Las Vegas, aka the Entertainment Capital of the World, is known for extravagant casinos, dazzling entertainment extravaganzas and luxuries. Ostentatious to some and paradise to others, Sin City nevertheless remains a bucket list destination for many a global traveller. However, beyond the glitz and glamour of the Vegas Strip lies a vibrant city with a fascinating local culture that is just waiting to be discovered.
If you want to enjoy Las Vegas like a local, you need to venture off the tourist trail and discover the hidden side of the city. In this guide, we will unveil the secrets to experiencing Las Vegas as you live there, from off-strip adventures to the finest neighbourhood eateries.
Where to Stay
There is no doubting the allure of the neon-drenched Las Vegas strip, and it certainly offers an array of opulent accommodation options, but Las Vegans know that true luxury can be found beyond the bright lights.
Seek some much-needed refuge from the crowds of tourists at The Palazzo, the sister property to the famous Venetian casino, where spacious suites and impeccable service await.
Alternatively, you could opt for the historic charm of the El Cortez Hotel & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas, where you will find the perfect combination of vintage glamour and modern luxuries.
Entertainment in Sin City
If there is one thing that Las Vegas does better than anywhere else on the planet, it is entertainment. This vibrant oasis in the heart of the Mojave Desert is jam-packed with all manner of entertainment experiences that appeal to both tourists and locals alike. While the sell-out residencies from superstar performers like Adele and U2 always draw the crowds, Las Vegas offers much more than headline shows.
To enjoy some true homegrown entertainment, head to the Fremont East District in downtown Las Vegas. Venues like The Bunkhouse Saloon and Backstage Bar & Billiards are wonderful places to discover talented local bands and music artists. If comedy is more your thing, catch a show at The Comedy Cellar, hosted the Rio Hotel & Casino, with its side-splitting rotating lineup of established and emerging comedy talents. For a unique evening, do not miss the captivating burlesque, circus, and aerial performances at Artifice in the Arts District.
Sin City will always be synonymous with its gaming palaces and casinos, and experiencing the city like a local involves embracing the thrill of the game.
Sure, it has never been easier to play casino games online than it is here in the digital age; all manner of exciting gaming platforms has sprung up that harness cutting-edge technology to provide immersive experiences. Joe Fortune, for example, is one of the emerging Bitcoin casinos taking the gaming world by storm, and you can even play classic games like roulette and blackjack on your smartphone. However, nothing quite compares to the experience of a Las Vegas casino.
While the dancing fountains of The Bellagio and the audacious glamour of Caesars Palace draw the crowds in their droves, for a more authentic casino experience, head to off-Strip favourites like the Palms or the Orleans.
Unearth Some Hidden Gems
After you have had your fill of Las Vegas’ entertainment scene, it makes sense to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown for a while. Luckily, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover throughout the city that will fill your day with art, culture, and the beauty of the natural world.
A day spent experiencing the hidden side of Vegas should start with a trip to the National Atomic Testing Museum. The museum houses several fascinating exhibits that shed light on the city’s atomic history.
From there, head to The Neon Museum Las Vegas. Affectionately known as the “neon boneyard”, this quirky outdoor museum highlights the city’s most famous artworks: neon signs! And do not forget to visit the Pinball Hall of Fame, where you can immerse yourself in the vintage pinball machines of yesteryear.
Architecture may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you first think of Las Vegas, but there are plenty of design wonders to unearth here. The deconstructed exterior of the Lou Ruvo Centre for Brain Health on West Bonneville Avenue, the neoclassical Nevada Supreme Court on East Clarke Avenue and the Guardian Angel Cathedral on Cathedral Way is just a handful of the sites worth discovering.
Following your busy day exploring all that Vegas has to offer, what could be better than taking some much-needed time out in nature? Springs Preserve in Clark County is a sprawling nature resource that is dedicated to preserving the city’s unique desert ecosystem. With its butterfly house, botanical garden and plenty of habitats home to over 250 species of local wildlife, you’ll see a part of Las Vegas that most tourists often miss.
Alternatively, if you have a free day in your itinerary, take a road trip to the nearby Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, where adrenaline-fuelled activities and awe-inspiring landscapes await.
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
