You may have noticed that in some of our other city guides, we've referenced "neighborhoods we like." Vegas doesn't quite work like other cities. Try asking a local where they live. They'll rarely give you a neighborhood or town. The response will either be cross streets or a compassed version of the city ("I live in North LV."). Away from The Strip, Las Vegas is extremely spread out and development is always stopping and starting, creating new residential zones. For the purposes of this guide, these are the places you should know.
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The Las Vegas Strip, aka the Strip
When you think of Vegas or watch movies about Vegas, this is where it all happens. All the major hotels, restaurants, casinos, etc. are situated along or (important to note) just off Las Vegas Boulevard. For example, the Palms and Hard Rock are not on Las Vegas Boulevard, but are often still referred to as being on the Strip. But we're about to blow your mind, because…THE STRIP IS NOT ACTUALLY IN LAS VEGAS.It's technically south of the city limits in the towns of Paradise and Winchester. But remember that thing above about neighborhoods/towns not really being a thing? There you go. A couple warnings about the Strip. First, if you happen to be sober and out-and-about during the day, it's a complete eyesore. The buildings look sad in the sunlight, and the surrounding brown and orange hues will be an aggressive reminder that you're in the desert. But damn, when that town lights up at night, people flip their shit. If your flight comes in after dark, you'll definitely want a window seat. Second, the Strip is much longer than you think. Depending on your source, it runs between 4.2 and 4.5 miles. Not blocks. MILES. Think about that when you decide to wear your highest, most uncomfortable shoes for a night of casino and club hopping. Nothing will be as close as you want it to be. Just getting from one end of your hotel to the other can take 20 minutes. Please don't be gross and start walking around barefoot. You will step in things that will give you nightmares for years. Go to the nearest pharmacy and buy those cheap flats that fold up and fit in a clutch.
When you think of Vegas or watch movies about Vegas, this is where it all happens. All the major hotels, restaurants, casinos, etc. are situated along or (important to note) just off Las Vegas Boulevard. For example, the Palms and Hard Rock are not on Las Vegas Boulevard, but are often still referred to as being on the Strip. But we're about to blow your mind, because…THE STRIP IS NOT ACTUALLY IN LAS VEGAS.It's technically south of the city limits in the towns of Paradise and Winchester. But remember that thing above about neighborhoods/towns not really being a thing? There you go. A couple warnings about the Strip. First, if you happen to be sober and out-and-about during the day, it's a complete eyesore. The buildings look sad in the sunlight, and the surrounding brown and orange hues will be an aggressive reminder that you're in the desert. But damn, when that town lights up at night, people flip their shit. If your flight comes in after dark, you'll definitely want a window seat. Second, the Strip is much longer than you think. Depending on your source, it runs between 4.2 and 4.5 miles. Not blocks. MILES. Think about that when you decide to wear your highest, most uncomfortable shoes for a night of casino and club hopping. Nothing will be as close as you want it to be. Just getting from one end of your hotel to the other can take 20 minutes. Please don't be gross and start walking around barefoot. You will step in things that will give you nightmares for years. Go to the nearest pharmacy and buy those cheap flats that fold up and fit in a clutch.
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Paradise
The airport, UNLV, and most of the Strip is in this "town." You will likely go your entire stay without ever hearing the word "Paradise," but if you do, this is what's being referred to. Fremont/ The Arts District/ Downtown Las Vegas
The original Vegas. Fremont Street houses some of the classic casinos, most of which have seen better days. In recent years, efforts have been put into revitalizing the area. Most of that is thanks to a huge investment from Tony Hsieh, the CEO of Zappos, and the Downtown Project. Despite some backlash in the last couple years, it's difficult to deny the impact the change has had for the people of Las Vegas. A good chunk of the new businesses that have sprung up are owned by locals instead of huge corporations, and enjoying a night out won't break the bank. Yes, you'll still find meth heads wandering the streets (and occasionally trying to break into your car), but you'll also find delicious food, the best of the LV music scene, and a community of old and new artists. Chinatown
Like most large cities, Las Vegas has its own Chinatown. Unlike most large cities, the name is misleading. Businesses are just as likely to be run by Japanese/Thai/Vietnamese/Korean/Mexican people as they are by Chinese locals. The area is made up of shopping centers where the traditional unattractive strip mall architecture is sometimes embellished with Asian touches, but make no mistake, good eats abound.
