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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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17 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas

By Andrea Bennett

One piece of advice for how best to experience Las Vegas? Simply surrender to its wackiness. As you no doubt know, it's not an ordinary city but a three-mile-long fun zone whose activities are among the wildest in the world. And increasingly, there’s no longer a reason to separate “Strip” from “Off-Strip” activities, as the entire stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard is packed with new things to try: Use a supermarket walk-in cooler as a portal to step into another dimension, drink moonshine in the basement of the city’s first courthouse, and sing along with a giant animatronic tropical bird to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” You’re not, of course, limited to the city’s out-there experiences: Phenomenal collections of public art, some of the best retail in the world, and awe-inspiring views await, too. Read on for our editors’ picks of the best things to do in Las Vegas.

Read our complete Las Vegas travel guide here .

Neon Museum Arrow

The Neon Museum originated as the "neon boneyard," a fenced-in yard where many of the Strip's neon signs were stored after being removed from casinos that were either renovated or imploded. About 120 signs, mostly made by the YESCO corporation from the 1950s-80s, lie in the "boneyard" adjacent to the museum. On a guided tour, visitors can learn about the trends in sign design and technology, which played a huge part in Vegas history. The museum also houses the translocated lobby of La Concha, an old motel, which was saved from demolition and now serves as the visitors' center. If you've had enough of the casinos and bars, make this spot a priority on your itinerary.

Master Classes at Wynn Las Vegas Arrow

You'll want to reserve well in advance for Wynn's popular Master Class series. Each experience is different; for instance, you might meet with Mizumi executive chef Min Kim to learn how to make sushi or executive pastry chef Michael Outlaw to execute some of his incredible desserts. These chefs and sommeliers (for instance, Wynn's executive director of wine, Brian Weitzman, takes guests on an educational romp through champagne, cava, and prosecco) are the top experts in their fields. They already have their own followings around Las Vegas, and repeat guests who come specifically to see them. Mizumi chef Kim spent five years as an apprentice learning how to master sushi rice-making alone, so you're guaranteed that you're dealing directly with a culinary brain trust here. The offerings change quarterly, and each class can only accommodate a limited number of attendees, so it definitely feels special.

Aria Fine Art Collection Arrow

People who tour the 21 public art sites around the CityCenter campus are generally committed art aficionados. While everyone else is gambling, partying, or shopping, visitors to the Aria Fine Art Collection get to take in a fabulous outdoor gallery housing works by top contemporary artists. Best of all, it's a free, self-directed walk, so the tour lasts as long as you want it to. A visit is ideal for those who want to experience the cultural side of Las Vegas that many people don't bother to seek out. That cultural side also comes with a complete tour of CityCenter, which includes Aria , Veer Towers, Crystals at CityCenter, and Vdara .

AREA15 Arrow

Area 15 is a massive entertainment zone just across I-15 from The Strip. When you enter the parking lot, it looks like a warehouse surrounded by large pieces of public art. Inside, it's a wacky alternate universe (containing additional alternate universes), circled overhead by an operating zip-line you can opt to fly around on. Entry is free to Area 15 before 10pm, although it's best to reserve an entry pass online, and after 10pm it turns into a 21+ zone. The main experience here is Omega Mart, the supermarket by Meow Wolf , which creates immersive art installations and produces music festivals. You'll enter what appears to be a supermarket (normal!) which is stocked with items like "emergency clams" and "corn PM" (not normal!). You'll open the door of a walk-in beverage cooler and enter a warped Narnia situation where you have to solve a mystery (you can opt out and wander if you like) to pass through.

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Charlie Hobbs

Mob Museum Arrow

This Downtown Las Vegas museum showcases the history of organized crime in the United States. The building is housed in the 1933 U.S. Post Office and Courthouse that held some of the most important and defining trials in the world of organized crime–including the famous Kefauver hearings. Visitors can walk the same halls as federal investigators, informants, and mobsters once did as they wander the collection, which includes weapons, memorabilia from law enforcement and crime bosses, films from court hearings, and even part of a wall from the famous St. Valentine's Day Massacre (complete with bullet holes and blood stains).

Seven Magic Mountains Arrow

This large-scale public work can be seen by anyone arriving (or leaving) Las Vegas via I-15, 10 miles south of the Strip. The massive, 30-foot-high neon-painted limestone totems cut an incredible picture against the desert: the work looks like neon ice cream cones rising from the desert floor, but no, it's not part of the Neon Museum; it's an awe-inspiring installation, for sure, but in an otherworldly way. The most dedicated fans of the landmark these days have been Instagram influencers, but it will appeal to art appreciators of all stripes. If nothing else, it will help reinforce the fact that there's a tremendous amount of barren, beautiful desert beyond the Strip. The work has been so popular that the Nevada Museum of Art, which commissioned the piece along with New York’s Art Production Fund, is planning to restore it and display it for at least another five years (it opened in 2016 and had been scheduled to be dismantled in 2021).

The Shops at Crystals Arrow

It feels wrong to call Crystals a mall, even though that's technically what it is, a short walk from the Waldorf Astoria . It's an art-filled retail district on the Las Vegas Strip with the world's largest luxury brands, from Tom Ford to Bulgari, Gucci to Harry Winston. It's often the first place where limited edition or exclusive release products will drop. Even the stores themselves are extremely special: At Stella McCartney, you'll find a life-sized, 8,000-Swarovski-crystal chandelier replica of her mother's horse, Lucky, which once hung in Belsay Castle. And at Tiffany & Co., you can go shopping and then pop the question on their proposal balcony (how convenient).

The Chandelier Arrow

You know you've landed in Las Vegas when you step into a three-floor lounge housed in a two-million crystal chandelier. Each floor has its own vibe, but our favorite might be the second, inside the chandelier, where the bartenders (who might be more accurately called artists) concoct magic from a long list of foams, tinctures, purees, garnishes, and hard-to-find spirits. Join the crowd of enthusiastic partygoers here who are either on their way to or from one of the restaurants in The Cosmopolitan , or heading to Marquee Nightclub , and be ready to throw down some cash.

Boulevard Pool, Cosmopolitan Arrow

The Cosmopolitan has three pool areas that are among Vegas' best, and Boulevard Pool, exclusively for hotel guests, is the largest. The multi-level pool has unobstructed fourth-story views of The Strip, along with cabanas, daybeds, bars, and poolside noshes. The public space is, in normal times, programmed to the hilt, offering fun brunches, evening film screenings, and even concerts that transform the pool deck into a raucous venue.

Allegiant Stadium Arrow

The city’s Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, was completed in 2020, and its hulking presence (locals call it the Death Star) is still something of a novelty on the Strip. This $2 billion stadium is as high-tech as they come, and looms over the Strip in an impressive, if somewhat ominous way. This stadium has a seating capacity of 65,000, with 127 private suites, 8,000 club seats, and all sorts of high-tech features like cashless concession stands, a 95-foot-high torch with sliding lanai doors behind it that open to the Las Vegas Strip, and even sensory pods for people who need to get away from the excitement. The stadium now hosts awards shows (the American Country Music Awards), massive concerts, boxing, and even college basketball in addition to its starring football lineup. Its biggest recent news: Allegiant Stadium has been chosen to host Super Bowl LVIII in 2024.

Wynn Golf Club Arrow

The gorgeous golf course at Wynn Las Vegas is one of the industry's landmarks. Although it almost made the chopping block at the hand of Steve Wynn, before he left the resort, it was revived by current leadership and has been redesigned by Tom Fazio and his son, Logan, who reinvented all 18 holes. The course has also been reconfigured to take even better advantage of the showpiece: the 35-foot-high, 100-foot-wide waterfall. A number of rooms and suites—plus the resort's Fairway Villas—have spectacular views over the lush, green space.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Arrow

The airy central conservatory, which opens up right as you enter Bellagio , was inspired by the verdigris framework of Art Nouveau conservatories of Paris . Despite the fact that Las Vegas sits smack in the middle of the Mojave Desert, you can see the changing seasons in all their glory here as the garden transforms five times per year with fresh flowers; towering animatronic butterflies and birds; burbling fountains and bobbing lanterns. Each of its seasonal “theatrical presentations” of the elements is totally new. You'll never see the same things twice. And each is more transporting than the last. It's free, requires no effort to navigate (unless you're trying to elbow your way through all the smartphone-wielding selfie-takers). Locals love it as much as tourists, and it's one of the top free attractions in the city. 

High Roller Arrow

The High Roller is the highest observation wheel in the world—higher than the London Eye or the Singapore Flyer . You’ll simply board your glass-domed pod and rise on a slow revolution some 550 feet above The Strip. This being Vegas, there’s a bar before you get on and another one inside, if you book an open-bar experience. If you need to allay your guilt for taking the kids out of school to go to Vegas, you can book the S.T.E.M. family field trip guide, which teaches you—and the kids—about its architectural design and technology. No matter what kind of ride you book, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

The Fountains of Bellagio Arrow

Standing on the sidewalk of congested Las Vegas Boulevard in 115-degree heat may seem like a bad idea, but once the music begins and the Bellagio Hotel and Casino fountains start shooting into the air, all that noise and commotion fade away. More than 1,000 water fountains are positioned within Lake Bellagio, and each of them “dances” in step with the song (be it a pop, Broadway, classical, or rock music hit). The famous fountains come from the same designers that created the Dubai Fountain , the largest performing fountain in the world.

