Fun things to see/do in Vegas

[SField]

Spending a week in Vegas in December. Eating is more or less planned out. Not much of a gambler.

What are some interesting things to do while there? Is there some old historic bordello I can visit? Are there any interesting museums? I know some of the hotels have an art gallery. I will be going to grand canyon and hoover dam.

Please offer suggestions.

 

[Mark from Plano]

That's pretty much it.

Oh and shows. Lots and lots of shows.

Believe it or not, if you haven't seen any of the Cirque du Soliel shows, they are definitely worth it (I know, I know). For a first timer, I'd recommend "O" at the Bellagio. Amazing. The theater was built specifically for the show.

See who's in town. I've seen Dennis Miller there (at the Rio) and the Penn & Teller show (also at the Rio). Both were very good and worth the price of admission.

You should also take in a "classic" Vegas burlesque show (topless women, giant headdresses, that sort of thing) if you can find one. Very cheesy, but required. I would have suggested the one at the Tropicana but it looks like it's closed. Probably will find one at the older strip hotels like the Flamingo, the Riviera, etc.

 

[itsstillmatt]

I'm about the same with gambling. Vegas is ****** other than at dinner time, but I have had two of the best meals I have had in the US in Vegas over the last six months. I hate shows, and am basically an overall grump...

 

[gdl203]

One week in LV? An entire week? Surprising choice of a place to spend a week vacation.

 

[Fuuma]

Going to the airport is fun cause you get to leave...

 

[Mark from Plano]

Originally Posted by iammatt

I'm about the same with gambling. Vegas is ****** other than at dinner time, but I have had two of the best meals I have had in the US in Vegas over the last six months. I hate shows, and am basically an overall grump...

You are a grump.

I like the shows because I'm basically enamored by the myth of the 'old' Vegas. I rarely stay on the strip, preferring the dumpier places downtown. The more shiny and refined Vegas gets, the less interested I am in going there. I mean, it has its appeal, I guess, but if I'm going somewhere for great dining I'd probably prefer to be in Manhattan.

Gambling and burlesque shows are what I go to Vegas for. I really don't understand the appeal of the place otherwise. The new "shiny" Vegas makes me want to puke...though I must admit the food is pretty good.


Oh...and Greg's right. A week is WAY too long to stay in Vegas. You'll be wanting to kill yourself after about day 4. The optimum Vegas trip is to go, stay for about 4 days, take a long hot shower to wash all the decadence off, then get the hell out.

 

[runner-guy]

My parents go to Vegas 4-5 times a year and have seen pretty much everything in the area. They say the national parks in Utah are amazing if you rent a car and willing to take a road trip.

 

[gdl203]

^^ oh then definitely if taking a few days to visit Zion, Bryce, Lake Powell, the Grand Canyon, etc.... then it could be a really nice week.

 

[Steve Thomas]

^^^If you're taking a road trip outside of Vegas go to that Skywalk (can't remember the exact name right now and I'm too lazy to look it up) that extends out over the Grand Canyon. So incredible. Definitely a must do.

 

[Stazy]

Sky diving

 

[SField]

Originally Posted by gdl203

One week in LV? An entire week? Surprising choice of a place to spend a week vacation.

Not exactly a vacation... I'm consulting for 4 days and decided to stay so I can eat a ton of good food.

 

[Piobaire]

If you are going to the Canyon, spend a night or two in Flagstaff. Great little quaint old mining/lumber town that has a functioning historic down town (mainly thanks to the NAU students) with great little pubs and restaurants. Also, great hikes and easily accessible Indian ruins in the area. Also, just 30 minutes from Sedona, which is its own world with plenty to see and do.

 

[SField]

Originally Posted by iammatt

I'm about the same with gambling. Vegas is ****** other than at dinner time, but I have had two of the best meals I have had in the US in Vegas over the last six months. I hate shows, and am basically an overall grump...

Sage and Robuchon?

 

[Xericx]

http://www.thegunstorelasvegas.com/
Always a good time.

 

[phreak]

My grandparents live in LV so my family goes once every year or two. Our typical stay is for about a week with only 3 nights in Vegas. The rest is in Valley of Fire, Zion (always the highlight even though we have been six times), and the obligaitory stop at the Grand Canyon.

In Vegas we always walk the Strip one night: going to shops, people watching, and checking out the free shows. Next day I hit the pool till lunch, eat, poker, eat again, then watch a show. We saw Blue Man Group last time, it was really cool but I don't think I'll be going back.

Valley of Fire is cool to drive through and walk around a bit, but you probably won't spend more than 8-12 hours there, especially in the summer. Zion is amazing. The trails there are really nice, I recommend Angel's Landing and the Narrows. But the park is massive and there is so much to see that isn't along the trails. Just park your car along the road and explore, nothing is really off limits. The Grand Canyon is breathtaking the first time. After that it's just ok.

4 nights is more than I would care to see. The club scene is douchey. The food is as good as you're willing to pay for and the shopping is good, if you're into that sort of thing. I would recommend playing craps, getting crappy free drinks, and meeting people there if you do go by yourself.