Following on from my previous top 10 guides for both New York and Cape Town, I have decided to do another. This time, I have compiled a top 10 list of things to do in Las Vegas. I’ve been here twice. Once in 1999 and again in 2012. Las Vegas is one of those places that constantly changes. I’m sure a lot has changed in 4 years. Here are the things I enjoyed doing whilst I was there.
Top of the World Restaurant – (Stratosphere)
As I was in Vegas for my birthday, to celebrate I went for a meal at the ‘Top of the World’ restaurant. It’s quite expensive but totally worth it. If you’re going to go to Vegas then you’re going to want to do things in style right? The views are pretty spectacular, especially at night. Seeing the strip all lit up and the traffic below, you really are up high. I did want to do the rides at the top but chickened out when I realised how high it actually was. You can even bungee jump from the top too. Can’t say I’m that adventurous. It’s mad when you’re sat there eating your meal and seeing people whizzing past the window!
Eiffel Tower Observation Deck – (Paris)
For even more spectacular views of the strip which are up close, you’ll definitely want to go to the observation deck at the Paris hotel. Shaped as a replica of the Eiffel Tower, a lift takes you up 50feet up to the top. There are railings up to stop people falling, but you can get a good look through the gaps. The above photo was taken through one of those.
Fountain Show – (Bellagio)
The fountain shows are usually every half an hour from 3pm until 8pm and every 15 minutes from 8pm until midnight. When you walk past the Bellagio you need to stop and watch these. It’s amazing in the day but spectacular in the night.
Grand Canyon
I went here when I was 11 years old on my first trip in 1999. I will be honest, I have never been so frightened in all my life. We went on a small plane which only held 6 people and it was the bumpiest journey ever. The only people who didn’t vom were myself and the pilot. When we eventually landed I was relieved. The views are amazing. They’ve got a glass walkway there now which I wouldn’t mind doing should I go again. If I do happen to go there I know that I’ll go by helicopter. Or failing that – a bus!
Chocolate Dragon – (Aria)
When you’re in Vegas you need to spend time going in and out all the different hotels in the strip. You won’t believe the stuff you find. From the gardens at the Wynn hotel to the world’s largest chandelier at The Cosmopolitan. When I walked through the Aria, I was amazed by this dragon sculpture. Even more so when I realised the whole thing was made out of chocolate! Located at the Jean Philippe Patisserie, this dragon is made from milk, dark and white chocolate. The lanterns are made from fondant and the flowers are made out of sugar. The attention to detail is crazy.
Downtown
If you’re staying on the strip like I was, you’ll need to take a taxi to Downtown. There’s probably a bus that takes you but I didn’t know which one I’d need and a taxi was easier. It didn’t cost that much and I was surprised how reasonable things were in Downtown. Far cheaper than things are on the strip! Here’s where you’ll see the iconic cowboy and there’s plenty of restaurants to choose from. Oh yeah and plenty of casinos too obviously.
Book to see a show
I did want to see ‘O’ at the Bellagio, but when I went to go and get tickets for it I refused to pay how much they wanted. I knew that I definitely wanted to see a cirque show and there were tickets available to see an Elvis version. Even though I thought I only knew a few songs I was surprised by how many I recognised. It was amazing! So if you’re in Vegas remember to check out what shows they have available.
Madame Tussauds – (The Venetian)
If you love Madame Tussauds then you need to go here. Located at The Venetian, you’ll get to have your photo taken with all the stars. I’ve been to the one in London and New York so needed to go to the one in Vegas too. Of course, I loved it.
Rollercoaster – (New York, New York)
If you’re a thrill seeker like me, then you have to go on the rollercoaster at the New York New York hotel. It has been there since 1997 and you can kinda tell that when you’re on it. Take my advice, though, if you do go on it – wear a t-shirt or something that covers your shoulders. I wore a strap top and came off with bleeding shoulders from where the harness rubbed them. I thought you were recommending things to do in Vegas I hear you say! Well yeah, still go on it – just make sure you’re covered up.
Vegas sign
Whenever you see this sign in TV shows or in films, it’s quite deceiving. I always thought that the sign was pretty much on the strip. It’s not. It’s waaaay out. Like you literally have to walk quite a way from the Mandalay Bay hotel. I was disappointed I hadn’t seen it so I asked the taxi driver to go past it on the way to the airport. There was a huge queue to get a proper photo and I didn’t have time as I needed to catch my flight home. So instead I took this photo and there’s also one of my which has loads of people in the background which is a bit shit. If you do get the chance though, queue up and have a proper photo.
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