London, England

Some of the best things in life are English: Tea, Shakespeare, Burberry, the Spice Girls, Kate Middleton’s blow out.

I always recommend London as a first destination for someone who has never been to Europe. The UK speaks English and their traditions aren’t so wonky that you’ll experience a disruptive culture shock. You don’t need more than 3 or 4 days in London before hopping a cheap RyanAir from Luton to another destination in Europe, or a surprisingly fast 2 hour EuroStar train to Paris. And with expanded routes and budget airlines serving The Old Smoke, it’s never been more accessible.

Here are some of my recommendations to make the most out of a quick jaunt to Londontown.

SHOPPING
Selfridges – This department store is decidedly modern. It’s the fun younger sister to the uptight Harrods. Brands range from TopShop to Tod’s. 
Harrods – It’s an institution and worth a stop for those green totes.  Bottom floor is touristy, but as you go up, it thins.
Kensington High Street – You may spot a Princess! This area is close to the royal quarters and Kate has been spotted grabbing a bag or two. The British use the term “High Street” to describe stores equivalent to a US shopping mall. While the British may consider the brands here pedestrian, the style and quality for the price is wonderful. Find stores like Jigsaw, Zara, & New Look.
Covent Garden – Adorable outdoor mall. Stop into Kikki.k for the best notebooks and agendas!

WORK IT OUT
Psycle – Consider it London’s SoulCycle. There 2 locations in Oxford Circus (fashion crowd) & Canary Wharf (finance crowd)
BOOM Cycle – Another fun spin option.
Barrecore – London’s toughest barre class!
ClassPass – Yes it works, even in London! Make sure you switch your metro area to browse classes near you!

BRUNCH
Tombo Poké & Matcha – 2 locations in Kensington and Soho. Your Instragram followers will be drooling over your Pantone Greenery posts.
Clerkenwell Kitchen – Organic, free-range food in an adorable, rustic setting.

DRINKS
Sushi Samba – You know I’m obsessed! My Miami favorite has an outpost on the 38th floor of 110 Bishopsgate. The outdoor terrace and electric orange tree can’t be missed.
Buddha Bar – A Knightsbridge icon.
Experimental Cocktail Club – Worth a trip to Chinatown.
Dandelyan – If you’re on the South Bank.

DINNER
Chiltern Firehouse – This place is what Nobu is to Malibu. Expect to dine with the tabloids.
Sketch – Just go. There’s also a great afternoon tea.
Sexy Fish – But I liked the lamps.

NIGHTLIFE
EGG London – untz untz untz
Fabric – legendary untz untz untz
Ministry of Sound – the King of untz untz untz (including soft floor to save your knees!)
The Lucky Pig – Young professional and expat crowd, 1920s style vibe.
Pubs. Everywhere.

LATE NIGHT BITE
Duck & Waffle -This restaurant sits on top of Sushi Samba and — Fun fact! — is open 24 hours!  4am fried chicken and the best views in the city are definitely a sign you had a great night!

GETTING THERE
If you land at Heathrow, take the Heathrow Express. The trip can take over an hour and a half in a taxi or Uber and cost you a week’s salary.

GETTING AROUND
Oyster Card – It’s a MetroCard, but British. Buy them in Tube stations or in Convenience stores. Good for the bus and the subway.
Uber – Uber everywhere

WHERE TO STAY
Andaz Liverpool Street– Solid hotel, not too stiff. Great dining options.
Citizen M Shoreditch – The perfect hotel for solo or couple 20-something travelers. Surprisingly high-tech, yet the lobby is warm stylish.
Ace Hotel London Shoreditch – trendy with great pop-up parties. If you’ll be working remotely, the lobby here is full of other young professionals doing the same.
London Edition – Central location, great appointments

NEIGHBORHOODS TO EXPLORE
Notting Hill – so cute!
Shoreditch – hip stores, the best coffee (Ministry of Coffee), street art everywhere
Mayfair – posh spice

As always, these are just my opinions. Please let me know what you love in London!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The World Cup is fast approaching and all eyes are on Rio de Janeiro.  There is no doubt Rio boasts one of the most beautiful locales of any metropolis of its size.  There are beautiful ocean views, white sand beaches, and lush mountains in the distance.  It’s known for its parties that last into the early morning and gorgeous bikini-clad women.

