most popular tourist attractions in las vegas

24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Las Vegas, NV

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

This city in the desert is known around the world for fun and excitement. The Strip, Las Vegas' famous resort-lined street, sparkles with lights and recreated glamorous sites from cities around the world.

Many of the hotels are attractions in and of themselves and feature free streetside shows, from dancing fountains to erupting volcanoes. You'll also find interesting museums, an always impressive list of shows, and countless other things to do.

The Grand Canyon is just a short helicopter ride away, and the hills and mountains surrounding Las Vegas are home to all kinds of recreational opportunities, from hiking and camping to boating and skiing.

Las Vegas is a great place to visit year-round. The cooler winter temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing, and in summer, when the temperature can rise above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the hotel pools become an important part of the daytime activities.

Plan your visit and make the most of your time with our list of the top attractions in Las Vegas.

1. The Strip

2. fremont street experience, 3. helicopter rides over las vegas and the grand canyon, 4. venetian hotel and gondola rides, 5. paris hotel and the eiffel tower, 6. bellagio resort and fountain show, 7. mirage hotel: erupting volcano and siegfried & roy's secret garden, 8. high roller las vegas strip observation wheel, 9. new york-new york hotel, 10. caesar's palace and the colosseum, 11. the mob museum, 12. mandalay bay and the shark reef aquarium, 13. neon museum, 14. luxor hotel, 15. the strat tower, 16. mgm grand hotel, 17. vegas indoor skydiving, 18. madame tussaud's, 19. las vegas motor speedway, 20. excalibur hotel, 21. welcome to fabulous las vegas sign, 22. pinball hall of fame, 23. carol shelby heritage center, 24. downtown container park, where to stay in las vegas for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in las vegas, nv, las vegas, nv - climate chart, day trips and tours from las vegas.

The 2.5-mile-long central section of Las Vegas Boulevard, which runs through the city from northeast to southwest, known as the Strip, is where the action is. Lined with huge entertainment palaces, many built with a defining theme, and home to performance venues, luxury hotel rooms, and fine dining , this is what most people think of when they picture Las Vegas.

One of the must-do's in Las Vegas is walking along the Strip and soaking up the sights. It's particularly impressive at night, when the city is illuminated by an endless succession of glittering neon signs. This area is a never-ending feast for the senses.

Generally speaking, the Las Vegas Strip runs from the Mandalay Bay Hotel to Treasure Island Hotel. To truly experience Las Vegas, stay on The Strip, preferably at one of the major resorts. For a look at some of the best accommodation options in a variety of price ranges, see our recommended hotels .

In old downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street is a pedestrian-only area with all kinds of unique sites. A five-block section of Fremont Street is covered over with a canopy of LED lights that illuminate the sky in a spectacle of different colors and designs as you walk below.

Known as the Fremont Street Experience, each night a fantastic music and visual show takes place overhead. Street performers and special entertainment acts often perform outdoors in this area. Fremont Street is in downtown Las Vegas, a few kilometers from the Strip.

It is best to take a taxi to reach this area. Or, if you want to truly experience the city at night, take a Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Night Flight ride above the city. Note that hotel pickup is optional on this tour.

Official site: www.vegasexperience.com

For a great aerial view over Las Vegas, or even the Grand Canyon , visitors may want to take a helicopter ride. Las Vegas has a number of companies providing helicopter tours that take visitors over Las Vegas and the Strip, or as far away as the Grand Canyon.

This is a great opportunity for anyone with limited time to see not only Vegas, but the surrounding landscape and one of America's most impressive and famous natural attractions.

If you have a full day for exploring, try a Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour . The tour takes approximately three hours, and you'll see the Strip, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the West Rim area of the Grand Canyon.

The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas is located on the Strip, across from Treasure Island. It is one of the city's finest resorts and has many interesting tourist attractions. Inside is a themed shopping arcade built to resemble the city of Venice, complete with blue skies, canals, and gondoliers. The hotel also features recreations of the main attractions found in Venice, such as the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, along with many others.

The Venetian Gondola Rides are a fun way to see the complex. Situated out in front of the Venetian Hotel, near the sidewalk, boats await passengers who are then taken on a ride by their personable gondolier who sings as they take you through the shopping arcade inside the hotel.

Address: 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.venetian.com/

Located on the Strip, Paris Las Vegas is one of the most easily recognized resorts in the city. Out front is a scale model of the Eiffel Tower, and down the way is a recreation of the Paris Opera House. Forty-six stories above the city streets, the Eiffel Tower Experience is an observation deck with incredible 360-degree views.

One story below this is posh and romantic Eiffel Tower Restaurant, with fine views out over the Strip and across to the dancing fountains of Bellagio. Also on the property is a mock hot air balloon festooned with neon and flashing lights.

Official site: https://www.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas

The Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas is a massive, high-end hotel complex, with a wide variety of attractions, including the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, a spa and salon, and some of the finest restaurants in Las Vegas.

Beyond the lobby is a showroom area with changing themes that range from spring botanical displays to fascinating shows of art. The most impressive and famous feature is the fountain show.

In front of the Bellagio, along the Strip, the dancing fountains perform a beautiful display of water set to music. From the sidewalk, visitors have a ringside view. This is often described as the best free attraction in Las Vegas.

Address: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.bellagio.com/en.html

The Mirage Hotel is easy to identify while walking along the Strip. In front of the resort is a volcano, which erupts at regular intervals. At night, the glowing red fire and explosions shooting out of the volcano are some of the most unique sites visible from the sidewalk.

Inside the Mirage is Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Although Siegfried & Roy have both died and no longer perform, you can still see a wide variety of exotic animals, including white lions and tigers. The Dolphin Habitat contains a large number of trained dolphins in its 2.5-million-gallon pools.

Address: 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: https://www.mirage.com/en.html

The High Roller Las Vegas Strip Observation Wheel is the largest observation wheel in North America, topping out at an impressive 550 feet high. A single rotation takes 30 minutes. This will give you plenty of time to soak up the outstanding views over the Strip and surrounding area, especially at night.

Each cabin holds up to 40 people and is climate controlled. The High Roller is located at the bottom end of the Linq Lane - if you aren't sure where that is, just look up!

Official site: https://www.caesars.com/linq/high-roller

The New York-New York Hotel in Las Vegas is across the street from both the MGM Grand Hotel and the Excalibur Resort Hotel . Visually stunning, the hotel is designed to appear like New York's skyline, complete with the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. A huge roller coaster, called the Big Apple Coaster, circles in and around the hotel.

Should you work up an appetite while staying at the hotel, seven different restaurants offer up everything from sushi through to steaks.

Address: 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.newyorknewyork.com/en.html

Perhaps one of the best known of all the Las Vegas hotel resorts, Caesar's Palace continues to evolve. Currently Caesar's Palace is a massive complex in the middle of the Strip, complete with every imaginable entertainment option.

The hotel is closely associated with shows held in its huge concert venue known as "The Colosseum." Top performers (which have included Celine Dion and Elton John) perform here for extended periods, and shows are often booked out well in advance. Visitors planning a trip and hoping to see a performance here will want to check out dates and ticket availability as early as possible.

Address: 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.caesars.com/caesars-palace

The Mob Museum, or the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement as it is officially named, is a truly unique and standout museum in Nevada.

The museum is housed in a 1933 Neoclassical building, formerly the US Post Office and Courthouse, that has its own history. It was one of the locations for the famous Kefauver Committee hearings in 1950, which revealed some ugly truths about organized crime in Las Vegas and across the US.

The museum tells the unvarnished history of the Mob in America through engaging, interactive displays and video clips. Exhibits deal with everything from the individual characters and events to the culture and fashion associated with the times.

Address: 300 Stewart Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: https://themobmuseum.org/

Mandalay Bay Resort is at the southwest end of the Strip, near the Luxor hotel. One of the key highlights at this complex is the Shark Reef Aquarium. The massive 1,300,000-gallon tank holds a wide variety of sharks, fish, rays, reptiles, marine invertebrates, green sea turtles, and even a Komodo dragon.

Just over 100 sharks from 15 different species and more than 2,000 animals in all are on display. The Shark Tunnel is the most impressive feature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Shark Reef works with wildlife biologists to preserve endangered lake and marine populations as well as rehabilitate injured animals.

Address: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: http://www.sharkreef.com/

The bright and colorful neon signs of Las Vegas have been one of the city's most memorable sights for countless visitors throughout the years. These multi-story advertising beacons became one of the city's claims to fame.

Today, the Neon Museum is working hard to preserve some of the city's history by purchasing, storing, and in some cases, refurbishing the historic neon signs that have gone by the wayside as businesses have faded or new signs have taken the place of older icons.

You can see many of these signs by taking a guided tour at the Neon Museum, where old neon signs are stored outside in a large compound. Guides provide the history of the signs and designs, which have evolved over the years.

Efforts at the museum are ongoing, and signs stand in varying conditions. In some cases, only a portion was saved or found, while others have been restored to their former glory. This contrast makes the museum that much more interesting and gives visitors insight into how much work and upkeep is required with these giant signs.

Address: 770 Las Vegas Boulevard North, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: http://www.neonmuseum.org/

Another distinctive theme hotel, at the far southwest end of the Strip, is the Luxor Hotel. Designed in an ancient Egyptian theme, the hotel is shaped like a pyramid, with a sphinx proudly gazing out over the street. The Luxor, like all the major resorts, offers a wide variety of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

One of the more unique Las Vegas attractions is the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. Over 250 items recovered from one of the most famous maritime disasters are on display.

One of the standout features of this hotel is the beam of light that projects from the highest point of the pyramid and shoots up into the night sky. It can be seen from almost anywhere in Las Vegas.

Address: 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.luxor.com/en.html

The STRAT Tower is an unmistakable sight on the Las Vegas skyline. The tower rises up 1,149 feet, and at the very top is the Skypod, the real attraction for visitors.

From the various levels of the Skypod, you'll find a whole host of things to do. These include a variety of heart-pounding thrill rides, including the SkyJump, Big Shot, X Scream, and Insanity.

For those looking for a little less drama, check out the indoor and outdoor observation decks with great views over the city. The Top of the World Restaurant is a great place to grab an excellent meal while soaking up the views of the Las Vegas Strip off in the distance.

Considering getting married? A fully outfitted chapel is available for you to tie the knot in the sky.

The STRAT Tower claims the "tallest freestanding observation tower in the USA."

Address: 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: http://www.stratospherehotel.com/

The MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas is across the street from the New York-New York Hotel and kitty corner to the Excalibur Resort Hotel. The MGM Grand Hotel has all the amenities visitors would expect to find at a luxury hotel including above average accommodations, a multitude of restaurants, and plenty of entertainment options.

One of the highlights of a stay at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas is a visit to the pool area. Spread out over 6.5 acres, the water fun includes four pools, a waterfall, a Lazy River, and three whirlpools.

Address: 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.mgmgrand.com/en.html

Vegas Indoor Skydiving offers a truly unique experience. Here, visitors will get to experience what actual skydiving is like, without an airplane or parachute. Qualified instructors escort participants to a vertical wind tunnel where they are suited up in special gear. Once the fan is turned on, anyone can float effortlessly in the air. No experience is necessary.

It's a perfect thing to do as a group or family; no matter your age or fitness, you'll be flying high in no time.

Address: 200 Convention Center Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: http://www.vegasindoorskydiving.com/

Madame Tussaud's in Las Vegas is near the escalators leading up to the Venetian Hotel on the Strip. Here, visitors can see their favorite stars preserved forever in wax. In many cases, the figures are so lifelike it is almost eerie.

Figures range from Elvis to Bradley Cooper and Sofia Vergara right though to musical acts like Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus. The overall focus or theme of Madame Tussaud's is on people who are associated with Las Vegas or in show business.

Address: 3377 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: https://www.madametussauds.com/las-vegas/en/

Fans of fast cars will want to head over to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Located in Clark County 15 miles northeast of the Strip, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a 1,200-acre complex of multiple automobile racing tracks just right for the speed-freak in you.

Ever imagined what it would be like to drive a Lamborghini or Ferrari? Dream no longer. These cars are available to be driven at high speeds around the race track if you've got the cash to spare.

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is home to NASCAR races, as well as a number of other racing events. Several speed records have been set at the track. The Speedway features multiple restaurants, and for those wishing to stay overnight, RV camping is available. Check the website for the latest upcoming events and pricing.

Address: 700 North Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: http://www.lvms.com/

The Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas is another theme hotel on the Strip. Decked out in medieval character, the hotel features some wild architecture, complete with turrets. The hotel has all the amenities a visitor could possibly imagine, with varied entertainment, a huge pool area, and a good assortment of restaurants serving a variety of food from around the world.

Generally considered one of the cheapest places to stay on the Strip, the Excalibur frequently offers incredible deals on their website.

Address: 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.excalibur.com/en.html

If you are searching for that iconic photo of you and your friends in front of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, just head south down the strip about a block past West Russell Road. A large parking lot is located just to the south of the sign, and a winding walkway with trees and greenery takes you to the sign itself.

The sign is actually quite a bit smaller than you would expect. The best photos are taken from the south, with the palm trees framing the sign with the Mandalay Bay Hotel glittering in the background.

Las Vegas is a place where your wallet can certainly take a beating. One place that's easy on the pocket book and still a ton of fun is the Pinball Hall of Fame. An unbelievable number of pinball machines are spread out across 25,000 square feet of space. This brand-new facility recently opened in April 2021 and has become one of the top things to do in town for pinball aficionados.

Wander through the Hall of Fame, and find a machine you like. Just pop in a quarter, and away you go. Vintage machines right through to modern and technologically advanced ones are all available. The Pinball Hall of Fame is easy to locate, just look for the enormous sign just north of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

Official site: http://www.pinballmuseum.org/

Gearheads from around the world will want to make a beeline to the Shelby America Heritage Center. On display are over 30 classic cars designed and built by Carol Shelby over the years, along with assorted memorabilia. It's also one of the best free attractions in Las Vegas.

However, the more in-depth behind-the-scenes tour is well worth the modest investment. This guided tour takes you beyond the showroom onto the factory floor to see these muscle cars being hand made by skilled technicians.

Official site: https://www.shelby.com/en-us/Shelby-Las-Vegas/Shelby-Heritage-Center-Home

For something off the Strip that combines food, fun, and entertainment at a low cost, head to the Downtown Container Park. Here, you'll find nearly 40 shipping containers repurposed into restaurants, shops, and other venues. No matter what you crave, whether it's food, a new outfit, or the latest thing you never knew you needed, there's a good chance you'll find it here.

The Downtown Container Park frequently hosts evening entertainment featuring an ever-changing cast of performers. One of the most exciting things that happens each evening is the awakening of the giant Praying Mantis. Frequently accompanied by a drum circle, this metal insect shoots flames from its antennae as it comes to life.

The Downtown Container Park is located a short distance east of the Fremont Street Experience.

Official site: https://downtowncontainerpark.com/

Since most of the action in Las Vegas is focused around a portion of South Las Vegas Boulevard knowns as The Strip, staying on or close to this area is the best option. This is also where most of the huge, themed resort hotels are found. The price of hotels can vary greatly from one week to the next, with rates skyrocketing around big conventions and great discounts available at slower times. Below is a selection of highly rated hotels in good locations .

Luxury Hotels:

• The Italian-themed Bellagio , easily recognizable by the lake and dancing fountain show in front of the resort, and the Venetian , a recreated Venice-themed complex complete with a canal and gondolas, are both luxury resort hotels in prime locations along the Strip.
• Caesars Palace , also with a great location along the Strip, is a long time classic in Vegas, and home to the famous Colosseum entertainment venue. All of these resorts have wonderful pools, shopping, and entertainment on site.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• At the north end of the Strip is Treasure Island , with a nice pool area and a good location within walking distance of the major sites. This is an upper mid-range option that often has reasonable prices.
• Also in this category is the Park MGM Las Vegas , a quality hotel in a great location that also frequently offers reasonable rates.
• The Hilton Grand Vacations Suites on the Las Vegas Strip is another quality hotel but it lies a little too far north to walk to the main section of The Strip.

Budget Hotels:

• The Excalibur is a formerly grand but now somewhat dated resort hotel that often offers good deals. It has a nice pool area and a great location at the south end of the Strip, near the New York, New York.
• Across the street from the Excalibur, but just off the Strip on Tropicana Avenue, is the Motel 6 Tropicana . This is a basic motel with a pool and an excellent location.
• The Travelodge by Wyndam Las Vegas Center Strip is another decent budget option, with a good central location slightly off The Strip.

Just beyond the lights and electric vibe of Las Vegas is a spectacular landscape of gorges, red rocks, mountains, and desert scenery. If you have time, be sure to get out and see the sites beyond the city limits.

• Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam : The two biggest attractions in the Las Vegas surrounding area are these two fantastic sites: one natural, and the other, man-made. The Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Day Trip from Las Vegas takes visitors, by coach, to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon for three hours of free time. This allows plenty of time to walk along the rim and gaze out from the viewing areas. A short stop at Hoover Dam along the way is also included. Add on a helicopter and boat ride or a stroll on the Grand Canyon Skywalk as optional extras.
• Red Rock Canyon : Take a four- or six-hour guided Red Rock Canyon Tour to see some of the spectacular red rock scenery and views out over the desert and mountains. This tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, a tour of the canyon along the 13-mile scenic loop road with stops at the lookout points for the best views, and a boxed lunch.
• Hiking and Camping: You can find some great hiking trails in the surrounding desert and mountains. For some unique experiences see our articles on the best hiking trails in Valley of Fire State Park and best hikes near Las Vegas . If you are interested in spending a night or two under the stars, and you haven't brought your own camping equipment, you might want to consider a fabulous 3-Day 2-Night Camping Tour from Las Vegas to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon . This fully escorted camping trip takes you to the major highlights of the Southwest and includes Jeep tours, and the option for a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. If you have your own camping equipment and are trying to figure out the best places to set up camp, see our list of the best campgrounds near Las Vegas .
• Self Drive Excursions: Explore nearby towns and incredible natural areas with our Top-Rated Day Trips from Las Vegas article.

More on Nevada

Las Vegas   Travel Guide

Courtesy of RebeccaAng | Getty Images

29 Essential Things to Do in Las Vegas (+ Easy Day Trips)

Throughout its 118-year history, Las Vegas has been known as the planet's premier destination for gambling – and for good reason. This desert metropolis has more places to try your hand with Lady Luck than any other city in the world. But Sin

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Walk the Strip Walk the Strip free

Once you pass the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign along Las Vegas Boulevard South, it won't be too long until you're cruising the Strip. Sin City's notorious artery acts as the epicenter of any Vegas getaway.

Here, you'll find Las Vegas' most iconic landmarks , including the  Bellagio Fountains , the Eiffel Tower at Paris, Las Vegas , the pyramid and sphinx belonging to The Luxor , and  The Venetian's Grand Canal .

Visit the Sphere Visit the Sphere

When construction on the Sphere first began in 2019, the addition of yet another "world's largest" was met with a shrug. Las Vegas' skyline was already crammed with record-breaking, jaw-dropping attractions. Did the city really need one more? But when the Sphere's exterior LED screen switched on for the first time in 2023, suddenly this golf ball-shaped music and entertainment arena was all anyone could talk about. People crowded onto resort parking lot rooftops to watch as the largest spherical building on the planet transformed into a giant blinking eye, a swirling snow globe or a Space Age metallic orb.

At 366 feet tall, the Sphere is massive – taller than the Statue of Liberty . And the entire exterior of the building is cloaked in 1.2 million LED lights, which has the effect of transforming the Sphere into an almost lifelike replica of whatever images the screen projects. Visitors describe the Sphere as futuristic and otherworldly; like a piece of alien tech transported from another galaxy.

Bellagio Casino and Fountains Bellagio Casino and Fountains free

This Strip staple offers plenty of ways to lay your money on the line, from table games and slot machines to a race and sports book. This is also the choice casino among many high rollers due to its high-stakes tables. What's more, this casino hosts the World Poker Tour, among other tournaments. But there's more to the Bellagio than the casino floor.

Even those who don't gamble praise the Bellagio for its upscale atmosphere and variety of amenities and attractions. Anyone who's seen a movie set in Vegas will recognize the Bellagio's massive fountains: Every 15 to 30 minutes, those walking past the exterior of the Bellagio are treated to a complimentary light and water show with the fountain's jets shooting water into the air during intricately choreographed "dances" set to music.

Popular Tours

Las Vegas Helicopter Night Flight and Optional VIP Transportation

(4615 reviews)

from $ 99.00

Grand Canyon West Tour with Hoover Dam Stop and Optional Skywalk

(9059 reviews)

Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam Stop and Skywalk Upgrade with Lunch

(4014 reviews)

from $ 95.00

See a Cirque du Soleil show See a Cirque du Soleil show

Las Vegas knows how to go big – especially when it comes to entertainment . So, it should come as no surprise that a performance company like Cirque du Soleil thrives here. Translating to "Circus of the Sun," Cirque du Soleil is known for its incredible acrobatic feats, which are performed with an unrivaled level of artistry. There are six different Cirque shows in Las Vegas, all of which are performed at different casinos along the Strip .

The "LOVE" show (performed at The Mirage) pays tribute to the legendary rock band with aerial acrobatics, trampoline and roller skate acts.

The Venetian Casino and Grand Canal The Venetian Casino and Grand Canal free

Why spend the money to cross the Atlantic when you can get a taste of Italy right in Vegas? Nestled along the Strip , The Venetian replicates the highlights of Venice , complete with gondola rides along the Grand Canal . Visitors can get a taste of what life is like in the Queen of the Adriatic thanks to The Venetian's Streetmosphere program: singers, stilt walkers and "living statues" recreate the typical scene you'd likely encounter in the real Venice for those who opt to spend the day perusing the wares in the Grand Canal Shoppes.

For $39 per person, you can take a gondola ride along the hotel's Grand Canal (inside or outside) anytime between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday; on Friday and Saturday, gondola rides are offered until midnight. In addition to piloting the gondola, gondoliers serenade passengers as the boat glides beneath bridges, beside cafes and under balconies.

Caesars Palace Casino and The Forum Shops Caesars Palace Casino and The Forum Shops free

A staple of the Vegas Strip , Caesars Palace started welcoming visitors to Sin City beginning in the 1960s. Since then, it has made an appearance in such popular films as "Rain Man," "Iron Man" and "The Hangover." Those who choose to gamble at Caesars will find themselves in ancient Rome , with massive columns and frescoes paying tribute to the casino's namesake. Those who prefer to use their money in other ways can make their way to The Forum Shops – home to about 160 specialty stores and restaurants, including Tom Ford and Saint Laurent, as well as more affordable outlets like H&M and Nike.

Caesars Palace is also home to a variety of nightlife venues, including the 75,000-square-foot Omnia Nightclub and the trendy Vanderpump Cocktail Garden, a favorite among fans of the "Vanderpump Rules" reality television series. Meanwhile, the on-site Colosseum venue is home to musical residencies like Rod Stewart, Sting and Adele. Top restaurants include Nobu and Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas free

The Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino, known simply as "The Cosmo" by locals, is the hip, glitzy place to go to see and be seen. Although the 3,000-plus room casino no longer holds the title of the "newest casino on the Strip ," it has remained trendy since it opened in 2010, thanks to its thriving dining and nightlife scene.

Known for both its in-your-face opulence and its hidden, "underground" entertainment, the Cosmo is a modern, high-end alternative to some of the Strip's over-the-top themed resorts. The Cosmo has not one, but three speakeasies (one of which is hidden behind a door marked "Janitor" inside a barbershop), a hidden restaurant disguised as a pawn shop, and the popular

Fremont Street Experience Fremont Street Experience free

U.S. News Insider Tip: For a fun "vintage Vegas" experience, head to the second floor of the D Las Vegas Casino to play the Sigma Derby mechanical horse betting game. It's more than 30 years old and the last of its kind in Las Vegas! – Reannon Muth

Fremont Street used to be dominated by classic, but less-frequented casinos that seemed past their prime, such as the Golden Nugget and the Pioneer Club. Today, this section of downtown Las Vegas is once again ready to compete with the Strip for visitors' attention.

Las Vegas Dunes ATV Tour

(3564 reviews)

Grand Canyon Deluxe Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas

(1662 reviews)

from $ 505.25

Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour with Lunch

(1631 reviews)

from $ 189.00

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Located about 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip , the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers travelers a respite from downtown Las Vegas' unnatural neon landscape. Though you can opt to follow the 13-mile scenic car route through the desert, make the most of your visit by stretching your legs along the numerous hiking and biking trails that dot the one-way route. No matter how you choose to explore the 195,819-acre area, you'll find yourself surrounded by the beautiful Mojave Desert and its signature red hills.

According to previous Red Rock Canyon visitors, a trip here is well worth leaving the casino floor behind. Recent travelers recommended getting out of your car to explore, but suggest you plan hikes or biking excursions during the cooler mornings rather than the sweltering afternoons. Reviewers also say the road is well-maintained and appreciate the abundance of restrooms along the way. Travelers also suggest stopping by the visitor center to peruse the informative exhibits. Last, but certainly not least, slather on sunscreen, bring a hat and pack plenty of water.

New York-New York and the Big Apple Coaster New York-New York and the Big Apple Coaster free

You won't have any trouble finding New York-New York: Its faux-Manhattan skyline – complete with scale models of famous Big Apple attractions like the Statue of Liberty , the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge – occupies almost a full block of the Strip . Sitting across the street from the MGM Grand , New York-New York recreates the Gotham experience in true Vegas fashion, boasting a New York-style pizzeria, several casual pubs and a variety of souvenir and specialty shops.

If you’re visiting Las Vegas with kids , you’ll find a variety of family-friendly attractions here, including Hershey's Chocolate World, which offers more than 800 kinds of Hershey's chocolates and candies, and features a nearly 800-pound Statue of Liberty sculpture composed almost entirely of chocolate. In addition to an arcade, the property is also famous for its Big Apple Coaster.

Paris, Las Vegas and the Eiffel Tower Experience Paris, Las Vegas and the Eiffel Tower Experience free

Though it may not be quite as timeless as the actual City of Lights , Sin City's (rather kitschy) take on Paris is one of the Strip's most popular occupants.

The property offers a whirlwind tour of the French capital's most iconic sights: You'll find a replica of the Arc de Triomphe, architecture reminiscent of the Paris Opera and the Louvre, and the pièce de résistance – a 46-story, half-size replica of the Eiffel Tower. Tickets to the tower's observation deck cost $25 for adults and $19 for kids ages 4 to 12. Similar to the real tower in Paris, the Las Vegas Eiffel Tower stages a free recurring light show every 30 minutes from sunset to midnight daily. For a unique view of the tower, reserve a lounge chair by the property’s pool, which is located on the rooftop directly under the Eiffel Tower replica.

Hoover Dam Hoover Dam

Sitting about 35 miles southeast of Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam spans the Colorado River and the Black Canyon (which separates Nevada and Arizona). The immense concrete structure – which confines Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States by volume – has helped provide power to Nevada, Arizona and California since 1935. These days, in addition to keeping the lights on, the Hoover Dam welcomes more than 7 million visitors each year as one of America's most recognized landmarks. Some of its most noteworthy sights are as follows:

Visitor Center:  You can learn more about the Hoover Dam with a stop at the Visitor Center, which is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $10 to explore. The facility's Exhibit Gallery features various audio, visual and interactive exhibits, such as a generator model you can walk through, while the theater shows a 10-minute film about the dam. Don't forget to head to the top-floor observation area to snap some memorable pictures of the massive structure, Lake Mead and the Colorado River, as most visitors recommend doing.

Area15 Area15

Like many of Sin City's attractions, Area15 is hard to describe. Marketed on its website as an "immersive entertainment district," the 200,000-square-foot warehouse features a psychedelic smorgasbord of unique experiences, including cinematic immersions, interactive art exhibits, virtual reality arcades, zip lines, axe-throwing and several one-of-a-kind bars and restaurants.

Area15 has earned comparisons to Burning Man and "Alice in Wonderland," thanks to the art installations that tower outside and the mind-bending exhibits inside. Two of the most popular attractions are the immersive art experience, Meow Wolf's Omega Mart, and the rum-fueled immersive Cirque show "Lost Spirits Distillery."

Half-Day Mojave Desert ATV Tour from Las Vegas

(6451 reviews)

from $ 105.00

Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Las Vegas Transportation

(2146 reviews)

from $ 109.00

Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Hotel Pickup

(3629 reviews)

LINQ Promenade LINQ Promenade

Home to the High Roller observation wheel, the LINQ Promenade is an open-air shopping, dining and entertainment district.

Located between The LINQ Hotel and Casino and Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, the 1,200-foot-long promenade is anchored by the 550-foot High Roller, the largest observation wheel in North America and one of the top things to do in Las Vegas with kids . Recent travelers found the 360-degrees of the Strip , the city and the desert worth the trip.

Wynn Las Vegas Wynn Las Vegas free

If you're looking for a luxurious experience along the Strip , the Wynn (and its sister property, Encore ) delivers. With its stylishly understated accommodations and grand casino, the Wynn draws travelers seeking a sophisticated stay. Visitors who aren’t guests of the hotel often stop by to admire its opulent interiors. The property’s eye-catching lobby is a particular favorite as it features a variety of photo-worthy floral displays.

In addition to the casino, the Wynn is also home to a collection of luxury shops like Celine and Hermès, fine dining, such as the acclaimed Wing Lei, and an 18-hole golf course – the only resort golf course on the Strip. Its nightly entertainment options are just as unique. Along with several posh bars and lounges, the Wynn is also well-known for its nightly "Lake of Dreams" show. Spread across 3 acres, the multimedia show uses 5,500 LED lights, a 90-foot waterfall and 1,500 pine trees to create its spectacular setting. There are also two luxurious spas on-site.

SkyPod & Observation Deck at the STRAT Hotel SkyPod & Observation Deck at the STRAT Hotel

U.S. News Insider Tip: A lot of people go to dinner at the Top of the World Restaurant at the STRAT, but if you're looking for something more budget friendly, 108 Drinks offers delicious food and two-for-one cocktails during its "Sky High Happy Hour." – Reannon Muth

For a panoramic view of the Strip , head to the STRAT Hotel. The hotel boasts a 1,149-foot tower – the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States.

Take a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel Take a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel

For a unique, bird's-eye view of the Strip , take a ride on the High Roller at The LINQ. Standing 550 feet tall and 520 feet in diameter, the observation wheel is the largest in North America. The massive Ferris wheel features 28 handcrafted pods made out of Italian glass that can hold up to 40 people each.

A trip around the observation wheel takes about 30 minutes, and recent travelers say it's a great time to snap photos of the nearby casinos and attractions. This is also one of the top things to do in Las Vegas with kids .

The Neon Museum The Neon Museum

Once the sun goes down, Las Vegas shines brightly with hundreds of thousands of colorful bulbs flashing for your attention. Neon is nothing new in America's Playground: Hotels , bars and casinos have been luring customers with bright signs for decades. If you have an interest in learning more about the city’s iconic signs and Las Vegas history in general, consider a visit to The Neon Museum. Located on Las Vegas Boulevard just north of the Mob Museum and about a mile north of Fremont Street , the outdoor Neon Museum offers guided tours of what's known as the "Neon Boneyard." The boneyard can be found behind the museum's visitor center, which occupies the lobby of the former La Concha Motel.

The nearly 2.25-acre outdoor exhibit is home to more than 250 pieces of old Vegas signage all laid out for admiration on the desert floor. You can take a self-guided tour during the day, or sign up for a guided tour at night. The 45-minute boneyard walk-throughs are led by museum interpreters, who provide details on signs from such iconic landmarks as Caesars Palace , the Golden Nugget and Stardust.

Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour

(887 reviews)

from $ 449.00

Grand Canyon West with Lunch, Hoover Dam Stop & Optional Skywalk

(3276 reviews)

Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas with Lunch

(5394 reviews)

from $ 59.00

The Mob Museum The Mob Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: One of my favorite places to watch live jazz and blues is at the Mob Museum's basement-level speakeasy, The Underground. The cozy lounge has delicious cocktails and free admission if you know the secret password (hint: check Instagram). – Reannon Muth

Back in the day, not even Vegas' neon lights could distract Americans from Sin City's darker side; today, The Mob Museum sheds light on the city's pervasiveness in the 20th-century gangster era. Las Vegas' former federal courthouse – located in the downtown area a few blocks northeast of the Fremont Street Experience  – now houses distinct interactive exhibits devoted to exposing America's mob history.

Circa Resort & Casino Circa Resort & Casino free

When Circa Resort & Casino held its grand opening in 2020, it was the first new casino to open in downtown Las Vegas in more than 40 years. The chic, 35-story-tall addition to this old Las Vegas neighborhood has all the modern features of a 21st-century casino, including a high-tech parking garage named the Garage Mahal and a three-story-tall sportsbook (the world's largest). But the adults-only casino also has a distinctly vintage Vegas vibe, too. Circa's interior features midcentury lighting and accents, globe chandeliers and the iconic "Vegas Vickie," a giant neon cowgirl that hovers over the casino lobby.

The most talked-about attraction among recent visitors at Circa, however, is Stadium Swim, a mashup of a concert stadium and a swimming pool amphitheater. Guests can lounge in one of six pools while they catch a sports game or concert on the 40-foot screen above. The pool is heated and remains open year-round, which makes it a popular lounge spot on desert spring days. Those wishing to visit the pool area must be a guest at the resort or pay a fee; a general admission day pass to Stadium Swim start at $25 per person. The pool is open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Downtown Container Park Downtown Container Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you like the artsy vibe of Container Park, then you'll love the nearby Arts District – a hip downtown neighborhood filled with quirky bars, eclectic restaurants and funky murals. Eat at Esther's Kitchen and grab a drink at ReBAR. – Reannon Muth

The Downtown Container Park's premise is an interesting one: An open-air dining and shopping plaza made entirely from repurposed shipping containers. The 1.1-acre venue is also home to a sprawling treehouse and interactive play area and a 40-foot-tall praying mantis sculpture that shoots real flames from its antennae.

SlotZilla Zipline SlotZilla Zipline

Part of the Fremont Street Experience , SlotZilla is modeled after a giant slot machine, complete with Las Vegas icons like oversized dice and a martini glass. At 11 stories tall, SlotZilla is billed as the world’s largest slot machine and as a zip line offers riders two options: On the lower line, Zip-Zilla, participants ride in a seated position, zipping along at 77 feet in the air. The line travels about halfway through the Fremont Street Experience. The higher zip line, known as Super-Hero Zoom, rises 114 feet high. Patrons ride “superhero-style” (with their bodies parallel to the ground) to the other end of the street and are dropped off at the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino. Guests should allot one hour for the entire experience, even though the rides are 30 seconds and one minute, respectively. In addition to a weight check and harness fitting, you’ll have to go through a brief safety training.

Recent travelers found the higher “Super-Hero Zoom” zip line thrilling and enjoyed the views from up above, especially at night. However, there were mixed reviews about the check-in process, and some warned that you’ll have to climb a lot of steps to get to the top of the launching platform.

SPEEDVEGAS SPEEDVEGAS

Not all thrill-seekers are satisfied with laying their cards out on the table. When Lady Luck can't get your adrenaline pumping, an exotic driving experience sure will. Headquartered about 15 minutes south of the Strip , SPEEDVEGAS puts those feeling the need for speed behind some of the world's fastest, most luxurious cars. From exotic Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Aston Martins to speedy Corvettes and Camaros, you'll have your pick of horsepower.

This experience isn't for everyone: Drivers must be at least 18 years old. The chance to sit in the driver's seat is anything but affordable, with driving experiences starting at approximately $250 for five laps. However, those who have put the pedal to the metal on a SPEEDVEGAS experience can't stop raving about it, praising the accommodating and safety-conscious staff.

Big Bus Las Vegas: Sightseeing Night Tour by Open-top Bus

(2832 reviews)

from $ 55.00

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour with Lunch

(360 reviews)

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Eagle Point Rim Landing

(240 reviews)

from $ 599.00

Springs Preserve Springs Preserve

If you're looking for a kid-friendly activity away from the Strip , or just need a breath of fresh air, consider a visit to the Springs Preserve and Origen Museum. There's something of interest for almost everyone at this 180-acre cultural institution, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The preserve is located at the original water source for the valley, and is commonly known as the "birthplace of Las Vegas." It's a place meant to commemorate Las Vegas' history and boasts museums, galleries, a botanical garden, a butterfly habitat and an interpretive trail system. Meanwhile, the Origen Museum features more than 75 permanent exhibits, an indoor theater and a traveling exhibit space.

Recent visitors raved about the family-friendly atmosphere here, but even those without kids in tow love the history and the botanical garden. Reviewers called the grounds “peaceful” and said Springs Preserve provides a fun day away from the Strip.

Mandalay Bay Casino, Aquarium and Beach Mandalay Bay Casino, Aquarium and Beach free

Sure, this towering gold building at the southern end of the Strip boasts all the slots, poker and game tables you want in a Sin City venue, not to mention a variety of restaurants and nightlife venues. (Plus, it's home to the House of Blues Music Hall and plays host to "Michael Jackson ONE," Cirque du Soleil 's tribute to the 80s pop icon.) But Mandalay Bay doesn't exude the same level of kitsch found at other casinos along Las Vegas Boulevard – a major selling point for more laid-back travelers. In fact, this is the place you go if you're looking for an escape, according to reviewers.

One of the major highlights of Mandalay Bay is its 11-acre “aquatic playground,” which features a human-made beach, a lazy river and a wave pool that creates an oceanside atmosphere in the middle of the Nevada desert. You can kick off your shoes and work on your tan in one of the rentable cabanas or gazebos; those looking to avoid bikini tan lines can ditch the top at the Moorea Beach Club. Note that unless you're a guest at the Mandalay Bay or the Delano Las Vegas, you will have to rent a cabana to access the pool and beach areas – prices vary by day and occupancy levels.

Luxor Casino Luxor Casino free

As you make your way down the Strip , you can't miss the 30-story pyramid that is home to the Luxor Hotel & Casino. You can try your luck at more than 1,100 slot, video poker and multi-game machines, or play one of dozens of table games on the 120,000-square-foot floor. There's also a large sportsbook area, with plasma TVs and individual seats with monitors. If you're a high roller, there's a private section for you, too, with a comfortable lounge and cocktail bar.

In addition to the gaming floor, the casino also offers a variety of nightly entertainment options and attractions like the Blue Man Group, as well as several museum exhibits, such as one devoted to Titanic artifacts. For many travelers, “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” was a highlight of their visit to Luxor. In addition to featuring more than 250 artifacts recovered from the ship, the exhibition displays recreated rooms, including the ornate Grand Staircase. What's more, Luxor touts one of the largest pool decks in Vegas, offering 125,650 square feet of space. As with other hotels on the Strip, Luxor also offers a variety of nightlife venues and restaurants.

MGM Grand Casino MGM Grand Casino free

It only makes sense that a city devoted to entertainment would feature a casino hotel devoted to the entertainment industry. MGM Grand Casino – which sits mid-Strip across from New York-New York at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue – hosts a variety of performances ranging from big-name concerts to sporting events to Cirque du Soleil 's "KÀ." It is also the partner to the nearby T-Mobile Arena, which hosts large-scale events, such as the iHeartRadio Music Festival.

The MGM Grand is also home to several top-notch restaurants and nightlife venues, such as Hakkasan nightclub, where celebrity DJs regularly spin hits into the wee hours. During the day, you can stop by Wet Republic Ultra Pool, where you can dance, swim or relax in party cabanas. Several shops can be found here as well, but you'll likely spend most of your time (and your money) on the casino floor, which houses poker tables, slot machines and a race and sports book. Keep in mind: The property spans more than 6 acres, so you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking during your visit (comfortable shoes are a must). Travelers were impressed by the size of the MGM Grand Casino, but said the nightlife options are the real star of the property.

Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon

If you’re in need of a retreat into nature during your Las Vegas vacation, consider planning a day trip to the Grand Canyon. The national park’s popular South Rim is located about 280 miles (around 4.5 hours) southeast of the Strip.

If you don't have your own set of wheels, opt for one of the Best Grand Canyon Bus Tours From Las Vegas . For a shorter time commitment, there’s also the Best Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours , some of which include a landing on the canyon floor. 

3-Hour Hoover Dam Small Group Mini Tour from Las Vegas

(3615 reviews)

from $ 65.00

Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park Day Tour from Las Vegas

(1412 reviews)

from $ 139.92

Las Vegas Super Saver: Madame Tussauds with Gondola Boat Ride

(1487 reviews)

from $ 46.49

The Adventuredome at Circus Circus The Adventuredome at Circus Circus

In a city that boasts every type of attraction imaginable, it’s no surprise to find an indoor amusement park. Located on the Strip , the 5-acre Adventuredome at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino offers rides and entertainment for all ages. There are 25 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a carousel, a video game arcade and a rock clubbing wall, all housed under a large glass dome. The complex also includes free clown shows, virtual reality rooms and the FX Theater, which screens family-friendly films in 4D.

Recent visitors appreciated the climate-controlled indoor environment, but warn that the Adventuredome is better suited to younger children (ages 12 and younger) than adults due to the nature of its rides and attractions. (It's considered one of the top things to do in Las Vegas with kids .) Reviewers complained about the price of the admission passes.

Things to Do in Las Vegas FAQs

Explore more of las vegas.

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• AMG Formula 1 Guide Overview: AMG Formula 1 Guide
• Formula 1 Racing Is One of the Most Exciting Sports to Travel for — Here's the 2024 Lineup

The 31 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas, From Gondola Rides to Epic Stage Shows

• 11 Best Shows in Las Vegas Right Now
• 30 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas — From Nightlife to Barbecue Restaurants
• I Visited a Secret Wellness Oasis in Austin, Texas — and Here's Why You Should, Too
• 25 Best Things to Do in Miami, From Art Museums to Food Halls
• This Florida City Has the Best Beach in North America
• 31 Best Things to Do in Barcelona — From Gaudí Landmarks to Cava Bars
• Destinations
• AMG Formula 1 Guide Formula 1 Racing Is One of the Most Exciting Sports to Travel for — Here's the 2024 Lineup The 31 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas, From Gondola Rides to Epic Stage Shows 11 Best Shows in Las Vegas Right Now 30 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas — From Nightlife to Barbecue Restaurants I Visited a Secret Wellness Oasis in Austin, Texas — and Here's Why You Should, Too 25 Best Things to Do in Miami, From Art Museums to Food Halls This Florida City Has the Best Beach in North America 31 Best Things to Do in Barcelona — From Gaudí Landmarks to Cava Bars CLOSE Part of AMG Formula 1 Guide

This Nevada city offers glitz, glamour, thrills, and more.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Call it cliché, but we believe Las Vegas has something for everyone. With entertainment options ranging from celebrity chef-helmed restaurants and enticing casinos to thrill rides, professional sports, and the great outdoors, we'd bet big money that Las Vegas has what you're looking for. To create a thorough list of things to do in the Nevada city, we enlisted several Las Vegas experts, including the chef concierge for Wynn Las Vegas , Angelica Miozza; comic performer Colin Cahill, who plays Blue Jackson in Spiegelworld’s Atomic Saloon Show at the Venetian; and long-time resident and vice president at Kirvin Doak Communications , Natalie Mounier.

Here are 31 of the best things to do in Las Vegas.

Related : Travel + Leisure 's Guide to Las Vegas

Sway to the music at the Bellagio fountain show.

Westend61/Getty Images

This expansive fountain show occurs multiple times a day, every day of the year; check the schedule once you arrive in town to make sure you catch it. The romantic spectacle is free, and onlookers line the sidewalk, mesmerized by the beauty of the dancing fountains and the music that plays along with the show.

Observe the Las Vegas Strip from above.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

To enjoy panoramic views of the city, hop on High Roller , the largest observation wheel in North America. You’ll ride in one of 28 spacious air-conditioned cabins for 30 minutes, at one point reaching 550 feet above the Strip. Cabins hold up to 40 guests, so grab some friends (and a cocktail or two) for the ride. Note that glass and coolers are not permitted.

Take a walk under the sea.

AlizadaStudios/Getty Images

At Shark Reef Aquarium , you can walk through an underwater glass tunnel as more than 2,000 sea creatures swim around you. The Mandalay Bay attraction includes gracefully floating jellyfish, friendly sea turtles, and sharks gliding through a shipwreck. For an additional fee, you can book an early-entry guided tour if you'd like to feed a stingray.

Go skydiving indoors.

Avalon_Studio/Getty Images

Travelers can experience skydiving without the airplane on the exhilarating Vegas Indoor Skydiving attraction. You can fly on your own (even kids can try it, so long as they're 40 pounds or more), or get a group of six to 10 friends or family members for a 20-minute party with private training and your own block of time in the wind tunnel. 

Play around at Topgolf.

 Michael Baxter, Baxter Imaging/TopgGolf

Whether or not you're an avid golfer, this is a fun venue to spend a couple of hours, or more. Topgolf Las Vegas offers climate-controlled hitting bays, plus music, HDTVs, and a pool (must be 21 and over) with cabanas. This is a favorite spot for the Wynn’s Angelica Miozza, who comes to test her golf swing. There's also a sports bar, restaurant, and complimentary golf clubs.

Drive a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or go-cart.

Courtesy of Exotics Racing

At Exotics Racing , driving is extremely exciting, whether you choose a supercar, go-kart, or off-road experience. Steer an exotic car around a racetrack for the thrill of it, or have fun racing a go-kart on an outdoor track. You can even choose a specially built Baja race truck for the ultimate off-road experience.

Stroll through an indoor garden.

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Visitors are dazzled by the intricate designs, colors, and beauty of the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens . Each season, the 14,000-square-foot garden is transformed with floral displays, living plants, and water features. In addition to unique designs for each season, a special Lunar New Year garden is created each year.

Ride a gondola and stroll through St. Mark’s Square.

At the Venetian Resort , a gondola ride takes you through a replica of Venice, complete with the Rialto Bridge, a sparkling Grand Canal, and a serenade by your gondolier. Once off your boat, browse the upscale Grand Canal Shoppes, enjoy the street performers, or grab a gelato while you take in the atmosphere of "Italy."

Catch the light show on downtown's Fremont Street.

The largest video screen in the world is suspended 90 feet above Fremont Street for this dazzling free light show with concert-quality sound. The show begins every hour between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m., every day. While you’re in the downtown area, check out the SlotZilla zip line, which has an option to fly over the street like a superhero, landing at the historic Golden Gate Hotel and Casino.

Experience Illuminarium.

Courtesy of Illuminarium

At Illuminarium Las Vegas , 4K laser projection, 3D audio, and special effects create immersive experiences not to be missed. Travel to outer space via images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, or to the African savanna, where incredible animals roam. Check the website for what experiences are available during your Las Vegas visit.

Tee off at the only casino resort golf course on the Las Vegas Strip.

Courtesy of Wynn Las Vegas

Enjoy the gorgeous surroundings of the 18-hole championship course at the Wynn Golf Club . The lush landscape was designed by legendary architect Tom Fazio, who partnered with his son Logan to revisit and enhance his original work. Mature trees, lakes, and streams add both beauty and challenge to the course.

Take a Connoisseur Series class at Wynn Las Vegas.

“For those who love immersive experiences, I recommend attending one of Wynn’s master classes , which provide an intimate experience with the resort’s world-class chefs and industry experts,” Angelica Miozza told T+L. “Some of my favorites include learning how to bake baguettes alongside our master baker, filling dumplings with a master dim sum chef, and creating remarkable floral arrangements with the head of horticulture.”

Take a side trip to Red Rock Canyon.

Pengcheng Zhu/Getty Images

About 17 miles west of the Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers miles of hiking trails. The preserve is also a great place for rock climbing, mountain biking, picnicking, and horseback riding, all surrounded by gorgeous scenery. A 13-mile scenic drive leads to sandstone hills, canyons, and parking areas, where visitors can explore the area's natural and cultural history.

Watch a professional sports game.

Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Depending on the season, visitors can see the WNBA 2023 champions Las Vegas Aces , the Las Vegas Lights FC soccer team, Las Vegas Raiders football, or the Vegas Golden Knights NHL team. “In recent years, Las Vegas has been building its credibility as a sports destination,” Miozza said.

Get a Las Vegas history lesson at the Mob Museum.

The Mob Museum is located downtown in the city’s former federal courthouse. Its interactive exhibits highlight notorious gangsters like Al Capone and Bugsy Siegel and famous FBI agents, including J. Edgar Hoover and Eliot Ness. After your mob history lesson, visit the onsite Prohibition-era-styled speakeasy for a cocktail.

Experience Vegas deep into the night.

Veronica Jones/Getty Images

They say New York is the city that never sleeps, but Vegas doesn't seem to, either. Nightclubs and cocktail lounges abound, and there's always a themed party or DJ set to experience. The city has lots in store for LGBTQ+ travelers, too —  Visit Las Vegas  suggests year-round Pride events and RuPaul's Drag Rice Live as some of the options.

Score tickets to a live show.

Tomasz Rossa

Cahill called his Atomic Saloon show “one of my all-time favorite sexy circus comedy cabarets.” There’s also Cirque du Soleil’s Beatles LOVE show at The Mirage, Mystere at Treasure Island, “O” at the Bellagio, and Awakening at the Wynn. Head to Caesars Palace to see world-class talent like Adele and the newest resident headliner, Garth Brooks. And if you've got kids in tow, they can see a show , too.

Show off your skills at the Pinball Hall of Fame.

Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

This museum houses the world’s largest pinball machine collection, with vintage machines from the 1960s, '70s, and '80s (and beyond). The machines are all restored to like-new condition, and they’re available for visitors to enjoy — it's a pretty inexpensive way to have fun at 25 or 50 cents a play.

Watch the free show at the Lake of Dreams.

“Staged outdoors with open-air patios for viewing, the Wynn Lake of Dreams show is something guests or visitors to Las Vegas may not know about,” Miozza told T + L. “The complimentary multimedia experience blends colorful puppetry, an immersive soundtrack, and state-of-the-art sound and lighting.” The show runs multiple times every night, starting at dusk.

Snap a few photos for the 'gram.

About 10 miles south of the Strip is Seven Magic Mountains , a group of neon-colored totems created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, and a very popular site with shutterbugs. Next, head downtown for a self-guided mural tour , or visit the Museum of Selfies at the LINQ Promenade. And, of course, there’s the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign — a must for every visitor.

Join an immersive show at a rum distillery.

At the Lost Spirits Distillery , guests walk through elaborate Victorian settings and sample rum while cast members perform all around them in an immersive theater experience. To extend your time here, book an elaborate 16-course tasting menu dinner, which is served in a room themed after “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea."

Dance to live tunes.

Nastasic/Getty Images

Cahill says, “If you’re looking to scoot your boots, my favorite bands to dance to are The Bronx Wanderers and The Spazmatics, both at South Point , and Original Chaos, who you can catch at venues all over town." For more live music venue options, Visit Las Vegas has you covered .

Visit the Sphere.

Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

“Vegas is all about revamping the old and building the new,” Cahill says, specifically pointing to the new Sphere , a 17,500-seat structure for concerts and sporting events. With a wraparound LED display and spatial audio system, the venue provides an immersive experience that utilizes visual effects, movement sensations, intense lighting, and even scent and wind simulations.

Visit the Las Vegas Arts District.

When Cahill isn’t playing Blue Jackson in the Atomic Saloon, he enjoys spending time in the Las Vegas Arts District . Located about a mile from downtown and the Fremont Street Experience, this area features shops, restaurants, bars, coffee houses, galleries, theater, live performances, and First Friday events.

Ride FlyOver.

“My family and I love FlyOver ,” Mounier said. “It makes you feel like you’re flying over the most iconic places in the U.S., Canada, and Iceland; you’re sitting inside a spherical screen, surrounded by the most amazing views. As the film dips and turns throughout the locales, the seat moves with you, like you’re flying via helicopter. There are special effects, too — when you fly through a cloud, you feel a light mist on your face.”

Go on another adrenaline-pumping thrill ride.

Head to the Stratosphere for the Big Shot ride and the X-Scream rollercoaster, which dangles you above the Las Vegas Strip. Or, ride the Big Apple Coaster at New York New York — it speeds up to 67 miles per hour.

Shop 'til you drop in a classic Vegas shopping center.

Instead of losing money in the casino, why not exchange money for goods? Great places to do the latter include the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace, the Cosmopolitan Shops , designer shops at the Encore , MGM Grand , and more. At the Downtown Container Park, you can shop , snack , and catch a free concert in one spot.

Take a wellness break.

A spa visit makes for a relaxing and refreshing escape from the hustle of Vegas, and we recommend Caesar’s Palace Qua Baths & Spa . This venue offers three Roman baths, an Arctic Ice Room, and a range of massage and skin care services. Or head to Wynn Las Vegas, where Wynn Living Well offers massages, vitamin IV drip therapies, and other innovative treatments.

Related: 10 Best Spas in Las Vegas

Ride the Las Vegas Monorail.

George Rose/Getty Images

The Strip often surprises first-time Las Vegas visitors — it's not as easy to walk from one end to the other as you'd think. So, if you're trying to get from point A to point B here, consider taking the Las Vegas Monorail . It's a convenient mode of transportation that connects MGM Grand to the Sahara Hotel, with stops at Harrah’s, Caesar’s Palace, and more.

Try your luck in a Vegas casino.

Alina555/Getty Images

There are more than 100 casinos in Las Vegas , so no trip here would be complete without wandering through one of these dens of smoke, drinks, and slot machines. Belly up to a blackjack, poker, or craps table and try your luck, or stand back and observe someone else playing — somehow, even just watching casino action is a thrill in Las Vegas.

Plan a trip around Formula 1.

Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

With no fewer than 16 different ticket types, ranging from general admission ($150) through a variety of grandstands, clubs, private suites, and luxury hospitality (from $12,500), the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix (set for the weekend before Thanksgiving) aims to attract a varied crowd. All the events, from the trio of practice sessions through qualifying and the race itself, happen after the sun goes down and the neon turns on. Skip the turns and head straight for the Strip, where you'll find top speeds of 217 miles per hour — and all the action.

Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 Guide

Related articles.

11 of the best things to do in Las Vegas

Apr 10, 2024 • 6 min read

Whether this is your first time or you're a returning visitor, we have the top Vegas experiences for you © Joshua Resnick / Shutterstock © © Joshua Resnick / Shutterstock

Where-oh-where does a “top things to do in Las Vegas ” list end?

In a town that was built on glitz, entertainment and defying the spectrum of human activities, there is no shortage of things to do in Sin City. For gamblers, show lovers, club thumpers, history enthusiasts, outdoor trekkers and seemingly everything in between, there is something for everyone. Even unusual activities, like playing with construction equipment in a giant sandbox or perhaps upsetting some ghosts by getting hands-on with haunted artifacts , has a place here.

Of course, there's only so much you can do on your visit. Here's how to make the most of your Vegas experience.

1. Gawk at the street performers on Fremont Street

Consider Fremont St Old Vegas’ colorful artery, lined with neon signage and, above, a zip line as well as the large, canopied Fremont Street Experience with video-meets-popular jams shows every hour. This is where Las Vegas’ first casino came to fruition – the Golden Gate , it’s still there – and where the World Series of Poker was born (at Binion’s ). East of Las Vegas Boulevard on Fremont Street (aptly known as East Fremont), you’ll find some of the hippest hangouts and bars frequented by locals, like Atomic Liquors and Container Park . Beyond the buildings, it’s the street performers – spanning sexy cowboys, showgirls, magicians and drum groups – that round out the quirky flair of it all.

Planning tip:  You’ll find these characters in designated painted circles throughout, just make sure to tip them if you want to take a photo.

2. Get funky in the Arts District

In a town bursting with creatives – spanning Cirque du Soleil acrobats to main stage singing ensembles – the Las Vegas Arts District is a hip hub where talent shines. Fuel your day at the neighborhood coffee shop Vesta Coffee Roasters , then explore the Arts Factory , a massive building with multiple galleries, a theater and quaint bars.

Planning tip:  If you happen to be in town on the first Friday of the month, First Friday is a street festival experience, with dozens of artists with tent set-ups, local musicians and Vegas-born food trucks. 

Ready to plan your trip to Sin City? Here's our guide to the best time to visit Las Vegas

3. Explore quirky history at an “only in Las Vegas” museum

All cities with an art, science and history museum feel boring compared to Las Vegas. Take your pick here: there’s an Atomic Testing Museum , a Mob Museum detailing shady Nevadans’ pasts, the Pinball Hall of Fame and, for those feeling sultry, the Erotic Heritage Museum . For history-meets-Instagram opps,  the Neon Museum has 200-plus, now-retired, light-up signs from buildings throughout Vegas’ history in a “Neon Boneyard” to pose with.

4. Rake in the dough at a local casino

Beyond the Strip and Downtown Las Vegas, there are local casinos aplenty that serve as the dining and entertainment epicenters of their surrounding neighborhoods. At many of them, you’ll find cheaper table games, local charm and quirky attractions. 

Standouts include the Silverton Casino Lodge , which has a 117,000-gallon aquarium with mermaid shows, Red Rock Resort with the nearby Downtown Summerlin shopping utopia, South Point for equestrian show enthusiasts and, in Southwest Las Vegas, the 2023-opened Durango .

5. Catch a Broadway-caliber show at the Smith Center

New York City has Radio City Music Hall . Washington, DC  has the Kennedy Center . And, Las Vegas now has the Smith Center . Catching a show – from Hamilton to Moulin Rouge – in its 2000-plus seat, luxe Reynolds Hall has become a Las Vegas must since its 2012 opening. Pair your night at the theater with a pre-show visit to Discovery Children’s Museum next door or a bite at jazz lounge Vic’s .

Having a hard time deciding which show is right for you? Let us help you choose . 

6. Stroll the Strip

Where else in the world can you peruse an Egyptian pyramid , the Eiffel Tower , the largest observation wheel in the US, giant fountains and oodles of massive resorts? It's all on the Strip in Las Vegas. Start your wander at the Mandalay Bay and head north to the STRAT . It’s a 4-mile walk and perhaps you'll decide to stop sooner due to consuming yard-long frozen daiquiris enroute. Or perhaps you’ll be distracted by the 1 million-plus hockey puck-sized lights on the Sphere . Or maybe, you’ll end up at a blackjack table at Wynn for 12 hours. Regardless, you can try. Trust us you do not want to miss getting your 10K steps on the Las Vegas Strip.

7. Eat in Chinatown

Las Vegas has a thriving Asian community and, often under the radar, a Chinatown . Within a five-minute drive west of the Strip, you’ll find its epicenter on Spring Mountain Rd east-to-west between Valley View and Decatur Blvds. The landscape is primarily strip malls, with family-owned eateries, supermarkets and foot/massage spas side-by-side.

Planning tip:  When hunger calls, pop in CrunCheese Korean Hot Dog for a morsel doused in fried potato cubes or Kame Omakase for an upscale chef’s tasting menu of sushi delights.

8. Cheer on your favorite sports team

The roar you hear on the Strip just north of Tropicana Ave? It’s not the lion statue at MGM Grand . It’s likely ice hockey fans, cheering on the city’s most beloved home team, Vegas Golden Knights. Catch a game at T-Mobile Arena during the NHL season, which runs October to April.

Beyond hockey and in recent times, Las Vegas is now home to the Raiders football team – which plays at Allegiant Stadium September through January – and the Aces WNBA team, which plays at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay from May through September.

9. Hike Red Rock Canyon and/or Valley of Fire State Park

In the nicest way possible, one of the greatest parts about visiting Las Vegas is leaving Las Vegas. The landscapes outside of town span Hoover Dam , to antique shops galore in Boulder City to fiery rock landscapes within 45 minutes at Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park . At Red Rock Canyon, opt for the generally-friendly, 2.2-mile Calico Tanks Trail , with sandstone and red rock formations seamlessly meshing.

Looking to explore more beyond Las Vegas? Here are our top day trips

10. Take in the desert landscape – and learn about it, too – at Springs Preserve

No, it wasn’t the casinos that drew Native Americans and pioneers to Las Vegas. It was its source of water, the Las Vegas Springs. The site of the springs is Springs Preserve , which is now a multifaceted educational experience. The grounds feel like a true desert garden oasis, where one can saunter through a botanical garden, take in some state history at the Nevada State Museum or feel the rush of a flash flood at an immersive exhibit.

11. Go skiing or enjoy a cool reprieve at Mount Charleston

When summer sizzles – it commonly gets up into the 110°Fs and 120°Fs in Las Vegas – head northwest for a 20°F drop at Mt Charleston . Come wintertime and perhaps unexpectedly for right outside of Sin City, you can ski, tube, sled and snowboard the mountains, too.

This article was first published May 20, 2021 and updated Apr 10, 2024.

Explore related stories

Jun 11, 2024 • 4 min read

Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the USA. Here’s how some cities around the country mark the occasion.

May 9, 2024 • 9 min read

May 1, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 23, 2024 • 9 min read

Mar 22, 2024 • 5 min read

Mar 15, 2024 • 10 min read

Feb 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Feb 16, 2024 • 6 min read

Jan 3, 2024 • 4 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 5 min read

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best things to do in Vegas right now

Whether you’re here for a wild weekend or to catch a game or a concert, we’ve got you covered with the best things to do in Vegas

Las Vegas is like no other place on earth, full of wild spectacles, world-famous sporting events, 24/7 casinos and unparalleled nightlife, immersive experiences, and even natural wonders. With so much activity packed into a considerably small area, finding the best things to do in Las Vegas can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in. What follows is a nifty guide to The Strip and beyond, including the must-see restaurants and can't-miss shows to check out, plus some off-the-beaten-path favorites to get you outdoors. Below are our picks of the best things to do in Vegas.

This guide was updated by Vegas-based writer Ryan Slattery . At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

RECOMMENDED: 🍴 The best restaurants in Las Vegas right now 🏞️ Hidden gems in Las Vegas you need to know about 🍷 The best bars in Las Vegas 🏩 The best hotels in Las Vegas 🏰 The best Airbnb mansions in Las Vegas ⛲  The best attractions in Las Vegas

An email you’ll actually love

Best things to do in Vegas

1.  Sphere

Upon opening, Sphere became one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. The exoskeleton of the massive orb (366 feet tall and 516 feet wide) lights up with LED displays ranging from yellow face emojis and a giant eyeball to a Halloween jack-o-lantern and even a snow globe. It's equally impressive inside as a concert venue, immersing concertgoers into the show. U2 opened Sphere with Phish and Dead and Company scheduled as its subsequent residencies. A 50-minute show called Postcard from Earth is also worth a visit.

2.  AREA15

Not to be confused with our classified alien-holding military base up the road, AREA15 is an all-ages immersive entertainment district with mind-altering spaces, art installations, bars (be sure to find Lost Spirits Distillery for a cocktail), and other fantasy worlds. Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart and Illuminarium are two of the bigger attractions.

