Las Vegas has long been a destination of choice for a mid-week or weekend vacation, travellers drawn in by the hot weather, iconic scenery and the casinos. It has always been a destination of over the top luxury and panache, with shows, music and entertainment as loud as the lights along the strip. Known for its extravagant nightlife, the daylife in Las Vegas is also something to be explored.

Over the past few years gambling has transitioned away from its position as the alpha and omega of Las Vegas – showing there are so many other sides to the iconic desert location. Of course the area is still inundated with casinos – they’re in almost every hotel – but a new youthful spirit dominates. Pool parties and day clubs throb with the aplomb of a city that never sleeps, frozen Pina Coladas flow freely and the air is abuzz with the spirit that time runs differently here. Boozy brunches in beautiful terraces flow effortlessly to languid lunches and afternoons wandering the strip and seeing local sights. The chilled atmosphere renders time almost useless – after all, when nowhere sleeps what does the time matter? Shops are open until late, bars and restaurants packed at all hours and there is a sense that no matter what you want, you can get it, no matter when. We recently headed to Vegas to see just what this thriving city has to offer. Here is our guide to the daylife in Las Vegas…

Where to stay in Las Vegas

When in Las Vegas it can be easy to opt for a Hotel with a Casino, but if you are looking for something a bit more chilled, the Vdara is the perfect choice. As with most buildings in Las Vegas it packs a punch in size, a dazzling glass building spanning fifty-five floors. A suite only Hotel, it offers unrivalled luxury, with contemporary and tasteful décor, plenty of space and enviable views from every window. You can order room service to be delivered by a robot, relax in the sumptuously deep baths and collapse onto the plush king-size bed after a night on the tiles. A tablet on your bedside table offers all the info you could need both on the hotel and the surrounding area, as well as being a portal to order room service and check your hotel bill. We recommend you take a leisurely morning in your room and have breakfast delivered – utter bliss. It’s central location makes it ideal for exploring and discovering the daylife in Las Vegas.

Where to eat in Las Vegas

Vegas is a pure foodie haven catering for 3am burger cravings with places such as In and Out burger joint, to prestigious fine-dining venues such as the Rivea at the Delano. And that’s one of the best things about Vegas – whatever you’re craving, it’s pretty certain they’ll have it – and only a short walk away too. For daylife in Vegas, there are countless venues for brunches, lunches and breakfasts. Here are a few of our favourites…

For Brunch

During your stay, be sure to indulge in a brunch – after all, that’s the new it meal of the day. A chance to pig out and indulge in whatever you fancy, from breakfast offerings such as pancakes and croissants to burgers and club sandwiches, anything goes. Plus, it’s a chance to indulge in a mimosa before midday without any judgement (bonus!) There are a couple of hot spots we would recommend for brunch, the first being Primrose at Park MGM. The recently renovated Hotel has created a new Terrace oozing with Parisian chic, with white chairs, green and glass tables, stripy umbrellas and white orb lights floating elegantly in trees. It’s classic, beautiful and a world away from the bright lights and loud vibes of the strip. Indulge in high-end comfort classics such as French toast, fresh pastries and club sandwiches as well as avocado on toast or an array of egg dishes. Drink wise, be sure to order a Di Coco, a blend of Pineapple rum, Aperol, pineapple juice and coconut water for the perfect way to start your day.

Another brunch venue we would recommend is Bouchon at the Venetian. An elegant eatery tucked away in the Venezia Tower, it offers divine French cuisine in an equally divine setting. As you tuck into your brunch, you can listen to the sounds of a water fountain from the courtyard, a beautiful outdoor space with emerald green arches dripping in ivory and pretty foliage. There is a range of food on offer, from freshly cooked pastries to more complex offerings such as Gaufres au Levain – sourdough waffle with pineapple, caramel, coconut, Chantilly cream & Crown maple syrup and Hachis de Merguez – house-made merguez sausage hash served with two eggs any style & toasted whole wheat. Come from 3pm to enjoy the oyster bar and be sure to indulge in a Bellini no matter the time of day. After all, it’s brunch, right?

For Lunch

For a delicious lunch, be sure to head to Chica in the Venetian Hotel. Just a year old, this restaurant is a chic and chilled place to while away an afternoon with fine food and fine company. The latest concept from John Kunkel’s 50 eggs Inc, Chica aims to deliver the robust and vibrant flavours of Latin cuisines combined with a dynamic wine and mixology program. The food is elegant yet unpretentious, bursting with flavour. Signature dishes include Meyer Lemon Rotisserie Chicken with Peruvian purple potato salad, Tuna ceviche, a range of tacos, burgers, sandwiches and more. Don’t plan anything too extensive for after as you’re guaranteed to leave in a food coma.