Topgolf Arrow

Only in Vegas does a massive, sprawling entertainment complex with multiple bars, a high-tech driving range, and a lounge with games count as parkland. But that's TopGolf. It even has a pool on the third floor of its flagship location, complete with a 28-food HD video wall, bars, cabanas, and access to the hitting bays. The good news is that it's as interactive (or not) as you make it. Golf, hang out, come here for dinner, or just lounge around with your friends.

Lake of Dreams, Wynn Las Vegas Arrow

When Steve Wynn bought the old Desert Inn to turn it into Wynn, he built a 130-foot mountain that he covered with pine trees (salvaged from the Desert Inn's golf course). Why? He didn't want his guests to look out the window and see the spaceship-shaped Fashion Show Mall across Las Vegas Boulevard. Since its opening in 2005, the waterfall at the Lake of Dreams has functioned as a daytime oasis, and a screen at night, on which you can see surreal performance videos, an animatronic frog with the voice of Garth Brooks (popularly known as "Wynnie"), and a number of other mini-shows that rotate from sundown every half hour until 11:30 pm. But the show was ripe for a reno, so in September 2020, master puppeteer Michael Curry reenvisioned the show. Now, a trio of fabulous animatronic “Lady Birds,” who borrow their features from the wildest and most colorful of tropical birds Curry could dream up, perform atop the 45-foot-high waterfall. If you have kids, you MUST bring them.

Downtown Arts District Arrow

For years, this area of Downtown Las Vegas was a motley collection of antiques stores, galleries, and work spaces. Originally named "18b" after the number of blocks that first comprised the district, the Downtown Arts District has now spread far beyond its original parameters. It has now coalesced into a real district around West Charleston—sandwiched between the excesses of The Strip and Fremont Street to the north. The businesses of the Arts District have pulled together to form cooperative events that are truly incredible. Some have Vegas Strip-level production values, and some are still homespun and crazy, and that's the charm of this area. First Friday (the evening art, craft, and music event around Charleston and Main Streets on the first Friday of each month) has long been a local institution; but now there's a Preview Thursday (which attracts serious art buyers), Ninja Karaoke (in the Sumo Room, Kabuki Room, and Little Tokyo), and even theater at the Vegas Theatre Company.

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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! 

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Things to Do This Weekend

Vegas pub crawler, nascar racing experience.

• NE & North Las Vegas

K1 Speed Las Vegas

• Mount Charleston

Dig This Las Vegas

• SE & Henderson

Stadium Swim

Eldorado canyon mine tours.

• Lake Mohave Area

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 .

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."

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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 . 

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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

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Las Vegas   Travel Guide

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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
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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 .

The "Strip" technically runs from Mandalay Bay on the south end (home to an aquarium and a human-made beach) to the STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod casino on the north end, where you'll find the tallest free-standing observation tower in the country (this is where you'll go for the perfect Vegas photo).

Visit the Sphere Visit the Sphere

When construction on the MSG 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.

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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 $34 per person ($39 Thursday through Monday), you can take a gondola ride along the property'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.

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.

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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.

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. Traveling at speeds up to 67 mph, the roller coaster weaves through the faux Manhattan skyline, offering riders excellent views of the southern Strip – if they can keep their eyes open. Tickets start at $25 per person for one ride. Note: Riders must be at least 54 inches tall to ride. The coaster welcomes riders from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. until midnight Friday through Sunday.

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.

As far as the casino goes, you'll find slots, table games, horse racing and Keno – with which travelers were more than satisfied. Paris, Las Vegas boasts several French-themed restaurants,  bars and shops, plus a variety of shows, not to mention the swanky Chateau Nightclub and Rooftop.

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."

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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. During the day, tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for kids ages 4 to 12; in the evening (7 p.m. to midnight), tickets cost $35.50 for adults and $19 for kids. For another adrenaline rush, there’s Fly LINQ, the only zip line on the Las Vegas Strip . Riders launch from a 12-story tower and reach speeds up to 35 mph. The zip line is open from 2 to 10 p.m. daily. Tickets start at $35.

The shopping includes national retailers like Harley Davidson and the unusual like I Love Sugar, a 14,000-square-foot, two-story candy shop. Entertainment options abound as well and range from comedy and magic to live music. The minus5, an ice bar created from 100 tons of custom-carved ice, is among the bar and lounge options. Admission to the bar costs $24 for adults; children ages 7 and older are welcome until 9 p.m. for $13. There are more than 20 restaurants at the LINQ, including Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen and Bar. Recent visitors found the open-air promenade to be a refreshing break from the casinos and enjoyed the attractions and shopping.

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 place to snap photos of the nearby casinos and attractions. This is also one of the top things to do in Las Vegas with kids .

Adults ages 21 and older can opt for a ride within the Happy Half Hour pod, an upgraded experience that includes a complimentary open bar during your trip around the wheel. Recent visitors said the High Roller was worth the trip to see the views, either day or night; others were especially pleased that the pods are air conditioned. However, many also described the experience as overpriced.

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 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.

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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.

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.

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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. The 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. 

If you don’t want to devote a whole day to the national park, you can drive about 130 miles, or around two hours, to visit Grand Canyon West . Owned and operated by the Hualapai Indian Reservation, Grand Canyon West is not part of the national park, but it does offer its own attractions, including the popular Grand Canyon Skywalk. For more information about planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, check out our Grand Canyon National Park travel guide .

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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: All-day tickets for those 48 inches and taller are $60; for those shorter than 48 inches, all-day tickets cost $30.

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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

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 2021 and updated April 2024

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Touropia Travel Experts

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18 Top Tourist Attractions in Las Vegas

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

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35 Best Tourist Attractions in Las Vegas

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The party of all parties; where the drinks flow round the clock, where world-renowned celebrities grace stages all over town, and where millions and millions of tourists flock without fail, year after year, in search of a much-needed getaway, Las Vegas — or, as this Mojave Desert icon has very appropriate been dubbed, Sin City — is where debauchery, delight, and razzle-dazzle intertwine in spectacular fashion.

Despite its chaotic reputation, there remains far more to the Entertainment Capital of the World than just high-stakes casinos, wild nightclubs, and slot machines around every corner — the list of tourist attractions in Las Vegas is, surprisingly, incredibly diverse : there’s something that will satisfy families, nature-lovers, shopaholics, thrill-seekers, and foodies craving nothing less than world-class dining.

On and off the Strip, there are mobster and neon museums , haunted mansions, and resorts that transport you to the highlights of Paris, Venice, New York and Hollywood. Dig a little deeper and you’ll discover expansive pool decks (including one aptly named the Garden of the Gods), resident comedy stars, circus performances that inspire and amaze, and romantic activities for couples aplenty.

Oh, and we can’t forget the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon just a few hours away from Las Vegas either!

No matter your age, interests, or budget, there’s an attraction in this tourist metropolis that will have you grinning ear to ear — so, without further ado, let’s dive into 35 of the very best tourist attractions in Las Vegas!

1 – Bellagio

The Bellagio is one of the most well-known (and extravagant) hotels on The Strip, oozing opulence not only in its lavish suites but throughout its entire amenity and attraction-filled complex.

Beyond its AAA Five Diamond Award-winning accommodations, the hotel features a world-renowned art collection (Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art) including pieces from masters like Picasso and Matisse; an enchanting, 14,000-square-foot indoor Conservatory & Botanical Gardens that changes with the seasons; and an array of distinct restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs.

If you’re not sure where to start, the Jasmine restaurant has been coined “ the most beautiful Chinese restaurant in the world ” and seldom disappoints, while Mayfair After Dark , inspired by 1920s New York City, Paris, and Berlin, beckons for a nightcap.

But arguably its most famous attraction — and certainly its most photographed — is the Bellagio Fountains . Water jets choreographed to music dance in front of the hotel tower in an ever-changing show that delights guests day and night.

As for entertainment, the hotel is home to Cirque du Soleil’s O , sure to captivate audiences with its spellbinding acrobatics, synchronized swimming, live music daring stunts, and mystifying set design; there’s a spa and multiple pools for some much-needed pampering, and the casino floor never sleeps.

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2 – Luxor

Looking like a piece of Egypt, smack-bang in the middle of The Strip, The Luxor is one of Sin City’s most unique hotels, thanks in no small part to its towering pyramid design and Sphinx-adorned facade.

