How to Spend a Long Weekend in Las Vegas

[Joshua Luke]

Las Vegas has long been one of the most popular and accessible travel destinations in the whole world. An estimated 42.5 million people made the trip to North America's foremost adult playground in 2019, for example, up from just under 36 million at the beginning of the century.

One of the many reasons for the sustained popularity of "Sin City" is its rich diversity of entertainment, which makes it the ideal place for long weekend getaways and hedonistic, boys'- and girls'-night-out experiences.

So how best to spend a long weekend here? To narrow it down for you a little bit, here are several suggestions, once Vegas is again open for business:


Caesars Entertainment

Take in a Show at a Casino Resort

Vegas is obviously renowned as a destination for night owls, and a big part of that is its amazing diversity of live shows, mostly at the huge casino resorts like the Rio, home to our own favourite, the magic/illusionist duo Penn & Teller., a longrunning cult hit (it'll really blow your mind, and you can also look forward to some audience participation if this is something that appeals to you). Over at the elegant Bellagio,shows include O, one of several running by the eye-popping Quebec circus-plus empire Cirque du Soleil, and  Deuces Are Wild, from the legendary hard-rock band Aerosmith.



Bellagio MGM Resorts

Enjoy an Iconic Gambling Experience

Let's face it, the "sin" Las Vegas was built on is gambling, and most visitors will indulge in a good several stints at its thousands of slot machines, roulette wheels, and blackjack tables at more than 120 casinos, both standalone and resorts. We especially like the Bellagio, but there are plenty of options to choose both on the famous Vegas Strip and away from it (from downtown to the airport, and even in places like convenience stores).

Just a word of advice; if you do plan to visit one of Vegas' renowned casinos, strive to hone your gambling skills online before your travel. You can play slot machines at websites like Euro Palace to get a feel for the experience, and this should help you to better enjoy your Vegas trip while also making a little money.


The Slanted Door

Get Your Fill of Vegas' International Cuisine

Dining is another area in which Vegas has become an international capital, from world-class restaurants run by the world's top chefs (including nearly a dozen that are Michelin-starred) down to a variety of inexpensive global-cuisine eateries off the Strip. Some of the top tables in town these days include Charlie Palmer Steak at the Four Seasons Hotel, Citizens Kitchen and Bar (creative, contemporary American fare) at the Mandalay Bay Casino Resort, and delicious Vientamese at The Slanted Door in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

And of course keep in mind, you just might pt on a pound or two, thanks to the richness of the food (and in many cases, the size of the portions)!