The iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" neon sign glowing at night against a dark sky, with city lights and the Omega Mart billboard in the back. — Allen Boguslavsky

The City of Sin remains a bucket list destination for many Aussie blokes chasing thrills, spills and unforgettable evenings on the town. Sure, Vegas is Blackjack, bright lights and boozy nights – but there is a whole other side to the city that most never experience. Here are Monty’s top tips to help you experience a weekend in Vegas the right way.

Where To Stay

NOMAD Las Vegas

Part of the MGM Resorts collection of hotels located at the Park MGM precinct, this upscale accommodation brings a touch of European class to Vegas. Designed in collaboration with French architect and interior designer Jacques Garcia, think oak hardwood floors and unique art pieces with a touch of New York sensibility. Enjoy the Moroccan-themed pool during the day before catching a show at the 5200-seat Dolby Live amphitheatre. $$$

For more information, visit thereserveatparkmgm.mgmresorts.com.

Wynn Las Vegas

Conveniently located at the start of the Strip, the Wynn comprises two hotels (Wynn and Encore) combining nature, art and luxury that’s away from the hustle and bustle of everyday Vegas. Rooms are almost twice the standard size of Vegas hotels, while the entertainment includes the award-winning theatre production Awakening, water attraction Lake of Dreams and a luxury brand shopping precinct featuring Cartier, Gucci and more. $$$

For more information, visit wynnlasvegas.com.

Exterior view of the curved, golden-bronze facade of the Wynn Las Vegas hotel rising above lush green trees and palm trees under a clear sky. — Scott Webb

The Cosmopolitan

Celebrating its 15th birthday, The Cosmopolitan is the definition of modern luxury. Residential-style rooms offer breathtaking views with handcrafted touches of home. The hotel includes a 100,000-square-foot casino floor, a 24-hour fitness centre for the workout fanatics and the world-class Sahra Spa & Hammam for wellness fans. Hit The Chandelier bar for a cocktail (or three) while marvelling at the 21 miles of strung crystals suspended above. $$$

For more information, visit cosmopolitanlasvegas.mgmresorts.com.

Where To Eat

NoMad Restaurant

Inspired by the Library of NoMad New York, this high-scale restaurant has a strong focus on elevated American cuisine. Communal courses are served alongside a varied selection of entrees, salads and side dishes. The Seafood Platter is stacked with lobster, shrimp, oysters, clams and mussels, while the American Wagyu Prime Rib comes with a porcini and black garlic rub, whipped potatoes, horseradish crème fraiche and bordelaise sauce. The Ridiculous Mac & Cheese is, well, ridiculous, and worth the price of admission alone. $$$$

For more details, visit thereserveatparkmgm.mgmresorts.com.

Stubborn Seed

Located just outside of central Vegas at the recently opened Resorts World Las Vegas, this contemporary eatery is owned and operated by Top Chef Season 13 winner, Jeremy Ford. The food changes with the seasons and currently features an Australian-inspired tasting menu with highlights including Sake & Citrus Cured Japanese Yellowtail, Westholme Australian Wagyu Striploin and Citrus Pavlova for dessert. If à la carte is more your style, the Truffle Organic Chicken is a must. $$$$

For more details, visit stubbornseed.com.

Milpa

It’s not all fine dining and fancy restaurants. Milpa is a reasonably priced, contemporary Mexican café serving tacos (the beer-battered fish tacos are a winner), stacked harvest bowls and its famous handmade dried corn tortillas. Ingredients are sourced from local farms, and despite the healthy options on offer, the flavours are to die for. With a capacity of just 30, order online for pickup and enjoy outside in the warm Vegas sun. $$

For more details, visit milpalv.com.

Where To Drink

The Laundry Room

Downtown Vegas might not be as hip as it was in the ‘60s, but the revitalisation of the area over the past five years has seen a spate of new restaurants and bars bringing life back to the area. The 22-seater secret speakeasy The Laundry Room leads the charge. Located in the Commonwealth, the bar is a throwback to the glory days of the Strip with an exotic drink list that includes bespoke cocktails (we suggest the gin-heavy Dizzy’s Dilled Dizzy), premium spirits and unusual bar snacks. Reservations are recommended.

For more information, visit laundryroomlv.com.

Juliet Cocktail Room

The Venetian is home to three fantastic cocktail bars, but the standout is Juliet. Victorian-style décor meets ‘60s glamour, with mixologist Chris Zaide curating an inventive selection of cocktails, including the Spicy Flamingo, which pairs Celaya Blanco Tequila with Gran Malo Spicy Tamarindo Agave Spirit, and Big Red, Juliet’s take on the classic Moscow Mule, substituting lime juice for cranberry, delivering a tasty twist.

For more information, visit julietcocktailroom.com.

Petite Boheme

For a city steeped in excess, Vegas offers plenty of intimate spaces where you can kick back with a cold one and take it all in. Recently opened Petite Boheme in the Arts District is a Parisian-inspired bar with graffiti walls and an intriguing selection of French offerings. Sip a classic cocktail or a craft beer in this relaxed 40-person bar and watch the world go by.

For more information, visit petiteboheme-lv.com.

Bartender in a vest and bowtie pouring a cocktail through a strainer at Petite Boheme in Las Vegas, with a bar and bottles in the background. — Petite Boheme

Where To Play

See A Show

All the major casinos provide a bevy of incredible shows and performances, from death-defying acrobatic displays – acclaimed Cirque Du Soleil have five different shows running weekly – to the best comedians in the world. Carrot Top has a residency at the Luxor while the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Ray Romano and Jay Leno are regular visitors. Music lovers can also catch performances from Bruno Mars, Rod Stewart and more.

Catch A Game

Las Vegas has fast become a sporting mecca, boasting NFL, NHL, MLB and WNBA teams, meaning there is always a game to enjoy no matter what time of year it is. If you miss out on tickets, visit any number of sports bars and watch the big game in comfort. Beer Park in Paris Las Vegas has views of the Strip, multiple screens and an impressive selection of draft and bottled beer. Hungry? Grab the classic Beer Park Cheeseburger, one pound (roughly half a kilo) of crispy hot wings or the BBQ Pork Ribs with a serving of French fries and pickles.

Get Outdoors

Had enough of the windowless casinos and need an alcohol-free day? Vegas is great for outdoor adventures. Try mountain bike riding in Red Rock National Conservation Area, hike along the picturesque Petroglyph Wall Trail and marvel at the 800-year-old rock art. Tee off at one of the many golf courses, with Jack Nicklaus’ favourite course design, Bear’s Best Las Vegas, just 20 minutes from the Strip.

Let Off Some Steam

Battlefield Vegas prides itself as being the city’s “ultimate shooting range” with one of the biggest selections of weapons you’re likely to encounter on your travels. Sub machine guns, sniper rifles, shotguns and grenade launchers are just some of the weapons you can get your hands on at this five-acre, military-style complex. Battlefield also offers several unique experiences, including the opportunity to fire a Gatling gun like Arnie in T2 and crush a car with a tank!