By Kent Ninomiya
It is a challenge to come up with a list of the best things to do in
Las Vegas, because Vegas does so many things so well. There is no other place in America where you can gamble at so many world-class casinos, see top-notch entertainment every night of the week, and eat your fill for a fraction of the price that you would expect to pay. Still, some activities outshine the rest.
Gambling
Las Vegas is the gold standard of gambling. It has casinos and amenities to satisfy gamblers of every budget and mood. If you are going to gamble anywhere, do it in Las Vegas. Those who like big, bright and shiny should head for the Las Vegas Strip and play in a theme casino like New York New York, Treasure Island or The Venetian. High rollers opt for the ritz of Trump, Wynn and Bellagio. Players on a budget head for Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon or Imperial Palace.
Bars & Clubs
If you like to party, Las Vegas was made for you. Most large casinos on the Las Vegas Strip have flashy bars and nightclubs. You could spend a week wandering from one to another and never get bored. Check out MGM Grand's Tabu, Pure at Caesar's Palace, Mandalay Bay's rumjungle and Risque at Paris. Dress up and take lots of cash.
Dining in Vegas
Whether you want world-class fine dining or just to stuff yourself at a cheap buffet, Las Vegas can satisfy your cravings. Amazing culinary experiences can be had at restaurants like Delmonico Steakhouse, Sergio's, and Rosemary's Restaurant. Every casino-hotel has a buffet. Some of the best are the Le Village Buffet at Paris, The Buffet at the Wynn and the Bellagio Buffet.
Vegas Entertainment
Las Vegas features some of the finest entertainment you will see anywhere. Cher, Elton John and several Cirque du Soleil shows are there throughout the year. There are major sporting events, kids shows and adult burlesque. Much of the entertainment is free on the Las Vegas Strip. You can see the Bellagio fountain show, Treasure Island's "Sirens of TI," and the erupting volcano at Mirage just by walking down the street.
Downtown Las Vegas
For a change of pace, take a taxi to Downtown Las Vegas. This is the original Vegas where gamblers are gritty and hard core. It has much more of a Wild West feel than the Las Vegas Strip. It all centers around Fremont Street. Six blocks of it are covered with a ceiling of lights that performs a show six times a night.
About the Author:
Kent Ninomiya is a veteran journalist with over 23 years experience as a television news anchor, reporter and managing editor. He traveled to more than 100 countries on all seven continents, including Antarctica. Ninomiya holds a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences with emphasis in history, political science and mass communications from the University of California at Berkeley.
