Best local spots near the Strip that aren't tourist traps?

You really need to check out the area around Fremont Street, especially the side streets off the main drag. It has a much grittier, more historic vibe than the Strip. For food, look for places that serve authentic Mexican or Italian; those spots tend to cater to locals who live in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The Irish Deli is a solid, cheap bite.

If you want residential feel, head toward the Arts District. It's undergoing a massive revitalization and has tons of unique little coffee shops and galleries. For dinner, try looking for places that advertise 'neighborhood favorite' rather than 'Vegas experience.' It's a bit of a walk from the Strip, but it's worth it for the atmosphere. Regarding transport, the free shuttle lines that run between the major resorts sometimes pass close enough to the periphery areas that you might be able to walk the last few blocks, or you can use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, which is usually much cheaper than a taxi.

Take the Monorail to the West side, then walk a few blocks over. You'll find better local eats there.

For a low-key bar, check out the spots near the Golden Nugget, but walk a few blocks away from the entrance. They have some dive bars that are frequented by actual Vegas residents. Also, consider checking out the local markets; they often have food stalls that are far from the tourist radar.

Be careful, though. Even the 'local' spots sometimes get co-opted by the tourism machine. My best tip is to use Google Maps and look for places with high ratings but that are *not* near any major casino entrance. I once found a fantastic little taco joint in a neighborhood that felt completely disconnected from the action, and the staff spoke zero English. It was perfect. For getting around, walking is your best bet if you stay within a few miles of the main attractions.

The local farmers market on Saturday mornings is great for breakfast. It's usually quiet and full of people who live nearby, not just tourists looking for a photo op. You can grab coffee and pastries without the massive line or the overly curated 'Instagrammable' feel.

Honestly, the best spots are often found by just wandering. Don't plan your route too tightly. If you see a street that looks quiet, turn down it. You might stumble upon a great little bar or a bakery that has been there for decades. It's about embracing getting lost, which is the opposite of the Strip experience.

The free shuttle system is surprisingly useful for getting around the edges of the major resort properties, which can get you close to the residential areas without needing a car. Just make sure you know the routes and don't rely on them for the final mile, though.

I found a great little Italian place near the Convention Center that was packed with people who looked like they lived there. It was amazing. You should try looking up places that are within walking distance of the local university campus; those areas tend to have more authentic, student-friendly spots.

Just use Uber or Lyft. It's the easiest way to get around without worrying about parking or dealing with complex bus schedules. It's reliable and you can drop right at the corner of the neighborhood you want to explore.

Check out the Chinatown area. It's completely different from the Strip and has incredible, authentic food options. It feels like a whole different city. It's definitely worth the detour.