My husband and I were asked if we wanted to spend a few days in Vegas with a couple photographer friends. Was that, like, seriously even a question? As with most impromptu trips, it was a no brainer. I wasn't that interested in gambling or watching women take their clothes off - I get that show for free in the bathroom mirror every day - but Vegas is so much more than casinos and strip clubs. I'm going to show you another side, beneath the neon lights, wide glassy eyes and silicone brassieres. This is the Ristretto in Stilettos guide to Las Vegas, and here to help show you around are our friends Bel & Nic.
Of course, whatever happened to us in Vegas will be in my video. Click HERE to watch.
photo by Bel Peterson
Las Vegas is a glammed up, sexed up, 'best of' version of the real world. You've got the Eiffel Tower, Venetian gondolas, celebrity chefs and some of the best entertainment in the world. I'm sure you've already heard a thing or two. So let's get into it, here's my list of where you should eat, drink, play and get your glam on in the City of Lights.
EAT ME
A gorgeous cafe that sits at the bottom of the faux Eiffel Tower, directly across from the dancing Bellagio fountains for ideal viewing. They've got smooth espresso, rich French food and great cocktails. The perfect place to people watch and it photographs very well. Located in the Paris Hotel.
It's pricey, but I highly recommend it for an unforgettable night with incredible food and stunning views of the Strip. The endless array of complimentary breads is also something you have to experience, unless you're getting photographed by the pool the next day. On second thought, no regrets. Located at the top of the Eiffel Tower in the Paris Hotel.
Swanky, splurge worthy, world famous sushi in a gorgeous setting. Located in Caesar’s Palace.
photos from 7th & Carson
If the weather's nice, and you can bet on it, brunch on their outdoor patio. Avocado toast on sourdough, grilled peach and burrata with basil pesto and crab Benedict are some of the things you'll find on their menu in addition to the bottomless mimosa. Located on 7th & Carson.
Quality roasts, traceable bean origins and a quick pick me up if you're willing to go out of your way for a great cup of coffee. Located a few blocks north of the Stratosphere.
If tacos, napales, elote and margaritas are your love language, check out this food truck situated inside a whimsically decorated restaurant. High quality Mexican street food. Two locations
photo from Beijing Noodle No.9
Omg this place is beautiful. Enter through tall glass aquariums. Open the 14 page menu starring fresh hand pulled noodles and bask in the brilliant white light surrounding you from every side. Excellent place to take photos. Located in Caesar’s Palace.
What’s better than churros and coffee? How about seeing your face printed in the latte foam? Custom designed latte art has never looked better. And you’ll love the white marble tables and cheeky wall slogans on your instagram feed.
photos from Bruno's Taco Bar
An upscale food court perfect for large groups or indecisive individuals. Craving chicken wings? Sliders? Sushi? How about a Vietnamese iced coffee glazed donut or creative craft cocktail? Open until 2am on weekends. Located on Level Two of the Cosmopolitan Hotel.
Famous for their always changing ocean to table weekend brunch. Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-3pm. $59 per person. Definitely make your reservations in advance, preferably in their outdoor terrace. Located in the Aria Hotel.
The food here is flavorful and beautifully plated. It’s open from morning til night. The coffee is smooth, the cocktails inspired. It’s got a gorgeous pool side view. Located on the 6th floor of the Palms Place Resort.
My husband and I were strolling through town looking for food one late night after dancing when it seemed like every kitchen in the city had shut down. Surprisingly, even though bars and nightclubs stay open late, most of their kitchens close before midnight. Long story short we got lucky when we found this restaurant. It cost us more than a penny, but everything we ordered here was incredible, and we left feeling like a million bucks. It’s updated classic comfort food that ranges from an ultra healthy drinks like cucumber kale juice, to dramatically indulgent desserts such as their Cherry Bomb milkshake with Bourbon. Located in the Palms Resort Casino.
DRINK ME
Prohibition era decadence with crystal chandeliers and a truly vintage feel. They’ve got a rooftop bar and a secret bar called the ‘laundry room’ where you need a private number to call and get in. The DJ plays a mix of old school and contemporary.
