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Frommer's Favorite Experiences
Strolling on the Strip after Dark: You haven't really seen Las Vegas until you've seen it at night. This neon wonderland is the world's greatest sound-and-light show. Begin at Luxor and work your way past the incredible hotels and their attractions. You'll pass the gotta-see-it-to-believe-it New York-New York on your way, and if your strength holds out, you will end at Circus Circus, where live acrobat acts take place overhead while you gamble. Make plenty of stops en route to take in the Sirens show at Treasure Island, see The Mirage volcano erupt, take a photo of the full moon over the Eiffel Tower, and marvel at the choreographed water-fountain ballet at Bellagio.
Casino-Hopping on the Strip: The interior of each lavish hotel-casino is more outrageous and giggle-inducing than the last. Just when you think they can't possibly top themselves, they do. From Venice to ancient Egypt, from a rainforest to a bit of Paris, from New York City to the ultraluxurious Wynn Las Vegas, it is all, completely and uniquely, Las Vegas.
Spending an Evening in Glitter Gulch: Set aside an evening to tour the Downtown hotels and take in the overhead light show of the Fremont Street Experience. Unlike the lengthy and exhausting Strip, here you can hit a dozen casinos in about 5 minutes.
Bingeing at Buffets: They may no longer be the very best of bargains, but there is something about the endless mounds of food that just scream "Vegas" to us.
Taking a Creative Adventures Tour: Char Cruze of Creative Adventures (tel. 702/893-2051; www.creativeadventuresltd.net) provides personalized tours unlike anything offered by a commercial tour company, full of riveting stories and incredible facts about both natural and artificial local wonders.
Marveling at the Liberace Museum: It's not the Smithsonian, but then again, the Smithsonian doesn't have rhinestones like these. Only in Vegas.
Visiting the Dolphins at The Mirage: This is a most un-Vegas experience. Watch these gorgeous mammals frolic in their cool blue pool. If you're really lucky, they'll play ball with you.
Playing Penny Slots: Even the most budget-conscious traveler can gamble for hours. Penny slots used to be as rare as a non-silicone-enhanced showgirl, but now they're in all the major casinos.
Shopping the Big Three Casino Arcades: Take what Napoleon called "the greatest drawing room in Europe," replicate it, add shops, and you've got the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian -- it's St. Mark's Square, complete with canals and working gondolas. Then there are the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, which replicate an ancient Roman streetscape, with classical piazzas and opulent fountains. Don't miss the scary audio-animatronic statues as they come to glorious, cheesy life. And while Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood is no longer the Middle Eastern-themed souk of our dreams, on its way to a more generic, "glitzy" Madison Avenue-style makeover, the variety of shops makes it one of the better hotel shopping experiences.
Being Amazed by Cirque du Soleil's O, KÀ, and Mystère: You haven't really seen Cirque du Soleil until you've seen it performed in a showroom equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems and a seemingly infinite budget for sets, costumes, and high-tech special effects. It's an enchantment.
Seeing Your Favorite Headliners: As soon as you arrive in town, pick up a show guide and see who's playing during your stay.
Finding the Worst Lounge Shows: Some feel this is the ultimate Vegas experience. Be sure to watch out for Mr. Cook E. Jarr.
Red Rock Canyon and Valley of the Fire State Park: No money-grubbing businessperson caused these awe-inspiring desert rock formations to be built, and they will be standing long after Vegas.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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