November 16, 2018Las Vegas is the undisputed gambling capital of the world where hotels are built around hundreds of colorful slot machines with their familiar beeps saturating casino ground floors all day and night. Looking around, I can’t help but wonder how long these people has been sitting in front of these machines with their faces void of expression, pressing buttons hoping to get a chance to hear that exhilarating sound when you hit the jackpot.
Gambling has never struck any appeal to me. I’ve always said I worked too hard for my money to just give it away to money-hungry casinos. Yet, Vegas has various offerings that allures me to go back again and again. For the non-gamblers out there, here are 11 awesome ways to enjoy Las Vegas without having to break the bank at the slots.
Go on A Food Trip
Vegas is home to some of the best buffets in the world where you can dine on massive portions of fresh seafood, succulent meat, diverse multi-cultural offerings, and hundreds of dessert options at the end of your gluttonous undertaking. In addition, there are dozens of a la carte restaurants to choose from that makes you forget that absurd idea of being on a diet.
Most Recommended Buffets in Vegas: Click here for the full list
1. Sterling Brunch
2. Studio B Buffet
3. Bacchanal Buffet
Noteworthy Restaurants to Try in Vegas:
1. Gordon Ramsay Burger
2. Top of the World at the Stratosphere
3. SOHO Japanese Restaurant
4. Le Cirque at the Bellagio
5. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Grand Canyon Day Tour
Book a Day Tour
Las Vegas is more than just a amalgamation of bright lights and flashy casinos. Take a Hop On Hop Off Bus to get around the Strip and several remarkable sights Vegas has to offer. Outside the city perimeter, nature takes over with bountiful rock formations and breathtaking views that shows a stark contrast with the bright chromatic displays within.
Here are some of the day tours you’ll want to check out:
1. Grand Canyon Day Tour
2. Hoover Dam Day Tour
3. Red Rock Canyon Day Tour
4. Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
5. Segway Tour
Stardust SIgn, Neon Museum
Check Out The Museums
For those with a particular fascination of the past, Vegas has several museums to satisfy your predilections. Their displays are as varied as they are vast from well preserved glimpse of retired Vegas signs at the Neon Museum, to displays of fine art at the Bellagio, Titanic museum reminiscent of the ship Titanic in all its former glory, and the Mob Museum, a homage to the mobsters that forged what we now know as Las Vegas.
Here are some of the museums of Las Vegas we’d recommend:
1. Nostalgia Street Rods – vast collection of hot rods and classic cars
2. Neon Museum – signs from old casinos and businesses in Vegas
3. Discovery Children’s Museum – interactive science and creative exhibits for kids
4. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
5. The Mob Museum
6. Bodies The Exhibition at Luxor
Go On A Shopping Spree
Shopping might not be the top reason for your Vegas trip, but taking a break from the scorching desert sun while checking out some fashion boutiques and browsing through trendy apparels is a great way to spend your day. Some of the larger hotels on the strip even have a few boutiques where you can leisurely shop at your convenience.
Here are some of the shopping destinations at Vegas:
1. Fashion Show Mall
2. Las Vegas North Premium Outlet Mall
3. Las Vegas Premium Outlets – South
4. The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian
5. M&M’s World Las Vegas
Dig This, Las Vegas
Fun and Games
Las Vegas is not just another city of bright lights and vivacious offerings. Hidden within this urban playground is a diversity of fun filled activities sure to enthrall your friends or your entire family. Whatever you fancy, here’s a list of popular fun and game activities in Las Vegas.
1. Dig This
2. Indoor Skydiving
3. Kiss Monster Mini Golf
4. Top Shot Las Vegas
5. Speedvegas Driving Experience
6. Escapology Las Vegas
2. Indoor Skydiving
3. Kiss Monster Mini Golf
4. Top Shot Las Vegas
5. Speedvegas Driving Experience
6. Escapology Las Vegas
Terry Fator Show at the Mirage
See A Show
Nothing screams Vegas more than the elaborate listing of world class entertainment that has unequivocally captivated audiences from all over the world. From amazing animal shows to a barrage of magic shows, musicals and comedy shows, there’s a show out there that will undoubtedly meet your fancy.
