vegas tourist guide

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

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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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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.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

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

Take a walk under the sea.

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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

Las Vegas Travel Guide

Planning to visit Las Vegas for the first time? Or are you a veteran visitor looking for Las Vegas hotel deals or discount show tickets? If so, then this comprehensive visitor guide to Las Vegas is for you. Come in and use the many tips here to plan your perfect vacation in Sin City.

Las Vegas is the world's premiere gambling destination, synonymous with non-stop casino action, luxurious hotels, championship sporting events, world-class shopping, celebrated restaurants and some of the greatest entertainment in the world. In fact there is so much to do and see, it can easily overwhelm any visitor to the city.

This Las Vegas travel guide is filled with information on enjoying Las Vegas on a budget, getting to/from the airport, getting around, discount show tickets and getting the most out of your vacation. It is the ultimate resource for Vegas and includes such information as:

There are so much to do and see in Las Vegas you can spend a week in the city and not see half of it. This guide will help you plan and choose the things you want to do in Las Vegas .

Are you visiting Vegas during one of the US holidays or simply want to know what's going on during your visit!. Although Las Vegas is buzzing all year long, it helps what's happening in town during your visit. Check here for upcoming events .

Las Vegas welcomes more than 6.5 million convention delegates yearly and hosts the largest trade shows in North America. What are the top Trade Shows in Las Vegas?

Here are a few ways to get around Las Vegas

• Las Vegas Bus
• Free Shuttle
• Walking the Strip

Of course, one main reason to visit Vegas is the shows. If you can't go to Broadway this is the next best place.

• Kids-Friendly Shows
• Top 10 Las Vegas Shows

See what Vegas has to offer besides gambling.

• Vegas Attractions
• Vegas Free Attractions
• Vegas Night Clubs

You can get free stuff from the casinos, like discounts on food, hotel rooms, shows, games and other things.

• Casino Rewards card

Planning to get married in Las Vegas? Check out tips on:

• How to Get Married
• License Requirements
• Marriage Bureau

Las Vegas has a wide selection of restaurants offering really good food. Find out where you can go to eat all you want and pay very little.

Learn to play casino games.

www.VegasHowTo.com

Las Vegas is buzzing all year round. Plan your Vegas trip around one of the major holidays or celebrations and rip some of the added benefits.

Explore the Las Vegas Strip on foot or by riding the Deuce. The most expensive 4 mile stretch in the world.

Are you looking for specific information on Las Vegas? You can search for it or use the sitemap to locate it.

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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.

CNT Editors

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

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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3 Days in Vegas: The Perfect Las Vegas Itinerary

last Updated: March 27, 2024 las vegas nevada

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Las Vegas and looking for the best 3 day Las Vegas itinerary? Keep on reading for opulent hotels, sugary snacks, and luxurious spa treatments. See, it’s not all kitschy casinos and high-cash table games!

I’ve taken my fair share of 3 day trips to Vegas (heck, I’ve gone just to see Usher perform #noshame and visit the Valley of Fire – my all time favorite day trip). But with all the things to see and do, I always get overwhelmed when attempting to create the perfect Vegas itinerary for you guys!

We’ve been to Vegas dozens of times (now that we live in San Francisco we go multiple a times a year), and are always finding new things to do. While it doesn’t have the beaches we crave in other destinations ( Hawaii , San Diego , and Half Moon Bay , I’m looking at you), we always love our time in the desert.

Want to create your own Vegas itinerary?! Or visiting for the 3rd, 4th, or 5th time? Check out these 100+ things to do in Las Vegas — the ultimate bucket list!

3 days in Vegas is a good amount of time to see the top tourist sites, do a little gambling (I said a little!), and get a little crazy in the clubs/pools. And after your long weekend in Vegas, you’ll be ready to go home back to normal life, I promise you that. Vegas is overwhelming, over-stimulating, and just overall quite a trip.

So when Monique, from get this – My Perfect Itinerary – offered to spill the beans on the perfect 3 days in Las Vegas, I just couldn’t say no. Aaaaand she’s a local, so what could be more fitting?

Enjoy, and lemme know down below in the comments if anything imperative should be added!

A 3 day weekend in Las Vegas is easily doable if you are anywhere on the west coast of the United States. In this guide, I will show you the touristy experiences (actually worth doing) and local tips (I do currently live here!) to give you a well-rounded Las Vegas vacation!

Las Vegas is an extremely famous city known for its epic party scene, amazing year-round weather, luxurious hotels, gambling on every corner, and notable movie spots. Being born and raised in Las Vegas, I will show you the ins and outs of this amazing city!

Where to Stay in Las Vegas?

Were you paying attention when I said Las Vegas is known for its luxurious hotels? Well, if you zoned out in paragraph two… you need to grab a coffee to zone back into this 2,000+ word guide!

