LAS VEGAS , NEVADA
Las Vegas may have a reputation for catering to vices , but this open-all-hours oasis in the Mojave Desert also delivers some of the best dining and art in the U . S ., writes Katherine Alex Beaven
DAY 1 images : alamy ; Caesars Entertainment ; The Neon Museum Las Vegas ; getty ; Tanveer Badal
Start by soaking up Sin City ’ s frenetic energy straight from the source with a walk along the Strip on Las Vegas Boulevard . This famous stretch starts on the south end , around Tropicana Avenue , and runs approximately four miles up to The Strat ( formerly the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino ), home to the U . S .’ s tallest freestanding observation tower . Move with the flow of the crowd , allowing ample time to dip into shops , restaurants and resorts along the way . Architecture doesn ’ t toe the line in this city , so be sure to wander into a few casinos where themed design and decor are taken to the extreme . Pass through the doors of Paris Las Vegas , The Venetian Las Vegas and New York , New York to be transported to their namesake destinations : take a gondola ride through the canals of Venice , pose for a picture next to a half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower , and admire the NYC skyline or stroll through recreations of its most famous streets .
Later that day , enter the lobby of the Bellagio for a quick cooldown from the desert heat and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk beneath the colorful Fiori di Como . This ceiling-mounted glass sculpture by American artist Dale Chihuly contains over 2,000 handblown pieces of glass and is one of the renowned artist ’ s largest public works . Take the floral fanfare to the next level with a worthy wander through the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens , an expansive , 14,000-squarefoot , air-conditioned horticultural haven that creates elaborate flower and plant installations that change with the seasons . For a longer respite , spend some time perusing the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art , an excellent rotating collection of pieces on temporary loan from private collections and esteemed museums around the globe . Since the resort ’ s opening in 1998 , the gallery has featured work from Andy Warhol , Yayoi Kusama , Pablo Picasso and Georgia O ’ Keeffe , to name a few .
For a delicious lunch , head to Miznon inside The Venetian Las Vegas , where Israeli chef Eyal Shani serves Mediterranean fastsummer 2024 • 17