visiting las vegas for the weekend
Ahhh, you’re headed to Las Vegas for the weekend! It’s the city where you dream it, they have it. You want it, you get it. There is a little bit of everything for everyone. What makes Vegas great is, it’s up to you on how relaxing, classy or trashy you want it to be. Whether you want to find the best restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip, a night on the town, a rave by the pool, up-scale shopping or a relaxing spa day, Vegas has it all.
I’ve visited Las Vegas many times and in every season — summer, fall, winter and spring. Regardless of when you visit, Las Vegas is always a fun time. And yes, that includes winter! Here is how to spend your time and money in Las Vegas for the weekend.
where to stay in las vegas
As I mentioned, Las Vegas has something for everyone and that includes hotels. No matter where you stay, though, you’ll want to be near the Strip for easy access. From the very kitschy hotels to the high-end, there are options for every budget and type of person. My favorite hotel in Las Vegas is the Cosmopolitan, but here are a few of my other recommendations:
– Aria
– Caesars Palace
– The Venetian
– Wynn
– Resorts World
WHAT TO DO IN LAS VEGAS
+ See A SHOW
Whether it’s seeing a residency or concert at an iconic casino like Caesar’s Palace or watching one of your favorite performers at the T-Mobile arena, there is always something or someone to see in Las Vegas. With only a weekend in Vegas, you won’t feel bad about spending your time inside. Make the most of your time by experiencing a show you can’t see anywhere else. You can look up current Las Vegas shows, locations and times here.
+ NEON Boneyard
The Neon Boneyard has earned its name by housing all the old casino neon signs. Instead of losing some of the history that Vegas was built on, like the Sahara and Stardust, these signs have a spot to forever rest. You can purchase tickets at the museum located on Las Vegas Boulevard near Fremont Street.
+ Pool Party
This is an obvious one, but if you’re visiting Las Vegas anytime but the winter months then you have to go to a pool party. Here’s some of my favorites to check out: Encore Beach Club, Drais Beach Club, Liquid, Tao Beach, and Wet Republic.
+GAMBLE
What’s a trip to Las Vegas without a little gambling? Even if you aren’t playing blackjack or trying your luck at roulette, the slots (my personal favorite) are always there for you to blow a bit of money on.
+ BLOWOUT AT DRYBAR
One of my favorite parts of visiting Las Vegas is getting a professional blowout before dinner. There is no other better one than from Drybar. Oh, and don’t’ forget to ask for a complimentary martini while you get pampered.
+ LAS VEGAS SIGN
You’ve seen it in the movies and you’ll see it on your way in to the city so might as well stop and take a picture at the world famous sign. Depending on the time of day, the line can be long so instead go earlier in the morning and beat the rush! Pro tip, don’t pay anyone to have your picture taken there — there is typically a retired photographer posted up at the sign who will take your picture for free!
+ brunch
No one is up in time for breakfast in Vegas, which makes it one of the best cities for brunch. For a great brunch on the patio and some epic people-watching, you should get a reservation at Mon Ami Gabi. Mon Ami Gabi is one of the best restaurants on the Las Vegas strip for brunch! Although you’re visiting Las Vegas in winter, it’s still so nice out so choose to sit outside. You can sit directly on the Strip while sipping on your favorite brunch cocktail. I’ll never pass up a coffee, mimosa and goat cheese omelet from here.
+ WALK THE STRIP
The Strip is very deceiving. While casino’s look close together, they are actually pretty spread out. To get to one end to the other is about a four mile walk. Inside the casino’s, it’s practically another maze to figure out. So, if you’re planning on visiting multiple clubs or casino’s throughout the night, you’ll want to keep this in mind. Everything is larger than it appears!
+ FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE
While the Strip is considered New Vegas, Fremont Street has coined the name of Old Vegas. Home of the famous Golden Nugget, Fremont offers a different kind of experience. Here you can zip-line through the street, watch a light show under the canopy and gamble at some of the oldest casino’s in Vegas.
+ ABSINTHE
If you’re looking for a show to see in Las Vegas, you need to buy tickets to Absinthe. There are many words I could use to describe this show, but I will let you decide for yourself. Absinthe is not for the faint of heart but it is one epic show under the big red tent in Caesar’s Palace. My advice for this show is don’t sit in the front.
+ DID I MENTION, DRINK?
Although we enjoy a club now and again, we tend to go more for the drinks and atmosphere! Vegas offers both. If you are looking for a guide to Las Vegas clubs, what DJ’s are headlining, as well as the ins and outs of getting on the guest lists, I found No Cover Nightclubs to be super helpful.
where to eat and drink in las vegas
Las Vegas is obviously known for the clubs, bars and drinking. But, I think it has some of the best food and culinary experiences, too. You’ll find some of the best Las Vegas restaurants without leaving the strip. For a look at the places I recommend, take a peak below. My favorite Las Vegas restaurants on the strip are Beauty & Essex and Lago!
Now that you know how to spend your time in Las Vegas for the weekend, plan a trip and enjoy sin city.
