Things To Do In Las Vegas And Fremont Street

Things to do in Las Vegas. The “Strip” as the 4.2 mile/6.8 kms long boulevard is fondly called, boasts of all the fun, excitement and entertainment that you can imagine. Add to this the “Fremont Street Experience” (Glitter Gulch) as it was known back in the day and you have a kind-of package deal. Prostitution is not legal in Las Vegas. For valuable information, read TIPS at the bottom of the page.

Things To Do In Las Vegas

1. Free Shows and must visit, on the Strip
2. World Landmark Replicas
3. Casinos
4. Performers and Entertainers
5. Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Helicopter Tours
6. Get Married
7. Visit Fremont Street

1. Free Shows And Must Visit, On The Strip

The Bellagio Hotel has a musical water fountain that roars and sways to classical and operatic pieces, popular music and songs from Broadway. This entertaining and captivating show is definitely a must see for the entire family. TO WATCH VIDEO, click here. On weekdays, shows begin at 3 pm, Saturday at noon and Sunday at 11am.  For detailed show schedules, click here.

The Mirage Hotel has a realistic Volcano show with fiery eruptions, music, lights and special effects. Very thrilling and definitely a must-see for the entire family. Shows begin nightly at 8, 9 and 10 p.m. but are subject to cancellation if there are high winds.

The Swarovski Crystal Company has a stunning three minute sound-and-light show nightly, beginning at 8:55 p.m. and 11:55 p.m. featuring a 4,000 pound Swarovski Starburst. Located in Bally’s bazaar, at the intersection of the Las Vegas Strip and Flamingo Road.

Coca-Cola Store on the Strip is a multi-level extravaganza retailing exclusive to Las Vegas collectibles, apparel, kitchen and glassware, specialized gifts and more. Make a refreshing pit-stop here to enjoy delicious Coke Floats or sample 16 different international beverages with the Tastes of the World tray.

Las Vegas Signboard is located at the southern end of the strip. This iconic signboard is one of the most photographed in the world has a caring message on the back of it as well. Transit has a stop near the sign, Routes 104, Deuce or the Express (SDX) service this stop.

High Roller, the world’s tallest Ferris wheel (550 feet) is located behind the Flamingo Hotel. This giant observation wheel allows you to see Las Vegas from a different angle and takes about 30 mins to complete a full rotation.

Insanity and X-Scream are two extreme thrill rides located on top of the Stratosphere Tower at the north end of the Strip and a 9-minute walk from the Las Vegas Monorail SLS Station. The observation deck offers an uninterrupted stunning view in all directions. Be brave and take a ride on “Insanity”, to me it is insane but for many, a real thrill. You could also ride X-Scream which is an adrenaline rush of its own!

2. World Landmark Replicas

Every landmark replicated in Las Vegas is as breath-taking as the original. The Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe (Paris Hotel), Pyramid, Sphinx (Luxor Hotel), the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal (Venetian Hotel), The Colosseum, Statue of David (Caesars Palace), Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and the New York city skyline (New York-New York Hotel) and more.

3. Casinos

The Strip is home to every hotel brand that matters and all have casinos designed to outshine each other. Most casinos offer rewards programs that can be redeemed towards dining, entertainment or upgrades for hotel rooms, do your homework before booking. Among the best are M Life from MGM Resorts, Total Rewards from Caesars Entertainment, and Backstage Pass from the Hard Rock. Any casino is good to gamble in and all have high levels of security. Slot machines are everywhere, at gas stations and even the airport.

4. Performers And Entertainers

Musicians, magicians, entertainers, theatre, the circus, and more, you will find it all here in Las Vegas. Most hotels feature world renowned resident performers or acts and you can watch a different electrifying performance every night. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

5. Grand Canyon And Hoover Dam Helicopter Tours

Book a helicopter tour that includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. A 30-minute drive (26 miles/42 kms) to Boulder City Municipal Airport followed by a 30 minute pre-flight orientation class on flying in a helicopter, will see you in the air. Try to get seated in the front row along-with the pilot, super view as compared to the second row. The flight includes a tour over the Hoover Dam accompanied by a detailed commentary from the pilot regarding facts and history of the whole area. Yes you will hear the pilot clearly and can also ask questions, all passengers are hooked up with interactive headphones and a mic. Stay alert, you do not fly over the same area twice.

From Grand Canyon West Heliport, it is a 5-minute bus ride (1.8 mile/3 kms) to the Peach Springs Grand Canyon Visitor Centre and Skywalk. The views are astounding, check out the Native American Tribal Structures close by, they are fascinating. You are NOT allowed to take your camera onto the Skywalk which is a shame but besides that, you can get good pictures from near the structure. You also get good pictures from the helicopter during the flight in and out. All personal belongings (cameras included) must be stored in a locker before entering the Skywalk.

6. Get Married

Viva Las Vegas, get married by the King himself if you choose to, on any day of the year. Licenses are typically issued the same day within 20 minutes for a cost of around $80 and are good for one year from date of issue. There are many chapels, reception venues, wedding planners and packages by local hotels. For details, click here.

7. Fremont Street

Located 4.5 miles (7.3 kms) north of the Strip, “Glitter Gulch” as it was known in the 80’s and 90’s is another vibrant and lively part of Las Vegas. The Fremont Street Experience, boasts the largest video screen in the world and yes, it is indeed awesome. Zip-lining under the video canopy is an experience unto itself.

On most days you will find live music, plenty of buskers and “unique” street performers all over the place. They are exceptionally good at what they do.

TIPS

• Transit bus services are frequent and dependable in the city. Express and regular service is available on the strip and also to and from the airport to the strip or to Fremont street.
• If catching a taxi from the airport, make sure you have change or the right fare as they neglect to return balances.
• To buy water, beer or anything, look for a Walgreens or the small stores as prices are cheaper there.
• We found many ethnic restaurants that serve fresh, tasty food at reasonable prices compared to the big hotels and chain-restaurants.
• Las Vegas was pretty safe, we did not encounter any hostility and Police presence is noticeable.