Perched in the midst of the Nevada desert, Las Vegas sits like a neon gem, beckoning all to come join its boisterous celebration. The old adage, “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!” makes this North American den of iniquity, this playground for adults, one of the most entertaining and flashy vacation spots in the world. But how does one stay focused on the prize with all of the glittering possibilities?
Here are the top fifteen fun and interesting Las Vegas attractions…
1. The Bellagio’s Dancing Fountain
You can’t go to Vegas without taking a stop in front of the graceful dancing fountain at the Bellagio hotel. This massive all-Italian-inspired villa features a jumping fountain out front where you can grab a bench out front or a cocktail at the terrace lounge and watch the choreographed water works.
2. Say “I Do”
Las Vegas has just the right amount of glitz and glamour made for weddings. But the chapels differ as much as the hotels—there’s the quaint Little White Wedding Chapel (where Sinatra and Mia Farrow were hitched) or the Viva Las Vegas Chapel where you can declare your “hunka-hunka-burning love” in front of an ordained Elvis impersonator.
3. Take a Chance
Gambling is the name of the game in Vegas, and Caesars Palace still tops the list of Sin City baccarat, poker, slots, and games of change. You can also settle into a heated poker game at the legendary Golden Nugget in Downtown, the roulette wheel at Casino Royale, or craps at Sam’s Town.
4. The Atomic Testing Museum
If kitschy and explosive are more your thing, you can check out the Nevada Atomic Testing Museum, and one-time official US weapons testing facility and it’s truly corny exhibits.
5. Ride the Deuce
The Deuce is how locals laughably refer to the city’s fleet of tacky double-decker buses. You can hop aboard and troll the Strip for just $2 per ride or $5 for the day.
6. The Stratosphere
However, if you’re in for more of a thrill, take your pick from names like the Big Shot, X Scream, and Insanity. You’ll find them all at the Stratosphere, Sin City’s highest building.
7. Cruise the Strip
It’s kind of ironic that while in Vegas you really do feel like you’re taking a trip around the world. Why? Because so many of the large hotels here were inspired by famous landmarks in other cities—take Paris Las Vegas, The Venetian, New York New York, and the Bellagio for example.
8. Visit the Tequila Goddess
No joke, the city takes it shots very seriously! That’s why they employ a full-time “Tequila Goddess,” whose designated focus is tequila education at Treasure Island’s Isla bar.
9. Catch a Show
Divas, acrobats, circus performers, animal trainers, illusionists—they’re all available in a dizzying array of costumes and neon lights on Vegas’ stages. There is always a Cirque du Soleil running, a huge name in town (i.e., Celine Dion, Elton John, Dita Von Teese), just ask you hotel clerk what’s in town and name your poison—from lion taming to synchronized swimming and from magic to lounge lizard.
10. Las Vegas Springs Preserve
If you need a break from the debauchery, the Las Vegas Springs Preserve is located just 3-miles west of downtown. The site stretches across 180-acres of preserved land, consisting of desert botanical gardens, museum galleries, outdoor concert venues, theaters, and a winding series of wetland walking trails.
11. Fremont Street
For a real “Old Vegas” experience take a meander down to Fremont Street, east of the Boulevard, where the old is new again, thanks the vintage collection of neon signage, the open-air Neon Museum, the Beauty Bar district, and the Downtown Cocktail Room. This stretch of hip and slightly outdated galleries, restaurants, and bars keeps the party going all night long!
12. Play the Slots
If the ping-ding of nickels and quarters gets your pulse racing, grab a stool at the slots at the Palms, Gold Coast, or the famous Sahara. Not only is it great for a game of chance and some people watching—as long as you’re playing—drinks are free!
13. Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
Grab a pair of sturdy walking shoes and get ready to buy some brand names at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Here you’ll be whisked away by a collection of high-end designer outlets where you can shop-til-you-drop until midnight. But real fashionistas shop and lunch at the Fashion Show Mall…just bring an extra credit card!
14. Lounge at The Hard Rock
You can lounge on the indoor beach, sit under the waterfall, join the pool party, or play swim up blackjack at the Hard Rock’s pool.
15. The Hotels
The Venetian offers a free show like no other on the Strip. And from it you can also see the Egyptian-inspired hotel resort that showcases the glass pyramid, the Luxor, with its winding rivers and ruins of the ancient city illuminated by an amazing light show.
