Things To Do in Las Vegas Without Gambling

Advisor - David Z. Xiah
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David Z. Xiah

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Things To Do in Las Vegas Without Gambling
Curator’s statement

Las Vegas is a special destination for me because it offers a perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. I needed a short vacation to break from studying for my medical licensing exam, and Las Vegas was the ideal choice. It is warm and sunny compared to the Midwest, and it has a wide range of hotels and restaurants to suit any budget and taste. My faith discourages me from gambling, so I was looking for other ways to enjoy the city and its attractions. I was pleasantly surprised by how much there is to do and see in Las Vegas besides the casinos. I had a memorable trip that refreshed my mind and body.

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Where to stay

Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas

Located in the heart of the strip, the Waldorf Astoria is Vegas' chicest and most tasteful accommodation with sprawling views of the city.

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  • $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Advisor - David Z. Xiah

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Where to Stay:

For my four-day vacation in Las Vegas, I chose to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, a luxury hotel that does not have a casino. This was perfect for me, as I wanted to avoid gambling and enjoy other aspects of the city. The hotel was peaceful and elegant, and the staff were very friendly and attentive. They greeted me every time I passed by and made sure I had everything I needed.

The hotel had an in-house restaurant, the Zen Kitchen, which served Asian-inspired dishes with fresh and organic ingredients. I had three meals there, and I was impressed by the quality and the taste of the food. The portions were generous, and the prices were reasonable. One of the highlights of my stay was the rooftop bar, the Tea Lounge, which has amazing views of the strip and the mountains. My friend and I ordered some snacks and drinks and watched the lights of the city. It was an unforgettable experience.

The hotel also had great amenities, such as the pool, gym, and spa. The pool was heated and had a stunning view of the strip. The gym was well-equipped and spacious. The spa offered a variety of treatments and massages. I enjoyed relaxing and pampering myself at the Waldorf Astoria, and my stay there truly elevated my experience for the whole trip.

Things to do:

During my trip, I visited many attractions and activities in Las Vegas that did not involve gambling. I was fascinated by the Bodies Exhibit at the Luxor Hotel, which showcases real human bodies preserved and displayed in various poses and sections. As a medical student, I appreciated the opportunity to review human anatomy and learn more about the functions and systems of the body. I spent more time there than many other visitors.

I also had a lot of fun on the rollercoaster at the New York, New York Hotel, which was thrilling and exhilarating. The line was not long, and we got on the ride right away after buying the tickets. It was a great way to get some adrenaline and excitement.

I shopped at the Premium Outlet North and found some great deals and bargains. It was the holiday season, so there were many sales and discounts, even at Lululemon. I bought some gifts for my family and friends, and some souvenirs for myself.

Another fun thing we did was we watched the seasonal Nutcracker Ballet show at the Smith Center for Performing Arts. It was a beautiful and enchanting performance, with talented dancers and a live orchestra. I felt like I was transported to a different world. The music and the costumes were amazing.

We also visited some of the famous landmarks and attractions in Las Vegas. Such as the Eiffel Tower View Deck in the Paris Hotel, where we enjoyed a panoramic view of the strip and took many pictures. The boat ride in the Grand Canal Shoppes, where we felt like we were in Venice. We also explored the themed hotels and shopping malls. There is the Conservatory and Botanical Garden at the Bellagio, the Forum Shops at the Caesars Palace and the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. They were all impressive and unique, and we had a lot of fun walking around and admiring the architecture and design.

Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck - David Xiah

Image 1: Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck ; Image 2: The Venetian

What to Eat:

Las Vegas is a paradise for foodies, and I indulged in many delicious and diverse cuisines during my trip. Although I ate most meals at the hotel because I had plenty of hotel credits to use (the Fora difference!), I also explored many restaurants outside the hotel. I sampled everything from casual to high-end, from American to French, from buffet to tasting menu. Some of the restaurants I visited were:

The Bacchanal Buffet at the Caesars Palace, which had a huge selection of dishes from around the world. I tried different cuisines, such as Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and Indian. They also had the biggest shrimp that I have ever seen.

The Restaurant Guy Savoy, also at the Caesars Palace, which serves exquisite and refined French cuisine. I had a seven-course tasting menu, which included dishes such as foie gras, lobster, and chocolate fondant. The food was beautifully presented and delicious. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star back when the Michelin Guide still inspected Las Vegas, and I could see why.

The Bouchon at the Venetian, which had some of the best pastries and croissants I ever had. I had breakfast there, and I enjoyed the buttery and flaky croissants, the spicy biscuits and the coffee. The restaurant had a cozy and charming atmosphere, and the staff were very friendly.

The Brera Osteria at St. Mark’s Square in the Grand Canal Shoppes, which offered a $30 tasting menu that was delicious and affordable. I had three courses, which included dishes such as squash soup, fettuccelle and tapioca panna cotta. The food was authentic and flavorful with generous portions. The restaurant had a lively and festive vibe being in the center of the Shoppes, and the service was attentive and courteous. It is my to-go restaurant whenever I am near the Venetian.

The Yardbird at the Venetian, which had amazing southern food, such as shrimp and grits and fried chicken. I had dinner there, and I loved the crispy and juicy fried chicken, the creamy and cheesy grits, and the biscuits and gravy. The food was comforting and satisfying, and the portions were huge. The restaurant had rustic and casual decor, and the staff were warm and welcoming.

We stopped for a drink at the Vanderpump Bar at the Paris Hotel, drawn by its glamorous decor. The bar had a chic and elegant atmosphere, and a nice selection of cocktails and appetizers. We ordered some drinks and some small bites, and we enjoyed the music and the ambiance.

I had a wonderful trip to Las Vegas without gambling, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to have a fun and fulfilling vacation. There is so much to do and see in Las Vegas besides casinos, and you can have a memorable and enjoyable trip there as well!

Need to Know

You can have a fun and fulfilling trip to Las Vegas without spending a dime on the casinos. Instead, focus on the other aspects of the city, such as the culture, the entertainment, the shopping, and the food. You can visit museums, shows, rides, and sightseeing spots, and you can find something for everyone, whether you are into culture, adventure, or entertainment. You can also explore the themed hotels and shopping malls, which are elegant and impressive. You can have a lot of fun just walking around to enjoy the architecture and design.

Las Vegas has a variety of hotels and accommodations to suit your preferences and budget. If you want a more quiet and relaxing stay, you can choose a hotel that does not have a casino in it, such as the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas. You will enjoy the excellent service and amenities, and the stunning views of the strip.

Las Vegas has a diverse and vibrant food scene, and you can find something for every taste and budget. You can splurge on a fine dining experience, or you can enjoy a casual and affordable meal. You can also try the buffets, which offer a variety of dishes and unlimited portions. (Oh, and don’t forget that you have credits you could spend at your hotel’s in-house restaurants if you booked with us) You will not regret indulging in the food in Las Vegas, as it is one of the best parts of the trip!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Las Vegas.

In need of further inspiration? Check out Shelley DeHekker’s guide, A Weekend Getaway Guide to Las Vegas.

Advisor - David Z. Xiah

Travel Advisor

David Z. Xiah

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