Our new traveller spotlight series is created to inspire and encourage travellers to explore new places. The advice in each interview feature includes tips from travellers that will allow you to truly uncover the beauty of a place.
Las Vegas, a glitzy cosmopolitan city renowned for its gambling culture and over-the-top culture, is many people’s dream destination. But what is Sin City really like? We sat down with Cindy, a young traveller from Stockholm, to hear her thoughts about the popular destination.
© Vacay Stories
Initial thoughts about Las Vegas prior to visiting
Planning holidays to Las Vegas was never a priority for me. I had a feeling I wouldn’t like it very much just because of my personality, but I still added it to my bucket list of places to visit at some point in life. A friend of mine went on a virtual vacation (yes, there is such a thing) before I went and kept going on about how amazing it seemed, so during a trip to Los Angeles, my friend and I decided to squeeze in Vegas as well.
First Impression of Las Vegas
Las Vegas hotels on the Strip are grand and surrounded by countless neon signs that light up the city. We arrived late in the afternoon and checked into our home for the weekend – the beautiful Palms Hotel & Casino. Located 10-15 minutes from the Strip, we were close to tourist attractions, restaurants and bars. Vegas is a playground for adults, and it was easy to see why it is often called ‘the entertainment capital of the world.
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Las Vegas – Just Like in the Movies
After watching movies like Casino and the Hangover trilogy, being there felt like starring in a movie. I recognised many of the hotels in Las Vegas from the films and TV shows, and while standing outside, I couldn’t help but feel gratitude. There I was, standing on the Strip in the city of sin that so many people go crazy about. The hotels in Las Vegas are the biggest resorts I’ve ever seen in my life! From the beautiful Caesars Palace to the extravagant Bellagio Hotel. Vegas is constantly buzzing and packed with everyone from energetic partygoers to frantic tourists.
4 things to Do in Las Vegas if You’re Not Into Clubs
© Michelle Raponi/Pixabay
Go on a gondola ride at the Venetian
There are loads of Las Vegas hotels on the strip, one being the Venetian Resort. This 5-star hotel will almost make you think you’re in Venice. The famous gondola rides float in the water underneath bridges near eateries, giving you a different experience in Vegas. I personally loved the ceiling painting that represents the sky. If holidays to Venice Italy are out of your budget, why not head to the Venetian Hotel Las Vegas?
Go shopping at an outlet – especially if you’re looking for luxury goods at lower prices
Coming from Sweden, I found everything to be cheaper in the US, including shopping at an outlet. We went to Las Vegas North Premium Outlets, an outdoor village-styled centre, thinking it would be a small place. This place has 100+ high-end brands at affordable prices! Let’s just say we ended up having to purchase an extra suitcase to carry everything back to Los Angeles.
© Vacay Stories
Admire celebrity wax figures at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
Madame Tussauds can be found inside the Venetian hotel and houses over 100 wax figures, from Stevie Wonder to Lady Gaga to Whitney Houston. My friend and I paid for the admission and Marvel 4D, which gave us access to the Marvel superheroes. I’m a huge Marvel fan, so I wasn’t going to miss seeing the life-size figures.
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Visit the Las Vegas Sign
You can’t go all the way to Vegas and not take a picture in front of the famous Vegas sign. How else are people going to know that you were there? If you can, drive there or jump in a taxi and head about one mile south of Mandalay Bay to find it. There’s no fee to access it, but you should expect a queue as it’s one of the most popular attractions in Vegas.
Would You Revisit Vegas?
Visiting Vegas was a cool experience, but it’s not a city I’m keen to revisit again. It just felt too shallow for me.
