Disneyland for Adults: A Newbies Guide to Las Vegas, Nevada
Forget New York, this is the real city that never sleeps. Las Vegas has it all-- glitz, glamour, entertainment, shopping, and good eats. It's also a place where you can "travel the world" by heading to cities like Venice, Paris, and NYC all within a couple of minutes of each other. So if you're planning on heading to Sin City anytime soon, here are a couple tips.
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10 THINGS TO DO
1.) The Bellagio Fountains (FREE)
The Bellagio Fountains are a staple in Las Vegas . The musically synchronized fountains are a must see and frankly hard to miss when strolling along the strip. See them during the day, at night, from the front, from behind. Take it all in because they're so jaw dropping that even some cars stop right in the middle of the strip just to watch. You can check out the schedule of times they go off here.
2.) The Mirage Volcano (FREE)
Honestly, the first time I saw the volcano go off, I couldn't help but think of the scene from "Finding Nemo" when Nemo has to swim through the ring of fire. Sharkbait. Hoo-ha-ha. Anyways, this is another hot thing to see in Vegas [see what I did there]. Expect loud drumming, surprise explosions of water that make you jump, and bursts of fire that make you sweat. It's good stuff.
Schedule: 8PM, 9PM,10pm, 11pm daily, Mon-Sun.
3.) The High Roller
This is the only spin class I'll be attending! Located right on the strip in the Linq Promenade you'll find this beauty. Clearly, it is gigantic, even bigger than it's cousin, the London Eye, and gives you incredible views of Nevada. We went early and not only walked straight on, but also we only had to share our capsule with one person. So I would definitely recommend going early!
4. Gamble
This one's pretty self-explanatory-- It's Vegas baby!
Tip: You get FREE drinks when you're gambling. So this is a way to save HUGE (Donald Trump voice) money. Even if you just put in a couple bucks, pretend to gamble until the cocktail waitress takes your order, then cash out, you get a free drink. Don't forget to tip the cocktail waitress though. $1-2 a drink is the norm. My favorite free drinks are the Chocolate Martini at Cosmopolitan and Champagne (comes in a flute with strawberries) at Paris
Okay, Ladies-- This one's for you. Unleash your inner stripper and learn how to pole dance as well as learn to give a proper lap dance. (if there is such a thing?) Stripper 101 is the place to be. For singles, bachelorette parties, or just a small group for the hell of it. Our teacher, Lemon Drop, or LD, was hilarious and made us all feel sexy even though I knew I was far from it. It is great exercise too-- your arms WILL be sore the next day-- I promise.
It is located in the Planet Hollywood Miracle Mile Shops in the Showgirl Bar/ V Theatre.
6.) Shop
Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin, Prada, Givenchy, you name it, Vegas has all the high end shopping you could possibly imagine, which makes window shopping extra fun. There are also the "normal" stores, like H&M and Loft, but you can check those out any average day at home. The environment is what makes the shopping entertaining in Vegas. The painted clouds on the domed ceiling, the charming almost french themed balconies above the stores. Definitely worth a walk through, even if you hate shopping. Almost every hotel and casino has shops, but the best in my opinion are the Caesars Palace Forum Shops, but just forewarning-- prepare to get lost inside.
7.) See a show
It's always fun to get dressed up and go out to the theatre for a night. It's even more fun when it's the best of the best entertainment, which Vegas hands down offers. We've seen a few different shows over the years including different Cirque du Soleil, Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Criss Angel. All amazing!
8.) Minus 5 Ice Bar
A bar made entirely of ice? Why not? Once you arrive at Minus 5, they give you a coat and gloves to stay warm, then you enter the icy bar. Everything is made out of ice, the cups, the bar, the seats, the walls. It is the coolest bar (literally) you will ever go into. So head over there and chill.
Located in Mandalay Bay and new location in the Linq Promenade
9.) Explore themed hotels (FREE)
If you do one thing on this list, it has to be hotel hopping. The hotels all try to one up each other on their extravagant lobbies and themes. These are a few:
(Caesar's Palace)
(The Venetian)
(Paris)
(New York New York)
(Luxor)
(Excalibur)
(Wynn)
(The Cosmopolitan)
(The Bellagio)
10.) FLY Linq
Weeeee. FLY Linq is one of the newer attractions on the strip and will get you feeling like Troy and Gabriella from 'High School Musical' (Soarin' Flyin'). Zip either sitting down or superman style and people watch from new heights above the Linq Promenade
TO STAY
If I know one thing, it is that splurging to stay on the strip is a must. The middle of the strip preferably, which includes Caesar's Palace, The Flamingo, The Bellagio, Harrah's, The Linq, Planet Hollywood, or Cosmopolitan. I'm sure others are great, but these are prime location. If you spend less on a hotel further away, you will make up for it in time (Vegas traffic.. woof) as well as cab fares, I guarantee. Splurge! Splurge! I have stayed at the Linq 4 times and Harrah's once and both are great. Even though the casino is right below you, you can't hear a peep from your room. They keep the rooms very secure from the casino-goers-- you have to scan your room card to even use the elevator. Also, you're in Vegas, who actually spends time in their rooms other than to get ready and sleep?
THE BEST DRINK (with a view)
The Foundation Room (Located in Mandalay Bay)
Go at night to get a beautiful view of the strip; Mojitos were delicious and very fresh
TO EAT
Because after all, Vegas is known as sin city for more than one reason, food being one of them!
Breakfast/Brunch
1.) Wicked Spoon
Without a doubt my favorite place to get brunch in Vegas is "Wicked Spoon". Some people hate buffets, but this one will change your mind completely. It is a higher-end brunch (and the price reflects that *insert sweating, smiling emoji*) but it is 100% worth it. Bottomless mimosas (2hr limit), angry mac n cheese, fried chicken, Asian and Mexican station, fresh fish, assortment of meats, and your typical breakfast and lunch things. YUM
Located in Cosmopolitan
2.) Hash House A Go Go
No yolk, I have not had a bad bite here, seriously, everything is delicious. They have a good variety from their pancakes, to skillets, to their famous chicken n waffles that sceam 'good luck fitting into your skinny jeans after this'. Note, they are known for their massive portions, so consider splitting a meal. Also get there EARLY to avoid the line. The line does move fast though.
Located in The Linq
Dinner
1.) Mon Ami Gabi
Ooo la la. It is right smack in the middle of the strip with the atmosphere of a Parisian sidewalk cafe. You have to sit on the patio! It is great for people watching and taking in the impressive Bellagio fountains from across the street. The baked goat cheese app and bordelaise steak entree are the bomb dot com
Located in Paris
(View from the patio of Mon Ami Gabi)
2.) Flour and Barley
Slice, slice, baby! There's no denying that this brick oven pizza joint located in the Linq Promenade will have you drooling. It's very casual, the service is great and the pizza is scrumpdidiliumptious! (Sorry, I ate it too fast to get a picture)
Drunk Munchies
1.) In-N-Out
The most famous fast food burger on the West coast, In-N-Out, finally made it's debut on the Strip in 2017. I can safely say this is the best value on the Strip. Perfect for a quick lunch or the drunk munchies. Order animal style fries off the "secret menu"for fries topped with cheese, caramelized onions, and animal sauce
Located in The Linq Promenade
xoxo,
Em