Atlantis Fountain Show @ The Forum Shops @ Caesar's Las Vegas (FREE)
This short little show is okay. It's nothing to write home about. I honestly missed it the first maybe 8 times I visited Vegas and I'm not the least bit upset that I missed it. It's a cute little ditty but just not worth the time it takes to find it unless you're already there checking out the shops (or restaurants). I wish it was a little longer, but for now it's "eh."
Bacchanal Buffet
Located inside Caesar's Palace, this buffet was simply amazing. Honestly, it's the most money I've ever spent on a buffet, but it was worth it. (I never thought I'd say that, but there I go!) We tried the brunch buffet which was $54.99 per person. If I'm being honest, there were probably a thousand dishes to choose from, and I didn't know what 90% of them were. But I could mostly see ingredients and make assumptions on whether or not I would like it. And let's face it, it's a buffet, so if you don't like it, just get something else. My favorite part of the buffet had to be the homemade crepes. I have no idea what was even on my crepe besides chocolate, nutella and berries, but it was delicious!! I told the chef to make it as if he was making it for himself, and he did. Best choice I made that whole trip!
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens (FREE)
I've checked out the conservatory too many times to count and it is always a treat. It changes every season so even if you've seen it before, you will not have seen the current display. Everything and I mean everything is made out of plants and flowers. It is amazing. Even more amazing is that they shut the Conservatory down for ONE NIGHT to take it down and build the new one. I mean, HOW?!?! I absolutely love the Conservatory and it is always a treat.
Bellagio Fountains (FREE)
The Bellagio Fountains, also known as the Water Ballet, is always absolutely amazing. It is actually my dream job to choreograph the Water Ballet. I mean, can you imagine controlling all those separate hoses and their directions and force?! Okay, maybe that's just me, but everyone is always in love with the fountains & it is a must-see on every trip!
Ben & Jerry's in Harrah's
(there is also one in the Grand Bazaar Shops & Miracle Mile Shops)
As usual this chain ice cream joint was on point. I love the Rocky Road. If you're not an ice cream person (then we can't be friends... just kidding) they have sorbet options as well. Friendly staff and great options.
Burgers Brassiere
Even though this is obviously a burger joint, we had breakfast here. I had the pancakes which were light, fluffy, sweet, and soft. I wasn't expecting much from the name, I just figured breakfast wouldn't be their strong suit but it was quite good. If the burgers are anything like their pancakes, then they are amazing!
Circus Acts at Circus Circus (FREE)
The Circus Acts at Circus Circus are quite intriguing. There are balancing acts, juggling, trapeze artists, and so much more. The fact that it's free is just the icing on the cake. If you're in Vegas for more than a couple days and have the time, I definitely recommend going by Circus Circus and checking out their free acts. They also have some rides in the Adventure Dome which is close to the acts, and some arcade games can be found in the area as well.
Diablo's Cantina at the Luxor
By the time we ate here, it was the weekend and everything was busy. We tried to circumvent waiting by eating dinner at 5 o'clock but there was already a 20-30 minute wait. I have to say, though, it was actually worth it. I had Diablo's Finest Alambre Tacos which were decadent and delicious. The salsa was yummy and my soda never got empty, even though I was quite thirsty at this meal. Great service & great food, that makes for an extraordinary experience.
This photo is from their website here
Eiffel Tower Las Vegas @ Paris Las Vegas (FREE to visit, small fee to ride elevator up)
Okay, so obviously, it's not the real Eiffel Tower. That being said, it is a gorgeous replica. I will have to find them, but I took TONS of photos here when I got married (the first time) and I loved most of
them just because of the awesome backdrops like the Eiffel Tower. You have got to stop by, even if you're just taking a stroll mid-strip. Wanna check out the view from the top? Pay $24.50 for each adult (less for kids) and ride the 46 stories to the top to check out some of the best strip views you're gonna get. Check out Groupon since their is frequently a Groupon for the Eiffel Tower Experience.
Fantasy at the Luxor Hotel
Now, this is one of those more racy shows. It is NOT for kids and you're gonna see bewbies. So, if that's what you're looking for, this is the show for you. The seating was not-too-intimate , all-be-it a little awkward if you're in the front row. As a dance instructor of 17 years, I was not un-impressed with the dancing. There was more actual choreography than I expected. The show over-all is pretty good and definitely worth the money.
I borrowed this photo from their website.
