Your First Time in Las Vegas

Our Local Expert Says:

One of Las Vegas' most well-known attractions--and it's free!

Description:

The Bellagio's Fountains sound like a simple concept: shooting jets of water timed to music. But what sounds simple is actually a complex choreography of technology, sound, and water. Designed by WET Design, an international company that specializes in elaborate water displays, the Bellagio's Fountains are spread over the nine-acre lake in front of the Bellagio. Over 1,200 nozzles and 4,500 lights work together to shoot water 400+ feet in the air—but that's not all the fountains do. They sway, they dance, and they wow the crowds that gather to watch them.

Shows start in the afternoon, but the best time to see the fountains is at night. The combination of music and the illuminated dancing water is enchanting. Many people have already seen the fountains on television shows or in movies (most famously, the George Clooney remake of "Ocean's 11"). Romantic, spectacular, and iconic, the Bellagio's Fountains are a free Las Vegas attraction that's appropriate for anyone of any age.

An underground well supplies most of the water for the fountains. Prior to the Bellagio, the Dunes and its golf course were located here—thus, the well, which watered the golf course. The Dunes was imploded to make way for the Bellagio.

Description:

The Bellagio Las Vegas is the epitome of luxurious casinos world-wide. The world class casino, offering slots, table games and wagering in the Race and Sports Book, is the top flight gaming experience of Las Vegas. Home of the World Poker Tour, the casino even offers daily No Limit Hold'em Poker Tournaments. The Spa at Bellagio is among of the finest in the world. Add a bevy of five-star restaurants, sophisticated nightlife, the romantic theatrical "O" by Cirque du Soliel, the Botanical Garden with its seasonal theme and the Gallery of fine Art and you'll never want to leave. But to see the world famous Fountains of Bellagio, you'll have to at least venture out at least once.

Description:

The ships in front of the Treasure Island do more than add ambiance to this pirate-themed hotel. Every night, weather permitting, the ships battle it out on a regular basis. On one side, the sexy, scantily-clad Sirens do their best to lure the Pirates onto their ship. On the other side, the pirates do their best to resist--but who can resist all that slinky dancing? Cannons explode, flames shoot out, and at the end, one of the ships goes down into the not-so-deep depths. The show's plot and all that sexy dancing might be too much for kids, although they'll still like the explosions. The area in front of the TI fills up quickly before this free show, so stake out your spot early. After the show, the crowd is ushered back into the casino. If you're planning on walking down the Strip, you'll have to take another exit to get back outside.

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In 1989, the Mirage ushered in a new era of free, curb-side shows with its volcano. Today, the volcano is still wowing crowds with hourly eruptions that shoot fireballs into the sky and pour "lava" over the sides into the lagoon below. Music accompanies the eruptions since the volcano's redesign. If you're standing close enough to the volcano on the hotel side, you'll feel the heat from the eruption. It's debatable where to stand to get the best view, but wherever you wind up, you'll be sure to see the show.

Description:

What happens to the signs when old casinos are torn down to make room for new resorts? They go to the Neon Museum! In The Neon Museum's Bone Yard you'll see Binion's Horseshoe, the famous Silver Slipper, signs from the Golden Nugget and the Sahara. These works of art are both classic pieces of Las Vegas history and visual reminders of times past. Eventually, the Neon Museum will open a permanent exhibit on the Las Vegas Strip in the rescued and historic La Concha Motel lobby, designed by internationally famous architect Paul Revere Williams.

Tours at the Boneyard are by advance appointment only; admission is $15.00 per person. Photography at the Boneyard is restricted to photos for personal use only. Several neon signs are on display at the Fremont Street Experience, and there is no charge to see those signs and no restrictions on photography.

Description:

The Stratosphere is America's tallest observation tower (1,149 feet) and one of the tallest structures west of the Mississippi River. At the very top, the daring get their adrenaline going on one of the thrill rides: The Big Shot, which shoots its riders into the air; the X-Scream, a teeter-totter that dangles you over the side; the Insanity, which spins you over a thousand feet of thin air; and the Sky Jump, where you can free-fall your way to the bottom.

