Everyone that visits Las Vegas immediately decides on their favorite places to see and things that you simply must do on every visit. This list represents our unbiased view of attractions - See if you agree
Bellagio Fountains
This is simply the most marvelous thing to see when you come to Vegas. If you have seen Ocean's 11 you might remember them all standing in front of the fountains at the end of the movie. You can stand in that same spot. It is in the very middle of the fountains and has the straight edges in the viewing area "]" instead of rounded corners ")". That is the spot for best viewing and just knowing you stood where Brad Pitt stood. When you are done, head to the left side near the Cosmopolitan and take in the view from behind the fountains, a unique experience as well. We hope you like the teaser.
M&M's and Coca-Cola
We have combined these two because you really can't do one without the other. For M&M's visit each floor and don't cash out until you are done with all floors. Take in the movie if it is coming up, it is cheesy but fun. At the Coke shop, make sure you have a coke from the bottle. Nothing like it on a hot day. If in a group of 4 or more, go for the taste testing of all soft drinks from around the world. You might not like many of them, but it is a fun thing to try at least once.
You can take a picture with the M&M characters if they are available but the Coca-Cola bear asks for money.
Bellagio Conservatory
This is a must see and it is free. Just head into the Bellagio from the right side of the fountains and head up. Stay straight and watch for the signs to the Conservatory. Make sure you take in the lobby (on the way) and look behind the check in desks for more unique things to see. Look up at the lobby to see the beautiful stained glass flowers. Amazing, but watch that you don't get in people's way checking in or out. It can get crouded right there.
As you are passing the tables on the left, take note of the minimum bet amount. It is not unusual to see someone betting a minimum of $1,000 for a hand of Black Jack. Sure wish I could do that.
Downtown - Shark Swimming!
Don't miss the pool at the Golden Nugget hotel on Fremont Street. There are sharks and other fish in a tank and swimmers take a clear slide right through the sharks. Amazing!
Flair Bartending
The Carnival Court Bar next to Harrah's should reopen after construction in front of the space between The Quad and Harrah's. Here you can watch bartenders mix drinks in amazing style and grace. Behind the bar is a stage with live music. Have fun! Please note, we don't know what will happen once it reopens as The Quad. We will keep you posted. Other places to watch Flair Bartending is the Ghost Bar at The Palms Hotel & Casino, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Casino at the Flamingo Hotel, Kahunaville at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino, and the Voodoo Lounge at the Rio Hotel & Casino.
Hershey's Chocolate World
This is a brand new establishment located at the front of New York Casino and Hotel. It is worth the trip inside to see the largest Hershey's chocolate bar for sale at $39.99. There are other items as well such as a giant Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. It is a must see, now that it is open.
The Linq
The Linq is the area opened up between the Quad and the Flamingo. This area features many new attractions including the reopening of O'Sheas, Brooklyn Bowl, Ghirardelli Chocolate, and much more. The Highlight at the end is the World's Largest Observation Wheel; The High Roller. Even if you don't pay for the ride, the area is worth visiting.
Carnival at Rio
This is a great place to take in a live show for free and watch the Show In The Sky as music and dancing reveal bead throwers from above. Make sure you stick out your hands and ask for some and they will deliver.
Cosmopolitan Bar
The chandelier is incredible. It is made up of crystals that go from the top floor down to the bottom and no matter where you stand the view is different. Take the elevator up to the bar, than work your way around. No one will harass you if you are just gawking at the crystals. Make your way to the bottom floor and have a beer or a drink in the chairs provided outside the bar. Very nice!
Fremont Street Experience
Three stages at night with a variety of free music, cheap drink prices, cheaper food, free TV from the largest screen in the world, strange characters, and just plain fun. If you just want to hang out, listen to music, take in the crowd, and party this is a great place to do it. There are bars right on a few corners with large drinks for a reasonable price. They actually put alcohol in them downtown. This is just one of those things you should do, it is worth the price to get there.
Free Slot Tournaments
Many casinos now offer free slot tournaments. There are several run mid-week at the Imperial Palace. It only takes a small amount of time, no skills whatsoever (except for a fast finger) and they are fun. You can win some money or slot credit, so give one a try. Some casinos offer free weekend stays and entrance to their tournament. Just ask.
Casino Viewing
Nearly every Casino has some attraction to bring you in. Some choices include dueling piano bars, exquisite interior design, waterfalls, high end shops, lions, dolphins, sharks, volcanos, pirate ships, and on and on. Put on your best walking shoes and just explore each one to see what hidden treasure awaits.
Picture Taking With Characters
The front of Bally's seems the best place right now for all sorts of characters to take a picture with. Don't be intimidated by this, they work for tips only and some of them are pretty funny. Keep in mind most of them are respectful and just trying to make a buck. They are not handing our offensive cards. The picture is Steve with a few of his Elvis buddies.
The Las Vegas Sign
If you head towards Mandalay Bay and go just past it, you will find the Las Vegas Welcome sign. There may be people asking for tips to take your picture, but you can find several people willing to exchange cameras so they can all get in the picture. Everyone seems to work together so just go with the flow.
When you get off the airplane and are taking your taxi to the hotel (assuming you are doing that) ask the driver to take you to the sign. They will gladly do it and your rate will only go up a few more dollars. It is worth it!
People Watching
Whether young or old, you will be caught by the sheer number of people of every size, shape, color, and beauty. Some of the most beautiful people you will ever see will be in Las Vegas. If you are male or female, you are bound to see the one fascination you have had your entire life. This will cause head turn before you even think about it. So here is a rule to follow. If you are the jealous type, please remove it for your Vegas trip. My wife and I have an agreement. We are both allowed to look and even turn our heads as long as we don't stop, don't glare too long, and don't turn around and chase after what we see. Our agreement only applies while we are in Vegas. Let me do that in any other city, and I will surely get the stare down or a smack on the arm at a minimum. Everyone gets sore necks in Vegas, so plop yourself down, have a drink and watch the crowd that way, it will save you some pain (but not all of it). The Cafe outside of Paris is choice number one for people watching.
Clark County Museum
Okay we are sorry this isn't free, but it is an exceptional value at only $2 for adults. The museum grounds covers 30 acres. It is worth seeing the history of the area starting way before Las Vegas became the entertainment capitol of the world. The location is at 1830 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89002-8502, Tel: (702) 455-7955. Email: CCParks@Clarkcountynv.gov.
Pinball Museum
This attraction comes with free entrance and the pinball machines are in working order. The more you play, the more you donate to keep this museum running. The new location is 1610 E. Tropicana, Las Vegas NV 89119 (right across the street from the now closed Liberace Museum.) Their website is www.pinballmuseum.org
Hoover Dam and New Bridge
This is just a short 30 -45 minute ride from Las Vegas but is a must see if you have transportation. You can now drive to several parking areas for different vantage points. The picture shown is from the last parking area. Just keep going up to park and you won't have to pay anything unless you opt for the guided tour or park closer. Walking over the new bridge seems to be a popular thing to do. There are a few parking areas with walkways to take you up to the bridge. Keep in mind when you are done, you will have to retrace your steps to get back to Las Vegas and you must be careful not to hit people walking in front of you. Take it slow please.
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