Fashion Show @ Fashion Show Mall (FREE)
Fashion Shows take place on an 80-foot retractable runway that comes out of the floor! I mean, have you ever?! Check it out Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays every hour on the hour from 12-5pm.
Favorite Bistro
Located at The LINQ Promenade, this was the first place we'd gone by that didn't have a wait on a Friday night. We had a show to go to and didn't want to risk being late, so of course we stopped here. I ordered the Chicken Caesar Salad which was good, but not worth $20, maybe $15. The service was good and we made the show with plenty of time to spare. After doing some research online, it appears we missed their niche: cocktails and breakfast, but not together; well, maybe together, I mean it is Vegas after all.
Here is a photo of The Crystal Cranberry from their website.
Check out their menu here
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo (FREE)
Who doesn't love flamingos? Walk straight through to the back of the Flamingo and you'll come right across the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat. Now, flamingos aren't the only birds or creatures you'll find here, but they are the most interesting in my opinion.
Freemont Street Experience (FREE)
The world's largest television, a canopy overhead the blocked off streets of Las Vegas will come alive with over two million lights to delight and tickle your senses with a state-of-the-art sound system to boot. If you're thinking about visiting Downtown Las Vegas for that "Old Vegas" feel, you have got to spend 5 minutes checking out the Freemont Street Experience.
Fu's Asian Kitchen off the strip at 4455 Paradise Rd
I was with my parents and we were in the mood for Japanese. We didn't know we were being ignorant by assuming this was Japanese. Turns out, it's Cantonese Asian Fusion. Whoops. That being said, the wait was about 30 minutes but we didn't mind. After all, we have smart phones. The service at this restaurant was not horrible, but it wasn't good either. None of us liked our food and we all got different things. Usually from any Asian restaurant, we would either be scraping the bottom of the plate or taking home leftovers. That didn't come close to happening at this restaurant. We were eating with a few of my dad's work friends and none of them were happy with the food or service either. (My dad was in town for a conference, and my mom and I tagged along to do all the Vegas-y things while dad was in class all day til 5pm every day.) So, summing this place up, it's not somewhere I will ever return.
Gondoliers @ the Venetian (FREE to look & listen, $34-39 per person to ride)
Be transported to Venice without ever leaving Las Vegas. At the front of the hotel is a pool with Gondola rides all day every day. The Gondoliers have beautiful singing voices and they serenade their patrons as they take them on a ride through the mall. Even if you don't feel like being all romantic and jumping in a gondola, you'll enjoy being serenaded while you peruse the Venetian / Venice Las Vegas.
Handblown Glass Flowers on the Bellagio check-in ceiling
If you're going to the Conservatory anyway, you'll have to walk through the check-in area at the Bellagio to get there. You definitely have to see these gorgeous hand-blown glass flowers that litter the glass ceiling, Pictures do not do this destination justice. It is absolutely gorgeous to see 40,000 pounds of glass connected to a 10,000 pound armature just above your head.
Hand of Faith at the Golden Nugget
Get this. There's a golden nugget that weighs 61 pounds at the Golden Nugget! How rad is that? Granted is cool to see, but you can not touch! To check it out, just head to the lobby.
Jabbawockeez now at the MGM Grand, I saw it when it was at Luxor
This was a family-friendly show that I went to with my parents. The choreography was awesome. The lighting was spectacular. The show overall was just a hit. I was SO EXCITED to see this show and it didn't disappoint. They didn't allow photos or video but here's a photo I took with my parents before the show. As you can see, they aren't nearly as excited about the show as I am. They did both like it, though.
JJ's Boulangerie
This quaint little bakery is in the "indoor street" in between Bally's and Paris, but much closer to Paris. We had pizza for lunch and each tried a different dessert. The pizza was good, nothing to write home about, but nothing to snub your nose at either. The dessert, however, was fantastic. I WISH I'd gotten a picture of the desserts because they were so adorable and tasted as good as they looked! If you're traveling through Bally's and Paris stop and grab a dessert, you won't regret it!
Here is a photo of their pizza from their website.
La Salsa Cantina located in the Miracle Mile Shops around Planet Hollywood
I love this place. The food is good, the prices are not too bad and the drinks flow! Side note: this used to be a very cheap restaurant, it appears they have gone up in prices, but the food is still good so I would still eat there. I love a Mexican Restaurant with great salsa and La Salsa Cantina is no exception. I like the Enchilada Suiza (Verdes). My husband likes the fajitas.