3.  Bacchanal Buffet

While just about every casino has a dedicated buffet on-site, Caesars Palace Bacchanal Buffet is hands-down the most amazing all-you-can-eat experience you’ll have in Sin City. The food is brag-worthy, and the atmosphere is refined, perfect for date night or family reunions alike. Pack your plate with everything from gorgeous dim sum to lump crab avocado toast to oysters on the half shell. Pick up a clean plate and pace yourself. There’s a bounty to enjoy. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

4.  Madame Tussauds

• Attractions

The first US incarnation of London's all-conquering attraction contains more than 100 wax celebs in various settings, all lots of fun.  Here it  tones down the British history in favor of celebrity and pop culture “encounters”: an opportunity to join the “wolf pack” from  The Hangover , for example, or a chance to pose with Miley Cyrus and her wrecking ball.  There’s now lots of impressive supplementary fun too, including a superb Marvel 4D film experience, and the Carnival Carnage 7D experience... quite what the seven dimensions are, we're not sure. Recommended, though.

5.  Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn and its sister property, Encore, define luxury in Las Vegas. The property has 4,748 spacious, well-appointed rooms, suites and villas, plus 20 signature dining experiences, 14 bars, two award-winning spas, nightclubs, and so much more. There is even an 18-hole championship golf course that often hosts celebrity tournaments.

6.  Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil was an unconventional, risk-taking circus troupe of acrobats, contortionists and gymnasts when it arrived in Las Vegas three decades ago. Today, it’s a staple of Las Vegas entertainment and one could say you haven’t experienced Vegas if you haven’t witnessed one of their shows. Mystere opened in 1993 and is one of six Cirque shows running on The Strip. The others are  KÀ, Mad Apple, The Beatles LOVE, Michael Jackson ONE , and the water spectacular O .

7.  Caesars Palace

Its center Strip location is ideal and the property has everything you want out of a resort. Caesars Palace has 3,980 guest rooms, a luxury shopping center, a 4,300-seat entertainment venue, a five-acre pool complex, a spa, and one of the city’s top nightclubs. Its restaurant collection includes Bacchanal Buffet and is very celebrity chef heavy with the likes Guy Savoy, Gordon Ramsay, Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis, Guy Fieri and Dominique Ansel all operating there.

8.  The Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena

• Things to do

T-Mobile was built to be the home arena for the city’s first professional sports team and it turned Las Vegas into a rabid hockey town. The Vegas Golden Knights first took the ice in 2017 and the team won the Stanley Cup in their sixth season. If you time your trip with the NHL season, be sure to catch a game. It’s quite the spectacle. T-Mobile Arena also doubles as a concert venue.

9.  Hoover Dam

• Walks and tours
• price 1 of 4

The Great Depression-era landmark that dammed the Colorado River and created Lake Mead, Hoover Dam looms large in Las Vegas history. The 726-foot-high curving cement facade makes for a striking view, whether you take a guided tour, walk along the bridge, or view it from a boat on Lake Mead. It took five years and 21,000 men to build the dam, which straddles the Nevada-Arizona border.

10.  The Fountains of Bellagio

Bellagio’s signature dancing fountains are arguably the most popular attraction on The Strip. The geysers—more than 1,200 in all—are nestled in the eight-and-a-half-acre lake in front of the resort. Set to music, the fountain erupts every half-hour in the afternoon and every 15 minutes throughout the evening until midnight. The aquatic spectacle immortalized in Ocean’s Eleven is not just free; it is truly priceless.

11.  The Venetian Las Vegas

The Venetian is an ever-expanding resort and entertainment complex with indoor and outdoor gondolas and larger-than-life décor. Inside, St. Mark’s Square is replicated, with costumed characters and gelato stands under a perpetually sunny sky. Bask in lavish comfort here, as The Venetian boasts some of the roomiest suites on The Strip and has multiple pools in Italian-inspired gardens.

12.  The National Atomic Testing Museum

Can you believe that during the '50s, people would saunter into the streets along The Strip, still clutching their Cuban Sunsets, and watch as enormous atomic mushroom clouds appeared on the horizon and arced skyward? The history and development of America's nuclear weapons program are both hypnotic and horrifying. And strangely enough, Las Vegas was close to the heart of it. A visit to this museum should absolutely, unequivocally be on your Sin City Must Do List. 

13.  Las Vegas Springs Preserve

The whole reason Vegas is even where it is is right here. The Las Vegas Springs Preserve  is built around the original water source for the city, the Las Vegas Springs. Known as the Birthplace of Las Vegas, the springs offer enough fun things to do to fill a whole day, with activities for children, bike rentals to further explore the area, the Nevada State Museum, Origen Museum, and a variety of other exhibits.

14.  Neon Museum

Las Vegas has a habit of blowing things up when they get old, musty, or simply unprofitable. While the city’s vintage architecture has often been reduced to rubble, many of its iconic neon signs have been saved from that fate and set aside at the acclaimed Neon Museum. Book a tour to wander among the relics, hearing tales of eccentric billionaires, long-gone landmarks, and the characters that helped make Vegas, Vegas.

15.  Lake Las Vegas

Just 16 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip, Lake Las Vegas is an expansive complex with hotels, golf courses, and waterfront restaurants. The lake is calm and inviting, perfect for standup paddleboard sessions and kayaking, flyboarding, and rowing. Catch a dragon boat race or take a yacht cruise, then cozy up on the lawn for musical performances from spring through fall.

16.  Pinball Hall of Fame

• Special interest
• East Las Vegas

Aficionados of old-school arcade games should make a beeline for the peculiarly beautiful Pinball Hall of Fame (which recently moved to a new location), a wonderland where you can admire—and play—more than 150 operational pinball machines, from throwback games to modern wonders. Bring your quarters.

17.  Dolby Live

Thanks to changing entertainment trends, The Strip is littered with stars as production shows have made way for resident headliners—A-list musicians and bands that set up shop in casino showrooms for extended runs. Dolby Live (previously named Park Theater) regulars have included Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Aerosmith, and Cher. The venue seats 5,200, and VIP seating includes a dedicated cocktail service. 

18.  The Mob Museum

Set in a former courthouse that hosted part of the Kefauver Hearings, this brilliant museum chronicles organized crime around the globe and in Las Vegas—where the Mob used to run the joint—as well as law enforcement’s efforts to combat it. Permanent exhibitions include a vintage electric chair, a piece of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre wall, and a speakeasy display complete with a full cocktail bar. For an extra fee, you can venture into special experiences like the Crime Lab, Firearm Training Simulator, or a tour of the museum’s in-house distillery with tasting included.

19.  Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Vegas visitors are often shocked to find that The Strip isn’t four miles of glitz plopped down amid open desert. Rather, the city is ringed by mountains and canyons, which offer wonderful hiking. Visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area , where rock walls are dotted with climbers on world-class routes, and trails lead into lovely gullies. Not into hiking? Drive a 13-mile loop through the park for a taste of the scenery sans the sweat.

20.  Fremont Street Experience

Still one of the best things to do in town, the old Fremont Street casino district continually rebuilds itself into a thrilling entertainment zone thanks to new attractions, constant live entertainment, and budget-friendly eats. The overhead canopy light and sound show pumps out favorite songs paired with digital light accompaniment that nearly everyone stops to take in. Some folks pass through quickly, thanks to the SlotZilla zipline course. Take a stroll through old-school Vegas and pick up a beer to go in this pedestrian-friendly entertainment hub.

21.  Mandalay Bay Beach

Las Vegas pool parties are the place to beat the heat, and Mandalay Bay Beach is perfect for all ages—and even open to non-hotel guests with paid admission. Play along the 11-acre sandy shoreline, cool down in the rolling wave pool and lazy river or chill out in luxury bungalows. Three bars and a grill line the beach playground so you can soak in the desert sun all day long.

22.  High Roller Observation Wheel

• price 2 of 4

This is the world’s largest observation wheel, and it sits in the very heart of the city. Take a slow-motion spin 550ft above the Las Vegas Strip for unbeatable views of the skyline and desert beyond. A single loop takes 30 minutes. If you really want to take it to the next level, book the Happy Half Hour and enjoy an open bar on your ride.

23.  Fremont East

Fremont East , north of the casino corridor, is Vegas’s urbane, work-in-progress neighborhood. What was once a blighted stretch of road has become home to gobs of trendy bars, restaurants, shops, and family attractions as Downtown is reinvigorated. Swill cocktails at the  Downtown Cocktail Room  or hit the  Writer’s Block  bookstore for something to read on the plane ride home. Pop into  Container Park , a petite shopping and dining center made of shipping containers complete with a kids' play area and live entertainment throughout the day.

24.  The Bellagio Conservatory

The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is one of the city’s great free attractions, with a not-so-secret garden that gets a top-to-bottom seasonal makeover a handful of times per year. Step inside the 24-hour gardens, and you’ll be greeted by a themed horticultural exhibit that uses thousands of flowers to form gorgeous sculptures and landscapes. It’s like a miniature Disneyland for plant fans.

25.  Omnia

Las Vegas does nightlife the way it does everything else: big, bold, and positively over-the-top. For the all-out experience, enter the 75,000-square-foot OMNIA at Caesars Palace, where you can join the masses popping bottles and dancing to DJs like Steve Aoki and Zedd under a huge revolving chandelier.

More great things to do in Las Vegas

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Nevada (NV) » 55 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas (Nevada)

55 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas (Nevada)

A louche neon city of high-rise megaresorts, high kitsch and every form of entertainment under the sun, Las Vegas is about cutting loose and throwing caution to the wind.

The Entertainment Capital of the World is a proving ground for leisure concepts, crashing together ideas that would be mismatched anywhere else in the world.

A rock show bowling alley? A cocktail bar inside a chandelier? A high-tech driving range with DJs and table service? A mall with a retractable runway and fashion shows on the hour? A birdlife reserve in the middle of a casino? Yep, they’re all here.

And in their battle to lure punters, Sin City’s resorts lay on blockbuster concerts, turbo-charged nightlife, cutting-edge dining and free to enter attractions.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Las Vegas:

1. The Strip

This 4.2-mile stretch of the South Las Vegas Boulevard has starred in so many movies and TV shows that actually being here, watching Bellagio’s fountains and Mirage’s Volcano, might feel surreal.

Las Vegas never stands still, and a photo taken this year will soon look dated.

In spring 2019 no fewer than six major projects were in the pipeline, while in the last few years the strip’s profile has evolved with the High Roller Ferris Wheel at the LINQ promenade.

Any resort worth its chips is on the Las Vegas Strip, and the scale of these complexes is mind-boggling.

Six of the world’s ten largest hotels are right here, and most will try to draw you in with a forecourt attraction.

A whole system of elevated walkways link resorts, shops and performance venues, helping you avoid a busy road full of distracted drivers.

If you’re using the east side of the Strip, the Las Vegas Monorail connects a string of megaresorts and entertainment venues, like MGM Grand Caesars Palace and the future MSG Sphere.

2. Vegas Residencies

A Concert Residency is a concept that was born in Las Vegas, starting in the 1940s with Liberace.

By the mid-1950s Mr Showtime was earning $50,000 a week at the now defunct Riviera Hotel and Casino.

Even though artists from Sinatra to Elvis to Celine Dion have had extended runs at Las Vegas resorts for more than 70 years, you could say that we’re living through the golden age of the Las Vegas residency today.

These are no longer just a fallback for veteran artists and a loss leader for resorts, as breakout stars and artists at the peak of their careers now join a big roll-call of classic acts.

In 2019 Cardi B (KAOS at the Palms), Drake (XS Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas), Lady Gaga (Park Theater) and Bruno Mars (Park Theater) were all in town for the long run, together with household names like Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Santana, Mariah Carey, Cher and Sting.

Related Show : Legends in Concert at the Tropicana Tickets

3. Caesars Palace

If one resort could capture the hedonistic spirit of Las Vegas it’s the marble halls of Caesars Palace, unveiled in 1966 and designed to echo the splendour of a Roman emperor’s residence through the lens of a Hollywood epic movie.

Since its earliest days, Caesars Palace has been geared towards high rollers, and in its restaurant portfolio includes restaurants preparing authentic Chinese cuisine to cater to rich East Asian gamblers.

Perhaps the premier restaurant in a strong field is Restaurant Guy Savoy, the only restaurant by this revered Michelin-starred chef outside of Paris.

Since Frank Sinatra’s residency in the 1960s, Caesar’s Palace has always had more than a sprinkle of stardust.

It was here that Celine Dion redefined the notion of a Vegas residency with her spell at the Colosseum in the 2000s.

She was headlining again in 2019, along with Jerry Seinfeld and Rod Stewart.

We’ve come this far and not even mentioned the ritzy Forum Shops at Caesars, which outstrips Rodeo Drive for sales, with more than 150 mid-range and high-end boutiques and restaurants.

4. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Pack a lunch, strike out west of the Strip and within half an hour you’ll be in a gnarled and reddish sandstone landscape rising to more than 900 metres.

Trails ranging from short loops to day hikes might carry you to lookouts on the lip of canyons with temporary waterfalls in early-spring.

You’ll venture past strange Aztec or deep red sandstone outcrops caused by iron oxide in the rock, and to places where the Paiute culture left handprints in the rock, petroglyphs or centuries-old roasting pits.

While this is an environment for rock-climbing and horseback-riding, you can see the best of Red Rock Canyon’s tortured geology from your car on a 13-mile loop.

The conservation area is a habitat for the threatened desert tortoise, and while you probably won’t spot one out in the wild there’s an enclosure at the Visitor Center with two males and eight females.

Recommended tour : Red Rock Canyon Small Group Tour from Las Vegas

5. Nightclubs

You don’t need us to tell you that Las Vegas is the world’s biggest party town and the home of thumping EDM.

But maybe you haven’t realised the lengths that the Megaresorts like Mirage, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Cosmopolitan and Bellagio will go to outdo each other.

For theatricality nothing tops Light at Mandalay Bay, which has Cirque du Soleil-level acrobats over the dancefloor.

Hakkasan at MGM Grand is literally the largest nightclub in the world, bringing Tiësto, Steve Aoki and Calvin Harris to the party, and with a sound system that needs to be heard to be believed.

Jewel at Aria Resort & Casino was created by the Hakkasan group and deals in sheer opulence, with flash LED ribbons, handcrafted leather banquettes around the dance floor and five themed mezzanine VIP suites with custom amenities.

Honourable mention must be made to Tao Nightlcub at the Venetian, Hakkasan’s Omnia at Caesars Palace and the gold-plated XS Nightclub at Wynn, the most expensive club ever built.

Available tour : Vegas’s #1 Club Crawl 4-Hour Party Experience

Las Vegas’ knack of generating moments of awe and wonder extends to its wellness and relaxation amenities.

The Spa at Encore for instance is down a lantern-lit corridor, like a portal to an opulent wonderland.

On the extensive menu are some outlandish treatments like a synchronised massage with two therapists, a “Good Luck Ritual” and a Citrus Soufflé Body and Facial Treatment, to name a small few.

The award-winning Qua at Caesars Palace has three Roman baths and the world’s only Arctic Room, producing artificial snow.

And if you really want to get decadent The Spa and Salon at Aria offers a diamond and white jade facial for a mere $380 for 80 minutes.

Also packing plenty of “first-in-Vegas” amenities is the Spa at LINQ, which boasts a Himalayan salt therapy cave, infusing the air with high-quality salt to benefit the skin and respiratory system.

7. Celebrity Chef Restaurants

Where once it was associated with uninspired all-you-can-eat buffets, Las Vegas has blossomed as a world-class dining destination.

As with the world’s top musical talent, the stars of the culinary arts have found their niche on the Las Vegas Strip, where every megaresort brims with restaurants by celebrity chefs.

Nowhere else on earth has this sort of concentration.

Wolfgang Puck has five, and “Cut” at The Palazzo is a standout.

Gordon Ramsay’s name appears five times as well, including three at Caesars Palace alone.

Guy Fieri, who pretty much encapsulates Las Vegas, is represented by Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar at the LINQ hotel and El Burro Borracho at the Rio Hotel.

For leading-edge Spanish cuisine, look no further than É by José Andrés, while Thomas Keller’s Bouchon is all about urbane French bistro favourites.

Finally, Emeril Lagasse’s New Orleans Fish House has stood the test of time at the MGM Grand for more than 20 years, an eternity in Las Vegas.

Related activity : Secret Food Tours Las Vegas

8. Bellagio

If you’ve seen Ocean’s Eleven (2001) a lot of Bellagio will be familiar to you, but it needs to be witnessed in person.

The 3,015-room resort opened in 1998 and is named for the Lake Como town of the same name.

We’ll talk about the famous fountains next, and the exquisite conservatory, which are both attractions in their own right.

Even if you’re just passing by, you have to check out the lobby, which has a gorgeous glass flower sculpture on its ceiling by the great Dale Chihuly.

The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art opens for seasonal exhibitions, which in the past have featured Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, luminaries of Impressionism, Ansel Adams and the decorative art of England’s stately home Chatsworth House.

As for gaming, the Bellagio has welcomed several World Poker Tour tournaments, and the poker room is the haunt of some of the world’s top players for its high table limits.

For the ultimate in fine dining, there’s the two Michelin-starred Picasso, while among the Bellagio Shops are Prada, Guerlain, Tiffany & Co. and Gucci.

Last but not least, the water-themed O by Cirque du Soleil is set in and around a 5,700 cubic-litre pool and involves 85 acrobats and trained swimmers.

9. Fountains of Bellagio

A spectacle that will live long in the memory, the magnificent five-minute water and light show in front of the Bellagio takes place on the half-hour from 15:00 in the afternoon and then every 15 minutes after eight.

The world’s largest fountain until 2010 has more than 1,200 nozzles and a musical playlist that cycles through Whitney Houston’s rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner”, “Your Song” by Elton John, “Luck Be a Lady” by Frank Sinatra and “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion, among others.

The lights illuminating the Bellagio turn to purple during the show, or red, white and blue for the more patriotic songs.

There are also seasonal promotions, like the Game of Thrones Theme to mark Season 8 in spring 2019. An interesting piece of trivia is that the fountain’s eight-acre replica of Lake Como is fed by a freshwater well that was first sunk to irrigate a golf course.

10. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Open to the public, Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a glorious free attraction beside the hotel’s lobby.

Under an intricate Beaux-Arts-style glass canopy with a copper frame, this attraction employs the resort’s team of 120 horticulturalists and landscape designers, producing beautiful rotating displays with mesmerising floral arrangements, bridges, ponds and gazebos.

Poinsettia and a giant Christmas tree set the tone in the holiday season.

Then at Chinese New Year you’ll find displays for the year’s zodiac animal, together with orchids and bromeliads.

In 2019 there was a Japan-themed spring show, with a replica of Osaka Castle and abundant cherry blossoms.

In summer the gardens take on a patriotic colour scheme, dominated by red, white and blue, and then chrysanthemums, pumpkin crops and russet tones take over for autumn.

11. High Roller

Las Vegas breaks records for fun, and in 2014 a gargantuan world-beater took its place on the Strip opposite Caesars Palace.

As of 2019 the High Roller was still the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, at a dizzyinh 167.6 metres.

The wheel has 28 passenger cabins, each of which can hold 40 people.

The cabins have their own electric motors to ensure maximum stability as the wheel turns.

After sunset the wheel is illuminated by more than 2,000 LEDs, while each of the cabins has eight flat-screen monitors.

Each revolution takes 30 minutes, and if you want the full Vegas experience you and your group can upgrade to the Open Bar Cabin for a genuine “happy half hour”!

Book online : Skip the Line Ticket: The High Roller at The LINQ

12. MGM Grand

Massive, even by Las Vegas standards, the MGM Grand is the United States’ biggest single hotel, with 6,852 rooms.

You could devote an article this size to the MGM Grand’s cornucopia of dining options and entertainment facilities, but for this paragraph we have to be ultra focussed.

The pick of the dining choices has to be L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon founded by France’s “Chef of the Century” and each dish is prepared and plated right in front of you.

The gaming floor is among the largest on the Strip, with 2,500 machines and 139 table games.

The 17,157-capacity MGM Grand Garden Arena has hosted some historic boxing bouts, like the infamous “bite fight” between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, and Manny Pacquiao’s victory over Oscar de la Hoya in the “Dream Match” in 2008. Premiered in 2004, Kà by Cirque du Soleil has production values that would put most Hollywood movies to shame, and is still one of the must-see shows for anyone visiting Vegas for the first time.

13. Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck

At 350.2 metres, this needle shooting up from the Stratosphere hotel and casino complex is the second-tallest observation tower in the Western Hemisphere.

On the way to Downtown Las Vegas, this landmark is slightly removed from the Las Vegas Strip, which gives it a great perspective of the megaresorts to the south, as well as the Spring Mountains to the northwest.

There are two observation decks for 360° views, and a revolving restaurant, Top of the World.

You can take a free ride to the 107 Skylounge bar if you’re just going up for drinks.

In true Vegas style, the outdoor observation deck is more than a spot to stand still and admire the view.

There are four rides at the top of the tower, like Big Shot, a tower ride launching you 50 metres above the observation deck, and SkyJump Las Vegas, a high-speed 261-metre descent similar to a bungee jump.

Included in : Las Vegas Explorer Pass: Over 45 Attractions & Tours

14. The Venetian

Both the second-largest casino in the world and the second-largest hotel complex in the world, The Venetian has teleported Venice to Las Vegas.

Loving reproductions of St Mark’s Campanile, St Mark’s Square, the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge and the Doge’s Palace took shape in the late-90s.

One of the very best free things to do in Las Vegas is to marvel at the detail of this replica city at the Grand Canal Shoppes, with more than 200 upmarket stores, attractions like Madame Tussauds and eateries like Wolfgang Puck’s Cut.

A gondola ride down the Grand Canal is utterly surreal, in true Vegas fashion.

There’s profuse Renaissance-style painting, most remarkable in the ceiling of the mall’s entrance hall and in the grand barrel-vaulted gallery from the main reception to the casino.

It can be difficult to comprehend the size of the Venetian complex.

There are four theatres, six clubs and 4,049 rooms, while the adjoining Palazzo is the tallest completed hotel in the city at 53 storeys and 196 metres.

15. Death Valley National Park

The largest national park in the contiguous United States, Death Valley is also the hottest, driest and lowest.

Your first destination has to be Badwater Basin, a salt flat 86 metres below sea level and the second-lowest point in the Western Hemisphere.

In winter, spring and autumn you can make the short hike to view the basin’s famed polygonal salt formations.

Artists Drive is a nine-mile road through desert hills ranging from white to red, while Devil’s Golf Course is a massive spread of rock salt eroded into jagged spikes.

For all-encompassing vistas of Death Valley, Dante’s View is on a terrace at 1,669 metres, posted above Badwater Basin, Devil’s Golf Course to the Panamint Range to the west, the Owlshead Mountains to the south and the Funeral Mountains to the North.

Top rated tour : Death Valley NP Full-Day Small Groups Tour from Las Vegas

16. Hoover Dam

One of the great monuments to American engineering in the 20th century is within striking distance of Las Vegas and demands a visit.

Damming the fast-flowing Colorado River, this Great Depression-era project formed Lake Mead, the largest water reservoir in the United States when full.

Boulder City, an entire model town was built for the Hoover Dam’s tens of thousands of workers, more than 100 of whom perished during construction.

In this time the population of Las Vegas also swelled, tripling from its modest 5,000. The dam effectively blocks the volcanic Boulder Canyon to a height of more than 224 metres, and was the largest dam in the world when it was finished in 1936 after just five years of construction.

Initially this immense construction was an unremarkable wall of concrete, but with an eye to establishing the dam as a visitor attraction, the Los Angeles architect George B.

Kaufmann was called in to spruce up the aesthetics, furnishing it with its alluring Art Deco contours.

If you don’t have a car, you could take the Express Shuttle, Deluxe or Three-Hoover Dam Tour through GetYourGuide.com , with pick up and drop off from most Las Vegas Strip hotels.

17. Wynn Las Vegas

Unlike most Las Vegas resorts, the upscale Wynn has a reserved presence on the Strip without sidewalk attractions.

When it was completed in 2005 it was the tallest hotel building in Las Vegas, and is still in the top eight largest hotels in the world.

Many of the amenities at Wynn Las Vegas are the best in town, like the buffet, which has 15 live-action cooking stations, or the blissful Spa at Wynn.

When we wrote this article in 2019 Drake was just beginning a residency at the XS Nightclub, one of a raft of A-list performers to take the stage at this venue.

Intrigue Nightclub has a sublime patio space with a waterfall and pyrotechnics, while the Encore Beach Club boasts three tiered pools.

For more live entertainment Le Rêve remains a stunning accomplishment, with 90 performers in an aquatic theatre-in-the-round.

In keeping with Wynn’s sleek identity, the new Wynn Plaza mall features luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Kenzo and Diptyque.

18. New York-New York

In the 1990s a chunk of the New York skyline landed on the Las Vegas Strip.

This MGM hotel and casino is a love letter to the Big Apple, evoking New York’s Art Deco classics like the Empire State Building and Chrysler, and incorporating replicas of the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station and the main building on Ellis Island.

The Big Apple Roller Coaster, as it’s known, has trains that resemble New York taxis and has a maximum drop of 44 metres and two inversions.

The dining options are as cosmopolitan as you’d hope from a resort themed on New York, and Gallagher’s Steakhouse, an NY original is the cream.

Of course, it wouldn’t be New York without a pizza place, an Irish pub, hot dogs and an Italian joint (Il Fornaio). Strictly for grown-ups, Zumanity is a daring burlesque/cabaret hybrid, with Cirque du Soleil’s typical exuberance.

Outside, The Park is a swish dining and entertainment area sprinkled with sculpture and set around the new T-Mobile Arena, which we’ll cover below.

19. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

The description of this sight is in the title, but for a first-timer this Space Age sign from 1959 is as essential as anything in Las Vegas.

Designed by graphic designer Betty Willis, one of the people credited with shaping the city’s visual identity, the sign was never trademarked and so has spawned replicas around the city.

You’ll find the original at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South, standing 7.66 metres tall and crested with its signature red star trimmed with yellow neon.

At any time of day there will be one or two people, normally dressed as Elvis or a showgirl, offering to take a photo of groups and couples for tips.

20. Eiffel Tower

In 1999 a cluster of Parisian monuments sprouted on the Las Vegas Strip, from the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde’s La Fontaine des Mers.

This of course is the Paris Las Vegas hotel and casino, now permanently engrained in everyone’s mental picture of the Strip.

That half-scale Eiffel Tower also happens to be one of the best viewpoints in the whole city.

This is 47 storeys above the Las Vegas Strip with a fabulous perspective of the Bellagio Fountain Show, so it’s something worth doing after sunset.

But if you do go up during the day you can spy Mount Charleston and the rest of the Spring Mountains, capped with snow in winter.

Taking its cues from the original Eiffel Tower’s light shows, the Las Vegas equivalent has its own free spectacle, every 30 minutes on the hour and half-hour between sunset and midnight.

Book online : Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck Skip-the-Line Ticket

21. The Mirage

The Polynesian-themed Mirage has a rainforest in its atrium, a huge aquarium behind its registration desk and is heralded by its volcano, which erupts at 20:00, 21:00 and 22:00 accompanied by music from the Zakir Hussein and the Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart.

For 13 years the resort was associated with Siegfried & Roy, and the pair have left their mark with the family attraction, Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.

At a specially built theatre, Cirque du Soleil’s Love blends circus performs with songs by the Beatles, reworked by their producer George Martin and his son Giles Martin.

At the time of writing, Boyz II Men were in residence, accompanied by the Aces of Comedy series, booking comedians like Iliza Schlesinger, Jim Jefferies, Jay Leno and David Spade + Ray Romano.

The perennial headliner at the Mirage is Terry Fator and his famous ventriloquist show.

When it comes to dining, take your pick from Italian seafood at Osteria Costa, sushi at Otoro, American classics at LVB Burgers and Bar and steak with a modern twist at Tom Colicchio’s Heritage Steak.

22. Mob Museum

Just north of Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas is the Las Vegas Post Office and Courthouse (1933), scene of one of the 14 Kefauver Committee hearings across the country in the early-1950s to expose organised crime.

Since 2012 this fabled setting has become a museum lifting the lid on the city’s shadiest secrets, and recounting the history of organized crime in the United States.

This is no place for children, not least because exhibitions like Mob’s Greatest Hits depict grisly crime scenes.

You investigate the mob’s involvement in nefarious activities like drugs, prostitution, money laundering, illegal gambling and bootlegging, and the efforts of law enforcement to get the upper hand, both here and across America.

There’s a lot of interactivity to keep you engaged, like a crime lab that lets you compare your prints with the most notorious gangsters and video testimonials screened through slot machines.

The Use of Force Training Experience puts you in the shoes of a police officer, as you make split-second, life-or-death decisions.

If you need to wet your whistle, downstairs is the Underground bar, designed like a prohibition-era speakeasy.

Get tickets : Mob Museum General Admission

23. Fremont Street Experience

Reinvention is etched into Las Vegas’ identity, but Fremont Street is a familiar scene that you’ll know right away from 20th-century movies, TV shows and music videos.

Glitter Gulch at the west end of the street got its name from its profusion of neon signs, and became a handy establishing shot, turning sights like the Fremont Hotel & Casino and the cowboy Vegas Vic into international icons.

Fremont Street has not stood still either.

Today those signs sit under a barrel-vaulted canopy almost 500 metres long and 27 metres high, and fitted with some 12 million LED lights for eye-popping overhead displays.

Crammed with shops, street performers larger-than-life eateries, clubs and casinos, this is the city’s big public gathering place, and there are three stages along the mall for nightly free entertainment.

SlotZilla is a 12-storey zip-line flying through a stretch of the canopy, while Neonopolis on Fremont is a huge shopping and entertainment complex with three miles of neon lights on its facade.

Recommended tour : Fremont Street Walking Tour

24. Planet Hollywood Las Vegas

With a history beginning in the early-1960s, Planet Hollywood Las Vegas was “Aladdin” for more than 40 years until it was sold off in the 2000s, pulled down and reborn as Planet Hollywood.

We can’t go any further without talking about Zappos Theater, the largest venue of its kind in the United States, holding 7,000 and with a vast proscenium arch opening.

Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, Pitbull and Def Leppard were all rotating here in spring 2019. Zappos Theater is housed within the Miracle Mile Shops, a 170-tenant mall opened in 2000 and home to the likes of Guess, Sephora, H&M and Footlocker.

Planet Hollywood has one of the city’s top buffets and a three-acre casino floor decorated with ostentatious neon and reflective surfaces.

To give you a hint of the tone of this place, the Pleasure Pit has platforms with go-go dancers next to its game tables.

25. Mandalay Bay

The tropical-themed Mandalay Bay is owned by MGM Resorts International and is not hard to pick out on the strip for its windows coated in gold leaf.

In keeping with the tropical styling, the pool, known as Mandalay Beach, is paradisiacal.

It covers 11 acres and has three heated pools, a wave pool and a lazy river with waterfall.

Moorea Beach Club is a separate, “European style” pool with a private bar.

Non residents can pay to use Mandalay Beach from Monday to Thursday.

The resident show at Mandalay Bay is Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson; while the mammoth Mandalay Bay Events Center is one of the largest privately owned convention centres in the world and has held major award ceremonies as well as boxing and UFC bouts in its time.

We’ll talk about Mandalay Bay’s visitor attraction, Shark Reef below, while The Shoppes at Mandalay Place is a mall on the sky bridge between this resort and the Luxor.

