasta dishes, pizzas or a “dish of the moment”. A decent list of Amaros is also worth a look. Trees also has two other restaurants, Ada’s Wine Bar and Al Solito Posto.
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Best seafood: Different mom
Other mom
Like Trees, chef Dan Krohmer received a James Beard nomination for quality work off the strip. Other Mama is in a mall a few miles west of the Strip. Whether it’s fresh sashimi, a selection of oysters or a plate-like chicken-fried lobster, most of the dishes on the menu are not to be missed.
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Best American: Main Street Provisions
Provisions on the main street
The Arts District has exploded in recent years, with cafes, breweries, restaurants, and more joining a myriad of fantastic antique shops. Main Street Provisions emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic and don’t disappoint. Called itself modern American comfort food, it’s a bit of a misnomer. Start with the Baba Choke Ganoush & Hominy Hummus, served with fried bread, before moving on to main courses such as the honey and lavender willow bird, roasted seafood soup, or an assortment of steaks. Good pie (great pizza), the above brewery deals (try Able Baker), and Soulbelly, a BBQ joint run by Chef Bruce Kalman, are all nearby.
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What to do
Cool Red Rocks: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Travel Nevada
Look west pretty much anywhere in Las Vegas and a red stretch of mountains should be visible. That is the aptly named Red Rock Canyon is a geological wonderland. It’s just a few minutes’ drive from Downtown Summerlin and about half an hour from the Strip. There’s a 21-mile drive inside the park that stops at large red towers, a fault, seasonal waterfalls, and ancient petroglyphs.
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Fast travel to Mars: Valley of Fire
Travel Nevada
About 80 kilometers northeast of Las Vegas is a portal to another world. Formed 130 million years ago, Valley of Fire is an impressive landscape that looks like it came straight out of a painting. As in Red Rock Canyon, there are ancient petroglyphs scattered throughout the park, as well as animals. However, be careful in summer; it’s getting hot.
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A need for speed: Exotics Racing
One of the great things about Vegas is the catering for a demanding life. At Exotics Racing, anyone can drive some of the most expensive cars in the world. Five laps on the track in a McLaren cost $ 399. A ride in a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Audi R8 costs 299 US dollars.
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An alpine experience: Mount Charleston
Go a little over Red Rock and you will arrive at Mount Charleston. Emerging from an area with low basins, Mount Charleston is the most prominent peak in Nevada and the eighth largest in the United States. Surrounded by wilderness with abundant wildlife including horses and mountain lions, the mountain offers incredible hiking, camping, and even skiing – the snow cap is visible from the Strip for almost half a year.
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Check in with the boss: The Mob Museum
Travel Nevada
Organized crime is almost synonymous with Las Vegas, so it makes sense that Sin City has a museum dedicated to the mob. The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, which opened in 2012, provides the perfect setting in the old federal court. The exhibits trace organized crime throughout American history – there’s even the wall where the Valentine’s Day massacre took place. Oh! And there is a whisper bar in the basement.
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How to save money on your trip to Las Vegas
experience
Often referred to as “America’s Playground”, Las Vegas is a hotbed of diverse culinary offerings, unique scenes, and other forms of entertainment. There are casinos, restaurants and luxury hotels everywhere, making this city a perfect place if you want to party with friends. But if you are looking for a different atmosphere during your stay, Airbnb.com Also offers experiences like hot air balloon rides and helicopter tours near the strip. You can still experience the over-the-top fun Las Vegas is known for, but also away from the everyday hustle and bustle of the city.
Hotels
Choosing where to stay when visiting Las Vegas is probably one of the most fun aspects of planning your vacation. This city is known for its wide range of accommodation options, each of which offers unique experiences to its visitors. Booking.com, Kajak.com, and Hotel Tonight offer discounts on booking hotel accommodation on the Strip that is sure to meet all of your needs and wants.
Vehicle rental
While Las Vegas has good public transportation, there is no better way to get from one place to another by car. If you’re planning a trip to Mount Charleston or the Valley of Fire, it’s best to rent a car to save money. Kajak.com is a helpful site for finding the best car rental deals.
Read more: Why Are Car Rentals Expensive?
Editor’s recommendations
