Hidden gems in Las Vegas you need to know about

Hidden within a Louis Vuitton store in CityCenter, you’ll find a dazzling installation by artist James Turrell. Named for an ancient Egyptian word supposedly meaning “pure water,” the piece is an immersive visual show. Two chambers are filled with slowly changing light comprised of brilliant colors and hues. Reservations are required, so be sure to book months in advance to lose yourself in this incredible 24-minute experience.

This hidden gem actually became so popular that while its installation was meant to be temporary, its run was extended through the end of 2021. But it still feels like you’ve stumbled upon a secret in the desert. Designed by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, it features towering 30-foot stacked boulders painted in fluorescent colors. Meant to represent an intersection of natural and artificial, it’s a must for art lovers and Instagrammers.

The Silverton Casino’s Mi Casa Mexican Grill and Cantina—serving faves like fajitas, tacos, and lots of tequila—has a little secret inside. Hidden within the larger restaurant, Su Casa is an Asian concept featuring sushi rolls, ramen, ceviche, poke bowls, and other seafood-focused dishes. Enjoy with sake or signature Asian-influenced cocktails.

Craving a late night slice? Buzz has put this joint on the map, but it still takes some searching to find it. A narrow hallway in the Cosmopolitan, bedecked with album covers by Sinatra and the like, leads to an unmarked entrance that draws hungry late-night diners in search of New York-style pizza. The tiny eatery, named The Pizzeria but known as Secret Pizza, serves up after-hours slices and beer. You can order a whole pie to go; just play some pinball while you wait.

By the time the 28-mile fortification separating East and West Berlin was knocked down in 1989, the western side was covered with graffiti. You can make your own “mark” on remnants of the wall, which are mounted behind the men’s urinals in one restroom at Main Street Station Casino. The wall is protected by glass, so you won’t be defacing history or anything, but it feels good nonetheless. Visit the property’s excellent brewpub to prep for the occasion. Ladies can ask for an escort to see it.

One of the best and most popular cocktail bars in Vegas, The Chandelier at the Cosmopolitan has a couple surprises. Head to Level 1.5 of the multi-story bar and you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret hideaway. The cocktails here are exceptional, featuring intriguing ingredients like black pepper honey, salted churro syrup, and pine liqueur. But the real (albeit worst-kept) secret is the Verbena—a tart, tequila-based drink garnished with a szechuan flower that numbs your tongue and then creates a sensory explosion in your mouth.

Learn about the history of the mob at the Mob Museum, then get ready for a real speakeasy experience. Head to the basement, ring a bell, then provide the password to enter The Underground. It’s a Prohibition-era bar and working distillery decorated with artifacts from the 1920s. Order up a moonshine or a classic cocktail and get transported back in time. 

Don't forget to check out the Mob Museum while you're there.

Take a scenic drive to find a little serenity amidst the Vegas hustle. An hour northeast of Vegas, Valley of Fire is a lesser-known gem (at least compared to busy Red Rock Canyon, anyway) that's perfect for a day-long nature adventure in the desert. See stunning geology, hike scenic trails, and spot 3,000-year-old petroglyphs made by Native Americans. In the right light, the curving red sandstone looks like flames rising from the dirt. Highlights include formations such as Rainbow Vista, Atlatl Rock, Elephant Rock, and Gorilla Rock.

Located just west of Downtown Las Vegas, this is where legendary Old West explorers Kit Carson and John Fremont parked their horses in the mid 1800s. The sprawling site features two museums, botanical gardens, nature trails, and a restaurant with sweeping views of the Strip. You can rent a bike, ride a train, or visit Boomtown 1905 for a taste of way-back-when. It’s an underappreciated gem that deserves a visit.

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