View from the top

 

SAFETY

However, for all its beauty, Rio is also a gritty city, with high rates of crime and poverty.  There were many instances when I was in Rio that I was grabbed on the street and made to feel generally unsafe – even in crowded areas along the Copacabana and during the day.  Occurrences of pickpocketing and violence increase during popular tourist times, such as Carnival and, now, the World Cup – so if you are traveling to Rio in the coming weeks, be safe.  It might be a good idea to leave your flashy jewelry at home, use a money belt, and keep your phone close to you.  Avoid large crowds where people can bump into you and pickpocket.  Utilize your hotel safe and try not to carry all of your IDs and money on your at once.  Arrange dinner reservations and transportation with your hotel concierge – it’s not a good city to simply hail a cab on the street.  In general, stay alert.

 

Catch some rays

GETTING TO RIO

Flights to Rio are notorious for being overbooked, so arrive to the airport early and prepare for the worst.  Also be sure to arrange your visa well in advance.  I believe visas are about $200 per person, and must be arranged at least a month in advance with the Brazilian Consulate.  There is one in New York City.  If you forgot and need this expedited, there is a large penalty fee, but it can be done.  If you already have your World Cup tickets, they are waiving the visa fee this year.

 

OTHER TIPS

Exchange money in the US before you leave for Brazil.  Also, tips are not expected for taxis and restaurants like in the United States.  Make sure you visit both the Copacabana beach, as well as Ipanema.   Ipanema is considered the more local of the two beaches, and there or the Leblon neighborhood will probably be your best bet for where to book your hotel.  Take the cable car to Sugarloaf.  Even though you’ll be catching the games, make sure you take time to explore the city and enjoy being in Rio.

 

 

 

 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Once a month, I find myself in Pittsburgh for work.  It’s come a long way from its roots as a steel center, and now has a gritty- and dare I say hip! – industrial vibe.  Pittsburgh has many distinct neighborhoods, and is home to several universities and international corporations.  It also boasts professional sports teams, with stadiums right in the city center.  While it’s not the first place I would think of to take a vacation, the short flight could make Pittsburgh an interesting destination for more than just work.

Pittsburgh: Bridges, Pro Ball, and Beer

Getting there and getting around

• Fly into Pittsburgh International.  This airport is absolutely miserable and poorly laid out.  It is half an hour from Pittsburgh proper, not counting traffic, and the cab will cost you.  Luckily, cabs take credit cards.  Leave an hour for security, and, if it’s open, use the Alternative Security Checkpoint line that starts outside by drop-off. This honestly is the worst airport ever, but if you plan ahead, you’ll make your flight.
• I always rent a car. By the time you take a taxi back and forth, it’s cheaper to just rent.

Where to stay and what to see?

• I always stay at the Westin Convention Center.  It has an amazing fitness center and indoor pool.  Also try the Renaissance or the Omni William Penn.
• Go to a sports game! Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins – all downtown! You can actually watch games from office buildings and hotels, if you plan correctly. Check out the Pirates game from a high floor of the Fairmont hotel.
• Andy Warhol Museum can’t be missed.

Where to eat?

• Eleven is beautiful and the food is great. Especially tasty with an expense account.
• New restaurant Ten Penny is wonderful – has an extensive wine list and local beer selection
• If you’re Kosh, the Squirrel Hill neighborhood is the spot for you

Where to drink?

• Casbah has a cool, loungy feel
• Check out the college bars or Pitt and Carnegie Mellon
• Sports bars everywhere
• SkyBar/Diesel – dayclub AND nightclub – fancy!

Check out the city, and, seriously, leave enough time to get back on your flight to New York. The 4Points Airport Hotel is never somewhere you want to end up.

