Las Vegas was never somewhere that I particularly wanted to visit. With no culture, not a lot of history, and no major sights to see, it seemed to be a place to just gamble and party. And while I do like a good party, it isn’t the sort of thing I plan my travels around.
So I couldn’t have been any more surprised when I found myself absolutely loving the city almost as soon as we arrived. I loved it so much that it was one of my favourite parts of our American adventure and I’m already desperate to go back.
From the minute our taxi hit the Strip, I had my eager face pressed up against the window, oohing and aahing at all the bright lights and enormous hotels dominating the skyline, people spilling out onto the sidewalks watching the majestic displays of entertainment on the streets.
There really is so much more to Sin City than I gave it credit for. While it might not be to everyone’s taste, the fact that I ended up in complete wonderment of the place just goes to show that it certainly shouldn’t be written off. I could enthusiastically chatter on about this place all day but here are just a few of the many reasons why Las Vegas won me over so easily.
♥ See the world in a day
The hotels in Vegas are some of the biggest sights in the city and we took the time to explore as many as we could. They are all huge, extravagant and completely over the top, and some made us feel like we were in a completely different country. We stood beside Egyptian Pharaohs at the Luxor Hotel; saw NYC’s sights at New York New York; gazed up at the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel; and found a little bit of Italy at the Venetian.
We stayed at the Venetian during our trip and as we stood in St Mark’s Square with the gondolas floating by on the canals around us, I actually felt like we had been transported to Venice.
You can check out all the amazing resorts at vegas.com but I guarantee you will want to visit (and stay at) them all. I’m already counting down the days until I can return!
♥ It’s a foodie’s paradise
From 24 hour diners that pile the calories just as high as the food on your plate, to Michelin star restaurants with gorgeous views, whatever takes your fancy at any time of day or night, you can guarantee you’ll find it in Vegas.
Also, there’s a choice of buffets big enough to put you in a food coma for days.
And pizza slices bigger than your head.
And a giant Hershey’s store.
And a cupcake ATM.
Okay I’ll stop now. But seriously, just look how happy my face is… ❤
♥ Anything goes
Literally anything. As we walked along the Strip, through the casinos or down Fremont Street, we would see all sorts. People dressed up as Elvis, Batman or a giant baby; guys dancing in the street and girls dancing on bars; groups of friends cheering and shouting over a game of poker; showgirls wearing nipple tassels and not much else. There’s a water slide that shoots through a tank of sharks, a volcano that erupts nightly, live music in the street, and way too many wedding chapels than are probably necessary.
You can wander around, visit a restaurant or a show wearing sweats and trainers or dress up in your most fancy attire and no one would blink an eye.
You can be whoever you want and do whatever you want in Las Vegas. We found ourselves being shocked, thrilled and thoroughly entertained. It’s a place that is most definitely not for the faint-hearted or the closed-minded.
♥ Blissful sunshine all year round
There is no bad time to visit Vegas but in spring the weather is perfect. During the day when the sun was shining, our sunglasses (and my pasty white legs) made an appearance and the pool parties were just getting started. By night, a light jacket was all that was needed to cover up. London could do with taking some tips.
♥ You can never – EVER – get bored
They say New York is the city that never sleeps but it’s actually Las Vegas. You can wake up in the middle of the night when the casinos and bars will still be buzzing with people; take your pick from a whole host of entertaining shows; stare in awe as the city lights up at night; take a rollercoaster ride on top of the city’s tallest building; people watch the quirky characters and the free entertainment along the Strip; party the night away in one of the many huge nightclubs; have fun in Downtown Las Vegas and find out about the city’s history at the Neon and Mob museums.
The list goes on and on and on and even though most people only visit for a long weekend, I felt like we only scratched the surface in the four days we had there. Vegas will always have something to keep you entertained and that is just one of the many reasons why I loved this Disneyworld on acid so fricking much!
If you’ve been to Las Vegas, what did you love most about the city? If you’ve never been, have I tempted you?! Let me know in the comments below or at:
Mama Ayla's Adventures 
This post couldn’t have been timed better as I fly out to the US tomorrow, with four nights planned in Vegas. I must admit I’ve always felt the same as you in that the city has never been high on my list, but has always intrigued me. I’ve already booked tickets for the Neon Museum, and we’ve splashed out on a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon. Did you have a favourite restaurant you would recommend? x
Oh how exciting!! Can I jump in your suitcase please?! I want to go back already I loved it so much! Shame I couldn’t get up any other Vegas posts in time for your trip but the Neon Museum and Grand Canyon are definites so at least you have those sorted.
Which hotel are you staying in? We stayed at the Venetian so ate at a fair few of the restaurants there as it was more convenient. But there are sooooo many good places to eat everywhere! We loved Peppermill Fireside Lounge (long queues but huge tasty portions), the Wicked Spoon Buffet is ah-mazing, Grimaldi’s Pizza, Grand Lux Cafe is pretty good, and Mandarin Oriental Bar for cocktails and fab views.
Any other questions just ask! Can’t wait to hear all about your trip 😀
Wow, great recommendations. We are staying at the Luxor as we’ve blown most of our accommodation budget in NY for the four nights before 😄 I’ve heard the Wicket Spoon Buffet was a great one. Did you see any shows you would recommend in particular?
