15 Best Things To Do In Las Vegas That Are Non-gambling
15 Things To Do In Las Vegas That Are Non-gambling
Las Vegas is renown for its casinos and nightlife but what to do if you don’t gamble nor drink? Let me tell you, tons! Las Vegas is the mecca of entertainment, so rest assured there is something to do for everyone – not to mention, the nearby sightseeing. So I have collaborated with Expedia.com to bring you this guide to help you navigate Las Vegas sans casino. Without further ado, here are 15 things to do in las Vegas that are non-gambling.
1. Go Hotel Hopping
Let’s start with an obvious one: Hotel hopping of course! For first-timers, this is obligatory. Each hotel is a world of its own with a plethora of shops, restaurants, shows, and grandiose décor. It won't take you all day but if you are short of time, make sure to at least check out the Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan, and The Venetian. After all, the third thing Las Vegas is known for is its hotels’ glitz!
See all Las Vegas hotels on Expedia.com
2. Eat Your Way Through Vegas
If you are a foodie like me, Vegas won’t disappoint. From Michelin star restaurants to local fares, there is a menu for every budget and cravings in the Sin City. If you ask me, this is the funnest thing to do in Las Vegas and it’s non-gambling.
So where to eat in Las Vegas?
Buffets
For those looking to experience the customary buffet dining in Las Vegas, the city offers a dizzying array of choices. Make sure to forgo the glamorous tight dress or pants and opt for some preggo clothing or sweatpants – No judgment.
The Best Buffets in Las Vegas:
·Wicked Spoon buffet at The Cosmopolitan
·Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace
·Bellagio Buffet at Bellagio
·Studio B Buffet at The M Resort
Michelin Star Restaurants
If you are in Vegas to splurge or to indulge in a culinary experience, Michelin star restaurant is a must. One of my favorite chefs, world-renowned, Joël Robuchon happen to have two restaurants in the city– L'Atelier Robuchon and Joël Robuchon with one and three Michelin stars respectively - at the MGM Hotel. Also, renowned French chef, Guy Savoy serves classic dishes at the Restaurant Guy Savoy located in the Caesars Palace.
Michelin Star Restaurants in Las Vegas
Joël Robuchon, MGM Grand ***
Picasso, Bellagio **
Restaurant Guy Savoy, Caesars Palace **
L'Atelier Robuchon, MGM Grand *
Nobu, Caesars Palace *
Aureole, Mandalay Bay *
Twist, Mandarin Oriental *
Alize, Palms *
Mesa Grill, Caesars Palace *
Wing Lei, Wynn *
Le Cirque, Bellagio *
Las Vegas locals restaurants' recommendations
The best way to find out where the locals’ wine and dine is to ask the locals. I surveyed several Las Vegans – yes, that’s how you call the residents- for the best restaurants in town, and these were the most popular recommendations:
Shang Artisan Noodle
Fukumimi Ramen
Lotus of Siam
Viva Las Arepas
Flock & Fowl
7th & Carson
Other Mama
Carson Kitchen
Standard & Pour
3. Transport Yourself To The Magical World of Cirque Du Soleil
One of my favorite things to do in Las Vegas is to watch a Cirque Du Soleil show – a visually stunning acrobatic spectacle that feeds your inner child. Although you can find Cirque Du Soleil all around the world, none are as magical as the one in Las Vegas. My favorite thus far is KA and O – If you are only watching one show, make it count and watch either of them.
Cirque Du Soleil Shows in Las Vegas:
O
KA
The Beatles LOVE
Michael Jackson ONE
Zumanity
Mystere
4. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
With countless restaurants in Las Vegas, rest assured there’s an equally impressive amount of shops where one can satisfy even the most ostentatious sweet craving. If you have some major sweet tooth, Las Vegas is there for you.
Where to find the best sweets in Las Vegas:
Milk
Creamberry
Recess Italian Ice
Amorino
Black Tap
Bouchon Bakery
Paris Baguette
5. Neon-Lights Museum
Can’t get enough of the neon lights from the strip? Enters the Neon Museum of Las Vegas. Partake in an hour-long guided tour – the only way to access the museum – and enjoy a walk to the past through Las Vegas signs of yesterday.
Best time to visit the Neon Museum?
Visit at the golden hour where there’s still sunlight for you to enjoy the signs that don’t light up but dark enough for the ones that are up and running to pop!
Make sure to book your tour in advance and to read the “Before you visit” section for their guidelines.
6. Enjoy The Best View of Las Vegas
At more than 550 feet tall, the High Roller in Las Vegas is the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. Hop on it for a breath-taking view of the strip and the surrounding desert. I highly recommend taking the ride at sunset for a stunning view.