You don't have to be a thrill seeker to visit the top of the Stratosphere. A rotating restaurant, the Top of the World Restaurant, takes advantage of the view to offer a memorable meal. You'll also find bars and lounges here.

Tickets to the top of the Stratosphere are $16. An indoor and outdoor observation deck are available. The Stratosphere's wedding chapel also offers services at the top.

Description:

The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Hotel Casino are a Vegas-ized version of Old Venice. St. Mark's Square is filled with swanky restaurants like Wolfgang Puck's Postrio or upscale Italian food at Canaletto. Upscale retailers like Dooney & Bourke, Kenneth Cole, and Banana Republic fill the village-like mall. Here you'll find "Streetmosphere," the Venetian's term for the wandering, costumed street performers who sing and imitate statues. But without canals and singing gondoliers, Venice would be incomplete.

The Las Vegas Venice's canals travel through the Grand Canal Shoppes and emerge outside in front of the Venetian. Two rides are offered: one inside, one outside (outside dependent upon the weather). Rides are $16 for adults, and be sure to look your best for your photo opportunity (extra for pictures at the end of the ride). Rides last 10 to 15 minutes.

Inside the Grand Canal Shoppes, you can watch the gondolas to get an idea of what the ride is like. Stop at the area next to the Taqueria Canonita (or go inside the restaurant and ask for a table "outside" on the patio, overlooking the canal) and you'll have a great view of the gondoliers singing to their passengers before they turn around to head to the dock.

A special wedding gondola is available for wedding ceremonies. Old Venice inspires romance, and the Venetian Las Vegas hasn't missed this. It's the perfect Las Vegas resort for the Las Vegas production of "Phantom of the Opera," an abridged version of the original production.
 
A gondola ride may be romantic, but it's also fun for families. Rides are free for children under two. The Grand Canal is fun for kids, especially the "Streetmosphere." Whatever your age, the faux architecture, ever-changing sky, and charming little bridges across the canals are fun to look at.

Description:

Poor Downtown. For years now, it's been overlooked in favor of the Strip. And no wonder: It's so . . . small . . . by comparison. Even its once-dazzling collection of hotel marquee lights seems like candles next to the klieg-light voltage of the Strip. But things are cheaper down here, people; and speaking of people, if you get tired of feeling not pretty or rich enough for the Strip, you are not alone. Come join us in admiring the project that closed off the heart of "Glitter Gulch" and turned it into a much more user-friendly pedestrian mall.

The Fremont Street Experience is a 5-block open-air landscaped strip of outdoor snack shops, vendor carts, and colorful kiosks purveying food and merchandise. Overhead is a 90-foot-high steel-mesh "celestial vault"; at night, it is the most successfully revamped Viva Vision, a high-tech light-and-laser show (the canopy is equipped with more than 12.5 million lights) enhanced by a concert-hall-quality sound system that takes place five times nightly. There are a number of different shows, and there's music between the light performances as well. Not only does the canopy provide shade, but it also cools the area through a misting system in summer and warms you with radiant heaters in winter. It's really cool, in that Vegas over-the-top way that we love so much. Go see for yourself; you will be pleased to see how a one-time ghost town of tacky, rapidly aging buildings, in an area with more undesirables than not, is now a bustling (at least at night), friendly, safe place (they have private security guards who hustle said undesirables away). It's a place where you can stroll, eat, or even dance to the music under the lights. The crowd it attracts is more upscale than in years past, and, of course, it's a lot less crowded than the hectic Strip. This helps give a second life to a deserving neighborhood. Note: A good place to view the Sky Parade light show is from the balcony at Fitzgerald's Casino & Hotel.

And in a further effort to retain as much of classic Las Vegas as possible, the Neon Museum is installing vintage hotel and casino signs along the promenade. The first installation was the horse and rider from the old Hacienda, which presently rides the sky over the intersection of Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard, while the Lamp from the old Aladdin Hotel twinkles at the northwest corner. Eventually, the Neon Museum hopes to have a complex at their Neon Boneyard, using the old La Concha Motel, itself a piece of classic Vegas architecture thankfully saved from the wrecking ball, as a centerpiece. It's uncertain when the complex will open, but in the meantime, you can do a self-guided walking tour of sign installations in downtown. (Go to www.neonmuseum.org for information.)

