18 Things To Do In Vegas To Help Take Your Mind Off Of Losing Money

This list is compiled of a variety of activities as well as food/drinks to try in Las Vegas that help make the most out of your trip. Some are even free! I have been to Vegas numerous times, and have compiled this list based off of my own experiences from each (including the most recent one from July 2021). All of the photos incorporated in this post were taken myself from different trips to Las Vegas.

1. Resorts Worlds Sky Lounge

Kendall Smith

Resorts Worlds is the newest hotel/casino on the Las Vegas Strip as it just opened on June 24, 2021. This property cost a whopping $4.3 billion, that's Billion with a "B" people not an "M", and it shows. Aside from the lively casino floor that's filled with an impressive food court and restaurants, there is a much quieter and sophisticated gem tucked away on the 66th floor.

The "Sky Lounge" as it's known, features a full bar (video poker included), comfortable seating, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Between the altitude, the new leather smell, and the tasteful decor, this bar will make that Jack Daniels taste like Maker's Mark, and your martini make you feel like Bond... James Bond. There is also a balcony that you can step out on to take in a panoramic view of the city. So get your camera ready, just don't drop it over the edge! If you have a fear of heights, don't worry... you can still get a great view safely inside and peer out the windows insteead.

2. The Neon Museum

Kendall Smith

The Neon Museum may not be within walking distance of the strip, but it's totally worth the short drive or ride share over. If you're the type of person who yawns just at the word "museum" this is far from boring. The Neon Museum restores old and new signs that show the progression/growth of Las Vegas. Aside from the history behind each sign, many of them have been featured in popular movies such as National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation and Betelgeuse.

In fact, Tim Burton has an exhibit at The Neon Museum known as "Lost Vegas."

Due to the enormity of many of these signs, the neon "boneyard" is completely outdoors which is something to consider when attending, especially in terms of dress and attire. Lights and neon are an iconic part of the Las Vegas experience so I highly recommend visiting this museum around dusk or night time so you can get the best visual experience. Regardless of the time of day though, you are sure to get some gram worthy pictures!

3. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Kendall Smith

The Bellagio has an incredibly grand entrance and one of the many things they do well is maintain a seasonally themed botanical garden. The gardens are always different depending on the time of year you visit and is absolutely free to walk through. The smell alone is enough to entice someone because it has a pleasing aroma of fresh honeysuckle. There may even be some live butterflies fluttering around in a large enclosure. While you are there, you might as well walk around the corner to take a quick peek at the world's largest chocolate fountain.

4. Cigar Dessert at Mayfair Supper Club

Kendall Smith

The Mayfair Supper Club is a fine dining experience with interactive and live entertainment. Beyond the delicious food and talent performing on stage, the cigar dessert is a must try! It may look like an ordinary smoking cigar, but it is completely made of chocolate and everything is edible, and I mean EVERYTHING... all the way down to the "ash" sitting at the bottom.

5. Coffee and Baileys with Whipped Cream

Kendall Smith

When you are uncertain about what drink to order while gambling, I highly recommend a coffee with Baileys and whipped cream. However, and this is very important: NOT all coffee and Baileys drink orders are created equal! Trust me, I've tried them. It honestly depends on where you go. I know this sounds kind of ridiculous and most people are thinking "it's the same ingredients, how could it be different at the casino across the street?" It just IS ok?!

The best place to get one is at the Bellagio... go figure considering the 2 previously mentioned items are from there. The point is, you can taste the higher quality of coffee and other ingredients they use, and it seriously makes a difference. Whether you want to drink without getting too drunk, or just need a dessert like pick me up for free, order one of these babies while at the Bellagio. Remember to tip your drink server! Seriously, don't be that guy.

6. Bellagio Fountains

Kendall Smith

The fountains at Bellagio are absolutely breathtaking and can be both seen and heard from a surprising distance. You can even watch them while dining at certain restaurants along the water (The Mayfair Supper Club is just one of them). The synchronized water show is set to a different song each performance. This fountain display is every 30 minutes from 3:00 PM- 8:00 PM and every 15 minutes from 8:00 PM- Midnight (M-F). The fountains go off even earlier during the weekends with the show beginning at 12:00 PM. So, if you miss one show, don't fret because you will most likely get another chance shortly thereafter, even if by accident.

If you are staying at the Bellagio, try requesting a room with a fountain view if there are any available. It is totally worth it, and you can even hear the water splash from your room so you will know when they are going off. I realize the past 4 items have all been all about the Bellagio... that's not only for organization purposes, but because they really do offer an incredible experience. There's a reason that this hotel/casino is a focal point in Ocean's Eleven.

7. The Linq High Roller

Kendall Smith

This giant observation wheel is more than "just another ride." It's an enclosed temperature-controlled capsule lined with glass to get one of the best 360-degree views in town. You definitely get your money's worth on this one because it takes 30 minutes to make one complete rotation. If you time it right, you may even score a chance to see the Bellagio fountains from a spectacular view. If the 550 feet height frightens you, don't worry, you can sit down comfortably inside the pod without worrying about your legs buckling from underneath you.

8. Absinthe

Kendall Smith

No, not the drink... the show. Like the sign says, "If you only see one show in your entire life, make it Absinthe." It is the best non-concert show I have seen thus far in Vegas. There is a perfect balance of great humor ranging from raunchy to slapstick, not to mention the amazingly talented acts that will leave you in awe.

