Las Vegas is a city of abundance with plenty of activity, food and fun.
Not surprisingly, there are always many affordable flights going there from every destination. This city was built for entertainment and you can absorb it as quickly as a sponge, so 3 days in Vegas will probably equal to a week elsewhere. Like an exquisite dinner you could have at one of Bellagio’s restaurants, it is best consumed in moderation, not to say you should not go all out while you are there. Las Vegas is very hot in the summer time, but it is also a time for the best hotel discounts. Go during winter or early spring and you will have an easier time walking around but will also have a lot more company and may pay more for a room on the Strip. Here is our quick guide to the sights in and out of Las Vegas.
On the Strip
There is definitely a convenience to staying on the Strip, as you will be close to many attractions, great restaurants and clubs. The downside is distances between the hotels and the prices. The look of the Las Vegas Strip at night with the mesmerizing glitter of lights is definitely one of America’s top attractions. While on the Strip, start at New York, New York – walk around New York-like streets inside, take in a piano show at one of the bars and try the New York ride rollercoaster (you can hear it from a distance). This hotel has impressive replicas of many Big Apple landmarks – Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building and even Times Square. Stop at a Central park café to enjoy this New York day.
MGM Grand, just across the street is a giant city of entertainment. You can stay at MGM Grand and see the best shows in town, eat at 4-star restaurants and dance all night at Studio 54.
Along with many world-class shows, including Ka and Crazy Horse Paris, this large casino also has one of the best pools on the Strip. It has many movie-industry named pools, several slides and a river – there is fun to be had by both kids and adults.
On a hot day, this is a great way to start your day. Another big attraction at MGM Grand is the African Lion habitat – walk under the glass roof and watch the lions right above you.
Slightly further down the Strip, Paris has the charm of Paris all over – from the Arc de Triumph at the front, to the little cafes inside and the model of the Eiffel tower. Take a ride up the Tower – it’s a nice view of the city. You can see many other duplicates of Parisian landmarks at Paris hotel and casino – find the Louvre, Hotel de Ville, and Paris Opera House. Many cobblestone streets are covered with lanterns and you can see mimes strolling around for children’s amusement – it is quite charming. Of course, Paris is synonymous with good food, so try some chocolates or pastries at Lenotre to fuel up your walk.
Across the street, Bellagio is world-famous for its lights and music fountains show. Take in the show at night on your last day, you will never forget it. Bellagio is a symbol of luxury – from the all-glass ceiling reflecting the lights to the Conservatory which changes the flower displays with seasons. Enjoy a gourmet treat on one of the balconies overlooking the gorgeous pools or just walk around the beautifully sculpted walls. 
On the other side of the Strip, Venetian is a tribute to Venice – go on a gondola ride through the casino streams or do some power shopping on the streets of the Grand Canal Shoppes. Take note of the beautiful ceiling at the entrance – it resembles the frescos of the Italian masters.
Rio is a bit off the Strip, but there are plenty of cabs as well as complimentary shuttles that will take you there. Everything at Rio is like a Carnival, from the local performers to the festive party spirit present here 24 hours a day. The giant masks hanging from the ceiling get you in that mood right away. One must-see place in Las Vegas is the VooDoo Lounge which is located on the top of over 50 floors at Rio. You can party on the open roof and take in some of the best views of Las Vegas.
There are dozens of other hotels and casinos on the Strip, the ones we mention are just a few notables.
Old Strip
This is where Las Vegas began – the downtown and the place that Frank and Elvis headlined for years. The retro feel of many old-time casinos and the nostalgia that might have been brought back by the Ocean movies are making the old Strip the place to be again. Aside from gambling and shows that take place at many of the casinos, there is a unique lights show that takes place every night. Images are projected on the roof that links all the hotels. There are also many artists and local acts right on the street. You can get excellent deals at the old Strip hotels, such as the Golden Nugget which also has a very nice new pool.
Restaurants
From quick bites to steak houses, from buffets and fancy long dinners, Las Vegas has a taste of everything for everyone. Here are a few recommendations for a special dinner:
- Craftsteak (at MGM Grand). An excellent steakhouse from Tom Colicchio, a famed New York chef and one of the Top Chef judges. The restaurant offers rare cuts and meats, sensuous flavors, beautiful presentation and very friendly stuff. The lounge is perfect for a quick meeting before dinner. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of old and new Las Vegas.
- Renoir (at Mirage). It’s a new French haven for foodies. Dishes are simple yet imaginative. Plush environment is perfect for a relaxing meal.
- Rosemary’s (at Rio). New American cuisine from New Orleans inspired ideas. Food is innovative and service is excellent. Art on the walls helps impress the customers.
- Mayflower Cuisinier (at Sahara Pavilion). This is Chinese food with a French twist. Noodles and fish are out of this world. Service is personal and flavors inspire.
Shows
Cirque de Soleil has many shows throughout town
and it is the epitome of the New Vegas shows. If you have not experienced Cirque yet, you should definitely do it here – the shows are so imaginative and full of spark. Here’s where you can catch some of them (note, shows change swiftly in Las Vegas, so this is at the time of this visit):
- Love – at Mirage
- Zumanity – at New York, New York
- Ka – at MGM Grand
- O – at Bellagio
- Mystere – at Treasure Island
There are several shows at each hotel and the list is too long to mention, but a few worthy notables are the Blue Man Group at the Venetian, Monty Python’s Spamalot at Wynn, Jubilee at Bally’s, V-the Ultimate Variety Show at Planet Hollywood and many magic acts, such as David Copperfield and Penn & Teller. Las Vegas is a popular place for comedy, so there is always a headliner or two in town – Rita Rudner, George Wallas and others.
Old Vegas made famous by the Rat Pack and Elvis is still in. Catch numerous impersonation shows throughout the city, typically off the Strip. One notable act to see is Rat Pack is Back – a tribute to the four. The music is great and there will be lots of laughs. Mr. Bojangles hits a perfect note. Catch this show at the Greek Isles Hotel and Casino – come earlier if you want to do dinner and a show.
Las Vegas competition is steep, so entertainment changes frequently.
Nightlife
Aside from the world-class restaurants, shows and casinos, Las Vegas is a place to party. Most of the activities start late, so sleep in and be ready for a late night. Some of the popular hang-outs include:
- Studio 54 and Tabu at MGM Grand
- Risqué at Paris
- Coyote Ugly at New York, New York
- Ghostbar at the Palms
- Blush at Wynn
- VooDoo Lounge at Rio
- Jet at Mirage
- LAX at Luxor
Away from the city
If you want to take a break from the city that truly never sleeps, head outside. Just a short distance from the Strip are The Mount Charleston Riding Stables that offer rides for every level, along with long tours of the ridge where you can get remarkable views of the Grande Canyon and Lake Mead.
A more leisurely experience is a Lake Mead cruise and Hoover Dam discovery. The tour is 7.5 hours (plan for a day trip) and includes the views of several beautiful islands on the lake, tour of the engineering marvel of Hoover Dam, and lunch. Many companies offer air tours of the Grand Canyon, less than 2 hours away from Las Vegas. This is quite an experience but be prepared for a long drive first.
In our out of Las Vegas, you will have a great adventure. Make your trip short and you are bound to have fun and leave room for a return visit.
