When someone says “Las Vegas” what do you think of? Many would say their first thought would be of The Strip, with its brightly coloured neon lights, casinos, roulette wheels, and 24 hour gambling. While it is true that most people come to Las Vegas to enjoy some gambling fun, there is a lot more to this city than a throw of the dice or watching the reels spin on a slot machine!
There are many other options to enjoy in Las Vegas that have nothing to do with gambling. Some say that these options would not even be in the city were it not for the popularity of the casinos. If the casinos did not draw such enormous crowds, there would be no need to have other sights to interest those who may have accompanied someone who came to Las Vegas strictly for the gambling!
It must be remembered that Las Vegas is a city first, and a gambling mecca second. It may be known as the “Entertainment Capitol of the World” but the city is home to many people who never enter any of the casinos. To them, Las Vegas is like any other city, but has more options for entertainment than most. Yes, there is entertainment to be had in Vegas besides gambling! As the 28th largest city in the United States, with a population of around 2.5 million people, you can find attractions and venues in Las Vegas to please almost anyone.
Recreational winter sports are available at the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort. Ice skating is also available in Vegas year round. Hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, and boating are just minutes away from the Strip. Museum lovers can enjoy the Liberace Museum, the Venetian Hotel’s art exhibits and the Bellagio Hotel’s Gallery of Fine Art, the Atomic Testing Museum, the Nevada State Museum, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, and for those 18 and over, the Erotic Heritage Museum. The Imperial Hotel in Vegas hosts a Classic Car museum that will appeal to those who appreciate these beautiful old vehicles.
If you have enough time for an afternoon or a day trip, you can find many tours via helicopter or bus that will take you sightseeing in and around Las Vegas. Take a Neon Lights tour, see the Strip from the sky, gaze in awe upon the South Strip of the Grand Canyon, or check out the dude ranches located in the outskirts of Vegas proper.
Those who enjoy shopping will adore the outlet malls and shops, the shopping malls, the Hawaiian Marketplace, Miracle Mile shops, Chinatown Plaza, and the many other little shops inside the large hotels that line the Strip. No matter if you are looking for antiques, name brand clothing and shoes, souvenirs, Asian trinkets, jewellery or books, you will find a shop in and around Las Vegas that sells what you desire.
Las Vegas is a 24-hour world in itself. Do not get so caught up in casino gambling that you miss the chance to experience some of the special things this city has to offer. If you win big, take some of your winnings and see Las Vegas as the locals do.
You simply cannot do “The Strip” from one end to the other by car and expect to see anything worthwhile. There’s so much traffic on LV Blvd that it makes it virtually impossible. Again, there is a peak time: 2p – 6:30pm.
Can you walk it? Hmmm, are you nuts? It’s 120 degrees out… I told you to come here mid-summer, but I also said to use the Air Conditioning everywhere! There are many alternatives to walking the strip; Taxis, Busses, Trolley, and Monorails! But for the little jogs between hotels, always use the crosswalks. You’re one of 30 Million visitors all heading to different places. The chaos is confusing and frightening – for you and for drivers! Always use the crossovers too. They are very convenient (most with elevators) and provide the fastest way to cross the busiest streets in America! By the way, if you “Jay-Walk” you’re risking your life and a fine of $150 – $250!
While you’re walking here, you can be drinking too! The “open container law” states that you can walk and drink ON the sidewalks, crosswalks, and crossovers… BUT, don’t throw empties, and don’t take that open container into a car… that’s illegal! A bus is OK!
It gets windy in LV… and often without warning. It’s not important unless you’re at the top of the Stratosphere (1149 feet high – plus the rides), or the Eiffel Tower. They both close down in high winds. If there’s a 25mph wind, the elevators in the ET move at half speed… at 35mph they evacuate the tower, and at 40mph, they shut down. The winds also will cause cancellation of the “Sirens of Treasure Island”.
Las Vegas prides itself on offering the ultimate fantasy get-away, and where would the fantasy be without its spectacular shows? From thrill-seeking grown-ups to wide-eyed children, there’s a show for every taste and every budget.
Hotel and casino owners realized early-on that gambling was not enough to provide sufficient entertainment for its patrons – in order to keep Las Vegas in the number one slot as entertainment venue of the country, something more had to be offered.
First came the glamorous Vegas showgirls, bedecked with feathers, sequins and little else. More elaborate and escapist production shows were mounted as hotels competed for high rollers and families alike.
Today, every casino on the Strip has its extravagant show venue, many built just to house a specific long-running fantasy show.
The following are examples of some of the best shows that Las Vegas currently has to offer.
Le Reve at Wynn Las Vegas
“Le Reve,” currently playing at Wynn Las Vegas is a show with a venue custom-made for it. And no wonder – this aqua theater-in-the-round is the setting for a dramatic display of acrobatic choreography, dreamlike aerial artistry, and dazzling special effects.
Similar in production values to a Cirque du Soleil show, “Le Reve” will hypnotize you with its talent and its staging. See it at Wynn Las Vegas Thursday through Monday, 7 PM and 9:30 PM.
Phantom at the Venetian Hotel and Casino
“Phantom of the Opera” may have been around the world a few times – but wait until you see it at The Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas! Still featuring all of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stirring songs, the show has been mounted in a room redone to resemble the Paris Opera House. New and dramatic effects have been added to this production, and the chandelier scene is described as a true heart stopper. See “The Phantom of the Opera” at The Venetian, Monday through Saturday, 7PM and 9:30 PM.
Cirque du Soleil Shows
Let’s face it, Cirque du Soleil knows how to put on a superb show! Las Vegas is blessed with six shows currently running and another opening soon. Please take a look at our separate article on the the best Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas for more information on these spectacular productions. Frankly, we think you’ll be delighted with any show you select.
Blue Man Group at the Venetian
The “Blue Man Group” is another show that has been re-worked especially for its Las Vegas audiences. This stunning show is also at The Venetian. It’s been described by The New York Times as “one of the most delightful performances ever staged.” What to expect when the three Blue Men take their places under the lights? A startlingly inventive experience that’s both funny and fascinating…and in which the audience will probably become part of the action. See the “Blue Man Group” nightly, with two shows on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; one show on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Jersey Boys at the Palazzo
“Jersey Boys” is the new show mounted by The Palazzo, and it has definite baby boomer appeal. This delightful musical tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, their beginnings as blue collar kids in Newark, and their eventual rise to Top-Forty fame. Showcased in lavish production numbers are such old favorites as “Sherry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “Walk Like a Man.” See “Jersey Boys” at 7PM and 10PM Tuesday and Saturday; 7PM Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
Stomp Out Loud
“Stomp Out Loud,” the Las Vegas version of New York City’s favorite “Stomp” has been described by the Las Vegas Review-Journal as “the most fulfilling experience on the Strip.” Loud, rhythmic and hugely entertaining, “Stomp” seems to be a show that audiences either love or hate – but love is clearly winning out at Planet Hollywood. An energetic young troupe uses street objects – 55-galloon drums, trash can lids, broomsticks – in a musical and acrobatic dance spectacle that keeps its audience fully engaged and entertained. See “Stomp” at Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino at 7PM, seven days a week.