Broadway hits, famous magicians, grammy award winning musicians, comedians, and of course the incredible Cirque du Soleil. Las Vegas has a world of incredible shows for you to discover. Look hard enough and you can be sure to find a show to fit your tastes and budget. Here’s the rundown on our current list of top 10 Las Vegas Shows.

1. Jersey Boys

With sensational performances and tunes from the American songbook, Jersey Boys is a Broadway-style show that tells the musical story of how four guys went from the mean streets of Newark, N.J., to the heights of pop stardom.

2. The Beatles: Love by Cirque du Soleil

An exhilarating romp through the music and era of the Beatles. Performed in the round with dozens and dozens of colorful characters, “Love” is almost too much entertainment to take in during just one viewing.

3. Garth Brooks

In his stripped-down show at the Encore Theater, Garth Brooks grabs an acoustic guitar and dials back the Vegas glitz. He combines classics such as “Friends in Low Places” and “The Dance” with songs that have influenced his career, by such artists as Merle Haggard and George Strait — and even James Taylor, Billy Joel and Cat Stevens.

4. O by Cirque du Soleil

Comprising nearly 100 performers and an ensemble of musicians and singers, “O” transports audience members to a dreamlike water world full of graceful movements and eye-popping stunts. It’s not unlike stepping into a Salvador Dali painting or taking a beautiful LSD trip.

5. Mystére by Cirque du Soleil

Mystére was the French-Canadian troupe’s first permanent spectacle on the Strip, and in 15 years it has barely aged. Many fans swear it’s still the best.

6. Penn & Teller

Penn & Teller delivers a magic show designed for the thinking person. The bits are simultaneously hilarious and stunning, and you’ll be pondering some of the more complex illusions for hours afterward.

7. Purple Reign: The Ultimate Prince Tribute Show

This raucous celebration of the artist Prince is easily the best tribute show in town. Whatever your favorite song — “Raspberry Beret,” “Controversy,” “Kiss” — you’re likely to hear it performed in the show.

8. Terry Fator

America’s Got Talent winner Terry Fator brings his incredible ventriloquism act to Las Vegas. Fator and his “cast of thousands” delivers a fun show packed with comedic banter and celebrity singing impressions.

9. Phantom

Staged in a magnificent custom-built theater, Phantom at The Venetian brings one of the world’s most famous musical productions to Las Vegas. If you are a fan of traditional Broadway theater then treat yourself to orchestra seating and enjoy an up close presentation of Phantom the Las Vegas Spectacular.

10. KÀ, La Reve, Carrot Top, Barry Manilow, Jubilee, Lion King, Big Elvis

OK, so we couldn’t make up our mind. There are so many great shows that picking only ten seems unfair and, as with most opinions, your mileage may vary. KÀ vs La Reve depends on if you prefer technology (KÀ features an amazing stage) to artsy creativity. Manilow is a must see for fans and if you are looking for free entertainment, then Big Elvis probably makes your top 10. Disagree with our list? Be sure to leave a comment and tell us your favorite Las Vegas Show.

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Las Vegas isn’t just a playground for adults. Families from all over the world head to the desert oasis for some quality time together. Whether spending time on The Strip, or adventuring outside the infamous casino-lined boulevard, activities for families await.

Las Vegas Strip Family Attractions

Adventuredome at Circus Circus encourages you to act your age somewhere else.

Housed in a large, pink glass bubble, the five-acre Adventuredome at Circus Circus Las Vegas offers a day full of thrills. It’s got 25 rides and attractions, including the exciting roller coaster that hovers above the crowd and treats guests to upside down screams, Board the Canyon Blaster — the world’s only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster, then check out the 4D theater experience and head over to the midway for some carnival games. Be ready to get wet if you plan on trying out the Rim Runner, a boat ride that plunges its passengers 60 ft into a pool of water. An all-day pass is $24.95.

Gameworks, located next to MGM Grand, offers another indoor experience for families. Adults can sip on beers while kids can play games like virtual bowling, race car driving and more, as well as shoot pool or play darts.

Housed in Mandalay Bay, Shark Reef Aquarium is an underwater exhibit where families can watch sea creatures up-close. It’s the only predator-based aquarium in North America and is packed with 2,000 animals including a variety of sharks, sting rays, piranhas and jelly fish. It’s even got endangered sea turtles and rare golden crocs. If you are a diver, there is an opportunity to dive with sharks in a ship wreck experience. Admission is $16.95 for adults and $10.95 for children 12 and under. Admission is free for children four and younger.

