When you can’t jet off to Paris or spend some time with your significant other in London, pack your bags for a quick getaway in Las Vegas. It’s true that most people don’t think of Las Vegas as a romantic destination, but one of the greatest things about Sin City is that you can make it whatever you’d like … including a hub for love and romance.
Plan the perfect romantic getaway with these suggestions on what to do, where to eat, which shows to watch and where to sleep.
Check Out the View from the Top of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas is exactly half the size of the one in Paris, France. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Las Vegas Strip day or night with a ride to the top. Along the way, an elevator guide will point out highlights of Sin City. Though this isn’t the ideal activity for those with a fear of heights, it is both fun and romantic for those who want to experience Las Vegas from the top of the world.
Hike in Red Rock Canyon
If the weather is right, you might want to escape the Las Vegas Strip and spend some time enjoying the desert Southwest instead. Red Rock Canyon has hiking trails that lead through canyons, over boulders and past seasonal watering holes. The isolated surroundings have the potential to create a quiet day for the two of you.
Ride a Gondola in the Venetian
Enjoy a romantic ride through the Grand Canal of the Venetian aboard a gondola. You’ll glide under bridges, past quaint cafes and along streetscapes designed to place you right in the heart of Venice … all while your gondolier sings for you. For the ultimate romantic experience, reserve a private, two-person gondola.
Take a Helicopter Tour of the Grand Canyon
Marvel at one of the Earth’s most incredible natural features from the comfort of a helicopter. There are daily tours of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, and enjoying this national park from a helicopter allows you to skip the traffic, save time and enjoy a birds-eye view. Some of these tours offer couples packages that include a stop at Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam for a picnic lunch.
Prices vary depending on what company you book with, but it’s very possible to find coupons for discounts on these tours. Expect to pay between $50.00 and $200.00 per person.
Get Married
If you and your sweetheart are hot for each other but haven’t yet sealed the deal, then why not get married? Some people scoff at the notion of getting hitched in Las Vegas, but the fact of the matter is that it’s fun, easy and relatively inexpensive, depending on how elaborate you want to go. There are several wedding chapels throughout the city, and most resorts have on-site wedding facilities and planners as well.
Delmonico Steakhouse
Considered by many to be the best steakhouse in Las Vegas and winner of numerous restaurant and wine awards, Delmonico Steakhouse at the Venetian is a fine dining establishment fit for a romantic evening. Chef Emeril Lagasse is the mastermind behind this restaurant, which offers top-of-the-line beef cuts and wine to match.
Entree prices are $40.00-$60.00 per plate.
Japonais
Though not unique to Las Vegas (you can also find them in Chicago and New York City), Japonais at the Mirage, offers an extensive Japanese menu including plenty of fresh seafood, the finest cuts of beef, maki mono and a variety of sushi options. For the most romantic setting, request to sit on the bridge at the restaurant, which overlooks the gardens at the Mirage.
The restaurant offers a dinner for two menu for $45.00, which includes two appetizers, an entree and a dessert. Take advantage of early evening and late night happy hours for discounts on food and drinks.
Top of the World
Located more than 800 feet above the Las Vegas Strip at the Stratosphere, Top of the World Restaurant is the city’s only revolving restaurant, offering 360-degree views of the entire city every 80 minutes. The menu consists of a variety of items, including fresh seafood and steaks, as well as an extensive wine list. Finish your meal with one of the restaurant’s delectable desserts, such as flourless lava cake or banana bread pudding.
Entree prices are $40.00-$60.00 per plate. Reservations are required for dinner.
Le Reve
The beauty and elegance of this show will transport you to a place where water ballet, aerial acrobatics and artistic athleticism are effortless. With 85 performers and slightly revised choreography every quarter, Le Reve promises to be refreshing and enchanting, regardless of whether you’ve seen it before or this is your very first time.
Le Reve shows Friday through Tuesday at The Wynn at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular
One of the most heart-wrenching shows to hit Broadway, Phantom of the Opera has been adapted as Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular for Sin City. The story follows a phantom in the Paris Opera House and his love for Christine, a youthful, talented opera singer. Couples will be swept up by the lyrics, costumes, set and illusions of this version of the Broadway classic.
Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular shows Monday through Saturday at the Venetian. Shows are at 7:00 p.m. each night with an additional show at 9:30 p.m. on Monday and Saturday.
Bellagio
The Bellagio is the epitome of romance, with couples massage packages, private cabanas and poolside massages. There are frequently romance-themed packages available at Bellagio, which include a limo ride from the airport, complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries and dinner at one of the resort’s many fine dining establishments. The fine details at Bellagio coupled with the ability to enjoy a stress-free stay make this one of the best places in Las Vegas to book a room for a romantic getaway.
MGM Grand
If the sky is the limit, then book a room at the Skylofts, a luxury boutique hotel located on the top of the MGM Grand. These spacious, sophisticated suites come with private, in-loft spas for complete relaxation. There’s no need to worry about the details when you stay here: Your personal concierge handles everything you need from preferred seating at exclusive restaurants to table reservations at the city’s hottest nightclubs.
Paris
If you can’t actually sneak off to Paris, France, the next best thing is to stay at Paris Las Vegas. During the day, wander the cobblestone streets while sharing an authentic Parisian pastry with your loved one. In the evening, take advantage of the Eiffel Tower Experience, which offers views of the brilliantly lit Las Vegas Strip, 460 feet above the boulevard. Enjoy the comfort and sophistication of the warm hues and custom European furniture when you finally do settle in for the night.
Venetian
Walk through the winding alleyways of Venice, the sky blue and welcoming above you, when you stay at the Venetian. Linger over a long lunch in St. Mark’s Square as street performers entertain passersby. Feel free to take a ride in one of the gondolas, but if you’d rather keep your feet on firm ground, at least take a moment to listen to the gondoliers sing to their passengers. Spring for a suite that overlooks the Strip; many offer jetted tubs and fireplaces as amenities.
Photo credits: Eiffel Tower , Japonais (MGM), Phantom Mask , Bellagio (MGM)
