Little Secrets From a Las Vegas Insider

This post is all about Las Vegas Insider secrets.

Living in Las Vegas comes with its own set of secrets and insider tips. 

If you think that you know Las Vegas, think again! There is so much to do in Sin City that even as a local I never run out of new places to visit. I think that most people when they hear “Las Vegas,” think of the Strip, nightclubs, alcohol, and epic restaurants. This is totally cool because it’s true!

However, there is so much more to life in Las Vegas than just the strip and I want to give you my not-so-secret, secret Las Vegas Insider tips.

While this post will certainly cover your traditional Las Vegas Strip, I have included off-the-strip places and activities if you’re interested.

Here are a few of my favorite things to know as a Las Vegas local.

The Greatest Las Vegas Insider Secrets

Secret Things To Do on Las Vegas Strip

As a Las Vegas Insider, I’m here to give you all of the secret things to do in the Las Vegas strip that are truly worth a visit.

To really nail this list for you, I’ve asked some other Vegas locals to give me some of their top-secret things to do while on the strip, and I must say, I love this list:

• The Shops at Crystals – While you might have heard about this one in passing, we locals find that this is not a well-known location on the Las Vegas Strip. It’s a pretty private shopping destination that includes all of the big-name boutiques. The Las Vegas insider tip that many don’t know is that many of these big-name brands will bring the shopping to you! It makes shopping easy, comfortable, and more personal if that’s your thing.

• Celebration Cakes – Let’s imagine you have a big event like a proposal, wedding, bar or bat mitzvah, maybe even a divorce party (IDK, I hear people have those!). Ordering an elaborate custom cake by Food Networks master cake artist Flora Aghababyan is the way to go. She is located at the Wynn now after many locals went gaga over her designs. I’m recommending this one because not only are the cakes beautiful, but they taste delicious!

• Akhob – Hidden inside the Louis Vuitton store in City Center, is an art installation by James Turrell. Reservations are required to spend 24 minutes with this immersive art experience. This is certainly a memorable activity on the Las Vegas Strip.

• Bellagio Fine Art Gallery – This gallery is always changing and evolving so that there is always something new to see. If you plan on staying on the Las Vegas Strip, this is worth a visit during the day. Personally, I have not had the chance to visit this gallery, but it is always recommended by many locals to visit.

• Flamingo Habitat – Not many people know that there is a 15 acre tropical, exotic garden in the Flamingo Hotel where you can see dozens of pink Chilean flamingos. If you’re interested in visiting the tropics while in Sin City, this is a great place to spend some time.

• Pinball Hall of Fame – While this one is technically not on the Las Vegas Strip, it is located very close by and worth a visit. This is the world’s largest collection of pinballs that is completely open to the public to enjoy. You can read more about it here.

Secret Rooms Las Vegas

• Imperial Spa – If you’re looking for a luxurious spa to relax and rejuvenate, then check out the Korean-style heated therapeutic rooms. You get to choose between the following rooms: salt-brick sauna, red clay ball sauna, jade sauna, and the red clay room. Plus, they have resort-style jacuzzis and more spa services & amenities. Many don’t know about this one, but the locals certainly do. This is a great option for those looking for a spa without spending too much money at one of the fancy hotels. 

• Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails – While walking through the Cosmopolitan Hotel, keep a lookout for a barbershop (yes, they actually cut hair). Through the janitor’s door inside is a speakeasy that takes you back in time to the prohibition era. Walk-ins are accepted, but it is recommended to make a reservation and book a table. The cocktails here are delicious and a few are even featured in my Las Vegas Cocktails book. Tuesday night is Karaoke, but the rest of the week they have live music. 

• Secret Pizza – This is definitely one of those not-so-secret, secret recommendations because everyone seems to know about this one once they visit Cosmopolitan. However, if you’ve never been it’s slightly tricky to find as there are no signs. Take some time to walk around and have fun stumbling upon this very tasty pizza spot.

• Ghost Donkey – Another speakeasy recommendation because I absolutely love this spot. Ghost Donkey is located in the Cosmopolitan (quite a hot spot if you couldn’t tell) near the food court. Look for the blue door with the little donkey. My Las Vegas Cocktail book also features tasty cocktails from this location. This is a really cozy location with not too many seats so arrive early to snag a spot. 

• On The Record – Located at Park MGM is a music lovers’ dream location. This has a more club-style vibe with three different rooms, indoor and outdoor dancing spaces, and a couple of bars. Some like to reserve a table with drinks while others enjoy walking around and taking in the vinyl records. 

Downtown Vegas Secrets

These are only a few of my Las Vegas insider recommendations, but if you spend some time Downtown you will discover many great bars, restaurants, and activities.

• The Underground – Another speakeasy located at the Mob Museum. This is a distillery with private VIP rooms if you’re interested in booking the space for any special occasions. When purchasing tickets for the Mob Museum, ask about The Underground deal – you might just get a discount. 
  
  
• Container Park – This is a location that you must be familiar with before you head Downtown because it is not near the main Fremont Street that most are familiar with. However, it’s worth the little walk as there are nice dining options, bars, playgrounds, and a stage for performances. Everything here is made from shipping containers so it’s pretty cool to check out. 
  
  
• Hand Of Faith – Located at the Golden Nugget is the world’s largest gold nugget on display.
  
  
• The Berlin Wall – A section of the actual Berlin Wall can be found in the men’s bathroom on the first floor of the Main Street Station Casino. Women can view the Berlin wall with the assistance of security, I have heard. If you’re already here, also check out Winston Churchill’s snooker table. 
  
  
• Park on Fremont – The best bar food and cocktails… just saying! This location has a cute outdoor patio where you can enjoy food and drinks. However, that’s not why I’m recommending this one. While you’re here, look for the seesaw that is behind the very back wall. It’s a mini adult playground. 

Hidden Gems Las Vegas Foods

It’s no surprise that Las Vegas has an abundance of restaurants to choose from. These locations are the hidden gems that I always recommend to visitors whenever asked. If you’re looking to step outside the strip and eat where the locals are, these are four of my favorite locations. 

• Gabi Coffee and Bakery – This is one of my favorite bakeries in Las Vegas to catch up with friends or get some work done. To find Gabi Coffee, look for the giant brown door which can be located on 5808 Spring Mountain Rd.
  
  
• Saint Honoré & Pizza Anonymous– The same owners that brought the very popular Cafe Lola have opened a couture doughnut and beignet shop that everyone goes crazy for. Once the donuts sell out, expect to find an underground pizza parlor inside Sant Honoré. For more information, follow @alexandra_lourdes on Tik Tok for her very popular donut videos.
  
  
• Pho Kim Long – One of my family’s go-to restaurants because it’s fast, delicious, and never disappoints. This is another location on Spring Mountain which is not too far from the strip. They serve the best bowl of pho and we also go for their fish dishes.
  
  
• Tacos El Gordo – Located on Charleston Blvd, you will find a small taco shop with some of the best tacos in Vegas. This location is definitely a Las Vegas insider secret as every local knows that the tacos here are incredible.

Conclusion

Las Vegas has so many incredible restaurants, bars, cocktail lounges, secret rooms, shows, art galleries, and experiences. If you spend some time on the strip you will certainly find something you will love.

If venturing off to find local hot spots and hiking adventures is more your style, I hope these Las Vegas Insider secrets gave you some great ideas.

All in all, come hungry, ready to explore, and party hard!