While it may not boast the Bellagio’s star power, what the Luxor lacks in elegance it makes up for in sheer size and variety of attractions . From a massive casino floor filled with all your favorite table games and slots machines to its long list of live shows (with names like Blue Man Group, Carrot Top, and the adults-only Fantasy).

For visiting families, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition takes you on a trip back in time aboard the ill-fated cruise ship in 1912, complete with 250 rare artifacts and room reconstructions, including a full-size replica of the Grand Staircase.

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Then there’s Bodies: The Exhibition , a quirky insight into the fascinating human body — full of skeletons, you’ll find 13 human bodies and over 260 organs on display.

And gamers, take note: The Luxor is also home to the HyperX Esports Arena, where tournaments and freeplay invite button-mashers to test out the latest and greatest games, with a 50-foot LED video wall, bar, and on-site food to boot.

So, as you can see, there’s something for everyone here.

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3 – Las Vegas Strip

The epicenter of Sin City’s chaos, entertainment and debauchery, the Las Vegas Strip is a world-famous stretch of road that’s home to some of the most iconic hotels and casinos on the planet.

While it would be impossible to see them all in one go, we recommend at least paying a visit (or two) to some of these glittering giants: The Venetian with its indoor canals and Gondola rides; Caesars Palace with its marble hallways, 50-foot ceilings, and award-winning Colosseum performance venue; or Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino with its Shark Reef aquarium and House of Blues concert venue.

And if you’re feeling lucky, why not try your hand at the tables or slots? With names like Wynn, MGM Grand, and The Mirage, the casinos on the Strip are some of the most luxurious and prestigious in the world .

Throw in M&Ms World, the roller coasters at New York-New York, the LINQ’s shopping promenade, Madame Tussauds Was Museum, and the around-the-clock street performers (not to mention the restaurants or nightclubs), and the list of things to do on the Las Vegas Strip only lengthens.

4 – The Escape Game Las Vegas

Think you’ve got what it takes to escape from a locked room? Then put your skills to the test at The Escape Game Las Vegas , one of the best family things to do in Las Vegas with teens . Located inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, this immersive, quick-thinking puzzle invites teams of up to six players to solve a series of riddles and clues in order to make their escape. With just 60 minutes on the clock, the pressure is palpable.

You might have to decode hieroglyphics, decipher secret codes, or even find hidden objects using blacklight — but with a bit of teamwork, a whole lot of wit, and plenty of brainpower, anything is possible.

The rooms are designed for all ages and group sizes (although smaller groups may find it a little trickier), so it’s the perfect activity for families, friends, or coworkers looking for some team-building fun . Just be warned: once you’ve tried it, you’ll be hooked!

Thankfully, there is no shortage of escape rooms around the city: from intricate heists to classic prison breaks, a historic gold rush, or even the kid-friendly Rugrats-themed adventure, there’s something for everyone.

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5 – MGM Grand

World-famous for its luxurious accommodation, decadent casino, and celebrity-studded events, MGM Grand is one of the most iconic hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.

Step inside and you’ll be dazzled by the towering atrium lobby. Check into your room and you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice: from standard rooms to deluxe suites fit for royalty, there’s something to suit everyone’s needs (and budget).

And if that wasn’t enough, the hotel also boasts a sprawling 4-pool complex, a special Hunger Games exhibition, and a range of restaurants and bars (if it’s fine dining you crave, look no further than Joël Robuchon, Picasso, or NoMad Library).

Looking to party into the early hours of the morning? Welcoming international superstar DJs, Hakkasan is one of Vegas’ premier nightclubs ; for a more low-key night of entertainment, check out the Jabbawockeez or laugh your socks off at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club !

Of course, no trip to MGM Grand would be complete without a visit to its flagship performance: KÀ™ by Cirque du Soleil — a magical mix of music, special effects, acrobatics, martial arts, and aerial stunts that will leave you spellbound.

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6 – Mirage

With a longstanding focus on elegance and sophistication (since 1989), the Mirage is commonly seen as one of Sin City’s top-tier mega-resorts.

Besides the expansive casino floor that offers luck-stricken travelers everything from high-stakes table games to dollar-or-two roulette (with free drinks to boot if you’re playing), the Mirage is perhaps most well-known for its exciting array of captivating nightly entertainment .

For a heavy dose of magic, grab a ticket to Shin Lim’s LIMITLESS show — the only person to win “America’s Got Talent” twice. Or, to take the immersive enchantment to the next level, you can’t go past Cirque du Soleil’s ‘The Beatles Love’ — a marvelous mesh of iconic melodies with daring acrobatics and special effects.

Looking for some laughs? The Mirage is also home to the coveted Aces On Comedy clubs , where side-splitting all-stars like Jim Jeffries and Amy Schumer grace the stage nightly.

A surefire hit for families, the Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat gives guests the chance to mingle with Mother Nature’s finest.

Throw in endless restaurants and bars (be sure to try Tom Colicchio’s Heritage Steak) and plenty of poolside space to relax, and it’s easy to see why the Mirage is considered one of the best tourist attractions in Las Vegas.

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7 – The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod

A magnet for adventure lovers and thrill seeks (and anyone who appreciates a good old panoramic view), the STRAT is one of the newest hotels on the Vegas Strip and boasts an impressive 1,149-feet-high SkyPod observation deck .

Besides gaming tables, slots, and all the other trappings of a traditional casino, the STRAT also offers an 8th-floor pool deck that dishes up sweeping views of the northern side of the Strip . Take the elevator to the top, though, and that’s where the fun really begins. With unique, heart-racing experiences like Insanity, X-Scream, Big Shot and SkyJump, you can be dangling 1000 feet over the streets of Vegas !

If white-knuckle thrills aren’t quite your thing, there’s always the chance to catch a show — from stand-up comedy in Vegas’ branch of the LA Comedy Club (in the intimate 160-seat Dragon Room) to magic shows and rock performers (usually in the Strat Theater), world-renowned headliners can be seen here every night of the week.

And if you’re feeling peckish after all that excitement, no worries! There are close to a dozen eateries on-site , so you’ll definitely find something to sate your appetite. For prime luxury with a side of prime rib, the rotating restaurant on the 106th floor is quintessential (followed by a tipple on the 107th-floor Skylounge).

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8 – Neon Museum

An eclectic (and very electric) attraction tucked away a little bit off the main tourist track, but well worth a visit for anyone interested in all things history, Vegas, and neon (and who isn’t?), the Neon Museum is an outdoor museum located in downtown Las Vegas that takes visitors of a journey back in time to when Vegas’ reputation was less about slot machines and more about the mob .

Displaying over 200 fascinating restored signs — some of which are instantly recognizable, like the enormous neon Hard Rock guitar, while others date back decades like the Stardust casino sign — they were once proudly hung on Sin City’s main attractions, but due to closures, renovations or upgrades, have found themselves a new home in the sandy desert.

A visit to this museum is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas at night , when everything is lit up, with tours available 7 days a week, a stroll through the Neon Museum is a photographer’s delight and a surefire way to spark a few memories.

9 – New York-New York Hotel & Casino

A whimsical and family-friendly slice of Manhattan in the Mojave desert, the New York-New York Hotel & Casino is a towering tribute to the Big Apple . From its facade replicating the Manhattan skyline (complete with Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building) to its replica Brooklyn Bridge, this hotel is oozing with Americana charm.

And it’s not just for show — dozens of restaurants (check out Gallagher’s Steakhouse), bars, and stores found throughout the resort bring that hometown East Coast feeling to guests from all over. Plus, there are always events happening in the massive casino space (and T-Mobile Arena out the back), so check the website to see what’s on during your stay.

Popular for thrillseekers too, this themed, 2000-room hotel also boasts the fastest rollercoaster on the Las Vegas Strip : the Big Apple. At speeds of up to 67 miles per hour, it’s not for the faint of heat (but the rooftop views are certainly worthwhile if you can stomach the zero-gravity rolls!).

Before you meander down the Strip, make sure to grab a few free samples from Hershey’s Chocolate World out the front, or consider an insightful backstage tour of T-Mobile Arena, where you can walk in the footsteps of iconic musicians and sports stars.

10 – Excalibur Hotel

Delightfully themed around Camelot and King Arthur and catering to families and those on a budget, Excalibur is certainly one of the more underrated hotels in Las Vegas.

Inspired by medieval England, this sprawling resort at the south end of the Strip is home to an enormous 30,000 square feet pool deck, eight restaurants, a giant fitness center, nightly shows and, of course, plenty of spots to try your luck.

Adored by anyone with kids in tow, Excalibur’s Fun Dungeon offers over 200 different arcade and carnivalesque games, as well as the Ultimate 4D Experience — an immersive simulator ride that takes 15-minute clips of Hollywood blockbuster movies and turns the excitement dial up to eleven.

As for entertainment, the list is diverse: choose from The Australian Bee Gees Show , the Mac King Comedy Magic Show , or the Thunder from Down Under (think Magic Mike and chiseled abs).

