by De Ette Stewart

Created on: December 05, 2008   Last Updated: April 16, 2009

Sightseeing in Las Vegas is absolutely world class. A good place to start is the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Hotel and Casino. For a small fee you can ride to the top and check out the view. At night the lights of the Strip are truly dazzling! This is a great place to also watch the fountains at Bellagio. You can still hear the music and will have an eagle eye view of the dramatic waterworks below. Remember to take your camera and snap lots of pictures!

The entrance to Paris, Caesar's Palace, and the Venetian all offer beautiful sculptures and artwork. Take a close look, bring binoculars for the artwork perched up high, and study the lines. The view differs according to the the time of day. While at the Venetian, consider taking a gondola ride.

Many casino/hotels also offer indoor works of art. Bellagio is famous for this, but keep alert while touring and see how many different artworks you can find.

If nature is your thing, check out the courtyard at the Flamingo. A group of contented flamingos and rare ducks live amongst a garden of palm trees and waterfalls. Paths run through the greenery and present beautiful views and tranquil areas to sit and sip a coffee or reflect on your day. Very calming in an otherwise hectic town.

Eat at venues that range from inexpensive coffee shops and buffets up to the finest restaurants. This is definitely not a good place to diet, but if you are counting calories, relax, Vegas offers something for everyone. Menus are usually posted outside most eateries, but if you don't see one, ask to look it over before you take a seat.

Performance art varies from the "living statues" at the Venetian, to a smorgasbord of shows and comedy acts all over town. The best place to start is with the concierge of your hotel. They'll have the latest and most up-to-date information including ticket prices and show times.

Go shopping. Almost every casino offers an indoor mall-like area with upscale shops that put together some really unique items.

Hit the spas. Take your pick, every casino seems to have just one. Don't forget off strip locations such as Red Rock or Green Valley Ranch.

Visit the lions at MGM Grand, the shark tanks at Mandalay Bay, or the white tigers at the Mirage. At MGM you might have the opportunity to help bottle feed the latest batch of lion cubs. The cute factor is nearly overwhelming!

Hop the monorail. This not only provides quick transit along the Strip, but a good view of many of the hotel/casinos. Buy an all day pass and save your feet.

Check out the automobiles at the Imperial Palace. The display changes periodically, so even if you've been there before, plan to stop by and see what's new. Check out the Dealertainers in the casino downstairs. You don't need to gamble to enjoy this particular show as celebrity look alikes get up and sing every 15 minutes or so.

People watch. Grab a drink, stake out a cozy spot and watch the crowd. Tourists come from all over the world to Las Vegas. You never know who you may end up sharing an elevator with!

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