Lucerne, Switzerland

When I got the itinerary for the month-long Eurotrip I took post-college graduation, I was surprised to see a few days in Switzerland on the agenda.  Slightly upset, I scoffed that it could have been an extra two days spent wandering in Florence or on the beach in Nice.  I don’t ski, I hate the cold, and, to be honest, I’ve never seen The Sound of Music.

How wrong I was.  Lucerne turned out to be one of my favorite cities on the trip.  It was beautiful, scenic, and simple, reminding me of where Belle must have lived in Beauty and the Beast.  There was something elegant and regal about the village, and after some research, I learned that Lucerne is where Queen Victoria went to unwind and de-stress in the fresh mountain air.

You don’t need to spend more than two or three days here.  Easy to get to by bus or train, 50 miles or so from Zurich.  Be wary that Lucerne is EXPENSIVE. And by expensive I mean I consciously tried to eat as little as possible to save money. The small amount of food I ordered at the trendy McDonald’s cost nearly 16 Euros each visit.  (For my nerd readers, check out this Economist post about the actual Big Mac Index)

 

Lake Luzern #nofilter

Where to Stay?
The Palace Luzern looked ritzy.  Where did I stay? At Jailhotel Löwengraben, also known as the Jail Hotel. It was literally a jail that had been converted to a hostel.  Everything was “jail” themed, we slept in bunk beds, and the windows had bars on them.  It was terrifying. The club in the lobby played Minimal tech house, which added to the prison-like atmosphere. Would I recommend staying here? YES. Great location in Old Town, inexpensive, and made for some hilariously misunderstood Facebook pictures.

Never let go!

 

Tourist Experiences

• The Lion of Lucerne – You can Google the significance of it, quite frankly I don’t remember.  It was cool to see. And near some of the best…
• Tourist shops! Chocolate, cuckoo clocks, cheese, and the only place you can buy an authentic green Wegner Swiss Army knife (until you get home and see it can be had on Etsy).
• Boat trip across Lake Luzern. It really is one of the most breathtaking and beautiful places I’ve ever been.
• Ride and climb to the top of Mt. Pilatus. If I remember correctly, it is the steepest rail system in the world. There is also a cable car. Unforgettable experience.

Top of the World… or at least Mt. Pilatus

Where to Eat?

• McDonald’s. See above.

Postcard from Jail – this Mupload got my parents’ attention

Where to Drink/Dance?

• Get a bottle of something and drink heavily in your hotel.
• Strichpunkt – club in the Jail Hotel. The DJ does not take requests.
• Casineum – closest Luzern has to a megaclub

 

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a great summer weekend escape for the New Yorker that wants something less staunch than the Hamptons, but a step more civilized than Seaside Heights.  Although it is sometimes referred to as the Las Vegas of the East Coast, this is not entirely accurate.  While gambling is legal and there is a nightclub scene, the visitors to Atlantic City tend to be regional and the vibe is decidedly less grandiose.

That being said, I have never had less than a fantastic time in Atlantic City – including the time I went with just my Grandmere at 19 and she snuck me into the slots long enough to lose a crisp Hamilton.

Only a three hour, $25 round-trip bus fare away from Manhattan, the recent investments in Atlantic City make it a worthy destination any weekend you need an escape.  Atlantic City is more of an experience than a place, a mindset more than a physical location.  Channel your inner Pauly D, buy your GiltCity for a spray tan, and head south of the boarder! (into Jersey, I mean)

4th of July at HQ Beach Club

Where to Stay?

For those who value quiet over EDM, or for a weekend of romance, check out The Water Club at The Borgata.  This no-gambling, no-nightclub spot is a rare oasis in a sea of cut-offs and botched boob jobs.

Equally adept for a romantic getaway as for a raucous bachelor party, the new Revel is expensive and worth it.  Deluxe accommodations,  indoor/outdoor pool, restaurants, and state-of-the-art spa provided by Exhale make this hotel the most “Vegas-like” property and scene in Atlantic City.  Even if you don’t stay here, all amenities and access are available at a fee for visitors.  HQ Nightclub and Dayclub are legit. More on that later…

Other great hotel options are Harrah’s, the Borgata, and the newly-renovated Golden Nugget.  Be mindful that these are located off the Boardwalk and do not have easy beach access.  For my own visits, I stay at The Chelsea.  It has no gambling, no smoking, a small nightclub, and a good pool scene.  The rooms are clean, and it has easy access to the Boardwalk and beach.