Details
Open til 2am weekdays, 3am on weekends
$3-5 happy hour drinks from 6-9pm
It’s off the strip
This club sets the bar REALLY high, like 107 stories high. The sweeping views of the Strip and mountains beyond make it an unforgettable experience. Expect craft cocktails, live DJ after 11pm and a small appetizer menu.
Details
No cover charge
Open til 3am every night
Happy hour from 4-7pm and 10:30pm-4am
Located on the 107th floor of the Stratosphere, just above the Top of the World restaurant
Drink delicious cocktails and dance under the stars at this 2 story indoor outdoor lounge. Spectacular views, great music for dancing and a zipline (additional charge). Order the Witch Doctor if you like attention, an large rum cocktail topped with dry ice. Located on the 51st floor of the Rio Hotel.
Details
Free Admission from 8-10pm
Closed Mon-Tues
Open til 2am weekdays, 3am weekends
Dress to impress
Sip expertly crafted cocktails while enjoying views of the strip from the 23rd floor of the Waldorf Astoria. I recommend reserving a window table at sunset. If you’re feeling fancy try the Osetra Caviar & Vodka served in crystalware from Tiffanys & Co. Located in the Waldorf Astoria.
Details
No cover
Menu is small and offers only appetizer portions
Open til 1am Sun-Thus, 2am Fri-Sat
photo by Bel Peterson
TELL ME IM PRETTY
Want that ultra glamorous “I woke up like this” beachy balayaged wave? If yes, this is your spot. If you want to stand out, they do an amazing job with color. Want extra fullness or length? Try their extensions. And if you just need a blowout, they’ve got that too.
Details
Closed Sundays
Private parking lot
Good for kids
Also offer makeup and eyelash extensions
photo from 9037 salon
If old hollywood hairstyles are your thing, schedule an apt with Atomic. Their custom designed vintage decor will transported back to Las Vegas’ golden era. And if you’re really looking for some mid-century glamor, let them escort you and your friends to your next event in their vintage aquamarine Cadillac.
Details
Open 7 days a week
Street parking
Good for men & kids
Also offer vintage makeup application
Ask for the Viva Las Vegas Hair & Makeup Package for the full experience
photo from Atomic Style Lounge
Nohea in the Hawaiian language means “beautiful”. Makes sense. Vegas strangely resembles a tropical island and you’ll definitely feel beautiful with the latest trends in nail art, and gel extensions. They also offer facials and waxing.
Details
Open 7 days a week
Free WiFi
Wide variety of gel and natural nail polish colors
Good for kids
Reservations highly recommended
This place does it all - trendy nail art, hair, makeup, waxing, lashes, brows and even teeth whitening! With crystal chandeliers, white shimmery decor and complimentary mimosas, it’s the perfect place to relax solo, book a party or prep for a special event.
Details
Open 7 days a week
Free parking lot
Good for men & kids
$35 blowout when you check-in on yelp
photos by Bel Peterson
WHERE TO SNAP THE BEST PHOTOS
I mean, there really isn't a bad place to photograph in Vegas, but here are some of the best backdrops.
photo from the Bellagio Hotel
photo from the Cosmopolitan Hotel
vintage vegas
photo by Tiffany Campos
ENTERTAIN ME
Night Clubs
Indoor outdoor venue with a private tuscan garden overlooking the dancing Bellagio fountains. It’s elegant and romantic. Inside you’ll find Italian marble and chandeliers, as well as a small but packed dance floor with live DJ, dancing bartenders and (as with all clubs) tables you have to reserve ahead of time. Located inside the Bellagio.
Details
No cover if you’re staying at the Bellagio
Call ahead to reserve and buy tickets. Link on their website.
