10 reasons you should visit Vegas even if you are not a gambler
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
6. The diversity of restaurants is unparalleled
In Vegas, you can find any type of restaurant imaginable. Dining with a prime seat to The Bellagio Fountain show? Check. A trendy celebrity chef restaurant? Check. A decadent over-the-top treat/pastry shop? Check. A romantic dinner destination with impeccable food, service, and ambiance? Check. Amazing views of the Strip? Check. Extravagant all-you-can-eat buffets? Check.
Indulgent restaurants pretty much line the entirety of the 4 mile Strip. Although healthy fare is also in abundance, let’s be honest, we all want to treat ourselves on vacation! Whether you are seeking quality ethnic food, a romantic ambiance, 5 star food and service, gorgeous views of the lights, the finest desserts, a fun themed restaurant, the list goes on and on. A few of my favorites:
Bouchon. Quaint French cafe by renowned Chef Thomas Keller located in the quiet Venezia Tower of The Venetian. Not only is the food excellent, but the ambiance perfect for a brunch date. Try the Quiche du Jour or Assortiment de Pâtisserie (a delicious array of pastries including Croissant, Pain au Chocolat, Cheese Danish, Almond Croissant, Fruit Danish, and Blueberry Muffin).
Mon Ami: This charming French restaurant inside the Paris Hotel features one-of-a-kind people watching opportunities via its’ massive outdoor deck. This is the best place for a lazy weekend brunch. Try the Warm Chicken Brie sandwich.
Eiffel Tower restaurant. This popular tourist restaurant is located on the 11th floor of the Paris Hotel. As you can imagine, the views are nothing short of amazing. If you visit during the slower brunch hours, you are almost guaranteed a window seat with a bird’s eye view of the fabulous Bellagio fountain show. The service is exceptional and the menu offers a bit of something for everyone.
Il Fornaio. Excellent authentic Italian restaurant inside the New York, New York casino. Home to one of the best Butternut squash ravioli dishes I’ve ever tried. Also home to a fantastic patio and the service is great!
The Wynn Buffet. Vegas has a buffet for everyone. Even those who are normally turned off by the thought of an ordinary buffet will find that Vegas buffets are a different ballgame altogether. Many of these buffets are extravagant, with a focus on both quality and quantity. The Wynn is by far the best. The decor is whimsical and as much a part of the dining experience as the food itself. The buffet spread includes many fine foods as well as gluten-free and vegan selections. A+ all the way and worth every penny.
Ri Ra Irish Pub. A great Irish pub if you are seeking a laid-back ambiance and some hearty pub fare. Live music and nice decor. Excellent fish and chips and the best appetizers (try the traditional potato cakes!).
Grand Lux Cafe: A great place on The Strip for indulging in high calorie tasty comfort style foods. Affordable and open 24/7 inside The Venetian. So many tempting appetizers! Treat yourself to the Double Stuffed Potato spring rolls!
Don Vito’s. An Italian gem located at the South Pointe Hotel, a nice resort just a few miles from the Vegas Strip. Don’s is a traditional classy Italian place where you can expect excellent service, authentic food, and an elegant date night ambiance. The desserts are amazing! Treat yourself to the Cappuccino cheesecake.
7. Free entertainment lines The Strip
You really do not need to shell out a bunch of cash to have a good time in Vegas. On the contrary, the most spectacular shows and attractions lurking in and outside of each casino are completely free. Here are a few of the best-of-the-best you will not want to miss out on!
Bellagio Fountain show: This mesmerizing choreographed fountain show features dazzling lights and special effects as the fountains dance along to popular Broadway, pop, and classical tunes.
Wynn fountain show: It’s not as popular or as grand as the Bellagio, however, this show holds its’ own. Definitely worthy of a visit if you plan on exploring the Wynn. While it is not a destination in and of itself like the Bellagio show, it’s a nice extra bonus if you are in the vicinity.
Mirage Fountain show: Amazing volcano eruption show, featuring shooting fireballs, and accompanied to rock music. The iconic fountain erupted for the last time on July 17th!
