Sin City is America’s Playground. It is the place we see people go wild in Hollywood movies, and we all have a craving to do it at least once.
Many people set up residency there, becoming professional gamblers, entertainers or, if they are lucky enough to have the money, just become a Las Vegas socialite. For the rest of us there is of course a vacation.
Whether you are spending a weekend there or a few weeks, there really is so much to do, from enjoying the glorious Nevada weather to the cool and exciting casino floors. Of course, we all know that Las Vegas offers gambling, and no trip to the city is complete without at least a spin on a slot. But what else can you do?
The answer is plenty. We take a look at the seven amazing things you should do in Viva Las Vegas...
Go To See A Live Residency
Music has always played a big part in the history of Las Vegas. Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, and The Rat Pack paved the way for superstars to make the big bucks playing the resorts and casinos each evening, and it’s still true to this day.
Over the last few years there have been some megastars playing the likes of Caesars Palace, The Mirage, the MGM Grand and all the other major resorts, and this year will see plenty too.
Rod Stewart has been a regular down the years and is back in early 2023, as well as the likes of Kiss, Bruno Mars, Shania Twain, Usher, Celine Dion, Lady Gaga and many, many more. You won’t find a night where there isn’t at least a handful of world renowned acts taking to the stage, and it’s an evening out you really shouldn’t miss out on.
Watch The Blue Man Group
There are many other shows in Las Vegas too, from Cirque du Soleil to the Blue Man Group, and the latter are certainly one you should see. The Blue Man Group can be found at the Luxor hotel resort and offer slightly more obscure performances to the typical residencies you’d find in the city.
A combination of music, art, comedy and drama the Blue Man Group have been in Vegas since the turn of the millennium and really have become a stable of things you really have to see.
Play Bingo
While Las Vegas is more well-known for its poker, blackjack, roulette and slots, you can actually enjoy a game of bingo too. Bingo has really taken the world by storm over recent years and there are some huge bingo halls in and around the Las Vegas Strip.
There are certain things you need to know before waltzing into a bingo hall though, just as you would walking into a casino. There is certain etiquette to be aware of, with this guide to bingo etiquette a solid companion before you head into a hall.
Once you are in though, it is a brilliant night out, full of excitement and a nice, quiet break from the flashing lights and constant noise of the Strip.
Ride A Roller Coaster
Las Vegas really does have everything, including roller coasters. There are a number in the city. One of the most famous is Insanity, which is at the very top of the Stratosphere. Not for the faint hearted, the roller coaster rises 68 feet off the edge of the Stratosphere, hitting three Gs and providing a rush that will certainly have you throwing up your steak dinner if you’re not careful.
There is also the Adventuredome at Circus Circus, which has starred in a James Bond film. Under a huge circus top, there are a number of thrilling rides in the venue, including the Canyon Blaster, Chaos, El Loco and the Slingshot, offering a great few hours of thrills and spills.
The New York New York Hotel at the other end of the strip also hosts the Big Apple Coaster, which loops beside the Las Vegas Strip, and it’s a fantastic ride to enjoy in the evening as the Strip is all lit up.
Go To The Old Town
Many people purely stick to the Strip in Las Vegas when they visit, but it is well worth taking a trip Downtown. Downtown was where the original casinos first landed in Las Vegas and a number of famous resorts such as the Golden Nugget are still there.
Today it is part of the Fremont Experience, a brilliant strip of Las Vegas that has also featured in many movies, and even a U2 music video. Here you’ll also find some of the more independent bars and restaurants, with some great food and drink away from the likes of Gordon Ramsey, Planet Hollywood and the Hard Rock Café.
Take In The Shopping
Back on the Strip, if you like a bit of shopping then you could spend a week trawling through the huge malls attached to almost every hotel casino. There are shops to suit all budgets, with different resorts offering stores to suit their styling. For example, in the Bellagio you will find the more up-market brands and designers, while Planet Hollywood will be more familiar brands, and the Fashion Show Mall has a huge range. One type of store that are huge in Las Vegas is memorabilia stores, where you will find everything from Floyd Mayweather’s gloves, to Ali’s shorts, Bruce Willis’ vest, and almost anything you could possibly imagine.
Head To The Grand Canyon
Heading out of Las Vegas is a trip that anyone with enough time in the city should take. Trips out to the Grand Canyon are once in a lifetime, and there really is nowhere like it on earth. It takes around two and a half hours to reach the lower end of the canyon, with full days out and helicopter excursions available from the Strip.
You can make a few days of it if you can stay closer to the canyon, with plenty of standard hotels, as well as some quite unique places from staying in underground caverns, former railroad carriages, and many more.