Stay anywhere else not mentioned on this list, or anywhere on a weeknight, at your own risk. Seriously.

 

Where to eat?

The Borgata Buffet is a must on Sunday morning before your bus back to the city.  What happens at the Borgata Buffet, stays at the Borgata Buffet (your third helping of mashed potatoes with a side of barbecue pizza). Judgement-free zone, never spoken about again.

For big groups, many restaurants offer private rooms.  Fornelletto at the Borgata has a beautiful room and lets you order off the regular menu.  Also try New York standbys Dos Caminos, Cuba Libre, Patsy’s, etc.

Reasonably priced food can be found at the Tropicana and along the Boardwalk.

For the old school Atlantic City experience, try Dock’s Oyster House or Tony’s.

HQ Beach Club

Where to party?

• HQ Beach Club – I just got back from Las Vegas and let me tell you, this party rivals anything there.  Splurge for a cabana and go wild.  Big name DJs draw a crowd to the Revel dayclub that’s there to get down.  Buy your tickets in advance online to at least avoid the cashier line; security is tight and you’ll be waiting awhile to get groped TSA-style.
• HQ Nightclub – Big name DJs; ticket prices to match.  But there are few other places on the east coast where you can see such big names in a venue this small.  We caught Eric Prydz, Afrojack, and Above & Beyond.  Crowd is what you would expect from New Jersey, the dance floor is sweaty, and the drinks are overpriced – but what did you expect? You’re on vacation. Embrace the faux-Herve Legers.
• Haven – Newly renovated at the Golden Nugget, Haven is starting to pull in some big names, especially in trance.  Worth a visit.
• The Pool After Dark at Harrah’s – Lovingly referred to as the place where we got “Jacuzzi Bottle Service”. Wear a bathing suit under your leopard print, and let the Hypnotiq do its thing.  Good on Saturdays.
• Mixx – It feels like Steve Aoki, LMFAO, and/or Lil Jon is always here.  It’s become tradition to go at least once every visit to this club at the Borgata.
• Mur.Mur – The other club at the Borgata… That just about says it.
• C5 at the Chelsea – sometimes they have a good DJ on Fridays. Worth looking at the website to see.

For all of the nightlife, I haven’t been able to find an organized website.  Find out which DJ will be where by visiting the hotel/club websites and checking Twitter.  Same as Vegas, look for promoters on Instagram and Twitter – the perks won’t be as good as in Las Vegas, but it’s worth a shot for at least reduced cover.  Assume the best party will be at the venue with the most high-profile DJ.

Mixx at the Borgata for Steve Aoki. I’m pretty sure he lives there.

Insider tips:

• Free drinks while you gamble! May I recommend the House Whiskey?
• $5 Hurricanes at the Showboat. I dare you to drink more than one.
• Tanger Outlet shops are two blocks from the Boardwalk.
• Taxis in Atlantic City max out at around $12, so taxi rides won’t cost more than a few bucks per person. This makes AC great for jumping from place to place without feeling guilty.
• $20-25 round-trip buses from Philly and NYC – they’re not bad! Book on the Academy or Greyhound website.  Once they drop you at the bus station, you get a $10 gambling voucher and the Atlantic City Jitney (a little bus, so adorable) is $2 a ride right to your hotel.
• Buy your pregame booze before you get to Atlantic City. Leaving the main drag to go to a liquor store is sketchy and you don’t want to do it.
• In Atlantic City, between the hours of 11pm and 6am, there is no judgement. Even if he was wearing an Affliction tee.

Any words of advice for Atlantic City?