The famous illusionists, Siegfried and Roy have created the Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage. The pair present a sanctuary for animals such as white tigers and lions, panthers, leopards and Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. The Secret Garden even allows people to participate in the special dolphin trainer-for-a-day program. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children 4 to 12 and free for children 3 and under.

There’s still more! Las Vegas: The CSI Experience at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino is a fantastic option for children 12 and up. Young crime-solvers (and grown-ups, too) act as crime scene investigators in an interactive challenge. It’s a hands-on attraction and when you solve the crime and find the killer, you receive an official CSI Diploma. Admission is $30 for ages 12 and up. Children under 12 are admitted for $23. For the younger crowd, M&M World at the Showcase Mall is perfect. The four-floor retail-entertainment complex is a chocolate-lover’s dream and includes a massive gift shop and a free 3-D movie.

Head off the Strip for more Family Fun

The Springs Preserve is a top recommendation for families

Escape the Strip and head out to explore the rest of Las Vegas with the family. The Springs Preserve is a 180-acre outdoor exhibit commemorating the history of Las Vegas that we highly recommend. It’s got museums, an outdoor concert area, and botanical gardens. There’s even a system of trails that takes families through an exploration of wetlands. The environmentally-friendly preserve features the Desert Living Center, a five building enclave complete with art gallery and library. The Center aims to educate people on the environment and how to live a greener life. It’s even got a Compost Crawl and Garbage Truck Theater to entertain kids. Ticket prices vary based on age and residency.

Other family activities include the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum — an interactive exhibit that combines education and child development with fun; the Alicante Nature Discovery Park — a 20-acre park with a lake; the Sky Zone Recreational Center where you can experience parachuting indoors; and the Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix Family Fun Center, complete with rides, arcades and four race tracks.

Family Friendly Shows in Las Vegas

For a more stationary experience, there are family-friendly shows up and down The Strip. Magician Lance Burton is a must. Named “Best Magician” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal consistently, he delights crowds daily at the Monte Carlo Resort. Act quick to catch his show — his final performances are in early September. Nearby is the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur, a dining experience that takes you back to medival times of knights and feasts, including a jousting match on horses, fireworks and dinner sans silverware (yup, eating with your fingers).

Other shows for families are The Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino; the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater at V Theater in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile; the entertaining performance by the Blue Man Group at the Venetian; and the family favorite “Lion King” matinee at Mandalay Bay. Just be aware that little kids may find the Lion King a little long and wordy.

Do you regularly visit Las Vegas with your family? If so, and you have some advice for readers planning a Las Vegas getaway, please let us know by leaving a comment below.

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Aside from world-class resorts and dining, Las Vegas is also a mecca for shopping. Any person who finds themselves needing a new shirt, pair of shoes, cocktail dress, even furniture, needs to only step out of their room to find some of the best retailers in the world.

Fashion Show Mall

Located in the heart of The Strip, this space-age style mall houses some of the best shops in the entire city. When the summer gets too hot outside (and the misters dotting Las Vegas Boulevard don’t cut it), locals and tourists head here.

The mall, which spans an entire block and is one of the nation’s largest malls, is anchored by six department stores: Neiman Marcus, Dillard’s, Nordstrom — the only one in Las Vegas, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s Home. Nordstrom even offers a mini-spa for Elemis facials in a private room just off the cosmetic counters.

It’s also got hundreds and hundreds of stores, from typical mall staples such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, Forever 21, Express and luxury stores like Lacoste. Fashion Show has a bevvy of niche shops including Betsey Johnson, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, The Coach Store, Cole Haan and True Religion.

But, there’s more than just shopping at Fashion Show. Aside from the large food court, there are an abundance of restaurants to fit any taste, including the popular RA Sushi, California Pizza Kitchen, Nordstrom’s Marketplace Cafe, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Luciano’s, El Segundo Sol and The Capital Grille. For last-minute people, there’s an excellent concierge service that books shows and tour packages, makes reservations at restaurants and can reserve hotel rooms.

On a budget? Don’t worry. There are plenty of stores, like Dillard’s, which features great sales year-round. Plus, there is always window shopping to keep people entertained. And, like it’s name, there is the Great Hall that brings shoppers fashion shows numerous times daily, complete with an elevated stage.

Forum Shops at Caesars Palace

The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Who knew ancient Rome had such fabulous shopping?

With more than 150 boutique shops, there is something for everyone at the Forum Shops in Ceasers Palace.

This mall merges (re-created) ancient cobblestone “streets,” Roman facades and statues, with modern touches like spiral escalators. Be sure to check out the marvelous recreations of the Trevi and Triton Fountains (complete with a free show that includes fire).