This photo is from their website, and is of my fav dish, the Enchilada Suiza (Verdes).
Laugh Factory in the Tropicana
So this was an experience to remember. The line-ups are different almost every night so I can't guarantee whoever you see will be as entertaining as the people I saw. However, I'm going to tell you about it anyway. The first comedian was a little slow getting started and someone started to heckle him. Holy schnikes, that man may have had a little trouble remembering how to start his act but he was not slow at all when it came to come backs. It was amazing how fast he was returning fire. Then, some poor schlub got up to go to the bathroom and the comedian started in on him. Don't get me wrong, the place was trembling with laughter, It was absolutely hilarious. But, the fear in the air was also palpable. People were afraid to move and draw the attention of the comedian. This continued throughout the headliner, who brought other people on stage to tell jokes because he was an older fella (late 70s) and he'd completely forgotten his act. The other comedians joking with him trying to help him out were so funny and this was just a great overall, all-be-it scary, experience.
Luxor Las Vegas Sky Beam (FREE)
You can see the Sky Beam at the Luxor from, well, pretty much anywhere. I mean, the rumor mill says you can see it from space. I don't know if that's true, but I've taken the red eye a few times and it is always highly visible from 38,000 feet. Not having to go anywhere specific to see it is quite convenient and it's a Las Vegas staple, so ya gotta take a minute and just admire the beauty that is the Sky Beam.
Madame Tussauds
The Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas is a million times better than the one in New York City. The one in Vegas seems bigger, more spaced out, and the times I happened to visit, less busy. The one in Vegas doesn't make you feel rushed which is a huge deal if you're wanting to take photos, especially real photos and more than just selfies. I absolutely loved the Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas. I think you will too.
Maggiano's Little Italy
Located at Fashion Show Mall beside Treasure Island and across the street from the Wynn, Maggiano's Little Italy is one of my favorite restaurants in Las Vegas. I have visited this restaurant every time I have visited Vegas but one. (Long story short, my friend sprained her ankle the first day and had to ride a scooter all over Vegas and we just didn't make it that far down the strip.) I am a creature of habit so I always get the Fettuccini Alfredo and there is always so much I end up taking half of it back to the room for later. If you've been to Vegas before you know that most rooms don't have a microwave, but yes, I will eat it cold. It's that good. Also, I've visited this restaurant with friends and family multiple times and always had a good experience. Everyone always raves about the food and the service is always spectacular.
Here is a photo from their website of Mom's Lasagna which my dad and husband loved.
Margaritaville Las Vegas
Margaritaville is one of my favorite repeat restaurants as well. I absolutely love their Volcano Nachos. Their burgers are good but those Nachos are amaaaazing. I have to also recommend what they're famous for; those Margaritas are delicious!
Check out their menu here
This video comes from YouTube and is not original material.
Mermaids at the Silverton Casino (FREE)
The Mermaids at the Silverton are also a must-see. They are interactive with the crowd, especially with kids, and the aquarium itself is just gorgeous. If you're downtown Vegas, you've gotta check it out.
Million Bucks @ Binions (FREE to take a photo with it)
Okay, this is pretty cool. You can take your photo with a million bucks! I mean, are you ever going to be able to do that without visiting Binions Casino? I'm not! I have to say though, once you've done it, you've done it. I don't feel the urge to go back and visit each time I'm in town. I've honestly only done it once and it was pre-phone cameras so I don't even have a photo. Here's one from another website,
Number 1 Foot Reflexology
We had gotten a Groupon for a 60 minute massage here. When I called to make an appointment and told the lady I had a Groupon, she said "no don't buy Groupon, we give you same price." I tried to explain I'd already bought it but we had a slight language barrier situation and it wasn't getting through, In the end, it all worked out. We were running late because we couldn't find a Taxi/Uber/etc. that could accommodate my friend's scooter (since she'd sprained her ankle). I called them to let them know we would be about 30 minutes late as long as we found a ride by then. The building was in a strip mall off the strip that didn't look too sketchy. They were nice and accommodating. We expected a 60 minute foot massage, but that was not what we got at all... not complaining! We were told to strip and lay under a sheet. We had a private room for our couple's massage which was nice. We got about a 15 minute foot massage and a 45 minute "almost" everything else massage. Neither of us had complaints. They did a great job and we were relaxed and happy by the time we left.
