by Elena Yampolsky

Created on: December 08, 2008

"So, how much did you win?" This was the first question that everybody asked when we returned from our first trip to Las Vegas. My response was that I spent only 5 bucks on the slots, because I did not have time to gamble during my five days in Sin City. The next, more animated question was, "But what did you do then?!"

Seriously, can you enjoy your time in Vegas without gambling? The answer is definite "yes". Even the people, who don't get their adrenaline bumped up from watching the spinning roulette's wheel, can have a perfect vacation in Vegas, full of fun and adventures.

So, what would you like to do? If it is sightseeing, Vegas hotels provide you with plenty of opportunities. The city's brand is to have as many replicas of other cities as possible. For example, in hotel "New York New York" you can go through busy New York streets, shop at "So Ho", ride a roller coaster in a style of new York cabbies , have lunch at deli (kosher, if you wish!) and have a couple of beers in Irish bar or listen to two pianists dueling in piano bar on Times Square.

For more romantic atmosphere, visit "Venetian" or "Paris". I've heard people saying that Vegas' version of Venice is better than the real Venice, as it has all the romance, canals and gondoliers, without the nasty water smell that fills you nostrils in Venice. Never having visited Venice, I can't comment on this, but one thing is for sure. "Venetian" halls are the place to be, if you like Italian food, Italian gelato (for me, the major reason to return to Vegas!), shopping in Milanese fashion or simply taking the ride in gondola, all the while listening to street artists' songs. And yes, all this is happening INSIDE the hotel.

In "Paris" you can enjoy strolling down the Parisian streets, window shopping and dining in French bistro. The experience will be complete when you get up on the Eifel Tower. True, it is a replica, and it is only half as high as the original, but you still can enjoy the perfect view of city and fountain show at "Bellagio" for only $10 per person. My advice is, however, wait till the evening and spend $12 for the visit, since the night view of city lights is magnificent. The fountain shows at night include light effects, as well, and they are performed every fifteen minutes.

Most of the hotels are worth at least one visit, to enjoy the design and the atmosphere. Some of them also have galleries and museums. For example, "Luxor" has a King Tut's museum, "Bellagio" has very nice Fine Arts gallery

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