We’ve all heard it before: “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Only a city filled with extreme levels of debauchery could warrant such a catch phrase, not to mention the nickname Sin City. An omnipresent temptation to drink hangs thick in the air, only fueled by the legality of public consumption. The simulated clanks of coins dropping from slot machines are heard on every casino floor, luring you in to test your luck. And we of course can’t forget the other forms of entertainment that are prevalent. Wink. Wink. And while some find Las Vegas to be a bit, shall we say, tawdry, others view it as the perfect place to fully unwind and let loose. For all these reasons, and more, it is one of the most-desired destinations for bachelor and bachelorette parties alike. And following Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s surprise wedding ceremony, and just ahead of their wedding in France, we couldn’t help but give the city a second look. Here’s your comprehensive guide on where to stay, eat, and what to do in this seductive city.
Where To Stay
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Arguably the most attractive hotel in Vegas, The Cosmopolitan pulls out all of the stops to thoroughly impress. The dramatic multi-level Chandelier Bar makes a grand statement, with draped crystal beads backlit in a lilac hue, and serves up incredible craft cocktails as well. Rooms here are incredibly spacious, with many boasting balconies, a rare amenity on the Strip (make sure you request one that looks out on the Bellagio fountains). For high rollers they’ve recently added the Boulevard Penthouses, bringing in three top design firms to up the ante on luxury in Sin City. They’ve also revamped their food and beverage scene, introducing some great casual options like Eggslut, Milk Bar, and Block 16 Urban Food Hall, in addition to more party-friendly restaurants like Momofuku. If you want the type of place where you go to see and be seen, this is it.
NoMad Las Vegas
Having just opened its doors this past October within Park MGM, the NoMad Las Vegas is a breath of fresh air for those who want to go to Vegas without constantly feeling like they’re in Vegas. Just like its sister properties in New York City and Los Angeles, the elegantly appointed interiors are done by Jacques Garcia and many of the rooms are outfitted with the signature freestanding bathtubs. It also features a restaurant and bar overseen by acclaimed chef Daniel Humm and restaurateur Will Guidara; the former is the ideal spot for a refined evening while the latter provides all-day dining and is great for a quick bite and beautifully crafted tipple. The hotel also has its own pool, separate from Park MGM’s, which boasts a stellar cocktail program and transforms into a party with good vibes on the weekends.
Palms Casino Resort
Following a $690 million renovation, the Palms has undergone a complete transformation, giving the property a new lease on life. Brimming with an unbelievable mix of blue chip and street art, you’ll find everything from a trisected tiger shark sculpture by Damien Hirst to original paintings by iconic artists like Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The hotel boasts incredible dining options such as Scotch 80 Prime, a top-notch steakhouse, and Mr. Coco, a luxurious piano lounge serving craft cocktails and indulgent small bites, and is also home to Kaos, one of the hottest day and nightclubs in Sin City right now. For your bachelorette, consider skipping the standard rooms and go all out with the Revolve Suite. Decorated with pink furniture, salon-style bathrooms, and banana leaf wallpaper, this space is meant to be photographed in. Plus, if you shop frequently on Revolve.com, the Palms is now home to their first store and you can even order an outfit and have it waiting for you in the closet.
Where To Eat
Scotch 80 Prime
With a lively scene, a well-heeled crowd, and top hits playing in the background, one of the best chophouses in Las Vegas also happens to be the perfect spot to get the party going. For a more intimate affair, book the glass-sided private dining room lined with original Warhols and Basquiats. And while steak is certainly the main attraction, make sure to also order the mesquite-fired crustacean tower and ribeye ravioli.
Carbone
If you’ve been to the original New York City outpost then you already know the appeal of this stellar Italian eatery. Paying homage to mid-20th century Italian restaurants and putting extra attention on tableside service, it’s a luxurious take on classically influenced dishes. Most known for their spicy rigatoni vodka and veal parmesan, these two dishes might not be the definition of light fare, but they are absolutely worth the indulgence.
Zuma
If you’ve got a hankering for Japanese fare, head over to Zuma at the Cosmopolitan. With a robata grill, sushi counter, and full-fledged kitchen, there’s a great mix of dishes to satisfy just about any craving. And for those who want to leave it up to the experts, there are two omakase menus to choose from as well.
Mordeo Boutique Wine Bar
If you’re in search of a more laid-back start to the evening, head to Mordeo for an extensive list of wines and unbelievable Spanish fare with a Japanese twist. The food here is some of the best in Las Vegas and completely worth heading off-Strip for. For a front-row seat to all of the action, make sure to book a reservation far in advance for the bar seats overlooking the open kitchen.
Momofuku Las Vegas
Fans of David Chang can rejoice now that Momofuku’s first West Coast restaurant has opened at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Noodles, buns, and even A5 Hokkaido wagyu can be found here, in addition to the chef’s introduction of several large-format courses made for sharing. Salt and pepper lobster and Korean braised short ribs are sure to be a hit, but the most outrageous is his famous fried chicken paired with an eight-ounce serving of caviar. Go big or go home, right?
Mott 32
Switch things up a bit at Mott 32 for Dim Sum & Drink Sum. The Hong Kong transplant’s version of happy hour, stop by in the late afternoon for starters that include Iberico pork soup dumplings and shreded peking duck and mushroom spring rolls. And as the name suggests, imbibing is also involved, with a selection of wine and cocktails on offer.
