The real deal: Downtown's Fremont Street is the original heart, spade, and club of Vegas. Pay homage to the neon cowboy sign, step into Binion's Horseshoe (which played host to the original World Series of Poker), and drop a quarter into one of the legendary slots at the Golden Nugget.

Did we mention it's free? You could hit the jackpot. But for something you can really count on, the pirate battle outside Treasure Island, the water show in front of Bellagio, and the Elvis show at Fitzgerald's are just some of the many free, whiz-bang ways in which this city vies for your attention without asking for your dollar.

Out-of-this-world local tipple: The Las Vegas Hilton houses the ever-popular Star Trek Experience and the adjacent Quark's Bar, where the intergalactic space drinks run the gamut from The Mind Meld and Liquid Latinum to the Arcturian Fizz and Borg Queen martini. Chase it all down with a shot straight out of Orion's Belt.

Best excuse for bringing your glasses: Extravagant, no-holds-barred stage productions with state-of-the-art lighting and sound are a hallmark along the Strip, and a must-see. Get your tickets to The Blue Man Group, Zumanity, Splash, Mamma Mia, and much more at ShowTickets.com.

Chill-out spot: For a swimming time of it, beat the Vegas heat and make a splash at the Mandalay Bay pool area, where you can roll along the lazy river, take your chances in the wave pool, and hold steady with an icy-cool drink while listening to concerts along the sandy, cabana-lined "beach."

A view to a thrill: Ascend the Stratosphere and try something really "X-Scream." The highest thrill ride in the world repeatedly propels you head-first over the edge of the Tower, where you'll dangle weightlessly while taking in truly breathtaking views of the Strip in all its glory.

You can take it with you: Nobody racked up more bling in a lifetime than Liberace, and there's an entire museum dedicated to his lavish lifestyle. After gazing on rare Mosher crystal, the grandest of grand pianos, and rhinestone-studded cars, pick up your own souvenirs and kitsch at the gift shop.

Get out of dodge: Holding back mighty Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam is one of the engineering wonders of the world, and it lies only 30 miles southeast across the desert floor from the center of Las Vegas. Stock up on bottled water and sunscreen for one of the docent-led tours.

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