Carly Caramanna
- I'm a travel journalist who has been visiting Las Vegas regularly for over 15 yearsI've visited with both friends and family, but I often travel solo and love it.I'm not much of a gambler, but I love the dining and entertainment scene in Las Vegas.
I've been to Las Vegas many times in the past 15 years with friends and family, but most of the time I've gone by myself. As an avid global solo traveler, it's become one of my favorite places to visit.
I have never felt weird visiting the city by myself, as Vegas welcomes so many kinds of travelers from around the world, and there's always something new to eat or try there. Plus, I've felt safe during my trips.
Here's why Las Vegas is one of my top destinations for solo travel, plus what I love to do when I visit.
Walking and people-watching is my favorite thing to do in Las Vegas when I'm by myself
The main strip in Las Vegas is walkable, which is great for people like me who love exploring a new place on foot. Whenever I visit, I love to walk along it and just take in the sights.
The strip is just over 4 miles long, but I typically stick to the main part, from the Luxor Hotel & Casino to Fashion Show Mall, which is closer to 3 miles. On my walks, I'll check out casinos like the ones at Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, and Wynn Las Vegas.
I usually feel safe walking the Strip at night and during the day because it's a popular tourist spot that's always bustling with visitors.
Vegas has gorgeous properties to stay at, too
Carly Caramanna
When I'm solo traveling, I prefer to and feel safer staying at well-known properties with good reputations.
I've stayed at most of the major properties in town, and one of my favorites is the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
It checks all the boxes for me, with nice rooms, an excellent expansive pool, and tons of on-site dining — meaning I don't have to venture outside of the resort during my stay if I don't want to.
Though there are plenty of nearby smaller motels in Vegas, I will always splurge for nice accommodations when traveling alone so I feel comfortable.
Dining out is also one of my favorite Las Vegas pastimes
Carly Caramanna
I love eating at restaurants by myself, especially ones I've never tried before.
Fortunately, the dining scene in Las Vegas is incredible, with many outposts of celebrity restaurants owned by stars like Gordon Ramsay and Todd English.
When I'm alone, I try to sit at a bar top so I can interact with others if I want to and meet bartenders or chefs.
With this being Las Vegas, you never know who you'll end up chatting with. I've always felt safe when dining out solo in Las Vegas and use common sense, like not leaving my purse or drink unattended.
Some of my favorite spots in Vegas are also chains, like the high-end Japanese spot Nobu and popular West Coast burger joint In-N-Out. The Taco Bell Cantina is always a fun stop, too.
I usually skip bars when I'm traveling solo unless it's a Tiki bar with themed decor and fun drinks. I've found that Vegas has some of the best Tiki bars, like The Golden Tiki and Frankie's Tiki Room.
Their lively atmospheres mean I never feel weird visiting them by myself.
I love the pools in Las Vegas, but I avoid day clubs
Carly Caramanna
One of my favorite activities when solo traveling is relaxing by a pool — fortunately, Vegas usually has the perfect weather for doing so.
The city is known for its day-club pools, which are often crowded and loud with music spun by DJs. I skip those when I'm by myself and instead opt for the quieter settings at hotel pools.
Two of my favorites include the ones at Park MGM and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
I love the attractions and entertainment in Vegas
Carly Caramanna
Whenever I solo travel, I seek out unique experiences, shows, and attractions. Fortunately, Vegas has plenty of all three.
On my many trips, I've enjoyed both concerts and live productions, like The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil. One of my favorite attractions in Las Vegas is Meow Wolf's Omega Mart, an immersive interactive art exhibit.
Above all, I love that there's always something new to discover in the city
Every time I visit Vegas, I love finding hidden gems and checking out local favorites, from a secret pizza stand inside The Cosmopolitan to Battista's Hole in the Wall, an old-school Italian restaurant.
There's always something new to discover in Las Vegas, and that keeps me coming back time and time again.
