3 Las Vegas Experiences That Deserve Way More Attention, And 3 That Can't Get Much More Overrated
Hey! I'm Chelsea, the weekend editor at BuzzFeed. Usually, I work remotely, but every once in a while, I get to trade my home office for an exciting work trip.
Recently, I traveled to Las Vegas courtesy of Flyover, a popular tourist attraction often compared to Disney's Soarin' ride. We also visited other local places, some that lived up to the hype and some that, well, didn't.
That said, here are three Vegas hotspots that were severely underrated and three that were overrated, IMHO.
*BuzzFeed was invited on this trip free of charge but was under no obligation to give Flyover a positive review.
Underrated: Flyover
Honestly, I'd never heard of this experience until a rep reached out to invite me on the trip. If you're unfamiliar, it's an immersive flying journey that simulates rides over popular destinations. The first location opened in 2013 in Vancouver, and now, there are locations in Iceland, Chicago, and, as previously mentioned, Las Vegas, right on the Strip.
Chelsea Stewart
Currently, Flyover provides four journeys: Windborne: Call of the Canadian Rockies, Wonders of the American West, Legendary Iceland, and Believe Chicago. Each voyage begins with a pre-show film, detailing that destination's rich history and culture through vivid imagery, sounds, and narration.
Once the film is over, you're taken into another room and seated for takeoff. Before you know it, you're in the air and immersed in a sprawling screen that takes you over beautiful sights of your chosen journey — from the Northern Lights in Iceland and Chicago's bustling downtown scene to the Grand Canyon and the peaceful waters of Maligne Lake.
The best and most mind-blowing part of all is that, as you ride, you experience mists and smells unique to those areas, making it feel all the more real. I legit feel like I can now cross Iceland off my bucket list!
With prices starting at just $36, I thought it was well worth the money. Not to mention, you can bundle and get the second ride for 50% off. Just keep in mind that they go at different speeds — Chicago felt like a rollercoaster at times, while Iceland was beautifully relaxing — if you're someone who's prone to motion sickness like me.
After your ride, head to the gift shop or The Lost Cactus bar for signature drinks inspired by the places you traveled. I had the prickly pear margarita, which was *chef's kiss.* But there are also mocktails and snacks, too, making it a fun experience for all.
Overrated: Atomic Saloon Show
When I first saw the 18+ age requirement for the show, I knew it would be raunchy, yet I still wasn't prepared for what it entailed.
Hosted by the chronically horny Madam Boozy Skunkton, Atomic Saloon Show is a very wild west comedy circus event that explores "the true depths of Sin City, mixing flexible morals with reality-shifting acrobatics." Saints and sinners are welcome.
Chelsea Stewart
For 75 minutes, guests experience high-energy performances by flow artists, pole dancers, trapeze artists, and table drummers (yes, this is exactly what it sounds like — people drumming on tables). There are also incredibly racy jokes, all woven into a weary love story involving the domineering Madam Boozy and two besotted employees.
Don't get me wrong — I did laugh during the show, hysterically at times. But there were also many moments when the comedy felt forced and needlessly vulgar when the scene was already hilarious.
Some of the pros are the hospitality, the intimate atmosphere, the crowd work, and the venue's Instagrammable bar (that is, when you can finally find where the show is located inside the massive Venetian hotel). I just can't justify spending $100 on this experience.
Underrated: Momofuku
Bon Appétit called this place "the most important restaurant in America," and honestly, I can see why.
Founded by Michelin-award-winning restaurateur David Chang, it's a truly exceptional experience from start to finish. The interior is warm and inviting, the staff is kind and attentive, and the food is absolutely incredible.
The restaurant serves Asian American fare with a twist and is elegantly designed with gorgeous art, cozy lighting, and sleek metallic accents — yet still feels relaxed. They also play a fusion of pop and hip-hop classics while you dine, the type that you maybe haven't heard in a while but appreciate every time.
To get started, our group of six ordered a salad, oysters, and spicy cucumbers. Then, we got tuna, corn ribs, pork belly buns, Iberico pork, and the Wagyu ribeye. We figured we'd just sample everything because it was too hard to choose individual dishes — everything sounded soo good!
