Explore Las Vegas
Your perfect trip to USA
Las Vegas is a neon mirage in the Mojave Desert, a monument to excess and the suspension of disbelief. It smells of vanilla-scented casino oxygen (pumped in to keep you awake), stale cigarettes, and expensive steak. There are no clocks, no windows, and no judgment. The noise is a constant, hypnotic chime of slot machines and the roar of fountains.
It is a city designed to separate you from your money, and if you accept that bargain, it is the most fun place on earth. The Strip is sensory overload—a fake Paris next to a fake Venice next to a pyramid. But look past the kitsch, and you find the world's best chefs, incredible acrobats (Cirque du Soleil), and a surprisingly rugged natural beauty just 20 minutes away.
Vegas is honest about what it is. It doesn't pretend to be cultural; it pretends to be spectacular. The vibe shifts from the depressing desperation of old downtown (Fremont) to the sterile, high-end luxury of the Cosmopolitan. It is a place where you can watch the sun rise while holding a margarita, wondering where the last 12 hours went.
To survive Vegas: drink water (it's a desert), tip the cocktail waitress $5 to ensure she comes back, and never buy the club entry from a guy on the street.
The perfect plan for Las Vegas:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: The Strip Spectacle
- Morning: Bellagio Conservatory. Go at 8 AM to smell the fresh flowers before the crowds. It changes seasonally. Then watch the Fountains.
- Afternoon: Pool party or relax. Lunch at Mon Ami Gabi (Paris). Sit on the patio. It’s the best people-watching spot.
- Evening: The Cosmopolitan. Have a drink at the Chandelier Bar (inside the crystal beads). Dinner at Momofuku or Secret Pizza (down the hallway with no sign) for a late slice.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Old Vegas & Neon
- Morning: Neon Museum (The Boneyard). Old casino signs rusting in the sun. Book a guided tour. It’s history and art.
- Afternoon: Fremont Street. See the Golden Nugget (shark tank). It’s trashy, loud, and cheaper. Lunch at Heart Attack Grill (if you dare) or a classic steak sandwich at Binion's.
- Evening: Arts District. The hipster side. Breweries and antique shops. Dinner at Esther's Kitchen (great Italian). It feels like a real city here.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Desert & Heights
- Morning: Red Rock Canyon. Rent a car/Turo. drive the 13-mile loop. The red rocks are stunning contrast to the neon.
- Afternoon: Area15 / Omega Mart. Meow Wolf's interactive art supermarket. It is trippy, weird, and incredible. Plan for 3 hours.
- Evening: High Roller (Observation Wheel) or Stratosphere for views. Dinner off-strip at Lotus of Siam. Arguably the best Northern Thai food in America. Order the Khao Soi and Garlic Prawns.
Weather
Spring (Mar-May): Perfect. 25°C. Pool weather but not melting.
Summer (Jun-Sep): An oven. 40-45°C (110°F). You only walk outside from the taxi to the door.
Autumn (Oct-Nov): Nice, similar to spring.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Surprisingly cold at night. Pools are closed.
Local Customs
1. Tipping: You tip everyone. Valet, bellhop, dealer, waitress. Carry a stack of $1 and $5 bills.
2. Walking: Objects in mirror are farther than they appear. The casinos look close but are miles apart. Take a taxi.
3. Open Container: You can drink alcohol on the street (Strip/Fremont), but not from glass bottles. Plastic cups only.
History & Culture
Founded as a railroad stop in 1905, it became the mob's playground in the 1940s (Bugsy Siegel's Flamingo). The mob built the original strip, funded by skimmed profits. In the 1990s, corporations took over, turning it into a "family" destination (briefly) and then the luxury resort capital it is today. It is a city that implodes its history—old casinos are blown up to make way for the new.
Getting Around & Safety
Uber/Lyft: The best way. Designated pickup zones at every hotel (usually in parking garages).
The Deuce (Bus): Slow, crowded, stops everywhere. Avoid unless desperate.
Walking: Only for short distances within a casino cluster. Wear comfortable shoes.
Info for Nomads
Workation Vibe
Hotels have wifi but charge for it (included in resort fee). Coffee shops are scarce on the Strip.
- Vesta Coffee Roasters (Arts District): Real coffee, good vibes, no slot machines.
- PublicUs (Downtown): Canteen style, great food, laptop friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it expensive? +
It can be cheap (rooms) but expensive (resort fees + food). A "free" room might have a $50/night resort fee. Cocktails are $20+. Gamble responsibly to get "free" drinks.
Is it safe? +
The Strip and Fremont are heavily policed and safe. Avoid dark side streets north of the Stratosphere. Don't engage with the street hustlers promoting clubs.
Can I bring kids? +
You can, but it's not designed for them. It smells of smoke, and there are "slapper cards" (adult ads) on the floor. Stick to the pool and shows if you bring them.