Las Vegas – A party city where you will never run out of things to do. I had an amazing two weeks’ vacation in Las Vegas and have explored the city as much as I could. Here is my list of top things to do when you are in Las Vegas. And you know what most of the things are free.
Walk along the STRIP – FREE
Las Vegas is fun and your trip would be incomplete if didn’t take a stroll in the strip. Check out the welcome board “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” and click a selfie. Once you pass the board, you will be into the city’s notorious strip. One would need an entire evening to explore the strip. Walk among the crowd; grab the must drink Margarita; sip and feel the enthusiasm which the city provides.
The Margarita which I mentioned will be served in funnel and test tube kind glasses and is available at various spots across the strip.
Bellagio Fountains – FREE
Vegas has a lot to offer and the must-see among them is Bellagio Fountains. The fountains last for about 10 minutes and start every 15 minutes in the evening. Bellagio has a lot to offer – from Casinos to the upscale architecture. And, walking inside the Bellagio doesn’t cost you anything. Check out the Botanical gardens in the casino. When you walk past the hotel, you will be treated with the complimentary and water show where the fountain jets shoots water into the air in a choreographed dancing format. And the most amazing thing is one doesn’t need to pay for watching the fountain show.
Mirage Volcano Show – FREE
Do you want to witness the volcanic eruption in real? Then, check out the casino Mirage – the volcano shows occurs periodically during the prescribed times in the evening. The volcano erupts periodically where the emission of lava is stimulated and lit by fire and flames. The spots get filled up very quickly. Check out the eruption times in their website and experience the heat for real during the emission.
Fremont Street Experience – FREE
While the Strip is occupied by the fancy themed casinos, Fremont is about Old Vegas and the street experience with dazzling lights, numerous activities in the street and viva vision light shows. Enjoy the jaw-dropping lights shows on the world’s largest video screen amidst the electrified crowd in the pedestrian promenade. And it is absolutely FREE.
Attend a class for Black Jack – FREE
Yes, Most of the casinos offer free classes about Black Jack during morning times on certain days on a week. Watch out for small standing boards near to the entrance of the Casino in every hotel. The board describes the schedule and timing of the classes. Venetian offers their Black Jack courses during morning times around 11 AM. Attend a class in the morning and master the art of gambling.
Stratosphere Tower
Stratosphere Tower is voted as the best place to view the city by the Las Vegas Review-Journal every year. This 1149 foot unique fixture in the Vegas Skyline is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States and is one of the most exciting spots visited by visitors without fail. The Observation deck has an entrance fee but if you are staying in the Stratosphere, then it’s completely free. Grab a drink at the air bar in the deck and enjoy the picturesque view which this Sin city has to offer. If you are daring, then check out their exciting thrill rides.
Eiffel Tower
Experience France in Vegas!! Eiffel Tower is one of the premier attractions in the city and the tickets to the tower is available in the Casino Paris. This high-altitude attraction is 46 stories up and is a replica of the famous landmark in the France – Eiffel Tower. The tower offers a 360-degree view of the city and is especially romantic at night. Make it romantic with a dinner on the 11th floor of the Eiffel Tower.
High Roller at the LINQ
Enjoy the sky views without having to board a helicopter and at a much lower price. This isn’t your country fair Ferris wheel. The wheel is more than 550 feet tall and offers cinematic dessert view during day time and glimmering landscape during night time. Take a tour during sunset to watch the dramatic nature and click the best photos of the city. You know what, it is the World’s tallest observation wheel.
Venetian Gondola Ride
The Venetian Hotel in the Vegas recreates the beautiful Venice in Las Vegas. And it is my most favorite Casino in Vegas with the upscale atmosphere and intricate designs. No trip to Venetian would be complete without enjoying their Gondola ride – graceful and romantic glide down the Grand Canal in an authentic Venetian Gondola. Float beneath the bridges, besides café, under balconies, and through the vibrant streetscape as the singing gondolier sweeps you down the Grand Canal. Take a ride with your romantic half either indoor or outdoor and create memories of a lifetime.