The main event, however, is certainly the medieval-themed Tournament of Kings ! Adapted from the story of King Arthur, this high-energy, family-oriented show features jousting, horses, wizards and kings, and comes included with a hearty multi-course dinner.

• Excalibur Hotel show tickets

11 – Mob Museum

Did you know that before Sin City was Sin City, fueled by booze and bright lights, it was famous for its underground mafia crime? It’s true, and the Mob Museum tells that story in all its fascinating detail.

Housed in an old underground Prohibition-era speakeasy, this museum is dedicated to shedding light on the inner workings, crimes, sentences, and history of the mafia in America , as well as the law enforcement who continuously tried to break them down.

From interactive exhibits (try your hand at being a mobster yourself) to hundreds of artifacts and historical pieces on display, there’s something here for everyone interested in this dark yet fascinating (and still unfinished) chapter of American History.

Hot tip: check the website to see upcoming events — with regular live music nights, galas, speakers, and special artifact collections (like historic firearms), there’s always something new and exciting at the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement (that’s the official name, in case you were wondering).

• Mob Museum tickets

12 – SAHARA Las Vegas

Recently rebranded and renovated, spread across three towers, and located on the North End of The Strip in between the STRAT and Circus Circus, SAHARA is all about style, sophistication, service, and over-the-top opulence.

From live music (including residencies from some of the biggest names in pop) to comedy shows and burlesque, SAHARA has something for everyone — not to mention a roster of world-class restaurants including Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, Chickie’s & Pete’s (considered ESPN’s #1 Sports Bar in North America), Balla Italian Soul (from award-winning Chef, Shawn McClain) and more.

At over 60,000 square feet, the lit-up casino floor is expansive and alluring, while the on-site Amina Spa delivers the ultimate in relaxation and pampering with traditional massages, facials, and unique gingerbread or hot stone massages.

You’ll also find a gym if you’re looking to burn off a few beers worth of calories, plus several rooftop pools bars, two upbeat nightclubs, and regular live entertainment (think Magic Mike Live, and comedy shows like The Eddie Griffin Experience).

13 – Fremont Street

A tourist magnet in the heart of old-school downtown, Fremont Street is a one-of-a-kind experience that should be on everyone’s Las Vegas list .

Covered in a canopy of neon lights, this street is home to some of the most iconic (and vintage) casinos and hotels in town, as well as family-friendly attractions like SlotZilla Zipline (with two thrilling lines to choose from, the longer of which zooms for almost 1,700 feet above the pedestrian street below) and the enchanting Viva Vision light show.

• ziplining in Las Vegas

With nearly 1400 feet worth of digital canopy lighting up in marvelous colors and designs, accompanied by the tunes of top artists like The Killers or Tiesto, the overhead display sums up Fremont Street’s allure to a tee.

With regular live music performances, bars and restaurants lining the street, and unique shopping opportunities (with souvenir shops to boot), there’s always something new to explore at Fremont Street.

Hot tip: Check our article There are 4 Zip Lines in Las Vegas – Which One is Best? , and pick your favorite zip line.

14 – Mandalay Bay

Sure, the southern Strip’s Mandalay Bay plays host to one of Sin City’s most trafficked casinos, with all the bright lights, table games, and bells and whistles you could imagine, but beyond its glitz and glamour, it’s also home to some of the best tourist attractions and restaurants in town.

Fancy a feast? From chef Akira Back’s Kumi and Lupo by Wolfgang Puck, to the tantalizing Mexican fare at Diablo’s Cantina or the Mediterranean-inspired menu at Rivea Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay has something for everyone when it comes to high-end cuisine.

As for entertainment, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Shark Reef Aquarium, a surefire hit for families, houses over 2,000 aquatic animals of 100 different species and offers the chance to come face-to-face with sharks, rays and endangered green sea turtles.

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Featuring more than 60 highly talented (even that is an understatement) artists, dancers, acrobats and musicians, Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ONE fuses world-class entertainment and choreography with the King of Pop’s greatest hits — it’s been considered one of the best tourist attractions in Las Vegas for a long time.

The entertainment doesn’t stop there; Mandalay Bay boasts one of the city’s premier live music stages too, the 3000-seat House of Blues Music Hall where rock bands, country singers, and stand-up comedians (and your occasional themed dance party) grace the audience nightly; as well as the 12,000-seat Michelob ULTRA Arena , where some of the world’s biggest DJs, pop stars, and sporting events take place on the regular.

Hot tip: After all that dice-rolling and headbanging, kick back at lively and tropical Mandalay Bay Beach . Work on the tan in the morning before making your way to one of the two pumping beach clubs (Daylight or Moorea) for a wild afternoon.

15 – Adventuredome Indoor Theme Park

Hidden away inside of Circus Circus — one of the Strip’s longstanding, budget-friendly and family-oriented resorts — the 5-acre Adventuredome is a haven for kids (and kid-at-heart adults) of all ages.

Boasting more than 25 rides and attractions , including Canyon Blaster (the world’s only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster), bumper cars, mini-golf, log flumes, and classic carnival games, this is one stop you don’t want to miss during your visit to Las Vegas (especially if you can pop in during the Friday and Saturday Neon Nights events).

With everything from mild kiddie rides to heart-stopping thrillers , where you’re four or forty, there’s a handful of attractions tailored to ensuring you leave with a big old ear-to-ear grin

If your schedule lines up, Hot tip: Guaranteed to put a smile on the kids’ faces, check out the Friday and Saturday Neon Nights events!

16 – Treasure Island

In the heart of the action on the southern end of the Strip, yet still overshadowed by its more well-known neighbors, the world-class Treasure Island hotel and casino delivers fine dining, A-grade entertainment, and luxury lodging in spades !

Besides nearly 3,000 lavish (yet comparably affordable) rooms, some of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the mountains and the Strip, Treasure Island also plays host to two formidable entertainment options: Mystère by Cirque du Soleil and Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T. I. O. N. .

Delivering a spectacle of magic and wonder, the former has been wowing audiences since 1993 with its blend of awe-inspiring circus arts and theatrical performance (complete with hilarious giant baby), while the latter is a totally immersive (and interactive) Avengers experience that lets guests step into the shoes of their favorite superheroes and admire over 100 costumes, props and artifacts from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

• Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T. I. O. N. tickets

Luck-testers will feel right at home here, too; TI has one of the widest arrays of table games on The Strip, as well as massive selections of slot machines.

If you’re looking to take in some tunes in between all the gambling and show-going, make sure to check out Gilley’s Saloon, which calls itself ‘The only real honky-tonk saloon on the Las Vegas Strip’, and pop into Señor Frogs for some waterside grub with a thriving party atmosphere.

17 – Discovery Children’s Museum

A Vegas family entertainment staple that fuses STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) with interactivity and a whole lot of fun , the three-floor, 58,000-square-foot Discovery Children’s Museum is a great place to take the kiddlywinks if you’re looking to beat the heat and learn a thing or two along the way

The perfect place for pint-sized Picassos and Einsteins-In-Training, Discovery offers climbing towers and arts and crafts, plus Toddler Town, Water World, a mini-city where kids can learn about future careers, and the investigative Solve It exhibition (to name just a few), as well a handful of collections and events that rotate on a regular basis, there’s always something new to see at the DCM.

18 – Pinball Hall of Fame

Where the throwbacks are delivered in droves, this iconic southern-Strip museum houses more than 200 classic pinball machines and video games — from Donkey Kong to Dr. Who, Sega Basketball, the Magic Baseball Game, Wheel of Fortune, Pacman, and everything in between — dating from the 1960s through the 1990s and beyond.

This 25,000-square-foot of gaming paradise, where nostalgia runs deep and the neon burns bright, boasts a collection of almost 1,000 pinball machines — with that feat in mind, it’s officially the world’s largest collection of functioning pinball machines, with cheap eats and hoards of playable games to boot.

Best of all? It’s free to check out! Just bring a handful of few quarters (or a few extra bucks if you’re after a quirky souvenir or two too).

19 – Lion Habitat Ranch

Looking for some fun things to do in Las Vegas during the day ?

Home to no less than 40 graceful and powerful kings of the jungle , the non-profit Lion Habitat Ranch is the perfect place to snap a selfie with a lion cub, learn about animal conservation, and see (and sometimes feed) some of the world’s most majestic creatures from up close.

Located in Henderson, Nevada, minutes from the Strip, this family-owned and -operated sanctuary offers guided and self-guided tours around its well-manicured grounds as well as an interactive ranch section where you can feed Ozzie the giraffe .

Want to take your experience to the next level? For a few extra bucks you can feed lions ($100 per pound of food), or sign up for ‘Feast with the Beasts’ where you’ll dine in an enclosure safely surrounded by big cats (just be sure to book ahead).

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20 – AREA15

Where art, entertainment and events collide, AREA15 is a multi-dimensional destination that meshes creative events with immersive art installations and cutting-edge technology .

