Las Vegas is a gambler’s paradise, and it’s probably reasonable that that’s what it’s best known for. However, what’s much less known is that Vegas is actually a city that offers much more than just roulette wheels and slot machines. Behind the glitz and glamour of the casino floors, Vegas is home to a rich tapestry of culture, entertainment, and natural beauty waiting to be explored.
From mesmerising natural landscapes to awe-inspiring performances and fascinating museums, this city has it all. In fact, we should probably change gambler’s paradise to entertainment paradise. This is one of the reasons why it continues to be a top destination for travellers of all stripes, not just those looking to try their luck. Let’s take a closer look at how you can spend your time in Las Vegas without gambling.
Travelling to Vegas
Before deciding on how you’re going to spend your getaway, you first need to make plans to get there. One of those important decisions that need to be made is around flights. The best way to find flights is to use a reputable travel company that does all the heavy lifting for you and just presents the best prices available.
These companies employ artificial intelligence (AI) technology in their search engines to quickly analyse all available flights. Some of them are able to scan over 650 airlines, and 60,000+ different flight routes. As well as offering low-price guarantees, these types of companies offer special deals for their members and are definitely the best way to find flights to Las Vegas.
Once you’ve landed, you’ll have several options for getting around the city. Popular ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and perfect for quickly getting around, as are taxis. There’s also an efficient public transport network you can use and plenty of car service rentals if you’d prefer.
Las Vegas is built for tourism, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding suitable accommodation options. That said, it’s very popular for a reason, and it can get extremely busy. If you’re looking to splurge, the Bellagio or the Wynn might be good options. If keeping costs low is a priority, there’s a huge number of hotels and motels on offer. Now let’s get onto the activities.
#1: Cirque Du Soleil
Cirque Du Soleil has been a staple of Las Vegas since 1993. Originally from Canada, this circus troupe has a wide range of different shows you can check out. They’ll make you laugh and leave you breathless with some of their amazing stunts. One of their earliest shows, “Mystère”, remains a fan favourite today, but there are a number of others to choose from on the Strip, each offering something a bit different.
Booking in advance remains key for Cirque shows. There’s no such thing as bad seats for these shows, but booking earlier allows you more freedom in your selection. These shows have become an integral part of the city’s identity over the last 30 years and are a must-see for every traveller.
#2: Fremont Street
Fremont Street dates all the way back to 1905 and is often referred to as the “original Las Vegas.” Today it has been transformed into a vibrant entertainment district, and it’s another great non-gambling option. You can expect to find a blend of modern attractions and old-school charm.
When you’re there, you’ll most likely check out the Fremont Street Experience. This is a pedestrian mall that’s home to the world’s largest video screen, the Viva Vision. This impressive display offers nightly light shows, featuring an impressive 12.5 million LED lights to create an immersive spectacle.
Checking out a giant screen might be interesting for the novelty factor, but the real value in Fremont Street is the energy. There’s frequent live entertainment ranging from street performers to free concerts with popular bands. There are also many great dining options to choose from. Whether you feel like a classic Vegas steakhouse, a uniquely themed restaurant, or anything in between, Fremont Street has got you covered.
#3: Grand Canyon
No list of this kind could be made without mentioning the Grand Canyon, one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. You will need to jump in a car and travel a few hours from town to get there, but it’s well worth the drive.
You have a few different options when it comes to the Grand Canyon. You can opt to head out on foot and explore or take a bird’s-eye view in a thrilling helicopter ride. On foot, you’ll be part of a guided tour with knowledgeable guides that will fill your brain with everything you’d want to know.
For an even more unique experience, step out onto the transparent platform called Skywalk. It’s a huge bridge with a glass walkway that extends out 21 metres (70 feet). But a word of warning: it’s not for the faint of heart.
It’s a good idea to plan ahead, too. While a day trip will give you a taste, an overnight stay will give you a more comprehensive experience. It will allow you to witness the changing colours at sunrise and sunset. As you can imagine, this is a popular attraction, so make sure to book well in advance.
#4: Neon Museum
Have you ever wondered what happens to all of those big neon signs in Vegas at the end of their lives? Well, wonder no more. The Neon Museum showcases the city’s iconic neon heritage and has a collection of over 200 retired signs. It features an outdoor exhibition space often referred to as the “Neon Boneyard.” It’s the perfect place to learn about one aspect of Las Vegas history.
The museum also offers special events and night tours. These are a must-do, considering the neon lights come to life at night. The highlight here is the magical “Brilliant!” light show. This is an immersive experience that uses projection mapping to bring 40 non-working signs back to life to tell the story of Las Vegas.
#5: Bellagio Fountains
When you think of the Bellagio, you think of luxury and gambling. However, it’s also a great attraction without even going inside. The Bellagio Fountains offer a mesmerising water show, set to music and lights. They are intricately programmed and choreographed, with over a thousand jets firing water up to 140 metres (460 feet) into the air.
The footpath directly in front of the Bellagio Hotel is a popular choice for viewing, but for a more elevated view, try the Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas, located right across the street. Showtimes vary, but typically start every 30 minutes in the afternoon and then every 15 minutes from 8:00 PM to midnight.
Once there, you may even find that they seem familiar. If so, that’s because they’re a part of popular culture and have been featured in movies and music videos. Specifically, you may remember Danny Ocean and crew standing in front of the fountains in the hugely popular movie “Ocean’s Eleven.”
#6: Las Vegas Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum offers a great look back in time to the rich flora, fauna, and geology of Nevada. There are a number of interactive exhibits that cover topics like the time of the dinosaurs and the vast depths of the ocean. It’s also a family-friendly attraction.
The museum also frequently hosts special events, workshops, and temporary exhibitions, so there’s always something new to discover. You might stumble upon a workshop about Nevada’s native plants or a special exhibit showcasing rare fossils.
One key tip is to check the museum’s calendar before you go so you can plan around any exhibits that catch your eye. The museum also has a picnic area, so be sure to take a packed lunch to give yourself a break between exhibits.
#7: Red Rock Canyon
Last on our list of non-gambling attractions is another canyon, this time the Red Rock. This is the perfect option for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding all on offer. It’s also not far from the Strip, so it’s no problem getting there.
One of the highlights of Red Rock Canyon is the 21-kilometre (13-mile) scenic drive that snakes through the park. This route provides beautiful panoramic views of the canyon. You’ll be struck by the stunning red sandstone peaks, hence its name.
One of the reasons Red Rock is so great is because of the exceptional conservation efforts to preserve it. There is a lot of diverse wildlife that calls Red Rock home, and the park’s management team is committed to keeping it that way. Their work ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy the beautiful landscape, just as we can today.
Although Las Vegas will continue to be known as a glamorous place of casinos, we hope we’ve done a good job of letting you know what else the city has to offer. It’s actually quite a multifaceted destination with a lot of different things going for it, even for those on a budget. Whether you’re a gambler or not, Las Vegas has the potential to offer an unforgettable experience. Take a chance, you might be surprised by what you find.