26. Neon Museum

A repository for the vintage neon signs of Las Vegas, the Neon Museum has a magnificent collection from the 1930s to the present day.

Most of these are in the Neon Boneyard, where there are over 200 signs stacked up to create alleyways.

Eleven of these signs have been restored while the others are in varying stages of decay, which only makes the display more picturesque.

You can view these on a guided or self-guided tour, and head inside the Visitors Center, a museum piece in its own right.

Dating to 1961, this building is the Space Age former lobby for the La Concha Motel, with restored interior and signage.

There are more unrestored signs in the North Gallery, hosting the “Brilliant!” light and sound display and often rented out for photo shoots and weddings.

Now, the Mojave Desert doesn’t have natural swards of grass, but in this city of artifice that doesn’t mean there won’t be top class golf courses.

In fact there are more than 50, and golf is a year-round game, even at the punishing height of summer.

If you’re prepared to tee off early in the day, summer can be a good time to sneak a round in, as most courses offer discounts of up to 70% during this low season.

You’ll find Scottsdale-style desert courses, along with parkland, mountain and links environments.

One of the best, and the only course on the Strip is Wynn Golf Club, framed by pines and reopened in 2019 after a two-year closure and rumours of its demise.

Also first-rate, Coyote Springs Golf Club, Wolf Creek Golf Club, and Cascata Golf Course require a journey into the desert but are worth every second.

In between, TPC LAS Vegas is 15 minutes from the Strip, with views taking in the Las Vegas skyline and the Red Rock Canyon on the back nine.

28. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

High-tech and cultivated, the luxury Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a hotel and casino that eschews crowd-pleasing sideshows for sophisticated bars and ultra-cool restaurants.

Chandelier, literally within a spectacular three-storey chandelier, is a cocktail bar par excellence, while floor-to-ceiling glass walls afford startling views of the Las Vegas Strip and Bellagio Fountains.

The casino has old-school table games like roulette, blackjack and baccarat, but also some of the most cutting-edge slots in Las Vegas at the High Limit Slot Lounge.

The “FASTPAY” technology here allows you to process payments right at the machine, without needing to call on attendant.

The Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub is capacious and books international DJs, while the Chelsea is a concert venue for more leftfield acts than you’d associate with Vegas.

And then there’s the food choice, which darts around the world, from avant-garde Spanish, to Nashville hot chicken, sushi, over-the-top sandwiches and the Mexican-Chinese fusion of China Poblano.

29. Smith Center for the Performing Arts

Las Vegas never had a dedicated performing arts venue before this stunning monument was unveiled at the new Symphony Park development in 2012. The Smith Center for the Performing Arts has a Neo Art Deco design, which has a sense of belonging as it echoes the clean lines of the Hoover Dam, inside and out.

The main Reynolds Hall venue holds 2,050 and has five steep tiers to keep the audience close to the action.

This is the seat of the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra and the Nevada Ballet Theatre, for the sort of evening you might not associate with Vegas.

As well as ballet and orchestral performances, this hall receives touring musicals (Book of Mormon and Wicked in 2019), family shows, world-famous comedians and top recording artists.

For more personal jazz performances there’s Myron’s Cabaret Jazz, seating 250.

30. National Atomic Testing Museum

Between 1951 and 1962 the U.S. government conducted 100 atmospheric (above ground) nuclear tests at the Nevada Test Site just 65 miles north-west of the city.

The mushroom clouds could be seen from Las Vegas, and even became a selling point for tourists.

After 1963 the tests moved underground and continued up to 1992 (928 took place in total). At America’s only official atomic museum you can investigate this half-forgotten past, checking out official documents, propaganda, atomic age memorabilia, artefacts like genuine B53 nuclear bomb, Geiger counters and other radiation testing device.

You’ll also learn the story of Castle Bravo, a controversial 15-megaton test in 1954 at Bikini Atoll that created a mushroom cloud 14,000 metres high, contaminated some of the inhabited Marshall Islands and sparked an international debate about testing.

No static exhibit quite prepares you for the visceral test simulation at the “Ground Zero Theater”, designed like a concrete bunker, using crisp archive footage, compressed air and sound design to bring home the force of a nuclear blast.

31. Fashion Show Mall

There’s nothing misleading about the name of this expansive mall, which has been a permanent part of the Las Vegas Strip for nigh on 40 Years.

The Fashion Show Mall has a retractable 25-metre runway, the only one in the world, for models to strut their stuff on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons on the hour.

Where this mall departs from Paris Fashion Week is that you won’t be looking at bizarre future concepts, but whatever is in season and for sale at the shops around you.

Famous personalities have been known to fly in to take part, and if you’re lucky you may catch a special event.

As for the shops, there almost 250, covering a spectrum from Banana Republic, Urban Outfitters, Gap, Footlocker and Topshop to Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton and Hugo Boss.

32. Springs Preserve

Las Vegas goes back to its roots at this open space three miles west of downtown.

The Springs Preserve is at the site of the city’s original water source, which dried up in 1980. Shielded from U.S. Route 95 by a sound wall, the Springs Preserve was developed in the 2000s and has four themed trails to explore, adding up to roughly 3.5 miles.

At the Origen Museum you can find out about the springs’ earliest inhabitants, as well as the wildlife and geological history of the Mojave Desert.

There are also animal enclosures for desert species like gila monsters, snakes, tortoises, spiders and desert cottontail rabbits.

The Desert Living Center is a complex with 43 exhibits centred on sustainability, showing the city’s water supply network and indicating just how much rubbish one family can produce in a month.

In eight acres, the desert botanical gardens are a joy, especially in spring and grow some 1,200 plant varieties including herbs, cactuses, palms, vegetables and roses.

There’s also a wonderful children’s playground themed on a desert canyon, a shop and a 1,800-seater amphitheatre.

33. Three-Hour Night Tour by Open-Top Bus

It’s not profound to say that Las Vegas is at its best after dark when those neon signs are ablaze and the many iconic landmarks are in lights.

On GetYourGuide.com , there’s a three-hour adventure through Sin City on a double-decker with live narration to point out the things you might have missed.

You’ll roll along the world-famous Las Vegas Strip to see Las Vegas sign, the Mirage volcano and Bellagio fountains.

At the top you can stretch your legs on a walking tour to discover the LED and neon wonderland of the Fremont Street Experience, and its kaleidoscope of street performers, before heading back to the bus and returning to the Strip.

You can board the bus at 19:00 at Circus Circus, 19:15 at the LINQ Promenade or 19:30 at the Excalibur Hotel.

34. LINQ Promenade

Although the attention-grabber at the LINQ Promenade is the High Roller, there’s more to keep you rapt at the open-air retail, entertainment and dining district around it.

Opened in 2018, Fly LINQ is the first and only zip line on the Las Vegas Strip, while there’s always a new pop-up attraction like 2019’s Tattoo’d America, celebrating tattoos and body art.

Vegas-native Jimmy Kimmel has a comedy club to his name on the promenade, while there are more than 40 shops, bars and eateries at the dynamic marketplace.

Brooklyn Bowl is a top live music venue accommodating crowds of 2,000, but opening onto the hall are 32 lanes for the most-amped up game of bowling you’ve ever had.

The LINQ Promenade is swept up by regular seasonal celebrations, from Cinco de Mayo to a “Winter PARQ” and a ten-metre tree at Christmas.

Book online : Fast-Track Ticket: FLY LINQ Zipline

35. Pinball Hall of Fame

When we wrote this list in 2019, the much-loved museum for pinball machines was found at 1610 E Tropicana Ave in Paradise, but is due to move to the strip in the next few years.

The Pinball Hall of Fame is run entirely by volunteers, and donates any extra revenue to the Salvation Army and other denominational charities . What awaits you are rows upon rows of historic pinball machines, from the 1950s to the 1990s, the majority of which are from the golden age of pinball in the 70s and 80s.

Every machine on show is available to play on, and all models from before the 1990s are set at ¢25 a game, while new machine are ¢50. All in all, it’s a more innocent and economical way to pass a couple of hours than at a slot machine, and may bring back a lot of memories.

36. Luxor Las Vegas

Luxor’s vast pyramid and the Sky Beam shooting from its tip has been a calling card for Las Vegas for more than a quarter of a century.

This was the tallest structure on the strip when it opened in 1993, and at 830,000 cubic metres the atrium is officially the largest in the world.

For its first decade or so, Luxor had an overt Ancient Egyptian theme, which was replaced with more urbane and mature stylings by 2010. Luxor has 2,000 slot machines, 87 table games and four nightclubs.

In 2019 the Atrium Showroom theatre hosted the comedian Carrot Top and the long-running revue “Fantasy”. The Blue Man Group has been associated with Luxor on and off since 2000, and performs at a dedicated theatre.

For attractions you’ve got Bodies: The Exhibition, showcasing more than 200 preserved humans for a one-of-a-kind anatomy lesson.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, displays more than 250 pieces recovered from the famous wreck, along with detailed recreations of the ship’s interiors.

37. SlotZilla Zip Line

Where Fremont Street intersects the Las Vegas Boulevard there’s something sure to provoke a double-take: A monster-sized slot machine, with two tiers of cables threading into Fremont Street Experience.

At seven storeys is the SlotZilla Zipline, for a seated two-block ride.

But what really arouses is the Zoomline, a bit further up, eleven storeys.

For $45 you’ll fly like a superhero, face down across five blocks.

Try to come at night to marvel at the mall’s LED canopy, and Fremont Street’s dazzling neon signs.

38. Discovery Children’s Museum

One of a slew of new attractions to make Las Vegas more appealing to families, the Discovery Children’s Museum reopened at a new home next to the Smith Center in 2013. Like the Smith Center, the brick-built museum looks at odds with the flash of the Las Vegas Strip, but there’s a neon shooting-star marquee to remind you where you are! In nine halls on three floors, the Discovery Children’s Museum is all about hands-on, stealthily educational fun.

For example, at Eco City kids can find out what it’s like to live in an environmentally friendly community, buying groceries and withdrawing money from a bank, while Water World teaches the physics of water through waterwheels, turbines and whirlpools.

At Patent Pending little ones can make inventions from straws, tape, tissues and paper cups and then put them to use in practical situations, while The Summit is a 20-metre soft climbing tower with hands-on stations teaching about electricity, light, magnets and much more on 13 different levels.

39. Topgolf Las Vegas

Best described as a high-tech, luxury bowling alley transposed to a 215-yard driving range, Topgolf is on four levels at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.

The 100+ hitting bays are climate controlled, and both the balls and the range’s six illuminated targets are installed with microchips to calculate your score automatically.

When you’re not swinging a club there’s poolside cabanas, two pools, five fully-stocked bars (one rooftop and one swim-up), great food, HD screens everywhere you look and a stage for concerts.

The Callaway Fitting Studio will get you custom fitted for clubs, while, like any golf amenity, there’s a pro shop for apparel and accessories.

Every other Sunday you can take part in yoga on the rooftop, while there’s a DJ at the Hideaway Pool every weekend.

40. Mount Charleston

Las Vegas has a rep for its fierce desert climate, and with highs topping 40°C or more in mid-summer it’s reassuring that you can step out into more temperate climes in less than an hour.

One of the most prominent peaks in the contiguous United States, Mount Charleston (3,632m) is in the Spring Mountains and is a year-round destination for Las Vegas locals and visitors.

The peak is capped with snow from about November to March and can be spotted from part of the Las Vegas Strip.

You can come for skiing at this time of year, and to walk on fragrant hiking trails through forests of Aspen, juniper, mountain mahogany and Ponderosa pine inhabited by deer and wild burros.

One light, child-friendly walk is the Mary Jane Falls trail with a seasonal waterfall and a cave, while Fletcher Canyon has walls of up to 30 metres.

More serious walkers can plot their ascent of Griffith Peak for vistas back across Red Rock Canyon and the Las Vegas cityscape.

Available tour : Half-Day Polaris Slingshot Tour of Mt. Charleston

41. Clark County Museum

A stop that needs to be made if you’re driving to the Hoover Dam, the Clark County Museum is in Henderson to the south-east of Las Vegas.

More than affordable at just $2, the museum delves into topics like southern Nevada’s early Native American cultures, the arrival of the railroads, mining and the dawn of the gaming industry in the county.

Outside you can peruse a recreated ghost town, a Heritage Street made up of relocated historic buildings, a mining exhibit displaying regional minerals, as well as the 1932 Boulder City Depot which has a genuine Union Pacific locomotive from 1918. In the main building, the Anna Robert Parks Exhibit Hall is filled with artefacts and leads you on a journey through the history of the region, via the last Ice Age, the Pueblo and Paiute cultures, the first Anglo pioneers, land auction camps to the birth of modern Las Vegas.

42. Valley of Fire State Park

Quit Vegas, just for a few hours, to venture into another expanse of wilderness covering more than 45,000 acres.

The name, Valley of Fire, comes from the almost Martian red Aztec sandstone formations.

When you enter the park you’ll understand how the Mars outdoor scenes in Total Recall (1990) were almost completely filmed in this environment.

You can make hikes or drives to outlandish formations, like Elephant Rock, Mouse’s Tank, the Beehives and White Domes.

In places the sandstone is stratified with spellbinding red and white bands, visible at the Fire Wave and Pink Canyon.

From around 300 BCE to 1150 CE the Ancestral Puebloans would use the Valley of Fire for hunting and religious rites, and they have left mysterious petroglyphs at several spots around the park.

The best of these can be found at the majestic Atlatl Rock.

Recommended tour : Valley of Fire Tour from Las Vegas

43. Wedding Chapels

Las Vegas has picked up another epithet down the years, as the “Marriage Capital of the World” because of how streamlined the process is for both U.S. citizens and people from abroad.

With identification and a $77 fee you can get a license in a matter of minutes.

Around 120,000 wedding ceremonies take place in Las Vegas every year, and as you’d imagine there’s a massive choice of venues, many of which are at locations we’ve already covered.

You can get married at the top of the Eiffel Tower, at the Mob Museum, in a helicopter, on Mount Charleston or at a chapel attached to the KISS mini-golf course.

There are chapels at all the resorts, from Bellagio’s Terrazza Di Sogno in front of the fountains, to a penthouse at The Cosmopolitan.

Since you’re in Vegas you might want to go for kitsch, and in which case Viva Las Vegas chapel brings you down the aisle Elvis-style in a pink Cadillac, or like a Cirque du Soleil acrobat or dressed like a superhero.

One of the first venues on the strip, Chapel of the Flowers is remarkably tasteful and was where Dennis Rodman and Carmen Electra tied the knot in 1998.

Book online : World-Famous Drive-Up Wedding in Las Vegas

44. Flamingo Wildlife Habitat

An unexpected natural oasis in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip, the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is in the lush grounds of Caesars’ Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel.

In these 15 acres, among tropical foliage, streams and waterfalls, you’ll come across a flock of Chilean flamingos, as well as pelicans, parrots, ringed teals and sacred ibises.

In the ponds you’ll see turtles, Japanese koi and albino channel catfish, some as old as 20 years.

The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is a blissful free-entrance respite from the Strip and schedules pelican feeding times each day at 08:30 and 14:00.

45. Shark Reef

At the Mandalay Bay Resort there’s one of the largest aquariums in the United States.

Shark Reef has more than 2,000 aquatic animals across 14 exhibits.

Most striking is the 5,000,000-litre shipwreck tank where you can view blacktips, sand tiger shark and sawfish swimming overhead from an acrylic tunnel.

There are more than 100 different species at Shark Reef, from sea turtles to pythons, komodo dragons, and 15 different kinds of shark.

At the Touch Pool you’ll have the rare chance to feel a variety of marine animals, like horseshoe crabs, rays and harmless infant zebra sharks.

46. Helicopter Flight at Night over the Las Vegas Strip

Short but sweet at 15 minutes long, this helicopter flight over the Las Vegas Strip will be the icing on the cake.

You’ll get a bird’s eye view on this narrated journey over the Luxor Sky Beam, Bellagio’s fountains, the mini-cityscape of New York-New York, the Stratosphere Tower, MGM Grand and more to gauge the sheer size of the Strip’s megaresorts.

Before you board you can even enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne to toast your flight.

This experience pickup from most Las Vegas hotels and is available with GetYourGuide.com .

47. KISS By Monster Mini Golf

A combination of things that you would never expect to go together can be found at Rio Las Vegas.

More than 1200 square metres, there’s an 18-hole mini-golf course themed on the band KISS.

With glow-in-the-dark decor, the course is enriched with state-of-the-art video and genuine KISS props like guitars, signed albums and drummer Eric Carr’s Porsche.

There’s also a live DJ on hand playing KISS hits like Crazy Crazy Nights, as well as arcade machines, a gift shop full of KISS memorabilia and a rock n’ roll themed wedding chapel.

48. Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum

A fresh slice of Vegas camp for grown-ups, this stately 1938 mansion on South Las Vegas Boulevard has been turned into a house of horrors by the star of the Travel Channel’s hit series Ghost Adventures.

Zak Bagan has put together a veritable “Mecca of macabre” in a home with a creepy, chequered past, where dark rituals were thought to have been held in the basement.

You’ll tiptoe down winding hallways and through dark passages to more than thirty rooms, all decorated like something from a horror film and holding objects that conjure fascination and no little fear.

The Dybbuk Box has been dubbed the “world’s most haunted object”, while you can view the vintage wine cabinet that inspired the movie, “The Possession”. Among the other morbid artefacts are Dr Jack Kevorkian’s VW “Death Van”, Michael Jackson’s “Propofol Chair” and the staircase from the destroyed house in Indiana’s 2011 Ammons haunting case.

49. T-Mobile Arena

Las Vegas gained its first major professional sports team in 2017 with the creation of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights.

Remarkably the Golden Knights won the Western Conference in their first season, only losing to the Washington Capitals for the Stanley Cup.

They play at the ultramodern T-Mobile Arena, which opened in 2016 and is also occupied by the UFC and stages major boxing events: Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor took place here in 2017. And if there’s a major band or artist calling at Las Vegas on tour, chances are they’ll play the T-Mobile Arena.

Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Jennifer Lopez, Elton John, Phil Collins and Ariana Grande were all on the programme in 2019. Just west of Mandalay Bay is the site for the new Las Vegas Stadium (2020), the home of the former Oakland Raiders after their relocation to Las Vegas for the 2020 NFL Season.

50. Park Theater

Beside the T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip is another venue unveiled on the grounds of the Park MGM in 2016. Park Theater is the second largest theatre in the city after Zappos Theater (formerly The AXIS) and can hold 5,200 for concert residencies.

This is an astounding place to witness a live show, employing one of the widest stages in the world, and cleverly designed so that the furthest seat is only 44 metres from the stage.

The HD projection wall is out of this world too, measuring more than 70 metres across.

When we wrote this article in 2019 Lady Gaga, Janet Jackson, Bruno Mars, Cher and Aerosmith were all rotating at this mesmerising venue.

51. Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Something to keep in mind, especially if you’re in Las Vegas with kids, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate.

The museum is at its best in the Prehistoric Gallery where there are compelling models of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a Triceratops, that growl and move at the push of a button.

The Marine Life Gallery has massive whale models hanging from its ceiling, and a live exhibit with eels, rays and baby sharks.

You can watch the sharks being fed at 14:30 on Tuesday and Thursday and 14:00 on Saturday.

The Treasures of Egypt exhibit used to be on display at the Luxor Hotel and Casino and features more than 500 faithful replicas of Ancient Egyptian masterpieces, like King Tutankhamun’s golden throne.

52. Lion Habitat Ranch

When the MGM Grand was renovated in 2012 they did away with a popular but ethically questionable sideshow.

For 13 years there was a glass-walled habitat with real lions opening onto the casino.

The lions didn’t actually live at the resort but were transported by their owner Keith Evans from this ranch 12 miles out of town.

With the lions’ commuting days now behind them, they can roam this well-maintained 8.5 acre ranch, which is shared with a herd of giraffes and parrots.

Pay extra and you can feed the animals ($10 for giraffes and $100 per pound of food for lions), or go behind the scenes on a 90-minute guided tour with a trainer.

53. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

A campy bit of fun at The Venetian for more than two decades, Madame Tussauds means close encounters with stars at their most statuesque! Some recent arrivals are the Hangover Bar, with Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis from the Vegas-based movie series.

An homage to the city’s love affair with electronic music, Club Tussauds is an A-list party DJ’d by Steve Aoki and attended by Britney Spears, Channing Tatum, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Khloé Kardashian.

And to mark twenty years in Las Vegas “Oh Snap! The ’90s Are Back” is a hit of nostalgia, reviving models like the Spice Girls, Bill Clinton, Justin Timberlake and Erotica-era Madonna.

54. Speedvegas

If Las Vegas is all about living in the fast lane, you may as well take that expression at face value and burn rubber on a real racing track.

Speedvegas is a driving experience company, based a few minutes from the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign, at a 1.5-mile track with a monster 800-metre straight.

Speedvegas has a mean-looking fleet of supercars and sports cars to pick from, be it a Ferrari 488 GTB, a Lamborghini Huracán, a Porsche 911 GT3, Nissan GT-R or Mercedes AMG GT-S.

You can pay by the lap, starting at $49 or opt for a “Combination Experience” driving up to 16 different vehicles.

Book online: Speedvegas Driving Experience

55. Axe Monkeys

People come to Las Vegas hope for real off-the-wall moments, but you may not have pictured yourself competing against your friends at axe-throwing.

The wildly popular Axe Monkeys is an indoor attraction on the other side of the airport in Paradise.

Here you can pay $25 and spend an hour flinging hatchets at targets on a range.

And if you can’t get the hang of axes there are also spears and knives.

The Rage Room is also out of the ordinary.

Here you can be let loose on a room full of breakable objects for 20 minutes of smash therapy.

55 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas (Nevada):

• Vegas Residencies
• Caesars Palace
• Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
• Celebrity Chef Restaurants
• Fountains of Bellagio
• Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
• High Roller
• Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck
• The Venetian
• Death Valley National Park
• Wynn Las Vegas
• New York-New York
• Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
• Eiffel Tower
• Fremont Street Experience
• Planet Hollywood Las Vegas
• Mandalay Bay
• Neon Museum
• The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
• Smith Center for the Performing Arts
• National Atomic Testing Museum
• Fashion Show Mall
• Springs Preserve
• Three-Hour Night Tour by Open-Top Bus
• LINQ Promenade
• Pinball Hall of Fame
• Luxor Las Vegas
• SlotZilla Zip Line
• Discovery Children's Museum
• Topgolf Las Vegas
• Mount Charleston
• Clark County Museum
• Valley of Fire State Park
• Wedding Chapels
• Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
• Helicopter Flight at Night over the Las Vegas Strip
• KISS By Monster Mini Golf
• Zak Bagans' The Haunted Museum
• T-Mobile Arena
• Park Theater
• Las Vegas Natural History Museum
• Lion Habitat Ranch
• Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
• Axe Monkeys

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Hotel Deals & Packages

Downtown las vegas, walk to allegiant stadium from these hotels, family-friendly hotels in las vegas, hotels on the strip, pet-friendly hotels, view all hotels & casinos, best places to catch live music in las vegas, vegas shows – the comprehensive guide, 11 can’t-miss las vegas entertainment experiences, special events & festivals, events this weekend, kid-friendly shows in las vegas, view all shows & events, gordon ramsay dishes on las vegas, budget-friendly fine dining in vegas, late-night dining spots, new restaurants, celebrity chefs, fine dining, bars & lounges, view all restaurants, free things to do in las vegas, 15 ways to celebrate your birthday in vegas, discover downtown las vegas, las vegas with kids, outdoor adventure, museums & exhibits, wedding packages and offers, 10 reasons to have your wedding in vegas, affordable weddings in las vegas, what you need to get married here, find your wedding venue, the 2024 las vegas wedding guide, plan your vegas wedding, formula 1 heineken silver las vegas grand prix 2023, latest in vegas: sports, how to bet on sports in vegas like a pro, four golf courses near the strip, 2024 las vegas raiders schedule, wrestlemania 41, join the millions who follow us, follow us for must-see las vegas experiences, can't miss las vegas hotel deals & updates, things to do in las vegas, attractions, kid-friendly.

There are so many fun things to do in Las Vegas so we're here to help you find the best things to do from the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign on the Strip to Fremont Street Experience. Whether it's a bachelorette party on the High Roller, a weekend birthday bash, day trip to the Grand Canyon, or where to shop inside the Forum Shops at Caesars, we got you covered. If you're already in Vegas searching for "attractions and activities near me", here you go! 

12 Vegas Spots to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo

The unofficial May 5 holiday signals party time for many Mexican Americans, and others who love…

Spoiler alert: There are many free things to do in Las Vegas! From the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign…

If you’re looking to have some #OnlyVegas experiences on your birthday, then we have the…

How to Visit Las Vegas on a Budget

You don’t have to be a high roller to experience Las Vegas like a VIP. The destination…

Things to Do This Weekend

K1 speed las vegas, dig this las vegas.

• SE & Henderson

Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours

• Lake Mohave Area

Vegas Pub Crawler

• Mount Charleston

Nascar Racing Experience

• NE & North Las Vegas

Stadium Swim

Papillon grand canyon helicopters, welcome to fabulous las vegas sign, search for attractions and things to do in las vegas , things to do faqs.

I’m on a budget. What are some free things do in Las Vegas?

There are plenty of free things to do in Las Vegas, like the Fountains of Bellagio at the Bellagio Hotel, Lake of Dreams at Wynn Las Vegas on the Strip or the Atlantis Show at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Discover great selfie spots along Las Vegas Boulevard including Las Vegas' own Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas, The Park Las Vegas outside of the New York New York Hotel or the Venice canals and gondolas inside the Venetian Las Vegas. In Downtown Las Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience and Downtown Container Park are also free activities worth visting. For more inspiration, check out our guide to  free things to do in Las Vegas .

What are some kid-friendly things to do in Las Vegas? 

Las Vegas has many great activities for kids on a Vegas Vacation, such as the roller coasters at the Adventuredome at Circus Circus Las Vegas; Mandalay Bay Beach, Shark Reef Aquarium, High Roller Observation Wheel, a gondola ride at Venetian Las Vegas, the Container Park in Downtown Las Vegas, Hershey’s Chocolate World or the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York Hotel & Casino; swimming at unique pools like The Tank at Golden Nugget; catching a show and so much more. Many hotels are great for families including Mandalay Bay Resort, MGM Grand, Treasure Island, and Park MGM. There are also fun outdoor activities for the whole family like Red Rock Canyon National Conservation, Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Discover our guide to kid-friendly activities in Las Vegas for more information.

I just checked into my Vegas hotel! What are some fun things to do near me?

There are many fun things to do for Las Vegas visitors. So, whether you enjoy live entertainment and music, world-class sports, five-star dining, pool parties, mesmerizing shows, incredible sights, or attractions, there’s something for everyone. Read the 9 things to do while you’re in Las Vegas.

I’m a thrill-seeker. What adrenaline-pumping activities can I find in Vegas?

Las Vegas has you covered with an assortment of unique, thrilling activities! Free-fall from 100 stories above ground on SkyJump at The STRAT, Hotel, Casino & SkyPod; race exotic cars at SPEEDVEGAS; operate heavy machinery to complete various tasks at Dig This; or fly through the sky on SlotZilla at Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas. We’ve got you covered. Browse all the adrenaline-pumping thrills in Las Vegas .

What are experiences I absolutely cannot miss while in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is a unique, one-of-a-kind destination, brimming with Only Vegas experiences. A few popular options include the High Roller at The LINQ Promenade with its breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip; the Neon Museum in Downtown Las Vegas, a ride on a gondola at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and feel as though you’re in Venice; see a live performance from a world-famous headliner; or become mesmerized by one of the many world-class production shows. And don’t forget to try the most incredible dining that you’ll only find in Las Vegas. Additional inspiration and ideas can be found here .

I love exploring nature. What outdoor activities can I enjoy near Las Vegas? 

When you're ready to get away from the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip you can enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking or off-road desert adventures, Las Vegas’ surrounding areas have something that will delight every nature lover. Popular sites include Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon,- the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River and there are also half day tours available to visit Zion National Park, Grand Canyon's West Rim, or Death Valley National Park located in the sweeping Mojave Desert. All of this is easily accessible from Las Vegas.

I’m a foodie. What culinary experiences should I try in Vegas? 

Las Vegas is home to some of the most incredible award-winning culinary experiences and celebrity-chef restaurants. The Bedford by Martha Stewart at Paris Las Vegas brings together an immersive experience and locally sourced ingredients to round out a menu of Martha’s most celebrated dishes. Retro by Voltaggio at Mandalay Bay is a new dining experience in Las Vegas inspired by the 80s, 90s and now. From classic French cuisine, Italian, Japanese and Dim Sum, Vegas is the perfect city for foodies. Explore our recommended 10 must-visit restaurants . 

What unique shows can I catch while in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas, also known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, is a revolving door to some of the greatest headliner names in the music industry, whether on stage for a residency or a one-night only show. Check out the likes of music icons Adele, Bruno Mars, Carrie Underwood, and Usher. On top of that, you can see world-class Las Vegas production shows like Michael Jackson ONE from Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, magic and comedy shows, and other live shows !

I will be heading to Las Vegas soon. What are some things to do this weekend?

There’s always something fun to do in Las Vegas! Up and down Las Vegas Boulevard, there’s a headliner or sporting event worth attending. Throughout the year you can catch free concerts on Fremont Street. What’s more, Vegas is home to luxury shopping, celebrity chef restaurants, unique attractions, Las Vegas spas and production shows like Cirque du Soleil, and so much more. Every weekend here is like a Las Vegas holiday so check out things to do this weekend while you're visiting Vegas.

I’m traveling solo to Las Vegas. What activities would you recommend for me?

As a solo traveler, you can always enjoy Las Vegas to its fullest. Take a bus tour and discover the Strip; visit popular attractions in Las Vegas such as the Fountains of Bellagio at Bellagio; shop at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace; see a headliner show; hike the picturesque trails of Red Rock Canyon, lay out by the pool at Mandalay Beach at Mandalay Bay, get pampered at the Waldorf Astoria spa; and more. Or you can always hit the casino floor to check out the table games and slot machines. Get inspired with our three-day weekend itinerary here .

What are some fun activities to do with a group of friends in Vegas?

Having fun with friends has never been easier than in Las Vegas. Enjoy some friendly competition at Topgolf Las Vegas at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino; visit Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart at AREA15; explore Las Vegas history at the Neon Museum; enjoy the outdoors with a half day trip to Hoover Dam or Lake Mead, catch a hockey game with the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena, dine at the X Pot at the Grand Canal Shoppes, be amazed at Mystère by Cirque du Soleil at Treasure Island; or go dancing at one of the many nightclubs on the Strip.

I want to pamper myself. What relaxing activities can I do in Vegas?

With its many incredible spas to choose from, Las Vegas is the ultimate destination to rest and relax. Treat yourself to a gemstone-infused facial at the Bellagio Spa & Salon; relax with a stone massage with aromatherapy at Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace; and have a 30-minute, themed sauna experience at Awana Spa & Wellness at Resorts World Las Vegas. Discover these Las Vegas spas .

I’ve never been to Las Vegas before. What are the must-do activities for first-time visitors?