The Luxor was amazing too! Such a great place to see. We saw a Cirque show – Mystere – which was absolutely brilliant. There are about 8 Cirque shows I think and I’ve heard Mystere and O are the best. Either book online beforehand if you know what you want to see otherwise there are ticket box offices on the Strip where you can get cheap tickets on the day. Hope you have such an amazing time! 🙂
Ooh I’ve stayed at the Venetian Macau but never been to Vegas! Did you get on one of the gondolas?
I didn’t even realise there was a Venetian in Macau! Is it just as amazing as the one in Vegas? Didn’t go on the gondolas this time but had fun listening to the gondoliers singing as they went around!
I don’t think I ever had Las Vegas as a priority on my travel list, but your post really makes me want to go. I’ve always imagined Las Vegas as a bit superficial and a gambler’s paradise, but I think, like you show, there’s so much more to this place.
Plus, you had me at cupcake ATM 😉
The cupcake ATM is a winner. No one can resist!
I honestly felt the same as you and I never imagined I would love it there as much as I did. Trying to convince Alex to take me back for my 30th next year haha!
Sounds like such a fun trip and I LOVE your photos! Think Alex has really upp’ed his photography skills and you’ve upp’ed your gorgeous modelling! Good work team! 😉
I’m teaching him well and the modelling skills just come naturally haha 😉
Sounds like you had a blast! I have never been and Las Vegas hasn’t been on my list, hehe. But if I were to go to that part of the world I would definitely want to see this playground. I love the thought of a cupcake ATM!!
I’m sure Vegas isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but even if just for a couple of days I think you should definitely give it a go. It’s just such a fun place! The cupcake ATM is a definite a huge bonus 🙂
I’ve generally had similar feelings to yours pre-trip – not really my scene. But you’ve shown me a different side to the city and all the food, shows and good weather certainly sounds like something I’d enjoy!
If you do ever visit I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 🙂
Love this. Although having lived there for many years, it was pretty hard not to get bored! But can’t go wrong with $4.99 steak and eggs. Or is that not a thing anymore? Haha.
I didn’t realise you’d lived there for so long! And shame on you for getting bored 😉 You could eat in a different restaurant every night and still not have tried them all in a year!
Very true. But I lived there when I was underage, and moved out right after turning 21. Who does that, right?!
That’s possibly why you may have got bored then!
Ha, all of the this! I just love Vegas 🙂
So glad you agree Angie! Such a fab place 🙂
I agree with you! Vegas is awesome and there is so much to it other than gambling. I’ve been twice and would happily go back a third time. Looks like you had a great time there and the Venetian looks so cool
The Venetian was amazing! So glad you love it just as much as I did! Take me back!!
Awesome post, Ayla! You’re definitely glowing in the cupcake atm photo 😉 Like you, I didn’t have high expectations of Las Vegas but I definitely loved it! So much action and energy. Fab city! And excellent dining options. Loved seeing all the different themes of the hotels too. Glad you enjoyed yourselves! 😊
Thanks for all your tips Nita! You could spend days there just eating your way around the place there are so many food options!
I’m off to Vegas in November for a big birthday blow out. This post has got me so excited for my trip!
Ah wow so exciting for you! You’ll have an awesome time! I’ll be writing lots more on Vegas so keep an eye out if you want some more tips 🙂
I’m soo soo excited you loved it there! Like you I always thought Vegas was just gambling, but I as soon as I arrived I felt I was immersed in the worry-free world where everyone strives to provide you with comfort and top notch entertainment. Although I loved indulging in the culinary scene as well as enjoyed the nightly shows and concerts the most. xoxo, nano
Glad you agree Nano! There’s just so much to enjoy in Vegas and it’s all so much fun! 😀
I’ve never been, but it’s somewhere that is so very tempting!
If you’re over that side of the USA I definitely recommending stopping there for a few days 🙂
Why have I never found that cupcake ATM… I love Vegas but can only do a max of three days before burnout hits!
We had 4 days there but I could have spent much longer. I guess everyone’s different but the cupcake ATM would keep me going back for a good few days!
I totally know what you mean Ayla, I’d never been interested in visiting Vegas before but when we got there we absolutely loved it. We only spent one night there, so had to cram everything into a day, so I’d love to go back and try out some of your recommendations!
One night is much too short a visit so you definitely need a return trip!
hahaha the M&M Atm was the best, OMG!! 😀
I’ve been to Vegas once, but only for a few hours in the middle of the night, and I was only 16 years old hahaha since then I’ve been wishing to go back and see everything I missed and do everything I couldn’t do back then 😀
I’m sure the experience would be a lot different now to when you were only 16. Such a ridiculously fun city and I so want to go back already!
This is so true! I loved that I can flit between New York, Paris and Venice in a matter of minutes 🙂 I only went there in April, and it already feels like ages ago, it’s such an addictive place in that sense (gambling aside!).. Check out my post if you like:
https://bellewether.me/2016/08/10/trip-to-the-u-s-part-3-best-las-vegas-hotels/