Hvar, Croatia

Often referred to as “the new St. Tropez”, I spent a week in Hvar during summer 2012 and it was one of the most unbelievable places I’ve ever been.  To celebrate my best friend’s birthday, we stayed at a villa outside of Hvar Town that she found using AirBnB.  I can’t even explain how crystal clear the water was – or how big the yachts in the harbor were!

The crowd was well-heeled and well-educated (Think handsome Harvard Law professors with great Burning Man stories) and the music went until morning.  Hvar Town is where all the action is on Hvar Island – StariGrad is not as fun and not worth the trip to even see.  This is the summer destination for the European jet set.

 

View from the villa

Getting Around

I flew into Split, Croatia direct from London and took the 1.5 hour ferry to Hvar.  I booked the taxi and ferry with Kuzma, our driver on the island. He was AMAZING, albeit slightly expensive, but he coordinated the ferry and taxis in Split AND Hvar with my airplane so I didn’t need to stress. He did this for the whole group, who arrived in Croatia at scattered times. He planned everything for us and was always available on his mobile. This included chauffeuring us around town for the duration of our trip, whether it be to go to the grocery store, to drop us off for dinner, or pick us up at 6am from the club. Just have cash to pay him for each ride – there’s an ATM outside the supermarket. http://www.otok-hvar.com/en/d/902/taxi/auto-taxi-kuzma-hvar – 1 person was around 60 Euro for taxi from airport in Split, ferry ticket, and taxi to villa once in Hvar.

Where to stay

We rented our villa from Shahin Bekhradniya. Shahin’s villa was on Sviracina Bay (pronounced sveracheena) near Brusje (pronounced bruzye).  It was beautiful, with many bedrooms, an outdoor dining table, and a fire pit in the back.  The villa came with a small speed boat and was on our own private bay.  Since we had a kitchen, we spent many nights cooking, instead of going out to dinner.  The produce was so fresh and supermarket prices were reasonable.

Visit or stay at the Hotel Adriana – gorgeous views!  Also the Hotel Amfora Grand Beach Resort is beautiful and where they hosted Ultra Europe last summer.

Carpe Diem

Where to Dance

• Carpe Diem – I literally can’t even.  You take a boat to a PRIVATE ISLAND and the whole island is a club.  We went there three times.  Everywhere in Hvar is super casual – for Carpe Diem and Hula Hula you can wear a bathing suit under your romper or dress.  Sandals are fine.
• Also called Carpe Diem, so it’s a little confusing, is a lounge/restaurant right next to where the boat to the other Carpe Diem leaves from in the Marina. Go there at like 11pm, have a couple drinks, then take the boat! The party doesn’t really get started on Carpe Diem Island until 1:30am, but best to go over earlier to avoid the line for the private taxi boat. You pay cover for the club once you get to the island (cover is a little steep, but worth it).  Once a month they have a Full Moon party – ask around and look for posters – if it’s happening when you’re there, don’t miss it!
• Hula Hula – a sunset club, like in Ibiza. Call ahead to reserve a table.  You get drunk and watch the sun set and dance.  Tables are arranged stadium-style overlooking the bay where the sun sets.  You can literally jump from where your table is into the water! We got there around 2pm and stayed until 7 or 8.
• Veneranda – nightclub that’s on a mountain top in an abandoned castle from Napoleon, a little bit more formal, but still casual
• Pink Champagne – I didn’t get to go, but I’ve heard wonderful things
• Caffe Bar el Classico – for happy hour!

Hula Hula

If time permits on your trip, I’ve also heard great things about Palmizana.  To get there, you need to take a taxi boat from the Marina in Hvar Town.  There is a cocktail bar, Laginini, that is supposed to be phenomenal.

Cell service is very spotty, so when you go somewhere, ask for the WiFi password.

When I went, Croatia Yacht Week was in Hvar on Wednesdays, so that night was insanely epic at Carpe Diem and everywhere else in the Marina.

Any more tips for Hvar?

Barcelona

I’ve been lucky enough to visit the beautiful coastal city of Barcelona twice: Once as part of a larger Eurotrip, and once with two of my childhood friends.  Barcelona is a magical city, effectively bridging the gap between modern metropolis and historical site.  It’s a good “beginner” European city – locals are friendly to tourists, the streets and Metro are easy to navigate, it’s relatively safe, and the party scene is unrivaled.  Go in the spring or summer.