With its numerous attractions and activities, first-time visitors will have a blast in Las Vegas! Visit landmarks including the iconic Las Vegas Sign; "swim with the sharks" at The Tank Pool at Golden Nugget Casino, get the best views of Las Vegas on the High Roller Observation Wheel, catch a residency show such as Adele or Usher at Park MGM; a Pink Jeep tour out to the Grand Canyon, explore AREA15, the world’s first experiential art and entertainment complex; or dine at gourmet restaurants. These are just a few must-dos. Explore our first-timers’ guide .

What are some of the new things to do in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is always bringing new entertainment, sports, dining, nightlife and other fun activities for all to enjoy. Some of the exciting new things to check include the MSG Sphere, Salt & Straw at UnCommons, Laguna Pool House & Kitchen at Palms Casino Resort, Paradox Museum, Electric Vinyl at Fremont Street Experience and the return of the reimagined show Awakening at Wynn Las Vegas. Read about more new things to do in the latest arrivals .

What are the top things to do on the Las Vegas Strip?

The Las Vegas Strip is home to world-famous restaurants headed up by celebrity chefs; world-class production shows drawing crowds from around the world; luxury shopping; Grand Canyon tours, mesmerizing attractions like the High Roller at The LINQ Promenade; world-famous resorts and casinos; headliner performances by artists, comedians and magicians; and more. Browse our guide to a night on the Las Vegas Strip .

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

18 Top Tourist Attractions in Las Vegas

By Carl Austin · Last updated on June 17, 2024

Renowned around the world for its glitzy casinos, luxury themed resorts, and endless entertainment options, Las Vegas really is like no other place on Earth. Set amidst the arid and desolate confines of the Mojave Desert, the alluring sights, sounds and shows of ‘Sin City’ lie in the south of Nevada, not far from lots of incredible scenery and landscapes.

While there is certainly more to the city than just its Strip, most of the main tourist attractions in Las Vegas, massive hotels, and iconic landmarks lie along its busy boulevard. Here you can find not only the humongous High Roller but celebrity chef-run restaurants and casinos putting on unforgettable Cirque du Soleil shows and music concerts. With so many things to do all day and all night, Las Vegas certainly makes for a memorable holiday destination.

See also: Where to Stay in Las Vegas

18. Neon Museum

As Las Vegas is famous for its bright and colorful signs that line the Strip and entice visitors into its casinos, bars, and resorts, it is well worth visiting the Neon Museum when in town. Tucked away on the edge of downtown, it offers an interesting look at the city’s history and culture through signs.

While taking a tour of its hundreds of cheery, colorful signs, you’ll learn about iconic landmarks such as Caesars Palace and the Riviera and how Las Vegas evolved into a top tourist destination. Its outdoor ‘Neon Boneyard Park’ is particularly impressive at night when all the lit-up signs stand out delightfully against the dark sky.

17. Pinball Hall of Fame

Home to hundreds of old pinball machines and classic arcade games, the Pinball Hall of Fame can be found just minutes from the Strip. Set right next to the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, it is a very fun and family friendly place to visit that can keep you entertained for hours.

Crammed inside the unique museum are around four hundred pinball games for you to play with the earliest ones dating to the 1940s. While strolling about amidst all of its bright flashing lights, you’ll come across rare and vintage games lying alongside more modern machines and models.

16. Cirque du Soleil

If it is an absolutely unforgettable spectacle you are after in Las Vegas, then you won’t want to miss catching a Cirque du Soleil performance. The legendary entertainment troupe performs a number of incredible acrobatic acts and spellbinding shows nightly in various resorts along the Strip.

While Treasure Island’s ‘Mystere’ features dazzling dance routines and death-defying acrobatics, the Bellagio hosts ‘O’ – an artistic and aquatic tribute to the beauty of theater. Yet other superb shows in the city include the action-packed, martial arts-filled ‘Ka’, and vibrant musical and visual tributes to both Michael Jackson and the Beatles with all Cirque’s shows making for enthralling spectacles.

15. Wynn Las Vegas Casino

Widely considered to be one of the best luxury resorts in the world, the award-winning Wynn Las Vegas also has a gorgeous casino for visitors and guests to enjoy. Decadently decorated, its art and floral-filled galleries have all kinds of games for you to try in a chic and sophisticated setting.

Since opening in 2005, its countless table games, slot machines, and poker rooms have proved to be very popular with high-flyers while the casino’s incredible entrance attracts just as many people. This is because stunning waterfalls plunge into the lovely Lake of Dreams below which is backed by man-made mountains and is magically lit up at night.

14. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

One of the most popular and photographed landmarks in town, the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign has been welcoming visitors to the city since 1959. Set just to the south of the Strip and all its sights, the sign is a must-see attraction and looks particularly arresting at night time.

Designed by local artist Betty Willis, the colorful sign and its distinct lights and lettering can be found not far from Mandalay Bay and the Little Church of the West. While it already makes for some fantastic photos during the day, at night the sign’s flashing lights really epitomize the spirit of Las Vegas and its distinctive look and feel.

13. Hoover Dam

Straddling the border between Nevada and Arizona, the humongous Hoover Dam certainly makes for a striking sight. Once the largest dam in the world, it lies just forty-five minutes to the east of the city right next to Lake Mead and all its amazing recreation opportunities.

Built in 1935, the massive dam towers to over two hundred meters in height and is set in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Besides basking in its scenic setting and enjoying fine views from atop of it, visitors can also take tours around the dam to learn about its history, how it works and the impact it had on Las Vegas.

12. High Roller

Also set on the Strip you can find the High Roller which reaches a staggering height of 167 meters and is impressively the highest observation wheel in the world. As is offers up simply spectacular views of Las Vegas, the Strip, and its surroundings, going for a ride on the giant Ferris wheel really is a must when in town.

Only opened in 2014, it lies just across the street from Caesars Palace and is beautifully illuminated by thousands of LED lights at night. While taking a spin in one of its sleek passenger cabins, audio commentary informs you all about the sights you can see below.

11. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

While it only lies twenty minutes’ drive west of the city, the stunning landscapes and scenery of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area feel a million miles away from the sights and sounds of the Strip. A treat to explore, its colorful canyons offer up all kinds of excellent outdoor activities with stupendous views and nature wherever you go.

A very popular and picturesque place, the park attracts millions of visitors each year due to its ease of access, wealth of activities and dramatic scenery. Besides hiking and biking, you can enjoy rock climbing, horseback riding and camping or scenic drives amidst its ruddy rock formations.

10. New York-New York Hotel & Casino

The Big Apple roller coaster at the New York New York Hotel & Casino definitely isn’t a ride for the faint of heart. It’s a heavenly ride for thrill seekers, however, drawing 1.4 million riders annually.

It’s the world’s first roller coaster with a 180-degree to twist and dive, meaning riders will be upside down part of the time, with the coaster zipping along at 67 mph. The outdoor track is less than a mile long, with the coaster taking riders up to 180 feet in the air and then drops as much as 140 feet.

9. Paris Las Vegas

Great views of Las Vegas await travelers who partake of the Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas. This half-scale replica of the real thing reaches 46 stories into the sky, ensuring it is a Vegas landmark. Once at the observation deck, visitors are treated to 360-degree views of Las Vegas.

On a clear day, one can clearly see forever. Don’t recognize any of the landmarks? Not to worry, staff will name them. The views are particularly stunning at night when the city that never sleeps is lit up like a Christmas tree.

8. Mob Museum

Want to relive the days when the mob ruled not only Las Vegas, but the rest of the United States? The Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas offers the opportunity to learn more about the mob and organized crime in this country.

This non-profit museum explores organized crime from its beginnings to today through exhibits and interactive activities. Learn about mobsters and G-men, molls and speakeasies, bootleggers and casino skimmers, and present-day mob activities. Oh, this $42 million museum was financed by government funds, not the mob.

7. The Venetian Las Vegas

Venice, Italy, is famous for its canals and singing gondoliers, but travelers won’t need a passport to ride the Grand Canal at the Venetian Casino Resort in Nevada’s largest city. The Venetian named their premier shopping mall the Grand Canal, then built a canal through it.

Gondolas, complete with costumed singing gondoliers, guide their craft under bridges and balconies, and past shops with exterior décor that mimics the real thing. Couples can share a kiss under the Rialto Bridge or any of the other bridges, for that matter. Here’s to smooth sailing!

6. Fremont Street Experience

The Fremont Street Experience is an attraction no visitor to Las Vegas should miss. Located on a five-block section of Fremont Street, known as Glitter Gulch in the city’s early years, the Fremont Street Experience is a top-notch sound and light show that will wow the senses. Colorful displays of lights and loud music take place several times a night under a 90-foot high canopy.

Casinos and other businesses turn off their lights, a signal that a light show is about to begin. More than 12 million LED lights streak through the pedestrian mall located in the historic section of Las Vegas. The show can only be described as “totally awesome.”

5. The Mirage

Located on the Strip, the Mirage is a Polynesian-themed casino and hotel with 3,044 rooms. The “volcano” at the Mirage Casino may be the world’s only volcano that doesn’t stink when it erupts. This volcano, which erupts nightly from 8 p.m. to midnight, spews out a pina colada scent. This faux volcano also erupts to a soundtrack of actual volcanoes erupting.

The Mirage is full of other attractions, including a huge aquarium located behind the hotel’s front desk. The aquarium is home to 450 fish that swim around an artificial coral reef. Suited-up divers clean the tank several times weekly in the early morning, providing another unique sight to see.

4. Caesars Palace

A larger-than-life resort, Caesars Palace was dreamed up and built Jay Sarno, who worked hard building motels in the 1950’s. His love for gambling led him to Las Vegas, where he envisioned a casino much more glamorous than what the Strip had been offering. And so Caesars Palace opened in 1966 at a cost of $24 million, and was unlike anything Las Vegas had seen.

With fountains and pools and employees in Roman-themed uniforms, it was an immediate hit, and set the standard for the themed-hotels that are so common in Sin City today. The casino has made an appearance in several Hollywood movies since it opened its doors including the Academy Award-winning film Rain Main and the 2009 hit comedy The Hangover.

3. Stratosphere Tower

Major Vegas hotels center around themes or special gimmicks to draw visitors. The Stratosphere Hotel is no exception. It is home to the Stratosphere Tower, which, at 1,149 feet (350 meters) high, is the tallest freestanding tower in the United States. The observation deck is THE place to go for spectacular 360-degree views of the city and surrounding terrain.

Since the tower is open until 1 a.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends, it’s a good place to see Las Vegas at its glittering best. One of the most visited attractions in Las Vegas, the tower will appeal to daredevils and thrill seekers too who, for a fee, can sky jump off the tower at 855 feet (261 meters).

2. Bellagio

Travelers can hit a daily double when visiting the Bellagio Casino, famous for its dancing fountains, and conservatory and botanical gardens. The garden has so many plants, it takes 140 horticulturists to maintain it as well as plan holiday-themed displays. Experts also answer visitors’ gardening questions daily in the conservatory.

As impressive as the gardens are, the fountains are even more awesome. They explode in a fusion of light and music, ranging from opera to Broadway tunes, frequently throughout the day and night. It’s hard to argue with Bellagio when it refers to this show as “the most ambitious, choreographically complex water feature ever conceived.”

1. The Strip

Casinos can be found throughout Las Vegas, but the strip, a stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard South, contains the most of them. It features giant mega-casino hotels, decorated with lavish care and attention to detail to create a fantasy-like atmosphere.

The casinos often have names and themes that evoke romance, mystery, and far-away destination. Walking along the strip is a fun and reasonable option as the casinos are close to each other. In most cases, hotels are connected to each other either by bridge or underground or in the case of the Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay, by a complimentary rail shuttle.

Be aware that during the summer, the oppressive heat during the daylight hours may make walking a very uncomfortable activity.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Las Vegas

Share this post:

23 Best Things to do in Nevada

7 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas

10 Best Places to Visit in Nevada

15 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

12 Best National & State Parks in Nevada

Where to Stay in Las Vegas: 6 Best Neighborhoods

12 Best Things to Do in Henderson, NV

12 Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

12 Best Things to do in Reno, Nevada

14 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Brazil

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

26 BEST Things to Do in Las Vegas (+Map & Tips): Top Sights & Attractions

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 25, 2023

Viva Las Vegas!!! Heading to Las Vegas, Nevada for the first time is super exciting. But it can be positively overwhelming as you try to figure out what to see and do in Las Vegas for the first time …

There are thousands of attractions to choose from, so knowing how to cut to the chase and get to the best things to do in Vegas is crucial to make the most of your time there.

One of the best things about Las Vegas is that while it is famous for jackpots and high-stakes gambling, it is also a place where everyone can have a good time, no matter your interests or budget. In fact, some of the best sights and attractions in Vegas are completely FREE! Las Vegas has a place for everybody and that is part of its charm.

This guide will show you the top places to see and the best things to do in Las Vegas and make sure you don’t miss any of the must-see sights and top tourist attractions in Las Vegas.

Have fun, relax, and enjoy all of the craziness that Vegas can bring, and don’t forget … Whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!

Good to know: In this article, we share all the very best things to do in Vegas based on our several trips to the city and the surroundings. You’ll also find our experience-based tips for each of the main Vegas attractions. We hope that this guide will help you make the most of your trip to Sin City. Find out!

To help you plan your trip, we created this map indicating all the main sights and attractions in Vegas mentioned in this article. It will give you a better idea of where everything is located and how to best plan your time.

Keep in mind, that there is so much more to do in Las Vegas than mentioned in this article. However, unless you have unlimited time and budget, it’s really impossible to see and do it all. So here we selected only the main sights, tourist attractions, and the very best things to do in Vegas that we think are worth it the most.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Getting around:  If you are staying primarily on the strip, you do not need a car. On the strip, you can walk or take Monorail, which is the fastest way to get around for bigger distances.

However, if you want to go out and explore places further away, you’ll need to rent a car , take a hop-on hop-off bus , book a tour . Sometimes, you can also get an Uber or a taxi, but it’s quite pricey in Vegas.

TIP:  Many casinos have a car rental place inside them. If you just need a car for a day, ask the front desk to see if they can help you, it is so convenient! On the other hand, if you need a car for longer than a few hours, it’s usually much cheaper to book it online in advance. We use and recommend the RentalCars website – they have all the best deals in one place and excellent customer service.

READ ALSO: Travel Tips for Your First Visit to Las Vegas

Without further ado, here are some of the top things to do in Las Vegas that you shouldn’t miss:

1. Las Vegas Strip

You will hear people say “The Strip” many times when Vegas is mentioned.  That pretty much means the main, center street area on Las Vegas Boulevard from the Stratosphere to Mandalay Bay, where the majority of the casinos are.

Las Vegas Strip is about 4 miles (6km) long and all the best casinos and tourist attractions of Vegas are centered around it. Every Vegas visit should start with a walk on The Strip!

And no, you don’t have to walk the entire length of it to experience the vibe. Our personal recommendation would be to check out the area anywhere between the New York New York casino and the Venetian. This is the liveliest part of the Strip where you’ll find all the most iconic casinos and most noteworthy landmarks of Las Vegas.

TIP: The most important thing to pack to Vegas is comfortable shoes!!! Trust me, do not be fooled and think you need to glam up your outfit with high heels. You can always tell who a Vegas rookie is by watching women at the end of the night walk barefoot with their heels in their hands.  

Fun fact: Many places on the Vegas Strip even have shoe vending machines that dispense flat roll-up shoes for those stiletto-victims that chose fashion over common sense…

Anyway, now that you have comfortable shoes on, get out there and explore!! Walk through the casinos, get the lay of the land, stop for a drink or a snack along the way.  You will start to get a feel for what you want to return to and explore further and what areas you want to steer clear of.  

Good to know: Vegas has a system of escalators and elevated walkways to prevent pedestrians from crossing the traffic-heavy Las Vegas Boulevard. If you have trouble walking stairs, there are accessible elevators as well.

TIP: For longer distances, to save time, or if you simply don’t like walking, you can also opt for Las Vegas Monorail. With 7 stops at all major attractions, it’s a comfortable way to explore the strip. They offer passes for 1 to 7 days.

2. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

No trip to Vegas is complete without taking a picture in front of the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign . This iconic sign is located right on Las Vegas Boulevard and has become a real landmark in the city.

It’s easy to find on the South end of the strip, not too far from Mandalay Bay and McCarran International Airport. There is a small parking area nearby to help you access the sign easily.  

TIP:  If you see a line to take pictures, sit tight and wait it out. The line will move quickly, and it is positively worth the wait! Oh, and the sign is much smaller than you’d expect, so you can easily take a picture standing in front of it.

3. Las Vegas Casinos

You can’t go to Vegas and not visit at least one or two casinos that the city is famous for! Each casino typically has its own theme . Millions of dollars have been spent creating a certain vibe and a unique experience for Las Vegas visitors.

So yes, the casinos themselves are among the best tourist attractions in Las Vegas!

Here are some tips on which casinos to visit based on your interests:

• Looking for a high-end experience… walk through The Palazzo at The Venetian .
• Looking for something more sophisticated, take a walk through The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas .
• If you want to feel like you are traveling the world, go to the pyramids of Egypt ( Luxor Hotel & Casino ), the Eiffel tower in Paris ( Paris Las Vegas ), the Statue of Liberty ( New York-New York Hotel & Casino ), or the Colosseum in Italy ( Caesars Palace ).

If you visit just a few casinos in Las Vegas, we recommend starting with Caesars Palace and Bellagio which are just next to each other. The Venetian is just across the street as well and you can easily see all three of them in just a few hours.

On the other hand, you could just as well spend several hours at each of these gigantic casinos and still not see it all… Caesars Palace has so much to offer that it’s a destination in itself. So it’s all about how much time you have and what you are interested in.

4. Helicopter Flight over Las Vegas Strip

One of our personal favorite things to do in Vegas is the nighttime helicopter flight above the Las Vegas Strip . It takes just over 10 minutes, but our whole family agreed that those were the best 10 minutes spent in Vegas!

Flying above the brightly-lit casinos and seeing the entire Las Vegas Boulevard under your feet is a truly unforgettable adventure. No matter how many times you’ve been to Vegas or how many times you walked on the Strip, seeing it from above is absolutely impressive!

You also get a great and very engaging commentary from the pilot which makes the whole experience even more fun.

Good to know: There are a couple of companies organizing nighttime helicopter flights in Las Vegas. After thorough research, we opted for this highly-rated helicopter flight . It was by far the best price/location/quality helicopter flight that we could find. It also helps that the flights depart just next to the city center and you can choose to self-drive there or get them to pick you up from your hotel.

This was a truly amazing experience that we all loved. As far as our kids are concerned, this is the best thing to do in Las Vegas and the entire Southwestern United States. Highly recommended!

5. Bellagio Fountains

The music- and water show at the Fountains of Bellagio is the iconic must-see experience in Las Vegas! The perfectly synchronized dancing fountains will blow your mind as the music blasts through the speakers right out in front of the Bellagio Hotel & Casino on Las Vegas Blvd.

This magical show is a must-see for first-timers or Vegas veterans! There is a constant rotation of music and water choreography, so you are likely to see something new every time.

The shows are free of charge and happen daily at regular intervals. So you don’t even have to plan much – just head to Bellagio in the afternoon or in the evening and wait for the next performance!

Practical information: Bellagio water shows run every 30 minutes from Monday to Friday between 3 PM and 7 PM, and every 15 minutes from 7 PM to midnight. On the weekends and holidays, the shows start at noon and run every 30 minutes until 7 PM, and every 15 minutes from 7 PM to midnight.

TIP: Get there a little bit early and grab a spot close to the railing and more toward the center of the building to have the perfect view.  There honestly is not a bad seat in the house.  

Good to know: If you are staying at the Bellagio , there is actually a TV station that plays the fountain music while you watch the show through your bedroom window. This is a great way to avoid the crowds and see the fountain in action as many times as you want!

6. Fremont Street Experience

Fremont Street is located in Downtown Las Vegas, the area that locals call “Old Vegas”. It’s somewhat comparable to The Strip but is more lively, cheaper, and more down-to-earth.

This super touristy area occupies the 5 most western blocks of Fremont Street and has a ton of entertainment, casinos, restaurants, and incredible people watching. It’s about 15 minutes drive from the strip area, but well worth the effort! This is one of the must-see places in Vegas!

The ceiling at the Fremont Street Experience – Viva Vision – is the largest video screen in the world! It is 1,375 ft long and is suspended 90 ft above Fremont Street’s pedestrian mall. 

The Viva Vision ceiling shows run every night at the top of the hour from 6 PM to 1 AM. They are free of charge and there are various shows, so you can come back a few times and get to see several different shows. It’s amazing!

Good to know: Gambling minimums are typically lower in Downtown Vegas than at the casinos on The Strip. So if you want to hit the tables at $5 minimums, it’s better to head to one of the casinos here.

TIP: Fremont Street Experience gets packed on weekend nights, especially Fridays and Saturdays. So if you can, visit here on an evening during the week.

7. Omega Mart – Meow Wolf

If you are looking for something unique to do in Las Vegas with the whole family, then you should definitely head to Area 15 , and its main attraction Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart .

This is such a special experience that I cannot even find the right words to describe it. I asked one of the people working there how they would describe it, and they said it was like traveling through the dimensions of something .

Indeed, when you visit Omega Mart, you step into an alternative world and take a fun journey through various dimensions. At first sight, it looks like a fun grocery store selling very unique items. But if you look closely, you will find hidden doors and secret passages that take you into a completely different world. A world of lights and colors, and some of the strangest installations we have ever seen…

There is really no way to describe this place any better. You simply have to see it (and experience it) yourselves. It’s just as unique as Las Vegas itself, and so it’s, therefore, an excellent place to visit in this crazy city!

Good to know: Meow Wolf is located inside the building of Area 15, a short drive from the strip. It’s open daily starting from morning or noon (depending on the day) until late at night. There are many other quirky and fun activities here and you can get a ticket for some or all of them on the spot.

TIP: For Omega Mart itself, we really recommend booking a timed entry in advance . When we visited, they were sold out for the entire day and many people were disappointed they couldn’t enter. From what we read, it happens very often. You don’t have to book weeks in advance, but it’s a good idea to do it at least a day or two before you go.

PRO TIP: Tickets are usually cheaper during weekdays (unless it’s a holiday).

Choose an approximate time slot and try to arrive a bit early to be sure not to miss it. And if you have some extra time, you’ll find plenty of other interesting places to see here. Also, count at least 1.5 hours for a visit here, but some people say they even spend 2-3 hours inside.

8. Fiori di Como – Bellagio Ceiling

If you are outside of the Bellagio watching the fountain show, take the time to walk inside this incredible casino/hotel. There are two must-see attractions inside the Bellagio: the “Fiori di Como” glass ceiling in the main lobby, and the ever-changing Conservatory & Botanical Gardens (more about it further below).

The “Fiori di Como” is a colorful glass ceiling/ sculpture that was created by Dale Chihuly for the hotel opening in 1998. The piece of art consists of 2000 hand-blown glass flowers in different colors.

This masterpiece is absolutely astounding and positively gorgeous in the way the colors and flower-like glass radiate from the ceiling. Must-see in Vegas!

TIP: If you ever get a chance to visit Bellagio at Lake Como in Italy in late spring or in summer, you’ll understand where the inspiration for this stunning piece of art comes from!

Good to know: The entrance to Bellagio is free of charge and you can admire the ceiling when and as long as you want.

9. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Once you are done admiring the ceiling, keep heading deeper into the hotel and you will walk right into the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens area. Also here, you can visit free of charge.

This enormous 14,000-square-foot garden showcases some of the most unique floral sculptures in the world. It’s hard to believe that everything is made of floral materials, but the overwhelming smell of earthy goodness will knock you off your feet.

The exhibits here change with every season. So each time you visit Las Vegas, you should make a trip to see the new floral creations at Bellagio Conservatory! No two visits will ever be the same.

Good to know: It takes a lot of time to rearrange the exhibits, and so the conservatory is closed for a few days at every change of the season. For more information for your visit and the ‘dark dates’, please check the official website .

10. The LINQ Promenade

The LINQ Promenade , located at the center of The Strip, is an outdoor district for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Las Vegas observation wheel High Roller is also located here (see further for more info) and also one of the fun experiences in Vegas – Fly LINQ Zipline . This zipline is so much fun for young and old!

The LINQ Promenade is also a great place for some down-to-earth fun and also my favorite spot for lunch. Check out In-N-Out Burger for a quick bite!

Located conveniently and open daily from 10 AM to 2 AM, LINQ Promenade offers something for everyone. It’s also one of the best places for people-watching in Las Vegas!

TIP: One of the best places to “people watch” is down the long corridor of the Linq Promenade area or sitting at some of the stools right outside the Flamingo at the Margaritaville area. 

11. The LINQ High Roller

The LINQ High Roller Ferris wheel stands tall in the LINQ Promenade area between the Flamingo and the LINQ casinos. You really cannot miss it. This 550-foot observation wheel gives you the best 360° views in Vegas!

It is very slow-moving and takes about 30 minutes to complete one revolution. A ride on the High Roller is a nice way to see Las Vegas from a different perspective and rest your legs from all the walking!

There are 28 spacious air-conditioned cabins, each can seat up to 10 people. They even have special VIP cabins with an open bar and bartender for an added price (you must be at least 21 years old for this one).

TIP : The incredible high-angle views of the Vegas Strip are amazing at any time, but for the most special experience, go at night! The lights of the city are dazzling! However, if you are on a budget, get a day ticket – it’s cheaper than going at night. Here you can find more information and book your tickets for High Roller .

Good to know: The High Roller is not suitable if you are afraid of heights. It is an all-glass enclosure that is not for those nervous about height.

12. Mirage Volcano Show

Right in front of The Mirage is a landscape from an old island scene, a giant volcano . This impressive fire show with fireballs and music is great fun for all ages. So be sure to make this part of your itinerary!

This show literally lights up the strip! You can even feel the heat from the fireballs if you are standing right up front. Be mindful if you are with small children or someone who might be fearful of explosions. 

Practical information: The Volcano show happens daily, right on the hour from 7 PM to 10 PM. It’s located on Las Vegas Boulevard, in front of the main entrance of The Mirage. And yes, it’s also free of charge.

13. Venetian Singing Gondoliers

The Venetian casino is coupled with the Palazzo to give you a true European vibe. You’ll find replicas of St. Mark’s Campanile, Rialto Bridge, and even a part of a real Doge’s Palace in Venice !

There is so much to see as you walk through this resort, including hand-painted frescos and award-winning restaurants… But the secret hidden gem is the gondola rides on the Grand Canal . Each gondola is piloted by a singing gondolier as they row through the canal and take in the sights. You’d almost think you are on a real gondola ride in Venice …

This is a top spot for the romantics, and if you are lucky you might even see a proposal in this truly special place. At the same time, this is also one of the top things to do in Vegas with kids!

Good to know: If you don’t want to flip over $30 to actually ride in the gondola, you can walk along the shops, bridges, and cafes and experience the gondolas as a spectator.  

Practical information: There are gondola rides inside and outside, and opening times and prices depend on when you visit. If you are on a budget, go on a weekday, because gondola rides are over 20% more expensive between Friday and Sunday. For more information, please check the official website .

TIP: On GetYourGuide, you can book a ticket that includes a gondola ride and a visit to Madame Tussauds (both attractions are located at The Venetian). If you are planning to do both anyway, this ticket will save you about $15-20, especially worth it if visiting on the weekend.

14. Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck

For some great views of The Strip, head to the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris casino/resort ! This is a great place for a romantic evening or sightseeing adventure in Las Vegas. 

The Las Vegas version is about half the size of the real Eiffel Tower in Paris. It has a cool viewing deck at 460 feet, offering great views of the Bellagio Fountains and 360° views of the entire strip and the city.  

Practical information: The viewing deck is accessible by a glass elevator and is open daily from 2 PM to 10 PM. Here you can get skip-the-line open tickets and visit when it best suits you. The ticket saves you time because you don’t have to stand in line at the ticket desk.

TIP:   The Eiffel Tower also has a new cool light show that happens every 30 minutes from sunset to midnight. It’s free of charge and can be seen from the street.

15. Shows & Performances

Las Vegas has some of the best entertainment in the country! Top entertainers like Celine Dion, Barry Manilow, David Copperfield, Penn & Teller, and the infamous Cirque du Soleil are just a few examples of daily shows and performances in Vegas .

If your schedule and budget allow it, definitely see if you can get tickets for one of the shows! For the most popular shows, you’ll need to get your tickets in advance. Especially if you want to be able to choose the show times and seats.

For that, we recommend checking the HelloTickets website – they usually have a complete selection of all the performances and shows available at that time. You can also find some tickets for the popular Vegas shows on GetYourGuide , often with big discounts. Check it out!

Caesars Entertainment’s website also has a great selection of some of the best shows and concerts in the city .

Good to know: If you find the choice of Vegas shows overwhelming, some of the best shows at the moment are Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil at Mandalay Bay, KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at MGM Grand, and ‘O’ by Cirque du Soleil at Bellagio.

We went to see one of the Cirque du Soleil shows on our recent visit to Las Vegas and it was incredible! The colors, the costumes, the entire act – absolutely breathtaking! It was actually better than the ‘standard’ Cirque du Soleil shows we had seen before. I think it has to do with all the special installations and tricks they can do on a ‘fixed’ stage rather than touring around.

TIP: If you didn’t get your tickets in advance, you can stop by one of the big red booths on the Las Vegas Strip that are labeled Tix4Vegas . They are somewhat of an outlet for Vegas entertainment and you can often find discounted last-minute tickets for all shows and attractions. It is definitely worth checking out.

16. Museums & Interesting Exhibitions

There is always so much going on in Las Vegas that it can get overwhelming what to choose. On the other hand, that’s also what makes Vegas so great because there truly is something for everyone in the city! If you are looking for some unique experiences, check out at least one or two cool museums or exhibitions in Vegas !

Here are some of the best ones that are well worth your time (and it’s a great way to escape the desert heat if visiting Vegas in the warmest months):

• Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor . This is your unique opportunity to see a big collection of artifacts recovered from Titanic’s wreck, and also amazing recreations of some of the rooms from the famous ship.
• Mob Museum . This is a great place to learn more about the past of Sin City. A visit here also gives you a unique look into America’s organized crime and its impact on society. This is one of the more serious Vegas attractions for those who want to learn more about the place beyond all the glitter.
• Bodies…The Exhibition at the Luxor . Not for the faint-hearted, this is such a well-made exhibition that gives you a great insight into how our bodies and organs work. Yes, these are real bodies and organs, preserved in a unique way, offering you a very interesting perspective of the human body. Kids are only allowed with adult supervision and you may want to bring a sweater because it’s quite cold inside.

17. The Neon Museum

If you are looking for more to do near the Downtown Vegas area, you should go check out the Neon Sign Graveyard at the Neon Museum ! This place collects all of the old iconic Las Vegas signs and displays them for all to enjoy. 

Practical information: The Neon Museum is open from 2 to 10 PM daily, but sometimes closes for special events or photoshoots. In any case, usually, you will need to buy a ticket long in advance anyway, so you can see in advance when it will be open.

TIP:   Tickets are typically available for reservation one month in advance and they often sell out fast. So if you want to visit, be sure to mark the date in your calendar and sign up for your tickets early. For more information, see the website of the museum .

Good to know: This museum is rather small and you can see everything in 15-30 minutes. They have a small parking area just next door, or you can walk here in about 15 minutes from the Fremont Street Experience.

18. Gamble (but know when to fold them)

For many experienced gamblers, the main reason and the best thing to do in Vegas is gambling . But even if you’re just a tourist more interested in the city’s sights and attractions than gambling, you can definitely give it a try (just mind your budget!).

