When arriving at Las Vegas, the first sound you hear at the McCarran Airport is clanging of slot machines. It is an unmistakable sign that you have arrived at the Gambling Capitol, USA. From there, as you proceed to your hotel of choice, you can closely examine the city that was never meant to dream, a pipe dream on one man that became a reality and astonished the world with its glory and fame. Some of the most iconic characters in American history have walked these streets and sat in the same casinos as you can.
The allure of Las Vegas draws millions of tourists each year and most of them come back, unable to resist it. It is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country and people are flocking to see its wonders. Foreign guests aren’t immune to Las Vegas charm and their numbers increase each year. Below, we have tried to compile a list of the attractions you should visit while staying in the city. It is by no means extensive, as that would take up a lot more space.
These are just some of the essential activities that we feel each visitor must experience while staying in Vegas. And remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Enjoy your stay!
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1. Gambling
Source: Casino
Let’s get the most obvious choice out the way immediately. The Strip never sleeps and casinos are always open, so your choices are limitless. Poker, Blackjack, roulette, or slots, Las Vegas has it all. All you have to do is choose and bring your wallet. Of course, if you can’t be bothered to leave your room, you can always opt for online gambling. For more details about betting offers, visit newbettingoffers.co.uk. Just remember, the house always wins.
2. Visit a Circus
Source: uDiscoverMusic
We say a circus, because, believe it or not, there is more than one in Las Vegas. First, there is the unavoidable Cirque du Soleil. They have eight resident shows in casinos on the Strip, so you may opt to see a few different ones. You can also visit Circus-circus, the largest permanent circus in the world, and watch unicyclists and acrobats risk their life for your entertainment. The rides are anything but cheap, but the atmosphere is unforgettable. If that is too much for you, every weekend starting at 7 pm, there is a carnival parade of dancers and acrobats in amazing costumes, held at the Rio Las Vegas.
3. Enjoy Some Art
Source: arrestedmotion
Granted, not the first activity that comes to mind when thinking about Las Vegas, but the city houses several large collections of art. You can see the works of Nancy Rubin, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen in the City Centre. Crystals, a mall within City Center, holds Shards of Color by James Turrell and Akhob by the same artist. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has several world-class murals, created by artists like Kenny Scharf and Shepard Fairey. P3 Studio hosts regular exhibitions and may be worth checking out.
4. For Pawn Star Fans
Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Pawn Star show has reached legendary status on TV and you can visit the real shop, located in downtown Las Vegas. Rick Harrison went one step further and opened a shopping mall, called Pawn Plaza.
5. The High Roller Observation Wheel
Source: NBC News
The highest observation wheel on the planet is located in Las Vegas and it is an attraction you can’t miss. See the Strip and its hotels from a height of 550 feet (168 meters) and enjoy the city from a completely new perspective. The Wheel has 28 glass cabins, each with enough space for 40 people. From the pinnacle, you can see up to 25 miles in the surrounding desert.
6. Absinthe Vegas
Source: Stage and Cinema
Absinthe was best described by the Huffington Post: “If you only see one show in your entire life, make it Absinthe!” Premiered in Caesars Palace in 2011, Absinthe is still going strong. It was described as “the #1 greatest show in Las Vegas history” by Las Vegas Weekly. Words simply don’t do it justice, it is something that has to be seen to fully appreciate it. Imagine the atmosphere of the 19th century Moulin Rouge, overflowing with bohemians and absinthe, updated for the 21st century visitors and you may have a glimpse of the magnificence of the show.
7. Multi-Stop Grand Canyon South Rim Tour
Source: Sunset Magazine
Something for the outdoor lovers, although not many of them spend their vacation in Las Vegas. The tour’s first stop is The Hoover Dam, with its amazing views and a photo opportunity. You can visit souvenir shops and cafeteria, then proceed to Grand Canyon National Park, with stops at Mather Point and Bright Angel Lodge. You can either take a bus or enjoy a hike between these two stops. Finally, on your way back you will cross Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge and see Las Vegas Valley, illuminated with the lights of the city, a truly memorable scene.
8. Vegas! The Show
Source: Pinterest
Vegas! The Show tells a story of Las Vegas origins. If you have a penchant for history and would like to know how it all started, this is a show for you. Starring glamorous showgirls, the show depicts the early days of Vegas, with the Rat Pack, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Tom Jones and other legends that help created the Vegas legend. It is an homage to the glory days of the city when shaking hands with Sinatra was the only invitation you needed to enter the best joints on the Strip.
9. Stroll The Strip
Source: KTNV Las Vegas, Nevada
Finally, take a stroll down The Strip. Las Vegas iconic main street is a sight you have seen in dozens of movies, but seeing it with your own eyes is something special. Lined with casinos like The Mirage, MGM Grand, Bellagio Hotel and Casino, Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Tropicana, and many others, The Strip is the sight you just can’t miss. The entire Strip is 4.2 miles long, so you may want to do it in installments.
