Okay, so Las Vegas isn’t everyone’s cup of tea! It’s the kind of city that people either love or hate; there seems to be no in between. That being said, there is a heap of the best things to do in Las Vegas that are dotted all across the city.
Honestly, Las Vegas is the kind of city that sucks up your time, and not always in a bad way! There are so many distractions, places, events and foodie spots that kinda make the city a mind-boggling effort to explore. Well, this was the case for me at least!
After visiting Las Vegas a fair number of times, I wanted to share some of my favourite and best things to do in Las Vegas on a trip. Now, first things first, don’t think of Las Vegas like any other city in the United States. It’s completely different and isn’t even set up like a traditional city in itself (at least, not for visitors).
It’s a city that thrives on people, spending money (let’s be honest) and fun! This is why Las Vegas has been given the name, Sin City. Though just like any city, you can make the most of your time to have the best experiences and really have fun exploring and chilling.
With that in mind, take a look at some of the best things to do in Las Vegas. Have the best trip!
1.) Go on a gondola ride
So, after arriving in Las Vegas, you’ll soon realise that the city is dominated by colossal hotels on the strip.
The strip, in itself, is where many of the huge hotels are located and is probably one of the areas you’ll get quite familiar with whilst exploring Las Vegas.
Now, as I said, the hotels are colossal and an experience in their own right. For instance, in the Venetian Hotel and Resort, you can actually take a gondola ride all around the complex and casino. Not only that, their rooms are gorgeous, and it’s a great place to stay whilst in Las Vegas. Plus, it’s right on the strip, across the road from The Bellagio.
To make things easier (and totally fun), book this Las Vegas gondola ride ticket that also includes entry to Madame Tussauds.
It’s got life-size scale models of landmarks in Venice where you can live your best Italian life. Now, some of the hotels might seem a little tacky to some, but if you lean into the vibe and really see each place as a place of fun, you’ll love it!
Also, don’t forget to book a stay in The Venetian Hotel and make the most of their amazing Spa. It’s such a great hotel and right on the strip.
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2.) Scale the Strat
One of the older, but no less significant, hotels in Las Vegas is the Strat Hotel. I still remember the first time I visited Las Vegas and headed to the top of the Strat Tower by booking these tickets.
Upon getting to the top, you’ll get to see all across Las Vegas and the wider region of Nevada, too.
Also, if you’re a total thrill-seeker, book this ticket to head on some of the epic rides at the very top of the tower. I went on the rollercoaster and the free-fall ride, and I don’t think I screamed so loud in my life! My parents could hear me three floors down!
That all being said, it’s one of the best things to do in Las Vegas, especially if you fancy some time away from the slots.
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3.) See a show
One of the great things about having so many people in Las Vegas (and lots of winnings) is that there’s a heap of shows, concerts and music events that are world-renowned and easy to visit.
From past residencies from the likes of Elton John, Cher, Celine Dion and Lady Gaga to Cirque de Soleil. They’re amazing. We headed to watch the Cirque de Soleil whilst staying at the Bellagio and totally loved it.
It was a great way to start the evening and one of the best things to do in Las Vegas if you want to catch a show. Not only that, but some shows also don’t need pre-booking; some have availability on the day, and you’ll easily find at least one you’ll want to see.
Talking of shows, head to The Sphere, too! Just don’t forget to book tickets in advance of your trip to Las Vegas to experience The Sphere. This place is amazing and the concerts, shows and films that are shown here are like nowhere else in the world. The scale is huge, and it’s such an amazing experience for the family. Just make sure to book these Sphere tickets in advance; tickets can sell out at peak times.
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4.) Helicopter over the Grand Canyon
Now, if you fancy leaving Las Vegas for a little tour, then this incredible helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon is for you. Not only will you see the incredible Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, but you’ll also get some delicious champagne, too.
Just be sure to book in advance, places fill up really fast at peak times (and you don’t want to be disappointed). Usually, a few hundred dollars each, they tend to go up in price depending on what package and if you want to include land. Whatever you choose, it’s a great little way to get a taste of one of the most famous canyons in the world.
Tours, including transfers and briefings, usually last a few hours, and it’s well worth it if you fancy something different. Just make sure to ask for any deals, etc, there’s always some sort of offer; especially from your hotel concierge, who’ll usually be on commission to get you to book.
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5.) Visit the casinos
Casinos are what made Las Vegas famous, and visiting them it’s easily one of the best things to do in Vegas and something that made the city famous. Now, with all casinos in Las Vegas, they’re huge, expansive and designed to make you spend. Keep this in mind and you’ll do well.