Forum Shops are heavy on designers, including Agent Provocateur, Louis Vuitton, Bvulgari, Fendi, Christian Dior, Marc Jacobs, Nanette Lepore, Valentino, Versace, Ferragamo, Bellanciaga, Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch and more. For the jewelry enthusiast, stop in David Yurman, Cartier, Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co. or De Beers.

Aside from the luxury stores, there’s also the regular shops such as Guess, Express and the popular multi-story FAO Schwartz, as well as art galleries, including the well-known
photographer, Peter Lik. Dining options abound, including the extremely popular Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Wolfgang Puck’s popular Spago institution and The Palm Las Vegas.

Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

What was once a kitschy desert-themed shopping center is now hip and trendy, thanks to the makeover of Aladdin Hotel to Planet Hollywood. Massive chandeliers and a new slick look make Miracle Mile not only a great place to shop, but also a great venue to admire cutting-edge interior design.

Located just off the casino, Miracle Mile has 170 shops, ranging from the popular H & M and American Apparel, GAP and French Connection.

And then, there are the dining options — 15 restaurants to satisfy any craving. Restaurants include: Cabo Wabo Cantina, Blondie’s Sports Bar & Grill, Cheesburger Las Vegas, La Salsa Cantina, Ocean One Bar & Grille, Pampas Churrascaria Brazillian, Sin City Brewing Company and Todai Sushi & Seafood Buffet.

In the heart of the mall lies the Planet Hollywood Theatre. Inside, shoppers can take in
shows like the illusions of Amazing Jonathan, the men of American Storm and the music of Fab Four Live, the Mentalist and V — the Ultimate Variety Show. For those looking for some interaction, there is the Naughty Boys Hypnosis Show, Stripper 101 and Sin City Comedy.

Like Fashion Show, there are also free attractions including a laser show, rain show and fountain show.

Town Square

Opened in 2008, Town Square is the new kid on the block and well worth a visit. Unlike the other malls, Town Square is open-air, which means shoppers can enjoy some of the best weather in the world during the spring and fall, as well as hit some of their favorite stores.

Town Square’s got the largest H & M in Las Vegas, as well as Guitar Center, Apple, MAC, Border’s, English Laundry, Old Navy, New York & Co., GUESS, Eddie Bauer and GAP. The mall also includes RAVE Motion Pictures and Whole Foods Market.

No open-air mall is complete without parks — and Town Square has two of them. Town Square Park offers a peaceful and relaxing option and includes a pavilion and picnic area, complete with a bridge and water fountain. Next to Town Square Park is the Children’s Park. It recently underwent improvements, including a new play surface. The park includes a Tree House within a 42-foot tall Oak complete with a rock wall, slides and a fort; a maze with animal topiaries; the Bakery Cafe Playhouse for little gourmet cooks wanting to whip up some “food”; the Princess Tower Playhouse; Merry-Go-Round; and theatre.

Town Square features massive amounts of dining and nightlife options. Blue Martini, Yard House and Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar round up locals nightly. And then there’s a variety of restaurants including the newly opened and delicious Cana Latina Kitchen and Bar, Claim Jumper, California Pizza Kitchen, Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, Miller’s Ale House, Brio Tuscan Grille, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and more.

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Believe it or not, there is life outside of the infamous Las Vegas Strip. In fact, just a couple of miles or so down the road from the towering mega resorts is a burgeoning and revitalized Downtown, complete with revamped hotels, delicious cuisine and a hopping bar scene.

Where to stay in Downtown Las Vegas

Enjoy modern luxury accommodations at the Golden Nugget's new Rush Tower

Another sure-bet for comfort and satisfaction is El Cortez’s newest addition, the eC Cabana Suites. Located across the street from El Cortez, its sister property boasts some of the most modern suites in the Downtown vicinity.

Best Restaurants in Downtown Las Vegas

For great Tapas visit Firefly in Downtown Las Vegas

Hugo’s Cellar at Four Queens Hotel and Casino gets rave reviews. This restaurant, housed inside the casino, is a dinner-only venue that serves up some of the tastiest continental cuisine in a romantic setting. Other upscale eateries include Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse at the Golden Nugget and Binion’s Ranch Steak House. Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse has been recognized as one of America’s 10 best steakhouses and was recognized by the MICHELIN Guide in 2009. Binion’s Ranch Steak House, situated on the 24th floor of the hotel, treats diners not only to delicious steaks, but also to some of the best views of the Las Vegas Valley.