There is everything from poker tournaments, Pai Gow Poker, Craps, Blackjack, Sports Betting, Roulette, and every slot machine you can imagine at your fingertips. 24/7 and it is all 100% legal (that’s if you are at least 21 years old).  

If you are new to gambling and want to press your luck, we recommend reading up on any table games you want to play ahead of time. That way you understand the rules & etiquette of each game. Many gamblers sitting at the table will be experts and sometimes can get agitated if a newbie stops at the table during busy times and slows down the flow of the game. It can be a bit intimidating at first.  

TIP:  If you are a newbie, it’s best to take your initial approach to the tables during the daytime. Often if the business is slow, the dealers will even help you and teach you the game. It is often customary to offer the dealer a nice tip for doing so. Check with the casino you are staying at and see if they have any gaming lessons during the day.

19. Eclectic Experiences

Las Vegas typically brings in so many different types of people and they want to keep them entertained!! So you will find a ton of unique once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Vegas that are available if you just want to pay for them.  

Here are some of the quirky and very unique things to do in Vegas:  

• Helicopter tours over the Strip, the Grand Canyon, or the Hoover Dam are among the most popular special things to do in Vegas! This is something for your Las Vegas bucket list!
• If you don’t feel like going on a real helicopter, check out the amazing FlyOver Experience , one of the most rewarding tourist attractions in Las Vegas (also much cheaper than a helicopter ride)! You get to ‘fly’ over the city, but also the amazing scenery of the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion National Park, Mojave Desert, and many other incredible places in the area.
• If you love roller coasters and other thrill rides, be sure to check out the Big Apple Coaster at the NYNY casino or some of the thrill rides at the Stratosphere . You can also simply visit the Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck without going on any of the rides, or you can opt for 3 thrill rides or the exhilarating SkyJump .
• Exotics Racing . Here, you can drive all kinds of exotic cars (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche) on a super safe race track. You can choose from 20 different luxury cars with this highly-rated 2-hour exotic car racing experience . If you are on a lower budget or are traveling with children or teens, you can also opt for go-kart racing .

20. Swim in Some of the Best Pools in Vegas

If you visit Las Vegas in summer, you’ll definitely want to spend most of your time in the pool!

Some of the pools in Vegas are positively off the charts! And to be honest, some are super tiny and overcrowded. If you are a pool person and want to stay away from the casinos during the day, you need to find the best pools for your vibe.  

By far, the best pools in Vegas are located at Mandalay Bay , MGM Grand Hotel , and Caesars Palace . Also Go Pool DayClub at Flamingo is a very popular pool (but always crowded).

Caesars Palace Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis is simply gorgeous and usually feels the most spread out. There are 7 pools including their exclusive adults-only “Venus Pool & Lounge” area. The Fortuna Pool has a swim-up bar and blackjack tables. That’s right, you can actually play blackjack while swimming inside the pool, a Vegas lover’s dream!

The Mandalay Bay Pool is incredible! Not only does it have a lazy river, but it also has a man-made sandy beach area complete with a wave pool! This is an 11-acre aquatic playground. The Daylight Beach Club is also available as an adult-only night swim club.

The MGM Grand Pool Complex also has a fantastic lazy river that winds through the 6.5-acre complex of 4 pools, 3 whirlpools, and cascading waterfalls.  The MGM also hosts the Wet Republic Ultra Pool which is an exclusive nightlife experience.  

TIP: While the pools are normally free of charge for hotel guests, the inner tube rentals for these lazy rivers can get quite expensive. If you are looking to save some money, look around the perimeters of the pool area to see if anyone has left a tube for others to use as they left early.

Good to know: Most of these pools require you to be a guest at their hotel and will require you to show a room key in order to use the pool. So be sure to consider this when choosing your accommodation in Vegas! Sometimes though, you can call the hotel pool concierge and find out if there are day passes or cabanas for non-guests as well.

For example, Caesars Palace allows you to reserve a cabana online . Also, some pools are free for hotel guests during the week, but not on the weekends. So it’s really something that requires some advance planning.

21. Eat Like a King!

Back to Vegas, we feel that this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one of the great ways to experience Las Vegas – through its food .

You could try to eat in a different place every single meal in Vegas and it would take you years to get through all of the hundreds of dining options that are available!

Everything from the uber-expensive celebrity chef steakhouses, all-you-can-eat buffets at all major hotels, to cheap iconic west-coast eats all over the city… There is something for every budget and every taste level. 

The Las Vegas Buffet is an experience that everyone should live at least once. It can be a gluttonous affair filled with many courses of delicious international food. The prices can reach be anywhere from $40 to $120 per person and will likely stretch over the course of several hours. 

TIP:   If you do not want to wait in line at the buffets, avoid going during peak times (8 AM to 10 AM, noon, and 6 PM to 9 PM). If you can start with a late brunch or make it an early dinner, you’ll likely have a much more relaxed experience and be able to enjoy it more! 

Good to know: One super cool Las Vegas dining experience is the BLACKOUT Dining in the Dark. You are served completely in the dark and only have your senses of taste, smell, and touch to experience the meal!

Below, you can read about one of our personal favorite places to eat in Vegas. Take a look!

22. Las Vegas Pizza

The next spot is an Instagram legend and something that you only find if you are “in the know”. It is one of Vegas’s best-kept secrets and well worth checking out! If you want a tasty slice of incredible pizza to not only devour because it tastes so good, but also take a selfie with it so you can prove you actually found this famous hidden gem , Secret Pizza is the place to go!!

This pizza joint is completely unmarked, so the only way to find it is if you know where to go.

Head to the Cosmopolitan Resort & Casino and take an elevator or an escalator up to the 3 rd floor. Right off the escalator move forward following signs to ‘Blue Ribbon’ restaurant. Right next to it, on the right, there is a narrow hallway that is lined with albums on the walls. This is the path to Secret Pizza!

The restaurant is located right at the end of the unmarked hallway. It’s open from 11 AM until 2 AM on weekdays and until 4 AM on the weekends.

There can sometimes be lines out the door, but it is worth the wait to sink your teeth into those huge New York slices of cheesy goodness!

TIP: Another great place for an amazing pizza in Vegas is Metro Pizza . They have several locations in town. In the center, you can find them at the Ellis Island Hotel & Casino just off the strip, about 10-15 minutes walk from Bellagio. The price/quality is great!

In addition, on certain days of the week, they even have 2-for-1 offers. When we visited, it was on Thursdays and on Sundays. They serve some of the best pizza we had in the U.S. and with hardly any wait even at peak times.

23. Hoover Dam

No list of Vegas attractions would be complete without mentioning one of the most famous landmarks nearby – Hoover Dam .

You’ve seen pictures of it and have likely heard of it before, but now is your chance to take a break from the casinos and see one of the most iconic U.S. landmarks… Hoover Dam is absolutely impressive! You will recognize that white concrete arch-gravity dam that is right on the Colorado River.

Hoover Dam is literally right on the border of Nevada and Arizona.  

Good to know: Depending on traffic, Hoover Dam is about a 45-minute drive from the center of the strip. You definitely need a car to get here or you can book a tour. There are short tours available that only visit Hoover Dam and take about 3 hours (see this highly-rated tour ). Or you can opt for a day tour that also visits Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon .

24. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

If the hustle and bustle, jackpot bells, and loud music of Vegas are wearing you down and you need to get away from the strip for a while… this place will rock your world! Red Rock Canyon is one of the nicest nature getaways right next to Vegas.

It lies right in the Mojave Desert, just 17 miles west of the city. It is peaceful, quiet, and the scenery of red sandstone rocks is absolutely stunning!  

A 13-mile Scenic Drive allows you to easily access all the nicest areas and it’s perfect for a (half) day trip from Vegas. It can take you an hour or several depending on how many times you get out to explore or hike. This is the perfect way to see the beauty of this park. 

It’s essential to bring plenty of water and a sun hat… you are in the desert after all!

TIP:  Be sure to stop by the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center before you start the scenic loop. It’s a great place to learn more about your surroundings and ask for any tips on the best sights or hikes. For more information, check the official website .

Good to know: There are various tours from Vegas that visit Red Rock Canyon . Most of them last 3-5 hours and you can opt for various experiences including 4×4 tours, e-bike tours, or even helicopter landing in the canyon.

25. Seven Magic Mountains

Seven Magic Mountains , just 20 minutes drive from the Vegas Strip, has become one of the most popular Las Vegas attractions. It’s a famous Instagram spot and a great place for a few selfies and some cool photography! 

Swiss artist, Ugo Rondinone, created these towering colorful boulder sculptures in 2016, for all to enjoy. Seven Magic Mountains are located near Jean/ Roach Dry Lake and Interstate 15, about 10 miles south of Las Vegas. If you are driving to Vegas from the west coast, this will be your sign that you are almost in Vegas!

TIP: Be sure to wipe your camera lens off before taking your photos, it can get a little dusty out in the desert!

Good to know: There is no fee to visit Seven Magic Mountains and you can come at any time. If you don’t have a car, there are some day tours from Vegas that visit here, usually in combination with some other great places in the area. Here you can see all the tours that visit this place .

26. Take a Day Trip to Grand Canyon

In addition to all the sights in Vegas and several nice places to visit just outside the city, you should consider taking a few day trips in the area. There are countless options and a huge variety of organized tours, but probably the best place to visit as a day trip from Vegas is the Grand Canyon !

One of the closest places to see is the Grand Canyon Skywalk (West Rim of the Grand Canyon), about 2-2.5 hours drive from Vegas. There are lots of tours going here , often in combination with a few other stops. And, of course, you can just drive there if you have a car.

The South Rim of Grand Canyon is quite a long drive (about 4.5 hours one way), but even this part is possible to visit for a day. If you go by car, check our guide to the best way to visit Grand Canyon in 1 day (in that case, I highly recommend staying near Grand Canyon for at least one night (see our Grand Canyon accommodation suggestions).

Otherwise, go with this popular tour and let someone else do all the driving. It’s a long day tour of about 15 hours, but many people find it worth it. Especially if this is your only chance to visit this spectacular place!

Another popular way to visit Grand Canyon from Vegas is with helicopter tours . It’s more expensive, of course, but you don’t have to sit on the bus the whole day. Furthermore, seeing the Grand Canyon from the air is a really unique experience. And many tours also make a landing inside the canyon!

TIP: Take a look at this highly-rated tour . It flies over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon. It also includes a landing inside the canyon where you are offered refreshments and champagne. Without a doubt, this is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Vegas!

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from Las Vegas

Where to Stay for Sightseeing in Las Vegas

Using the map below, you can compare hotels, apartments, and short-term rental accommodations in Las Vegas . Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay. Check it out!

TIP: If you can afford it, we recommend staying on or just near The Strip . It’s the ultimate Las Vegas experience and is a great location for all that Vegas has to offer!

Some of the most popular hotels that offer great price/quality/ typical Vegas experience are Paris Las Vegas Hotel , Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino , and Hilton Grand Vacations Suites .

On a higher budget , check out Caesars Palace . For even more luxury – Bellagio or The Venetian .

On a lower budget , check out the Ellis Island Hotel and Casino . It’s a simple no-thrills hotel with easy parking and several good restaurants (+amazing pizza) just 10-15 minutes walk from the main casinos such as the Caesars Palace, Flamingo, or Bellagio.

TIP: Using the map below, you can find the best deals for accommodation in Las Vegas. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. Check it out!

So, this is our guide to the very best things to do in Vegas. As you can see, there is something for everybody and for every budget in Las Vegas. 

Furthermore, in addition to everything mentioned in this guide, there are countless other tourist attractions and popular sights in Vegas . Visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum , check out the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay , learn all about Sin City’s organized crime at the Mob Museum , or take in the views from the thrilling STRAT Tower , etc. etc. etc.

But if you are visiting the city for the first time, your itinerary will be more than full enough just trying to cover some of the ‘musts’ from this list!

PRO TIP: Also, don’t try to see everything or you’ll just get tired and overwhelmed. Remember to just enjoy the moment, let loose, experience top-notch food and entertainment, and make some great memories that will last a lifetime! If you are wondering how to plan your time, you can find some inspiration in our suggested 1-day Las Vegas itinerary .

Have a great trip to Vegas!

READ ALSO: Las Vegas Travel Tips – first-timer’s guide with insider tips and recommendations. Check it out!

More travel inspiration for Southwestern USA:

• Bucket list trip: Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend 2-day Itinerary
• LA: Los Angeles Itinerary for 3 Days & Universal Studios Hollywood vs. Warner Bros Studios
• Death Valley: Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
• Arizona: Top Places to Visit in Arizona & Monument Valley Scenic Drive
• Gold Butte, NV: Travel Guide to Gold Butte National Monument
• Sedona, AZ: Best Things to Do in Sedona & Sedona Day Trip
• Zion, UT: Best Hikes in Zion National Park & Zion to Bryce Canyon & Where to Stay in Zion
• Colorado Rockies: Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary & Rocky Mountain NP Day Trip from Denver & Best Things to Do in Aspen & Maroon Bells
• Moab, UT: Moab, Arches, and Canyonlands National Park
• Arches NP, UT: Best Things to Do in Arches National Park
• Canyonlands NP, UT: Best Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park
• San Diego, CA: San Diego Itinerary Suggestions
• Yosemite, CA: First-Timer’s Guide to Yosemite National Park

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Image credits: Fiori di Como, Bellagio Conservatory, and Hard Rock cafe – U.Omozo/Depositphotos.com// Luxor hotel, Paris hotel, and Mirage Volcano – bloodua/Depositphotos.com// LINQ Promenade – jewhyte/Depositphotos.com// High Roller – topphoto/Depositphotos.com// Fremont Street – s4visuals/Depositphotos.com// Tix4 –  MichaelVi/Depositphotos.com// The Neon Museum – jovannig/Depositphotos.com// Caesars pool – BobHilscher/Depositphotos.com// Seven Magic Mountains – Wirestock/Depositphotos.com// Skywalk – nootprapa/Shutterstock.com

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Monday 20th of December 2021

Thank you for your sound advice and tips on what are the best things to do in Vegas, Jurga! This article is perfect for first-timers! I highly suggest going on a road trip too - there is so much to see around Vegas! Next time I go to Vegas, I will try the Secret pizza and check out the Bellagio ceiling! Thank you so much again for all the tips!

Yes, I have to agree with you, Angela. Taking a road trip around Vegas is definitely worth it. There are so many beautiful places in the area. Happy travels!

Monday 26th of April 2021

The Mob museum is also very interesting. It's located in the older section of Las Vegas.

Friday 30th of April 2021

Thanks for the tip, Nancy! We just added it at #14, and here is more info and tickets for those who are interested to visit the Mob museum.

The Top 10 Attractions in Las Vegas

How do you unpack just 10 attractions from a place with a pyramid topped with a laser light beam so strong you can see it from space; a walkable mash-up of New York, Venice, Paris, and Lake Como all with views of ancient red rock cliffs; and dancing fountains whose numbers are choreographed seamlessly among Lady Gaga singing “Bad Romance” and the London Symphony Orchestra playing Aaron Copland’s "Appalachian Spring?" It is not easy, friends. You have just landed in the country’s wackiest amusement park and you need a guide. And while it would be easy to give you double or even triple the attractions on a list of must-sees, here are the ones you really shouldn’t miss.

The Mob Museum

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Officially, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, the Mob Museum occupies the actual former federal courthouse where the 1950 Kefauver Hearings on Organized Crime were held (and the city’s former mayor defended Anthony “The Ant” Spilotro—whom you’ll remember as Joe Pesci from "Casino"). The $42 million museum opened on the 83rd anniversary of Chicago’s infamous 1929 St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. The museum, which includes a portion of the bullet-riddled wall from the massacre, is a serious look at the history of Las Vegas’s founding, its role in the nation’s criminal networks of the 20th century, and the law enforcement that tried to keep it in check. Make sure to visit The Underground, a basement speakeasy, distillery, and private VIP room. A working distillery brews the museum’s own moonshine. 

The Neon Museum

After years of opening by appointment only as the “Neon Boneyard,” the collection of 150 neon signs dating from the 1930s—the largest in the world—takes you through some of the retired icons of the Golden Age of Las Vegas. Moulin Rouge, Lady Luck, Desert Inn, and the Stardust—they’re all here. The iconic La Concha Motel lobby stands as its visitor center. The best way to see it is at night where a guide will take you on a walk through the pathways of dramatically lit un-restored signs. Because of the glass, rusty metal, and darkness, it’s a tour best reserved for adults.

Bellagio Fountains

TripSavvy / Elliot Jonch Garcia

It’s the best free show on the Strip: more than 1,000 water fountains are positioned within Lake Bellagio, the Lake Como-influenced body of water that fronts Bellagio Hotel & Casino. Jaded locals may claim that it’s all just part of the city’s landscape, but it’s nearly impossible not to stop in your tracks right on the sidewalk for those dancing, swaying jets of water when the music starts every half-hour on weekday afternoons and every 15 minutes in the evenings until midnight. You’ll hear all the usual suspects, like Sinatra’s “Luck Be a Lady” and Pavarotti singing Vicenzo de Crescenzo’s "La Rondine" (it’s an Italian-themed resort, after all), but Bellagio has recently shaken things up by adding a touch of Lady Gaga (“Bad Romance”) and Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars (“Uptown Funk”).

The High Roller

 TripSavvy / Stephanie De Melo

The world’s tallest observation wheel isn’t the London Eye or the Singapore Flier, it’s the High Roller, to which you can walk through the Strip’s LINQ entertainment corridor. Board your glass-domed pod and rise some 550 feet above Las Vegas, for a bird’s-eye view of the entire Vegas Valley (look down: that’s the pool scene at Flamingo right below you). And before you ask: Yes, you can drink on the High Roller (there’s a bar before you get on and you can bring your drinks inside). And just like so many places in Las Vegas, you can also get married here. Up to 40 people fit in a cabin, and they’ll even arrange for a bartender to serve you inside.

National Atomic Testing Museum

It may not land on many top 10 lists, but the National Atomic Testing Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, is one of the best attractions in Las Vegas—particularly for history buffs. In the 1950s, Downtown Las Vegas was a tourist draw not just for its glamorous scene, but also as a viewing platform for the mushroom clouds exploding from the Nevada Test Site 65 miles outside of town. The museum chronicle’s the state’s atomic history from its beginning, with artifacts, interactive modules (check to see how radioactive you are!), and actual equipment from the site. Don’t miss the simulator that allows you to experience bomb testing as the locals used to, from an “outdoor” seat watching an atomic explosion. (Spoiler alert: Even if you know it’s coming, you’ll still jump when the bomb goes off and the theater seats shake.)

"Seven Magic Mountains"

Check any Instagram account from folks driving to Las Vegas on I-15 east from California, and you’ll probably see the stone monoliths that look like neon ice cream cones rising from the desert floor. The large-scale public work “Seven Magic Mountains,” by artist Ugo Rondinone, took several years to plan near Jean Dry Lake, an ancient dry lakebed 10 miles south of the Strip. The massive, 30-foot-high limestone totems have extended their stay in Las Vegas (they weren’t meant to be permanent). They have been issued a permit extension by the Bureau of Land Management to remain on view through the end of 2021.

Downtown's Street Art

Courtesy of LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL Music and Art Festival

Since it began in 2013, the annual Life Is Beautiful festival has left incredible murals by international artists all over Downtown Las Vegas. Some have been retired, a number have been painted over, but for the most part, the Fremont East corridor and beyond now has the evidence of seven years of fantastic street art. And we’re not talking graffiti: these are fully realized, intricate murals that rise stories from the ground. Look for the 21-story murals by Shepard Fairey, D*Face, and Faile on the sides of the Plaza. “The Cycle of Civilization” by Zio Ziegler, in black, white, and vibrant blue, is an early favorite—commissioned for the very first festival, in 2013. Book a Downtown Las Vegas art walk for the full guided tour.

The Lake of Dreams

Courtesy of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore

When Steve Wynn first took over the land from the former Desert Inn and turned it into Wynn Las Vegas, he decided to build a 130-foot mountain covered with pine trees (salvaged from the old Desert Inn golf course) in order to shield his guests from the spaceship-shaped Fashion Show Mall across the street. The interior of that mountain contains a massive wall of water and a lake that has served as a performance space ever since, only visible to guests or visitors of Wynn. Surreal films unfold on the wall, which acts as a screen, and animatronic beings, like a giant singing frog with the voice of Garth Brooks, perform rotating shows every half hour until 11:30 p.m.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower that belongs to Paris Las Vegas may only be half the size of the original with a substantially different view, but that doesn’t make it any less fun. (You won’t see the 7th arrondissement, but you will see simulacra of Egypt, New York, Lake Como, and Venice, and views all the way to Red Rock Conservation Area.) Buy a ticket in advance to its viewing deck, which is open Friday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to midnight. The ascent in the glass elevator is 46 stories, and it’s open year-round. If you want the full romantic effect, book the special corner table at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant and gaze at your significant other—and the dancing Bellagio Fountains in the background.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

The happiest and most nostalgic place in Las Vegas can be found under a 60-year-old sign in the middle of several lanes of traffic at the extreme southern end of the Strip. The 25-foot-tall “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign has been greeting visitors since 1959. Designed by Betty Willis for the Western Neon company, her iconic sign was never trademarked. Instead, her logo gift to the city is free for all to use, which is why you’ll find it plastered on everything—including, presumably, your own Instagram when you visit. After many years, the city made it less treacherous to get here; there’s now free parking accessible on the westbound side of Las Vegas Boulevard. Do as the sign says and "Come Back Soon."

Best Restaurants with a View in Las Vegas

The Complete Guide to the Fountains of Bellagio

Eating Outdoors in Las Vegas

50 Things to Do in Las Vegas This Summer

Your Trip to Las Vegas: The Complete Guide

The 15 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas with Toddlers

The Las Vegas Strip: The Complete Guide

Las Vegas Must-See Sights and Attractions

The 10 Best Museums in Las Vegas

14 Top Things to Do in Las Vegas During a Layover

The Top 15 Things to Do in Las Vegas with Teenagers

Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas

The Top 14 Things to Do in Downtown Las Vegas

The Mob Museum: The Complete Guide

17 Best Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

How to Visit Las Vegas on a Budget

• United States

31 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas for First Timers

• 5 Pinterest

Infamous worldwide for its boisterous casinos, neon-lit Strip, round-the-clock drinks, and What Happens In Vegas Stays In Vegas mantra, Sin City doesn’t do things by halves. Full to the brim with thrill rides, dazzling circus and magic shows, themed hotels, world-class restaurants, and a whole lot more, there’s definitely no shortage of things to do in Las Vegas.

Whether you’re planning on a quick and wild weekend of partying, an entertainment trip full of shows and concerts , or a longer vacation where you get off the beaten track and explore hidden museums and expansive slices of Mother Nature, we’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Las Vegas for first timers — a combination of exciting activities that deliver all the highlights of this iconic Mojave Desert resort city.

From checking out some of the city’s most iconic landmarks (the Bellagio Fountains and ever-lively Fremont Street Experience , to name but a few) to enjoying the heart-in-mouth action at one of its many sporting venues , there’s something for everyone in Sin City. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

1 – Journey to mini-Paris with the Eiffel Tower Experience

Who says you need to fly across the Atlantic to uncover a little slice of Paris? At exactly half the height (46 stories or 540 feet) of the original — but with all the glitz and glamour of Sin City — the Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas is one of the most iconic things to do on the Las Vegas Strip.

Oozing romance and presenting itself as a must for first-time visitors, this is your chance to see incredible views of the city from high above its chaotic floor. On a clear day, you can see up for miles in each direction, with 360-degree views of the Strip, the Bellagio Fountains, and the nearby opulent casinos! Even the exhilarating glass elevator ride, which takes you up to 460 feet, delivers magical photo opportunities.

If you’re feeling extra romantic, book a table at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant for an unforgettable French dinner and sunset champagne toast, or knock back a handcrafted cocktail or two at the swanky bar.

• Eiffel Tower Experience tickets

2 – Be dazzled by the range of Cirque du Soleil shows

Fusing magic with dance, showmanship, special effects, jaw-dropping acrobatics, don’t-try-this-at-home stunts, and thrilling storytelling, Cirque du Soleil sports a reputation that precedes it — one of the utmost highest quality, where visitors seldom walk away from a show without an ear-to-ear grin and a sense of appreciated for the talented international list of performers.

As of 2022, choose from a half-dozen different shows, including the long-running fan favorites “O” and “Mystère,” as well as newer productions such as Michael Jackson ONE, The Beatles LOVE, and KÀ.

With a permanent home in multiple casinos on the Las Vegas Strip since the 1990s, Cirque du Soleil has become a beloved Vegas entertainment staple and remains one of the best things to do in Las Vegas for first-time visitors. So if you’re after one (or more) of the most mind-blowing, heart-stopping shows in town, look no further!

• Cirque du Soleil show tickets

3 – Uncover Las Vegas’ underbelly at the Mob Museum

When it comes to museums in Las Vegas , few boast the same reputation as that of this mafia-centric establishment. Long before Vegas was a glittery hubbub of casino floors and neon lights, it was a mob-run town – and as you might expect, the sinful stories are a dime a dozen.

From the moment you step inside, you’re transported back in time to as early as the roarin’ 1920s, and then it’s off to explore a world of interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and artifacts that detail the history of organized crime — as well as law enforcement — in Vegas and wider America.

You’ll learn about famous gangsters such as Al Capone and  John Gotti, get an insight into how they operated, see what life was like for those caught up in their web, and discover the role Las Vegas played (and still plays) in all of it.

It’s a fascinating place that provides a great look at another side of Sin City – one that’s often overlooked by first-time visitors.

Hot tip: after browsing the museum, be sure to pop into to onsite speakeasy – the password is Flapper .

• Mob Museum tickets

4 – Try your luck at the famous casinos!

It was only a matter of time, right? No trip to Sin City is complete without at least stepping foot inside one of its world-famous casinos.

And whether you’re a high roller or low-stakes player, there’s a casino to suit your style and budget, with table games, slots, and more bright lights and free drinks (just tip the wait staff) than you could possibly count. For those after the opulent surroundings and over-the-top displays of excess that Vegas is known for, make a beeline for places like Bellagio , Wynn Las Vegas , Caesars Palace , The Venetian , or MGM Grand .

But if you’re looking for something a little more relaxed (and less intimidating), check out smaller casinos such as The D Las Vegas Casino Hotel or Golden Nugget .

Of course, it’s not all about gambling – many of these mega complexes also house impressive restaurants and bars, live music and entertainment, luxury shopping, spas, and more. So even if you’re not interested in gambling, they’re still well worth a visit!

Just remember to bring your ID – casinos in Vegas are very strict about only admitting those 21 years of age or older.

5 – See the city from above view with a helicopter tour

Seeing the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip from street level is all well and good – but for a truly unique perspective of this neon-lit metropolis, you need to see it from above.

And there’s no better way to do that than with a helicopter tour!

You’ll soar high above the city in a state-of-the-art aircraft, taking in sweeping views of famous landmarks such as the Bellagio Fountains, Caesars Palace, the New York-New York skyline, the Eiffel Tower, the Venetian canals, The STRAT, and so much more, not to mention the seemingly-endless desert that just out to the horizon.

By day, the vistas are spectacular; at twilight, as the city transitions from sunbakers to nightclubbers, it adopts an entirely new, beautiful persona — the Las Vegas Strip at night is hard to beat. And if that’s not enough to get your heart racing, how about adding on a flyover of the nearby Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam for good measure?

Just be sure to book in advance, as these tours are extremely popular (for good reason).

• helicopter tours in Las Vegas

6 – Dine, ride, and enjoy the view at The Strat

Soaring at 1,149 feet above the tourist-lined streets below, The Strat boasts an undeniable reputation as one of the best tourist attractions in Las Vegas for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies.

Wielding the title as the tallest freestanding observation tower in the US (nearly double that of Seattle’s famous Space Needle!), this Upper Strip hotel sports some of the world’s highest thrill rides. Make no mistake, The Strat is not for the faint of heart.

If you’re feeling brave (and have a head for heights), take a ride on SkyJump Las Vegas – a bungee-style and Guinness World Record-holding jump that will see you hurtling off the side of the building at 40mph!

Or if that’s not quite your style, there are plenty of other high-altitude activities to keep you entertained, including Big Shot (a seat that launches you 160 feet into the air at 45mph), X Scream (a teeter-totter that hangs over the edge), and Insanity (a ‘spinning’ ride that will have you dangling over the edge of the building looking down at the Strip below!).

If you’re not quite ready to take the plunge just yet, you can always enjoy the stunning views from the observation deck instead or sip on a cocktail at the city’s highest bar, 107 SkyLounge – it’s one of the prime places to admire the sunset over Sin City.

• Stratosphere Tower tickets

7 – Take a day trip to the iconic Grand Canyon

When you think of  national parks near Las Vegas , 9 out of 10 people have the Grand Canyon in mind. And fair enough too — at over 18 miles wide and 6,000 feet deep, this is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on the planet.

There are plenty of ways to experience the UNESCO-listed canyon, from the short helicopter or airplane tours that give you a bird’s eye view of the vastness below, to more comprehensive excursions that will have you hiking, rafting, and camping overnight in the heart of it. Throw in the Grand Canyon Skywalk , a plethora of trekking routes (don’t miss the Bright Angel Trail), Jeep tours, and rare wildlife, and you’re in for a treat. No matter how you choose to do it, a trip to the Grand Canyon should definitely be on your list of things to do in Las Vegas for first-time visitors.

Hot tip: consider combining a Grand Canyon visit with any of the best Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas — located less than an hour from Sin City, the engineering marvel makes for a perfect pitstop between the casino and Canyon floors.

• Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas

See also: learn how to get from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon , and check out our complete list of fun things to do at the Grand Canyon .

8 – Watch the dancing Bellagio Fountains

One of the most popular things to do in Las Vegas for first-time visitors is to witness the magnificent Bellagio Fountains . This spectacular water show takes place every half hour (or 15 minutes, depending on the day and season) in front of the iconic Bellagio hotel, and features over a thousand jets and lights that are choreographed to music ranging from classical (from Pavarotti to Sinatra) to modern pop hits.

Either take a simple stroll down the sidewalk to enjoy the show at your own pace, or make a night of it by booking a table at one of the nearby restaurants. Or, better yet, book a room in one of the fountain-facing Bellagio suites which overlook the 200-foot-high jetstreams!

It’s an absolute must-see in Las Vegas at night  when the fountains are illuminated by colorful lights — definitely one of the best free things to do in Las Vegas!

9 – Rev that engine with an exotic driving experience

Ever dreamed of getting behind the wheel of a Lambo? How about a suped-up Porsche or Corvette? Or maybe even a Ferrari?

Well, in Las Vegas you can make that dream a reality with a driving experience on the world-famous Las Vegas Motor Speedway — about 15 minutes north of the city. You’ll get to choose from a whole host of luxury and high-performance cars (more than 20!) to take for a spin around the track, all under the guidance of an experienced instructor, of course. With no speed limits, you’ll be hitting up to 130 miles per hour!

Not only is this one of the coolest things to do in Sin City, but it’s also one of the most unique experiences — perfect for petrolheads and first-time visitors alike.

SpeedVegas Motorsports Park, on the other hand, which has more than its fair share of its own hair-raising driving experiences, is about 15 minutes south of the Las Vegas Strip.

