Help me have a good time in Vegas

[Kopefire]

I'm going to be in Vegas for the first time ever, and I'm looking for some fun stuff to do that doesn't involve poker (ok, i'm sick .. sorry /images/graemlins/smile.gif )

Going to be in town for 7 days for a conference and staying on the strip. What are some good cheap/free/discount shows to see? what are the "must do" things in town?

I'm on a fairly limited budget.

Thanks in advance.

[cold_cash]

Two words: Hoo Kers.

Knock yourself out.

[Kopefire]

funny ...
but not.


It's a serious question .. I've never been there and honestly don't know anyone who has, and I reallly am having a hard time finding out reliable information on what one can see/do that's fun, interesting, and not too expensive.

And while hoo kers might be fun and interesting ... my understanding is that they're expensive and i'm willing to bet the divorce and/or disease I'd probably end up with costs even more . .. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[andyfox]

One thing we normally do is just go to the hotels. They're pretty impressive. The Bellagio, Paris, Mandalay Bay, the Venetian are all fun to see. Parking is free at all the hotels, even valet parking (but, of course, they expect a tip).

I always find Hoover Dam interesting. If you're with your significant other, chances are she'll like the Forum Shops (between Caesars Palace and The Mirage). I really liked the aquarium at Mandalay Bay, although it's expensive for what it is.

[Kurn, son of Mogh]

And while hoo kers might be fun and interesting ... my understanding is that they're expensive and i'm willing to bet the divorce and/or disease I'd probably end up with costs even more

Not to mention that you might run afoul of the law. Contrary to the common misconception, prostitution is not legal in Las Vegas.

[Kurn, son of Mogh]

Stroll the strip. See the fountain show at Bellagio, the flaming lava at the mirage, the pirate show at Treasure Island. Go onto the casino floor at MGM Grand and see the real live lions.

Stroll into any of the small casinos and throw a couple of bucks into a penny video poker machine and get free drinks.

People watch. Go to the second floor of the Venetian (now there's an amazing mall).

All that can be done on a budget of close to $0. Most of the shows cost a decent amount, but you can still hit casino bars that are relatively cheap, find Blackjack tables where $100 can get you a couple of hours of entertainment (did I mention the free drinks?).

Do you like chocolate? There's a 5-story M&M's store right next to the MGM grand.

Do you like football? Make a small wager on your favorite team and hang out in the sports book and watch the game.

It's Vegas. It's virtually impossible to not have a good time.

[scotnt73]

the fountains in front of bilagio are very cool. they dance and light up to music at certain times. treasure island has a pirate ship battle out front at certain times. stratosphere has some really cool and scary rollercoaster rides at the top of it(these arent free but its not hard to obtain comps for them). circus circus is pretty cool to check out your first time. the forums at caesars as previously stated has some cool free stuff. luxor has some mummy museum type stuff.

[jcx]

The Liberace museum is interesting. If you have a car check out Red Rock Canyon (On the way to Pahrump). If you like roller coasters, take the short drive to Primm and ride the coaster there, it was the biggest, fastest, tallest in the world (Or some such nonsense) for awhile. Hoover Dam is still worth a visit if you have never seen it, but the tours available today are nowhere near as interesting as they once were (A casualty of 911). If you have a limited budget, just rent a car for one day or maybe two (1 or two days are ample time to take in area attractions not on the Strip, Downtown or in the immediate vicinity). And if you want more suggestions, check out a website that specializes in travel like www.fodors.com. (http://www.fodors.com.) You'll get tons of suggestions there. Enjoy your trip.