Happy Thursday! After visiting Vegas a total of 6 times (5 since I’ve been 21), I feel like I’ve really gotten to experience it. Each time I’ve visited has been completely different. Vegas is truly unlike anywhere else I’ve visited. Jake and I have been lucky enough to visit twice this year (celebrating my parents’ birthdays/Jake’s Match results and to watch Jake’s aunt get married). I’m excited to finally share my full guide to Las Vegas. 

Where to Stay: 

To be honest, Vegas is one of those places you don’t spend much time in your room, so it’s not necessary to stay in the nicest hotel.

• The Cosmopolitan Hotel is my favorite place I’ve stayed in Las Vegas so far.  First off, it is gorgeous and on the newer side (opened in 2010)! It has chandeliers everywhere and has a younger, more upscale vibe than most hotels. It has a very boutique hotel feel. The main focal point is the Chandelier Bar.  I really love that it’s conveniently located on The Strip. Each room also has a balcony you can go out on, which Jake says is a rare find in Las Vegas. One of the best parts is their pool dayclub (The Marquee), which hotel guests get free admission to. It also has many trendy restaurants (many are only located in  places like New York City and Los Angeles, such as Milk, Momofuku, Eggslut, and more). 
• The Bellagio is also one of my favorites.  It is very elegant and is famous for their beautiful water fountain show and conservatory garden. Their lobby is truly a work of art, featuring beautiful Chihuly glass displayed on the ceiling. Their pool is fabulous and makes you feel like you’re in an Italian resort.  It also features many delicious restaurants and has top notch shopping. Even if you don’t stay there, you must visit it. 
• The Wynn is also gorgeous and has beautiful fresh flowers everywhere. The Wynn was created by Steve Wynn, who also created The Bellagio, so you’ll see many similarities. The Wynn had just opened when we visited for my brother’s 21st birthday (I was only 15). It is located a little ways off The Strip, so the location is not as ideal in my book. 
• Mandalay Bay is also very nice. We stayed there several years ago. I remember it had a very lovely pool.

 Transportation:

Vegas is extremely walkable. We walk 99.9% of the time.  Make sure to wear walking shoes. When something is too far we will Uber, which is easy to do. 

How Long Should You Stay? 

I think 3-4 days is the perfect length. We’ve done everything from 2 days to almost a week. Two days isn’t enough time in my opinion; we like to have the first night to ease into the trip, which means you only have 1 more day left to do stuff after that if you only go for 2 days.

Where To Eat?

• Michael Mina’s- located in The Bellagio; this is probably some of the best food I’ve ever had. They serve some of the freshest seafood (flown in daily) and had an incredible steak dish for the main course. It’s definitely on the fancy side.  Jake and I wouldn’t have been able to splurge on it with just us two. We went with Jake’s parents after his aunt’s wedding. 
• Prime At The Bellagio– Also located in The Bellagio, this is an excellent prime steakhouse. It does not beat Michael Mina’s, but was still excellent. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and their excellent wedge salad. It is also on the fancy side.
• Snack in The Bellagio– Before Jake’s aunt’s wedding, we stopped by for a slice of pizza and it was amazing. It’s perfect for lunch or a snack.
• Holstein’s – Located in The Cosmo, this is a must-visit place. They serve adult milkshakes; enough said! My dad said he’s been also and enjoyed the food. 
• Earl of Sandwich – We went at 3am after Lil Jon and it was amazing. I was craving pizza and was sad because nothing was open (I didn’t think anything closed in Vegas). Luckily they had a pizza sandwich and their ranch was incredible. I wouldn’t say you should eat lunch or dinner there by any means, but it is an excellent late night snack after you leave one of the many Vegas clubs.
• Jasmine At The Bellagio– This is a Chinese restaurant. We went to dinner there before a show and it was delicious. We each ordered a dish and split. 
• Pantry At The Mirage- Before seeing Cirque Du Soleil’s “Love” (The Beatles), we ate a quick dinner there. It was good and quick.
•  If you saw Monday’s post, I wasn’t pleased with the buffets we went to (The Bellagio and The Wicked Spoon). When we went in 2013, The Aria had an incredible buffet, but I am not sure if it is still good. 

Other great restaurants that I loved when we visited several years ago:

• ChartHouse At The Golden Nugget– This is a delicious steakhouse. It is a chain, but the food is very good. It has a really pretty fish tank too.
• Eiffel Tower Restaurant– We went there for my brother’s 21st birthday. Although I don’t remember the food, I remember the view of The Strip was excellent.
• Margaritaville- Probably the most touristy place in Las Vegas, but it is a great casual place. Their drinks are also amazing.  

What to do:

• Be spontaneous: Our best Vegas trips have been those where we have minimal plans and we just explore.
• Shows: When you’re in Vegas you HAVE to see a show or a concert. Jake and I have been lucky enough to see several shows.  We have seen everything from Lil’ Jon to Cirque Du Soleil’s “O” and “Love” (The Beatles), to Terry Fator (ventriloquist and impressionist) and Le Reve – The Dream. Personally my favorite was Lil Jon. It was so fun. I am dying to go back and see Britney Spears someday when she plays there. 
• Pool Dayclubs: You have to get the full Vegas experience by visiting a pool day club. My favorite is The Marquee in The Cosmopolitan. I recommend going when a famous DJ is playing. Sadly, our schedule didn’t allow us to see Calvin Harris when he played while we were there. 
• See Fremont Street– Although Fremont isn’t my favorite part of Vegas, it’s worth checking out. 
• Walk The Strip/People Watch – Everywhere you look there is something to do, eat or drink. It’s also fun to people watch. You will see it all!  I never feel unsafe, but I would never walk The Strip alone and am always very cautious. 
• Shop– There are luxurious stores everywhere. I love the Fashion Show Mall and Caesar’s Palace.
• Visit The Different Casinos– Although I’m not a huge gambler ,I do like walking around and checking out the casinos. They are all different themes, so it’s fun because one minute you can be in a Paris themed casino, then just down the street you’ll find a Hollywood themed casino.
• Cocktails– I recommend having one at The Chandelier in The Cosmopolitan. Lily at the Bellagio also had excellent cocktails. I also hear The Sugar Factory is supposed to be amazing too. For an adult milkshake you have to visit Holsteins. Tip- If you’re gambling and don’t want to spend money on drinks, most casinos will give you free drinks. 
• Check out the Bellaigo Conservatory
• Sleep In: There is something going on in Vegas all the time, so don’t feel guilty sleeping in. I love that it’s 2 hours earlier than Oklahoma, so it doesn’t feel like I am sleeping in. Sleeping until 10 there is like sleeping until noon back home!

Other ideas that I haven’t personally done:

Check out the Neon Sign Museum, check out where Pawn Stars is filmed, and visit Seven Magic Mountains.

If you’re planning a trip to Vegas soon, make sure to check my tips for the perfect weekend in Las Vegas

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