Our Local Expert Says:

The hilly, curvy road is a blast to drive--but look out for bikers and hikers.

Description:

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has one paved road through its protected lands. The Red Rock "Loop," as locals refer to it, is a 13-mile, one-way scenic drive that weaves past the spectacular rock formations in Red Rock Canyon. The road itself is great fun to drive--if you like winding, curvy, slightly hilly roads with no guardrails. The Loop is a favorite photo-shoot backdrop for car clubs of all kinds, precisely because it's a such an enjoyable drive. This is a one-way road, but in its former life, this road was two-lanes. Drivers who like to take it slow should move to the right and let the faster cars pass.

The first pull-outs on the Loop overlook the Calico Hills. These overlooks are crowded with tourists, hikers, photographers, and rock climbers. Take a good look at the Calico Hills and you're likely to find several climbers clinging to its vertical rock walls.

Sandstone Quarry is another popular stop along the Scenic Drive. Its name signifies exactly what it formerly was, and visitors who want to stretch their legs but not go for a hike will find this a good stop, but there are no picnic tables here.

High Point Overlook has a roomy parking lot and coin-operated binoculars. You can see the southwestern tip of the Las Vegas Valley from here, along with an expansive view of Red Rock's cliffs. If you can catch a full moon rising over the Calico Hills, it makes a great picture from this spot.

Further down the road, drivers will find picnic tables at Willow Springs, close to the Children's Discovery Trail and the Lost Creek Trail. (Experienced 4WD drivers may want to try Rocky Gap Road, which goes over the mountains here. Check on road conditions before attempting this drive).

Photographers adore the Red Rock Scenic Loop, and if you're in this group, plan on pulling over often. Red Rock's scenery appears frequently in movies, and it's also a favorite spot for weddings, romantic drives and picnics.

Visitors who don't want to hike or climb can still enjoy a drive along the Loop, which ends back at State Route 159. The Red Rock Overlook sits just off SR159, and it has covered picnic tables. Drivers can pull in here for a panoramic view of Red Rock Canyon, and there's no entrance fee. A short trail climbs a hill just east of the parking lot, and several benches give people the chance to stop and rest, or simply to stop and enjoy the view.

The Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop is open from daylight to dark; hours change according to the seasons. Admission is $7 per vehicle.

Description:

Thomas Keller made his name with his Napa Valley restaurant French Laundry, considered by many to be the best restaurant in the United States. Bouchon is a version of his Napa Valley bistro. We had mixed expectations. On the one hand, he's a certifiably genius chef. On the other hand, he's not going to be in the kitchen, which will be producing bistro (which is to say, not innovative) food and, what's more, based on the rather lackluster Napa Bouchon.

Our negative expectations were confounded by the right, left, and center of the menu -- yeah, we've tried nearly all of it and can report that humble though these dishes sound, in nearly every case they are gold-standard versions of classics. Someone is certainly keeping a close eye on this kitchen, and that someone has learned the lessons well. Ever wondered why people get worked up over raw oysters? The sweet and supremely fresh (kept in water until the moment they are served to you) Snow Creek oysters will enlighten you as they seem to melt on contact with your tongue. Fifty dollars seems like a lot for pâté, but here a complex multiday preparation produces a buttery whip that is so rich, it's an appropriate -- and highly recommended -- appetizer for four. Don't miss the bacon and poached-egg frisée salad, or the cleanly seared salmon over poached leeks, prepared to such perfection it doesn't need the accompanying sauce. Gnocchi is earthy and assertive, a peasant version of an Italian favorite, while beef bourguignon is exactly as you expect it to be, in the divine perfection sense. Leg of lamb has all chewy bits excised before cooking, leaving it a garlic-permeated bit of tenderness. This is a superlative Vegas restaurant, and while it may be hard to reconcile the prices with the apparent simplicity of the food, recall that it takes serious skill to make even the most humble of dishes correctly, as your palate will reassure you.

