Things You Should Not Miss in Vegas

Stratosphere Tower

The Stratosphere Tower is the largest free standing tower in the United States and juts up 1,149 feet into the Las Vegas skyline. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and the nearby valley from the observation deck. In addition to the observation deck, the top Stratosphere Tower offers some thrilling rides for guests to enjoy. The Big Shot shoots passengers straight up 160 feet at a speed of 45 miles per hour. At the top, passengers are 1,081 feet above the Strip. X-Scream is a gigantic teeter-toter that is 866 feet above ground. The X-Scream propels riders head first, 27 feet over the edge of the tower and lets them hang over the strip before they are pulled back again for more. Insanity is a huge mechanical arm that extends 64 feet over the edge of the tower suspending people to a height of over 900 feet. It then moves so that the passengers are facing straight down and spins them. In addition to rides for the thrill seekers, the tower shops has themed streets replicating those of Paris, New York and Hong Kong.

Located on the Vegas strip, the Excalibur Hotel and Casino is one thing visitors to Las Vegas can't go home without seeing. The white turreted castle, designed to look like a structure from medieval times, includes a moat, drawbridge and two 2,000-room towers. Various attractions are found on three levels of the Excalibur Castle, including free entertainment like singers, magicians, jugglers and even a fearsome dragon battle for visitors to enjoy. A medieval dinner show also entertains guests. The Excalibur Tournament of Kings boasts dragons, jousting and fire-wizards. The servers are dressed in wench costumes and visitors must eat with their hands to add to the medieval fun.

At the New York, New York hotel and casino in Las Vegas visitors will feel like they are really taking a bite out of the Big Apple. A replica of the New York City skyline towers over the strip and includes a 300 foot version of the Brooklyn Bridge, a detailed replica of the Statue of Liberty that stands 150-feet tall and replica of the Empire State Building. The Manhattan Express is a roller coaster that zips guests around the entire New York, New York complex Coney-Island style. The casino is decorated to resemble Central Park and a bar is located in the middle of a Times Square replica complete with flashing lights.

Located at the Venetian, the gondola rides offer guests the opportunity to float down the Grand Canal in a authentic Venetian gondola. Guests will float beside cafes, beneath bridges, under balconies and through a Venetian landscape while a singing gondolier makes them feel like they really are in Venice. Reservations for the same day ride must be made in person at the Venetian, Las Vegas.