Viva Las Vegas

A tale of two Vegases

“Las Vegas is a city built on hopes, dreams and a little bit of crazy.” Many tend to steer clear of Sin City for its “trashy-fun” vibe—with the exception of, say, bach parties or a quickie wedding (fun fact: Vegas is nicknamed the Marriage Capital of the World)—but if you’re looking for a high-energy fun-filled vacay, it doesn’t get much better than the shiniest place on Earth, Las Vegas. 

Literally located in the middle of the desert, Vegas transports visitors to another world—one full of neon lights, upscale casino hotels, shops, restaurants, performance venues and a host of activations. A “24-hour city,” it’s impossible to be bored, and even if you’re not a big gambler, there’s still plenty to do (see: the High Roller, gondola ride at The Venetian, art exhibits, and eateries by some of the most acclaimed chefs in the game). 

Then, of course, you have Fremont Street. Not quite as flashy as the Strip, the “older” part of Vegas touts its own fair share of famous attractions separate from the beating heart of the city. TBH, Vegas is the answer no matter the question. So whichever adventure you choose, just remember: What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. 

Old Vegas

DRINK
Atomic Liquors
The oldest free-standing bar in Vegas, this rowdy watering hole has been serving “atomic” cocktails and beers since 1952. With its massive brightly lit sign (you may recognize it from The Hangover), it beckons Fremont Street-dwellers to post up for a bev either on its sidewalk-adjacent patio—great for people-watching!—or in its dark and moody interior that consistently delivers high energy. When hunger strikes, chow down on the Atomic Pan Pizza. atomic.vegas

Lucky Day
“If I don’t get some tequila, somebody’s gonna die!” If you’re a fan of rare mezcal and small-batch tequilas, it’s your, ahem, lucky day. In addition to its impressive liquor selection, this intimate cantina is known for its mind-blowing canopy of 15,000 LED lights, an homage to those who’ve passed through Sin City. luckydaydtlv.com

EAT
The Smashed Pig
Go hog wild for comforting grub at this tasty hole in the wall offering brunch, dinner and happy hour. Pre- or post-casino, pig out on the likes of burgers, shareables (the Yum Yum Shrimp is, well, yum) and “pig”tails (!). And you can’t beat the hangover egg sandwich and a bottomless mimosa after a night out. Pork it up! thesmashedpig.com

DO
Circa Stadium Swim
They don’t call it “the best pool in history” for nothing. Circa’s insanely legendary hot spot boasts six pools on three levels—each with a perfect view of the massive 40-foot-tall HD screen streaming sports. Reserve a cozy daybed or private cabana, bask in the sun in a chaise lounge, or sip and soak at one of the swim-up bars. It’s swimply the best. Rather stay dry? Circa also touts the largest sports betting experience in the world, with a three-story sportsbook, bar-top games, an overhanging bar and more. … And you can bet it’s lit. circalasvegas.com

Downtown Container Park
Park it at DTLV’s entertainment hub brimming with eating, drinking and shopping ops—plus events like yoga in the park, an Art in the Park series, movie screenings and more. Serial shoppers won’t be able to contain their excitement over the many boutiques and stores, while foodies can whet their appetites at the variety of eateries. Everyone wins! downtowncontainerpark.com 

STAY
The D Las Vegas
For the ultimate Fremont Street experience, book a room at Vegas’ renowned hotel and casino that’s “long on fun, short on ordinary.” TBH, you probably won’t use the room much, especially with its kitschy games (see: Sigma Derby mechanical horse racing—“come on, lucky number 4!”), casual and fine dining restaurants (FYI, American Coney Island is open 24/7), and bars touting specialty drinks from talented flair bartenders (the boozy slushies are no joke). thed.com 

New Vegas

DRINK
The Dorsey Cocktail Bar
Cocktail connoisseurs are gonna wanna pull up a chair to The Venetian Resort’s swanky drinking lounge, named one of the 17 Best Bars in Vegas by Conde Nast in 2018. Sip and savor a myriad of bevs—from the Spicy Flamingo to the Witch Doctor to the Penicillin (um, we’ll take the scrip!). Got a crew? The punch bowls pack a sultry punch. venetianlasvegas.com

Velveteen Rabbit
And down the rabbit hole you go into a whimsical wonderland of seasonal cocktails mixed with “innovation, creativity and care”—NTM fresh produce and housemade ingredients. The intimate eclectic space features local art and vintage furniture, but the pink outdoor patio is where the vibe is really at. I pink I can! velveteenrabbitlv.com

EAT
Beauty & Essex
Hidden behind a pawn shop storefront is a stunning jewel box of a restaurant, bar and lounge offering gems like grilled cheese dumplings (!), Thai-style deep-fried shrimp, and tuna poke wonton tacos by acclaimed chef/restaurateur Chris Santos (who you would’ve seen on the likes of The Martha Stewart Show, The Rachael Ray Show and Chopped). Save room for the Wonder Wheel, aka a chef’s selection of delish desserts served in a mini Ferris wheel. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

Vanderpump à Paris
Vanderpump rules—as does TV icon and philanthropist Lisa Vanderpump’s new Parisian-inspired restaurant at Paris Las Vegas. Transport yourself to the sexiest bar in France via plush velvet art nouveau banquettes, custom furniture, a long white marbled bar feat. crystal chandeliers, and massive windows overlooking the Eiffel Tower—plus unique craft cocktails and Parisian classics, natch. caesars.com

DO
The Conservatory
A peony for your thoughts. … Each season, The Bellagio’s 14,000-square-foot botanical gardens are transformed into a breathtaking display of blooms. Through May 20, the Giardino Dell’ Amore leads guests through a “Tunnel of Love” into an inspiring array of plant and wildlife that’s simply iris-istible, especially when the craziness of Sin City gets to be too much. bellagio.mgmresorts.com

STAY
Caesars Palace
“This isn’t the real Caesars Palace, is it?” You should stay here not only for The Hangover ref (NTM the bragging rights), but for the myriad restaurants guaranteed to satiate you day after day, bet after bet. Eat like an emperor at recently bowed Stanton Social Prime, where steaks are the highlight; Bobby Flay’s Amalfi; and Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen; to name but a few. caesars.com