Definately go downtown - we stayed at the Golden Nugget once and when we go back I would stay there again, very nice place. Downtown has some really fun quarter, dollar places and the last time we were there 3 years ago everyone in the downtown casinos were just much nicer and more fun than the strip. The laser shows are awesome and it is a great place to people watch. The stratosphere is cool, if you don't mind heights, great views (they have a roller coaster also, but it was closed when we were there last due to high winds - but something that may appeal to a 25 year old). Go through the mall at Caesar's Palace (we're not shoppers and it took a lot of persuading to get us into a mall) it looks like an entire old city in Italy, clouds on the ceiling and all - it is really cook to walk through. You can stop at a sidewalk cafe for drinks/coffee/softdrinks and it really is awesome.