Rarely do I come across a place that I simply do not understand but I have to admit, Las Vegas is one of those places.  Earlier this month I spent an ENTIRE week in *Las Vegas (I can’t recommend staying there for more than four days); my first visit to the city since I was eleven years old. Obviously, this means that it was my first trip to Las Vegas as an adult, opening up a whole new world of debauchery.

The Strip!

Actually, that was a lie. My trip to Las Vegas was rather tame as far as “The Hangover” is concerned.  That said, this city makes no sense! Everyday it was on average 105 degrees which is fine, it’s a desert. My one problem was that nothing about this town proposes a lifestyle that coincides with the extreme climate.  If it weren’t for the indoor parts of the conference that I attended during the earlier part of the week, I’m convinced I would have died.

The Strip part deux!

Anyway enough of my whining. By day three, I realized the secret to Vegas.  You must accept it at face value, don’t try to make it more than what it is.  Las Vegas is a pop up city.  It literally looks like God sprinkled some “monstrous hotel” seeds, created a thunderstorm and then said hotels sprouted from the ground.  Walking down the strip is quite confusing as a traveler. I passed fountains that looked like they should have been in Italy, the Eiffel Tour and the Roman Coliseum.  Once the confusion ceased, I admittedly had a great time in Las Vegas!  Below are my top six activity suggestions for a fun, yet calm trip to Sin City! Warning: three of the activities are shows!

Pure, fanatical joy at Michael Jackson ONE

• Michael Jackson One: I saw some fantastic shows in Las Vegas.  The hands down number one show was Michael Jackson One by Cirque du Soleil at the Mandalay Bay.  I laughed, I cried, I sang, I danced, I cried some more.  I was able to see a preview of the show as a media attendee and I HIGHLY recommend it.
• Zumanity: I also got to check out Zumanity also by Cirque du Soleil at the New York, New York hotel. The super sexy and sensual show is tons of fun, but definitely not recommended for kids or to view while with your parents (because of nudity and strong language). It will get awkward. Quickly.
• Jabbawockeez!: Finally, if you’re an America’s Best Dance Crew fan like myself, you MUST see season one winner’s Jabbawockeez at the Luxor.  The dance group has doubled in size, the story line was hard to follow, but the dance moves were incredible and they have a great sense of humor.
• Freemont Street: For a sense of the “real” Vegas, take a stroll to downtown Las Vegas.  Downtown is not The Strip but instead, the Freemont Street Experience.  In addition to checking out the original hotels and casinos from the golden era of Vegas (and Vegas Vic!), you can zip line through the area, try your luck with the Quadruple Bypass Burger at the Heart Attack Grill and check out the Mob Museum which opened last Valentine’s Day.  I didn’t have time to go through the exhibits, but I took a spin in the gift shop and could tell that it was the coolest spot in Vegas.  It’s on my list if I ever make it back.  At night, the light show is worth seeing, but I’ve heard that the Freemont area can get a bit sketchy come nightfall.
• Hotel hop: Las Vegas has some incredible hotels.  They really aren’t hotels as much as they are small cities.  Guests that stay at a hotel on The Strip seriously never have to leave their compound.  Most of the hotels have casinos, restaurants, high-end shopping, spas, multiple pool areas, nightclubs, theaters, you name it, they got it.  My favorites are The Cosmopolitan, MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, Aria and The Venetian.
• Get married. Obviously. Here, I’ve made it easy for you.

Have you been to Las Vegas? What was your experience? Where did you stay? Let me know in the comments below!

*To be clear, when I refer to “Las Vegas” I’m talking about The Strip. I understand that there’s more to Vegas than The Strip, I just didn’t get to see it.