7 Must-Do’s When You’re in Vegas

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, right? Having frequented this one-of-a-kind place a few times myself, not necessarily. I mean, who could resist sharing their experience in this whirlwind of casinos, entertainment and time-bending chaos? (Seriously, the casinos don’t have clocks and ceilings can look like a daytime sky — so be prepared for 4 a.m. to feel like 4 p.m., and eventually when that catches up to you, vice versa!) But trust me, for all the lack of sleep you might encounter by trip’s end, a weekend in Vegas is a must on every traveler’s list. Whether you’re planning a girls’ or guys’ weekend, a couples’ getaway or even toting along your kids for the adventure, Las Vegas has something for everyone! With a little help from those who I’ve traveled to Vegas with, here are my top picks for what should happen while you’re there to make the most of it all.

DO: Find a Hotel That Fits Your Personality

With so many to choose from, there’s really no excuse for not picking a resort casino experience that perfectly aligns with your style. A stay at the Mirage Resort & Casino, where I spent my last jaunt to Vegas, will find you sneaking away from The Strip (while still being in the heart of it) to your own tropical oasis, complete with a Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat with white tigers and leopards and its own erupting volcano! This is perfect for me, as an animal lover who should have been born in Hawaii. But, maybe you enjoy the more posh side of Vegas? Try The Cosmopolitan for a modern, chic escape, or Bellagio for timeless glamour and an impeccable view of its Dancing Fountains. Want to feel like you’ve just jetted around the world? Head straight for The Venetian or Paris Las Vegas. Just remember, whatever you do, stay on The Strip — I’ve made this mistake before in an attempt to save money, and ended up spending all my savings on cab rides to the action!

Which leads me to my next piece of advice …

DO: Pack for Comfort, Style and Fun

Since Vegas offers a little something for everyone, it’s easy to find yourself needing a t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops in the afternoon and a nice dress or suit and tie for guys in the evening. Comfortable walking shoes are an absolute necessity for navigating The Strip during the day, as each casino alone provides a workout from one end to the next. If you’re like me, you’ll want to get a taste of as many as possible, so I recommend mapping out the casinos you most want to visit first — once inside, the hours can slip away, especially if you hit a winning streak! Take advantage of shuttles and cabs, it will save you both time and well-needed energy. At night, you’ll likely want to indulge in one of Vegas’ amazing restaurants, hit up a nightclub and/or see a show, all which call for a bit more upscale of attire. A cute cocktail dress and wedges or heels for ladies and a dress shirt and pants for men should be enough for any circumstance you might find yourself in. My motto: Prepare for anything in Vegas.

DO: Dine Like You Mean It

If you’re on a diet, Las Vegas probably shouldn’t be your destination of choice. This is Sin City after all, and its menus prove the name is well deserved. Everyone should visit a famous Vegas buffet at least once during their stay, and some of the ones I’ve found most highly recommended and worth the calorie-intake are Cosmopolitan’s Wicked Spoon and Caesars Palace’s Bacchanal Buffet. Both offer a plethora of cuisine options from Mexican to Chinese to good old-fashioned American, with Wicked Spoon’s claim to fame being unique small plate dishes and Bacchanal’s its nine show kitchens including all the comfort foods you could ever hope to sample in an upscale setting. Hello, red velvet pancakes! And who doesn’t love a good fried chicken and waffles to cure an early morning headache?

For an even fancier affair with a killer view, Paris’ Eiffel Tower Restaurant can’t be beat, sitting 100 feet above The Strip with floor-to-ceiling windows to take it all in. So romantic! They even have proposal packages, just in case you’re ready to pop the question right then and there. Not ready for that kind of commitment? On the opposite end of the spectrum, The Cosmopolitan’s Secret Pizza is a fun hidden find for those who prefer their food to be served scavenger hunt style — this “secret” pizza joint is tucked away so only the true pizza lovers will sniff out its scent!

DO: Spend $$ Without Regret For a Great Show

When you’re spending money on dining, casinos and shopping all day, it may be tempting to skip the hefty cost of a well-reviewed show in lieu of a so-so one. Don’t give into temptation. While there are so many memorable moments from my Vegas visits, the one that I know I’ll never forget is the O by Cirque de Soleil show my husband and I went to that found us front row, center stage! The tickets were by no means cheap, and as recent college grads we didn’t have an expendable budget, but this is one splurge well worth the price tag. The aquatic-themed show was simply incredible, from the flips and tricks the talented cast pulled off to feeling the mist of the water when they dove in from seemingly impossible heights. On my next trip back I will definitely check out another Cirque de Solei show like The Beatles LOVE and possibly a concert! Recently Celine Dion has been turning heads at Caesars Palace, while Britney Spears has completed her ultimate comeback with a reign at Planet Hollywood.

DO: Savor an Afternoon at the Pool

It might seem like you’re wasting time lying by the pool with so much to see and do in Vegas, but trust me, you’ll relish the recoup time. And Vegas pools aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill swimming pool, either. In fact, the pools here are an attraction all of its own, if you choose the right one. Grab a colorful suit and head to The Mirage’s tropical oasis, which features so much more than a swimming hole, with features like waterfalls, lagoons, private lounges, luxury cabanas, grottos, towering palm trees and plenty of delectable food and drink options.

Looking for a pool with a party atmosphere? You can’t lose at The Palms Casino & Resort, where a frozen Miami Vice (a mix of Strawberry Dacquiri and Pina Colada) will keep you cool even when the pool’s packed. Spread across two acres, you’re sure to find your favorite spot to mingle under the sizzling Vegas sun. And the one I’m most looking forward to visiting during my next Vegas stint? The Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace. Here, seven pools offer something for every personality, from the swim-up blackjack table at Fortuna Pool to the invitation–only VIP Bacchus Pool. Play your cards right, and you just might get to see what’s behind that velvet rope.

DO: Experience “Old” Vegas

Everyone will tell you the hottest Vegas action is on The Strip, but don’t forget to leave time to see Downtown Vegas and its infamous Fremont Street, too. The lights, the glitz, the excitement … it’s all here, along with kitschy souvenirs, a gravity-defying 12-foot high SlotZilla zipline and the Heart Attack Grill (ok, maybe skip this one if you value your life.) On the way there, look out for The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, where the History Channel’s Pawn Stars is filmed. Then break out your sunglasses — especially if it’s nighttime, because things are about to get bright. I didn’t quite know what to expect the first time I visited Freemont Street. My husband had a certain amount of nostalgia associated with it from a trip he had taken with his family to Vegas decades before, and so he convinced me to take a moment to get off The Strip, if only for a few hours. Now I know its light show is something not to be missed, or forgotten!

DO: Keep Your Trips Short & Frequent

My final piece of advice for visiting Vegas is to come back often, because you can’t fit it all into one trip. Vegas is the type of destination where there’s always something new to see, and some place new to experience. You’ll always turn a corner and find a hidden gem you didn’t see before, and think — let’s stay just one or two extra nights and fit it all in! Unless you’re a superhero, don’t give in. You’ll only leave feeling worse than the guys from The Hangover, even if you aren’t a big drinker. Between the gambling, the lights, the walking to explore the attractions and everything else in between, if you want to do Vegas big, and right, book yourself a 2 or 3-night escape. Then come back again, stay at a different casino, and relive it all over again. I know I can’t wait until I return … this summer!

 

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