14 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the US — and with good reason! With seemingly endless activities to do, a myriad of iconic sights to see, and some of the best nightlife in the world, you’ll never be short of things to do in Sin City.

With so much on offer, it can be tough to fit everything into one short trip. To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve put together a handy travel guide of the 14 best things to do in Las Vegas.

1. Watch the Free Fountains of Bellagio Show

The Bellagio Hotel is an iconic Vegas resort and its Fountains of Bellagio show is one of the most popular free things to do in the city.

This jaw-dropping water show is set in an 8.5-acre man-made lake and features more than 1,200 geysers shooting water 140 meters in the air in time to music. Shows are every 30 minutes from 12 pm on weekdays and 3 pm on weekends and then every 15 minutes from 7 pm until midnight. For an unbeatable view of the fountain show, head up to the Eiffel Tower as it directly overlooks the action.

Tip: while you’re at the Bellagio, check out the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. This lush green space is the perfect refresher after a few days basking in the neon lights of the city.

2. See Vegas from Above

For unrivaled views of downtown Las Vegas and beyond, check out a helicopter tour. There are two tours available: The Strip and the Grand Canyon. The first option provides panoramic views over some of the most iconic sights in the city, including the MGM Grand Hotel, the LINQ High Roller observation wheel, and the pyramid at the Luxor. If you’d prefer dramatic desert views, the Grand Canyon option will send you soaring over the incredible natural landscape to give you a true understanding of just how vast the canyon is.

Flights typically last around 15 minutes and can be booked as private or shared trips.

3. Get to Know the Fremont Street Experience

Fremont Street is an ever-evolving pedestrianized zone where visitors can experience non-stop fun and entertainment. Whether you choose to soar over the action on the SlotZilla zipline, hang out and watch the world’s largest choreographed digital light show on the overhead canopy, or grab a drink and wander among the street performers, you’re guaranteed a good time here.

Be sure not to miss The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino — this Vegas institution was the largest casino in the world when it was built in the 1940s and is a can’t-miss nostalgic experience.

4. Catch Some Live Music

Sin City is the entertainment capital of the world, so you can, of course, expect to enjoy plenty of live music during your trip. Here’s some of the best:

Dolby Live

Previously named Park Theater, this 5,200-seater venue has hosted headliners including Lady Gaga, Cher, and Bruno Mars. Check the website for listings during your vacation.

Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que

Head to Treasure Island for the best honky-tonk entertainment in the city. Grab a saddle seat at the bar or take a ride on the mechanical bull while some of America’s hottest country acts serenade you.

The Rockhouse Bar

The Venetian is home to The Rockhouse — an adult playground featuring live entertainment, billiards, great food, and powerful frozen drinks. Find this spot at Grand Canal Shoppes inside the Venice-themed mega-resort — be sure to take a gondola ride while you’re there!

Delilah

Vegas meets the Great Gatsby at this iconic establishment inside the Wynn Hotel. The live band sets the atmosphere while servers in flapper dresses and white tuxedos take you back to days gone by.

Brooklyn Bowl

This fun-packed venue at The LINQ Promenade guarantees guests a night to remember. Knock down some pins and grab a bite, then rock out to one of the regular live performances.

5. Have Some Family Fun

Vegas may seem like it’s focused on adult entertainment, but there’s plenty for kids to do, too. The Downtown Container Park has something for everyone — from boutique shopping and gourmet dining for the adults to the interactive treehouse playground for the children. There’s also an ever-changing selection of concerts, movies, and shows.

For more family fun, don’t miss the Pinball Hall of Fame Museum on Las Vegas Boulevard South where visitors can play on pinball machines dating all the way back to the 1950s. The Neon Museum is also great for adults and kids alike. Here you can walk among gigantic neon signs — it’s a winner with visitors who want to get some unique snaps for their social media.

6. Explore the City By Bus

Beat the Las Vegas heat by bagging a ticket for a self-guided tour on the Hop On Hop Off Big Bus tour. Cruise down The Las Vegas Strip and take in many of the most famous resorts including Paris Hotel & Casino, The Mirage, and Mandalay Bay. Then, snap a selfie at the Las Vegas sign, learn about the city’s dark past of organized crime at The Mob Museum, and head up to the observation deck at The Strat for 360 panoramic views of the city’s skyline.

Tickets can be purchased for one or two days, so you’ll have plenty of time to hit all the best spots.