The setting is fantastic as it is held in a circus tent style theater so there's really not a bad seat in the house. Seriously though, the list of shows and entertainers claiming to be "the best in Vegas" can be overwhelming. If you have no idea where to start... Absinthe is the one and will set the bar for every show you see after it.

9. Attend a concert... Any Concert

Kendall Smith

There are a wide range of performers and concerts happening in Las Vegas that are coming back post-Covid. If possible, the energy and excitement is even higher for the artist and audience alike. Everyone is ready to get back to the Vegas party and a concert is a great way to do just that. You really can't go wrong with who you choose. I have not been to a bad concert in Vegas yet.

Brittany Spears, Backstreet Boys, Barry Manilow, Lady GaGa and Bruno Mars are the musicians I have seen so far. (Barry Manilow was more for my mother-in-law) but he still put on a fantastic show! Although not all of the aforementioned artists have residencies any longer due to Covid or contracts, concerts are ramping up again so just pick one and get ready to belt your favorite song or challenge the person beside you to a dance off!

10. Chandelier Bar at Cosmopolitan

Kendall Smith

The Chandelier Bar at the Cosmo is not only aesthetically pleasing, but they have fun and talented bartenders too. You can chill at the bar and play video poker, or lounge in a comfortable plush chair to talk and take in the views from the sparkling heart of the casino. Just go easy on ordering their signature Cosmo drink... they will sneak up on you quickly if you're not careful.

11. Wicked Spoon Buffet

Kendall Smith, Via images.app.goo.gl

Las Vegas is known for many things, and buffets are just one of them. However, they are not always everything they are cracked up to be, except for Wicked Spoon. Located on the third floor of the Cosmo is a buffet that not only features a wide array of food, but food that is prepared mindfully. Whether it's a spicy duck wing you're after or the dessert bar with mini sprinkled donuts, Wicked Spoon is sure to leave you coming back for more!

12. Relax Poolside

Kendall Smith

One way to cool off in the Las Vegas heat is to hangout by a pool. No matter where you stay, chances are the hotel has some sort of swimming hole. Although most of the pools are outdoors, you can probably find an indoor or heated one somewhere if you decide to visit during the winter. The Cosmo has two different pools to fit your mood, the Chelsea and the Boulevard Pool. If you are looking for a quiet spot to unwind, read a book, or just lay out and suntan, the Chelsea Pool is the choice for you. However, if you are feeling more sociable and want a dance club vibe, go check out the Boulevard.

13. Hello Kitty Cafe

Kendall Smith

The Hello Kitty Cafe is a pop up shop located in between New York New York and Park MGM. This food truck style cafe has a ton of tasty snacks and drinks from donuts and pastries to signature coffees and teas. It's a fun little place to stop by and get a quick treat or some adorable Hello Kitty gear!

14. Roller Coaster at NY NY

Kendall Smith

The Big Apple Coaster is unlike any other and will give you a run-for-your-money in a way that is completely different from the tables or slots. This ride is no cab trip on Times Square. The Big Apple Coaster will either have you screaming bloody murder or shouting a series of choice words without any regard for the children (who barely met the height requirement) sitting directly behind you.

This roller coaster is not only fast, but inverts its passengers through giant loops suspending them upside down. The Big Apple Coaster has since been updated and added a virtual reality element giving it a whole new experience. Just don't eat a big meal or have too many drinks before you decide to hop on and ride it.

15. Earl of Sandwich

Kendall Smith

If you are looking for a quick service, but delicious and filling meal, go check out Earl of Sandwich. The history behind the sandwich is quite appropriate and named after the 4th Earl of Sandwich who invented the meal. As it is told, John Montagu was playing cards and did not want to get up from the gaming table to get something to eat. So he asked for a serving of roast beef to be placed between two slices of bread so he could conveniently eat with his hands while still playing cards.

There is an Earl of Sandwich located inside both Caesar's Palace and Planet Hollywood so you can find one fairly quickly depending on which side of the strip you are on. I do not recommend eating a sandwich at a card table in Vegas, although I'm not sure anyone would stop you... either way, make sure your sandwich is from the Earl.

16. Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

Kendall Smith

Located behind the Mirage is Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. There you can interact with the playful and social dolphins that are excitedly curious to meet you. Behind the pools is a garden tucked away where you can see beautiful big cats including both white and bengal tigers, lions, and leopards. It's a fun little get away from the slot machines and will have you saying "lions, and tigers, and dolphins... oh my!"

17. Brunch at Hexx

Kendall Smith

It can be easy to skip breakfast anytime, but especially after a night of partying in Las Vegas. If you are looking for something to cure that hangover, or just want a great brunch spot, Hexx is a must! Located both inside and outside (they have outdoor patio seating) of the Paris hotel/casino you can enjoy bottomless mimosas, french toast, and the best tasting Bloody Mary you can find.

I'm not a big Bloody Mary person because they can taste a little too much like cold tomato soup, but the ones at Hexx are exactly how Bloody Marys SHOULD taste. Try the "Farmer's Market" for an exceptional taste experience, or you can go big with "The Colossal" and have everyone stare at you in amazement when you have a crab leg sticking out of your drink and delivered right to your table.

18. CATCH

Kendall Smith

Another delicious restaurant that I keep going back to time and again is Catch, which is located inside Aria. The food is as interesting and delightful as their entrance. They have recently added brunch as well. Some must tries include the Catch roll, the Hellfire roll, and the crispy shrimp. You know what, just go ahead and get all three! Although this is last on the list, it's most certainly not the least. The fun and tasty food at Catch is sure to take your mind off of that last hand of Black Jack you lost.