Every time we visit, we give ourselves a budget on what we’re prepared to lose. I personally always frame it this way, so I don’t think about the potential spend to win. It keeps me a little more sensible in approaching the slots and tables.
On our last trip, I was up a whopping $8! Ha!
Also, a good thing to remember is that you don’t even need to buy a drink in a casino. You’ll regularly see hosts wandering the floor who will gladly fix you your drink of choice. Just remember to leave a tip each time, and you’ll be guaranteed a returning host to grab your next round for free.
Oh yeah, and remember that casinos rarely have windows or clocks to remind you when to leave. Keep an eye on the time and even set an alarm if you don’t want to spend all day exploring the slots. That all being said, it’s one of the best things to do in Las Vegas.
Looking for one of the best hotels in Las Vegas? Book one of these iconic suites at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. It’s right on the Las Vegas strip and a stunning and totally chic hotel to stay at within the city. You will love it.
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6.) See the Bellagio Fountains
During our road trip, we decided to stay at the Bellagio Hotel and loved the hotel. It’s a stunner of a spot and is easily located in the centre of the Las Vegas Strip.
After checking in (and seeing Dale Chihuly’s Fiori di Como in the lobby), take a wander outside to see the impressive fountains. They’re huge and some of the biggest in all of North America.
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7.) See the Las Vegas Sign
Okay, so this is old school, but still one of the best things to do in Las Vegas. Go see the Las Vegas sign (Google Maps pin)!
Perched beyond the Luxor hotel, it’s one of the older signs in Las Vegas and draws quite a crowd. Now, it’s likely you’ll only spend 10 minutes here, but it’s well worth seeing if you’re interested in the older side of Las Vegas.
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8.) Drive to Death Valley
If you fancy taking a little time out of Las Vegas, take a tour of Death Valley and visit one of the hottest places in the whole world. It’s totally stunning and so surreal to see.
Now, just remember to prep in advance and pack lots of water and supplies. Temperatures can be scorching here, and it’s very dangerous if your car breaks down.
To make things easier, book this small-group tour from Las Vegas right into Death Valley itself. Whilst there, you’ll get to visit Badwater, stop at Zabriskie Point and visit Mule Team Canyon. It’s just incredible.
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9.) Explore the strip
Okay, so like I mentioned, walking the Las Vegas strip is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas during your trip. It’s huge and quite long, too. In fact, it’s likely you won’t walk it all, and you’ll find monorails and taxis at each hotel if you don’t fancy it.
This all being said, it’s a great way to see Las Vegas and find some surprises along the way. You’ll come across every kind of shop, show and street performer you can ever imagine.
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10.) Visit the Neon Museum
Created back in the 1990s, at the height of casinos being demolished and mega casinos being built, the Neon Museum set up a not-for-profit organisation to preserve old Las Vegas.
Today, you can wander around the Neon Museum and explore the times gone by in the glittering city. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Las Vegas if you love history.
Afterwards, make sure to head to the Las Vegas Arts District (Google Maps pin). It’s such a cool and vibrant area of Las Vegas and has a very different feel than The Strip, with all the huge resorts. The Las Vegas Arts District is filled with vintage stores, antique stalls, art galleries and heaps of independent cafes and microbreweries. It’s such a fun little area, and you can easily spend a good few hours around lunch here.
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11.) Freemont Street
So, Freemont Street (Google Maps pin), for me at least, feels a little ‘rough and ready’ if that makes sense? It’s not got the same Disneyfication that the strip has, but it certainly has a place in the city.
Plus, it’s one of the best things to do in Las Vegas if you want to see an older part of the city itself. After taking a look through the covered walkway, hop on the zipline and zoom through the crowds. It’s totally fun.
We ended up taking a taxi from our hotel and back to the strip. We found it the easiest way to get here.
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12.) See the Hoover Dam
So, if you’re driving in from Arizona or fancying a drive out of the city itself, then it’s well worth going to see the Hoover Dam (Google Maps pin). It’s totally huge and has helped form Lake Mead, which you’ll be able to see.
There are some dinner cruises you can join, too. It’s a lovely way to spend an evening before heading back to Las Vegas itself. Plus, if you want to make things easier, book this Hoover Dam express ticket. It’ll take you right from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam itself.
Also, don’t forget, you can book this epic tour from Las Vegas. You’ll get to visit the iconic Grand Canyon, Zion and Monument Valley, which we totally loved. It’s a 3-Day Trip and totally unforgettable.
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