Credit for most of the places on this list goes to my friend Amanda, who studied abroad in Barca.  I visited many of these places myself on my visits, and they gave me good insight into the Catalonian capital.

Be a Tourist

• Las Ramblas is the main commercial thoroughfare and probably where you’ll spend a lot of time eating, shopping, and wandering.  It has a feel similar to Lincoln Road in Miami.  Visit the Mercat de la Boqueria to see the local market offerings of the day.  Explore here; rights and lefts off the main street take you to beautiful plazas that are great for lunch or dinner.
• La Segrada Familia can’t be missed. It’s still unfinished – and the way Gaudi made the plans, it never will be completed.
• Make the Metro trip up to Parque Guell.  Stroll through the mosaic pathways and stone buildings and admire the gorgeous views of the city.  Fun fact: A finale of America’s Next Top Model was filmed here.

IceBarcelona

Nightclubs/ Las Discotecas!

• Otto Zutz
• Sutton – more upscale and popular with locals
• Razzmatazz – DO NOT miss this place – multi-level club with an outdoor area
• Opium – Also, DO NOT miss – staple of any Barcelona trip, features big-name DJs. When I was there, the best nights were Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
• Apolo
• Broadbar/MVP
• Sotavento
• Catwalk
• Shoko
• CDLC

Many of the nightclubs are on a strip along the beach.  It’s easy to jump from one to another.  Watch your things: pickpockets are common.

Dow Jones – the Stock Market bar

Bars

• Chupitos – shots bar – Trust me, get the Harry Potter
• IceBarcelona – GO before a night out at the beach clubs – the pictures are unparalleled
• La Concha – hookah/tea bar, be wary of the location
• George Payne – sports bar right off of Urqinaona metro stop, good for watching American sports
• Cyrano – near “Diagonal” metro stop. Pay 3 Euros and they give you the bottle of alcohol and you pour your own drinks. Includes mixer! Get there early because tables fill up quickly
• La Bolsa Bar or Dow Jones – DON’T MISS – “stock market bar” – faux Bloomberg terminal screens line the bar. Prices of shots and drinks fluctuate with demand. Every so often, the market will “crash” and prices plummet
• Bar Marsella – Absinthe bar in Raval, Hemingway used to drink there.
• Bosc de les Fades – the “fairy bar”, looks like a fairy tale.

 

Paella cooking class

Food

• Can Paixano – go for the sandwiches “boquadillos” and cava
• Pla – beautiful scene
• La Boqueria – quick, cheap sandwiches
• El Xampanyet
• Pim Pam Plats – burgers
• Mercendero de Mari – outside dining
• Taller de Tapas – great tapas
• Tapa Tapa – reasonably priced tapas restaurant

Take a paella cooking class! Many places along the beach offer them!

Where to stay?

The W Barcelona is on the water and along the only beach in Barcelona. One of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever stayed at. Save up your SPG points and splurge.  Make sure to go to the Eclipse Bar on the 26th bar for a drink. Cocktails are more expensive than other places in Barcelona, but the views are great.

Hotels along Las Ramblas are generally a good bet: American chain hotels offer some luxuries, like gyms, breakfast, and hair dryers so there’s less to pack.

Have you been to Barcelona?

Las Vegas

I just got back from an amazing long weekend away in Las Vegas. It was my fourth time there – but only second time as a lady of gambling age.

Vegas never disappoints. It can work as a getaway with one friend, many friends of both genders, a family, or a significant other. Here are my recommendations for where to stay, what to eat, and how to get into some proper mischief.

When to go?
Vegas is chilly during winter months, and scorching during the summer. Time your trip right by going from late March to early June or September to November – otherwise be prepared to either not get tan, or never leave the air conditioning, respectively.

