Stick or twist? 21 Las Vegas treats

Sara Benson highlights the best of the city, from Michelin-starred dining and designer shopping to spectacular shows and the Mob Museum

As the intense heat of summer dies away, there’s a lot to lure you to this Wild West town on the edge of the Nevada desert. You can gaze at the casinos’ free-forall shows, or dig into the city’s hurlyburly past at offbeat museums, while adventures for thrill-seekers await both on and off the Strip. Pleasureseekers come not just to gawp at that fabled casino architecture – from the Eiffel Tower to ancient Egyptian pyramids – but to sample cuisine delivered by star chefs and tour fashion-forward shops, art galleries and chic nightlife. There’s always something to do, no matter what time it is – making this city the perfect antidote for jet-lag. Feeling lucky? Well, as blackjack players say: “Hit me!” Here are 21 great things to see and do while you’re in Las Vegas.

Divine dining Twist by Pierre Gagnaire

French master Pierre Gagnaire’s dining room at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, tucked away on the elevated 23rd floor, with jewellike night-time views and a goldmedal wine list, artfully fuses the best of modern Californian, European and Asian cuisine.

Twist by Pierre Gagnaire (001 888 881 9367; mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas/ fine-dining/twist-by-pierre-gagnaire). Main dishes $52-$79 (£40-£60); tasting menus $160-$175 (with wine pairings $255-$280)

Lago by Julian Serrano

From chef Julian Serrano, whose two Michelin stars and multiple James Beard awards have made him a local favourite, comes this lakeside dining space at the imposing Bellagio casino. Mostly served on small plates meant for sharing, the chef ’s contemporary Italian and American fare is light and seasonal. The most indulgent way to experience it is at Sunday brunch for the delectable prix-fixe menu.

Lago by Julian Serrano (001 702 693 7111; bellagio.com/en/restaurants/lago.html). Small shared plates $8-$20, main dishes $28-$60, three-course brunch $38

Bacchanal Buffet

Located inside Caesars Palace, this ultra-modern version of the casino buffet features over 500 daily menu items and nine show kitchens, where dishes are made to order. Carnivores can savour classics such as the prime rib and beef brisket, along with king crab legs, while Chinese, Mexican and Italian fare is also on offer. There are no reservations, but there are self-service check-in stations.

Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, above