Ultimate Las Vegas Guide from a Local's Perspective

Las Vegas is known for its nonstop entertainment, luxury hotels, top-rated restaurants, high-end shopping, and now, a strong sports culture. After living in the city for eight years, here’s a full guide on how to enjoy the best of what Las Vegas has to offer.

Top Attractions

• Wynn Las Vegas offers a high-end hotel experience with elegant design and exceptional service.

• Awana Spa provides a calming escape with unique wellness features.

• The Shops at Crystals is one of the city’s most upscale shopping destinations.

• Voltaire delivers unforgettable live performances in an intimate venue.

• Carbone is a favorite for classic Italian cuisine with a rich atmosphere.

  
  

Best Hotels and Resorts

• The Cosmopolitan blends modern luxury with an energetic social vibe and features entertainment, dining, and stylish rooms.

• Fontainebleau Las Vegas offers extensive amenities including a spa, entertainment district, and many dining options.

• Resorts World Las Vegas is a large-scale resort with a wide variety of food, entertainment, and luxury accommodations.

• The Venetian combines spacious rooms with a wide selection of renowned restaurants.

• Wynn Las Vegas continues to lead in service, food, design, and unique guest experiences.

  
  

Top Things to Do

• Formula 1 Grand Prix transforms the city into a high-speed racing venue.

• Awana Spa is known for its relaxing, innovative spa facilities.

• Cirque du Soleil offers several world-class shows, known for their artistry and acrobatics.

• Las Vegas Raiders and other major sports teams have made the city a true sports destination.

• Liv Beach brings high-energy daytime entertainment and music events.

• The Sphere stands out for its architecture and immersive performances

  
  

Best Shopping Areas

• Crystals offers luxury retail brands in an elegant setting.

• Fashion Show Mall features hundreds of stores and unique experiences.

• Las Vegas North Premium Outlets gives shoppers access to designer brands at reduced prices.
  

Nightlife Highlights

• Drai’s Nightclub provides live music and impressive city views.

• The Vault serves rare and premium drinks in an exclusive setting.

• Voltaire delivers an upscale nightlife experience with top performers and luxury service.

• XS Nightclub hosts major artists and caters to a high-end crowd.

• Zouk Nightclub offers cutting-edge entertainment and resident DJ performances.

  
  

Must-Try Restaurants

• Bazaar Meat is a creative steakhouse known for its playful menu and premium cuts.

• Carbone offers generous portions and timeless Italian classics.

• Delilah combines fine dining with an elegant supperclub environment.

• Milos delivers high-quality Mediterranean dishes, with fresh seafood and value-driven menus.

• Red Plate stands out for its refined Cantonese cuisine and personalized service.

  
  

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall offer the best weather. Summer is hot but great for indoor and poolside activities. Holidays, major conventions, and sports seasons attract more visitors and can increase prices. Special events like the Grand Prix or music festivals also draw large crowds, so booking early is advised.

How to Get There

Most visitors fly into Harry Reid International Airport, just a short ride from the Strip. Visitors from Southern California often drive in, with travel times varying by city.

Notable Neighborhoods

• Chinatown is popular for food, coffee, and culture.

• Downtown and Arts District is known for art events, independent cafés, and nightlife.

• Summerlin and Southwest offer newer resorts and restaurants, expanding Vegas' dining scene beyond the Strip.

  
  

Getting Around

• Ride-shares like Uber and Lyft are easy to use and available across the city.

• Taxis are reliable and commonly used from hotels and the airport.

• Rental cars are useful for visiting nearby attractions but often unnecessary for staying on the Strip.

• Public transit includes the Monorail and city buses, which are budget-friendly and accessible.