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Heading to Las Vegas, I knew it would have a vibrant nightlife, with lively bars lining the iconic strip and entertainment venues offering an extensive selection of shows, making it almost impossible to choose just one to book. However, beyond the two-for-one cocktails, chiming of fruit machines and packed bars, something completely different caught me off guard.

During an evening inSin City, I walked along the legendary strip, lined with towering resorts and glistering signs, making my way to the first bar of the evening. I had anticipated crowding around a bar, brimming with worldwide travellers visiting the 'Entertainment Capital of the World', grabbing a pint and soaking up the electric atmosphere that filled the four-storey establishment.

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Yet, before I could even set foot in a bar for this big Vegas night out, albeit notably alot tamer than that shown on The Hangover movie, something stopped me in my tracks; the Fountains of Bellagio.

The world-famous fountains take centre stage along the Vegas strip, yet I didn't think they would influence my evening quite so much. I was left utterly awestruck as I watched the fountains shoot up to 460 feet high, across the 8.5-acre lake fronting the Bellagio resort.

I found myself captivated by the complimentary fountain display, choreographed to music, and spent almost an hour staring at it, which made me forget entirely about the country bar I had been heading to. The fountains were so much bigger and captivating than I had ever imagined - I could have spent even longer admiring the display while soaking up the Vegas vibes that surrounded me. Luckily, there's ample opportunity to watch the show; the fountains run every 15 minutes after 7pm.

When I could finally tear myself away from the Fountains of Bellagio, I joyfully found the rooftop in the live music bar, Ole Red, and was treated to even more spectacular views of the aqua show. This time, with my pint in hand.

While it wasn't quite the start to the evening I had envisioned, it was perhaps even better. After all, it was continuous live entertainment all for free, with every display choreographed completely differently.

Perhaps I'm easily entertained and was left awestruck at this alternative reality I had entered during my time in Vegas. Or it was simply that now I'm in my 30s, the thought of standing around a packed bar is a little less appealing, although that didn't stop me from taking the Sin City nightlife in my stride.

On another evening, I ventured to Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas, and it was wilder than I could ever imagine. The pedestrianised zone left me utterly mesmerised as I marvelled at the 1,500-foot LED canopy overhead, which showcased their celebrated Viva Vision Light Show while I explored the area and enjoyed complimentary live performances across three separate stages.

Dubbed 'Old Vegas' thanks to its vibrant party scene and wallet-friendly beverages, it's a firm favourite among British and Australian visitors - and the appeal is undeniable. Another standout experience was ascending the legendary High Roller at The LINQ during their happy half hour ($60), which delivered stunning panoramas of Vegas and its endless cascade of sparkling lights, complete with bottomless drinks.

On a separate evening, I experienced THE PARTY at Superfrico in The Cosmopolitan ($150), an intimate, immersive cabaret-style performance showcasing talented circus artists from Spiegelworld, hosted by Laurie Hagen. It proved to be an unforgettable night of entertainment, complete with a three-course Italian-American dinner, and now I can wholeheartedly say I've witnessed someone dressed as a cow wearing sparkly pants and black knee-high boots... only in Vegas!

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