• Expert tip: The best piece of advice I ever got for Las Vegas? On my 21st birthday, itching to book, my father told me that all the hotel rooms in Vegas are priced within $100 of each other per night – but the differences in clientele and facilities can run the gamut from uber-luxe to seedy at best. Splurge for the scene, the people you’ll meet, and the security of knowing you’re not sharing your 800-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets with any critters.

Where to stay?
For lovers and friends alike, my top recommendation goes to the posh Cosmopolitan. The staff goes above and beyond to make your stay a special one. On one evening, we were surprised with tickets to a show, a concert by the pool, and a bottle of champagne sent to our room. Bonus: Book a night or two using your Marriott Rewards points to help with the hefty price tag. Negative: Strict adherence to the 11am checkout time.

Also highly recommend the Wynn and Encore hotels. These sister properties boast beautiful pools and upscale room decor. The crowd is more mature and the gambling scene is more Monte Carlo than neighboring properties.

For classic Vegas hotels, try the all-suite Venetian or the tried-and-true Bellagio. Both have great central locations on the Strip.

• Expert tip: After researching prices online (try to apply a AAA discount!) CALL the hotel to book – they may be able to throw in drink tickets, meals, or spa vouchers.

What to do during the day?
Check out the gambling tables at Caesar’s – they’re known to have the best odds on the Strip.
Also be sure to visit the brand new Linq corridor, which brings the flavor of downtown Las Vegas to the Strip. It hosts the newly opened High Roller observation wheel. Think London Eye, but more colorful views at night.

Day Parties
Check out Wet Republic at the MGM Grand, Marquee Day Club at the Cosmopolitan, Encore Beach Club, R3hab at the Hard Rock, Tao Beach, and many more. Parties start to really heat up around 2, so get there before to avoid a line.

• Expert Tip: Be sure to follow promoters on Instagram and Twitter for comped/reduced admission or to buy a cabana or table. This is also a good way to see what DJs are playing where. As a general rule of thumb, the better the DJ playing, the better the crowd and better the party. Use hashtags #vegaspromoter or get creative to find which accounts to follow. This site is also awesome: http://electronic-vegas.com/vegas-edm-event-calendar/

Pre-night out

Nightlife
Same rules apply for night. Clubs don’t get really going until midnight. Find a promoter, get on a guest list, and show up early. My favorites? Tao, Hakkasan, XS, Marquee, and Bank. Also keep an eye out for Drais, opening Memorial Day Weekend 2014.
*Marquee seems to have a hold on the resident trance DJs that played some of the best sets I heard the whole weekend. Don’t miss a chance to see Calvin Harris, Tiesto, or DeadMau5 in their natural habitats if you’re lucky enough to be there on the same weekends.

Where to Eat?
You can use Yelp, I’m sure. Check out these hotspots: STK, Sugar Factory, Scarpetta, Bellagio buffet, Tao, Lavo…
But let’s be real. There’s a Panda Express at Planet Hollywood and an In-n-Out a 5 minute taxi from the Cosmopolitan.

What to see?
Absinthe or Rose. Rabbit. Lie.  For Cirque du Soleil, check out O or Ka.  Also Britney Spears. Bitch.

Comped show tickets – thanks Cosmo!

Cab to/from the airport is $20 and 15 minutes from the Strip. All cabs take credit cards.

I hope this guide to Las Vegas has been helpful. If there’s anything you did that you think I missed, please post in the comments below!

 

About the list

 

Wet Republic, MGM Grand, Las Vegas

Hi! My name is Dayna.  I travel — a lot. During the month I started this blog, I slept a total of 5 nights in my own apartment in New York City.  Although I live in the best city in the world, my career and wanderlust take me to every corner of the globe: From the windy plains of Wichita, Kansas to the sunset clubs of Hvar, Croatia.

I love giving recommendations to my friends and colleagues, which prompted me to start this blog.  Here I hope to present my recommendations for places I’ve been lucky enough to visit. I try to suggest the best nightlife, dining, hotels, shops, and some helpful tips.  If you have something to add from your own experiences, please feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of any post.

Travel time is limited. Explore, and don’t waste any night that could be spent on a dancefloor.