The majority of people who haven’t been to Las Vegas might base their idea of the city on The Hangover, but there’s so much more you can do other than gambling and losing your friends on rooftops.
The city is a playground for adults – especially fun-seekers and risk-takers. Packing the most into a short stay is easy if you have the energy to keep up with this ever-exciting place. Here’s how you can savour the city:
1. Lavish in the luxury
Las Vegas’ main hotel casinos are huge resorts catering to all your indulgence and entertainment needs – with shopping centres, restaurants, bars, clubs and concert venues all within the complexes. Many are themed on world cities and faraway lands, while others are simply gleaming modern structures.
The Las Vegas Strip is a thoroughfare of bright lights and fake settings – but the scale and beauty of all the hotels are just so mesmerising. Where else in the world can you go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, marvel at the Trevi Fountain and then take a gondola ride through Venetian canals? Fool everyone at home by sending Snapchats from a different city every hour.
The Venetian hotel is one of the most beautiful city tributes, where recreations of St. Mark’s Square, the Venezia Tower and the many canals are just as grand as the real Italian city.
Inside The Venetian, Las Vegas
The Wynn lobby contains ornate upscale carnival features, while New York-New York has its very own roller coaster whizzing inside and outside the casino. There are so many whimsical and playful worlds to be found, and it’s well worth taking a day to explore them all.
Top tip: Once you’ve entered a hotel, it’s often tricky to find your way out again as they are designed to ensnare you. Doors are hard to come by, but follow the signs for registration and lobby areas to find the exits once you’re done exploring these decadent palaces.
New York-New York Hotel, Las Vegas
2. Stay out Late
It seems like it’s always the weekend at Vegas, and every night is cause for a party. Bright lights draw crowds to clubs, concerts and shows – and there’s never a quiet moment.
Panoramic views from Drai’s
The nightclubs here are not just clubs. They are multi-floor venues with stunning light and sound systems. If you’re looking to go all-out (Vegas is the place to do it), book a table for your own bar service and prime views of the DJ booths and dancefloors.
The world’s best DJs play at these clubs, and you can catch the likes of Calvin Harris, Tiesto or Alesso on specific nights. Check out Omnia, Hakkasan, Intrigue, Marquee and Drai’s for some of the best spots to let loose.
Top tip: Ladies often get free entry and reduced rates to clubs – promoters on The Strip will get you on the guestlist.
Top tip 2: Drinks in nightclubs are not cheap. It’s a good idea to check the prices before ordering some sips. Happy hour runs in most bars and restaurants in the early evenings, with $5 drinks and 2 for 1 deals to start off the night.
3. See the Spectaculars
Las Vegas shows are world-renowned. The city seems to be built on the idea that if you’re not constantly entertained then they’re doing something wrong.
Cirque du Soleil is a permanent fixture in Vegas – this acrobatic sensation has several shows running every night throughout the city. The classic Mystère at Treasure Island is a complete mystery, with amusing and amazing acts that will have you gasping and giggling at their every leap.
Mystère is a contrast of baffling baby-themed scenes set among inexplicable shows of strength from the performers. Every part of the theatre is in perfectly coordinated motion, and it’s hard to know where to look in order to catch all the stunts.
Mystère by Cirque du Soleil at Treasure Island
Concerts here are in a league of their own. Most recently, the biggest stars performing in Vegas include Elton John, Jennifer Lopez and Celine Dion.
Britney: Piece of Me live
Go to see Britney Spears residency at Planet Hollywood for the ultimate girls’ night out. The Axis theatre where she plays becomes a festival of dancers and stage effects for two hours as she performs all her hits.
‘Britney: Piece of Me’ is all about the visuals – with fire, neon lights and confetti filling a room which is more like a nightclub than a concert hall.
There are so many magic, music, comedy, dance and tribute shows in Vegas every night that there can be no excuse to say you’re bored.
Top tip: You can see some Vegas spectaculars free of charge too. The Fountains of Bellagio on The Strip is an iconic music and water display running at certain times of the day. In the evenings, the outside plot of The Mirage casino alights with a fiery volcanic explosion. Many bars have live bands too, or you can chill out listening to street entertainers as the sun sets on The Strip.
4. Have a Grand Celebration
Vegas is full of man-made wonders, but just two hours outside the city lies the Grand Canyon – one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Sunrise over the Grand Canyon
It really is something you have to see for yourself, and there are tours running from Vegas every day to the gigantic gorge. Allow up to 12 hours for a bus tour to the canyon, with a chance to do a daring skywalk over one of the impressive drops.
One of the best ways to take in the canyon in all its glory is from the skies. You can take the opportunity to raise a toast to the beautiful landscape on the Grand Celebration helicopter tour by Papillon.
Champagne breakfast with the Papillon Grand Celebration tour
The company run an early morning tour which allows you to fly across the canyon as the sun rises and catch the stunning luminous glow on the orange and red rocks. The six-seater helicopters offer amazing open views of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the West Rim as you soar overhead.
The pilots provide a personalised guide to the sights before landing in an Indian reserve for breakfast. The champagne is free-flowing for the 30-minute visit, before you’re up in the air once more to return to base.
The tour lasts for four hours – from the hotel pick-up to the return, but it’s those 70 minutes in the sky overlooking the phenomenal scenery that are unforgettable.
Papillon’s luxury helicopters
5. Flash the Cash
The gambling capital that is Las Vegas is going to take your money in whatever way it can, so why not leave with something nice to show for it?
Many of the hotels along The Strip have their own sprawling, sparkling malls, with high-end designer boutiques and couture creations. Caesar’s Palace, The Wynn and The Palazzo are made for extravagant purchases.
Fashion Show – Las Vegas
You can find more affordable brands at the Fashion Show mall and Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood.
A trip to the North or South Premium Outlets is a must for bargain hunters. It’s always a lucky day at these malls when top brands are offering huge discounts.
Top tip: Save up some extra dollars for shopping by taking the bus along The Strip. You can buy a three-day pass on The Deuce line for $20 – allowing you to travel to the outlet malls and hotels all day and night. It’s a much cheaper option than taxis.
Ready to live it up? How to plan your own unforgettable Vegas experience
The variety of Vegas is endless. Whether it’s the people, the shows or the places, there’s going to be something that amazes you.
The locals do actually utter the phrase “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”, but your experiences are definitely not going to be memories you want to leave behind.
To find out about all the latest happenings in Vegas, check out www.lasvegas.com. It’s the best way to discover all the best hotels and restaurants, book tours and get tickets to the hottest shows in town.
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