Description:

No visitor would be blamed for never leaving the Vegas Strip -- it's the raison d'être of any Vegas tourist -- but a true foodie should make a point of finding the nearest moving vehicle that can get them to Rosemary's Restaurant. A 15-minute (or so) drive down Sahara (hardly anything) is all it takes to eat what may well be the best food in Las Vegas. (Certainly, it is consistently voted the best food in the Las Vegas Review-Journal's annual poll, by food critics and readers alike.)

The brainchild of Michael and Wendy Jordan, both veterans of the New Orleans food scene (Michael actually opened Emeril's here in Vegas), Rosemary's Restaurant (named for Michael's mother) shows more than a few NOLA touches, from the food to the service, in a room that's warmer and more inviting than most others in Vegas. Note that you can get seats at the bar overlooking the open kitchen, great fun for foodie interaction and not a bad choice for singles, or for couples looking for an unusual romantic evening.

The cuisine covers most regions of the U.S., though Southern influences dominate. Fifty local farmers help supply products. Seared foie gras with peach coulis, candied walnuts, and vanilla bean-scented arugula is like a quilt, with distinct flavors that all hang together nicely. Interesting sides include ultrarich bleu-cheese slaw, slightly spicy crispy fried tortilla strips, and perfect cornmeal jalapeño hush puppies. A recent visit found the crispy striped bass fighting it out with the pan-seared honey-glazed salmon for "best fish dish we've ever had." Desserts are similarly Southern -- lemon icebox pie! -- and most pleasant.

There is a nice little wine list with a broad range, especially when it comes to half-price bottles. They also specialize, unusually, in beer suggestions to pair with courses, including some fruity Belgian numbers; this is such a rare treat, if you drink, you must try some of their suggestions.

Description:

Aesthetically, an incredible transformation from classic Vegas buffet (read: blah) style to a gleaming, streamlined look, all shining steel and up-to-the-minute high-design concept shades of green, blue, and red. Gone are the heaping mounds of shrimp and other symbols of Vegas excess and bargain. In its place are plenty of live-action stations, but minimal offerings, just a scant few in the (admittedly inclusive) categories. This probably helps with waste, but if you are used to matters the other way, it does feel mingy. Seniors won't like the poor signage; kids may get tired long before completing the lengthy circuit. No worries: The line starts with excellent pizza. Look for pot stickers and Chinese barbecue pork, quite good barbecue, tangy Japanese cuke salad, slightly dry but flavorful Mexican slow-roasted pork. A trip to the made-to-order salad station is so pokey, you'll need to find the other salads that are hidden with the open-faced sandwiches (where you can also find the gefilte fish). The desserts are generally disappointing. Despite the drawbacks -- we're probably just overthinking it anyway -- this remains popular with buffet connoisseurs.

Description:

For our money, here's the best Mexican food in town. This big, cheerful space (like a Romper Room for adults) houses a branch of the much-lauded L.A. restaurant, conceived and run by the Food Network's "Two Hot Tamales," Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. This is truly authentic Mexican home cooking -- the Tamales learned their craft from the real McCoy south of the border -- but with a nuevo twist. So don't expect precisely the same dishes you'd encounter in your favorite corner joint, but do expect fresh and fabulous food, sitting as brightly on the plates as the decor on the walls. Stay away from the occasionally bland fish and head right toward rich and cheesy dishes such as chiles rellenos (with perfect black beans) and chicken chilaquiles (a sister to the taco), or try new items such as mushroom empanadas. Don't miss the dense but fluffy Mexican chocolate-cream pie (with a meringue crust).

In Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S. tel. 702/632-7403. www.bordergrill.com. Reservations recommended. Main courses lunch $15-$24, dinner $21-34. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 11:30am-11pm; Sat-Sun 11:30am-10pm.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a slice of old Vegas dining and worth the price!

Description:

At the same location since 1958, this traditional gourmet steakhouse has been visited by hundreds of celebrities and thousands of loyal diners. The Alaskan King Crab Cocktail has a delicious mustard sauce, and the Blue Point Oysters are also a favorite. For your entree, a visit here would not be complete without tasting the Diamond Jim cut of prime rib. The rack of lamb for two requires 45-minutes preparation time. Steaks and lobster are also standard on the menu, as well as frog legs, scallops and filet mignon. Full wine and bar service is available.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best Nightclub in Vegas...Period.

