Las Vegas: 10 Things to Do in 24 Hours

Even though it's expensive, cuts three hours out of your evening and sounds really boring, it's actually really cool and totally Vegas, despite its French Canadian origins — you can see Elton John anywhere, after all. The Cirque hires former Olympic gymnasts to catapult themselves all over the stage, risking their lives in outlandish costumes just for your amusement. I was in the Cirque offices once, and saw several people enter on crutches or in casts to collect their checks. If Wayne Newton ever ends up on crutches, I'll go see him.

All the Cirque shows are similarly good — and pricey, at up to $165 a ticket — but Love at the Mirage is the best.

• 1. Mirage
  3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109; 702-791-7111 36.121071-115.175604 mirage.com