A low-key guide to Las Vegas for the introvert in us all.
What happens in Vegas… might sound like a nightmare if you’re an introvert. From over-the-top nightclubs with booming sound systems and way too many sweaty bodies to all-day drink-a-thons at lavish hotel pools, the extravagance and inherent extroversion may prove to be too much for those of us more inclined toward solo experiences. But as a sprawling city full of world-famous attractions, Las Vegas has something to offer everyone—even the lone-wolf travelers among us.
While Vegas may not be the ideal destination for the most introverts, it is a much more diverse and culturally rich city than it’s often depicted to be. With a little legwork and a positive attitude, just about anyone can find a way to find their place in Sin City.
Here are just a few of the must-sees, must-eats, and must-dos Sin City can offer its less hard-partying patrons.
Take a master class at The Wynn
If you’re dying to see resident DJ Dillon Francis kill it at the club but can’t fathom the thought of battling The Wynn’s dancing crowds, then try the resort’s more low-key series of workshops. Led by master chefs, bakers, vintners, and artisans, the hands-on experiences allow attendees to perfect their skills in the kitchen and beyond. January’s offerings include a master dumpling class from dim sum chef Sandy Chi and Chef Chen Wei Chan, and pizza and pasta-making classes with chefs Jonathan Bauman and Enzo Febbraro.
Keep it chill, poolside
The phrase “pool party” might send shivers down the spine of any true introvert, but the newly opened NoMad Las Vegas is getting ready to unveil a pool that defies the wet and wild stereotypes. Set to open in spring 2019, the super laid-back and luxurious lounge area — inspired by the Majorelle Gardens of Morocco — will include a poolside cafe and bar serving casual fare and expertly-crafted cocktails, along with a robust selection of wines.
See some sign history
Cities with a storied past usually have some truly unique institutions, and Vegas is no exception. The Neon Museum (a.k.a. The Neon Graveyard) is where old Vegas signage comes to take its final rest. Founded in 1996, the nonprofit organization is dedicated to “collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting” old-school signs from years gone by. The museum offers tours, special exhibits, and much more, like Brilliant!, artist Craig Wilson’s show that walks viewers through the city’s rich history.
Take a hike
Believe it or not, it’s totally possible to find natural wonders just beyond the borders of the glitzy strip. Just to the north of the city is Mount Charleston, a summertime hiking destination and a wintertime ski haven. The site offers 12 hiking trails, 200 campsites, and over 150 picnic areas. Also close by is Valley of Fire State Park, a 40,000-acre landscape of bright red Aztec sandstone and gray and tan limestone.
Enjoy serious spa time
Nothing soothes an introvert’s soul like the promise of solitude and silence, and both can be gloriously achieved at Qua Baths & Spa at Caesar’s Palace. The 50,000-foot sanctuary has received numerous awards since opening its doors in 2007, and in addition to its three Roman baths, it’s home to the seriously unique Arctic Ice Room, a 55-degree domed space that features heated benches and floors and falling snow. The spa also features a ton of other totally Zen experiences, including something called “Soulful Journey Synergy,” which invites participants to “set an intention for the experience” before going through a Tree of Life energy reading with crystals, an essential oil massage, light therapy (aka Chromotherapy), and a sound bath composed of acoustics “that originated at the start of our known universe and continues to completely envelop us today.”
Escape The Strip to eat in peace
Vegas has a thriving culinary scene, but if you’re not down for the scene-iest spots on The Strip, then your best bet is to venture off Las Vegas Blvd and sit down at a more low-key but renowned dining spot like PublicUs. The “canteen-style neighborhood restaurant and coffee bar” is located in the Fremont East District of Downtown Las Vegas and is known for its calm decor and quiet atmosphere (in addition to a menu full of delicious dishes). Sparrow + Wolf is another off-the-Strip eatery that serves up a rotating seasonal menu of shared plates in an artsy environment.
If all else fails, books have your back
Perhaps one of the simplest, most effective strategies to escape the insanity of Vegas is to hide in the comforting presence of books—lots and lots of books. Luckily, Bauman Rare Books is a 2,300 square-foot gallery that houses exclusive finds like the first edition of James Joyce’s Ulysses and a signed first-edition copy of Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. Located among the shops at The Venetian, history buffs will also geek out over the gallery’s impressive collection of original documents, like a President Lincoln-signed letter. You can take a relaxing gondola ride after if you like.
