I had lived in Vegas for 14 years when we decided we were leaving. There were so many places I loved that I wanted to make sure I would visit again, and there was also a lot I hadn’t done that I wanted to do before we left. So I created my Vegas bucket list. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to do everything on the list but I did get to do a lot. This is my list. These are my favorite things in Vegas so if you ever go, check them out. Some of them are things that tourists don’t tend to know about, so consider it insider information. This list is going to be a little long so I am going to break it up into sections. This is all the fun stuff to experience.
Area 15- Especially Wink World
Area 15 is pretty new to Vegas and it is really cool! We actually went there multiple times because there is so much to do at the complex from the second you arrive. There are interactive experiences, shops, bars, restaurants and cool art. When you walk into Area 15 there is a giant skull and just past that is a giant tree with LED leaves that constantly change color. One of the main attractions is Omega Mart by Meow Wolf which is like a cool interactive scavenger hunt with surprises at every turn. There is Dueling Axes which is an axe throwing bar. One of the coolest experiences there is Wink World. It’s really hard to explain but you go from room to room for this cool, almost psychedelic experience. Definitely get the 3D glasses when you do it and then wear them around the rest of Area 15 for a bunch of cool surprises. Another of my favorite things is the Emporium Arcade Bar. It’s a 2 level bar with tons of arcade games, including a bunch of Pinball games. I love Pinball. They also have a bunch of beer and ciders on tap and some cool custom cocktails. Additionally, they have immersive art experiences, a zipline, a retro candy store, a giant teeter-totter and so much more. Area 15 also hosts really cool events. I attended the Neon Party and it was so much fun. It is a must visit in Vegas because there are so many cool things and something for everyone. Entrance to Area 15 is free but some of the attractions have their own cost.
Pinball Museum
Like I said above, I love pinball. The Pinball Museum has existed for a long time in Vegas but it was off the strip and in a little warehouse. Recently it moved to a huge warehouse on the strip. It has so many cool pinball games including some rare and really old ones. Entrance is free and you just pay for the games. My favorites are the Addams Family one and the Simpsons!
Neon Museum
The Neon Museum is so cool. I had always wanted to check it out but it’s one of those things that I just never got around to. It’s basically a huge lot with all the old signs of Vegas. I recommend going at night when they are all lit. The tour guide was great. Not only do you see all the signs but you learn a lot about Vegas history. I had a bit of a full circle moment here because there was the sign from the Frontier which is where I spent many nights 2- stepping the night away at the original Gilleys, the best country bar that ever existed in Vegas until they imploded the casino in 2007.
Zion National Park
Zion is actually in Utah but it’s not too far. I always wanted to go because it looked so beautiful. We finally made a day trip and took Bodhi out. We didn’t get to go to all the areas we wanted to because they aren’t dog friendly but it was beautiful where we did go. If you go, go early because it gets really busy. We were in traffic for a decent amount of time to enter the park
Garth Brooks Stadium Tour at Allegiant Stadium
Garth Brooks was originally supposed to be the opening concert when Allegiant Stadium opened but due to Covid, that was postponed. Tickets had sold out in a matter of minutes. Eventually they he rescheduled and I got lucky and was gifted tickets by a good friend so I got to go. He is one of the best performers I have ever seen. This was my 2nd time seeing him live and he is amazing. The stadium is really nice and it was such a fun experience.
Golden Knights Games at T-Mobile
I love the Vegas Golden Knights and I was lucky enough to attend a few games. Vegas will always put on a show, and a hockey game is no exception. The opening show of each game is amazing and fires up the crowd. It’s a whole spectacle and often includes a celebrity. Even if you have never been a hockey fan, if you have a chance to catch a Golden Knights game you totally should.
Absinthe
There are so many options for shows in Las Vegas. There are comedy, acrobatic and circus, magic, music, adult-themed, the list goes on and on. Absinthe manages to combine them into a hilarious and extremely entertaining show. It is located outside of Caesars Palace in the circus tent.
Pajama Party Bingo
So I don’t know how I managed to live in Vegas for so long without ever going to play BINGO but I wanted to once before I left. Palace Station has some themed BINGO nights so we went to the Pajama Party one. It was so much fun. Me and one of my besties wore Unicorn Onesies. We won some random prizes but didn’t win any money. It was still a lot of fun though. Also, while you gamble drinks are free and BINGO is gambling!
St Pattys at the Linq
I love St. Pattys Day, it’s always one of the best days of the year. My friends and I dress up and have a great time. I have gone to the Linq every year for St. Pattys Day since it first opened, so I of course had to go there for my last one. There is the O’Sheas Casino area, The Tilted Kilt Irish Bar, and then there is always a block party on the Linq Promenade. They always light up the High Roller to green. It’s the best place to go for St. Pattys in Vegas.
The Linq Hotel and Casino
I think the Linq is my favorite casino in Vegas. It’s always lively but laid back. The dealers are fun. The rooms are cool and the pool is fun too. They have games in the pool and fun loungers. You can get a suite that opens up to the pool and you even get your own little outdoor party space. I really liked hanging out there, it was my favorite place to do a staycation.
Candlelight Concerts
Candlelight Concerts aren’t exclusive to Las Vegas but it was the first place I found out about them. They are a string quartet that plays surrounded by candlelight. They have different shows. I went to the Taylor Swift one in Las Vegas. They have many different concerts and genres including Disney songs, Imagine Dragons Vs. Coldplay, Vivaldi and others. I actually saw one here in the Algarve where they did a tribute to Queen. Check if they are available in a city near you, they are great!
Particle Ink
Particle Ink Speed of Dark is an immersive show/experience. It combines augmented reality with actors as you follow along to learn the story. It is currently closed but they are supposed to be putting out a new one so keep an eye out for it.
Downtown Las Vegas, Freemont Street Experience and Viva Vision Light Show
Downtown Las Vegas has a much different vibe than the strip. It’s a little chaotic and a little crazy but there is some fun stuff to do. There are a lot of bars, restaurants, and casinos. Table limits are cheaper than the strip casinos and its a more relaxed vibe. There is also the light show. It changes constantly and runs every hour from 6pm until 2am. Each show lasts about 6-7 minutes. There is also container park downtown with a giant praying mantis that shoots out fire. There is a ton of stuff to do in downtown.
Bellagio Conservatory
The Conservatory at the Bellagio is spectacular. It changes multiple times a year according to seasons and holidays but it is always guaranteed to be gorgeous. They use live flowers and plants to create elaborate and intricate installations. It is free to visit. Be aware that it does get really busy. If possible go late at night and there are far less people there.
Bellagio Fountains
Vegas is ever changing partly because things lose their appeal or there is always some new and exciting idea. But one thing that has remained and has never lost popularity is the Bellagio Fountains. I have watched it so many times and it is always breathtaking and feels magical. It doesn’t matter if you are standing right in front, watching from a balcony at a nearby hotel, or even in your car on the strip, it is beautiful. I would drive by it every night on my way to work and I loved when I would have to stop at the red light while it was on, just so I could watch it for those couple of minutes. It’s the last place I went on the strip my last night in Vegas. I absolutely love it.
Vegas has so many things to do and offer, there is a lot I never got to do while living there and there is so many new things that will continue to open and draw people in. It really is an amazing city. I am adding a list soon of all my Bucket List food and drink places, keep an eye out for it soon.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to see more content @vegas.to.portugal
Leave a Reply