7. Explore By Kayak

Just outside Las Vegas is where you’ll find some of the best American kayaking. The following spots are close enough to do as a day trip:

Emerald Cave

Start at Willow Beach and head north up the Colorado River until you reach Emerald Cave — famous for its vibrant green water.

Lake Mead

Lake Mead is an artificial lake was created by the Hoover Dam and can be explored by kayak. Be sure to check out the incredible architecture of the dam itself while you’re there.

Sand Hollow State Park

Take a sightseeing bus tour from Vegas and explore this Utah beauty spot on land and by kayak. Trips often include a visit to Snow Canyon which is a spectacle in itself.

8. Get Lost in an Immersive Art Installation

Omega Mart by Meow Wolf is an experience like no other and is one of the trippiest must-see attractions in Sin City. It bills itself as “America’s most exceptional grocery store,” but the only way to understand what that means is to experience it for yourself.

Expect a surreal, whimsical, interactive art exhibition filled with mindblowing landscapes and hidden passages. It’s easy to spend several hours exploring this 52,000-square-foot installation, so give yourself plenty of time.

9. Take a Hike in Zion National Park

This national park is just three hours outside Vegas and is relatively small, so it’s possible to see lots of it on a hiking day trip. The highlights of the park include Zion Canyon, several waterfalls, and dozens of trails offering short, family-friendly walks and challenging multi-day hikes.

10. Enter the Exciting World of The Avengers

Avenger S.T.A.T.I.O.N is a must-do attraction for fans of the Marvel Universe. This immersive, family-friendly experience gives visitors access to classified studies, intelligence files, and experiments that shed light on the origins of The Avengers. Take a look at Captain America’s uniform, tour Bruce Banner’s lab, and see Ant-Man’s helmet for an action-packed superhero day to remember.

11. Take a Wild Ride on an ATV

All-terrain vehicles are the best way to zip through the Nevada desert, and there are many organized tours heading out from Vegas each day. These are some of our favorite destinations.

Valley of Fire

This is the oldest national park in Nevada and one of the most interesting. Visitors can cruise among its famous red sandstone formations and explore the landscape that has been formed by wind and water for millennia.

Mojave Desert

This vast area is home to Death Valley, one of the driest areas in the world. Fly along the dirt trails and weave between Joshua trees for an adrenaline rush in otherworldly surroundings. Be sure to check out the formations at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area while you’re in the Mojave — it’s a unique place for a picturesque hike.

Las Vegas Sand Dunes

Head to these sand dunes if you’d rather stay close to the city. Located near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, you can ride ATVs up and down the dunes and then head over to test your skills in a supercar on the speedway.

12. Discover the Dizzying Heights of The Stratosphere

If you’re on the hunt for death-defying thrill rides and some of the best views of the city, The Strat needs a spot on your itinerary. Head up to the observation deck to enjoy panoramic views of one of the most famous skylines in the world, or try your luck at the slot machines in the on-site casino.

If you really want to test your nerves, hop aboard one of the four rollercoasters/thrill rides that’ll rocket you off the sides of this huge skyscraper. You’ll probably want to visit the bar on the way back down to steady your nerves!

13. Catch a Circus Show

Cirque Du Soleil is known for putting on some of the most exciting circus-themed shows on earth, and Vegas is the perfect place to catch their act. There are six shows available to watch year-round, including The Beatles-themed Love at The Mirage which pays homage to the iconic British band, and Mad Apple at New York New York which will take you on a wild ride cab hopping through all five boroughs and into the iconic NYC club scene.

14. Shop ‘til You Drop

Be sure to leave space in your luggage, because Vegas is retail therapy heaven. With a mix of luxury brands, boutique stores, specialty shops, and all the biggest designer names, there’s something for every taste and budget. Here are some of the best spots to splurge at:

• Grand Canal Shoppes – enjoy over 160 stores in this Italian-themed mall inside The Venetian.
• The Forum Shops – inside Caesars Palace is where you’ll find a huge range of big-name and boutique stores plus several dining options.
• Town Square – Stores include Apple, Sephora, and H&M, making this one of the more affordable shopping destinations on The Strip.
• The Shops at Crystals – if you’ve got cash to splash, head here for Dior, Hermes, Gucci, and other ultra-luxe brands.

There Are Endless Things to Do in Sin City

Whether it’s your first time in Sin City or your fifth, you’ll never run out of fun things to do. However you choose to spend your time, you’re sure to love all of the incredible Las Vegas attractions on offer.