Whether it’s your first time in Las Vegas or 100th time, you will want to find a hotel along the Las Vegas Strip for your 3 days in Vegas. When I refer to “The Strip,” this means the four and a half mile strip of hotels and casinos along Las Vegas Blvd. This area is competitive with luxurious and unique hotels, fitting every country you can think of.

Like Egypt? Stay at The Luxor for an Egyptian experience. Their hotel is shaped as an Egyptian pyramid that has a strobe light that (supposedly) can be seen from space!

Like Venice? Stay at The Venetian for some of the best Italian food in the world, gelato shops, and a grand canal weaving through the casino (where you can actually take a gondola ride through the hotel!).

I can go on and on with the unique themes of each hotel, but whichever one tickles your fancy, just make sure you are staying on Las Vegas Blvd between Sunset and Sahara. Since you are only in Vegas for three days, you will want to make sure you are staying in the middle of the action!

IMPORTANT: Just because a hotel has a Las Vegas Blvd address does NOT mean it is on the Las Vegas Strip!

Best Time to Visit Las Vegas?

There is no way to sugar coat it, Vegas is HOT!

The summer is going to be expensive, crowded, and brutally hot. I would 10/10 NOT recommend coming in the summer months.

Plan your 3 days in Las Vegas during either Spring and Fall – you’ll thank me later. The weather is gorgeous during these months (70-80 Degrees Fahrenheit), the crowds are not as bad (keyword here is “as” – Vegas always has A LOT of crowds),  and the pricing is far better.

Psst: If you wanna take any day or over night trips to surrounding National Parks ( Death Valley , Zion , and Bryce are popular from here), do not visit Vegas in the summer. It’s sweltering.

LOCAL TIP: Day clubs are one of the best things to do in Las Vegas. They are open most of the year, but are closed end of Fall and early Spring. The exact dates change yearly, but you can just Google “Las Vegas day club opening/closing day,” and you should be able to find the exact date. Make sure you don’t travel on a date when these are closed!

How to Get Around Las Vegas?

Uber and Lyft are literally swarming every inch of Las Vegas, so you should never have trouble getting one. However, the hotels and airport make it very difficult to get to the pick-up location because for some reason they are still supporting the taxis…  

Hotels will make you walk through the taxi pick-up area and into the parking garage to get to the rideshare area, which if you are drunk and tired this can be very annoying.

And if you aren’t constantly drunk and tired on your vacation, you aren’t doing your 3 day trip to Vegas right!

How Long to Stay in Las Vegas?

Yea, yea, yea, I know this is a guide for the best 3 day Vegas itinerary. And I certainly feel 3 days in Las Vegas is sufficient, especially if you think you’ll be coming back! You’ll see — any more than 3 days and nights in Vegas will surely kick your butt.

BUT, if you’re traveling from far away, you should 100% spend more time here. While Vegas itself is super fun, the day trips around the city are what really make the area so varied!

S ome of the best day trips from Las Vegas are:  

• Valley of Fire State Park
• Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
• Hoover Dam and Route 66
• Black Canyon Kayak Tour (half day) or Emerald Cave Kayaking
• Grand Canyon (West Rim)
• Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks

And now, let’s get this Las Vegas itinerary started!

The Best 3 Day Las Vegas Itinerary

Day 1 in vegas.

UPON-ARRIVAL: WELCOME TO LAS VEGAS

Whether you are driving or flying in to Vegas, you’re first stop will obviously be the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. This is single-handingly the most touristy thing in Las Vegas, but you are a tourist AND YOU ARE PROUD!

This sign is located off of Sunset Rd & Las Vegas Blvd, the starting point of the “Las Vegas Strip.” Make this the first thing you do during your 3 days in Las Vegas to just get it outta the way.

Plus, it’s free and who doesn’t love free stuff? 😉 If you want more FREE things to do in Las Vegas, don’t forget to check out my guide on 40 Free Things to do in Las Vegas !

NIGHT: DINNER AND DANCING

After checking into your hotel, it’s time for some grub! Regardless of what hotel you are staying at, head over to the Venetian to try out Celebrity Chef, Buddy V’s restaurant and bakery . I am sure you have heard of the show cake boss and if not, are you living under a rock?!

For those of you living under a rock…. Cake Boss is a ten-year, award winning tv show that ended in 2017 so that he could focus his energy on opening bakeries and restaurants around the world. Since 2017, he has already opened up bakeries in 10 different states!

LOCAL TIP: Get pastries to go because after a long night of drinking, these will actually taste like heaven. You can thank me later.

After you’re done with dinner, head back up to your room to get ready for the night and to drop off those yummy midnight snacks!

