I'm a New Yorker who visited Las Vegas for the first time. Here are 8 things that surprised me most.

Here are some of the most surprising things about Las Vegas: From amazing experiences to mouthwatering food, Jessica Kelly
I was a New Yorker who visited Las Vegas for the first-time. There were so many surprises.

There are many things to do, including amazing circus performances and magic shows.

It's worth the effort to prepare delicious food and enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures.

Las Vegas is well-known for its casinos but there are many other attractions.

Here are some things I was surprised to discover as a New Yorker who visited Vegas' bright lights for the first time.

Hotels are more than just a place to stay.

The Bellagio's interior and exterior are magnificent. Jessica Kelly

Although it seems that every hotel has a strong theme, my first trip to Vegas was at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. It is known for its fountain show.

Different sections of the hotel were rebuilt during the pandemic. The rooms had amazing views and were very comfortable.

The resort featured huge pools that were centered around tall fountains. I was able to rent a chair and grab an iced drink or cocktail while cooling off. There was also an art gallery and shops across the street from the pool.

Beautiful sculptures can be found at the Bellagio. Jessica Kelly

It was like I was in Tulum, not Nevada. In the lobby, colorful blown glass was hung from the ceiling. The atrium was filled with beautiful statues and flowers.

Although I thought it was necessary to gamble to enjoy Vegas, the shows at Las Vegas are incredible.

Shin Lim is launching a new show on the Las Vegas Strip. Jessica Kelly

Las Vegas offers so many live entertainment options.

The Jabbawockeez, from NBC's America's Got Talent and MTV's America's Best Dance Crew have their own spectacular performance on the Strip.

Cirque du Soleil is also a well-known name in Vegas entertainment. One of their latest shows, "O," takes places right in the Bellagio, on a stage filled with water.

Shin Lim's cards show was also a shock to me. It made me want a magic kit from Amazon.

Las Vegas' food scene is truly impressive. The special dining experiences are well worth the effort.

The food options at Sadelle's and the Mayfair Supper club were delicious, so it was worth every visit. Jessica Kelly

Although Las Vegas is not known for its cuisine, I was blown away by the food I ate.

Sadelle's makes everything from scratch including cream-cheese and strawberry danishes as well as sticky buns, cakes, bagels, house-smoked salmon and other delicious treats.

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The Mayfair Supper Club offers desserts and drinks like chocolate cigars. Jessica Kelly

The Mayfair Supper Club features a stage that is located in the middle the dining room. It hosts amazing live performers. The food was exquisite, with everything from edible gold leaf and caviar on Wagyu roll to chocolate cigars with hazelnut and pear.

Din Tai Fung dumplings are hand-made. Jessica Kelly

The new Taiwanese restaurant Din Tai Fung in ARIA was a great place to watch dumplings being made by hand. I have been savoring the incredible chocolate dumplings and steam buns at Din Tai Fung for many months.

Even though I was told it wouldn't, renting a car for a day is completely worth it.

It was well worth the money to rent a cat at Bellagio. Jessica Kelly

After a few Ubers at $30 on the Vegas Strip that were too expensive, I was afraid to find out how much it would cost to travel to other destinations.

To my surprise, I was able to rent a car for $75 per day, and to see so many amazing places like Red Rocks and the Hoover Dam.

I was able to accomplish so much more than I could have done for far less, and parking was easy when I needed it.

The well-known welcome sign is cooler and less crowded during daylight hours.

This famous sign is even more beautiful at night. Jessica Kelly

It is located at the end on the Vegas Strip. If the temperature rises above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it can be difficult to find the sign.

You can drive or take a ride-share to get some shots with the Las Vegas sign.

It's beautiful lit up at night but it attracts large crowds. It's possible to get better photos at night, or even during golden hour.

The Seven Magic Mountains are well worth a visit and even more so in person

Visit the rocks at sunset. Jessica Kelly

It was a long drive to the Seven Magic Mountains art installation, and I was unsure if it would be worthwhile. But I soon found out. It is also easy to access right from the road.

The desert art installation boasts seven colorful and painted rock stacks that rise to a height of approximately 35 feet. Ugo Rondinone did an amazing job of bringing these rocks alive with vivid colors.

I highly recommend that you go at sunset.

Downtown Container Park is full of music, art and food. It's not just tourist traps and cheesy gift shop displays.

Downtown Container Park's sculpture is larger than life. Jessica Kelly

When I saw the huge sculpture of a praying womantis outside of Downtown Container Park, I was unsure what to expect.

Surprise, I was pleasantly surprised to find the open-air shopping center filled with small shops and restaurants. It is worth a visit to shop and support local businesses.

Las Vegas has so much more to offer than I thought!

Vegas offers more than just gambling. It also has stunning views from the Strip. Jessica Kelly

Vegas was always on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure I would have fun because I am not a big drinker or gambler.

You can enjoy these things, but it is possible to have an amazing time in Las Vegas with nature, adventure and unique experiences, even without the hangover.

Insider has the original article.