7. Visit The Container Park
Escape Las Vegas glitz and glamour and head down to the Container Park. As the name suggests, the park is built with shipping containers creating a little utopia off the strip. Visit at night for some light entertainment, food, and maybe a little shopping too. Bonus: There’s a giant fire-breathing preying mantis! The park is family friendly and popular among locals.
8. Check out Bodies: The Exhibition
Curious about how our body works? Check out the Bodies exhibition. If you haven’t heard about this exhibition before, you’ve been living under a rock, but I forgive you. The Bodies exhibition is famous for displaying –tastefully– real dissected human bodies. Fascinating right?
9. Visit The Mob Museum
It’s no secret that mobsters founded Las Vegas; today, The Mob museums shed lights on the gangster era and the work of the FBI agents to counter it. At the museum, you will learn more about infamous mobster such as Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel, and John Gotti; as well as the dedicated FBI agents that worked to defeat organized crimes across the country.
Tip: If you are planning to visit the Neon Museum and the Mob Museum, you can get a combo ticket.
10. Shop Til You Drop
With a dizzying amount of boutiques in Las Vegas, you could technically “Shop till you drop” – but for your safety, I suggest not. Shopping is another obvious thing to do in Las Vegas if you are looking for High Fashion labels. But for those who are not, Las Vegas also offers specialty stores, independent boutiques, and cute little shops like the one where I almost mistook soap for a cupcake! I was surprised to find so many charming boutiques on the strip as well as off the Strip.
11 Get Your Scream On
Adrenaline junkie? Head to the Stratosphere and get shot over the edge and dangle at an eye-watering 866 feet above ground, or be prepared to be shot 160 feet in the air as you overlook the strip. Nevertheless, if you dare, you will be rewarded with an unbelievable view of the city.
Rides at the Stratosphere:
Insanity
Big Shot
Skyjump
X Scream
12. Zoomline At the Freemont St. Experience
Want some adventure but not quite ready for the rides at the Stratosphere? Enters SlotZilla at the Freemont Street. Ride “superhero style” all the way down the Freemont street experience for an eagle-eye view of the promenade.
13. Enjoy a Walk At The LINQ Promenade
Nested between The LINQ and Flamingo hotel, the promenade offers over 40 shops and restaurants - not to mention, the gorgeous view of the High Roller in the background – so you can rest assured, there is something for everybody.
Tip:
If you are planning to use UBER in Las Vegas, there are designated areas for pick-ups and drop-offs so find the nearest pick-up location (hotel signs or on the UBER app) before you get an UBER.
14. Escape The Glitz At Ethel M Chocolate Factory And Botanical Cactus Garden
Who knew chocolate and cacti could mix so well? - Ethel M Chocolates' breathtaking Botanical Cactus Garden offers its visitors Chocolate tasting classes as well self-guided tours. Afterward, you can head to the breathtaking – and largest of its kind in Nevada - Botanical Cactus Garden for a relaxing afternoon away from the strip.
15. Visit Las Vegas Nearby Attractions
Some of the best things to do in Las Vegas are ironically outside of Vegas! Book a tour or rent a car and explore the nearby attractions. If you have a few extra days, you can even add the Grand Canyon to your itinerary.
Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is definitely a must if you are in Las Vegas. You can rent a car and make it a mini road-trip, or you can book a tour that can take you there hassle free.
Red Rock Canyon
Located on the west side of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is only 20 minutes away. The Park offers a scenic drive to its visitors, and it’s the perfect place for a quick city-escape. You can spend the entire day at the park or just an afternoon; either way, you will feel recharged.
Valley of Fire
If you love nature and hiking, this will be a real treat - especially if you are a photographer. The fiery colors of the boulders and swaying road make it a dream to explore and photograph. At just an hour away, the Valley of Fire is a must when you visit Las Vegas. You can could drive there or book a tour.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon's south rim, although in Arizona, it's only a four-hour drive. Many visitors add it to their itinerary when visiting the city. Others make Las Vegas their starting point of their South West road-trip which sometimes include nearby parks like Antelope Canyon, Zion National Park, The Valley of Fire, Lake Powell, and Bryce Canyon National Park. If you don’t want to worry about renting cars or planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, you can book a tour too .
Book your day trip tours
As you can see, there are tons of activities for you to do in Las Vegas besides gamble or drink. Have you been to the Sin City? What would you add to the list?
For more places to explore outside Las Vegas, check out my South West road-trip adventure here.
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