Las Vegas is a city like no other — a mix of dazzling lights, world-class shows, endless food options, and over-the-top hotel themes. I’ve been there a few times over the years, and each visit brought a completely different experience. From budget-friendly stays to luxury resorts, from buffet-hopping to Cirque du Soleil shows, here’s my ultimate guide to enjoying Vegas to the fullest.
My First Vegas Trip – 2014
The first time I visited Las Vegas was in 2014. I started my stay with two nights at the Hard Rock Hotel (now the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas). Back then, the rooms were spacious and the rates incredibly low — I paid around $50 a night! It was perfect for what I needed: just a place to sleep between exploring the Grand Canyon, shopping at the outlets, and wandering around.
After those two nights, I moved to the Bellagio to really enjoy the Las Vegas experience. Staying there was unforgettable — the iconic fountains, elegant décor, and perfect location right on the Strip made it special.
Buffet-Hopping in Vegas
Las Vegas buffets are legendary. Over the years, I’ve tried many:
- Bellagio Buffet – Perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Wynn Buffet – A gorgeous setting and plenty of fresh options for lunch.
- Venetian Buffet – Great variety and a lively atmosphere.
- Aria Buffet – Sleek and modern, with high-quality dishes.
- Cosmopolitan’s Wicked Spoon – My favorite! Creative small plates, amazing desserts (macarons, ice cream, pies, cakes, cookies), and a trick I discovered: if you arrived in the late lunch hours, you could enjoy the dinner spread at the lunch price.
Before the pandemic, Vegas had over 50 buffets; now, fewer remain open, but the quality is still top-notch.
My 2020 Vegas Stay
In early 2020, I spent an entire month in Las Vegas for work. On weekends, my husband joined me so we could enjoy the city together. It was surreal — I left just two days before all casinos shut down for the first time in history due to the pandemic.
That trip also deepened my love for the Cosmopolitan. Not only is Wicked Spoon amazing, but it’s also home to Jaleo, a Spanish tapas restaurant I adore. Vegas really is a foodie’s paradise — from celebrity chef restaurants to casual bites, you can find it all.
Vegas in 2025
On my most recent trip, I saw the Sphere completed — a breathtaking LED structure that’s even more impressive in person. Having visited Italy in between my Vegas trips, I now appreciate even more the Italian-inspired resorts like the Venetian, Bellagio, and Caesars Palace. Walking through them feels like stepping into Rome or Venice, complete with beautiful “sunset” ceilings and intricate details.
Favorite Restaurants in Las Vegas
Here are a few I recommend:
- Jaleo (Cosmopolitan) – Incredible tapas.
- Firefly – Another fantastic tapas spot.
- Eataly – A must for Italian food lovers.
- Mon Ami Gabi (Paris Hotel) – Delicious French cuisine with a view.
- Gordon Ramsay Burger (Planet Hollywood) – One of the best burgers I’ve had.
- Fogo de Chão – The Vegas location is excellent.
- Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop – Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Unmissable Shows
Vegas is famous for its entertainment. My top picks:
- O (Cirque du Soleil) – A stunning water-based show at the Bellagio.
- Le Rêve (Wynn) – Another breathtaking aquatic performance, created by a former Cirque du Soleil director.
Both require advance booking, especially during peak seasons.
Other Tips & Observations
- The Strip is connected with walkways and indoor passages, making it easy to explore multiple resorts without spending too much time outside in the heat.
- The Las Vegas sign is smaller than many expect — but still a fun photo stop.
- Fremont Street (Downtown Las Vegas) has a more old-school vibe with the Golden Nugget, zipline, and giant LED ceiling. Worth visiting once, but my favorite area remains the Strip.
- There are two outlets: one open-air with more variety and higher-end brands, and one indoor with mainly popular mid-range stores.
Quick Vegas Travel Tips
- Rent a car – While Uber and Lyft are available, having your own car makes it much easier to enjoy the city, visit outlets, restaurants, and attractions beyond the Strip. Parking isn’t free anymore, but daily rates are reasonable, and you can often park once and walk between nearby casinos.
- Visit during the week for lower hotel rates.
- Book shows early (especially Cirque du Soleil).
- Stay hydrated — the desert climate can be tricky.
- Walk indoors as much as possible to avoid the heat.
- Hit the buffets hungry — portions are generous!
Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps — glamorous, chaotic, and unforgettable. Whether you’re there for the food, the shows, the casinos, or just the experience of walking down the Strip, there’s always something new to discover.