The food didn't disappoint, either. It was fresh and flavorful and genuinely got better with each dish. I also really liked the drinks! I had a little champagne, gifted to us by the manager, and a refreshing passion fruit spritz.
Chelsea Stewart
As of writing, Momofuku has just over a four-star rating on Google, which honestly surprised me given our experience! I'd easily give this place five stars.
Overrated: Superfrico
I imagine Superfrico got its name because it's just soooo freaky — in a good way! Located inside the Cosmopolitan hotel, it's an Italian-American psychedelic restaurant that doubles as a house party.
Once you're inside the big purple doors, you'll see the restaurant has an artsy design with fun neon lighting. It boasts all original artwork, exclusively owned by Superfrico, including a quirky octopus made entirely from dollar bills and a self-serve tarot machine to get your fortune.
Chelsea Stewart
The menu features equally eccentric drink options, including cereal milk punch, SpaghettiO cocktails, and pepperoni pizza drinks (a favorite among our group). The food encompasses pizza, pasta, seafood, and steak.
I decided on a salad for the appetizer, chicken parmesan for the main course, and a black and blue shortcake with lemon curd, whipped vanilla cream, and basil for dessert. I also got the peanut butter espresso martini to drink — it was so rich and yummy! Usually, I like to sip my drinks slowly, but NGL, I pretty much downed that one lol. I was also really impressed with the pace of service and the creativity with which these dishes were made. Unfortunately, the taste was just underwhelming to me.
Chelsea Stewart
The best part — and what Superfrico is known for — was all of the zany performances that happen while you eat. They truly match the restaurant's freak. There was one opera singer who fell in "love" at first sight with someone from our group and hilariously serenaded them in song. There are also characters who walk around in comical costumes for your entertainment, including a Domino's Pizza delivery driver who can't seem to find his stop.
Chelsea Stewart
Overall, Superfrico was a fun experience, but I probably wouldn't return because of the price and food quality. It's clear you pay for the experience here, but in the end, I just didn't find it worth it.
I might recommend eating beforehand and just going for drinks instead if you're thinking of visiting.
Underrated: The Mob Museum
Yes, I've seen movies like Casino. Still, I never knew or fully understood the mob's deep connection to Vegas and other parts of the country until visiting the Mob Museum.
Located downtown in a former post office/courthouse (which famously housed a Kefauver hearing), the museum explores the mob's history and effect on America.
The third floor examines their origins with exhibits like a mugshot room, Al Capone's "Sweetheart" pistol, and the bullet-ridden wall from the St. Valentine's Day Massacre.
The second floor focuses on their rise, showcasing the methods used to grow their illegal businesses and their rapid spread throughout the country.
Chelsea Stewart
But you shouldn't think the museum glorifies them. Down on the first floor, guests learn about the mob's downfall, the tragedy that befell many members, and the harm they often brought to innocent victims.
If none of that interests you, you might enjoy another exhibit on the first floor, "The Mob in Pop Culture," which features items from shows like Breaking Bad and Narcos.
After that, head down to the speakeasy in the basement. It's inspired by Prohibition-era life and on select weekend nights, you can even hear live jazz. Just make sure you know the password to get in the door.
Overrated: The Strip
Okay, hear me out! Vegas does have a lot to offer overall — from live shows and quality food choices to perfect weather and casinos. The Strip is nice in that it bolsters a variety of venues in one place, but everything there just feels SO expensive and over-commercialized, lessening the experience.
Fremont Street in downtown Vegas was a lot more entertaining. I'd heard people say it had a more fun and organic vibe, and after visiting it myself, I totally agree!
We got to see live singers, showgirls, and street dancers (including two people from America's Got Talent!). The food and shopping options also seemed to be a lot more affordable — like, I could find items for half of the price, if not less, than what I would pay for them on the Strip.
It was also amazing to see all the old buildings! The architecture and bright lights were absolutely beautiful — even at midday.
If you have it to spend, feel free to ball out on the Strip, but I found my money went so much further on Fremont Street without sacrificing quality.
Have you tried any of these experiences? What did you think? Have any other overrated and underrated places in Las Vegas to share? Add them in the comments below.
