7 Things To Do On Your First Trip To Vegas

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Seven is a lucky number in Las Vegas. When you’re playing a slot machine and see three of them in a row, it usually means you’ve won some money. If you’re making your first trip from the U.K. to Las Vegas, then you’ve got to try your luck at the one-armed bandits (although today’s sophisticated slots no longer require that you pull their arms). Wagering—in all forms imaginable—is just one of many unique experiences the city offers. Don’t worry…even if you lose, we’ve got seven other nongaming-related suggestions of things to do to make sure your Las Vegas holiday pays off big in unforgettable moments.

1. You’ve seen it in every film ever made about Las Vegas—the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Now’s your chance to take a photo standing in front of the legendary landmark. It’s located at the southern end of the Strip, just steps away from Maverick Helicopters’ main terminal.

2. Speaking of the cinema, who can forget that famous scene at the end of Ocean’s Eleven, when the gang has successfully pulled off the robbery and is watching some breathtakingly beautiful fountains? The Fountains of Bellagio are even more striking in person. You’ll be so enchanted by their dancing waters that you won’t be able to tear yourself away.

3. Exploring Downtown Las Vegas is a must. It’s where the city got its start more than 100 years ago in 1905. All the vintage casinos are located here. You’ll also find an enormous electric canopy composed of 12 million bulbs at Fremont Street Experience that lights up the night with spectacular shows and eye-popping imagery.

4. Feel the warm radiance of the sun on your skin while visiting one of the city’s cool pool lounges. If you’re someone who enjoys the nightlife, you’ve got to see how people in Las Vegas party during the day. There are live DJs, specialty cocktails and often topless sunbathing. Wet Republic at the MGM Grand, Bare Pool Lounge at The Mirage and Tao Beach at The Venetian are three of the hottest wet spots to check out on the Strip.

5. Try one of Las Vegas’ famed buffets. For one low price, you can eat as much as you want. Some of them serve hundreds of different dishes, so it would be impossible not to find something that tempts your taste buds. The city’s buffets have evolved a lot over the years. You’ll see live cooking stations and cuisines from all around the world. The Rio’s Carnival World Buffet is a popular choice among visitors. Or if you’re looking for a more posh experience, savour the Spice Market Buffet at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

6. Be among the first to wander through the new 67-acre CityCenter. This $8.5-billion complex is the most expensive private commercial development in the world. It opened in December of 2009 with a collection of spectacular hotels featuring cutting-edge architecture, lavish spas, fine restaurants, chic shopping options and an amazing collection of modern art. You’ll even find Cirque du Soleil’s latest show “Viva Elvis” here.

7. Take the Vegas Nights tour with Maverick Helicopters. If you want to see the Strip spread out beneath you in all its glittering glamour, this is the way to do it. The trip begins with a champagne toast, and then you board a state-of-the-art ECO-Star helicopter—akin to a limousine in the sky—to take in the views from this unique aerial vantage point.

These are just a few of things that Las Vegas offers. With so much to experience, you'll find the warm glow of the city waiting for you on your second visit and beyond!

Written by Travel Gal, Renee Libutti