Wild and artistic events aside, the space also offers state-of-the-art VR experiences, the indoor Five Iron Golf attraction (where you can book private or group golf lessons), an ax-throwing station, an Emporium arcade, and a flight simulator.

For a cocktail under a twinkling neon forest, head to Oddwood, and for a hearty and quirky meal, head to The Beast for a food hall found in the belly of a dragon.

Tucked away off the beaten track, this digital oasis is easily one of the most underrated tourist attractions in Las Vegas and one of the best things to do off the Strip .

21 – Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum

Do you have an inkling for the paranormal? A love for the bizarre and the strange? Well, so does Zak Bagans, the owner and face of Ghost Adventures, one of the Travel Channel’s most popular haunted shows.

At the city’s most eerie attraction, Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum — a spine-tingling, near-century-old haunted house where who-knows-what is hiding in the shadows, next to dozens of supposedly cursed objects — you can see some of the most haunted and cursed items in the world, including Charles Manson’s ashes, Ted Bundy’s glasses, Bela Lugosi’s Mirror, and Peggy the doll.

With more than 30 rooms that rival scenes from the spookiest Hollywood horror films , this spot is not for the faint of heart.

See also: cheap things to do in Las Vegas

22 – Hoover Dam

One of America’s engineering marvels , the fascinating and truly enormous (at 726 feet tall) Hoover Dam is a sight to behold.

Located just outside of Las Vegas in the town of Boulder City, Nevada, this iconic landmark was completed in 1936 and today welcomes more than 7 million visitors every year !

Accessible both solo and as part of a range of pre-organized excursions that include Vegas pickup and drop-off, the Hoover Dam offers insightful guided tours as well as an opportunity to walk across the top of the dam for some truly epic views (or cycle around the area’s trails).

For those looking for a little more adventure, why not add a little extra splash of adventure to your day trip and throw in some white-water rafting down the Colorado River?

• Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas

23 – Grand Canyon

Mother Nature sure knows how to spoil us, right? Just a couple hours drive from Sin City — or a short helicopter ride, if that’s more your jam — the Grand Canyon is one of the most majestic and awe-inspiring natural attractions on Earth .

Home to some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes (looking at you, Horseshoe Bend), this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a can’t-miss for any nature lover visiting Las Vegas — or southwestern USA, period.

Book a helicopter tour or a scenic flight for an unforgettable bird’s eye view, snap the quintessential pic from the Skywalk (don’t miss our blog post about Grand Canyon Skywalk tickets ), or venture down into the canyon on foot or by bike for up to a few hours or days worth of hiking trails that will take your breath away.

No matter how you choose to experience it, the Grand Canyon is sure to leave you feeling small in the best possible way.

For the best bang for your buck, consider a full-day adventure that also includes a visit to the Hoover Dam and Antelope Canyon . Or, for the ultimate experience, sign up for a multi-day National Parks Tour, during which you’ll also check off Zion , Bryce Canyon , and Monument Valley !

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Hot tip: Learn how to get from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon .

24 – Planet Hollywood

Bringing a touch of Tinseltown in the middle of the Mojave, you’ll uncover more than your fair share of glitz, glam, and celebrity-inspired entertainment at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Besides the obvious and lively casino floor, where the drinks flow and the games never stop, Planet Hollywood also boasts two pools, five bars, at least 20 eateries (including the highly-praised Gordon Ramsay Burger), and no less than 2500 rooms to suit a vast range of budgets.

Hunting for entertainment? With a direct association to Hollywood, it should come as no surprise that A-listers often take center stage here : artists like Shania Twain and Criss Angel perform on the regular, while all kinds of A-listers rotate through the Zappos Stage (check the schedule in advance!).

Prefer a day of poolside partying? Found on the hotel’s 6th floor, the Scene Pool Deck is hip, happening, and never shy of a wild party, with a Flowrider surf simulator and constant DJs livening up the atmosphere.

• Planet Hollywood Resort show tickets

25 – Paris Las Vegas

Immediately recognizable thanks to the two-to-one replica of the Eiffel Tower standing tall right in the heart of the Strip, Paris Las Vegas is one of Sin City’s most beloved (and picturesque) resorts.

On top of being one of the essential tourist attractions in Las Vegas for grabbing a selfie , the Parisienne icon offers sky-high dinners and sublime views from its observation deck 110 feet above the Las Vegas Strip.

• Eiffel Tower Experience tickets

Right at the base of the famous landmark, travelers flock to the Paris Las Vegas pool area, where, thanks to the backdrop as well as the bookable French Premium Villas, it’s become an Instagrammer’s delight.

Shopaholics, head straight to the indoor Le Boulevard mall; and foodies, buckle up to be whisked away to the wondrous world of French cuisine at Gordon Ramsay Steak, Brioche By Guy Savoy, and Cafe Belle Madeleine.

26 – Bally’s

While not the biggest resort on the Strip, Bally’s has been around for decades, delighting guests with its classic Vegas appeal since 1973 — don’t let that throw you off though, Bally’s is newly renovated and comes jam-packed with all the luxe touches, chic décor and modern amenities synonymous with Sin City.

What it may lack in reputation, Bally’s more than makes up for in affordability and attractions: the casino floor is a veritable Strip institution, there are several swimming pools, tennis courts and shopping spots to choose from, and both Caesars Palace, the Bellagio, MGM, the LINQ, and Planet Hollywood are just a short walk away should you feel like venturing out.

Across Bally’s two entertainment venues (the Magic Attic and the Jubilee Theater), choose from the mind-bending Farrell Dillon Comedy Magician show , Frederic Da Silva’s mind-reading magic , and the all-in-one dancing, singing, and acrobatic performance of Extravaganza – The Vegas Spectacular .

On-site, you’ll also find one of the more unique tourist attractions in Las Vegas: Real Bodies . Here, you can observe the working of the human body through real skeletons, and organs. Once you’re done, head over to the Twilight Zone for 18 alien and monster-themed mini-golf holes!

And, for some of the best shopping on the Strip (think high-end brands at discounted prices), head to The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, just across the road

27 – Caesars Palace

A shining example of Las vegas opulence and spectacularly themed around ancient Rome, Caesars Palace is one of the most famous resorts on the Strip.

From its iconic casino floor to its 4000 luxurious rooms and suites, Caesars Palace has something for every Nevada visitor — and that’s before you even get to the 7 pools at the Garden of the Gods , world-famous shows in the $100 million Colosseum (think Celine Dion, Elton John, and Jerry Seinfeld), celebrity chef restaurants and round-the-clock shopping.

Party-goers, look no further than OMNIA Nightclub, where world-renowned DJs play till the sun comes up; shopaholics, make a feeling for The Forum Shops — an indoor mall with over 160 shops and eateries ranging from high-end designers like Gucci and Giorgio Armani, to fan favorites like Lulu Lemon and Apple, to more affordable fashion stores like H&M and Zara.

28 – Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

For when nature calls and you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a beautiful spot just 25 minutes west of Las Vegas.

The area offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding, biking, scooter tours, bird watching and rock climbing , as well as opportunities to learn about the natural and cultural history of the Mojave Desert. And, for the ‘grammers, expect several lookouts with stunning views over Red Rock Canyon itself.

While visitors are more than welcome to venture out and explore, most travelers prefer to opt out of the organizing and sign up for a tour that includes transport, pickup and drop-off from Vegas proper (and the option to add a visit to the Valley of Fire ).

• Red Rock Canyon tours from Las Vegas

29 – LINQ High Roller

For 30 minutes of killer views and, if you’re up for it, unlimited drinks, look no further: the High Roller is not only Las Vegas’ tallest observation wheel, but the largest in North America , with 28 glass-enclosed cabins that provide stunning panoramas of the Strip and the suburbs and desert beyond.

After soaring 550 above the bright lights of the LINQ Promenade, spend at least half an hour wandering about the area — with plenty of shops, eateries, bars and casinos to keep you busy.

• LINQ High Roller tickets

30 – Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Camera at the ready! No visit to Las Vegas is complete without a selfie (or two, or three) with your favorite celebrities.

Luckily for celeb-crushing visitors, Madame Tussauds has got you covered, with over 100 life-like wax figures of Hollywood icons and music stars (from Liberace to Elvis and Beyonce) from around the world. And if that’s not enough, there are also sections dedicated to historical figures and sports legends, as well as awesome themed areas Marvel Superheroes.

Besides being America’s inaugural Madame Tussauds location, most of the exhibits are highly interactive —  get on stage with Rock n Roll King Elvis Presley, or star in a music video alongside Drake! Make no mistake, this is far from your typical museum.

• Madame Tussauds Las Vegas tickets

31 – The Venetian

Blending ornate Italian architecture and romance with the debauchery and shenanigans of Las Vegas, The Venetian is one of the Strip’s most picturesque and popular resorts — if not for spending a night, at least for an hour or so of exploring.

