"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 with changing exhibitions; "Wynn" exhibits the exotic cars. The last one is actually just a show room of the dealership for Ferrari and Mazerati, but the cars are so cool and the prices are absolutely outrageous so you'll definitely feel like you are in museum!
For a break from havoc and noise of the Strip, you may want to spend some quiet time in the pools or spas. The most pools are outside, so hotels will close them approximately after Thanksgiving. We did have a chance to enjoy "Le Mirage" pool, which was still open in the end of November.
Another quiet retreat is "Secret garden" at "Mirage", where both adults and kids can look at the dolphins, white tigers and lions and watch them fed or trained. The "Shark Reef" at Mandalay Bay includes a number of huge aquariums with sharks (of course!), crocodiles and Comodo dragons, myriad of different fish and turtles. You and your kids can easily spend two hours there, listening to the audio guides and watching sharks swimming above you. I think I actually got sea sick after an hour and a half.
Shopping... If you are looking for the bargains, you'll need the car, since all the major outlets are located outside the strip; and taking a cab to the outlet defeats the purpose. However, if you don't mind spending $2,000 - $3,000 for designer bag or $700 for designer shoes, the Strip is the place for you. Otherwise, window shopping at Versace, Gucci, Prada and the rest of cool designers' stores is part of the entertainment package.
The food in Vegas is a subject for a separate article. I'll just say that you can find a place to eat, beginning from $7.99 per person at "all you can eat" buffet ("Main Station" in downtown Las Vegas) all the way up to $500 per person menu in one of the five star chef's restaurants. Each one would be a different, but enjoyable experience. Well, to be honest, we didn't try the most expensive alternative. There is always next time.
For an adrenaline bump, try something different. Take the bus to the North Strip and stop at "Stratosphere" hotel and casino. For the price of the tower admission, the elevators will bring you 1,100 feet above the city level for an absolute breathtaking view. On sunny days, you'll be able to see not only the entire city, but the surrounding area as well. If you are feeling adventurous, buy the tickets for the attractions, as well. Just be aware that "drop zone" will drop you from the 1,149 feet, and the rest of the fast actions will happen in the open air on the same height. Are you sure?
Do you still have some time left? Watch the free show at "Treasure Island" or fountain show at Bellagio. In the evening, do not miss the shows by Cirque de Soleil; "KA" is the best, but most of the others are still worth watching. The adult shows are countless; there are numerous shows at night clubs, as well as more traditional "Jubilee!" or Chippendale's performances. For dance and music, or simply a chance to meet celebrities, visiting at least one night club is a must. For a very different experience, visit an "Ice bar" at Mandalay Bay. All your drinks are served on ice... and the temperature in the bar is also well below zero. Here you'll get not only drinks, but a hat and a jacket to survive the cold. This bar is a replica of a famous place in Stockholm, Sweden. Not a bad one, taking in account the climate difference.
What to do if you got tired of the Strip, or if you brought the kids to Vegas and exhausted all the children's entertainment options? Leave the city for one of the day trips. The most popular ones include the visit to Hoover dam, Red Rock Canyon and Grand Canyon. The road trip to Grand Canyon will take you the whole day, but the magnificent view is well worth the time spent. Then again, you may want to take a helicopter or air plane ride... the options are yours to choose.
Enjoy your time and don't be upset if you didn't have time to gamble. There are some slot machines in the airport and you always can gamble while waiting for your flight home. That's how I lost my five dollars, anyway.