Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a dense, five-mile corridor of mega-resorts floating in the Mojave Desert. Walking takes twice as long as you expect because buildings are massive and pedestrian bridges force winding detours. You navigate the city by moving between air-conditioned resort hubs, each operating as a self-contained ecosystem. Outside the casino floors, a distinct desert city flourishes in Chinatown and the Arts District.

Las Vegas has evolved from cheap prime rib buffets into a global dining capital. The highest concentration of acclaimed chefs sits inside mega-resorts along Las Vegas Boulevard, where reservations open three months ahead. For authentic local eating away from corporate resort pricing, head two miles west to Spring Mountain Road. This strip of Strip-adjacent strip malls forms Chinatown, home to exceptional Sichuan, Vietnamese, and Japanese dining.

• Chinatown dining

  Spring Mountain Road hosts over 150 restaurants. Order Dan Dan noodles at Shang Artisan Noodle or izakaya skewers at Raku.

• Late night spots

  Resort kitchens close earlier than expected post-pandemic. High-end late-night dining lives at Chinatown izakayas open past midnight.

• Resort charge trick

  Charge meals at affiliated partner restaurants back to your hotel room to accumulate resort loyalty points across properties.

Las Vegas transformed from an isolated railroad stop into the gambling capital of the western world.

1. 1905

   Railroad town founded

   Las Vegas is officially auctioned off as a 110-acre railroad town, serving as a refueling stop between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.

2. 1931

   Legalised gambling

   Nevada legalises casino gambling while construction begins on Hoover Dam, bringing thousands of workers and cash into the local economy.

3. 1941

   The Strip begins

   The El Rancho Vegas opens on Highway 91 outside city limits, marking the birth of the modern Las Vegas Strip corridor.

Choose your base based on how much walking you want to do and whether you prefer modern mega-resorts or vintage downtown energy.

The Strip looks compact on paper, but walking between neighboring resorts can take twenty minutes due to elevated pedestrian bridges.

• Use free express trams running between Mandalay Bay–Luxor–Excalibur and Bellagio–CityCenter–Park MGM.

• Buy unlimited monorail passes online in advance to save on single-ride fees along the east corridor.

• Use pedestrian skywalks at major Strip intersections; crossing at street level is prohibited and strictly ticketed.

• Exit resort main valets and follow signs to specific rideshare pickup garages during peak evening hours.

Las Vegas ranges from budget-friendly downtown food halls to astronomical Strip resort pricing.

• Casual restaurant dish: $15–25

  A bowl of hand-pulled noodles in Chinatown or a burger off-Strip costs around twenty dollars.

• Resort cocktail: $18–26

  Cocktails on main casino floors carry steep premium prices; look for happy hours in the Arts District.

• 24-hour bus pass: $8

  The Deuce double-decker bus runs 24/7 along the Strip and Downtown corridor.

• Casino table minimums: $15–50

  Strip blackjack tables start high at night, while Downtown tables offer ten-dollar games.

• Desert hydration

  The dry air dehydrates quickly despite air-conditioned casinos. Carry water bottles continuously.

• Casino floor time

  Casinos have no clocks or windows. Set phone alarms if you have show tickets or dinner reservations.

• Physical ID required

  Security checks physical government IDs strictly at casino bars and table games regardless of age.

• Slot machine drink tips

  Drinks are complimentary while active at slot machines or tables; tip the server cash each round.

• Convention calendar

  Check major convention schedules before booking; massive tech events double room prices overnight.