Everybody has their own idea of what the real Vegas is. Some people say it’s Caesar’s, the grand dame of the Strip. Some people say it’s downtown with the consistent Golden Nugget. Whatever you are looking for, you can find it there, and for anybody, Vegas will be bright and brash and keep you up late.
The best things to do, in no order, include seeing the fountains at Bellagio (free), the Siren show at Treasure Island (free), your favorite band/singer in concert (whatever price), and Big Shot at the Stratosphere.
Quick Tips:
Any travel guide or anything you pick up in any lobby will have coupons in it. Definitely use them, as Vegas is a coupon city for sure. Specifically, you should try to find something for the Stratosphere thrill rides.
Even though it doesn't seem like it when standing inside the Venetian, Vegas actually is in the middle of a desert. If you get tired of the action at the casinos, head out into it to check it out. If you are up for the drive, head north about 2 hours to Zion National Park, which has great rock formations, waterfalls, and other natural wonders. Also check out Lake Mead National Park, which has three of America's four-desert ecosystems--the Mojave, the Great Basin, and the Sonoran Deserts--meeting in Lake Mead NRA. As a result, this seemingly barren area contains a surprising variety of plants and animals, some of which may be found nowhere else in the world.
Best Way To Get Around:
Defiantly rent a CAR. Vegas is becoming more walkable, but be aware that distances are VAST and things are FAR. They have some of those Jetson's walkways and a car-like tram thing, but they are not extensive.