Las Vegas may not be the biggest city in the world, but there is no shortage of things to do. Frankly, spending a weekend in Vegas isn’t nearly enough time to take everything in, which is part of why the city keeps people coming back for more. Vegas has tabbed itself the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” Living up to that lofty billing isn’t easy, but Sin City does it.
Obviously, you don’t have all the time in the world. It would be fun to do everything Vegas has to offer during your trip, but time is of the essence. It’s easy to get lost in the spectacle of the Strip, so going in with a gameplan is probably the best way to make sure you make the most of the little time you do have on your Vegas vacation.
What are the 5 things you absolutely have to see in Las Vegas?
Bellagio Fountains
Going all-in on a hand may not be an optimal strategy for casino games, but if you only have time to do one thing while you’re in Vegas, I would recommend checking out the fountains outside the Bellagio. The Bellagio is arguably the most famous casino resort on the Strip, due in no small part to the fabulous fountains that are always flowing right outside the entryway.
Fountains may sound underwhelming, but these aren’t your standard fountains. The Bellagio fountains have over 1,200 jets jettisoning water nearly 500 feet into the sky. The fountains are the “most-Instagrammed” attraction in town, so don’t miss on the opportunity to snap a few shots as you take it all in. There are various “shows” at the fountains throughout the day that are timed up with a variety of songs, such as “Fly Me To the Moon” by Frank Sinatra and “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars.
Fremont Street
The vast majority of tourists head to Las Vegas to check out the Strip. Most of the city’s most famous casino resorts are located on the Strip, so that’s understandable. However, if you’re wanting an excuse to get away from the masses, checking out the “Old Vegas” scene on Fremont Street is a must. There are all sorts of street performers, and there’s even a zipline overhead to make the experience even more exhilarating.
Fremont Street is home to a number of quaint shops and boutiques, but if you’re still interested in gambling and getting a high-quality dining experience, you’re in good hands. Fremont Street may not be as bustling as the Strip, but it has plenty of its own unique kind of charm to offer.
High Roller at The LINQ
One of the newest additions to the Strip is the massive ferris wheel you can find near the LINQ hotel. The 520-foot wheel is bigger than both the Singapore Flyer and London Eye, and it’s your best bet if you want a bird’s eye view of beautiful Las Vegas. The wheel runs parallel to Las Vegas Boulevard, and it takes 30 minutes to complete a full cycle.
Each of the attraction’s cabins can hold up to 40 people, with ample benches and floor space to accommodate everybody comfortably. If you want to spice things up, you can purchase the High Roller Happy Half Hour cabin. This ticket includes a standard 30-minute trip with an open bar inside, as well as chocolate tasting. You can even participate in a yoga session with a professional instructor, if you’re so inclined.
Take a Gondola Ride
Gondolas are a well-known mode of transportation in Italy, but they’re few and far between on this side of the pond. However, the canals at The Venetian afford you the chance to take a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience in an authentic Italian-style gondola. Taking a boat ride indoors may sound strange, but the outdoor canals at The Venetian offer gorgeous views of the glittery Las Vegas Strip.
There is no age restriction, so you and the entire family can set sail through the Grand Canal Shoppes at the resort. Guests can take in the beautiful Italian architecture as well as the picturesque sky-painted ceiling inside the casino resort. Each gondola seats 4, and it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a change of pace right on the Vegas Strip.
Stratosphere Jump
While the gondolas offer a leisurely ride through canals, those seeking more thrills may be interested in heading down the Strip to the Stratosphere to do a little base jumping. The Stratosphere is the tallest building in the United States west of the Mississippi River, and you can enjoy a “controlled free fall” from the very top. SkyJump Las Vegas will attach you to a vertical zipline on the 108th floor of the tower and drop you onto a landing mat at ground level.
There are plenty of safety precautions, of course, and you won’t be flying through the air without a secure harness. Guide wires keep riders from straying off course, and you’ll slow down considerably before reaching the ground. You must be at least 14 to jump, but if you’re brave enough, jumping from the Stratosphere is about as thrilling a Vegas experience as you’ll find.
