Lucky you! Your first time in Vegas is a magical (if slightly overwhelming) experience – get your bearings with a spot of people watching and cruising the strip is a must! Take in a show performed in full-on Vegas style, check out the larger-than-life hotel complexes and explore the cultural sights.
Don’t miss the awesome Cirque du Soleil – Top of many travellers bucket lists is the incomparable Cirque du Soleil who have wowed millions with their heart-stoppingly mesmerising shows. And right now Cirque du Soleil are performing LOVE at the Mirage – a journey through the Beatles back catalogue. Fusing acrobatics, famous characters and aerialists, this is a veritable whirlwind of vibrant colour and foot-stomping music.
Gawp at the Volcano At The Mirage – Las Vegas boasts enough superlatives to rival Dubai, and the awesome nightly volcano performance at the Mirage is top of most tourists’ must-see lists. On the hour between 5pm and 11pm fire and smoke billows 100 feet into the air alongside a musical soundtrack, this is one amazing feast for the eyes.
Check out the Fremont Street Experience – Downtown Vegas plays host to these free nightly shows where more than 12 million lights dazzle and more than 550,000 watts of incredible sounds aim to deafen. There are also free concerts and various special events on throughout the year. Performances are hourly between 6pm to midnight. Also on-site is the intriguing Neon Museum with an eclectic collection of disused neon signs.
Cruise the strip – Whether you opt for a limo tour or revert to using your trusty feet, a cruise along the strip is a must for all newbies. Take in the city that really goes all-out to impress you with exuberant sights. Venues host elaborate digital marquees as a taster for the amazing shows hidden behind doors, such as Cirque du Soleil’s LOVE (see above) and the superb Rock of Ages at The Venetian. Excalibur presents its Tournament of Kings and don’t miss Le Rêve – The Dream at Vegas’ Wynn. Take in the magical Bellagio fountains, the huge replica of the Eiffel Tower and the equally impressive Statue of Liberty replica at New York-New York.
Sunset Flight – If you want to splurge in Las Vegas, then a helicopter is the only way to travel. Opt for a sunset flight over the strip as the city wakes up. Circle the peak of the impressive Stratosphere hotel which is home to the highest observation tower in the US and float over the key sights of the Las Vegas Strip.
Vegas Residency – Many well-known musical artists have wowed Las Vegas – think Celine Dion whose shows sold out here for five years solid! She is back at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, but expect to book in advance. Also here right now is the Britney Spears Piece of Me show, which has been well received. The legendary magic partnership of Penn & Teller is also worth checking out at the Rio Hotel for a unique Vegas experience. There are also dance, comedy, hypnosis and adults-only shows available in Vegas.
Stratosphere Tower Thrill Rides – Nobody does themeparks like Vegas baby! Start with the rides atop the tower which rises to a mighty 900 feet. Challenge yourself with the big four – the SkyJump, Big Shot, X Scream and Insanity are very aptly names!
Shark Reef Aquarium – For something a little more laidback and family-friendly, head to the awesome Shark reef Aquarium at Vegas’ Mandalay Bay. See the huge sunken shipwreck, spot more than 2,000 fascinating marine animals and even swim with sharks. Spot a huge Komodo dragon, gawp at the fierce crocodiles and see the deadly piranhas at feeding time.