I had trouble finding a website for this establishment, but if you'd like to make an appointment, their phone number is (702) 227-9886.
Olive Garden near MGM
Looking for a restaurant where you know exactly what to expect? This chain is just like all the others, except it's upstairs... there is an elevator for those with wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, etc. I have to say, though, I typically don't order alcoholic beverages from Olive Garden but their specialty cocktails are amazing.
Outback Steakhouse at Casino Royale
This isn't your typical Outback. Well it is, but the view is so much better. If you sit near the window, you can see the Mirage's Volcano Eruption while you dine! Of course, the menu is like it is everywhere else, so you'll know what to expect. I love their salad with bleu cheese dressing. It's homemade and delicious - and I don't like bleu cheese anywhere else! If you're not in the mood for a steak, try my favorite, the Queensland Chicken and Shrimp Pasta. Or my husband's non-steak favorite, the Alice Spring's Chicken. Known for the Original Bloomin' Onion, like in the pic below from their website, their are several appetizers to choose from and you can't go wrong with any of them.
Pampas Las Vegas
Pampas is another restaurant I visit every time I go to Vegas. A Brazilian steakhouse with an unlimited Rodizio option, the food is great. I always go to the "Tickets for Tonight" booth, now known as "Tix 4 Vegas". If you go the day of, you can get a discounted all you can eat Rodizio pass for cheaper than at the actual restaurant. Now, after you get this pass and know you'll be going to Pampas that day, call them and make a reservation. Seriously, the wait was like 4 hours the last time I went, and with a reservation we waited about 10 minutes to be seated. I definitely like the ten minute option. I prefer the charcuterie to the meat options, but I'm just weird. My husband and business partner loved the meat options. Now, you can't get seafood with the unlimited Tix 4 Vegas pass, so if that's what you're going for check out the menu and see what would be a better fit for you. I have to add that I wasn't as impressed with the food the last time I went, The chicken was a little dry and I just wasn't feeling it.
To be perfectly honest, I "borrowed" this photo from their website.
Paradise Massage
Now this was an experience. The building was all by it's self off the strip and quite honestly we were a little scared to get out of the Uber. The vibe was sketchy but it had decent reviews online, and again we had another Groupon, so we braved it and went in. The people were pleasant. They took us to a room with curtains in between the massage rooms, which was only awkward at the end of the massage. The couples massage we received was nice, relaxing, smooth, and gentle for the most part. I am not a "deep massage" person so I was very happy with this. To make sure we were getting what we wanted they asked "do you like" a few times in the beginning but after that it was silence and music until the end. About 5-10 minutes before we finished another couple arrived for their couple's massage. They were placed in the room with us, but with a curtain between us. The only time this got awkward was when we were finished. We dressed and just looked at each other. We had to walk through the other couple's massage room to get out the door. I felt like a Creepy McCreeperton walking through there knowing they're probably naked and clothed by a single sheet and I can't imagine how embarassing it was for them.. or if they even cared at all. All in all it was a good experience and we didn't get approached by any sketchy people while waiting for our Uber to return us to the strip.
If you'd like to make an appointment, you can find their website here.
Penn & Teller at the Rio
This show was just spectacular. I can not begin to tell you how amazing the magic and the scenes behind it can transform a huge theater and make you feel like you are up close and personal. To tell you how great this show was, I had a friend that wanted to see it on a subsequent trip and I told her I was more than willing to see it twice. It's just a great magic show! It's a little pricey but it's well worth it, and you can always check at "Tix4Vegas" and see if they have discounted tickets the day of. That's how we got ours!
Here is a photo I borrowed from their website.
Rainforest Café
The Rainforest Cafe is more of an experience. The woodsy atmosphere and the moving animals are especially fun if you have children. It's a little pricey but the ambience is just spectacular.
Check out their menu here.
RuPaul's Drag Race Live Las Vegas at the Flamingo
If you're a fan of the television show, you will LOVE THIS SHOW! If you're not a fan of the television show, or have just never seen it, like me, you will still really enjoy this show. It's spunky, it's exciting, it's just got a palpable energy that is so fun. Seeing some of the queens from the show was still pretty cool. I was disappointed that RuPaul wasn't there and was portrayed on a television screen, but I should have known better. I mean, RuPaul is filming multiple Drag Race Shows in different countries so when would she have the time?!
