[ladyknight33]

I am flying to Vegas the last weekend of July. I am pretty sure I have an aggressive schedule. My daughter has been to Vegas while she was a flight attendant but didn't see any of the sights. My daughter in law has never been to Vegas. This will be my fourth trip as an adult.

I arrive Thursday at midnight ~ they are arriving Wednesday at midnight. WE fly back home Monday morning. 

We have tickets for Zumanity Friday night and Celine on Sunday night. The plan is to drive to the Grand Caynon on Saturday since they don't know when they will have the chance to be out west.

Any things that are must sees for first time visitors?

 

[kindlequeen]

Fremont Street is the "Old" Vegas with the lit up cowboy you see in tons of older movies.... that's always one of my fave places to go.... plus the gambling is cheaper, they do live music outside (there is no road, it's all for pedestrians and it's covered so you don't get burnt during the day), it's just got a different energy than the strip.

Zumanity was a great show, less acrobatic than the travelling ones but so worth seeing. 

 

[lauren_fraser]

I just went to Vegas in May for the first time.  I second Freemont street, but definitely go at night because they have light shows on the canopy etc which are pretty cool. When we were there they had the North American Elvis impersonator finals happening which was really cool.

Just walking down the strip at night is pretty neat too. There's a free show at Treasure Island, the volcano at the Mirage, the water show at the Bellagio.  If you want to go up the eiffel tower then grab one of those Vegas to Go magazines that are around everywhere since they have BOGO coupons in them.

Have fun.  Let us know how Zumanity is. We went and saw Ka which was fantastic too.

 

[Margaret]

You may also enjoy eating at the Top of the World Restaurant at the Stratosphere Hotel.  It is a little pricey, but the food is good and the view is spectacular.  Lunch is more reasonable than dinner and you still get the great view.  Enjoy the shows and the GrandCanyon trip! I second Lauren's advice to take a night to enjoy the experience of walking on the strip and enjoying all the free sights it has to offer.  Have a wonderful trip!

 

[rla1996]

Don't forget to walk under the sleeping Lion at the MGM.  Its amazing to see up close how HUGE they are.

 

[Vegas_Asian]

Red rock is nice and just  outside the city.  The thing is the pain this weekend did wash dirt into jgd roads. If you planning on going there call ahead if the road had been cleared.

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[Shellybean]

We went 4th of July weekend in 2009 and I have to say Freemont Street was my favorite place. Both day and night. It was much cooler under that canopy. lol Really what I like was the "vintage" Vegas vibe. There is even a little casino that still has nickle slots that actually play and pay out in nickles. The light show was fantastic.

We stayed on the Strip and it was fun to people watch but BIL and SIL stayed at the Golden Nugget and their basic room was nicer than our suite. The pool with the shark tank was fantastic. Next time we go I'd like to stay either there or one of the "boutique" hotels off the stip. (they are basically dive hotels that have been rehabed with unique and or themed decor and more upscale feel.)

 

[ZsuZsu]

We go to Vegas at least twice year- and we were married there 4 years ago this July!  For first timers, A LOT of time can be spent simply walking through all the various hotels and looking at the free attractions!  Comfortable walking shoes are a MUST, and at this time of year make sure to drink LOTS of water- it is HOT!  Make sure to catch the fountain show in front of the Bellagio during the evening (we enjoy doing that from the patio at Mon Ami Gabi across the street at Paris while having a few apps and some wine), and during the day, the Bellagio conservatory is beautiful and a nice escape from the heat. For a spectacular view of the entire strip in the evening, I also recommend Mix (at the very top of TheHotel at Mandalay Bay) for a cocktail or two on the beautiful outside terrace....
There are some great discounts to be had at a lot of the restaurants- check out restaurant.com for participating places- many of the restaurants in Mandalay Bay participate and you can get $25 and $50 for as much as 80% off during various promos- I think right now they have 70% off through today.... It's a great way to save some money for a nice meal-

The Venetian is a favorite spot of ours- that's where we were married!  Walk through their shop area and just marvel at the blue sky (inside) and listen to the gondola drivers singing through the canals.... There are just SO MANY things to do in Vegas!
I would be happy to help you with suggestions if you'd like- send me a PM if you want!

