4. TRY SOME OTHER ACTIVITIES

Yes, there's even more to do-we told you you'd be busy. So if you can tear yourself away from that slot machine, here're some other Vegas-y options:

Shows
Clubs
Marriage

Shows

Las Vegas used to be the land of the scantily clad showgirl, but that's all changed. (Don't worry guys; they still have those too.) Now, most major hotels have shows that are among the best live entertainment in the world.

You'll see a million billboards and advertisements for these shows, so you'll have no trouble finding them. However, they get sold out fast, so you may want to the call and buy tickets in advance. Here're three of the most popular and renowned shows:

  • Siegfried and Roy: This wacky and eccentric duo of daredevils is eerily comfortable around the fearsome White Tigers, and the show is an astounding mix of illusions, storylines, and stunts. It's runs almost every night at the Mirage Hotel, and tickets are $100. Call (702) 792-7777.

  • Cirque du Soleil: This troupe puts on an animal-free circus that combines stupendous acrobatics, visually challenging stunts, lavish costumes, live music and elaborate special effects. They feature two different shows in Vegas:

    • 'Mystere': Their original Vegas show. It's at Treasure Island, and tickets are $82.50. Call 1-800-392-1999

    • 'O': Cirque du Soleil above a huge tank of water, with synchronized swimmers and underwater special effects. Appears at the Bellagio Hotel, and tickets are about $100. Call (702) 693-7722.
  • Wayne Newton: He's known as "Mr. Las Vegas." He performs in the Wayne Newton Theatre. Need we say more? Yes, this is the legend - come see the ladies swoon and the men roll their eyes in boredom. He's at the Stardust Hotel; he costs $50 (a steal!), so call up (702) 732-6325.

  • There are also tons of magicians, comedians, singers, and more playing in Las Vegas - Barbra Streisand held a concert there that cost thousands of dollars per ticket. So check out this page to see all the Vegas shows available. And don't forget to tip your waitress.
Clubs

If you haven't seen enough flashing lights yet, Vegas also has some pretty snazzy nightclubs. Here's a page with most of the nightlife, but below are three of the hippest spots that attract tons of partiers. So when you need some more human contact than Ernie the Expressionless Card Dealer, get decked out (they have strict dress codes), prepare to spend some serious dough (cover charges are usually about $15), and boogie down 'til the break of dawn. Then get back to Ernie. He's lonely and needs your money.

  • 54: A remake of the 1970s swinging club, this multi-level club has lots of cool pictures from the original 54 on the walls and a large dance floor with a good mix of dance, hip-hop, and popular music. So groove on over to the MGM Grand - but leave the leisure suit at home.

  • Club Utopia: No ideal society here, but you will find a carnival of entertainment, dancing, and people. Consistently ranked one of the most impressive nightclubs in Vegas, it's on the Strip between the MGM and Bally's.

  • Orbit: This one's at the Hard Rock Hotel, which is off the Strip, but still quite a hot spot and usually packed on weekends. It's also rumored to be where the celebrities go when they're in Vegas.

Marriage

If you've ever watched TV, you know that Vegas is the land of elopement, and practically every hotel has a wedding chapel. You can pick cool themes (remember the Shaft theme on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?), and there are even drive-through marriage chapels. But remember that there may not be a friend to dash in at the last moment and halt the ill-conceived union.