From its Grand Canal Shoppes, complete with manmade waterways, Venice-style gondolas and singing gondolier tour guides , to its casino floor and luxury suites, The Venetian offers an enchanting and romantic alternative to the traditional gambling and hotel experience.

And if you’re looking for a break from the bustle, take in one of the Venetian’s awe-inspiring shows — whether you pop into the intimate Summit Showroom , spacious Venetian Theatre , or luxurious Palazzo Theatre world-class names in comedy and music are never too far away.

Wanna let your hair down? Grab a few drinks and hit the dancefloor at Tao, a premier Vegas nightclub .

32 – Resorts World Las Vegas

One of the newest additions to Sin City’s resorts scene, found at the quieter northern end of the Strip (close to the STRAT), Resorts World Las Vegas is a high-end, Asian-themed, 3500-room complex that’s perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main drag while still having direct access to all the entertainment, food, games, and activities you could ask for on a vacation .

From its giant gold lion entrance to its lush gardens and Koi ponds, Resorts World is all about opulence and excess — think pagodas, marble floors, hand-carved woodwork and intricate metalwork.

And if you’re feeling peckish after all that exploring, there are 40+ restaurants on offer (including several Michelin-starred establishments), as well as a casino floor with table games and more than 400 slot machines.

With over 5000 seats and a massive 196-feet-wide center stage, The Theatre at Resorts World has already welcomed superstars like Michael Buble, Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry and Celine Dion.

After catching a show, head straight to the internationally-renowned Zouk Nightclub to catch names like Zedd and Tiësto, and then nurse the hangover the next day at the largest pool complex on the Strip.

33 – Gold & Silver Pawn Shop

Made famous across the globe because of the History Channel’s ‘Pawn Stars’ series , the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop is a real-life treasure trove waiting to be explored.

Even if you’re not in the market for some of the thousands of items on offer (including coins, jewelry, watches, guns and even medieval armor), it’s still well worth a visit just to check out the jaw-dropping collection of one-of-a-kind pieces and quirky knickknacks .

And if you are feeling lucky (this is Vegas, after all), maybe take a shot at haggling with owner Rick Harrison or one of the reality TV star hosts-cross-shopkeepers!

Despite the fame, it’s free to visit (with free parking) and open 24/7.

34 – Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Offering a well-appreciated change of pace from the typical drinking and chaos, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum is a great place to take the kids or spend an afternoon learning about the history and ecology of the area .

Featuring exhibits on fascinating topics like the ocean (with real sharks and stingrays!), international wildlife, ancient Egypt, dinosaurs, and human evolution, as well as giant skeletons of prehistoric mammals, there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained for hours on end .

And if you’re feeling famished after all that learning, the museum’s café offers healthy (and affordable) options like sandwiches, salads and wraps.

Check the calendar before you visit — regular events like public shark feedings happen twice a week, with Storytime on most Sundays to entertain the little ones.

• Las Vegas Natural History Museum tickets

35 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Craving the smell of burning rubber and the sound of revving engines? Then the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is just what the doctor ordered.

Home to NASCAR, IndyCar and NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) races throughout the year, as well as monster truck rallies, car shows and a whole lot more, there’s always something exciting happening at this petrolhead paradise.

But why stop at watching? For a truly unforgettable afternoon of motorsport, consider booking a few NASCAR hot laps riding shotgun , or, even more high-octane still, an exotic supercar driving experience! With options to cruise around in over 20 different supercar s (Porches, Lambos, Ferraris and more), it’s a dream come true for many.

• supercar driving in Las Vegas

Save money on attractions tickets: consider the Go Las Vegas Explorer Pass

For money- and time-conscious tourists, or any of you who don’t feel like organizing too many of your own activities (you’re on vacation, after all), the Las Vegas Explorer Pass has been specifically designed to make visitors’ lives easier .

Providing access to a wide range of Las Vegas’s most popular tours, activities, and sites (including a Grand Canyon tour), the Go Las Vegas Explorer Pass gives discounts to well over 30 must-see actions and quintessential excursions .

Simply choose for favorites, pick how many places you want to see, and control everything from the convenience of one simple app.

• Go Las Vegas Explorer Pass

Save hassle: book an airport transfer

Why should you care about little details when on vacation? Rather, leave the logistics to the professionals. Instead of worrying about bus connections or hailing a taxi at the airport, you can save time in transit and spend more time seeing and roaming Sin City , discovering all the sights.

Why do visitors book airport transfers in advance? With a pre-organized airport transfer, you can simply step off the plane, grab your bags, and be greeted by a chauffeur holding a sign with your name on it.

No need to worry about currency conversions, getting lost in an unfamiliar city, or trying to haggle with drivers — just sit back, enjoy the ride, and ask your friend driver about their favorite locales!

• Las Vegas airport transfers

Final thoughts:

Well, that’s all for now, folks! We hope you’ve enjoyed our look into the best tourist attractions in Las Vegas.

If you have any other must-see suggestions, feel free to let us know in the comments. Viva Las Vegas and, as always, happy and safe travels!

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Stay connected, the 18 top tourist attractions in las vegas you must see.

YOUR LAS VEGAS BUCKET LIST

Las Vegas is a city that needs no introduction. Known around the world as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas is a neon-lit paradise filled with larger-than-life hotels, world-class entertainment, incredible restaurants, and so much more.

With so many things to see and do in Las Vegas, it can be hard to figure out how to spend your time. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the 18 top tourist attractions in Las Vegas that you simply must visit.

From the iconic Vegas Strip to themed hotels like The Venetian, these are the absolute best things to see and do in Las Vegas. Keep reading to discover the ultimate Las Vegas bucket list!

1. The Las Vegas Strip

No trip to Las Vegas is complete without a stroll along the legendary Las Vegas Strip . This 4.2 mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard contains some of the most iconic resorts, hotels, casinos, restaurants, and attractions that the city has to offer.

The Strip is always buzzing with activity day and night. Be sure to check out the amazing themed hotels like The Venetian, Luxor, and Excalibur, which transport you to different worlds once you step inside. Make sure your camera is charged, because you’ll want to get photos in front of the incredible hotel facades and neon signs.

In addition to sightseeing, the Strip is home to world-famous live shows and residencies by artists like Celine Dion, Bruno Mars, and more. Not to mention, it’s lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and of course – casinos!

You can easily spend an entire day exploring the Strip, taking in the sights and sounds of this legendary boulevard. It’s one of the most iconic streets in the entire world, making it an absolute must on any Las Vegas itinerary.

2. Fremont Street Experience

For a taste of old Vegas, head downtown to the Fremont Street Experience . This was the hub of Vegas casinos and nightlife back in the 1950s, before the Strip took center stage.

Today, Fremont Street is a lively pedestrian mall covered by an incredible LED canopy that puts on spectacularly trippy light shows each night. With classic neon signs, street performers, and some of Downtown’s best casinos and bars, it’s got a funky retro vibe that’s worlds away from the Strip.

Be sure to check out the nearby Fremont East district while you’re downtown. It’s filled with hip bars, lounges, and clubs that attract a younger crowd than the tourist-heavy Strip. If you want a behind-the-scenes look at the “real” Vegas frequented by locals, spending an evening bar hopping in Downtown is an absolute must.

3. Bellagio Fountains

No matter how many times you’ve seen it on TV and movies, nothing prepares you for seeing the Bellagio Fountains in person. Located right on the Strip in front of the Bellagio Resort & Casino, these incredible fountains perform a choreographed water ballet right on Lake Bellagio.

The show takes place every 30 minutes in the afternoons and early evenings, with more frequent shows on weekends. Watch in awe as the fountains shoot water hundreds of feet in the air, perfectly synchronized to opera, classical and popular music.

With thousands of individual sprays and lights, it’s an engineering marvel as much as an artistic one. Make sure to arrive early to grab a front row spot for the best views, and have your camera ready – this is one Vegas spectacle you’ll want to remember forever.

4. Red Rock Canyon

For a break from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, head out to the stunning Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area . Located just 25 minutes west of the Strip, the park is known for its distinctive red sandstone landscapes set against the beautiful backdrop of the Spring Mountains.

Go for a scenic drive along the 13-mile park loop, stopping at viewpoints to take in the towering rock formations and desert flora. There are also hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, so you can choose one based on your fitness level and time constraints.

Make sure to visit the Red Spring Boardwalk Trail to see the park’s vibrant red sandstone up close. For a special experience, join a guided horseback ride through the canyon’s iconic landscapes. With beautiful desert scenery and breathtaking geology around every turn, Red Rock Canyon is a perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Las Vegas.

5. The Mob Museum

Discover the real stories behind the mafia’s rise to power at the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas. Housed inside a former 1933 courthouse, it takes a deep dive into the origins of organized crime in America and its connection to Las Vegas.

Through interactive exhibits and over 300 artifacts, you can learn all about mob history, famous mobsters and gangsters, and how the mafia helped shape modern-day Las Vegas. Highlights include the actual brick wall from the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and the blood-stained wall from the assassination of gangster Bugsy Siegel.