Description:

XS at Encore is among Las Vegas's most popular and acclaimed clubs. Guests enjoy indoor and outdoor areas in this large, busy club. Inside, 5 bars serve customers. Outside, customers will find twenty-six two-story cabanas and 4 bars.

The elegant interior design incorporates gold in everything, including a gold-plated chandelier over the dance floor.

XS is a very popular club, and it has the lines to prove it. If you'd like to experience this Vegas ultra-club, plan ahead—check online to get on the guest list.  Naturally, XS has all the standard Vegas nightclub amenities: bottle service, go-go dancers, VIP areas, celebrities, and a roster of guest DJs and other performers. Check the club's website for a full calendar of events.

XS is closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Cover charge is $20 for women, $30 - $50 for men. The dress code is enforced here: nothing baggy or athletic, and no hats.

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Managing Partners of the Tao Nightclub, Jason Strauss and Noah Tepperberg of New York City's Marquee fame, ensure that nightlife reigns supreme at Tao Nightclub. The 10,000 square-foot venue plays host to weekly events attended by the masses and celebrities alike, including Rihanna, Madonna, Bono, Christina Aguilera, Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher and many more.

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Located atop the trendy Palms Hotel Casino, Ghostbar's views of Las Vegas will probably have you snapping pictures to try and capture all those lights on the Strip. Unless, of course, you take a look down through the glass panel in the outdoor area's floor and decide that you'd be more comfortable inside.

Inside, the retro-futuristic décor gives customers plenty of places to sit and enjoy the club. Ghostbar isn't as dance-oriented as other Vegas nightclubs—maybe it's because of that incredible view. As with most trendy Vegas lounges and clubs, you may spot a few celebrities here. Stylish nightclub attire is required.

Passes and packages for the Palms nightclubs include entry to Ghostbar and other clubs at the Palms (Playboy Club, Rain, and Moon), and/or a selection of premium drinks. Their signature drink, the "ghostini," is Absolut, Midori, and a splash of sour.

Regular cover, without any passes or packages, is $20 - $30.

Description:

Blush's owner describes this intimate club as a boutique nightclub. The outside patio is particularly popular, even in cooler months--heaters take the chill out of the air. Customers can stop by for a drink, or drop in later in the night, when Blush transforms into a dance club. The lighted onyx dance floor is a unique feature of the club. Located at the up-scale Wynn, Blush draws a variety of well-heeled customers and is known to attract a slightly older crowd. Cover charge is $30. And of course, bottle service is available.

Our Local Expert Says:

Get your tickets arranged at least a month prior to your visit to ensure availability.

Description:

Las Vegas is rapidly becoming an occupied colony of Cirque du Soleil. With blow-out productions like KA at MGM Grand, Zumanity at New York New York, and Mystere at Treasure Island, Las Vegas visitors can catch breathtaking Cirque action at points up and down the Strip. O at Bellagio is arguably the most elegant of the Cirque productions. Theatrics take place in an aquatic setting above, on, and below a serene pond custom designed to meet the unique demands of the artists. Audiences truly enjoy the direct interaction with the fun cast, in typical Cirque behavior, where the actors make everyone part of the show. Every seat in the 1800 seat O showroom is a good one. But if you sit too close to the stage you may need an umbrella! Synchronized swimmers, aerialists, divers and clowns keep this 100+ minute show very exhilarating. The expert divers are reminiscent of human fireworks, and there is one unbelievable scene where there is a "human" fire! The sights, sounds and smell of O make this a must-see attraction.Performances: W-Su 7:30p, 10:30p; M-Tu Dark Tickets: $99-$125-$150

Description:

Bugsy Siegel once owned a piece of this property before building the Flamingo Hotel on the Strip. This structure retains much of its original look and atmosphere from the early 1940s. In the older section of the hotel, guests will still find the tile showers from days gone-by. Now, there is a new section in the thoroughly modern and comfortable hotel tower. Since the Fremont Street Experience was built, this hotel is in a very good location, just a short block from the entrance.

