A few years back I started going to Elton John concerts around my birthday. Well, he was in Las Vegas again this past October, so I decided to continue this tradition.
Elton was playing at The Coliseum at Caesars Palace. While the tickets can get quite expensive, the ‘cheap seats’ at the very top are actually pretty decent and only cost $69.50. There aren’t any columns to obstruct the view and there’s usually a screen showing close-ups of the band playing. Elton John plays all the favorites and has some fun conversations with the audience in between. He always gives a good show and it’s a great way to celebrate a birthday!
Las Vegas can be as expensive or cheap as you want it to be. Vegas, also know (for good reason) as Sin City, has just about every vice you can imagine – gambling, strip clubs, alcohol, smoking inside. But it offers so much more than just that! It’s filled with stunning shows of almost every kind, high-end shopping, spa relaxation, some of the best restaurants in the US, and even a little animal wildlife (who knew?!)
Two of my favorites things in Vegas are both at the Bellagio Hotel: the Fountain Show in front and the Chihuly glass sculpture, Fiori di Como, on the ceiling of the lobby. You can enjoy both of these for free!
Although this cost a little extra, I couldn’t pass up a visit to the Bellagio’s Fine Art Gallery. Tickets are regularly $17, but with my AAA discount, I only paid $15! They had an exhibit called “Town and Country” that featured works by some of my favorite artists, including Edgar Degas and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (pictured here).
Every hotel has something free you can experience. Down the block is the Wynn Hotel and Casino. Their Botanical Garden is free to walk thru and enjoy. The Carousel actually spins and plays music – but you can’t ride on it! They also have a Jeff Koons sculpture, Popeye the Sailor Man.
Did you know there are real flamingos at The Flamingo Hotel? Outside the Mirage is a statue of the iconic Sigfriend and Roy. Across from the Bellagio is the Eiffel Tower (although only viewing is free – going up inside will cost a little). And, although the Pirate Show is no more, you can still see the Pirate Ships outside Treasure Island.
Caesars Forum Shops is a fun place to do a little window shopping and enjoy replica Roman sculptures. Be sure to stop and experience the spectacle that is the Fall of Atlantis – a special effects and animatronic show that details the myth of Atlantis, every hour on the hour starting at 10 am. And, of course, it’s free.
Like all the other cities, when you only have 2 Days, you have to pick and choose what you do. There are so many options! The hotel I stayed at really did cost less than $40 – and it wasn’t horrible! It helped that I went on a Wed/Thurs, but as long as you avoid busy holidays and most weekends, you can often find a deal with a little bit of planning.
I think this is the first trip so far where I paid more for my activities than my hotel or transportation. But, it’s Elton John!
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