Bouchon
A Thomas Keller restaurant, Bouchon at the Venetian Las Vegas is modeled after classic French bistros and serves some of the best brunch on the strip. Grab an alfresco table on the terrace and order some fresh oysters or poulet et des gaufres, a.k.a. chicken and waffles, where the poultry is roasted instead of fried.
Herringbone
If you’re looking for a lethal combination of a bottomless, all-you-can-eat brunch without hitting the buffets, make your way over to Herringbone at Aria. California coastal is the name of the game here and you’ll find some great fresh seafood options as well as upscale takes on traditional offerings, like orange ricotta chocolate chip pancakes. And while their endless drink offerings are a little pricier than others (starting at $35 per person), they’ve got a covetable option of everlasting Moët & Chandon rosé (it’ll cost you $95 per person, which is actually pretty reasonable in terms of Vegas pricing). Plus, the atmosphere is an absolutely winner; with its verdant outdoor patio outfitted with lounge-like seating, it’s the perfect place for you and the girls to recap the crazy night before.
Lotus of Siam
If you’re willing to head off the strip for a casual lunch, hop over to Lotus of Siam, Chrissy Teigen’s “favorite Thai Restaurant in America.” Make sure to order the khao soi, a Burmese-influenced dish ubiquitously served in Northern Thailand that consists of egg noodles and a curry-based broth with some sort of protein (crispy duck, in this case).
The Juice Standard
You’ll undoubtedly need to rehydrate at some point during the weekend and The Juice Standard is here to help. Cold-pressed juices and refreshing smoothies will help you fight that hangover, and there are also a few vegan-friendly nut milks should you want something a little more substantial. For a quick snack, their protein-rich chia seed puddings are a great option.
Things To Do
Dance The Night Away
Let’s be honest, the primary reason you’ve chosen to have your bachelorette party in Vegas is to have fun at one of the many over-the top clubs. Built to fit thousands of people, the energy is palpable when you step into one of Sin City’s behemoths. As a girl squad it’s easy to nab complimentary bottle service, but keep in mind that you won’t be able to keep that table all night. So if you’re ready to party until the early hours of the following day, make sure you hit up a promoter for the best deals. For the past several years EDM has reigned as king and the hottest spots have the best residency DJs—like Calvin Harris, Zedd, Marshmello, and The Chainsmokers, just to name a few—and you can catch them at Hakkasan, Omnia, Kaos, and XS, respectively. If you’re not a fan of such tunes, most venues also have smaller rooms dedicated to hip hop and rap, but Kaos is also bringing in a wide range of A-list talent, including Cardi B, G-Eazy, and J Balvin.
Do It All Over Again At A Day Club
If you can handle it, double up on your outings and do both day and night clubs. Sure, you could grab a cabana at the hotel pool, but that seems a little boring when you’ve got much more exciting options, no? Plus, this is also a great way to catch all of your favorite producers at the turntables. Marquee Dayclub, Wet Republic, Kaos, and Encore Beach Club are the ones you’ll want to look into for some fun in the sun while Kaos and Encore also offer late-night swim parties on Sunday evenings.
Lounge Around
Whether you’re looking to get the night started or are in search of an evening that doesn’t involve flashing lights and packed dance floors, Las Vegas has a slew of new lounges that are perfect for the occasion. There’s Rosina, which has a sultry ambiance and a focuses on classic tipples; Ghost Donkey, a bar that’s all about mezcal and tequila; Mr. Coco, where craft cocktails are accompanied by live piano music; The Dorsey, with well-conceived drinks by New York City’s Sam Ross of Attaboy fame; Juniper, where the focus is on gin; and Vanderpump Cocktail Garden, a verdant oasis by the television star herself. And if you’re looking for more local hangouts, hop over to Velveteen Rabbit or the Laundry, a speakeasy tucked away inside Commonwealth, for inventive drinks and a break from the flashiness of the Strip.
Watch Your Favorite Singers Perform
Vegas is always bringing in an ever-revolving roster of some of music’s greatest to perform in intimate venues and right now all of the limelight is currently on Lady Gaga. The legendary musician is putting on two shows for her Sin City residency: Enigma, an electric presentation of Gaga’s chart toppers and Jazz & Piano, where the artist belts out tunes from the Great American Songbook and takes to the piano for stripped-down versions of her top hits. While the former highlights what every Little Monster loves about the singer-songwriter, the latter is mindblowingly incredible and is one for the history books. But if you can’t manage to get tickets, other standout artists in town include Christina Aguilera, Shania Twain, Bruno Mars, and Janet Jackson.
Go To The Theater
Contrary to popular belief, Cirque du Soleil actually doesn’t run the best acrobatic production in town. Instead, head over to the Wynn and check out La Rêve – The Dream, where daring aerial feats are combined with aquatic adventures. If you’re not afraid to get a little wet, you can sit at the very front in the splash zone, otherwise just about any seat in the round theater will do just the trick. And if you’re looking for something a bit more Vegas-y, make your way over to Absinthe, a show that combines vulgar humor with jaw-dropping acts.