For tasty bar food, head over to Triple 7 Restaurant and Microbrewery at the Main Street Casino. Snack on appetizers, pizzas, gourmet burgers, even sushi, and then wash it down with some fresh micro brewed beer. Buffets and Las Vegas go hand-in-hand, and there are no shortage of excellent buffets in the Downtown vicinity. Two great choices for buffets are Main Street Station and the Paradise Buffet & Cafe Restaurant at Fremont Hotel Casino. Be sure to grab 2-for-1 coupons before heading into either buffet.

Las Vegas Downtown Bars

Options prevail for drinking venues. Downtown Las Vegas has two brew pubs perfect for grabbing drinks — 777 Brew Pub at Main Street Station and the Chicago Brew Pub at Four Queens. Hotel lounges are another option for grabbing a cold one. El Cortez brings people in with its “Martini Madness” every day from 5 to 7 p.m. Over at the Golden Nugget, enjoy a cocktail al fresco at the popular H2O bar, or catch some live music at the Rush Lounge.

For those who want to mix in with the locals, head to East Fremont Street and check out The Griffin, which comes complete with fireplaces, or the swanky Downtown Cocktail Room with tasty concoctions every night.

Other things to do in Downtown Las Vegas

Gambling, drinking and eating aside, there are other things to keep people entertained in Downtown Las Vegas. For starters, people can have their photos taken for free in front of the million dollars in cash at Binions. Then, there are the street artists who spray paint along Fremont. Or, stroll along the Fremont Street Experience and sample some of the “local” delicacies — 99 cent shrimp cocktail at the Bay City Deli in the Golden Gate, and fried Twinkies. Every night, step under the large canopy and enjoy the LED light show that helped put Fremont Street Experience on the map. It’s every hour, on the hour, from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Recommend The Best Things to See and Do in Downtown Las Vegas

Do you have a favorite hotel, restaurant or bar in Downtown Las Vegas? Let our readers know what to see and do when planning a getaway to Downtown Las Vegas by leaving a comment below.

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On your next Las Vegas getaway, consider escaping into the unusual by hitting any of these one-of-a-kind museums. Whether you win at the tables or slots, you’ll definitely have something to brag about when you get home!

The Neon Museum & Boneyard

As it’s name suggests, the Neon Museum of Las Vegas is dedicated to preserving neon signs and art. There are over 150 signs in the collection, many dating back to the 1930’s when neon was reaching it’s artistic zenith. Even when not plugged in, it’s a surreal walk back in time to visit the bone yard, which is downtown right next to Cashman Field on North Las Vegas Blvd. Although temporarily closed during the construction of their new facility, they will be offering modified tours in the Spring and expect to re-open in June 2010. Visit neonmuseum.org or call 702-387-6366 for more information or to schedule a tour.

If you’re visiting Vegas before then, take a stroll downtown along Freemont Street. Many vintage signs that have been fully restored light up the street at night.

The Atomic Testing Museum

The Atomic Testing Museum is a great choice for Adults and older Children with an interest in Science or History

Liberace Museum – CLOSED

I admit I lost a bet with my wife before agreeing to visit this one, but I must say I’m glad I did. Liberace was a talented, very flamboyant entertainer who worked from the 1940’s-1980’s in show business. He collected a lot of weird stuff too. Older people remember him best, but he has a cult following. The piano collection is a must see for any serious musician. Located at 1775 E. Tropicana in a strip mall, it might be a little far to walk from the Hard Rock or MGM, but there’s a free shuttle to and from the Strip and many tourist brochures offer 2-for-1 coupons. $15 for adults. www.liberace.org

Erotic Heritage Museum

This is NOT a glorified peep-show or some creepy guy’s personal pornography collection. Although it may not appeal to older folks or the overly pious, the Erotic Heritage Museum offers an array of current and historical perspectives on eroticism. Yes, it’s provocative, yes it’s a sexy Vegas diversion. But the museum’s primary focus is art, education and interpretation. It’s conveniently located on West Desert Inn Road across from the Fashion Show Mall. Fascinating for guys and gals, as well as couples looking to put a spark in their vacation. Open Wednesday-Sunday, admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students, locals and military. http://www.eroticheritage.org

Sure the guys in your bachelor party, or the gals in your bachelorette party, or your new flame, or your impossible to please kids might think you’re crazy at first for suggesting a museum visit when you’re in Vegas, but they will all think you’re brilliant after visiting any of these weird, wacky, wonderful gems.

Other Las Vegas museums worth visiting: Madame Tussands Wax Museum at the Venetian, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum on Las Vegas Blvd. a little north of downtown, the Auto Collection at Imperial Palace, and the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art inside the Bellagio.

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