Skip to content
Daytime

Strip Sidekick: Big Apple Coaster & Crystals

Beat the midday heat and see the Strip from a different angle.

Best time: noneAbout 240 min

Timeline

  1. 11:00

    The Shops at Crystals

    Start at The Shops at Crystals. The upscale mall opens early, making it a perfect cool, quiet place to begin your morning before the crowds arrive. Browse the high-end retailers and grab a coffee or light breakfast from one of the gourmet options inside.

  2. 11:45

    Big Apple Coaster

    Walk 11 minutes to the Big Apple Coaster. Arrive just as it opens at 11:00 to avoid the longest queues later in the day. Ride the coaster that lifts you 203 feet up, offering a high-speed thrill with a jet fighter’s barrel roll and a 144-foot drop. The views of the Strip from the top are unmatched.

  3. 12:30

    Hershey's Chocolate World

    Walk 1 minute to Hershey’s Chocolate World. Pick up a souvenir or a sweet treat. It is open from 09:00, so it is fully operational by now. This is a quick, fun stop that fits perfectly between the adrenaline of the coaster and a sit-down meal.

  4. 12:45

    Momofuku

    Walk 15 minutes to Momofuku for lunch. Open from 11:00, this Michelin-starred kitchen by David Chang serves inventive Asian-inspired dishes. It is a great spot to refuel with ramen or small plates before the afternoon heat peaks.

  5. 13:30

    Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

    Walk 20 minutes to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The indoor climate is cool and refreshing. The displays change seasonally, so you will see fresh trees and flower arrangements. It is a calm, visual treat that contrasts nicely with the high energy of the Strip.

Local tip

The Bellagio Conservatory is indoors, so it is a great escape from the Nevada sun. If you want to avoid lines at the Big Apple Coaster, go first thing in the morning when it opens at 11:00.

Check before you go

  • Big Apple Coaster opens at 11:00 on weekdays and weekends.
  • The Shops at Crystals and Momofuku are open from 11:00.
  • Hershey’s Chocolate World is open from 09:00.
  • Bellagio Conservatory is open during Bellagio casino hours, typically 24/7, but check for any seasonal closures.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Las Vegas (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Back to Las Vegas