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Believe it or not, Las Vegas has a burgeoning art scene (what some would consider soul-crushing is what others consider inspirational), and this complex, located in the Gateway district, is the place to find proof. It features a few galleries and a number of work spaces for local artists. Several of the spaces are closed to the public. On the first Friday of each month, they have a party event (unimaginatively named "First Friday") showcasing local artists and arts-oriented businesses, with live music, street performances, and other entertainment and activities. Visit their website for further details.

Description:

From 1951 until 1992, the Nevada Test Site was this country's primary location for testing nuclear weapons. Aboveground blasts in the early days were visible to the tourists and residents of Las Vegas. This well-executed museum, library, and gallery space (a Smithsonian affiliate) offers visitors a fascinating glance at the test site from ancient days through modern times, with memorabilia, displays, official documents, videos, interactive displays, motion-simulator theaters (like sitting in a bunker, watching a blast), and emotional testimony from the people who worked there. It respectfully treads that tricky line between honoring the work done at the site and understanding its terrible implications. Not to be missed, even if it's only because of the Albert Einstein action figure in the gift shop. Visitors should plan on spending at least an hour.

Description:

Forget all that stuff we said before about the great museums of the world. You can keep your Louvres and Vaticans and Smithsonians: This is a museum. Housed in a strip mall, this is a shrine to the glory and excess that was the art project known as Liberace. You've got your costumes (bejeweled), your many cars (bejeweled), your many pianos (bejeweled), and many jewels (also bejeweled). Also, the entrance itself is a giant jewel. It just shows what can be bought with lots of money and no taste.

The thing is, Liberace was in on the joke. We think. The people who come here largely aren't. Many of these guests would not have liked him living next door to them if his name was, say, Bruce Smith, but they idolize the man, the myth. Not found here is any reference to AIDS or chauffeurs who had plastic surgery to look more like him. But you will find a Czar Nicholas uniform with 22-karat-gold braiding and a blue-velvet cape styled after the coronation robes of King George V and covered with $60,000 worth of rare chinchilla. Not to mention a 50 1/2-pound rhinestone costing $50,000, the world's largest, presented to him by the grateful (we bet they were) Austrian firm that supplied all his costume stones.

The museum is now better than ever, thanks to a costly renovation that turned what was once a too-low-key exhibition, especially given the subject matter, into something much more gaudy and over-the-top -- and, better still, properly enshrined. Expect a ridiculously outrageous entrance (three words: giant pink piano) into rooms with various exhibits that finally give detailed attention to facts and figures. Admission has been cranked up, probably to pay for the renovations, but we don't mind -- this is a one-of-a-kind place, all the better thanks to a reconceived gift shop that finally understands what a lure Liberace branding is. (Think Elvis kitsch only bejeweled.) Unless you have a severely underdeveloped appreciation for camp or take your museum-going very seriously, you shouldn't miss it. The museum is 2 1/2 miles east of the Strip, on your right.

--Museum closed October 2010--

Our Local Expert Says:

One of Las Vegas' most popular golf courses.

Description:

This 36-hole, par-70/71 public course is a local favorite. Arnold Palmer originally designed the Mountain and Palm courses (the Palm Course was redesigned several years later by Bob Cupp). Players call this a great escape from the casinos, claiming that no matter how many times they play it, they never get tired of it. The Palm Course has gently rolling fairways that offer golfers of all abilities a challenging yet forgiving layout. The Mountain Course has rolling natural terrain and gorgeous panoramic views. In addition to these two challenging 18-hole courses, Angel Park offers a night-lit Cloud 9 Course (12 holes for daylight play, 9 at night), where each hole is patterned after a famous par 3. You can reserve tee times up to 60 days in advance with a credit card guarantee.

Yardage: Palm Course 6,525 championship and 5,438 resort; Mountain Course 6,722 championship and 5,718 resort.

Facilities: Pro shop, night-lit driving range, 18-hole putting course, restaurant, snack bar, cocktail bar, and beverage cart.