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No city lights up at night quite like Las Vegas, Nevada.
After all, the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World is considered the brightest city on Earth and there’s so many incredible places to explore while vacationing at the iconic destination.
As an out and proud gay man who’s lived in Las Vegas the majority of my life, I’ve found quite a few hotspots that I love to frequent without having to worry about spending too much cash.
Check out some of my favorite attractions below that’ll make your trip even more memorable and special at an unbelievable value.
Lexi Love, Jewels Sparkles, Ricky Cornish, and Lana Ja'Rae on The Las Vegas High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ Hotel + Experience on the Las Vegas Strip.
Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Let’s start this list with one of the most recognizable excursions on The Strip. The Las Vegas High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ Hotel + Experience opened back in 2014, so this notable Ferris wheel has offered stunning rides to visitors and locals for over ten years.
As a destination that offers fabulous views of the entire Las Vegas valley, there’s nothing quite as romantic and intimate as this attraction. It’s quite literally the second tallest Ferris wheel in the world, so that fact itself is a big enough reason to check it out.
The Las Vegas High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ Hotel + Experience on the Las Vegas Strip.
LVCVA
With tickets starting around $27 for adults and nearly $12 for kids, the High Roller gives tourists of any age the opportunity to experience breathtaking views at a very affordable price. While the High Roller is open both day and night, there’s nothing quite like riding it after dark. Las Vegas is truly one of the most beautiful destinations in the world to observe once the sun goes down.
I’ve rode the High Roller a few times and it’s always a blast, no matter who I go with. Recently, I hopped on the Ferris wheel with the top six from season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race to celebrate one thousand shows at RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE! at Flamingo Las Vegas. You really never know who you’ll run into at this popular activity!
Netflix Bites at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.
Ricky Cornish
Who doesn’t want to step inside the set of a movie or TV show? Netflix Bites at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino is the ideal restaurant to quite literally get a taste of your favorite program!
The impressive menu features food and drinks based on many of the legendary original shows and movies you’ve likely binged in a day or two. From chicken and waffles inspired by Stranger Things to a tea set straight from the set of Bridgerton, there’s something for everyone who’s indulged in their favorite movie or show on Netflix.
Netflix Bites at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.
Ricky Cornish
Be sure to also check out meals based on Queer Eye, Big Mouth, Ginny & Georgia, Selling Sunset, Squid Game, Sex Education, and so many more.
My personal favorite dish is the Korean Short Rib Galbi. The succulent meat is paired with Charred Bok Choy and Nori Rice, so the entire meal is mouthwatering, juicy, and tender. Every bite was absolutely delicious! Dinner items start at just $9, so there’s certainly a tasty option waiting for you.
Ricky Cornish and his friend Shamus at Mon Ami Gabi inside Paris Las Vegas.
Ricky Cornish
Trying to find a luscious spot with a gorgeous view of the Bellagio Fountains? Look no further than Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas. This delectable French establishment is perfect for a date night as it’s located right on The Strip and directly across the street from the iconic landmark.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, so there’s many opportunities to make a reservation and secure your table on their wide, patio with spectacular views. I’ve checked out this eatery a couple of times and I already can’t wait to go back.
Mon Ami Gabi inside Paris Las Vegas.
Ricky Cornish
During my most recent visit, I ordered the salmon salad with extra avocado and my taste buds are already missing all of the juicy flavors that make this dish so delicious. My good friend Shamus said this was one of his favorite dinner dates that he’s ever gone on in his life, so that’ll hopefully entice you to take a loved one on a romantic date at this extraordinary establishment.
Ricky Cornish with friends at Piranha Nightclub in Las Vegas.
Piranha Nightclub
Piranha Nightclub is the go-to destination for LGBTQ+ locals and visitors any weekend (or even weekday) of the year. With some of the fiercest queens in the entire city performing nightly, many drag queens from Piranha have gone on to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race. I’ve had to pick my jaw up off the floor way too many times watching the shows at this place. Located off The Strip and by the airport, Piranha Nightclub also features everything you could want in a Las Vegas nightclub.
Ricky Cornish with friends at Piranha Nightclub in Las Vegas.
Piranha Nightclub
Made up of three themed rooms and an outdoor patio, there’s different music playing in each room that will fit your style. You never know who you’re going to meet at Piranha as visitors pop up every weekend ready to live it up. I’ve danced the night away with Lil Nas X, Kevin McHale, Sam Smith, queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race like Anetra, Mirage Amuro, Sasha Colby, Alexis Mateo, and many members of my chosen family. If there’s just one spot you have time to visit, let this be the place.
Cheat Codes performing at Zouk Nightclub inside Resorts World Las Vegas.
Ricky Cornish
It wouldn’t be a complete trip to Las Vegas without hitting up one of the best nightclubs! Zouk Nightclub is the ultimate state-of-the-art destination where you can dance the night away to some of the biggest DJs from around the world.
Located on The Strip and right inside Resorts World Las Vegas, visitors can get tickets as low as nearly $25 for women and $36 for men to see electrifying sets from headliners such as ILLENIUM, Kaskade, MEDUZA, DJ Snake, Lil Wayne, Nelly, and more. I’ve not only created lifelong memories with my best friends at this gorgeous club at night, but I’ve also met people from all over the world celebrating special milestones such as birthdays, wedding bachelor/bachelorette parties, and more.
Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas.
Ricky Cornish
There’s nothing like mingling with visitors who love the same music as you and Zouk Nightclub creates an amazing environment that’s inclusive for everyone. Also, Resorts World Las Vegas is still one of the freshest and newest properties to explore in the entire valley.
Traveling on a budget is needed to make the most out of any vacation, so consider these top destinations when planning your dream trip to Las Vegas. To plan the perfect trip for yourself, head over to VisitLasVegas.com/Value.