I totally borrowed this photo from their website, since I'm a dinglehopper and only took snapchats which I forgot to save.
Shark Tank Slide at the Golden Nugget (FREE to see, pay to visit pool or ride slide)
Once you've seen it, eh, you've seen it. But if you've never seen it before, you need to head over to the Golden Nugget if you're in the downtown area and check out this huge shark tank, with a clear glass water slide right through the middle of it!! You can check it out for free, but lately if you want to visit the pool scene or especially ride the slide you'll have to pay a cover if you're not staying at the hotel.
Statue of Liberty @ New York New York Las Vegas
So the replica of the Statue of Liberty itself isn't the coolest thing about the New York New York Hotel & Casino. If you've never seen it before, it's worth a looksy but make sure you go inside for the best views of recreated 1940s NYC streets with great pizza places and other restaurants reminiscent of food ole New York. While you're checking it out, consider doing something on my Bucket List... ride the roller coaster that goes through the hotel, outside, and even through the lobby!
The Buffet at Bellagio
I actually had a wedding reception here way back when in my first marriage. Yes, I got married in Vegas. No, it wasn't spur of the moment. Anyway, The Buffet at Bellagio has several different stations specializing in foreign cuisine. There are live cooking stations and the gelato buffet is a major hit. Of course, the restaurant itself is gorgeous like the hotel and casino. I borrowed this picture from their website.
The Buffet at Luxor
This buffet is currently only open on Mondays and Holiday Weekends. This buffet is usually on the cheaper end (unless it's a Holiday Weekend like Easter) and the food is not bad. The buffet at Luxor reminds me of a Golden Corral. The food is good, the service is good, everything is just good. Now, if you're not straying far and will be near Luxor all day, their Unlimited All Day Pass is $49.99 and expires at 10pm on the day of usage. That's honestly not a bad price, considering how much most surrounding buffets are going to cost you.
This photo is from their website, and dictates this is from their carving station.
Thunderstorm @ The Miracle Mile Shops @ Planet Hollywood (FREE)
I have to admit, it is pretty cool to see a thunderstorm indoors, where you don't get wet. The thunderstorm will tickle the senses as it pours rain with thundering sounds and smoke resembling fog coming up from the ground. Planet Hollywood is my personal favorite hotel anyway, so I always have to stop by and peruse the Miracle Mile Shops. Why not stop for a free show as well?
Volcano at the Mirage (FREE)
I've been on three separate trips where the Volcano was under construction, so I don't know if I'm just unlucky or if it breaks down a lot. However, if it's working, it is a must-see! The detail put into the Volcano Eruption is just AMAZING! You won't wanna miss this freebie, so park your butt near the top of the volcano for the best show!
Welcome to Las Vegas Sign (FREE)
Of course you'll want to get your photo with the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas Sign. It's at the end of the strip near a tiny parking lot at the corner of Sunset & Las Vegas Blvd. I recommend getting there
early in the morning because there is almost always a line and parking is very limited. There used to be a picture of it at the
airport and we would just cheat and take our photo there to
avoid the line.
World's Largest Chocolate Fountain @ Bellagio (FREE to see)
Where else are you going to see the world's largest chocolate fountain? Nowhere. That's where. It's pretty cool to see a world record anything. You know it is. But this one is enclosed in glass so you can't touch or take a dip in the fountain. However, you can buy some chocolates made from it.
X Burlesque at the Flamingo
This show was simply breath-taking. Another one of those "no kids allowed" type of shows, the choreography was beautiful, exciting, and just plain enticing! I was super surprised to notice they didn't only do upbeat jazzy numbers, but their were lyrical and modern pieces as well. Remember, you're gonna see bewbies so be okay with that before you buy tickets. This show was in a very intimate setting and was just overall gorgeous. I can't recommend it enough!
Additional Thoughts...
I feel the need to add that my absolute favorite buffets have been "temporarily closed for Covid". However, it's been two years and they're still closed. I absolutely LOVED the breakfast/brunch buffet at Paris, the Le Village Buffet; and I always made sure to plan ahead for the Seafood Buffet at the Rio. Both of these restaurants are LIFE and I recommend trying them if they ever re-open. Also, the Paradise Garden Buffet at the Flamingo is "temporarily closed" and has the best brunch with unlimited mimosas without an additional fee.
Want to know more about Vegas? Here's a list of the Best Places to Eat in Vegas compiled from TONS of other websites.