11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
The Las Vegas Value Calculator
Fabulous Las Vegas is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of city with a little bit of everything. It's an epicenter of entertainment with artists in residency, comedy shows that deliver, and thrilling sporting events. And it also goes beyond sequins and spotlights with outdoor activities, fascinating museums, top-tier shopping, and so many restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs.
But a trip to Vegas isn't defined by how much money you drop. The vibe of the city and its experiences can be enjoyed on numerous different spend levels—whether you're looking to conserve, indulge, or splurge. Here's how you can do Las Vegas in a way that works for you.
StayBook a room at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, where you can soak up the sun at the Kassi Beach Club, a lively 21+ pool experience with comfy cabanas and daybeds, Italian bites, and local DJs. There's also the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino—known for the International Theater—or Flamingo Las Vegas, a vibrant option with a 1.5-acre pool complex for guests 21 and older.
Eat Between explorations, fuel up with American comfort food like smoked brisket "trash can" nachos or steak frites served with a French fry trio and crispy onions at Guy Fieri's Flavortown Sports Kitchen located at Horseshoe Las Vegas. If you're in the mood for pizza, head to Evel Pie in Downtown Las Vegas, a retro pizzeria—inspired by the late daredevil Evel Knievel—where the Evel Slice Combo gives you a slice of cheese pizza and a beer for just $8. PlayTaking a photo at the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign and exploring the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens are two solid free activities. And the The Neon Museum is well worth its ticket price ($20 during the day and $30 at night)—you'll see some of the city's retired bright, dazzling lights, plus special exhibitions.
StayOff-strip options carry an air of exclusivity. Consider M Resort Spa & Casino and Circa Resort & Casino, for example, both of which feature pool clubs and several dining options. Be among the first to experience MGM Grand Hotel and Casino's newly renovated rooms, an ode to the glamour of the disco era but with modern touches.
EatTake dinner-and-a-show to a new level at Fork n' Film Las Vegas, located in AREA15, an immersive dining experience that brings popular films to life with food and drinks inspired by what appears on-screen. Top of the World serves steaks, seafood, and sweeping views of Las Vegas from inside the The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower; the restaurant's extraordinary dining room revolves 360 degrees every 80 minutes so every dinner party gets to experience the full view. Don't skip the warm butter cake with vanilla-bean ice cream and seasonal berries to close out your evening.
Play You don't need deep pockets to see what makes Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world, thanks to the Fremont Street Experience. This five-block destination is home to free nightly open-air performances across three stages and mind-blowing Viva Vision light shows on the largest LED canopy screen in the world. For laughs and drinks, check out the West Coast outpost of New York City's beloved Comedy Cellar. During any given show in the intimate space, you'll get to see five comedians each do a 15-to-20 minute set.
StayLean into luxury and classic Vegas excitement at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas or enjoy the bragging rights of checking in to Nobu Hotel Las Vegas at Caesars Palace, aka the world's first Nobu hotel. The Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World, which is the largest Conrad in the world, also offers lavish accommodations and a plethora of dining and entertainment options, like award-winning restaurant Stubborn Seed and the Ayu Dayclub and Zouk Nightclub.
Eat Lunch at Zaytinya at Caesars Palace, a Mediterranean spot from world-renowned chef José Andrés is not to be missed—though it can be hard to choose from the city's high-end options. The inimitable Le Cirque, located in the Bellagio Las Vegas, delivers an unforgettable meal: From Ossetra caviar to black-truffle risotto to wagyu filet mignon, the tasting menu at this legendary restaurant is stacked with prestigious ingredients and delicacies. Or, for a contemporary take on the classic steakhouse, consider CUT By Wolfgang Puck at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, where the menu highlights Australian, American, and Japanese Wagyu as well as seafood delights (whole roasted Maine lobster, anyone?) and must-try sides like tempura onion rings served with saffron-smoked paprika aioli, and charred snap peas topped with Calabrian chili butter and breadcrumbs. Play Go window-shopping (or just regular shopping) at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, an upscale mall that's home to more than 160 specialty stores and fine restaurants. On the entertainment front, catch a live show at the Sphere, a one-of-a-kind venue with a massive LED screen that entirely encompasses its audience. Visit the site to see who's passing through this year.
Learn more at
