11 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Las Vegas

The Strip is the world-famous epicentre of Las Vegas. It’s a boldly neon-lit boulevard home to the most iconic Vegas casinos. Some 65,000 hotel rooms exist within over 50 resorts – you’ll never have trouble finding a place to stay. From oddly themed casinos like Luxor (ancient Egypt) and Excalibur (Camelot) to time-old classics like Mandalay Bay, The Strip encapsulates Las Vegas in a 4-mile stretch.

Aside from endless gambling and awe-inspiring mega-casinos, the Las Vegas Strip is synonymous with non-stop entertainment. Magic shows, comedy gigs, circus spectaculars, and swanky nightclubs jostle for punters waddling along the neon-soaked street. The glitzy stretch is the top choice for first-timers going after the typical Las Vegas experience.

Downtown Las Vegas is a practical choice when you seek glitz and gaming but are wary of the Strip’s relentless hustle. As the former hub of the Vegas drinking and gambling scene, the area keeps an enticing old-timey charm – think an eclectic blend of art deco architecture and 100-year-old hotels. Vintage houses and luxury high rises complement the scene, making it a superb place for locals and visitors to mingle.

One of Downtown Las Vegas' hottest destinations is the Fremont Street Experience. Cool bars and busy casinos line this bustling boozing and gambling district, which boasts an LCD canopy and a bewildering nightly light show. Downtown houses the Clark County Marriage License Bureau. Numerous cheesy chapels have sprung up to celebrate impromptu Vegas weddings.

North Las Vegas lies on the metropolitan area’s fringe and offers sweeping desert vistas plus enticing museums. This rapidly-developing neighbourhood is popular with budget-orientated families who’d rather avoid the Strip’s debauchery yet stay within easy access of the top city sites. Of course, gambling is still on the cards – make a beeline for the Cannery Casino and Hotel if you fancy a punt.

NASCAR fans can watch high-horse-power machines run laps at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway or get behind the wheel with the Exotics Racing experience. If aviation is more your jam, there’s an intriguing Weapons Museum at the Nellis Air Force Base. Just outside of town, outdoor recreational opportunities abound at Lake Mead.

Green Valley lies within Henderson, a sprawling suburban city in the southeast section of the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The upscale residential neighbourhood has swathes of swanky mansions and a smattering of good value hotels, making it a popular choice for budget-minded holidaymakers. Green Valley Ranch is the district’s primary commercial hub, with eclectic drinking and dining venues plus a handful of plush casinos.

As the area is so spread out, Green Valley isn’t ideal if you don’t have a car. But if you do, you’ll find it’s closer to top regional attractions like the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. For nature lovers, Lake Mead and Lake Las Vegas are a quick car trip away.

Summerlin is a suburban neighbourhood that straddles Las Vegas’ western fringe, just a stone’s throw from the rugged Red Rock Canyon. And it’s this proximity to the sandstone wonders of the ochre-hued park that makes Summerlin a hit with hikers. Come here if you prefer wandering remote nature trails instead of stumbling aimlessly down the neon-lit Strip.

Although unashamedly residential, there’s still plenty going on in sunny Summerlin to keep you entertained. The Red Rock Resort and JW Marriott have fun-filled casinos, and there’s plenty of upscale shopping and dining to be had at Summerlin’s sophisticated downtown. You can even stop by the Las Vegas Ballpark if you fancy catching a minor league game.

Mount Charleston is an attractive alpine village about an hour’s drive from central Las Vegas. Home to just a few hundred permanent inhabitants, the quaint township feels world’s away from the Strip and offers a peaceful escape for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Downhill skiing is the big drawcard during the winter months, although there are plenty of gentle slopes for the kiddos to go tubing as well. In summer, the scent of fresh pine leaves wafts through the air, inviting hikers to tackle its scenic trails. Accommodation options range from rustic lodge cabins to plush alpine resorts and lush RV-friendly campgrounds.

Lake Las Vegas is a magnificent reservoir some 30 minutes east of the Strip, the perfect choice for active travellers with a passion for water sports. Sailing, fishing, kayaking, and water-skiing make up everyday life in this laidback neighbourhood, making it all too easy to beat the summer heat.

The Italian-inspired Montelago Village straddles the waterfront and offers upscale dining to match downtown. A lush golf course (designed by Jack Nicklaus) resides on either side of the lake, while hikes through the hills afford views spanning Lake Mead and the Strip.

Las Vegas Chinatown lies on Spring Mountain Road, just 10 minutes west of the Strip. Proximity to the top Vegas casinos coupled with a variety of mouth-watering Asian eateries makes Chinatown a hit for foodies. No less than 150 restaurants cram into the bustling district, with tantalizing aromas from all over the orient wafting through the air.

Once you’ve devoured a tasty rice or noodle dish, you can grab a drink or 2 at Golden Tiki or watch a live performance at the long-running Las Vegas Little Theatre. Traffic is bumper to bumper and parking is a pain, so give this area a miss if you’re on a self-drive trip.

The Arts District of Las Vegas lies 4.5 miles north of the Strip, on the southern edge of downtown. A hit among the hipster set, the vibrant 18-block expanse owes its namesake to the Arts Factory, a former industrial warehouse currently home to chic boutiques and galleries. Since its conversion in 1997, galleries have popped up throughout the neighbourhood, which now boasts a distinctly bohemian vibe.

If possible, attend the monthly First Friday festival to witness the best alternative culture in Vegas. A modest selection of hip hotels lie scattered around the zone, and there are plenty of cool bars and cafes to kick back in style. 

Boulder City lies 25 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip and feels a world away from its bustle and bright lights. Instead of lavish casinos or seedy strip joints, you'll find a quaint country town built to service Hoover Dam. And if you’re more passionate about building design than blackjack, it makes sense to base yourself near this great marvel of engineering. 

Boulder City has acres of beautiful lush parklands. City dwellers often descend here on weekends for a nature escape. A far eastern location makes the Grand Canyon more accessible, too, thus shaving a good 30 minutes off the drive

Gateway District in Las Vegas is a notable area that has 2 very different sides. It’s home to the most extreme rides in the city, attracting thrill-seekers from around the world. These include the X-Scream roller coaster, the Sky Pod, and the Big Shot vertical catapult. Interestingly, these extreme attractions share the same streets with relaxed vintage shops, cafés, and youth hostels.

These clashing differences make Gateway District a fun place to explore, especially if you’re travelling in a group. There’s something for everyone here. Don’t miss the STRAT Hotel and Casino. The massive tower has the tallest observation deck in the USA at about 1,150 ft high.