Do you agree that what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas? I've always found that slogan peculiar. I mean, besides all the lights and gambling, what could possibly unfold in Sin City that I need to keep a secret? Call me boring, but on my trip to Vegas, one of the most memorable parts for me was when I visited the Bellagio Hotel. Unexpectedly, I discovered the botanical gardens hiding inside the hotel, and I fell in love with it. This completely free attraction in Las Vegas Nevada was the favorite part of my trip.

My Introduction to Las Vegas - the Infamous City of Sin

For someone who doesn't enjoy gambling, Vegas might not be the obvious choice for a vacation. However, my cousins and I planned the girls’ trip for my mom’s 60th birthday because we wanted her to have an unforgettable milestone celebration. And gladly, she was super excited because it was her first trip to the world-famous Sin City, and mine too.

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

Don't get me wrong, Vegas is a lot of fun, especially if you're a big gambler and don't mind partying around the clock. Be prepared for that! There were many late nights and lots of adult cocktails, too. Unfortunately, I regretted some of those fun-filled nights 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 glam. I enjoyed walking the Strip because it led to the favorite part of my trip - the stunning Bellagio Hotel and Casino. The Bellagio is one of the most iconic hotels in Las Vegas. Its positioning at the center of the Strip shows you just how iconic it is. 

Opened in 1998, the hotel is mostly known for its opulence as well as its extravagant choreographed fountains. If you're in Vegas this is something you must experience for yourself. The fountains are absolutely breathtaking! The Bellagio has another gem hidden inside that I fell in love with. That little treasure is the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.

I must admit that walking 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 that I've been in. To be honest, it made me feel like I was an intruder. I didn't believe I was important enough to be in such an extravagant space. 

Between the high-end designer stores, the high roller gambling tables, and the incredibly beautiful 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 approach me and ask me to leave. Fortunately, that feeling soon changed when I first laid eyes on the botanical gardens. It was one of the only places inside the hotel that made me feel at ease. And the fact that it's free, made it that more appealing. After all, the best things in life are truly free.

The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

The stunning conservatory, though tiny compared to the nearby botanical gardens in Nevada, is certainly mighty. So mighty that I'd recommend it for anyone visiting Sin City. For me, it overshadowed partying at the top of the Strat Hotel. It was more memorable than the Vegas shows, Fremont Street, all the sightseeing tours, the Strip, etc...you get my drift.

Walking through this haven was a welcoming break from the Vegas hoopla. It was a sweet little oasis that made my heart happy. Outside of the themed displays, one of the most striking things inside the garden are the lovely blooms, especially the hydrangeas. I believe it was my first time seeing these beautiful flowers in such vibrant colors.

This little conservatory has both live and artificial displays. There are water fountains and ponds surrounded with gorgeous colorful flowers. Moreover, the mystical creatures and the animated features make the garden come to life. 

One of the most interesting things about the botanical garden is that the space showcases different themes throughout the year. Depending on when you visit, you can see various 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, along with colorful fragrant flowers, you will be awe-struck by this one-of-a-kind immersive experience.

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

If you ask me, that makes this dreamy garden even more attractive because this stunning immersive space is always transforming. You can visit multiple times during the year and not see the same exhibits. This is such a wonderful experience that will trigger all your senses, and it truly sets the Bellagio apart from the other hotels in Vegas.

The conservatory is open 24 hours, and you'll only need a short time to see everything and take pictures. But my mom and I stayed here for a while and fully enjoyed the fairytale experience. We visited at the tail end of our trip and after days of partying and gambling and everything in between, visiting the botanical gardens was a welcoming change from the fast-paced life of Vegas. And that's the reason why I absolutely fell in love with it.

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

You too might just fall in love with them!