Tip: You can do some research ahead of time prior to your Vegas trip. Shows are typically scheduled on certain days of the week. You might also want to buy your tickets ahead of time to ensure availability and get the seating you desire.
Where to get your show tickets
1. On the hotel’s website
2. Vegas.com
3. Showtickets
4. Vegastickets
5. Ticketmaster
Most Recommended Shows in Vegas
1. O by Cirque Du Soliel
2. Blue Man Group
3. Terry Fator Show
4. Celion Dion
5. David Copperfield
Clubbing and Nightlife
If you’re in the mood for a night of alcohol-induced euphoria partying and dancing to music played by the best DJ’s in town, then you don’t want to miss out on what Vegas has to offer. Meet new friends, sit at the bar or let your wild side go. Clubbing is certainly one of Vegas’ most sought after experiences that would be hard to pass if you’re into it.
Tip: Drinks can be pricey at some of the high end clubs. Keep track of your tab because it adds up quickly.
Most recommended clubs in Vegas:
1. Jewel at Aria Resort & Casino
2. Omnia at Caesar’s Palace
2. XS Nightclub at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas
3. Marquee at the Cosmopolitan at Las Vegas
4. Hyde Bellagio at the Bellagio
5. TAO at the Venetian
Shark Reef Adventures
Nature and Wildlife Tours
It’s a common misconception that Vegas’ wild side almost always include showgirls, nightclubbing until day break, or a little old lady hysterically yelling after winning the jackpot. We are in Vegas after all, where hotels have pushed boundaries with their constantly expanding out-of-this-world entertainment options. Chances are if you can imagine it, you can probably find it here in Vegas.
From over-sized shark filled aquariums to unique selections of wild animals that will keep the little ones entertained for hours, Vegas has them all. Take time to marvel at nature’s more colorful varieties with some of Vegas’ luscious secret botanical gardens. Check out these amazing attractions for hours of fun filled adventures for the entire family:
1. Shark Reef Adventures at Mandalay Bay
2. The Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo
3. Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage
4. The Park
5. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio
2. The Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo
3. Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage
4. The Park
5. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio
Insanity The Ride at the Stratosphere
Adrenaline Pumping Rides
Working on getting some of your bucket list items checked off? Vegas is home to a whole list of fun and thrills that takes the challenge to whole new heights, but only if you dare. To get your adrenaline pumping through your veins, here are some of what Vegas has to offer:
1. Insanity The Ride at the Stratosphere
2. Skydive Fyrosity
3. Exotics Racing Supercar Driving Experience
4. Las Vegas Rock Crawlers
5. Slotzilla Zip Line at Fremont Street
2. Skydive Fyrosity
3. Exotics Racing Supercar Driving Experience
4. Las Vegas Rock Crawlers
5. Slotzilla Zip Line at Fremont Street
Pamper Yourself
Soothe the stress away with all the relaxation and bliss Vegas has to offer. Whether you are longing for a great massage, or maybe a day of pampering at the spa, this is your chance to indulge and spend some quality “me” time.
Most recommended spas in Vegas:
1. The Spa at Encore
2. Qua Baths and Spa
3. Boracay Massage
4. Djanel Spa
5. Bella Vita Boutique Spa
Fountain Show at the Bellagio
Sightseeing
Vegas is a beautiful and vibrant city that truly deserves some sightseeing love from its millions of visitors each year. Walking down the strip is such a visual delight with so many unique designs from the different hotels and businesses. At sundown, the city is saturated by bright neon lights gleaming in polychromatic luminosity.
People watching has been one of my favorite pastimes when in Vegas. The city has this nocturnal appeal that makes it just as dynamic at night as it is during the day, or maybe even more so. Have your picture taken at the iconic Las Vegas sign, or wait for the vibrant fountain display at the Bellagio. There are enough sights and sounds to ponder that even when it cost nothing to look around, it is still an experience that is integral to your Vegas escapade.
Recommended Sightseeing Locations:
1. Gondola Rides at the Venetian
2. Bellagio Fountains at the Bellagio
3. Freemont Street Experience
4. Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower
5. Erupting Volcano at the Mirage Hotel
