It was hard to wake up early in a cold and freezing morning, snuggling against the warmth of our bed. However, today is the start of our exciting tour in Las Vegas, so we have to eat breakfast, take a shower, and get dressed for the long day ahead. My niece Miko and husband Derick who sponsored our trip will bring us to famous hotels and casinos and we will revel in a unique dining experience. We are thrilled to explore and see the charm and elegance of the famous Las Vegas.
never ever leave the City of Lights without a selfie shot in this iconic symbol of Las Vegas
Las Vegas is known primarily for its gambling, nightlife, and entertainment. However, it has more than that. You may also indulge in shopping, fine dining experience, and embark on a myriad of activities you would surely enjoy.
the beautiful Mandalay Bay at day time
The city has many nicknames which include the famous Sin City, the Gambling Capital of the World, the City of Lights (Paris too), the Entertainment Capital of the World, and the Marriage Capital of the World.
Inside Paris
the happy travelers from the Philippines to the City of Lights!
Another thing about the city is that it now ranks as one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations. So imagine how excited we are as we head off to our first-day family getaway!
Shen could not have a photo alone with the Sign
Here are the places we visited in our Day Two
The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
We started the day visiting the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign. It was past twelve noon and there was already a long queue for picture taking. We went to the left side of the Sign and took selfie photos. Then after, we approached a tourist to take us whole body shots. Unfortunately, there are photo bombers on both sides.
the iconic symbol of Las Vegas
The iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign was created in 1959 and was designed by Betty Willis, a female commercial artist.
mother and daughter tandem haha!
A bit of trivia. The Sign is not actually located in Las Vegas but in Paradise. It is about four miles south of the Las Vegas city limits. Never leave this gleaming city without a photo with the Sign to complete your fabulous Las Vegas experience.
Mik and Derrick… thank you guys for this wonderful trip!
The Sign is open 24-hours. Some opted to start it early and head off to the Strip while others at sunset until night for perfect lighting. It is best to get early to avoid the long queue and take photos with no intervening people around.
so glad to see again my beautiful niece
Address: 2001 N Grand Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
I had known Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino because this is where the previous fights of Philippine boxing legend, Manny Pacquiao were held. I heard this is his favorite venue. It felt surreal as we set foot in one of the most gorgeous and best casinos in the Las Vegas Strip.
the shimmering gold building of Mandalay Bay
The shimmering gold building of Mandalay Bay was stunning. Getting inside is another thing. We did not play in the casino, we enjoyed walking around. It has 4,000 hotel rooms and a casino with 122 table games and 2,400 slots.
the pool of Mandalay Bay
It has many awesome amenities: the 11-acre pool area with a beach, a lazy river, world-class restaurants, the House of Blues concert hall, shopping stores (The Shoppes), the Shark Reef Aquarium, night bars, the 12,000-seat Mandalay Bay Events Center, and a lot more.
Mom and Riri enjoying the stroll
Indeed, it was a complete resort that will make your Las Vegas experience truly unforgettable.
one of the exciting activities to do in Mandalay Bay
you can glimpse the sky in the ceiling window of Mandalay Bay
Address: 3950 S Las Vegas Boulevard, NV89119
The Boiling Crab
After our visit to Mandalay Bay, we head off to The Boiling Crab for a late lunch. It was just a few blocks away from the Strip.
dipping sauce of lemon and pepper
The Boiling Crab is a popular Louisiana-style Cajun seafood restaurant. It is famous for its fresh crabs, crawfish, and shrimps, steamed or boiled in the Cajun-style blend of spices. The restaurant started in a small town in Southern Texas in 2004. Through the passing of time, the family-style restaurant started to expand into branches bringing fun and taste of a backyard crab fest to the world.
taking our lunch with giant bibs as we eat by bare hands
What is so unique about the restaurant is that we will eat on white liner paper on bare hands. Plastic bibs were distributed to protect our clothes from getting messy. Miko and Derrick being regular customers of The Boiling Crab wanted us to try one of their best sellers. They ordered Gumbo (with rice, shrimp, sausage, and Cajun fries). Our dipping sauce is lemon pepper.
tasty Cajun fries
Our appetizer was Cajun fries. It should have been for the kids only, but we ordered an additional three because it was so crispy and tasty. The Gumbo was served in a plastic bag. The shrimp was seasoned well with the spicy Cajun sauce. The sausage was tender. What a great time sharing good meals with the family while exchanging happy stories!
the delicious shrimps with Cajun sauce
Address: 4025 S Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Contact Number: (702) 386-0808
Monday to Friday: 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Saturday to Sunday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Every hotel and casino has its striking feature. Like for Paris Las Vegas, its theme is the city of Paris, France where it has the replica of Eiffel Tower standing at 540-foot. It has the casino with over 1,700 slot machines and rooms with a chic European look.