To Do – Daylife in Las Vegas

Vegas is a city that is just as buzzing when the sun shines as when it sets. From pool parties to exploring the sights or indulging in a spot of shopping in one of the cities many designer stores, there’s never a dull moment to be had.

Go VIP at a Pool Party at Drai’s Beach Club

While little encouragement is needed in the 40-degree heat of Vegas to dip into a pool, Drai’s beach club offers so much more than a place to cool down. The entrance to the club is tucked to the side of the casino in The Cromwell Hotel, the conspicuous setting giving no hint to just what lays in the floors above. As soon as you exit the lift the throb of the live DJ pounds, a slight spray from the pool hits and the air is abuzz with a real sense of excitement. The central pool is lined by day beds and cabanas, shaded by tall palm trees and with the Vegas Eiffel Tower just beyond. It’s an intoxicating mix of modern design with Vegas vivacity– bright pink hued furniture with gleaming white surfaces and unrivalled luxury. Grab a group of you and opt for a bungalow – a sumptuous setting to the side of the pool with your own covered area with a soft sofa, storage areas, bottles of premium vodka, complimentary drinks and VIP waiter service. You also get your own mini pool which is shared with the bungalow next door. If you’re planning on going all out on your trip, this is one of the top things we recommend splashing out on for a truly memorable daylife in Las Vegas experience.

Dance the day away at a Pool Party at Marquee Day Club

For another pool party (after all, is there anything better to do when in Vegas?!) We recommend you head to the Marquee Day club at the Cosmopolitan. A little more raucous and lively than Drai’s, Marquee has taken its reputation as an unforgettable nightclub and extended this ethos to its pool parties. You can rent a Cabana or day bed – well worth it when split between a group as you get prime poolside position, with your own area and a dedicated waiter service. Order a few cocktail pitches, dance in the pool, listen to the DJ and be prepared for an afternoon unlike any other.

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Take a photo with the 7 Magic Mountains

While nothing seems to surprise in Vegas – the land of the unexpected – it is still a shock to drive through the desert and see an art installation of seven giant towers of fluorescent boulders. The brainchild of internationally renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, Seven Magic Mountains is situated near Jean Dry Lake and Interstate 15, approximately ten miles south of Vegas. The seven towers stand at more than thirty feet high and are really sight to behold. Be sure to get there early to beat the crowds for the best photo opportunity!

Marvel at the fountains at the Bellagio

When exploring the daylife in Las Vegas, be sure to wander by the Bellagio to see their famous water show. A daily live show that runs every thirty minutes from 3pm-8pm and every fifteen minutes from 8pm-midnight, it makes for spectacular viewing. An interwoven theatrical blend of water, music and light, each performance is unique in expression and interpretation no matter how many times you see it and is always worth stopping to watch.

Visit the Las Vegas sign

You can’t experience the daylife in Las Vegas without a photo at the famous Las Vegas sign. 25 foot tall, it is located in the middle of 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South, marking the classic start to the famous Las Vegas strip. There is a small parking area if you’re travelling by car, or it’s easily accessible by foot. Try and get down there early to avoid the crowd or allow plenty of time as queues for the perfect photo can build up!

Wander the strip

When exploring the daylife in Las Vegas, be sure to take some time to just wander the strip, taking in the different sights and sounds. Visit the area of “Little Paris” for French cafes and to see the magnificent mini Eiffel Tower, as well as Little Venice inside the Venetian where you can go on your very own Gondola ride almost as if you are in Italy yourself!

Glitter yourself up!

Whether you are heading to a pool party, wandering the strip or want to look fabulous for lunch, we recommend you check out The Gypsy Shrine’s Vegas collection. After all, if you can’t sparkle in Vegas, where else can you?! The Gypsy shrine Vegas collection is inspired by the iconic party scene, ensuring you are ready to face the Vegas throngs of world-class entertainers, nightclubs, pool parties and bars- all day long.Easy to apply and remove, with dozens and dozens of styles, dress up for each occasion and be photo ready each minute of the day. The price for the Las Vegas bundle is £18 and can be bought here.

Get pampered at Dry Bar

Dry Bar is the place to head to get pampered when in Las Vegas. A super cool and unique blow dry bar, it offers a menu for your hair style, and a menu for cocktails. Live music plays from a DJ booth and the staff are as friendly and lively as the atmosphere. Named one of the top “100 Brilliant Ideas of 2010” by Entrepreneur Magazine and New York Magazine’s Boom Brands of 2013, Dry Bar is an absolute must for the best blow dry you’ll ever have. After a blowdry, booze and top beats, you’ll leave feeling and looking fabulous and ready to continue your Vegas adventure!