Bellagio Conservatory and Gardens: This beautiful indoor conservatory in the Bellagio lobby changes its’ theme along with the seasons. The Christmas display, featuring more than 28,000 poinsettias, is definitely the most visually stunning.
The Wynn Gardens: The Wynn Gardens are highly impressive, being that there is a huge carousel and hot air balloon constructed entirely of flowers. In fact, the entire resort is elegant with refined decor and numerous high end shops and dining choices. Keeping up with the grandeur of the Bellagio, The Wynn gardens are also decorated exquisitely for Christmas.
Fremont Street Experience: You will have to head off The Strip to see this popular free show. This dynamic LED light show is broadcast on Viva Vision, the world’s largest screen. If you are up for a real rush, treat your senses to an experience like no other via a zip line ride right beneath the bright lights.
Other free attractions worth checking out include the Flamingo Garden, The Welcome to Las Vegas sign, and the nightly free acrobatic shows at Circus, Circus.
8. The nightlife is amazing
It comes as no surprise that a city nicknamed Sin City offers no shortage of choices in the nightlife department. However, the Vegas nightlife scene is so much more than simply nightclubs. There are plenty of things to do come dusk that do not involve shelling out big bucks for nightclubs and drink service.
The Linq High Roller: Soar 550 feet above The Vegas Strip in the comfort of a climate controlled gondola. One of the newer and more popular attractions in Vegas, the Linq now claims the title as “the world’s tallest observation wheel.”
The Eiffel Tower Experience: You do not have to go all the way to Paris to see the Eiffel tower as Vegas is home to a half-scale replica. An elevator travels 460 feet up to the observation deck where you will then proceed to take in 360 degree views of the Strip. This is the best place in town to soak in the city lights and enjoy a fabulous sunset over the mountains.
Tea at the skyroom at the Waldorf Astoria: Formerly known as The Mandarin Oriental Bar, the Skyroom is still the best place in Vegas for a drink. In addition to tea, you can enjoy a glass of wine/champagne while gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows which overlook The Strip. Skyroom is a nice sophisticated choice for anyone seeking a quiet place to enjoy a night out on the town.
9. It’s the best place for a day of spa pampering
Vegas spas are no quick in/quick out Massage Envy style experience. After walking the strip endlessly, your feet and mind will both be in need of much needed restoration. While Vegas is more often thought of as a place to indulge in vices, healing wellness spas are also one of the most sought after reasons many visit Vegas today.
From the highly touted Aquavana experience (steams, saunas, rain showers, & even a cool mist igloo experience) at the renowned Canyon Ranch spa at The Venetian, to the Turkish inspired Hammam experience (Middle Eastern style steam room) at The Cosmopolitan Sahra Spa, to the immune/respiratory boosting Shio salt room at the Aria resort, the list of unique spa amenities is quite impressive. Vegas is a spa lover’s dream destination.
10. You can shop til you drop
In a city where luxury abounds at every turn, shopping is no exception. The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace is the most impressive shopping destination. Not only is the space itself huge (over 160 stores in a 167,000 square foot space), but the Romanesque design is amazing. A colorful fish tank and a cheesy animatronic Falls of Atlantis show add to the excitement. Retailers include mainstream shops as well as high end designers like Versace, Dior, Armani, Gucci, & many more.
Planet Hollywood houses another premier Vegas shopping mall. The 1.3 mile long shopping oasis known as The Miracle Mile shops is a favorite of tourists. In addition to 170+ specialty stores, you will find dozens of restaurants and entertainment options including magic and comedy shows. For dinner treat yourself to an authentic Italian meal at Lombardi’s Romagna Mia, then swing by DoughP for some a scoop of “safe to eat” cookie dough.
The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian is another must-see while in Vegas. This upscale shopping area features designer boutiques and a number of great restaurants. The beautiful cobblestone walkways and Italian style architecture make it a romantic day destination. Gondola rides add the perfect touch!
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