• Exotic Car Racing in Las Vegas

10 – Revel in the atmosphere of Fremont Street

Downtown’s hubbub of Fremont Street is a must-visit for first-time visitors to Las Vegas. This pedestrianized, open-air mall is home to some of the most interesting and historic casinos in town (The D and Golden Gate being two prime examples), as well as a plethora of bars, restaurants, and live music venues.

Famed for its overhead Viva Vision light show (which take place every hour from dusk until midnight, synced up to the music of pop stars from around the world), there’s also an abundance of street performers to keep you entertained — everything from fire breathers and magicians to Elvis impersonators!

To all you thrillseekers, make the most of your visit by taking a spin on Fremont Street’s 12-story-high SlotZilla line — it’ll send you hurtling through the skies above the busy crowds below for almost 1,700 feet.

11 – Take the family to one of the city’s magic shows

A city as magical as Vegas oozes entertainment at every turn, so it’s no surprise that one of the most popular things to do in Las Vegas for first-time visitors is to sit front row for an awe-inspiring, how-the-heck-did-he-do-it magic show!

While you’ve got a few different shows to choose from, a popular top pick is Criss Angel MINDFREAK — an intense and jaw-dropping demonstration of the impossible by the famous illusionist himself.

From making objects vanish into thin air to floating 20 feet above the ground, this 90-minute show will have you on the edge of your seat (and possibly questioning your own sanity). Then there’s David Copperfield, a legend in the world of magic, who has been wowing audiences for decades with his signature style of grand illusion.

Adding another one to the mix, you’ve got The Mentalist, Gerry McCambridge. This interactive show invites members of the audience on stage to help McCambridge demonstrate his “psychic” abilities — it’s both fascinating and hilarious! Throw in family-friendly repertoires from the likes of Mac King, Mat Franco, and Nathan Burton, and you’ve got a whole host of shows to choose from.

• Las Vegas shows tickets

12 – Take a spin on The LINQ High Roller Ferris Wheel

Officially the tallest observation wheel in the country, The Linq High Roller towers over 550 feet above the tourist-lined LINQ shopping promenade. Offering a spellbinding view in every direction from each of its 28 glass pods, a spin on the wheel is one of the most popular things to do in Las Vegas.

For those not so keen on heights, don’t worry — your pod will be pretty spacious (and each one comes complete with its own bar, should you need a little liquid courage!). The ride lasts around 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the views and snap some epic photos, with tickets for children 12 free!

Hot tip: consider the Happy Half Hour package, an all-you-can-drink option that takes the sky-high loop all the more memorable (well, depending on how much you drink).

• LINQ High Roller tickets

See also: cheap things to do in Las Vegas

13 – Get a little romantic with a gondola ride at The Venetian

Like being transported to the charming, winding canals of Italy’s famed floating city, a gondola ride at The Venetian is one of the most romantic things to do in Las Vegas.

Snuggled up with your partner as you glide down the man-made canal, you’ll be serenaded by your gondolier (singing in both English and Italian!) while taking in the opulent sights of The Venetian Resort — think marble floors, ornate ceilings, and bridges adorned with flowering vines. And, of course, spectacular reproductions of some of Venice’s most iconic landmarks

The best part? You don’t even need to be staying at the hotel to enjoy a ride! And, thanks to its central location in between The LING and The Wynn, it’s a convenient stop on any day of Strip walkabout

Pinching pennies? While not the cheapest of Vegas’ tourist attractions, you can save a few dollars by grabbing a combination ticket to Madame Tussauds.

• Gondola boat rides

14 – Witness human ingenuity at the Hoover Dam

Just 30 miles southeast of the city lies one of America’s most iconic engineering feats: the Hoover Dam.

A stop here is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas for first timers, offering a fascinating insight into a very different side of Nevada, and detailing the history and construction of this mighty man-made wonder.

You can explore the dam on a VIP tour that gives you access to areas usually off-limits to the public, like the power plant control room and turbine gallery. Tours typically last about an hour, but you could easily spend half a day here if you really want to geek out on all things Hoover Dam!

And there’s no better place to do so than at the museum; full of fascinating stories and artifacts, the museum chronicles the Dam’s construction and role in society since the 1930s till today, telling of the people who worked on it, and displaying some of the classic vehicles and tools used during its construction.

• Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas

15 – Go shopping!

A shopaholic’s paradise, there are plenty of places to spend your hard-earned cash in Las Vegas.

From high-end malls like The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and Crystals at CityCenter to outdoor shopping districts like the LINQ Promenade, there’s something for everyone.

And if you’re looking for some serious retail therapy, don’t miss the Grand Bazaar Shops — an open-air market inspired by Istanbul’s iconic spice markets in front of Bally’s Las Vegas.

Malls aside, myriad unique shops await too. M&M’s World and the Coca-Cola Store are always popular with the kids (and the young at heart), while Hershey’s Chocolate World is perfect for, well, chocolate lovers!

For something a little more out there, check out the stores on Fremont Street — where you can find everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry and no shortage of quirky Sin City souvenirs!

16 – Explore the natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon

A beautiful slice of Mother Nature just a short drive from the city, Red Rock Canyon is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas for first-time visitors who want to escape the hustle and bustle of The Strip.

Located about 20 miles west of town, this national conservation area is home to towering red rock formations, Joshua trees, and desert wildlife like bighorn sheep, roadrunner (yep, they’re real), lizards, and wild burros.

There are plenty of ways to explore the wide and photogenic expanses of Red Rock Canyon too. You could hike or bike one of the many trails (the Calico Tanks Trail is a great choice for families, while the Mustang Trail is popular among mountain bikers), go horseback riding, take an on-road scooter or off-road jeep tour, or even try your hand at rock climbing!

No matter how you choose to spend your time here, you’re sure to be blown away by the raw beauty of this place.

• Red Rock Canyon tours from Las Vegas

Hot tip: don’t miss our top 10 Best Red Rock Canyon Tours from Las Vegas .

17 – Step into a psychedelic future at Area 15

Not to be confused with the infamous Area 51 (which is a top-secret military base about 80 miles north of the city), Area 15 is a new complex just off the Strip that’s quickly become one of Vegas’ most popular indoor destinations for its wacky and wonderful sci-fi themed attractions.

Comprising a collection of bars (check out the Oddwood cocktail bar which is canopies by a shimmering electric forest), restaurants, art galleries, and retail stores, as well as a sleuth of immersive experiences — test your aim at the ax-throwing station, button-mash at the Emporium arcade, unleash your inner Maverick at the flight simulator, and make sure to wander through Meow Wolf, a futuristic and artistic playground designed to captivate, confuse and delight.

But wait, there’s more. Scratch your itch for art at Van Gogh the Immersive Experience, or wet your whistle with a tasting at the Lost Spirits Distillery!

Hot tip; Check out the best things to do off the Las Vegas Strip .

18 – Appreciate horticulture at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden

A free and family-friendly activity that’s always worth a visit, the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden is a breathtaking display of horticultural excellence that changes with the seasons.

Located in the lobby of the iconic Bellagio hotel, this indoor garden is home to an ever-changing array of flowers, plants, trees, and topiaries — all expertly arranged by a team of dedicated horticulturists!

No matter when you visit, there’s always something new to see at the Bellagio Conservatory — from Chinese New Year displays complete with a massive dragon made out of red carnations to spooky Halloween decorations featuring skeletons made out of white roses.

You’ll also find a gift shop displaying whimsical garden-oriented gifts, fountains, and decorative items to take back home, as well as the Spa & Salon Bellagio around the corner, should you want to treat yourself post-visit.

19 – Catch the main highlights with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour

As a city overflowing with tourist attractions, it can be tough to know where to start when visiting Las Vegas for the first time.

One of the best (and most convenient) ways to get your bearings is by taking a hop-on-hop-off bus tour!

These open-top double-decker buses offer panoramic views of The Strip as they make their way up and down its length, stopping at all the major hotels and attractions along the way.

You can hop on and off as many times as you like over the course of a day or two, making it easy to explore everything from the famous fountains of Bellagio to the STRAT’s thrill rides.

Educational as well, tours also come with an informative audio guide, so you can learn all about the history and behind-the-scenes stories of Las Vegas as you go.

• Las Vegas hop on hop off bus tours

Hot tip: don’t miss our 10 Best Las Vegas Bus Tours .

20 – Hold on tight for a ride on the Big Apple Coaster

A bucket-list-worthy attraction for adrenaline junkies making the journey out to this Mojave Desert neon playground, the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York Hotel & Casino is one of The Strip’s most thrilling roller coasters.

Riding high above the busy Strip below (at a height of over 200 feet!), and reaching hair-raising max speeds of 67 miles per hour, this high-octane ride will have you zipping around tight turns, banking steep hills, and looping the loop, all while giving you front row seats to some of the best views of The Strip!

Along the way, you’ll pass by the hotel’s iconic New York replica skyline, including replicas of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Statue of Liberty, making for some truly unique photo ops. And to top it all off, your car is themed like a New York City taxicab!

After catching your breath post-ride, the on-site arcade delivers plenty more low-key activities to whisk away another hour.

• Big Apple Coaster tickets

21 – Marvel at the raw beauty of Antelope Canyon

Stunning and otherworldly, Antelope Canyon is one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas for good reason.

A slot canyon located in Arizona’s Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Antelope Canyon is home to some of the most beautiful and unique rock formations on Earth.

Tours run daily from Las Vegas (as well as other nearby cities like St. George, Utah, and Sedona, Arizona), and include round-trip transportation as well as a guided tour of the canyon itself.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos (trust us, you won’t be able to resist!), and your guide will also share stories and legends about the canyon’s history and formation.

Keep in mind that many of the best Antelope Canyon tours from Las Vegas include hotel-to-hotel transportation and depart bright and early between 7am and 8am – and often include a stop at the picturesque Horseshoe Bend – so expect a long day of outdoor fun!

• Antelope Canyon tours from Las Vegas

22 – Walk beneath apex predators at Shark Reef Aquarium

A Mandalay Bay crowd favorite, Shark Reef Aquarium is an underwater adventure like no other.

One of the largest in North America, this impressive aquarium is home to over 2000 animals, including sharks (no less than 15 species, if you don’t mind!), rays, sea turtles, piranhas, golden crocodiles, and a Komodo dragon!

You can even feed the sharks (if you’re brave enough), or take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn all about these majestic creatures from a fresh perspective.

Other must-see attractions at the tropical island shipwreck-themed aquarium include the illuminated jellyfish display, the immersive walk-through shark tunnel, the 1.3-million-gallon Shipwreck Exhibit (complete with a life-size replica of an 1800s cargo ship!), the world’s first VR Polar Journey exhibit, and the Touch Pool where you can get up close and personal with stingrays and starfish.

Plus, thanks to the location at the southernmost end of the Strip, it’s easy to access a plethora of shows and restaurants when you’re done!

• Shark Reef Aquarium tickets

23 – Meet your favorite celebs at Madame Tussauds

An oldie but a goodie, Madame Tussauds is one of the most beloved things to do in Las Vegas, and a must for any first-time visitor.

A world-renowned wax museum, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas features over 100 incredibly lifelike wax figures of some of the biggest celebrities and icons in Hollywood, including everyone from Lady Gaga and Brad Pitt to Johnny Depp and Jennifer Lopez. Beyond Tinseltown, you’ll also find sports icons, political faces, billionaires, and plenty more.

You can pose for photos with your favorite stars, create a music video with Drake, or ride Miley Cyrus’ wrecking ball — all guaranteed to light up the social media feed. And when you’re done checking out the main attraction, don’t forget to check out the on-site Marvel Super Heroes experience.

Located in between The LINQ and the Venetian, this classic family attraction is a justifiable magnet for first-time Vegas visitors.

• Madame Tussauds Las Vegas tickets

24 – Spend the morning in the Valley of Fire

Often spoken of as one of the  best day trips from Las Vegas , if not for the welcomed breath of fresh air it provides then for the proximity to Sin City compared to the likes of the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park , and Bryce Canyon, the raw and beautiful Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, renowned for its 46,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone that have been shaped over the last 150 million years by water and wind into some of the most unique rock formations on Earth.

Highlights include hiking trails that lead to ancient petroglyphs (4,000-year-old rock carvings) left behind by the Native Americans who once inhabited the area, as well as opportunities to camp, picnic, stargaze, and a whole lot more

While many travelers make the hour-long drive to the park themselves, paying the $5-per-car entry fee, others prefer the guided tour route. Besides presenting a hassle-free alternative (pickup, dropoff, and knowledgable tour guide included), you can also choose from exciting excursions like horseriding, dune buggy rides, guided hikes, and more.

Hot tip: for a jealousy-evoking photo that shows off the incredible landscape, climb the rock off the side of Mouse Tank Road (coordinates 36°26’56.2″N 114°30’56.3″W).

• Valley of Fire tours from Las Vegas

25 – Browse the quirky collection at Las Vegas: Pawn Stars

Made famous by the History Channel show of the same name, the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop is one of the more underrated yet enjoyable things to do in Las Vegas for first-time visitors.

Starring father-son duo Richard and Corey Harrison, alongside Corey’s childhood friend Austin “Chumlee” Russell, the hour-long show follows the family business as they appraise items brought in by members of the public hoping to make a quick buck.

While you might not be able to appear on the show itself (unless you’re lucky), you can still browse through the shop’s impressive collection of memorabilia and knickknacks from across the years, including everything from Civil War-era weapons to limited edition baseball cards, Elvis Presley records, and so much more.

For the ultimate trash-to-treasure experience, consider one of the Pawn Stars tours — besides a guided tour of the shop floor, you’ll also visit nearby gems (tour-dependant) like automobile restoration and customization company, Count’s Kustoms; the Shelby American Collection (home of a handful of pristinely-maintained Shelbys), the new Allegiant Stadium, and Rick Harrison’s Roll’n Smoke BBQ & Tavern!

• Las Vegas Pawn Stars tour

26 – Zoom above the city on a zipline

Thrillseekers, rejoice! Sin City doesn’t do things by halves, which is why the opportunities to get your adrenaline pumping are practically endless — from rollercoasters and Ferris wheels to skydiving and hot air ballooning, if you’re looking for an exhilarating experience, you’ll find it in Vegas.

One of the most popular (and definitely one of the most fun) things to do in Las Vegas is zip-lining across the Freemont Street Experience. Stretching for over 800 feet and reaching a height of 115 feet, the lower-level SlotZilla zipline sends you hurling down above the open-air mall; after launching from the world’s largest slot machine, you’ll be greeted with a bird’s eye view of all the action below.

The upper SlotZilla level, on the other hand, tower 114 feet high and sends you down the entire Fremont Street Experience superhero-style! For 1700 feet!

Meanwhile, over on the Strip, the heart-pounding Fly LINQ Zipline experience offers riders a unique way to see all of the action on the Las Vegas Strip. Launching from The LINQ Promenade, you’ll reach speeds of up to 35mph as you zip your way down 12 stories, with panoramic views of some of Vegas’ most iconic landmarks including the Bellagio fountains, Caesar’s Palace, High Roller, and more.

With bright lights, live music, and plenty of people-watching opportunities both Downtown and on the Strip, it’s no wonder that zip-lining has become one of the most popular things to do in Las Vegas for first-time visitors.

• Ziplining in Las Vegas

Read more: Zip Lines in Las Vegas Complete Guide .

27 – Unleash the inner cowboy with a horse riding adventure

A wonderful chance to realign yourself with nature following a few days of non-stop action in the city, horseback riding through the Wild West — whether that be in the beautiful Red Rock Canyon, Joshua Tree National Park, or just outside of the town of Henderson — is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas for first timers, taking visitors on a journey to the age of cowboys and outlaws.

Take Red Rock Canyon, for example; Just a short drive from The Strip, the canyon boasts several hiking and walking trails as well as opportunities for rock climbing, mountain biking, and picnicking — but it’s the chance to explore on horseback that makes this spot so special.

With towering red sandstone mountains providing a stunning backdrop, you can choose from a number of different trail options depending on your ability level, with each offering its own unique insights into the area’s history and wildlife (keep an eye out for bighorn sheep), as well as a hearty breakfast and/or lunch to boot.

Whether you’re an experienced rider or someone who’s never even been on a horse, thanks to the helpful and history-savvy guides, it’s a frontrunner for the bucket list.

• horse riding tours in Las Vegas

28 – Join the crowd at a sporting event

Whether you’re a hockey but or a football fanatic, there’s no denying that catching a live sporting event promises an exhilarating evening away from the casino floor

For hockey fans, a visit to the T-Mobile Arena to watch the Vegas Golden Knights is an absolute must; as not only will you get to see some top-tier ice hockey action, but you’ll witness behind the scenes a backstage tour and also be able to soak up the unique atmosphere that can only be found in Vegas.

Meanwhile, over at the Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders NFL team, you can enjoy all the action from one of the stadium’s 65,000 seats — and with a retractable field and state-of-the-art facilities, it’s one of the most impressive stadiums in the league.

Of course, these are just two examples; depending on when you’re visiting, you might also be able to catch a basketball game at the Thomas & Mack Center (home of UNLV Runnin’ Rebels ) or a soccer game at Cashman Field (home of the Las Vegas Lights FC ).

29 – Step back in time at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

One of the best tourist attractions in Las Vegas  for those who appreciate a slice of history, the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel and Casino takes visitors on a journey through one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Featuring more than 250 artifacts recovered from the wreckage site, as well as full-scale recreations of some of the ship’s most famous rooms (including a section of the Grand Staircase), the exhibition provides an insight into what life was like onboard the ill-fated vessel.

And with personal accounts from survivors, as well as touching tributes to those who lost their lives, not to mention an iceberg you can actually touch, it’s a fascinating experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

• Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition tickets

30 – Wake up early for a hot air balloon ride

While Vegas delivers a mighty punch from street level, with bright lights and towering buildings, it’s only when you see the city from above that you can really appreciate its size and scale.

One of the best ways to do this is by taking to the skies in a hot air balloon, where you’ll not only get unparalleled views of the city, but of the surrounding Mojave Desert from 10,000 feet above its dry and rugged floor.

With several different companies offering tours (most of which include a champagne toast to cap off what will be a wonderful morning flight), it’s an experience that’s well worth checking out, particularly at sunrise when the light is at its most beautiful.

• hot air balloon in Las Vegas

31 – Get married… Vegas style!

It wouldn’t be a cliché trip to Vegas without a trip down the aisle, and whether you’re looking for a traditional ceremony or something a little more out-there ( Elvis officiating anyone?), as part of tying the knot or renewing your vows, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to getting hitched in Sin City.

One popular spot for tying the knot is at the Neon Museum , where you can exchange your vows beneath some of Vegas’ most iconic signs in front of your closest family and friends; or if you’re after something a little more low-key, then one of the many chapels dotted around town might be more up your alley. A popular (read: unique) way to tie the knot is at the drive-thru chapel, while the classic Graceland Chapel , made famous by Elvis, draws lovey-dubby music fans like moths to a flame.

No matter which chapel tickles your fancy, a host of packages – including limo transportation, guest services, romantic meals, and plenty more – are on offer to make your special day one to remember.

• Wedding and Vow Renewal in Las Vegas

Save money with a first-timer tourist pass!

While Sin City boasts no shortage of high roller casino floors and lavish hotel rooms, penny-pinching and budget-savvy travelers aren’t overlooked. In fact, a sleuth of options awaits for those looking to save a few dollars while ticking off all of the city’s quintessential sights.

Crafted to handle all the organizing and make tourists’ lives easier, the Go Las Vegas Explorer Pass provided discounted access to over 35 different tours and activities throughout the city. All you need to do is choose your favorites places to visit, choose how many you want to see, and snap a few selfies along the way!

Start your trip the right way: book an airport transfer

You’re on vacation, so why should you be concerned about such mundane things as getting to your hotel? Instead, rely on the professionals. Book an airport transfer and arrive at your accommodation in style! Not only will you save time in transit by avoiding the bus or waiting at the taxi rank, but you’ll also be treated to a friendly chauffeur who’ll happily share some of the in-the-know secrets about Las Vegas’ favorite local haunts.

But wait, there’s so much more to see!

Looking for more excitement, romance, adrenaline, and beautiful landmarks? Then do yourself a favor and check out our complete list of all the fun things to do in Las Vegas ! Or, if traveling with kids in tow, there’s a handful of specific family things to do in Las Vegas with kids and teens .

Of course, for all you vagabonding lovers, Vegas dishing up an electric atmosphere like few other cities, where every day can feel like February 14th — and we’ve compiled a collection of all the top-rated romantic things to do in Las Vegas for couples !

Last but not least, if you don’t feel like venturing too far from the center of the action, you’re still spoiled for choice thanks to the myriad diverse things to do on the Las Vegas Strip . From restaurants to shopping malls, ziplines, casino floors, pool parties, roller-coasters, and more, the world (read: The Strip) is your oyster.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our selection of the best things to do in Las Vegas for first timers! If you have any other must-see suggestions, feel free to let us know in the comments! As always, happy travels!

• Attractions

Best Las Vegas tourist attractions In 2024

Here is the list of my favorite Las Vegas tourist attractions in 2024, that you can visit when you don't feel like gambling anymore! While my tips contain plenty of famous as well as new attractions, I recommend to start from these: Area 15, CityCenter, Princess Diana Exhibit at Crystals, Immersive Van Gogh, Seven Magic Mountains, Dining in the Dar.

More Attractions

• Inside Top Hotels
• Free Things To Do

Escape Rooms

• Pool Parties
• Axe Throwing

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

• Roller Coasters
• Art Galleries
• Fremont St.
• Fashion show Mall

Town Square

• City Center

AREA15 is a one-of-a-kind Las Vegas tourist attraction that offers a unique and immersive entertainment experience. Opened just in 2020, it has now become one of the most popular and unique places to visit, located just one mile off the Strip. If I had to choose two words to describe this place, they would be futuristic and psychedelic. Hidden within the dark walls of an inconspicuous building, AREA15 is a destination on its own - offering multiple entertainment experiences such as rides, alternate realities, and immersions, and concerts. Just walking around it feels surreal. Tickets have to be purchased in advance. While you can get into AREA15 for free by securing a pass through their website, attractions require a separate ticket or can be booked as passes for several attractions.

Currently, Area 15 features the following attractions: Dueling Axes - an axe throwing experience in a stylish setting with a bar; Emporium - a venue with arcade games, billiards and pinballs, Five Iron Golf - an indoor golf experience with a huge screen; Birdly - a high-flying simulator; Halley's Comet - a zipline, Georgia O’Keeffe’s exhibition, and, most notably, Lost Spirits Distillery, my favorite experience, which is part immersive vaudeville show part rum distillery tour.

In addition to its attractions, AREA15 has several fine dining restaurants, all in the same dream-like setting as the rest of the venue. Below are the current most notable exhibits at AREA15.

Illuminarium at Area 15

Illuminarium is a fantastic Las Vegas tourist attraction that uses the most modern technology, such as 4K interactive projection, 360° audio, and floor vibrations, to take you on two family-friendly journeys, as well as one adults-only experience. Families can visit "Space," which will take you on a wondrous and imaginative journey into unknown worlds where you will fly among the stars, walk on the moon, and break asteroids. Another family-friendly attraction at Illuminarium is "Safari," which takes you to the wonderful world of safari parks in Africa where you will encounter exotic animals in their natural habitats. In the evening, Illuminarium turns into an adults-only experience complete with alcoholic beverages, live DJ music, and incredible immersive views.

Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart at Area 15

One of the most unusual Las Vegas tourist attractions you will ever see happens in Sin City when you decide to go shopping at Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart. Located inside Area 15, Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart is a 52,000 square foot interactive art installation that combines artwork from artists around the world that features a grocery store theme. As you stroll through the store you will view incredible artwork that borderlines Andy Warhol’s Campbell Soups and when you gaze at the farmland scenes packed with animals you will smile with hunger. The surrealist artists mix a little bit of everything from sci-fi horror to bubblegum pop to glitch 80s art that sprouts seeds in your imagination as you walk through the exhibits. An interesting area is the frozen foods section that is a Neon Dystopia of illusions so real you might think you are hallucinating. While this experience is not for everyone, I actually found it quite enjoyable.

Axe Throwing places

I have no doubt that you've heard of the thrilling experiences of axe throwing and wreck rooms, and you may have even tried your hand at one or two of them. In fact, there are plenty of axe throwing places located on or near the Strip that have sprung up in the last few years and are now among the most fun Las Vegas tourist attractions.

Axe throwing is a perfect activity for both seasoned pros and newcomers alike, thanks to its ability to add a rush of excitement when you aim at a breakable object while gripping the handle of an axe or hatchet, unleashing your inner beast. Or when you just want to go wild by wrecking things like furniture, old computers, or dishes.

Some of the most fun axe throwing spots in Vegas include Dueling Axes at Area 15 in a unique immersive setting, Sin City Smash, Axehole Vegas on Fremont Street, and Axe Monkeys. So whether you're looking for a fun date night or a unique activity to enjoy with friends, axe throwing and wreck rooms in Las Vegas are sure to deliver a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

A great Las Vegas tourist attraction to visit and explore some of the most incredible artwork created by one of the classic painters of all-time is the Immersive Van Gogh Las Vegas. Located at the CityCenter and Aria, the exhibit features stunning technology that allows for an in-depth and immersive view of the artwork created by Van Gogh. The iconic artist portrayed his life of loss, mental illness, emotions, love, and his recovery through his paintings which offer insight about his life. The immersive exhibit gives visitors an up close and personal look into Van Gogh’s painting skills as you watch the lasers create every painting stroke of this iconic painting genius. The exhibit is laid out over 500,000 cubic feet with intense laser projections of such paintings as The Potato Eater, Starry Night, Sunflowers, and The Bedroom which are projected onto walls for you to view while listening to his life’s story narrated in the surrounding air. The immersive exhibit was created by Massimiliano Siccardi who brought the exhibit to France along with David Korins a well-respected creative director from Las Vegas.

Princess Diana: A Tribute Exhibition

While at the Crystals shops, you might want to check out the fascinating Princess Diana exhibition. This exhibition features around 700 real artifacts (as well as some replicas) from Diana's life and is a beautifully made, museum-quality experience. On display are several of her dresses, including a replica of her famous wedding dress and her wedding shoes. The walls showcase newspaper articles that chronicle her life, a complete timeline of her wedding to Prince Charles, and, sadly, a chronicle of her death. The exhibition also includes exhibits about her sons Harry and William, as well as miniature dolls in the outfits Diana wore to various occasions. I found the exhibition to be both beautiful and nostalgic and highly recommend it to anyone who remembers Diana or wants to learn more about her life.

fantasy lab

A new cool Las Vegas tourist attraction, which is immersive in the best traditions of the latest trends, is Fantasy Lab, located insite Fashion Show Mall on the Strip. Fantasy Lab is composed of 7 separate expereinces. Before you enter the experiences per se, you will walk through a restaurant featuring awesome wall art featuring portraits of dogs and cats, and a few old arcade games that you can play for free. Then you actually arrive to the Fantasy lab experiences. Each experience takes about 10 minutes. Enlightenment is a show feauring stars. Insomnia is kind of like a children's room with interesting objects hanging around on the walls, such as wall clocks. Kaleidoscope makes you feel as if inside a giant, well, Kaledoscope. And beware of the Nightmare room, as it will make you feel quite uneasy (like I was), with it's images of the scary insects and fantasy objects.Circus projects cartoon-style circus images on the wall. But my favorite exhibit is Labyrinth, with cool glass-like walls in a range of pastel colors that you can get lost in.

BLACKOUT: Dining in the Dark in Las Vegas

Blackout Dining is a fantastic Las Vegas tourist attraction that I highly recommend. My husband and I enjoyed it during our last trip to Vegas. Blackout dining is a unique experience where you dine in complete darkness. When your sense of sight is shut off, you get to feel and taste the food in an entirely new way that is impossible to describe. Before entering the restaurant, you must leave all your belongings in a locker, including your phone. Naturally, no photos or light sources are allowed during the dining experience, and only the servers get to see thanks to night vision goggles. You enter the restaurant by holding onto the shoulders of the waiter. Another fun part about blackout dining is that you don't know what you're having – it's part of the whole experience! Overall, I highly recommend this experience when you're in Vegas, except, maybe, if you are claustrophobic.

Snappy Burger

Address: 101 N Decatur Blvd

You may be wondering why would I recommend a Burger place as a cool Las Vegas tourist attraction? Wrong you are - Snappy Burger is not just a burger joint. The coolest thing about this place is that they offer free drive in movies right at their pakring lot! This whole experience makes you feel like you are back to the 70's, when drive in movies were a thing. Well, they still are, at Snappy Burger! Jut go through their drive in, order burgers, find a spot to park and you are all set! You can see what movis they are showing right on their website.

KAMU Ultra Karaoke

One of the newest Las Vegas tourist attractions that is friendly to everyone from families to friends to VIP parties is to rent a unique soundproof room at KAMU Ultra Karaoke. Your singing or e-gaming experience begins when you arrive at the Palazzo Tower within the Venetian Resort. Once inside KAMU Ultra Karaoke you will find 40 beautifully attired soundproof singing and e-gaming rooms that are just waiting to unleash fun and excitement. Each room is ideally equipped to handle everything with superb audio and visual technology that allows you to stream music from your own personal devices if you want. During your time at KAMU Ultra Karaoke you can enjoy bottle service, drink specials, and award winning cuisine while you belt out your favorite songs with friend or family. Families should note special hours during the day and large parties can be accommodated with advance notice.

Titanic The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel and Casino

Many people are still fascinated with the fate of several shipwrecks and if you are curious about the shipwrecks, then you need to go see Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Your admission ticket allows you to view the numerous artifacts that have been recovered from this famous shipwreck and you will be amazed at the collection. As you stroll through this Las Vegas tourist attraction at your own pace, you will experience over 250 artifacts from this iconic shipwreck of 1912 that sunk on her maiden voyage. Some of the items you can explore are jewelry, luggage, champagne bottles, china, floor tiles, the ship’s whistle and even a large piece of the Titanic’s hull. Other artifacts that will stun you are a replica of the first and third-class cabins and the Grand Staircase which is fascinating. As you walk you will be delighted with the educational information that is displayed with the artifacts that give you a better understanding of what happened on that fateful night in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas

A great Las Vegas tourist attraction for you to experience the gorgeous views of the Strip and surrounding area from a bird’s eye view is the Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas. Once you redeem your admission ticket at the box office, you will take an exhilarating 46-story elevator ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower where you step out on to the incredible viewing deck of this iconic replicated structure of Paris. Once strolling the observation deck you have big views of the Fountains at Bellagio, the Luxor pyramids, the beautiful Mojave Desert, and the numerous other attractions like the High Roller. There will be plenty of incredible places on the 360-degree deck for you to take photographs and understand the real hustle and bustle of the Strip from high above. Other items of interest at the Eiffel Tower is buying a professional photograph of yourself or party from Kodak’s Total Snap Shot Kiosk and if you get hungry stop by the Eiffel Tower Restaurant on the 11th floor to indulge in exciting French cuisine.

Shelby American Prime Experience

If you are a muscle car enthusiast who wants to experience viewing hundreds of specialty cars, then the ideal Las Vegas tourist attraction for you to book is the Shelby Prime Experience. Your exclusive look at muscle cars begins when you arrive at the Shelby Heritage Center and meet your private tour guide. From here you stroll the center while your guide informs you about the life of Carrol Shelby, who started his company of making very fast cars in 1962. There are numerous interactive exhibits to see that range from race videos to the early days in his factory making cars to racing gear worn by drivers that won hundreds of races using his unique technology with muscle cars and more. While there, you will experience 30 different makes and models of Shelby Muscle Cars. After you exclusive private tour of the Shelby Heritage Center feel free to stop by the gift shop where you will find thousands of interesting memorabilia items that you can purchase.

