The Best of Las Vegas: Where to Eat, Drink, and Explore
Right now, Las Vegas is undergoing a thrilling evolution, seamlessly blending jaw-dropping, futuristic spectacles with the timeless, intimate glamour of its golden era. Whether you want to lose yourself in the mind-bending scale of the Sphere, savor a theatrical dinner at Delilah, or find a quiet sanctuary inside the Velveteen Rabbit, the city offers an unmatched spectrum of high-energy thrills and sophisticated escapes. This curated guide is your passport to the very best of the city, highlighting the essential signature spots, seasonal must-sees, and blockbuster events defining Vegas today.
15 places·Signature, Seasonal, Event
Seasonal
Awana Spa
#1
When the midday sun peaks, retreat indoors to this spectacular, modern thermal playground. Inspired by European sauna culture, their Foot Ritual and multi-temperature vitality pools are the perfect antidote to the dry Nevada heat. Don't skip the experiential rain showers and the crisp, restorative cold plunge.
Stepping into Delilah feels like slipping back into 1950s Hollywood, complete with a live jazz band, plush velvet booths, and a strict no-photos policy. Order a classic martini, enjoy the immaculate people-watching, and let the night stretch on a little longer.
Shake off the high-tech sensory buzz with some classic old-school Vegas charm. This legendary 24-hour lounge features neon-lit trees, plush velvet booths, and a literal fire pit bubbling with water. Order a retro cocktail and a plate of late-night sliders to refuel while you dissect the concert's setlist.
Shake off the late night with the best smoked salmon tower in the desert, served in a bright, theatrical dining room designed by Ken Fulk. Overlooking the Bellagio Conservatory, it is the most civilised possible end to a whirlwind 24 hours.
Perched on the 64th floor of the Delano, this minimalist lounge offers the absolute best sunset view in the city. Watch the desert sky turn brilliant shades of pink and gold through floor-to-ceiling windows while sipping a perfectly chilled, botanically-infused cocktail. It is quiet, sophisticated, and wonderfully cool.
There is no bad seat in this architectural marvel, but tonight you are here for the Eagles' legendary harmonies paired with custom-designed visual landscapes that wrap around the entire venue. It is a sensory experience that ruins regular concerts forever.
Even if you have seen the Eagles a dozen times, nothing prepares you for the sheer scale of the Sphere. Grab your seats early to take in the mind-bending 16K resolution visuals that turn 'Hotel California' into an immersive masterpiece. It is a sensory triumph backed by pristine, crystal-clear haptic sound.
This is modern dinner theater done with immense style, channeling the glamour of mid-century lounge culture. Dine on oysters and prime rib while jazz singers and dancers perform against the backdrop of the illuminated Bellagio fountains. It’s a lavish, fully air-conditioned escape from the summer night.
Skip the chaotic day clubs for this lush, Mediterranean-inspired oasis reserved for guests and cabana bookings. Cool off under towering palms, enjoy poolside service featuring pristine fresh fruit plates, and take advantage of the chilled towels. It’s the ultimate summer retreat without the sensory overload.
Escape the Strip entirely and head to the Arts District for a final drink. Run by two sisters, this beloved local haunt features outstanding seasonal craft cocktails, a great selection of natural wines, and a moody, vintage-chic patio. It is the perfect, relaxed antidote to the neon glare of the main boulevard.
Start your morning inside the sun-dappled, plant-filled atrium of the Wynn. Sip an iced organic Spanish latte and enjoy a light breakfast away from the early desert heat. It’s a peaceful, beautifully designed sanctuary that sets a civilized tone for the day.
Conclude your night in the Arts District, where locals go to escape the Strip’s neon glare. This women-owned cocktail den features an eclectic, velvet-draped interior and a shaded patio equipped with cooling misters. Their seasonal summer menu showcases inventive ingredients like peach-infused mezcal and desert botanicals.
Skip the chaotic strip buffets and start your night at this sleek Japanese spot inside the Palazzo lobby. Chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s high-design dining room sets the perfect mood with dramatic art installations and flawless architecture. Grab a seat at the bar for a Japanese whisky cocktail and some high-end kushiyaki skewers before walking over to the show.
Skip the main lobby chaos and check in through the private, art-filled Tower Suites entrance. Start your stay with an impeccably mixed French 75 under the whimsical canopy of Bar Parasol, watching the waterfall show just outside the glass.
Securing one of the nine seats at this hidden counter inside the Cosmopolitan is a badge of honor for any serious diner. Over two hours, you will be treated to a fast-paced, surrealist tasting menu of Spanish avant-garde bites that are as delicious as they are mind-bending.