It’s home to the world’s best casinos, the most amazing hotels and resorts, and of course, those incredible residencies such as the Cirque Du Soleil. It’s Las Vegas, the jewel of the Nevada desert and a must-visit destination for any serious traveler.
But while everyone knows the name Las Vegas, not many know how much there is to do in the city. With this in mind, here are ten things that you can do on your next trip to the entertainment capital of the world.
Tour the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon needs no introduction and it’s only a short drive to the West Rim. There are plenty of tour buses making the trip daily, so you can get there and back in a day. The tours will take you to the rim, where you can check out this US natural wonder and take your obligatory holiday snaps.
If you can afford it, why not do the tour in style and take a helicopter tour. Yes, you read that right, a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable experience that you simply must try at least once.
Check out the Hoover Dam
It might not be as impressive as the Grand Canyon but hey, this one is actually man-made. The Hoover Dam at the time of construction was the largest concrete construction project anywhere in the world. Some of the techniques used weren’t even trialed and tested properly!
While visiting a dam might sound a little boring, the sheer size of the place will leave you in awe of the magnificent feat of engineering. You can make the tour in a half-day and book at one of the many Las Vegas tour companies on the strip. Alternatively, you can just ask your hotel concierge to arrange it for you.
Play in a poker tournament
Of course, you can just walk right into any casino and look for a game at one of their tables, but it’s more fun to join a tournament. There are tons of tournaments on the strip, so you’re guaranteed to find one that will suit your budget.
Aside from the possible cash windfall, what’s so great about playing in a poker tournament? Well, for one thing, it’s an incredibly social occasion. Everyone is there with the same purpose – to play cards and possibly win some money. You will, no doubt, meet a few players that prefer not to interact with others, but generally speaking, there’s a real carnival atmosphere at poker tournaments.
If you fail to progress too far into the tournament, you can always hang around and watch the rest of the action. It’s a great opportunity to see up close how some of the experts play. You might even learn a thing or two.
Visit Caesars Palace
This is far more than just another casino. Caesars Palace is a Las Vegas institution, a standing icon to the illustrious past of this desert city. As one of the last standing old school casinos and resorts, you get a real sense of history walking through this place, and not just in the casino.
The mall isn’t just a mall. It’s luxurious forum with all the top stores you can think of. The resort garden is full of statues commissioned when the hotel first opened in the 60s. The range of restaurants is unbelievable. Trust us, if you’re not staying at Caesars Palace then you should at least pay the place a visit.
Take a Big Bus tour
The Big Bus tour takes you on a budget-saving tour of the city. You can choose from two routes – one down the strip and another that takes you to Downtown Vegas. There are about 20 stops in all and the best part is that it’s a hop on, hop off tour. This means that one ticket can get you anywhere you want to go throughout the day.
It’s a great way to see all of the best sights on the strip without having to walk in the scorching Vegas sun. Bring a hat and your camera and try to get a seat upstairs. Great views and plenty of photo ops.
Check out the Las Vegas Murals
Not many people who visit the city actually know about the murals, which is a shame as they showcase some of incredible artistic talent. Located in Downtown Vegas in the 7th Street area, the murals are fast becoming a major tourist attraction.
You might wonder what’s so great about a few murals, but you really need to see these. They often cover the entire side of a building and have become as much a part of the city as the casinos on the strip. In fact, some couples will even have their wedding photos taken in front of them.
Take in a hockey game
The Golden Knights are the city’s first professional sports team and wow; they’re really well supported. Watching a game at the T-Mobile Arena is a must if you have the time and the opportunity to secure some tickets.
The stadium is impressive in itself but it’s the experience of being in with all those fans that really gets the blood pumping. It also helps that the team are pretty good and this is despite being in their infancy. Even if hockey isn’t your thing, this is a great night out.
Get your thrills on at the Stratosphere
You may have seen those videos online of people doing some mind-bendingly scary rides in Vegas. Well, those rides are at the Stratosphere. It’s a casino and hotel and a real landmark in the city (the spire can be seen for miles), but it’s the rides at the rooftop that are the main attraction.
They are the world’s highest thrill rides and their names will tell you all you need to know. They are Insanity, X-scream, Big Shot, and the most terrifying of them all, SkyJump. Not for the faint of heart.
Visit the Neon Museum
This quirky museum in Downtown Vegas hosts a collection of some of the oldest and most famous neon signs from the city. It’s a photographer or Instagrammer’s dream and far more interesting than you’d imagine.
See some of the most iconic signs in the history of Vegas and learn about the places and buildings that they once adorned. It’s an interesting way to learn about the city’s past.
Watch the fountains at the Bellagio
This one really needs no introduction. The fountains of the Bellagio are Las Vegas. If you have watched a movie set in Vegas, then you have seen them. If you’ve read a book about Vegas, then they have been described to you.
But nothing can prepare you for the sight. They are truly remarkable and one of the best ways to end of your trip to the capital of entertainment.
And that is how you do Las Vegas…