To “pregame” for the night club, you can spend a few hours gambling at one of the hotels. When you gamble on the Las Vegas Strip, you drink for free! A cocktail server will be walking around asking you if you would like anything as long as you are actively playing.

Not really drinking for free I guess, ha!

Night clubs are not open every night, you will need to research which one you want to go to and make sure they are open the night you are traveling. My top five nightclubs choices are:

Any of these are going to have good music and big crowds! Along with this, you will have to pay an arm and a leg for a drink once you get inside. I would recommend having a few drinks either gambling or at a bar before going in.

LOCAL TIP: Most nights, ladies get in for free. The day you choose to go to the club, look out for guys walking around in nice outfits asking you to come on their guest list. You will find them either in front of the club or wandering around the Las Vegas Strip.

Las Vegas Itinerary Day 2

MORNING: SPA DAY

Day 2 of our Las Vegas itinerary begins at the spa, because what’s better than getting rid of a hangover than by soaking in a tub of warm bubbly water? Every hotel will have a beautifully designed spa that matches the theme of the hotel.

Okay, I know what you’re thinking… Why would I waste time going to a spa when I could do that in my hometown?! Because Las Vegas spas are nothing like spas around the U.S. because of the outrageous amount of amenities they offer!

Caesars Palace Spa for example: When you pay for something on their spa menu (massage, facial, etc), you will gain access to their hotel pool, spa hot tub, sauna, steam room, gym, and snow room. YES, you heard that right.. Snow room .

These packages can get pricey, but I think they are worth every penny! You could easily spend several hours here.

Extra option: If spa’s aren’t really your thang, now’s your chance to either check out the Magic Mountains art installation and/or the Neon Museum (both quick uber rides away).

AFTERNOON: POOL PARTIES GALORE

If the spa didn’t get rid of your hangover, hair of the dog sure will! Time for some day drinking at one of Las Vegas’s day clubs. These clubs typically open around 11am and get packed very quick! My top five day clubs choices are:

• Wet Republic
• Encore Beach Club

NIGHT: DINNER AND BELLAGIO FOUNTAINS

I don’t know about you, but after a full day of day drinking, I need some comfort food and a nap! If you aren’t from the west coast, In N Out will be on your itinerary for today. Actually, no matter where you are from, In N Out is always a good idea!

LOCAL TIP: Get the off-the-menu animal style fries, which is french fries with their sauce, grilled onions and cheese melted on top. Trust me on this one.

If you’re still alive after the day club, you can head over to Hyde at the Bellagio to get the best view of the Bellagio fountains. If you go before 10pm, it is just a restaurant and bar. If you go after 10pm, it turns into a nightclub!

I recommend going before it turns into a club so you can sit outside at a table. Order some cocktails and appetizers to enjoy while watching the Bellagio Fountain Show that goes off every 15-30 minutes.

Being a local, I have seen this show millions of times and it still never ceases to amaze me!

After watching the Bellagio Fountains and enjoying your amazing cocktail, head inside the Bellagio to the conservatory & botanical garden to end your night. This should only take about 15 minutes to walk through, but you’re jaw will drop! This conservatory changes with the seasons and is made completely of real flowers.

Day 3 in Las Vegas

MORNING: BRUNCH IT UP!

Sleep in and head out to Hexx Kitchen for a hearty brunch and bottomless mimosas! This is your last day in Sin City, so there’s no better time than now to start drinking! The wait can be long on Sunday’s, so make sure you make a reservation in advance.

LATE-MORNING/EARLY AFTERNOON: SIGHTSEEING

After your belly is full of yummy food and bottomless mimosa, time for some sightseeing. Dealing with crowds, picture-taking tourists, and the heat is A LOT more fun after bottomless mimosas! Not speaking from personal experience or anything…

Stop 1: Head next door to the Paris Hotel to snap a picture with a much smaller version of the Eiffel Tower! The view is spectacular from next to or underneath the Eiffel Tower, but if you want a picture of yourself with the full Eiffel Tower in the background, you can get a much better view from across the street by the Bellagio Valet.

Stop 2: Walk one block along Las Vegas Blvd to The Flamingo hotel to see the FREE flamingo habitat! Located outside near the LINQ connection, you can see flamingos walking around in their gorgeous habitat with a winding coy pond and many waterfalls.

Stop 3: Continue walking along Las Vegas Blvd to the Linq Hotel and High Roller (the big ferris wheel). I would skip the Linq hotel and head right outside to their promenade where you can go shopping and get a delicious cupcake from Sprinkles! You don’t even need to wait in line for Sprinkles, you can walk right up to their cupcake ATM.

After walking around this adorable area, you can buy tickets for the High Roller. This ferris wheel is so unique because it fits 50+ people per pod! You can either buy tickets to just enjoy the view, or you can buy the VIP package that includes open bar during the duration of the ride. You can get pricing and more information here .

