As an avid F1 fan, Las Vegas has been firmly on my travel radar for the last few years, after a Grand Prix was finally added to Sin City back in 2023. Along with all the once-in-a-lifetime experiences on offer during a race weekend, there's also so much I was curious to see about the city, including if it really lived up to its nickname of ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World’.
So does it? In short: yes, it absolutely does. After spending a long weekend soaking up everything the city had to offer during a race weekend, there are so many other reasons to return too. From the indulgent meals, to top level theatre performances, to a chilled out arts district, there’s something for everyone in Las Vegas.
And if you’re planning to spend some time in Sin City, here’s everything I would recommend you get up to while you’re there.
Where to stay in Las Vegas
Nobu Hotel Caesar’s Palace
In amongst the hustle, bustle and bright lights of Vegas, it’s the ideal sanctuary to escape to. The Nobu Hotel is situated in the iconic Caesar’s Palace, giving you access to the main strip of the city and the Palace’s famous casinos and attractions, while also providing a little oasis to take stock in. The rooms are large and tastefully decorated, with beds so comfy you could spend all day in them, if you weren’t distracted by the sights outside your room that is. The hotel is quiet and sophisticated, with a warm team at the front desk and free coffee and tea available each morning in reception.
What to do in Las Vegas
Watch O by Cirque du Soleil
There’s a plethora of shows and residences to see in Vegas, however if you only have the time or budget to see just one, we’d recommend seeing O. It’s a truly breathtaking performance as you watch acrobats, divers, swimmers and actors take to the moving water stage. Even the most theatre averse people will struggle not to be awestruck.
Watch a show at the Sphere
The grand new addition to Las Vegas’ famous strip is the Sphere, which you can literally see from the sky as you’re landing. Sure, you could just take a walk past and admire the size of it, but where is the fun in that? Inside are a variety of shows and performances that take place, but if we had to pick any it would be seeing The Wizard of Oz, which is a viewing experience unlike any other.
Everyone's clicking on...
See the Las Vegas sign
Sorry but it just has to be done. The famous Las Vegas sign is located beyond the strip and near the airport, the ideal way to start or end your trip. There’s a carpark so it’s easy to drive and park or get an Uber there. Just a heads up, you will have to queue in order to get your picture, but it’s free and worth the wait.
Go to the F1 Arcade
The perfect activity for F1 fans (particularly if you’re there on the Grand Prix weekend) or those who like fast thrills. Situated in Caesar’s Palace, the F1 Arcade is an F1 Simulator experience that allows you to race your friends and family, while sipping on a cocktail or two. Warning: this will get very competitive.
Go vintage shopping
Once you’ve seen all the main sights of the city, head a little further out to the Arts District. It’s got a completely different feel to the centre of the city. Things are relaxed and the streets are packed with art and local coffee shops, ideal for an afternoon of wandering. It’s also the ideal place to go vintage shopping, these are some of our favourites:
- Antique Alley Mall - for a bit of everything
- The Red Kat Vintage - clothes
- Buffalo exchange - clothes
Do karaoke
Our favourite way to end the night? By singing our version of Wonderwall (potentially out of tune) and so in Vegas the best place to head to for karaoke is Smelly Cat. It’s a karaoke bar, with a live band and you perform to the entire room, who are actually very encouraging. The drinks are affordable and the atmosphere is electric.
Where to eat and drink in Las Vegas
1228 Main
Located in the Arts District, the local spot is a great place to swing by before an afternoon of shopping. Their bakery is drool-worthy with all their pastries and bread made on site. We’d recommend getting a punch of pastries and sharing - make sure to try the creme brulee croissant, the lemon cruffin and the banana bread.
Pinky’s
Calling all Bravo fans, they really should rename Las Vegas to Lisa Vegas, as the city is packed with Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants and soon to be hotel (yes The Vanderpump Hotel opens late this year). We visited Pinky’s, a fun and of course pink themed bar and restaurant. It’s incredibly camp and the perfect place to head to for a brunch or pre-dinner drink. Make sure to try a ‘Daddy Issues’, Lisa’s take on the classic French 75 and The Dirty Dog which is an Everything-Bagel inspired martini.
Yardbird
Yardbird is the place to go after a night out at the karaoke bar. Specialising in Southern dishes, the food is decadent and over the top, but doesn’t compromise on flavour. Their fried chicken is legendary and best eaten with their spiced watermelon, cheddar waffle and hot honey sauce. Other classics include the shrimp and grits bowl, and my personal favourite - the cowboy burrito.
The Bedford by Martha Stewart
One of the best things about Vegas is that many of the really good restaurants are inside hotels, and The Bedford by Martha Stewart is located inside the Paris Hotel which, yes, is shaped like the Eiffel Tower. The Bedford is a moment of calm and sophistication, with dishes specialising in fish, pasta and steak. The lobster linguine was a must-order and we also wouldn’t leave without trying Martha’s take on pierogies.
High Steaks Vegas
If you want an elevated take on the classic steak house, head to High Steaks. Located in the Rio Hotel the restaurant quite literally towers over Vegas, with stunning views at night. Headed up by chef James Trees, this is the meal to end your stay with. Not only are the steaks incredible but the sides are arguably the star of the show with dishes like a crab and asparagus gratin, the baked scalloped potatoes and their macaroni cheese. Oh, and vegetarians and meat lovers alike will be obsessed with the ‘Lion’ - a lion’s mane mushroom steak that honestly rivals the real thing.
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.