Gamble
What is fun without losing money in the Casinos? And sometimes you could gain too. There are differently themed casinos in Vegas – Paris, Venetian, New York, Bellagio, The Caesars Place etc. Every casino offers various types of gambling games – Black Jack, Poker, Roulette etc. I played for $40 and earned around $160 on the first day whereas I lost $300 on the second day. It requires patience, time, money and most importantly to control your desire to earn more. Know when to stop and good knowledge of probability might help you a bit. Watch for the videos on YouTube to play without a loss.
The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian
Vegas is a great place for shopping the latest designs in clothing and accessories. Walk along the shops in the Grand Canal in the hotel Venetian. Watch out for the deals. I got 80% off in the Coach and Kate Spade outlet. Shop the brands you love at the best price.
Forum Mall Shops at Caesars Palace
The Forum Mall shops are a must-see with an encompassing experience at Caesars Place. It is one of the luxury shopping destinations in Vegas and includes more than 160 specialty stores, fine restaurants, and attractions. And it is known as “The Shopping Wonder of the World”. Most of the stores offer unique items available only in Las Vegas!
Madame Tussauds
The Madame Tussauds in New York is quite famous and is the most visited destination, but do you know the Madame Tussauds opened even before the one in New York, in fact, the first one? Madam Tussauds located in the Strip in the hotel Venetian is the first venue opened in the year 1999. The wax museum features over 100 figures of famous celebrities, films and TV characters, musicians and superheroes. Rub shoulders with the celebrities and click a selfie with them.
Enjoy the food
Las Vegas is heaven to a foodie with fine restaurants to offer various cuisines in World Class level. We had Mexican food almost every day and each one was lip-smacking and delish.
Cirque du Soleil
Las Vegas is entertainment heaven and no wonder that the performance company like Cirque du Soleil Company thrives here. It translates to the Circus of the Sun and is known for its incredible acrobatic feats performed with an unrivaled level of artistry. The performances are inspired by natural and cultural elements – LOVE at Mirage pays tribute to the legendary rock band, the Beatles at Bellagio has water as a crucial role in their performance and Mystere at Treasure Land features the lighter side of the life. The tickets are expensive but sometimes you might get a good deal too.
Slot Zilla Zip Line
This is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas. It is an 11-story slot machine-inspired Zipline attraction. This is the World’s largest slot machine and features Vegas icons such as oversized dice, a martini glass, pink flamingo, coins, video wheels, a giant arm, and two showgirls. Fly over the Fremont Street in two different ways – lower Zipline and upper Zoom line.
Red Rock Canyon Area
Las Vegas not only has man-made casinos and but also abundantly blessed by Mother Nature. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area lies in Nevada’s Mojave Desert, known for its geological features, red sandstone peaks, and Petroglyphs. Red Rock Canyon features a one-way 13-mile scenic drive, hiking trails, wildlife, geology and much more. If you want to relax and unwind yourself after partying hard, the Red Rock Canyon is a great place to enjoy the nature. The scenic ride is open every day of the year. Please do check out the timings before you proceed. The Red Rock Canyon would consume an entire day to explore, especially if you are planning to hike the trails.
Mount Charleston
Mt. Charleston is also known as the Spring Mountains National Recreational Area and offer opportunities for year-round fun. The Spring Mountains are a vibrant part of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Grab the visitor’s guide from the visitor center. Mt. Charleston resembles more of Tetons with the snow covered at the top of the mountains and offer various opportunities like camping, skiing, waterfalls, and hiking trails. I was amazed to see the snow-covered mountains in the Las Vegas weather.
Relax at a Spa
Vegas offers luxury Spas in the casinos. Book early appointment. Relax and unwind during a massage by the experts in a serene environment beautified with aroma and candles. They are a bit expensive but one might get great deals at times. Sometimes, the casino where you are staying might provide you some offers. Enquire at the reception desk for such offers.
Shop
When you are in Vegas, plan some time for shopping in Vegas as you will find worldwide brands in Vegas – from handbags to clothes
Las Vegas has many more to offer to range from museums to nightlife. Every time you visit Vegas, the city has something unique to offer for you. Whatever presented above has been tried and enjoyed by me. I will keep updating the list as when I explore the city for more options.
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Thanks, Karthi