Nostalgia Street Rods Museum

When you are interested in seeing hundreds of unique hot rods, cars, scooters, bicycles, and pieces of memorabilia from musical to sports figures, then you need to go visit the Nostalgia Street Rods Museum. When you enter this fabulous museum you will experience a dream come true while viewing hundreds of unique one-of-a-kind automobiles dating from 1910 to 1984. Your eyes will pop when you see the collection of automobiles that have been collected for over 65 years by the Goldstrom family. There are high-powered street rods, classic cars like Model T’s, and just about every unique car manufactured by the world’s automotive industry. Also included in your admission is a chance to see some incredible sports memorabilia signed by famous athletes from Koby Bryant to Arnold Palmer to Mohamad Ali, and numerous other athletes. There is also a ton of music memorabilia to experience from such musicians as Elvis, Jimmy Hendrix, and the legendary guitar maker Les Paul. You can also upgrade your admission ticket to a VIP tour with a member of the Goldstrom Family and a signature t-shirt.

The Strat Tower Observation Deck

When you want to take a peek from above of the hustling and bustling streets of Sin City including the Strip and Las Vegas Valley, then an ideal Las Vegas tourist attraction for you to try is the Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck. With your ticket in hand, you first take a thrilling elevator ride up 1,149-feet in the air to the observation deck high above the Strip. Once on top you will standing on the second highest observation tower in the Western Hemisphere of the world. Here you can enjoy the fabulous bird’s eye views from the outdoor or indoor deck that offers climate control and big windows for you to see everything. You can experience the vastness of the Mojave Desert that stretches from Las Vegas Valley to other surrounding states. View the hundreds of flights taking off from the airport and listen for several helicopters in the sky while you soak in the big views that are offered from the decks. Listen to the screaming people filling up their tanks with adrenaline on the numerous amusement park style rides and you can upgrade your ticket to include an Unlimited Ride Pass, the Strat SkyJump or simply enjoy a drink at Las Vegas’ highest cocktail outlet the Air Bar.

See also The Strat Rides

Real Bodies at Horseshoe Hotel and Casino

If you want to learn more about how the human body works through a series of lifelike exhibit that immerse you into thinking, then the perfect Las Vegas tourist attraction for you to try is the Real Bodies at Horseshoe Hotel and Casino. Once inside this stunning exhibit you can view more than 200 anatomical correct specimens of the human body through 20 bodies that have been preserved for this event. Each exhibit will take you on a journey of the human body in a creative, accurate, and thought provoking way that will have you thinking about your body for hours and months. Several of the galleries offer unique pieces of art associated with the human body and many tell a story of humans from many years, decades, and even centuries from before. As you stroll through the exhibit your eyes will feast on the human body’s system in a way only seen before by doctors, medical students, and not the public. After visiting the exhibit your outlook on your body, mind, and soul will be changed forever.

Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum

Most people enjoy watching movies with hundreds of special effects that enhance the plot of a movie and if you want to see one the world’s greatest collection of movie special effects, then you need to go to Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum. Located in Boulder City, the museum is the brainchild of master special effect artist Tom Devlin whose company1313FX has been featured in more than 100 movies since 2001. The museum’s mission is to preserve special effects from artists around the world for ordinary people to view and understand the complexity of the business. Once inside you can gaze at intricate pieces of special effects from masks to costumes to full-life figures to incredible pieces made exclusively for the movies and the entertainment industry. You will view a real life Frankenstein, Were Wolf, items from hit movies like Scream, Friday the 13th, and the movie series of Halloween. The museum has a great gift shop with plenty of memorabilia and you can upgrade your ticket to have a personalized tour given by Tom Devlin, the master of special effects.  

See more things to do in downtown Las Vegas

Erotic Heritage Museum Las Vegas

People that are interested in the sexual behaviors of humans over several thousand years, now have the opportunity to understand more when you make a visit to the Erotic Heritage Museum Las Vegas. Once you arrive at this Las Vegas tourist attraction you will be surprised on what all is on exhibit as you stroll the galleries viewing unique pieces that explain much about the sexual behaviors of humans. Some of the more fascinating exhibits include a look at ancient Roman culture through the eyes of Emperor Tiberius where you gaze at hand painted tiles portraying numerous people in different sexual positions and acts. You can learn more about the sexual culture of Africa when you stroll through the gallery featuring sculptures and paintings created by the Legba and Fon People of Benin. Other interesting galleries include the 3D art sculptures of renowned artist Andrew Prince, paintings by one of the rotated artists such as Valeria Nova or multimedia artist Elizabeth A. Johnson who includes sculptures in her exhibit too.  

Las Vegas tourist attractions On The Strip

The iconic setting for movies, books and songs! A visit to the Strip is one of the most famous Las Vegas tourist attractions. Glitz, lights, glamour and money, money, money, the Las Vegas Strip is home to the most famous hotels and casinos in the world. Book your stay on the Strip, take a stroll and spot the celebs and beautiful people hiding behind designer sunglasses.

Eat, drink, party, try your hand at the slot machines, watch a show and then dance till dawn. The Strip never sleeps. See the famous spots like Treasure Island, Paris, The Golden Nugget, Bellagio and Caesar’s Palace. The world's trendiest clubs and restaurants are located here. This adult fantasy land will take your breath away. From Cirque du Soleil to dramatic architecture, Ferris wheels and retail therapy, you will never get bored. When you have had enough on the ground, enjoy a different view of the Strip in a breathtaking helicopter ride.

Downtown Las Vegas tourist attractions

Although the main focus of Las Vegas has shifted to the Strip, a visit to Downtown is something you must do in Las Vegas.

Downtown offers a plethora of Las Vegas tourist attractions. Historians will be delighted to explore the History Museum and the Mob Museum. The Neon Museum is unique in the world, housing a display of old Las Vegas neon signs that came from demolished buildings or businesses that closed down. Experience Fremont Street which includes the Moulin Rouge, the first hotel in the city to become racially integrated. This street is also famous for the Fremont Street Experience. Be awed by a sound and light show comprising over two million lights and the world's biggest audio-video system that creates an unforgettable experience.

Depending on your mood, you can take a walking tour down Fremont Street that focuses on food, history or art. Visit fascinating off-the-main-track spots while knowledgeable guides give you detailed information as you stroll along. See where Frank Sinatra and friends hung out and visit the iconic Gold & Silver Pawn store, made famous in the popular TV show, Pawn Stars.

Get Your Free Las Vegas Events Calendar!

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours by Papilloin Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours by Maverick Awesomest Things to do in Las Vegas Every Day!

Las Vegas Reality Show VIP Tour

TV addicts now have a reason to get off the couch! Join this tour of the famous Las Vegas tourist attractions and meet the famous stars that grace your screens, in person. You will visit a number of venues, spending 20-30 minutes at each. Start off at the setting of Tanked, where you will see how these incredible fish tanks are produced. Discover where Pawn Stars is filmed and be awed when you see the actors, like Rick Harrison, in person. Stop at the iconic shop, Ultimate Sports Cards & Memorabilia and buy a souvenir to take home. American Restoration, Counting Cars, Toy Shack are also on the list of must-see attractions you'll visit. Meeting the stars is subject to their filming schedules, be sure to check first with the tour operator.

The Hunger Games: The Exhibition

When you visit the Hunger Games: The Exhibition, you will be submerged in one of the best Las Vegas tourist attractions to hit the Strip in years that highlights the incredible choreography of the Hunger Games. Located at the District within the MGM Grand, the exhibition showcases all of the intricate and interesting items that made the Hunger Games a world class production. As you walk through the exhibit you can expect to see all 30 original costumes worn by the cast including the fabulous “Girl on Fire” dress, the red and black armor of Mockingjay, the Peacekeeper’s armor, and of course the costumes of Tigris and Peeta as well as the Mockingjay gown. Other spectacular items on display are hundreds of props used in the movies such as Katniss’ bow and arrows. Test your shooting skill when you experience an interactive activity pf shooting arrows at a 60-foot wide screen that has you chasing villains and good guys. You can take a walk through the District 13, the Tribute Train, the Hall of Justice and President’s Snow office. The exhibit is truly unique and brings out the best of why this award winning film was such a block buster hit.

If you are feeling the need for speed, then a visit to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a must. This iconic Race Track hosts the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the Las Vegas 400. The complex is world renowned and offers seating for over 150000 spectators. This famous Las Vegas tourist attraction features a 1.5 mile super speedway as well as a dirt track that is used for the Indy League.

Get into the mood when you sit in the grand stands and hear these amazing race cars scream past. The world's best drivers race here! Sit in the Neon Garage, a first class fan area located directly in front of Winner’s Circle. You can also get close to pit road to see all the off-track action.

The brave can get out of the stands and into a real car with a professional driver. Car lovers must experience this amazing drive opportunity. There are a number of different options to choose from, how about a drive in a V8 Corvette or a few breathtaking laps in a Corvette Z06?

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

You will never run out of attractions in Vegas, and the most well known neon sign in the world has to be the 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' sign. The sign is actually situated outside the city in the nearby town of Paradise, but no-one minds! This sign has inspired movies, books and TV shows. Park in the parking lot and snap your pictures of the 25 foot high tower. You will have Las Vegas in the background for a stunning photo scene.

This iconic sign was given a place in the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, 50 years after it was first lit up. Once you have this picture you know that you have truly arrived in Vegas, Nevada.

FlyOver Las Vegas

One of the newest and more exciting Las Vegas tourist attractions which combines incredible iconic views of the numerous natural landscapes and plenty of stimulation to the mind and body is the FlyOver Las Vegas. Your experience begins when you arrive to FlyOver Las Vegas located next to the Hard Rock Café across from the MGM Grand on the Strip. Here you have a choice of two fascinating experiences that include a flyover of Iceland or the Wild West. Once seated in on the state-of-the-art machine that simulates a helicopter flight, you face an enormous 52.5 HD screen that features excellent scenery of each destination. Your ride includes numerous stimulating aspects from gyration to speed to quick turns and more. The Wild West experience features iconic landscapes from the American Southwest such as the Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Lake Tahoe, Zion National Park, and you finish by gliding through the iconic Las Vegas Strip. The Iceland experience has you glided over exquisite scenery from volcanoes to lush green hydrothermal areas to incredible mountains and of course plenty of glaciers. If you have the extra time by a combo ticket to experience both fantastic areas of the world.

Bellagio Fountains

Everything on the Strip is larger than life and a night out at the Bellagio Fountains is a fun free Las Vegas tourist attraction. The Fountains are located in a man made lake set in front of the famous Bellagio Hotel. The designers took their inspiration from the original fountains in Bellagio, Italy, at the Lake Como Resort.

Enjoy a romantic show set to music and watch the choreographed water jets dance in dazzling displays, shapes and forms in stunning colours. The shows range from classical music to modern day pop and will suit all tastes. Watch a few, you will never see the same display more than once. The technology and theatrical display cannot fail to impress and the majestically elegant Bellagio Hotel as a backdrop makes for picture perfect scenes. There is a show every half hour from 3pm in the afternoons to 8pm at night and every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight.

Venetian Gondola Rides

A great Las Vegas tourist attraction that is ideal for romantic couples and for families is a Venetian Gondola Ride. Located within the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, the Venetian Gondola Rides will have you relaxing on the water as you cruise the Venice style canals. While you are riding on the gondolas, you will be serenated by your gondolier who will also fill you in on interesting stories about Las Vegas and the original Venice Canals. The Venetian Gondola Rides are a great way to enjoy a soothing ride on the water inside climate controlled area where your eyes will feast on incredible murals that are reminiscent of the Venice. Outside the pristine garden is tranquil and always in bloom. When you are finished make sure you indulge in a little shopping or dining within the Grand Canal Shoppes where you will find a little piece of Italy on corner.

High Roller at The Linq

One of the best Las Vegas tourist attractions that offers unparalleled views of the Strip and is perfect for all travelers is the High Roller at The Linq. The High Roller is the tallest Ferris/Observation Wheel in the world and towers over the Strip at 550-feet. Each of the 28 attached cars boast an unbelievable 360-degree view of Sin City during your 30-minute ride that is sure to please everyone. Once on board you have several options you can add-on from a bottle of champagne to professional photographs to handcrafted cocktails and you can even get married on the High Roller which offers one of Las Vegas’s most unique wedding venues. Whether you want to experience the ride during the day and peer out into the Mojave Desert or night where the neon lights will have your eyes popping, the High Roller will exceed all expectations.

HyperX Arena Las Vegas

One of the more technologically advanced Las Vegas tourist attractions is the HyperX Arena where patrons can play and watch the hottest new action in HyperX. Located within the Luxor Hotel, the HyperX Arena is a 30,000-square foot space that turns into a high-tech gamers dream come true. The arena has everything a gamer and a spectator of HyperX would need such as a competition stage, 50-foot LED video wall, VIP lounges, an upscale restaurant by Chef Jose Andres and a production as well as broadcast studio. There are state-of-the-art gaming consoles for all the newest games and the vintage video game consoles are a hit with every gamer. Gamers and HyperX spectators can purchase a variety of packages from competitions to solo play to team HyperX and there is always some sort of weekly tournament for all gamers to enter.

Seven Magic Mountains

Jettisoning into the air with brilliant colors and formations is an intriguing Las Vegas tourist attraction named the Seven Magic Mountains created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. Located 10-miles south of Las Vegas near Jean Dry Lake within the Ivanpah Valley, the Seven Magic Mountains has been attracting visitors as well as selfie takers since opening in May 2016. The interesting pieces of artwork are composed of seven prolific stone mountains or columns constructed of boulders which are painted in a variety of rainbow colors. The colorful stone mountains rise into the Mojave Desert sky for 30-feet and are surrounded by numerous mountain ranges that boast the perfect backdrop for photographs.

Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck

When you are ready to experience the best view in Sin City then the best Las Vegas tourist attraction for you to try is the Stratosphere Tower. The Stratosphere Tower is an engineering marvel with in itself as the 1,149-foot high structure is the highest in observation area in the United States. The tower is more than just an observation deck with the best view of the Strip and once inside you can revel in superb entertainment, dining and thrill seekers venues. The restaurants are a great place for lunch or that romantic dinner and there is plenty of nightlife at one of the three clubs perched on top of the tower. For the thrill seeker you can have your heart stop beating while bungee jumping, a catapult coaster and you can soar above the Strip while riding Insanity. Add-in shopping and rooftop pools, the tower will keep you busy for days.

Friends, families and groups of strangers already know that Escape Rooms are one of the best Las Vegas tourist attractions to visit when you want to indulge in fun and solve interesting puzzles. Patrons are amazed at the intricacies of each game that are perfectly thought out with exciting challenges at every turn. Escape Rooms in Las Vegas offer team challenges that need to be completed and each question of the riddle must be answered or the whole team may perish. There are a variety of exciting scenarios at each location which may have you creating a vaccine to cure a plague to fighting zombies to solving a Sherlock Holmes style mystery and there are futuristic rooms that will have you flying a spacecraft or being chased by a scary SAW villain. The challenges are endless at escape rooms but your time to escape is limited to one hour.

Shooting Ranges

One of the more adrenaline filled Las Vegas tourist attractions for everyone including families to experience is to visit one of the many stellar shooting ranges in Las Vegas. You can hear the crack of every round once inside these facilities that boast a unique experience for gun and firearm enthusiasts. Your mouth will drop when you see the collection of firearms available to shoot that range from Berettas to an AK-47 to a M60 which is sure to blow you out of your shoes. Each facility offers state-of-the-art firearm training and unique shooting ranges that can include inside action on an urban oriented course or outside action while cruising in a Humvee in a desert location. Packages can easily be customized to suit all types of shooters from novice to expert, which make shooting ranges in Las Vegas one the best values in Sin City.

Lion Habitat

Visiting a Lion habitat is probably an unexpected Las Vegas tourist attraction, but this is a city of surprises! Take the family and enjoy a day out getting close to these Kings of the Jungle. The venue has over 40 lions and their cubs on display in natural surroundings.

The Habitat also acts as a Conservation Centre and interesting talks will educate you about the fabulous work done here to protect and breed the lions. You can also see ostriches, giraffe and emus. Sit and enjoy a picnic in the designated area while the huge cats stroll around you, it is an experience to last a lifetime! If you want to be more hands-on, there are feeding sessions that you can take part in.

For something special, book a 'Behind the Scenes Tour' which is designed for small groups of up to 10 people and is guided by professional lion trainers.

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay

Everything in Vegas is unexpected and a visit to a shark reef that is housed inside one of the hotels is the next amazing Las Vegas tourist attraction. Set off to the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino where you will find an Aquarium with a display of over 2000 animals. This is a perfect day out for the whole family.

The aquarium features 14 exhibits that are showcased in more than one and a half million gallons of water. Walk through a clear acrylic tunnel under the water and see the sharks swimming around. The sensation is mind-blowing. There are 15 species of shark including Galapagos sharks, zebra sharks and grey reef sharks as well as a host of other marine creatures like sea turtles, crocodiles, piranhas, parrotfish, angelfish, Moray eels and jellyfish. Children will love the touch pools where they can feel the creatures, excluding the piranhas off course! You can do the tour at your own pace and educational displays along the way provide you with all the fascinating facts.

The Art of Richard Macdonald - Free!

For those who aspire to the unusual and quirky, discovering the art of Richard Macdonald is another wacky Las Vegas tourist attraction. His art is showcased in the gallery at the O Theatre. The sculptures are inspired by the surreal characters of the Cirque du Soleil. Acrobats are featured in striking poses, showing their skills, movement and almost superhuman poses that will leave you gasping. Some of the statues took more than eight years to complete.

This exhibit is known as the neo-figurative movement and if you haven't ever heard of that, don't worry, you have now! Take your time, there are over 50 bronze pieces to wrap your head around.

Flamingo Wildlife Habitat

After the madness of Sin City, you will probably need some Las Vegas tourist attractions to chill out and relax. A visit to the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is the perfect choice. Set in a beautiful garden with a pool you will find dozens these delicate pink birds, strutting around and creating picture-perfect scenes. There are also a range of other birds on show like ducks, pelicans and black swans. Relax and eat at the hotel restaurant while you watch the birds being fed and cleaned. Then stroll to the pool and see the most amazing collection of Koi. This is a lovely calm area in the middle of the city to catch your breathe before plunging back into the glitz and glamour again!

Fremont Street Experience

If you are the creative type that wants to learn a new form of artwork, then you should go on the Adventure in Glassblowing by Torch Tour. Your interesting 1.5-hour class begins when you arrive along E. Alexander Road at LeFrancis Glass Blowing Studios. Once there you will meet your expert instructor named Greg LeFrancis who has been published for his glass blowing creations in The Flow Magazine. Once inside you will take a brief tour of his studios before you learn the intricacies of glassblowing. After your tour you will learn from a master on how to handle a glassblowing torch and your instructor will help you decide what type of artwork you wish to create while you are inside the studio. During your time in the studio you will have the opportunity to create two small pieces of glass artwork that is unique and beautiful as you use a high temperature torch and learn about the flexibility and complexity of glassblowing. While you are creating you can indulge in snacks and bottled water. Your adventure ends when you walk out of the glassblowing studios with your two beautiful pieces of glass artwork.  

Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino

Become part of the iconic Avengers experience at this fun Las Vegas tourist attraction. You will be taken to the Marvel's Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N, the Scientific and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network, where your guide will brief you. See the classified studies, the experiments and the intelligence files and then decide who you want to engage with. You will be on a mission to assemble intelligence and locate the enemy! Once you have achieved your goal, take a bow and a get a certificate. Afterwards explore the range of memorabilia belonging to superheroes like Captain America and Iron Man. Ideal for the whole family.

Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (Home Of Tanked)

If you are a fan of the TV show, Tanked, this is a Las Vegas tourist attraction that you cannot miss! Take a visit to the ATM, Acrylic Tank Manufacturing Facility where the actual show takes place. For those who don't know, this is where they make insanely huge fish tanks that enthral addicts the world over. Wander around the 37000 square foot venue and see the fish-tank makers, the animals and macaws that live here. You may even bump into one of the famous stars of the show like Wayde, Brett or Robert Redneck. Your guide will give you an in-depth lesson on how the tanks are made, together with some insider anecdotes!

Topgolf Las Vegas

One of the best Las Vegas tourist attractions for you to visit and learn more about the early mob days in Sin City is to take a trip through The Mob Museum. Your admission ticket is perfect for you to stroll through the numerous exhibits about iconic gangsters of the past that include Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel, Lucky Luciano, Frank Costello, and more recent mob members like John Gotti. The exhibits range from artifacts to immersive pieces to digital experiences that explain the happenings of many different crime families that made a living being gangsters. While you walk through the museum you also experience the law enforcement side of battling these highly sophisticated criminals by learning more about the early days of the FBI and its leader J. Edgar Hoover. Another interesting portion of the museum is the exhibit on the Kefauver Hearings which literally put many politicians, mobsters, and businessmen in an uncomfortable position. At the end of your visit make sure to stop at the Underground, a replica of prohibition era speakeasy where you can enjoy a refreshing hand-crafted cocktail.

The Neon Museum

Collectors and lovers of vintage memorabilia will be delighted at the Neon Museum - an unforgettable Las Vegas point of interest. A museum may not sound as if it fits into the glitz and glamour of Sin City. Over the years many hotels and businesses have closed and old buildings have been replaced with new ones. Many of the old neon signs that branded these establishments have been lovingly collected and are on display in the Neon Museum.

The Museum is also known locally as the Neon Boneyard! There are over 150 discarded signs to be seen. Iconic names like Moulin Rouge, Stardust, Desert Inn, Flamingo and Aladdin will send shivers down your spine. This unique art form of neon signs is part of what makes Las Vegas famous and the old signs are beautifully preserved in one of the world's most rare and unusual collections. The Museum must be visited on a guided tour. Your knowledgeable host will take you through the 2 acre exhibition and give you a fascinating insight into the signs and the history of the businesses that they represented.

If you are visiting Las Vegas for the first time, check out also lasvegas4newbies.com for tips for newbies!

Best of Vegas

• Vegas Tours
• Grand Canyon Tours
• Hotels On The Strip
• Cirque Du Soleil
• Magic Shows

• Tips & Planning
• Travel Product

7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Madrid in June 2024

7 reasons why you should visit las vegas in june 2024, 7 reasons why you should to visit lisbon in june 2024.

7 Best Tourist Attractions in Greece for 2024

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey through the captivating land of Greece in 2024. As you embark on this adventure, discover its unrivaled beauty that has captivated hearts for centuries. From ancient ruins that whisper tales of bygone eras to breathtaking islands that paint a picture of paradise, Greece beckons you to experience its timeless allure. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, where history seamlessly intertwines with modern-day charm. Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of traditional cuisine that tantalize your taste buds. Whether you seek tranquility or exhilaration, Greece offers an array of experiences that will create memories to cherish for a lifetime. As you plan your itinerary, here are the 7 Best Tourist Attractions in Greece for 2024 that should not be missed:

Acropolis of Athens: A Timeless Architectural Masterpiece

Awe-inspiring history and architectural genius.

Standing majestically atop a rocky hill in the heart of Athens, the Acropolis of Athens reigns supreme as Greece’s most iconic landmark. This ancient citadel, dating back to the 5th century BC, is a living testament to the brilliance of ancient Greek architecture and artistry. As you ascend the sacred hill, prepare to be mesmerized by the remnants of glorious temples, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike. These architectural marvels showcase the harmonious balance, meticulous craftsmanship, and enduring legacy of the classical era. Delve into the captivating stories and myths that surround each structure, transporting you back to a time when gods and mortals coexisted.

Delphi: Sanctuary of the Oracle and Ancient Wisdom

Gateway to divine knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.

Nestled amidst the picturesque slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once considered the spiritual heart of the ancient Greek world. This sacred sanctuary served as a renowned oracle, where people from across the Mediterranean sought guidance and prophecies from the enigmatic Oracle of Delphi. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, where the oracle delivered her cryptic messages, and marvel at the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn its facade. Wander through the ancient theatre, where dramas and festivals once unfolded, and imagine the vibrant energy that filled this sacred space. As you soak in the tranquility of Delphi, let the whispers of ancient wisdom inspire your own journey of self-discovery.

Mykonos: A Cosmopolitan Island Paradise

Vibrant nightlife, pristine beaches, and picturesque windmills.

Escape to the enchanting island of Mykonos, a haven for sun-seekers, partygoers, and those seeking a slice of paradise. This cosmopolitan destination offers a captivating blend of traditional charm and modern sophistication. Stroll through the narrow, whitewashed streets of Mykonos Town, where charming boutiques, art galleries, and inviting tavernas line the way. Bask in the golden sun rays on the pristine beaches of Psarou, Paradise, and Super Paradise, where crystal-clear waters invite you to swim, snorkel, or simply soak up the Mediterranean vibes. As night falls, Mykonos transforms into a vibrant party hub, with its legendary beach clubs and open-air bars pulsating with music and energy.

Santorini: The Crown Jewel of the Aegean

Breathtaking caldera views, volcanic landscapes, and enchanting sunsets.

Prepare to be spellbound by the breathtaking beauty of Santorini, an island of volcanic origin that has captured the hearts of travelers worldwide. Perched on the edge of a dramatic caldera, Santorini offers mesmerizing views that will leave you in awe. Explore the picturesque towns of Fira and Oia, where whitewashed houses cascade down the cliffs, creating a stunning contrast against the deep blue Aegean Sea. Embark on a caldera cruise to witness the island’s unique geological formations, including volcanic islets and hot springs. As the sun dips below the horizon, Santorini transforms into a magical canvas, painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple.

Meteora: Monasteries Perched on Heavenly Heights

Spiritual haven and architectural marvel.

Transcend to a realm of spirituality and architectural wonder as you discover Meteora, a collection of awe-inspiring monasteries perched atop towering sandstone pillars. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the ingenuity and faith of the Byzantine monks who sought refuge and solitude in these ethereal heights. Ascend the winding paths to explore the monasteries, including the Great Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam Monastery, and Rousanou Monastery. Admire the intricate frescoes and icons that adorn the interiors, and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere that permeates this sacred space. Meteora offers a unique opportunity to connect with your spiritual side while marveling at the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds you.

Crete: A Tapestry of History, Nature, and Culture

Ancient civilizations, stunning beaches, and verdant landscapes.

Embark on a journey through time as you explore Crete, the largest island of Greece, boasting a rich tapestry of history, nature, and culture. Discover the remnants of the Minoan civilization, one of the most advanced civilizations of the ancient world, at the archaeological sites of Knossos and Phaistos. Dive into the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Elafonisi Beach and Vai Beach, renowned for their pristine sands and exotic palm trees. Trek through the Samaria Gorge, one of the longest and most dramatic gorges in Europe, and witness the island’s breathtaking natural beauty firsthand. Crete is a melting pot of cultures, offering a vibrant blend of traditional and modern influences.

Rhodes: A Historical Gem and Sun-Kissed Paradise

Medieval city walls, ancient ruins, and coastal delights.

Uncover the captivating history and sun-soaked charm of Rhodes, an island located in the southeastern Aegean Sea. Step into the fortified Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through its labyrinthine streets, where medieval walls and turrets evoke a bygone era. Explore the Palace of the Grand Master, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, and discover the archaeological treasures housed within the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes. Venture beyond the city walls to bask on the golden sands of Tsambika Beach, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay, where crystal-clear waters invite you to swim, snorkel, and soak up the Mediterranean sunshine.

As you plan your unforgettable journey to Greece in 2024, embrace the vibrant culture that permeates every corner of this captivating land. Engage with the warm and welcoming locals, who are eager to share their rich traditions and culinary delights. Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of traditional Greek cuisine, where fresh seafood, succulent meats, and aromatic herbs come together to create a symphony of flavors. From rustic tavernas to Michelin-starred restaurants, Greece offers a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds.

Enhance your exploration by taking advantage of Greece’s well-developed transportation system. Travel seamlessly between cities and islands via an efficient network of buses, trains, and ferries. Choose from a wide range of accommodation options to suit your preferences and budget, from cozy guesthouses to luxurious resorts. As you navigate the country, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, where traditional customs and modern influences harmoniously coexist.

When planning your trip, consider the best months to visit Greece. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal for exploring the country’s many attractions. Summer (June-August) brings warm weather and sunshine, perfect for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities. Winter (November-March) can be chilly, but it also offers opportunities to experience the country’s cultural and historical attractions without the summer crowds.

As you embark on your journey through Greece, a plethora of unforgettable experiences awaits you. From exploring ancient ruins and marveling at architectural wonders to indulging in the vibrant culture and savoring delectable cuisine, Greece promises a tapestry of memories that will last a lifetime. Prepare to be captivated by the timeless allure of this extraordinary destination, where history, nature, and culture intertwine to create a truly magical experience.

Justin Alexander is a seasoned globetrotter with an unyielding passion for travel and a fervent dedication to sharing his wealth of knowledge about destinations worldwide. An intrepid explorer at heart, Justin has traversed the far reaches of the globe, seeking out unique experiences and hidden treasures in every corner of the earth.

Related Posts

7 best tourist attractions in south korea for 2024, 7 best tourist attractions in cyprus for 2024, 7 best tourist attractions in hungary for 2024, 7 best tourist attractions in italy for 2024, 7 best tourist attractions in germany for 2024, 7 best tourist attractions in denmark for 2024.

Comments are closed.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

• Entertainment
• Investigations
• Latest Headlines
• Top 100 Restaurants
• Things To Do In Vegas
• What Are They Hiding?
• NV Primary Results
• 2024 Election
• Clark County
• Nation and World
• Science and Technology
• Road Warrior
• Las Vegas Weather
• East Valley
• North Las Vegas
• Summerlin/Centennial Hills
• Remembering Oct. 1, 2017
• Deborah Wall
• Natalie Burt
• Remembering Jeff German
• Police Accountability
• Alpine Fire
• 100 Years of Growth
• Dangerous Driving
• Raiders News
• Golden Knights
• UNLV Football
• UNLV Basketball
• Nevada Preps
• Sports Betting 101
• Las Vegas Sportsbooks
• National Finals Rodeo
• Where Are They Now?
• On TV/Radio
• MMA and UFC
• Casinos & Gaming
• Conventions
• Inside Gaming
• Entrepreneurs
• Real Estate News
• Business Press
• Sheldon Adelson (1933-2021)
• Debra J. Saunders
• Michael Ramirez cartoons
• Victor Joecks
• Richard A. Epstein
• Victor Davis Hanson
• Drawing Board
• Homicide Tracker
• Faces of Death Row
• Kats’ Cool Hangs
• Arts & Culture
• Home and Garden
• Las Vegas Hiking Guide
• RJ Magazine
• Today’s Obituaries
• Submit an obit
• Dealer News
• Classifieds
• Place a Classified Ad
• Provided Content
• Real Estate Millions
• Internships
• Service Directory
• Transportation
• Merchandise
• Legal Information
• Real Estate Classifieds
• Garage Sales
• Contests and Promotions
• Best of Las Vegas
• Nevada State Bank
• Verizon Business
• P3 Health Partners
• Adult Health
• Star Nursery
• Partner Articles
• Ignite Funding
• Supplements
• Travel Nevada
• Subscriptions
• Newsletters
• Advertise with Us

The top 100 restaurants in Las Vegas

Contact Johnathan L. Wright at [email protected]. Follow @JLWTaste on Instagram and @ItsJLW on X.