the glistening Paris Las Vegas at night
It has many things to offer too like shopping to its charming boutiques, a happy meal to any of its 13 restaurants and coffee shops, full-service spa, a relaxing swim at Soleil Las Vegas Pool, viewing at Eiffel Tower, a night out in any of its bar and a lot more.
beautiful outside
A visit to Paris will take you to its sister property, Bally’s Las Vegas. It is within close proximity to High Roller (giant Ferris wheel) and LINQ Promenade. Paris is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment Corporation. Feel the European’s most romantic city in Paris!
at the gaming section of Paris
Inside Paris
Address: 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, US
Bellagio Las Vegas
I had known Bellagio when I watched Ocean’s Eleven, a heist movie that starred George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and other famous actors way back in 2001. However, its striking attraction is the Fountain, a massive and choreograph water musical feature that synchronized with light and music. The show takes place in the afternoon and early evenings, and 15 minutes from 8:00 pm to midnight.
the stunning Bellagio at night
Bellagio is a luxury hotel, resort, and casino owned by The Blackstone Group and operated by MGM Resorts. If The Venetian is known for being a “romantic hotel”, Bellagio is famed for its elegance. It offers elegant hotel rooms and suites, pools & cabanas, spas, salon, best shopping, group and private dining options, lively entertainment, sports venue and so much more.
enjoying the crowd and the lights and sound of Las Vegas Strip
Truly, you can feel Bellagio’s elegance and sophistication from inside and outside.
the amazing Fountains Of Bellagio
Address: 3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen is a restaurant adjacent to Caesars Palace’s main building. I had seen some seasons of global hit reality television show Hell’s Kitchen with its host, the world-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay.
outside the Restaurant, adjacent to Caesars Palace main building
Getting inside the restaurant was amazing. I felt I was in the studio as a guest. The restaurant can seat more than 300 guests that serve lunch and dinner menus. It has a bar, private dining room, and glass windows overlooking the famous Strip.
inside Hell’s Kitchen
Address: 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, NV 89109
Tel: (866) 227-5938
Caesars Palace
It was getting late in the evening and there are kids in the group, so we cannot stay long hours in casino hopping. Our last stop for the day is in Caesars Palace, a luxury hotel and casino, owned by Vici Properties and managed by Caesars Entertainment. Caesars has stylish rooms, suites, and modern casino facilities.
the amazing Fountain of the Gods at The Forum Shops
What is so unique about Caesars is its Roman Empire theme. Upon entering the main building, three statues will initially bring you to the Ancient Room. Near the entrance is the statue of Augustus Caesar.
What I love aside from strolling and window-shopping at The Forum Shops is taking good photos of gods and goddesses in the Fountain of the Gods. It was a good spot to sit awhile and marvel at the statues of Jupiter, Poseidon, Minerva, and Pegasus. They were tall and impressive. It was relaxing too to watch the changing sky ceiling.
Gie, Me and Poseidon, the mystical white horse
Caesars also offers shopping (Forum Shops), buffet and fine dining options, a swim to Garden of the Gods Pool, relaxing spa, the Fall of Atlantis show, bar parties, and a lot more.
the goddesses at the entrance of Caesars Palace
at The Forums Shops
Address: 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, NV 89109
End of Tour
That ends up our first tour in the City of Lights. Never in my life did I imagine that one day we would set foot in this amazing city! Las Vegas is full of life, elegance, and charm. It was a tiring day but a well-spent one. We have our last day to explore Las Vegas tomorrow and we are looking forward to another amazing day ahead!
this is outside Paris
Good night shimmering Vegas!
Related posts:
 |
 |
|
| Golden Gate Bridge, California: From Pipe Dream into a Reality | Our first unforgettable visit in San Francisco, California (with tips and travel guide) | Visiting Las Vegas for the first time |
You may also like:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Exploring South Korea in Five Days, the DIY way (with tips and travel guide) | Family beach getaway at Masasa Beach, Tingloy Island, Batangas | The Friendly Trek to Quitinday Green Hills in Camalig, Albay | Singapore Day 3: Roaming Alone in the Amazing Gardens by the Bay | Family Goals: Caramoan Island Day 2: West side tour |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Maniwaya Island in Marinduque (with Palad Sandbar and Ungab Rock Formation) | Second Day in Hong Kong 2018: Nan Lian Garden, Chi Lin Nunnery, Won Tai Sin Temple | Road Trip to Negros Island: Bais, Manjuyod Sandbar, Sipalay and Bacolod City | Soi: Eat Thai. Love Thai. Yummy Pad Thai | Sabtang Island, Batanes: Exploring its Captivating Beauty |