There are also special exhibits that change over time, keeping the content fresh. Whether you’re fascinated by mafia lore or just want to learn some lurid bits of Vegas history, the Mob Museum is one of the most unique and intriguing attractions in the city.

6. High Roller Observation Wheel

See the Las Vegas skyline from a whole new perspective on the High Roller . This giant observation wheel towers 550 feet above the Strip – making it the tallest in North America!

Each fully-enclosed glass cabin provides 360-degree panoramic views as you complete one full 30-minute revolution. You’ll be in awe as you watch the Strip light up after sunset or gaze out across the sweeping desert landscapes surrounding the city.

For an even more memorable experience, opt for a happy hour or open bar cabin so you can sip on cocktails as you take in the views. Or enjoy a romantic private cabin ride with chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne. However you choose to ride, the views from the top of the High Roller are unforgettable!

7. Hoover Dam

Just a 45-minute drive from the Strip lies the mighty Hoover Dam – one of the most impressive engineering feats in the world. Constructed during the Great Depression in the 1930s, the concrete arch-gravity dam is 726 feet tall and impounds the incredible Lake Mead reservoir.

Guided tours take you inside the dam itself to see the massive generators and learn how the dam provides power to multiple states. You can also walk across the top of the dam for stunning views looking over Black Canyon and the Colorado River below.

Make sure to visit the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge overlooking the dam for incredible photo opportunities. The sheer size and magnitude of the Hoover Dam makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any Las Vegas visitor.

8. The Neon Museum

For your neon fix off the Strip, pay a visit to the Neon Museum . Dedicated to preserving Las Vegas’ iconic neon signage, the Neon Museum is part outdoor exhibition and part museum.

The outdoor Neon Boneyard houses over 200 rescued and restored neon signs, letting you glimpse the classic designs that once lit up the Strip. Highlights include signs from Caesars Palace, the Golden Nugget, and the Stardust, which closed in 2006.

The on-site Neon Museum Gallery features even more eye-catching signs in a climate-controlled space. Through these beautiful vintage pieces, you can gain insight into the evolution of Las Vegas’ most distinctive art form – neon! Visit after dark when the displays are all aglow for the most magical experience.

9. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace

Even if you don’t fancy gambling, you can still feel like royalty with a visit to The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace . Connected to the iconic Caesars Palace hotel on the Strip, the Forum Shops form a sprawling 630,000 square foot luxury mall filled with 160 designer stores.

With names like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, it’s the ultimate place to splash out on some Vegas souvenirs. The Roman architecture and staggering size add to the opulence, with the high painted ceilings giving the illusion of being outside.

Every hour, the Fall of Atlantis animatronic show wows crowds with fire, laser lights, and larger-than-life sculptures depicting the myth of Atlantis. Between the exceptional people watching, window shopping, and free entertainment, it’s a can’t-miss Las Vegas experience.

10. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

No trip to Vegas is complete without a photo opp at the iconic “ Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas ” sign. Located in the median of Las Vegas Boulevard, this colorful neon sign has been greeting visitors since 1959.

It’s probably the most photographed sign in the world! The 25-foot tall sign features flashing silver dollars and bright neon lettering backed by a starburst design. Las Vegas wouldn’t be the same without this retro roadside emblem.

Be sure to visit both during the day and again after dark to appreciate the neon colors lighting up against the night sky. For extra photo fun, bring and hold props like oversized dice, a glittery showgirl feather headdress, or old-school novelty souvenirs. Your visit may be fleeting, but the memories will last a lifetime!

11. Fountains of Bellagio

Already mentioned above, the Fountains of Bellagio show on the Strip truly deserves its own dedicated section. Why? Because it remains one of the most beloved, iconic free attractions that first-time visitors should absolutely make seeing one of their top priorities.

The show takes place in front of the luxurious Bellagio Resort every 30 minutes in the afternoons and early evenings. You’ll want to arrive at least 15 minutes early to get a good viewing spot along the 8-acre manmade Lake Bellagio, which provides the stage.

Once it begins, prepare to be dazzled as the fountains launch choreographed streams of water hundreds of feet into the air. The streams “dance” and sway in perfect time to beloved opera, classical and Broadway show tunes.

Each performance is different and the fountain’s nearly 1,200 individual jets allow for amazing displays. With thousands of lights illuminating the streams after dark, it’s one of the most photo-worthy sights in all of Las Vegas. Don’t leave without seeing it at least once!

12. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Get up close and personal with your favorite celebrities at the lively Madame Tussauds Las Vegas wax museum. Located on the Strip, it’s home to stunningly lifelike wax figures of celebrities, world leaders, cultural icons, and more.

You can pose on the red carpet with Lady Gaga, practice karate kicks with Jackie Chan, or re-enact the Beatles crossing Abbey Road. There are also interactive sets like the Oval Office desk or the driver’s seat of a race car to provide fun photo ops.

Madame Tussauds keeps things fresh by constantly introducing new waxworks of current stars, from Dwayne Johnson to Miley Cyrus. For pop culture fans, it’s a chance to see famous faces and take memorable pictures. The Las Vegas location is one of the largest, best Madame Tussauds museums in the world!

13. The Venetian Gondola Rides

For a taste of Venice without leaving the Strip, hop aboard a gondola at The Venetian . Nestled along the Grand Canal that flows through the hotel and casino complex, you can soar under arched bridges as your gondolier serenades you with Italian love songs.

The Venetian’s recreation of St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace gives the experience an immersive, romantic feel. The singing gondoliers are always entertaining as well.

You can choose between an indoor ride along the Grand Canal Shoppes or an outdoor ride on the hotel’s stunning pool deck. Either way, for under $30 it’s a fun and unique way to spend a Vegas afternoon. Perfect for couples, these gondola rides are classic Vegas at its best.

14. Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens

Satisfy your sweet tooth just a short drive from the Strip at Ethel M Chocolates . This popular factory and retail store offers free self-guided factory tours along the viewing aisle.

Watch as Ethel M’s signature chocolates and confections are crafted right before your eyes! Of course, the main event is the complimentary chocolate sample you receive at the end of the tour.

The adjacent three-acre Botanical Cactus Gardens showcase more than 350 botanical species in stunning desert landscaping. It’s especially beautiful around the holidays when the gardens transform with thousands of lights.

Between the free chocolate samples, informal factory tour, and strolling the picturesque gardens, this is one of the best ways to experience Vegas’ surrounds. It’s also a popular spot for locals to buy quality chocolates and gifts.

15. Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas

Dance the night away at the high-energy Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas . Located just off the Strip in the buzzing LINQ entertainment district, it’s part lively nightclub, part bowling alley, and part concert venue hosting top names in music.

With its vintage bowling lanes, exposed brick, and industrial Brooklyn vibe, it’s an artsy retro spot for bowling a few frames while listening to live bands or DJs. There’s always a fun party atmosphere, especially during the popular late-night hours.

Beyond bowling, they have an extensive craft beer selection, farm fresh food menu, and plenty of laneside seating to just hang out and take in the scene. For a uniquely Vegas good time, Brooklyn Bowl’s blend of music, drinks, bowling, and non-stop energy is right up your alley!

16. Stratosphere Thrill Rides

Channel your inner daredevil at the Stratosphere observation tower’s extreme thrill rides. Towering 1,149 feet over the Strip, the Stratosphere gives you 360-degree panoramic views from indoor and outdoor observation decks.

But the real adventure happens once you strap in to the exhilarating thrill rides on the exterior decks. Test your bravery on the Big Shot ride, which launches you 160 feet at 45 miles per hour. Or step out over the edge in the ironically named Insanity ride, suspended 900 feet above the ground.

For a real adrenaline rush, try the X-Scream ride that dangles you 27 feet over the tower’s edge before whipping you in hair-raising circles at speeds up to 70 miles per hour. With gorgeous views by day and an electrifying skyline after dark, the thrill rides at the Stratosphere are not for the faint of heart!

17. Adult Entertainment Experiences

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, which is why you may want to live out your wildest dreams during an adult entertainment experience. From scantily clad showgirls to exotic pole dancing classes, Las Vegas has endless options.

For sexy stage shows, check out topless revues like Fantasy at Luxor or the provocative Magic Mike Live at the Sahara. Or for an immersive nightclub experience, Marquee at The Cosmopolitan offers dancers, aerialists, and special VIP packages.

If you’d rather try your own moves, places like Pole Position Raceway let you book private pole dancing lessons with an instructor. With its daring spirit and anything-goes attitude, Vegas is the perfect spot to check risque adventures off your bucket list!

18. Golfing Top Las Vegas Courses

With nearly perfect weather year round, the Vegas valley is a golfer’s paradise. You can tee off at acclaimed championship courses designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Rees Jones.

Some standout courses include Wynn Golf Club, an elegant course tucked right behind the Strip with scenic waterfalls and greenery. Bali Hai Golf Club has stunning views of the Strip skyline and an exotic tropical theme.

