Las Vegas is a city where visitors can do almost anything –– from eating at a luxurious restaurant with a stunning view of the Strip, to enjoying a romantic gondola ride across a replica of Venice, with countless popular experiences in between. As we mentioned in our post on ‘Hotels – For Vacation or Business Travel’, it’s so easy to book packages that align with your travel expectations online. You can even visit shopping arcades for high-end clothing, jewelry, and artifacts — all without leaving your hotel.
However, even the most frequent visitors may be unaware of the true, full assortment of unusual attractions the city has to offer beyond the headline items. Beyond your hotel room and famous attractions, there are many more out-of-the-box things you can try. So here, let’s take a look at some fun Las Vegas options you may not have heard as much about.
The Big Apple Roller Coaster
Some people can’t get enough of the thrills provided by a roller coaster. But while the U.S. offers some of the greatest variety when it comes to this type of ride, the best roller coaster theme parks are usually surrounded by boring settings. This roller coaster, however, offers you the unique chance to move at spectacular speeds over the Las Vegas Strip itself, giving you the feeling that you’re flying through and around the buildings. And if that’s not enough, the Big Apple Roller Coaster has introduced a VR headset visitors can wear during the ride to enjoy alternative experiences.
Dick’s Last Resort
It goes without saying that all travelers appreciate a great restaurant at any destination. And in Vegas, there are almost too many to deal with. This one, however, is unique in comparison to most. You may have heard of the famous tsundere bars in Japan, where waitresses purposely act like they hate their jobs and the customers. Well, Dick’s Last Resort is basically the American version, where the staff treats everyone badly on purpose. The result is surprisingly fun, with attendees exploding in laughter on a regular basis. It also helps that the food is pretty good!
Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum
There’s something about haunted houses that tends to be both attractive and terrifying. Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum takes advantage of this odd paradox, first and foremost through its location in a 1930s property famous for spooky urban legends. It’s also filled with haunted artifacts from different regions and eras, each with an unsettling story behind it. A visit to this haunt house might affect your sleep, so it might be wise to make it your last stop during the trip. But you’ll be glad you went; it’s very creatively done, and provides some good memories unlike any others you’ll gather in Vegas.
Blackjack Tables at the Aria
The Aria is one of the most modern resorts in Las Vegas and has become known for a number of high-end attractions. Its in-house shopping options are renowned; its poker room is considered to be one of the best; and its suites, too, are up there with the most impressive Vegas has to offer. What many don’t know, however, is that its blackjack tables are also noteworthy. Per analysis by UNLV, blackjack in general offers players some of the best odds in a casino. And the Aria happens to have one of the lowest house edges (an indicator of how often the casino is expected to win) on the Strip. So, while you may already be tempted to visit the Aria for other reasons, you may want to put it at the top of your list for blackjack as well!
Video Poker at Bugsy’s Bar
It goes without saying that the Vegas poker scene is legendary. But the standard recommendations will direct you to the in-person tables at major casinos like the Bellagio and Mandalay Bay. As a sort of different twist on the activity, however, video poker at Bugsy’s Bar can actually turn out to be one of the most enjoyable things you do in Vegas. Located at the Flamingo, Bugsy’s Bar is a lively spot smack in the middle of the casino where you can enjoy a few drinks and some low-pressure video poker. A lot of visitors find that it’s a little more festive and a little less intimidating than sitting down at an actual felt-top table (often with a slightly-too-serious dealer).
The Pinball Hall of Fame
The video game scene looked a lot different a few decades ago. Pinball machines –– with their mechanical controls, colorful lights and rudimentary animations –– were all the rage. Today, it’s hard to find a place with a good assortment of pinball machines, but the Pinball Hall of Fame offers visitors more than 200 of them, including classics like The Addams Family and Medieval Madness. It’s not a traditional casino attraction by any means, but it’s an incredibly fun place for a different type of gaming.
Las Vegas is a city full of surprises, with examples like the above representing just a few of many. As a result, it has become the perfect location for tourists seeking unique and unforgettable experiences. The ones listed above aren’t necessarily the ones you see in the headlines, but they’ll certainly enrich any trip to Vegas.