The airport, UNLV, and most of the Strip is in this "town." You will likely go your entire stay without ever hearing the word "Paradise," but if you do, this is what's being referred to. Fremont/ The Arts District/ Downtown Las Vegas
The original Vegas. Fremont Street houses some of the classic casinos, most of which have seen better days. In recent years, efforts have been put into revitalizing the area. Most of that is thanks to a huge investment from Tony Hsieh, the CEO of Zappos, and the Downtown Project. Despite some backlash in the last couple years, it's difficult to deny the impact the change has had for the people of Las Vegas. A good chunk of the new businesses that have sprung up are owned by locals instead of huge corporations, and enjoying a night out won't break the bank. Yes, you'll still find meth heads wandering the streets (and occasionally trying to break into your car), but you'll also find delicious food, the best of the LV music scene, and a community of old and new artists. Chinatown
Like most large cities, Las Vegas has its own Chinatown. Unlike most large cities, the name is misleading. Businesses are just as likely to be run by Japanese/Thai/Vietnamese/Korean/Mexican people as they are by Chinese locals. The area is made up of shopping centers where the traditional unattractive strip mall architecture is sometimes embellished with Asian touches, but make no mistake, good eats abound.
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Gambling
Sex Industry
Prostitution is legal in Vegas, right? Let's live out our Godfather dreams and order a bunch of hookers and do blow all night! Think again. Prostitution is technically illegal in Clark County, which is where Las Vegas is located. There are legally operating and highly regulated brothels in Nevada, including the famous Moonlite Bunny Ranch, but be prepared to drive way outside the city. So if you accept a solicitation from that lady subtly-not-so-subtly roaming Las Vegas Boulevard telling everyone it's cool because it's legal, don't be surprised if there are consequences beyond just an STD. For those of you who prefer not paying for full-on sex but still want some booty in your face, Vegas has no shortage of strip clubs. It's actually overwhelming. Everyone from your cab driver to the hotel staff will try to push different clubs on you (they get a healthy cut from the entry fees), and with so many options, how do you choose? Whether you want full-on nudity (Palomino), a dip in the pool while surrounded by topless women (Sapphire Pool), or just a nice buffet and steak to go with your show (Treasures), options abound. And yes, Virginia, there are swingers clubs in Las Vegas, many of which are gently blended into strip malls like the delicate flower establishments they are. We can't make promises for how fuckable or STD free the people in these establishments are. Enter at your own risk. A Note About Cops
It might be Sin City, but you can't get away with everything. Cops here are plentiful and are not to be messed with. Don't think you can make a scene on the Strip or in a casino and not have an encounter. They are EVERYWHERE. Try not to act a fool (in the illegal sense). Have you ever watched an episode of Cops set in Las Vegas? It's ridiculous. They've seen it all and then some, so do your best not to engage.
Prostitution is legal in Vegas, right? Let's live out our Godfather dreams and order a bunch of hookers and do blow all night! Think again. Prostitution is technically illegal in Clark County, which is where Las Vegas is located. There are legally operating and highly regulated brothels in Nevada, including the famous Moonlite Bunny Ranch, but be prepared to drive way outside the city. So if you accept a solicitation from that lady subtly-not-so-subtly roaming Las Vegas Boulevard telling everyone it's cool because it's legal, don't be surprised if there are consequences beyond just an STD. For those of you who prefer not paying for full-on sex but still want some booty in your face, Vegas has no shortage of strip clubs. It's actually overwhelming. Everyone from your cab driver to the hotel staff will try to push different clubs on you (they get a healthy cut from the entry fees), and with so many options, how do you choose? Whether you want full-on nudity (Palomino), a dip in the pool while surrounded by topless women (Sapphire Pool), or just a nice buffet and steak to go with your show (Treasures), options abound. And yes, Virginia, there are swingers clubs in Las Vegas, many of which are gently blended into strip malls like the delicate flower establishments they are. We can't make promises for how fuckable or STD free the people in these establishments are. Enter at your own risk. A Note About Cops
It might be Sin City, but you can't get away with everything. Cops here are plentiful and are not to be messed with. Don't think you can make a scene on the Strip or in a casino and not have an encounter. They are EVERYWHERE. Try not to act a fool (in the illegal sense). Have you ever watched an episode of Cops set in Las Vegas? It's ridiculous. They've seen it all and then some, so do your best not to engage.