Things to do in Las Vegas, NV

Where to Stay

For most people, a trip to Las Vegas means staying at a hotel on the Strip, but the city’sbest hotelscan be found both on and on the Strip. Upscale rooms and amenities are the cornerstone of the city’s best hotels, whether at the iconic Bellagio, or off the Strip at the Red Rock Resort. The range of rooms in Las Vegas start with standard accommodations and extend to the most luxurious suites. As an added bonus, the best Vegas hotels offer more than just first-class rooms--you’ll find incredible restaurants, spas and shows.

Caution:Beware of resort fees--plus many hotels now charge for parking. Be sure to factor in these extra costs when making your reservation.

What to Eat

The restaurant scene in Las Vegas is constantly evolving and expanding. While it’s inarguable that some of the city’sbest restaurantsare on the Strip, notable eateries are springing up all over the city. In Downtown Las Vegas, the Arts District and Chinatown, innovative restaurants like Sparrow + Wolf and Esther’s Kitchen specialize in dishes featuring fresh and even locally-sourced ingredients. Foodies definitely will find no shortage of original, incredible restaurants throughout Las Vegas, whether on the glittery Strip or in humble neighborhood strip malls.

Hot Tips:The Strip's hottest restaurants can be pricey, but lunch service (when offered) is usually less expensive and every bit as good as dinner.

Be Sure to Sample:Some celebrity chef fare. In addition to their high-end restaurants, many well-known chefs offer casual options, like Bobby Flay's Burger Palace or Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips.

Places to Party

Las Vegas was designed aroundnightlife, and today it has perfected the nightlife experience like no other city. Trendy bars with expert mixologists, sprawling casinos, opulent nightclubs and amazing shows captivate and entertain, giving people a whole host of reasons to stay out all night. Nightclubs like XS draw some of the largest crowds, attracting long lines of well-dressed party goers ready to dance the night away (and maybe see a celebrity or two). Have a favorite DJ? You might be lucky enough to see them in person since Vegas is a major stop for most big names.

Take It or Leave It:Nightclubs in Las Vegas have online events calendars so you can check ahead to see who's playing and when celebrities are hosting.

Hot Tips:Don't overlook Downtown Las Vegas for a night out. You can stroll from bar to bar in the Fremont East District and covers (when applicable) or tickets are usually a bargain compared to Strip prices.

Where to Shop

Shoppaholics, beware: Las Vegas is home to some of the most high-end shops and over-the-top malls anywhere. Pick a luxury or well-known brand and you’ll find one of their outposts here, whether at an outlet mall or inside one of the Strip’s imaginatively designed retail centers. While the Strip is home to a host of upscale shops, theshoppingoptions in Las Vegas includes price points for all budgets. The Fashion Show on the Strip offers a wide range of moderate and upscale shops, and Town Square’s open-air design includes a Whole Foods and a movie theater.

Take It or Leave It:The malls on the Strip are full of photo ops, entertainment and restaurants. A walk through one of them is fun, even if you don't buy anything.

Best Local Souvenir:A jar of Grandma's Apple Pie Moonshine from Las Vegas Distillery. The distillery also offers tours.