A non-gambler's comprehensive guide on how to spend 24 hours in Vegas.

Vegas undoubtedly is one of my favorite places to visit. Weird, some might say, for someone that hates to gamble. However, the entire city was designed with one thing in mind: Entertainment.

There are innumerable activities available any time day or night and finding something to do is never a problem. So if you’re someone like me, and gambling just isn’t your thing, then this is a comprehensive guide of how to spend your time taking the sin out of sin city and still managing to have an unforgettable vacation in Las Vegas.

Hotels: I enjoy staying at the Venetian and the Palazzo, they have fantastic customer service, spacious rooms and incredible amenities. A plus for me is that the casino isn’t the first thing you encounter when you walk-in, so you’re not inundated by the smell of cigarettes (looking at you Caesar’s Palace). Early morning, either visit one of their various swimming pools and sunbathe while enjoying a refreshing drink, or reserve a session at their spa for a relaxing facial. The ambience is phenomenal and is a fabulous way to start your day.

Recommendation: One thing I would suggest, is double-checking that there are no large conferences or events in town before you book. When these occur, hotels tend to be overbooked and overpriced, if you can avoid these dates then you’ll be sure to land a better deal. There are little sweet spots during the year, in which you can book a night for under $200, usually mid-summer (hottest season in Vegas), the week before Thanksgiving and mid-December.

In the afternoon, shopping is a must. It’s a great way to stay indoors and away from the heat, while experiencing some of the world’s best malls. Most casinos have their own, so walking down the strip you can visit them one by one. But remember to wear comfortable shoes, because at the end of the day you’ll be surprised with your step count!

Recommendation: Stay away from the ‘Oxygen Bars,’ these look cool but are a gimmick and a waste of money. Also if you’re approached by a salesperson and offered free tickets for a show, in return for some of your time, just walk away. They are trying to get you to go to a meeting (held at a non-disclosed location) where you’ll be stuck for 3+ hours while they try to brainwash you into buying a timeshare.

One of the things I love about Vegas is how they’ve borrowed a little bit of the architecture from all over the world. In a simple 40 minute walk you’ll get to experience the canals of Venice, throw a quarter into the Trevi fountain, climb up the Eiffel tower or take a picture with the Big Ben. From London to Paris, each casino has its own theme, and hopping from one to another is one of my favorite things to do.

Recommendation: Experience a Gondola ride at the Venetian. It’s not quite the same as Venice, but it’s fun nonetheless and makes for great pictures.

In the evening I would highly advise catching a show. Vegas is famous for hosting an incredible array of artists, everything from Sting to Keith Urban. So don’t forget to check who’s going to be performing while you’re in town. Last time I visited, I was lucky enough to go see Celine Dion, and until this day it was one of the best concerts I’ve been to, I belted out every song and even got my seat upgraded for free! Best part was I’m pretty sure she waved at me, (or in my general direction, but who’s counting).

Recommendation: Make sure to book a Cirque du Soleil performance, this is a ritual of mine every time I visit, they currently have six shows in residency, so they’re available all year round. To check out their list of Vegas shows click here. Trust me, you won’t regret it, it’s a magical experience.

Once night falls, Vegas truly comes to life. There are several free outdoor shows that casinos put together for public enjoyment, such as the Volcano show at the Mirage which occurs every hour after 8pm (on the dot), and the fountain show at the Bellagio which runs every 30 minutes, between 3pm to 7pm Monday through Friday and every 15 minutes from 7pm to midnight.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to wander away from the Strip, you can also visit Old Vegas and head down to The Nugget. Old Vegas tends to be more budget friendly and also boasts of fun activities such as indoor zip-lining, free live music shows, and if you’re feeling quirky they even have a mob museum.

Recommendation: Try out the High Roller observation wheel at The LINQ Hotel, the ride takes 30 minutes to complete and they do allow drinks. I recommend doing this activity at night, (preferably after 7:00pm so you catch the Bellagio fountain show from 550 ft. above the Strip), trust me the view is breathtaking.

So there is definitely something for everyone in Vegas, even if you don’t gamble.

Las Vegas

Hearst Castle