There’s nowhere quite like Las Vegas. Glam casinos, amazing food, cool attractions, one-of-a-kind live performances, and that kitschy charm that makes the city stand apart from all the rest make for an awesome vacation. Here’s your guide to the ultimate five days in the Sin City.
Day 1
Morning
Wake up in your luxurious City Room (rates start at $210/night) at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. It’s been voted one of the world’s top hotels in Conde Nast Traveller’s Gold List. Breakfast is at Eggslut (do I have your attention yet?), and there’s no need to hurry down; the first meal of the day is served all day. This restaurant’s special is The Slut, a coddled egg on top of potato puree that’s cooked in a glass jar. Have that experience.
Afternoon
It’s time to start discovering the off-the-beaten-path attractions that make Vegas unique, starting with the Mob Museum. This bold and interactive museum combs through the story of the mob, its inception, and its impact on Vegas. Dedicated to telling American history how it really happened, visitors can work through evidence and even do simulated weapons training. Tickets start at $19.95 (non-locals, online only).
Evening
Since you’re already in Old Vegas, after your trip to the Mob Museum stay in the area for dinner. Make it a mob-inspired meal and dine at Oscar’s Steakhouse; it’s named after former mob attorney Oscar Goodman. Maybe it’s their stiff drinks or their flame-broiled, aged steaks, but something’s been drawing crowds here since 1939. Maybe it’s their tagline: Beef, Booze, and Broads.
Day 2
Morning
Instead of rushing out to see what thrills and misadventures Vegas has in store for you, spend the morning at the Cosmopolitan’s spa, Sahra, pampering yourself. Your pre-treatment includes showering in the monsoon showers and basking in the steam rooms and sauna. Now that you’re relaxed, time to melt into oblivion with their Far East Renewal package ($265) for 80 minutes of herbal skin treatments and a customized massage.
Afternoon
After all that pampering it’s time to get your blood flowing again, and what better way to do that than to start gambling? Go to the Wynn casino for a “when in Vegas” experience. Come for the blackjack tables or penny slots; stay for nearly every other spectacle known to man in what is the fifth-largest hotel in the world. There’s a lake, a man-made mountain, and many more fantastical elements.
Evening
Enjoy a performance of Absinthe, a circus-esque, adults-only variety show at Caesars Palace. There are incredible feats of human strength and flexibility, cabaret-type song and dance, stunts, and burlesque.
Day 3
Morning
For farm-to-table dining, check out Honey Salt for their homestyle comfort food. If you’re like most people and can’t choose between breakfast and lunch, go for brunch and try the breakfast pizza topped with a scrambled farm egg, Applewood smoked bacon, spinach, and cheddar cheese ($12). Again, torn between morning and afternoon cuisine, you can opt for their steak and egg sliders topped with scrambled eggs and creamed spinach ($18) for the best of both worlds.
Afternoon
If you didn’t overindulge at brunch, hit up an indoor go-kart arena. Nothing’s more fun than a little friendly competition when you’re traveling at 45 mph just a few inches off the ground at Pole Position Raceway. The European go-karts are run by electricity, meaning no stinky fumes while you’re whipping around the indoor track. Tickets start at $25.50 for a single, 10-minute race. Multi-race packages are available.
Evening
Put on your dancing shoes because you’re heading to Ghostbar at the Palms Casino Resort. This upscale ultra lounge is on the 55th floor of the Ivory Tower and has an amazing view of the Las Vegas Strip. Come early (8 – 10 p.m.) for half-priced cocktails and to enjoy the sleek club’s interior, 14-foot floor to ceiling windows, and patio before the place fills up with partiers.
Day 4
Morning
You can’t go to Vegas and not experience at least a little sin. Start you morning at the Venus European Pool Lounge at Caesars Palace. Entrance for ladies is always free. Their stylish and comfortable pool area has cabanas, lounge chairs, and plenty of opportunity for people watching. ($30 cover for men; no cover for locals on Thursdays).
Afternoon
The afternoon has you sampling the best of Vegas’ small batch beers at Banger Brewing in Downtown Vegas. They have an all-you-can-drink special for $30 every day. Check out the guided tour of their facility to find out more about their craft beers, including their Jalapeno Hefeweizen and Coffee Kolsch.
Evening
Turn things down a notch and enjoy a relaxed dinner at Andrea’s at the Wynn for a sexy and sophisticated take on modern Asian cuisine. You can sample Wagyu beef (filet for $68) and five-spice garlic lobster tempura ($58), or braised pork belly ($32). Plus you’ll be overlooking the pool of Encore Beach club while you get your Asian food fix.
Day 5
Morning
Start your day roaming the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio. You’ll be intoxicated by the beautiful smell of the flowers and get a kick out of people taking selfies with plants. Open 24 hours, this 14,000-square-foot garden is comprised of 90 percent recycled plants, flowers, and trees. If you go around Chinese New Year or Christmas, you’ll be treated to extra special themes throughout the gardens. Best of all? Your moment of Zen is free.
Afternoon
How many people can say they’ve ridden in the world’s largest observation wheel? You can once you visit the 550-foot tall, 520-foot wide Ferris wheel The High Roller at the LINQ. It takes 30 full minutes to complete one full rotation, and on the journey you’ll get unparalleled views of Vegas. The cabins are so big they can fit 40 people, and yoga classes are even held in them! Tickets start at $18 (day time, online only).
Evening
Worried you might not have tasted the best Vegas has to offer? Then take one of the Lip Smacking Foodie Tours. For a memorable and luxurious experience to end your trip, opt for their 3-hour ‘Savors of the Strip’ tour — a whirlwind adventure to 5 of the hottest and most exclusive restaurants in Vegas. You’ll sample over 15 signature dishes prepared by award-winning chefs, and you’ll have knowledgeable and fun guides to round out your experience. (Tickets are $199/person with the option to purchase a beverage package).
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