There is a lot to see and do in Las Vegas besides casinos and shows. That’s what makes Vegas so popular – it’s not just about gambling and entertainment. For residents of India, there are so many things to see and do in the Nevada desert that a trip to the area will have a full itinerary. In this article, we will review the top five cool attractions that Indians love the most while in Las Vegas.
Why Indians Love Las Vegas
Aside from the many attractions that dot the city landscape, gambling is big business in India. It was regulated in 1867 and in recent years, the introduction of the internet has changed how Indians gamble. The easy access to sports betting options has made online gambling a huge hit in India. Although online gambling falls under a grey area as far as lawmakers are concerned, bettors in India spend massive amounts of money engaged in various gambling activities. Although betting on cricket matches and horse racing is very popular, casino games are becoming as much of an attraction. This is why Las Vegas is a top destination for travelers from India. They want to experience the American version of gambling. Fortunately, there are more than just casinos to visit in Vegas.
The Top 5 Cool Attractions
Here is a list of the top attractions that Indians flock to see while in Las Vegas:
The Welcome To Las Vegas Sign
The top of our list features an iconic landmark that is extremely popular for selfie photos. Nothing says you have been to Vegas quite like a photo taken next to or underneath the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign. It sits at the south end of The Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard). It was erected in 1959 and is next to Mandalay Bay and the Little Church of the West. Betty Willis designed the sign, while employed by Western Electric Displays, the company that was contracted for the project by Clark County. The sign has since undergone many upgrades such as the installation of decorative artificial turf underneath it in 2007. The landmark joined the National Register of Historic Places in 2009 and the State Register of Historic Places in 2013. Willis passed away at age 91 on April 19, 2015, and May 5, 2015, was declared Betty Willis Day by Clark County Commissioners to honor her contribution to the Las Vegas landscape.
Freemont Street Experience
Everyone has heard of The Strip but have you heard of Freemont Street? Freemont Street is the second-most popular street in Vegas. That is because it is home to some of the classic hotels and casinos that have been part of the city for decades. But what attracts the crowds to this area is the massive 1,500-foot canopy that stretches over the boulevard. It creates the perfect venue for many activities ranging from street performers and vendors to musicians and artists. Each night the collection is different and has become known as the Freemont Street Experience. Essentially, the large canopy turns the five-block area into a pedestrian mall. The site is home to three different stages that feature live entertainment nightly. Freemont Street is also the site of the annual New Year’s Eve Party and a zip line. Fireworks are part of the celebration, displayed on a huge video screen protected under the canopy.
Stratosphere
The tallest building in Las Vegas and the tallest freestanding tower in the United States is The Stratosphere. It was built between 1992 and 1995 and is home to several extreme adventure activities. They include four different thrill rides. Adrenaline junkies can skydive from the top of the tower or dangle over the edge from 1,149 feet. The observation tower located at that level happens to be the tallest one in the US and the second-tallest observation tower in the Western Hemisphere (the CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario holds the Number One spot). The Strat, as it is known by the locals, also contains a hotel and casino which is located at the base of the structure. The building also includes a showroom and shopping mall. The Strat cost $550 million to complete and was officially opened on April 30, 1996. It has become a huge attraction. For information on other casinos in the area, check out the LuckyDice casino list.
The Las Vegas Strip
You can’t visit Las Vegas without cruising down The Strip at least once. This portion of Las Vegas Boulevard stretches roughly 4.5 miles and is where you will find the majority of the hotels and resorts that have made Las Vegas such a famous place in the United States. The Strip, which is always buzzing with activity, attracts millions of tourists annually and never disappoints. Technically, this section of Las Vegas Boulevard is not even part of Las Vegas as it is located just to the south of the city limits and is actually in two unincorporated towns (Winchester and Paradise). Bust since it contains the major hotel and resort properties it has always been commonly considered part of Las Vegas. The Strip attracts tourists who marvel at the lights, entertainment, restaurants, high-rise residential properties, along with the hotels and resorts that line the street.
Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden
The Bellagio is a resort, casino, and luxury hotel. It is on the Las Vegas Strip. It also contains a conservatory and botanical garden located directly across from the front desk of the hotel. The conservatory has a five-season cycle where it is changed to fit each of the featured seasons. From January to mid-March, it celebrates Chinese New Year. The display shifts to spring until May. An all-American summer display appears during Memorial Day weekend. Between late September and Thanksgiving weekend, it features an Autumn display and a holiday winter display follows which features a large Christmas Tree as the centerpiece. Flower displays that switch out seasonally include many fountains and other articles that match the specific theme of the seasonal display. The conservatory is open to the general public.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas is a magnet for gamblers and sightseers from all over the globe. However, for visitors from India, other things top the must-see and must-do list than just spending time in a resort hotel, restaurant, or casino. If you are looking for more than gambling opportunities while in Vegas, you won’t be disappointed as there is plenty to choose from.