For a resort course, Cascata Golf has unbelievable cliff-hanging fairways and a 128-foot waterfall you can golf behind! With gorgeous scenery and meticulously maintained courses, Las Vegas is a hole-in-one destination for avid golfers.

From the legendary Las Vegas Strip to the surrounding desert landscapes, Las Vegas offers endless possibilities for adventure, entertainment, sightseeing and just letting loose.

Make your trip unforgettable by experiencing the most iconic attractions like the Bellagio Fountains, High Roller, and of course world-famous casinos and shows. Discover hidden gems like the Neon Museum illuminating Vegas’ past, or venture beyond the city to natural wonders like Red Rock Canyon.

With all these incredible options for things to do, your biggest challenge will be fitting it all into one visit! Use this guide to plan your perfect Las Vegas itinerary full of must-see sights, shows, restaurants and unique-to-Vegas experiences.

The mix of glitz, excess, nature and nonstop excitement you’ll only find here makes Las Vegas a bucket list destination like no other. So get ready to embrace your inner tourist and see a whole new side of Sin City!

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Why You Shouldn’t Miss a Trip to Las Vegas This Year

Highlights for 2024 include new restaurants at fontainebleau las vegas and micro-residencies at the art house beverly theater..

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This year, hit the pool at new spots like Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Photo by Connie Zhou

The city that bills itself as the Entertainment Capital of the World is living up to its name, having hosted its first-ever Super Bowl in February and its first Formula One race in November 2023. Add to the mix several new hotel openings plus a bevy of new restaurants, bars, and other new attractions, and it seems like Las Vegas has some serious momentum.

Those good vibes are set to continue well into the summer and beyond. Sin City is careening into pool party season, and several major music festivals are on the upcoming schedule. The Arts District, on the southwest edges of downtown, continues to evolve as the city’s most popular and most creative neighborhood. And railway company Brightline just broke ground on a high-speed train that will deliver visitors from suburban Los Angeles to the South Strip in about two hours.

Here are some of the most exciting openings, changes, and must-dos across Las Vegas this spring and summer.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas is the sister property of Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

Photo by Mark Mediana

New hotels to check into

Fontainebleau las vegas.

The 2023-opened Fontainebleau Las Vegas , on the Las Vegas Strip between Encore and Sahara, has 3,644 rooms and cost about $3.7 billion to build. The hotel opened last December and includes 76 suites—collectively branded as Fontainebleau Fleur de Lis—which occupy the top five floors of the 67-story tower and feature billiards tables, wellness rooms, and custom Italian bedding. It has nearly two dozen restaurants, including Alan Yau’s Chyna Club and Ethan Funke’s Mother Wol; its swanky pool deck, LIV Beach, opened in April.

Durango Casino & Resort

On the outskirts of the Las Vegas Valley, in the rapidly developing Durango neighborhood on the southwest side of the city, Durango Casino & Resort has proven to be a huge hit with the locals, who visit in droves every weekend. The 15-floor hotel tower has 209 modern and spacious rooms. The real draws, however, are the casino floor and the top-notch food choices, which include Nicco’s Prime Cuts & Fresh Fish steak house, upscale Mexican joint Mijo, and a food court named “Eat Your Heart Out” (it goes by EYHO) with several cult-favorites, such as the Ai Pono Hawaiian street food café.

Its pool deck, Bel-Aire Backyard , has proven to be an even bigger hit than anticipated. “The pool has morphed into something we didn’t think we’d see,” Durango Casino & Resort general manager Dave Horn said. “People love hanging out back there. It’s a place to be seen.”

The restaurants to plan a trip around

For Esther’s Kitchen ’s first six years, chef James Trees operated the Italian eatery out of a tiny space on California Street. But in March 2024, Trees moved the fan-favorite joint around the corner to an anchor location on the corner of California and Main streets in the Arts District. The new spot is nearly three times the size with a new-and-expanded menu—thanks to a significantly larger kitchen—and has a private second-story cocktail bar that is expected to open this summer.

Elsewhere around town, the Las Vegas outpost of Brooklyn-born Peter Lugar Steak House in Caesars Palace has gotten rave reviews since it opened in November 2023. Mandalay Bay’s Orla , a Mediterranean restaurant from Michael Mina that opened in January, seems to be on everyone’s list for best meal of the year, with dishes such as sizzling king crab legs and filet mignon kebab. And for some authentic escargot, head to French restaurant LPM at the Cosmopolitan, which opened in November 2023.

Two restaurants of note opened in February 2024 inside Fashion Show Mall: Emmitt’s and Happy Camper . The first, owned by former NFL running back Emmitt Smith, serves steak and seafood in an upscale, business casual environment. Happy Camper has a more laid-back vibe; the entire restaurant is designed to look and feel like a campground, and giant portions of pizzas and wings come out on platters intended to inspire sharing.

The Sphere is the world’s largest spherical structure.

Photo by ByDroneVideos/Shutterstock

New art and other attractions

Las Vegas lacked an art-house cinema until the Beverly Theater , located on the outskirts of downtown, opened in March 2023. The space functions as a traditional movie theater showcasing independent films (complete with a sophisticated projector and sound system), as well as an intimate performing arts and live music venue. In April the Beverly launched shorter artist-in-residence sessions called “micro-residencies” with three weekends of performances by Australian singer/songwriter Julia Jacklin.

Kip Kelly, the theater’s founding creative director, described the theater’s programming as “grassroots” and said there’s nothing else like it in the city.

“Whether it’s a first-run indie release, an old movie we think will be fun to watch with friends again, a concert, or an author reading, we make all the [programming] decisions from right here in downtown Las Vegas,” he wrote to Afar in a text message. “We make sure our finger is always on the pulse of what’s happening, and we build our program around that rhythm.”

Other new attractions revolve more squarely around the Strip. The Sphere , the giant entertainment venue wrapped in 1.2 million LED lights behind Venetian Las Vegas is home to several new concerts this summer, including Phish and Dead & Co. (the latest iteration of The Grateful Dead). At City Center, a digital art installation space named the Arte Museum opened in 2023. Exhibits here include a room with a giant crashing wave; in another room, guest drawings of animals come to life in a digital jungle.

And at the Luxor, on the South Strip, two new attractions are revitalizing a property that had fallen into obscurity. Play Playground , which opened in January, is a bar with Double Dare -style games and obstacles. The other is immersive show Particle Ink , which kicked off earlier this month and combines real-live human actors with amplified reality characters projected on objects and walls.

Essential cultural happenings

First, sports. The WNBA season kicks off in June and the Vegas team—the Aces—come in as two-time defending champions. Formula One is back again in November. And on the distant horizon, there’s baseball: The city is razing the Tropicana to build a new stadium for the relocating Oakland A’s.

On the festival front, fans are already gearing up for Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), the largest electronic dance music festival in North America. The annual show, organized by promoter and distributor Insomniac, attracts about 100,000 people each year and is held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in mid-May. September will see two separate music festivals: the two-day I Heart Radio , held at T-Mobile Arena; and the three-day Life Is Beautiful , held in the heart of downtown. Neither festival has announced lineups for 2024, but both strive to put together eclectic and pop offerings: Last year’s performers included Lenny Kravitz and Foo Fighters at “I Heart” and Cigarettes After Sex, ODESZA, and Kendrick Lamar at “Life Is Beautiful.”

In October, drive 45 minutes southwest of Las Vegas to Jean Dry Lake Beds in Sloan, Nevada, for the Rise Lantern Festival . The weekend-long homage to spirituality and wellness is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2024; it ends with participants lighting thousands of lanterns aloft into the night sky.

Nightlife must-sees

Several new watering holes in Las Vegas are worth a visit. Status , a new minority-owned champagne lounge, opened at the Grand Canal Shoppes inside the Venetian in late April of 2024. Stray Pirate opened in October 2023 and is designed to feel like the inside of a pirate ship, complete with (digital) “wildlife” swimming past fake windows. November 2023 brought the arrival of Liquid Diet —the bar opened in an old garage, and its sparse decorations and animal skulls feel like a setting from Breaking Bad . The night’s menu is written on brown butcher paper and hung from a clothesline behind the bar.

Elsewhere in town, behind Resorts World Las Vegas and attached to the Thrive cannabis dispensary, a bar named Smoke & Mirrors opened in March and is Las Vegas’s first cannabis consumption lounge. Guests can choose among flower (served with a bong or rolling papers), prerolls, or cannabis-infused mocktails; drinks can be made with 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg of THC in every order.

Fly into . . .

Terminal 3 at Harry Reid International Airport (formerly known as McCarran). The Vegas home of United and Alaska Airlines is the newer of the two terminals (it opened in 2012), featuring wider walkways and amenities such as cupcake vending machines and seating benches with USB ports. Travelers can take an underground train to the expanded Centurion Lounge from American Express, which opened in Terminal 1 in 2020.