 

[leslieray]

We went to Vegas just a few months ago and saw Phantom of the Opera at The Venetian, although good, I have saw a better performance in New Orleans many years ago.

Now, we also saw KA' which is playing at the MGM. Got great tickets at a discount since we were staying there. The show was spectacular! I would pay good money to see it again!! Awesome!!

Went to Fremont Street on our visit last summer, that was fun too!!

Hope you have a great time no matter what you do!!!!

 

[Tess St John]

I had the most fun just walking around the different hotels!!!

 

[Dawn McCullough White]

We stayed at Mandalay Bay a few years ago, and they have a very nice aquarium there called "The Shark Reef" that you might enjoy:

http://www.mandalaybay.com/entertainment/shark-reef-aquarium.aspx

 

[NapCat (retired)]

The plan is to drive to the Grand Canyon on Saturday since they don't know when they will have the chance to be out west.

That is a long drive and the south rim can be very crowded.....consider taking one of the air tours.....nice flight to and from the canyon, air conditioned bus drives along the rim with stops at the best viewing points. Also stops at the main lodge for dining and shopping.....prices are reasonable. Arrangements can be made through your hotel.

Have Fun !!

 

[Cuechick]

For cheap stakes gambling, Circus Circus is pretty fun.I suggest the Bellagio Buffett, lunch is less expensive and it is all pretty amazing... They also have In n' Out Burger in Vegas, so if you have never had the chance it is so worth it (see photo)...

The only other place you can get them is Cali and maybe Phoenix ...

 

[Katie Salidas]

Speaking as a Vegas local... First Timers should always see the freebie shows on the strip.

Go take a picture at the famous Las Vegas sign. They have a lovely parking area now so it's a lot safer than it used to be.
Mirage's Volcano - Erupts every hour
Treasure Island - Sirens of TI. Every hour (If you ask me, I hate this show now. I miss the original pirates show. The oversexed version now is a joke, but it's free entertainment.)
Bellagio - Water show. Every hour.
Caesars Palace - Forum Shops - Moving statues (view the one by the Cheesecake factory, not the small show in the center of the shops) show starts every hour on the half hour.

Downtown (please note, downtown is far from the "strip" you'll need transportation.)
Freemont Street Experience. Under the canopy light show.

If you have time during the day...
Visit the MGM lions.
Mirage has the dolphin habitat. (not free)
Mandalay Bay has shark reef (not free)

 

[Vegas_Asian]

Bellagio - Water show. Every hour.

I thought it was every fifteen minutes is the summer and every half hour any other time of the year.
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[Katie Salidas]

You might be right for summer times. I know they do tend to set it off more often during peak seasons.

We only hit the strip when family is in town. Otherwise we stay far, far away. LoL.

 

[Vegas_Asian]

You might be right for summer times. I know they do tend to set it off more often during peak seasons.

We only hit the strip when family is in town. Otherwise we stay far, far away. LoL.

Same here. It's too much of a hassle to get there sometimes. Traffic is crazy.

Another tip. Really comfortable shoes on the strip. Bring a light jacket or cardigans with you everywhere it hot outside, but inside a lot of places the ac really is pumping.
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[Katie Salidas]

Same here. It's too much of a hassle to get there sometimes. Traffic is crazy.

Another tip. Really comfortable shoes on the strip. Bring a light jacket or cardigans with you everywhere it hot outside, but inside a lot of places the ac really is pumping.
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Yep Yep!!! This advice is 100% golden!! Those casinos always keep the AC turned way up. And comfy shoes are a must for walking the strip!