What To Do In Las Vegas If You Are Not A Gambler

Here I am in Las Vegas with the ding of machines, the shouts of joy, groans of despair, the strobing lights, the never ending 80’s music on repeat and the nights that roll into days. This is my first time in Sin City. Everyone said that a couple of days would be enough… but there are so many things to see and do that I am wishing I had more time, even after staying here for seven days.

I was worried that this would not be the city for me. You see the only time I ever have a flutter is on Melbourne Cup Day. I don’t like to gamble, so what else is there for me to do in this hedonistic place. Turns out there is plenty and not enough days for me to see and do it all.

Here are my top tips for the non gambler visiting this spicily humid and buzzing city.

1. See a show – There are so many shows from illusionist David Copperfield to Cirque du Soleil shows, Donny Osmond, Menopause the Musical and so many more. The highlight of my Las Vegas stay was catching the Donny Osmond show at Harrah’s. Shows here are slick, entertaining and have so much pizazz. It was a dream come true for this super fan. I’ll be sad to miss the upcoming Lenny Kravitz and Shania Twain shows.

For the younger crowd, the Gold Coast’s own favourite DJ – Fisher was playing, as well as Doja Cat and the popular I HEART radio concerts. There really is something for everyone.

2. Visit a fancy restaurant – There are plenty of fast-food joints and Starbucks on offer but for a wonderful experience why not visit Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen restaurant. It was outstanding and you feel as if you are on a film set. Indeed, on the day we booked for a late lunch the restaurant closed as they were filming that night. Alas Ramsay was not around at lunchtime, but the red and blue teams were.

The food, ambience and service were top drawer, and I can recommend Gordon’s signature Beef Wellington, Sticky Toffee Pudding and The Duchess cocktail, which changes colour at the table in a wonderful bit of alchemy. Other restaurants we enjoyed were Javier’s Mexican and Gallagher’s Steakhouse. Park MGM boasts EATALY which is a beautiful place for everything Italian. I found the best coffee of the trip here at Lavazza.

3. Trip to Paris – Wander through the picturesque Paris casino and enjoy cocktails at Vanderpump a Paris. Reality TV fans will recognise the decadent décor and signature cocktails from the show. It was a perfect experience for this RHOBH and Vanderpump Rules fan. Pair the goat cheese balls and Birdcage charcuterie with your cocktails. You will not be disappointed. Garcelle’s son Oliver was one of our servers that evening which was extremely exciting. Paris has an Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and signature hot air balloon. Watch out for the free French cabaret shows. Ooh, la, la.

4. Bellagio Gardens and fountains – The famous Bellagio Hotel is one of the top casinos in the world but that is not its only claim to fame. People flock to see the famous fountain show. It is magical and on weekdays can be seen every 15 minutes from 3pm and from 12 pm on weekends. The night – time one at 9 pm is spectacular. Most of the restaurants in the Bellagio offer a view. Another highlight for me were the indoor fantasy gardens with fairies, owls, clocks, pumpkins, and deer interspersed with the most whimsical of gardens. Look up to see the colourful glass flowers on the lobby roof.

5. Shopping – It is obvious that there are plenty of shopping options here. There are two outlet malls for bargains where you can spend hours shopping up a storm. Then there are all your luxury brands for those special purchases. Department stores like Neiman
Marcus and Nordstrom carry all the best loved brands or head to Fashion Show for the latest fashion.

6. The Sphere – Las Vegas’ newest attraction did not disappoint. It dominates the skyline with ever changing holograms and inside you can go on a wild ride with an interactive and immersive experience like Postcard from Earth, a U2 concert or catch The Eagles.
It really does have to be experienced to be believed. This technology can only be found in Vegas.

There are hop on – hop off buses, foodie tours, walking tours or why not head out to the Grand Canyon by helicopter? There are galleries, parks and pool parties or catch a Raiders game. You can even renew your vows at the Elvis or Camelot chapels. There really is something for everyone in Las Vegas, even if you are not a gambler. Viva Las Vegas!