If there’s one thing that’s great about Las Vegas – besides the gaming, clubbing, shopping and dining options – it’s the people who spend their time on The Strip.

From those jetting in to town for a long weekend, thanks to cheap flights and affordable hotel room rates, to those who live here year-round, the cast of characters that roam Las Vegas are worthy of a little attention.

While just stepping out of your hotel room in Las Vegas pretty much results in some sort of entertaining people watching opportunities, there are some spots that are sure to show off the mixed bag of people that come to town (or live in Vegas).

Tiffany’s Café inside of White Cross Drugs: While technically not a restaurant, this part-drug store, part sit-down-and-get-served-greasy-food establishment is a spot most tourists don’t know about it, but locals love. One of the last Strip remnants of Old Las Vegas, the grill/drug store is filled with yellowed photos of yesterday. Set just north of The Stratosphere, towards the older part of The Strip, Tiffany’s Cafe serves up greasy meals 24-hours-a-day at its little booths and counter, which means tons of great opportunities to watch the colorful characters wandering the street. From the tourists who’ve lost their way, to those who are just lost, there’s always something to keep you entertained when conversation fails … or to spark conversation. Bonus points: it’s got an old soda fountain.  A note to those planning on making a visit: go during daylight hours.

Mon Ami Gabi: Set flush on The Strip at The Paris, the French restaurant has a packed patio on almost every rain- or wind-free day in town. With one of the most popular breakfast/brunches for visitors, sitting outside here affords you glimpses of wide-eyed newbies clutching their yard beers or frozen drinks, club-goers from the night before stumbling back to their hotels and the Bellagio fountains across the way (OK, so that’s not people-watching, but it is a great view).

The Peppermill: For an electic mix of locals and tourists, this hot spot, which has deep roots in Vegas’ mob past, brings in all sorts of characters. It’s regularly featured on reality television shows and brings in performers from many of Las Vegas’ big shows. Sit in the diner portion, or head to the more glitzy side of the property – The Fireside Lounge at The Peppermill -- where flaming pools pits and servers clad in slinky black dresses serve you tasty appetizers and sexy libations.

Jaleo: This popular DC haunt recently laid down roots at The Cosmopolitan. Grab a seat “outside” the restaurant for some serious people watching while enjoying Chef Jose Andres Spanish tapas and paella dishes. The newest hotel on The Strip, The Cosmopolitan brings in everyone from Lady Gaga to Jay Z. You can expect to see people dressed to the nines at all hours of the day wandering around the third floor, and a nice mix of tourists and locals.

TAO: Hit this reincarnation of the New York restaurant later in the evening for dinner and you’ll be treated to a nice mix of high rollers, tourists and club-goers, all enjoying the delicious cuisine. Set in an upscale chill atmosphere, TAO attracts a healthy mix of the beautiful people and celebrities. Kim K seems to split most of her Las Vegas time between this restaurant at The Venetian, LAVO over at the sister property, The Palazzo and Paris’ Sugar Factory.

CC Flickr photo credit: Krista