For many people, a visit to Las Vegas is a realization of a dream – and rightfully so. This amazing city is nicknamed ‘The Sin City’ and ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’ for a reason, as it welcomes millions of holiday makers and international travelers from the whole world every year.
The city is globally renowned for its magnificent casinos that offer a chance to live luxuriously and win big money. Naturally, the casinos are a huge attraction, but they are hardly the only venues worth visiting in this unique environment. In fact, Las Vegas has a rich touristic offer outside the gambling scene, and if you dig under the surface, you’ll discover a fascinating city that never sleeps and that throws dozens of exciting options under the feet of every tourist.
Here is a quick overview of things to do in Vegas when you are not feeling lucky enough to spend the night at the casino floor:
Restaurants
There is certainly no shortage of high-end eateries in Las Vegas, with plenty of conveniently located and beautifully designed restaurants to choose from. Many of the local restaurants feature one or more Michelin stars, so they can be trusted to deliver excellent service on a regular basis.
Some of the best-known places include Le Cirque, Joe’s Seafood and Andiamo Italian Steakhouse, but it’s also possible to dine on a moderate budget at the Sky Lounge or Weera Thai Restaurant, to name just a few candidates.
In case you’d like to try something with a specific Vegas slant, you can’t go wrong if you stop by Eggs & I or Carson’s Kitchen. Basically, in Las Vegas it is possible to find food for every taste, from pizza to gourmet cuisine, at almost any hour.
Cocktail Bars
If you enjoy sharing a drink with and mixing up with new people, Vegas is definitely the right place for you. A lot of drinking in done in Vegas, inside and outside the casinos; these are two completely different experiences by the way. For the gamblers, check Simba Games guide about drinking in Vegas casinos. For those of us who aren’t into gambling, but are into enjoying a cocktail in a laidback atmosphere, you might consider paying a visit to one of the famous cocktail and lounge bars located in downtown Vegas. Some of them are integrated within the casinos, but plenty of others operate on their own and are open long after the streets around them go empty.
A short list of best Vegas bars certainly includes Frankie’s Tiki Room, Mandarin Bar and the retro-themed Atomic Liquors, while you could also check out Minus 5 Ice Bar or Chandelier if you are looking for something less ordinary.
It’s perfectly OK to come alone, grab a drink and soak in the atmosphere – chances are you’ll end up meeting a bunch of interesting people before the night is over.
Cultural Events
It may be easy to forget, but performing arts are just as much a part of Vegas history as gambling. The city has a long tradition hosting high-profile entertainment events, with top-rated singers, dancers, stand-up comedians and theatre productions making regular stops in this town.
You’d be well advised to check the schedule of events before you arrive, so you can purchase the tickets in advance and secure your spot. There are few experiences in life that can compare to the red-carpet atmosphere of a big time show in Vegas, and attending such event is sure to produce memories that will last a long time.
High-End Options
Located in the middle of a desert and featuring modern, glass-and-steel architecture, Las Vegas is quite a sight when you view it from a bird’s perspective. That’s why it’s a great idea to make an airborne tour of the city in a rented jet– if you can afford such an extravagant feat.
The city also features excellent shopping locations for clothes, jewelry and almost everything else, helping to fill the void during the day before the real fun starts at nightfall.
Finally, if you are feeling the consequences of all the partying from the night before, you could opt for a spa treatment and massage in one of the numerous wellness centers that can be found in central Vegas.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
