Do you agree that what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas? I always found this slogan strange. I mean, besides all the lights and gambling, what could possibly be going on in Sin City that I need to keep secret? Call me boring, but on my trip to Vegasone of the most memorable moments for me was my visit to the Bellagio Hotel. Unexpectedly, I discovered the botanical gardens hidden inside the hotel and fell in love with it. This completely free attraction in Las Vegas Nevada was my favorite part of the trip.

My introduction to Las Vegas – the infamous sin city

For someone who doesn’t like to gamble, Vegas may not be the obvious choice for a vacation. However, my cousins ​​and I planned the girls’ trip for my mother’s 60th birthday because we wanted her to have an unforgettable celebration. And luckily, she was super excited because it was her first trip to the famous Sin City, and mine too.

Vegas is exactly what you see on the internet and in movies. The bustling life, the neon lights of the infamous Strip, the gambling, the prostitution, the parties, the shows, the street performers, the fancy and upscale restaurants, the traffic and the crowds – the energy felt like hectic like New York.

Don’t get me wrong, Vegas is a lot of fun, especially if you’re a high roller and don’t mind partying 24 hours a day. Be prepared for that! There were lots of late nights and lots of adult cocktails too. Unfortunately, I regretted some of those busy evenings the next day, but that’s part of the fun!

The Strip can be overwhelming if you’re not used to all the glitz and glamour. I enjoyed walking the Strip because it led me to my favorite part of my trip: the magnificent Bellagio Hotel and Casino. The Bellagio is one of the most iconic hotels in Las Vegas. Its location in the center of the Strip shows you how iconic it is.

Opened in 1998, the hotel is best known for its opulence as well as its extravagant choreographed fountains. If you’re in Vegas, this is something you have to experience for yourself. The fountains are absolutely breathtaking! The Bellagio hides another gem that I fell in love with. This little treasure is the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

I have to admit, walking around inside the hotel was incredibly surreal. Seeing the lobby with the stunning glass art installation left me speechless. The lobby is unlike any hotel lobby I have ever been to. To be honest, it made me feel like an intruder. I didn’t think I was important enough to be in such an extravagant space.

Between the high-end designer storesthe high roller gaming tables and the incredibly handsome people, I literally felt out of place – like a fish out of water. In my head, I was in the wrong tax bracket to be here, and at any moment someone would come up to me and ask me to leave. Fortunately, that feeling quickly changed when I first laid eyes on the botanical gardens. It was one of the only places inside the hotel where I felt comfortable. And the fact that it was free made it even more appealing. After all, the best things in life truly are free.

The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden

The astonishing veranda, although small compared to the neighbor Nevada Botanical Gardensis certainly powerful. So powerful that I would recommend it to anyone visiting Sin City. For me it overshadowed the party at the top of the Strat Hotel. It was more memorable than the Vegas shows, Fremont Street, all the sightseeing toursthe Strip, etc… you know what I mean.

Walking around this peaceful haven was a welcome break from the hype of Vegas. It was a sweet little oasis that made my heart happy. Aside from the themed displays, one of the most striking things inside the garden are the pretty flowers, especially the hydrangeas. I think it was the first time I saw these beautiful flowers with such vibrant colors.

This small conservatory offers live and artificial exhibitions. There are water fountains and ponds surrounded by beautiful colorful flowers. Plus, mystical creatures and animated elements bring the garden to life.

One of the most interesting aspects of the botanical garden is that the space features different themes throughout the year. Depending on when you visit, you may see different displays. During the summer and spring months, the theme focuses on celebrating the serenity of Mother Nature. With the use of relaxing sounds, various animals and colorful and fragrant flowers, you will be amazed by this one-of-a-kind immersive experience.

Currently, the conservatory presents the Garden of Time exhibition, which will take you on a magical journey through time featuring an enchanted forest with mystical woodland creatures. If you visit during the holidays, you can find the most extravagant holiday decorations. There are also special themed exhibitions, including one for the Lunar New Year.

If you ask me, it makes this dream garden even more attractive because superb immersive space always transforms. You may visit several times during the year and not see the same exhibits. It is such a wonderful experience that will trigger all your senses and truly set the Bellagio apart from other Vegas hotels.

The veranda is open 24 hours a day and you only need a little time to see everything and take photos. But my mother and I stayed here for a while and thoroughly enjoyed this fairytale experience. We visited it at the end of our trip and after days of partying, gambling and everything in between, visiting the botanical gardens was a welcome change from the busy life of Vegas. And that’s why I completely fell in love with it.

You can definitely spend a lot of money partying in Sin City, but it’s hidden gems that will leave lasting impressions. There are so many other free attractions in Las Vegas that you can enjoy. But if you’d rather avoid the Vegas crowds to explore more of the state, keep reading for some incredible moments. free things to do in Nevada.

You too could fall in love with it!