Okay, it's the "Kinda Local's Guide to Las Vegas" since I moved away (now) 9.5 years ago! Las Vegas has changed so much in those 20 years that I spent living there. I LOVE visiting and ALWAYS run into the problem of trying to do EVERYTHING while seeing old spots with family and friends. The lack of sleep is worth it every time!
In 2016, 42.9 MILLION people visited this city. The best part of being in the chaos is people watching. You really see its diversity of locals and all walks of life that come to visit.
Tips
-Parking is free in some places, but check out this list of free places to park. I recommend renting a car, so you can get outside of The Strip aka. Las Vegas Boulevard. But if you're drinking, walk, get a cab or car service!
-If you're big on gambling or gaming, drinks are mostly free with a tip. (Sure you've seen The Hangover and want to keep up with what happens in Vegas, but people live there 365 days a year too. Remember, somebody else will have to clean up your mess.)
Anyway, I've put together a list with links and tips for some of my favorite spots/places I still have yet to see! Enjoy and have fun.
Sights/Fun Places
Bellagio Water Fountain - The classiest dancing water fountain I've ever seen. Go see it at nighttime! It runs every 15 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Indoor Botanical Gardens - Go see it at the Bellagio (Dale Chihuly's art installations are nearby in the lobby).
The High Roller at the Linq - Take a joy ride on the big ferris wheel!
Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino - If you love modern design, go walk around this extravagant creation. There's also a "hidden" pizza place. Go on a hunt and explore. Photo by Homedit.com
Hard Rock Casino - I've been to so many great concerts here. There's a fancy pool too!
Stratosphere Observation Deck - For me, this is a MUST SEE! I recommend going during the day, so you can see how vast this city is.
Pinball Hall of Fame - I love watching pinball enthusiasts marvel at all different themes. Photo by Chris Ainsworth
Shows
Go see a show! There's several Cirque du Soleil shows. Blue Man Group, etc. etc. My personal favorite is Elton John's live show. His visual elements were designed by photographer and director David LaChapelle, and I can only imagine his latest show is extraordinary. (The previous Red Piano show and films blew me away! I need to get a DVD copy.) Photo by bwwmusicworld.com
Eats
If you're a foodie, Vegas will treat you well. There are so many fine-dining options at most casinos.The MGM Grand has over 20 restaurants, and 12 are specialty dining.
Check out Bardot Brasserie at the ARIA resort!
My favorite local deli is Capriottis. Try the vegetarian turkey! And if you're not vege, there's plenty of meat there too! There are over 20 locations in the city.
Luv-It Frozen Custard, Babystacks, Eat (breakfast/lunch near Container Park), Chinatown, etc... The list could go on and on.
Click through for more!
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