Open til 4am every night except Mon & Thurs when it closes at 12am
Dress to impress
I’m a sucker for a good view, and this club doesn’t disappoint. Take the private elevator to the 63rd floor to drink and dance with live DJ’s and exotic table top dancers. There’s also an intimate outdoor patio with heaters overlooking the Strip. The Foundation Room is a members club, but they allow non members to join after 10pm for a fee. Located on the 63rd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel
Details
Reduced cover with RSVP
Open from 6pm til 3am Mon-Sun
Im absolutely obsessed with this club. It’s HUGE and packed nightly. And when I say huge I mean it’s a three level venue with an outdoor terrace right above the Strip. Inside the club, celebrity DJ’s play beats while laser lights dance around you and a 22,000 lb chandelier spirals from the ceiling toward your head. It’s climate controlled and they shoot out streams of oxygen to keep your body awake into the wee hours of the morning. At the bar they serve liquor, beer and a couple wines, no cocktails or mixed drinks. VIP tables are expensive and unnecessary if you're there to dance. You can also save money by getting free tickets from the promoters who hand them out in hotel casinos and along the Strip. Located at Caesars Palace.
Details
Closed Mondays & Wednesdays
Open all other nights til about 4am
Collared shirts are required for men
No hats, shorts, ripped jeans or sandals
Also a nightclub where you can drink delicious cocktails and dance under the stars. Spectacular views, great music for dancing and a zipline (additional charge). Order the Witch Doctor, an enormous rum cocktail topped with dry ice. The drinks are expensive so plan accordingly. Located on the 51st floor of the Rio Hotel.
Details
Free Admission from 8-10pm
Closed Mon-Tues
Open til 2am weekdays, 3am weekends
Dress to impress
photo by Bachelor Vegas
An indoor outdoor venue with a large pool, tropical cabanas, daybeds and private bungalows. Dance and swim under the stars as the sun sets over the Strip. Located at the Wynn Hotel.
Details
Only open weekends
Full bar
Live performances
photo from the rio hotel
Shows
The shows are always changing but are consistently the best in the world. Anything by Cirque Du Soleil is going to be PHENOM. Britney and JLo were both performing while we were there. Click HERE to get a current list of singers and events.
STAY THE NIGHT
A list of my favorite hotels
A miniature Paris in the center of the Strip. Very Moulin Rouge. Like, I kept expecting Nichole Kidman to swing down from the roof and serenade us. Much like all the other Vegas casinos I will mention, it’s got world class restaurants, spas, live entertainment and spectacular views. Especially from the top of the tower.
Live among the gods in the lap of luxury. Gold accents, white pillars and expertly carved statues guarding beautiful fountains inside the hotel. Even more of this outside at one of the most photogenic pools I’ve ever seen.
Home to the iconic dancing fountains and glass garden display. Its got a distinctive rich European vibe. Book a room on the fountain side for views of the Eiffel Tower and brightly lit Vegas strip.
A river runs through it. The ceilings are painted to look like the sky with canals winding their way through the center of the hotel. Take a gondola ride or watch others float along in bliss while being serenaded by their gondolier. It's got that old world charm. I love it.
While many of the other hotels play off old world charm, Aria is a modern masterpiece. Tall towers filled with steel sculptures, waterfalls, swirly carpets, and an elevated boardwalk with upscale shops and sky tram to take you to and from the Bellagio fountains.
Sexy, upscale luxury. Digital art displays, exotic dancers on swings, and swanky rooftop pools. Take the winding staircase to the Chandelier Room, a 3 tiered lounge dripping in crystals and drink among a dizzying array of purples and pinks. The spa here is an experience worth having as well. Try to get a balcony room with a view.
Five star luxury right across from the Fashion Show Mall if you feel like putting your money into something more substantial than a slot machine. Say a pair of sparkly black swan drop earrings from Swarovski. And if you feel like crashing before 3am try to book your room away from the XS club.
photo from Caesar's Palace
If you’re looking to save money, you can try Airbnb
We stayed at the Palm's Place Resort in a sky rise condo for $60/night.
Our sky rise condo was immaculate, spacious and had a gorgeous view of the city. For $60 a night, it felt like an incredible find. Until we had to pay an Uber to take us back and forth to the Strip, which is where all the world class restaurants, casinos and shows are. And then we found out that some of the hotels I've listed above also have rooms for around $60 a night. And those rooms have housekeeping, airbnb doesn't. If we go again, we’ll definitely stay right on the strip, whether or not we stay at an Airbnb.
Comment below any places you think should be added to the list.