Book your High Roller ferris wheel ticket here!

Stop 4: Time to take your touristy-self to the next level and head to the Venetian for a gondola ride (an absolute must on any cliche Las Vegas itinerary guide)! These can be pricey, but even if you don’t feel like spending the money on the ride itself, you should still go see the lagoon either way.

Book your gondola ride here! Includes entry to Madame Tussauds as well!

Since calories don’t count on vacation (that is a saying, right?),  grab a milkshake at Black Tap and walk around the lagoon with these extravagant milkshakes!

**All of these stops are so close together and easily doable – only 20 minutes to walk all four of these stops!**

LATE AFTERNOON/NIGHT: FREMONT STREET

To end your three days in Las Vegas, you will be heading to downtown Fremont Street. This area of Las Vegas is the polar opposite of what you’ve experienced so far. Be expecting art murals on every corner, old school hotels, “coyote ugly” style bars, and VERY naked street performers!

Did I not sell you?

If you don’t have a car, I recommend booking yourself on a night tour of downtown Las Vegas! THIS TOUR got exceptional reviews — I kinda wanna take it myself next time! It also brings you to the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, which looks completely different at night!

Locals and tourists alike flock to Fremont Street because of the fair pricing and lively bars. This area is tightly packed (like most downtown areas around the world), so it makes bar hopping extremely easy. Every bar in this area is very hip and trendy, so getting to check out as many bars as possible should be your game-plan!

I would start on Fremont Street, which will be the very obvious lit up dome covering the entire street. You will see zip lines running across the top, live concerts playing, naked street performers lining the walkway, and bars selling fat Tuesday drinks (the frozen yard drinks).

After checking out Fremont Street, you can begin your bar hopping excursion! Ladies enter for free in all these bars, and most of them guys will need to pay a cover to get in:

• Goldspike: Outside bar with oversized games like beer pong, chess, shuffleboard, corn hole, twister, jenga, and so much more!
• Commonwealth: Double decker bar with a really fun rooftop bar/club.
• Oddfellows: Older style disco bar with a huge dance area in the back.
• Hogs & Heifers: This is a “Coyote Ugly” style bar with bras hanging from the ceiling and bartenders dancing on the bar.
• Corduroy: They have a really fun photo booth in the back that sends pictures right to your phone for FREE!

LOCAL TIP: Everyone dresses cute/casual for downtown. No need to wear dresses and heels like The Strip nightlife. Most bars are fairly dead until about 10pm, so that is when you should plan to start your night.

BONUS : If you’ve got 4 days in Vegas , promise me (oh promise me) you’ll spend at least one of your days outside of the city. There’s soooo much beautiful nature around the casino-ridden area, it’d be a shame to stay within its boundaries the entire duration of your stay.

That’s a wrap! There is so much to see in Las Vegas, and just when you feel like you’ve seen everything, this city just keeps on growing. And trust me, after partying/exploring for 3 days in Las Vegas, you’ll be ready to head back home for some much-needed rest.

Hopefully you will love this city as much as I do, and crave to come back and see more. If you want to read more Las Vegas guides, you can read more here !

What on this Las Vegas itinerary will you be checking out?

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March 12, 2021 at 10:29 am

One thing not mentioned, another gorgeous drive is up to Mt. Charleston. It's only about 30 minutes or so, & once you gain a little altitude you will feel like you're up in the mountains, pine trees and all! If you go in the summer & it's a zillion degrees in Las Vegas, it will be in the comfy 80's there..just amazing. Stop at the Mt. Charleston Inn & have a meal or a drink, great service & views. In the winter it actually snows!! Go over to Lee canyon, where you can ski, go sledding, & ride the ski lift! It's a wonderful change of pace from the strip..enjoy!!

March 12, 2021 at 11:42 am

Ohhh thanks so much for the tip! I may be headed to LV in July this year so 80's would be great! hahaha

March 13, 2021 at 1:06 pm

Thank you for the excellent guidance. Before the spa (and no spa can beat Qua Baths at Caesars), I kick the hangover in its wimpy ass and go for a run through Hughes Center at dawn. No busy streets to cross except Local and then just nice peaceful sidewalks and manicured landscapes. Nothing beats a five miler ( slow pace…remember we’re hung over), to set the stage for spa, and then pool party

March 27, 2021 at 9:38 am

3 DAYS IS NOWHERE ENOUGH. I DID THE 3 NITE THING MY FIRST TIME IN 82 & EVERSINCE I HAVE ADDED DAYS. UP TO 40 NOW.. I TELL PEOPLE TO TRY AND AT LEAST STAY 5 NITES YOUR FIRST TIME SO YOU CAN ABSORB SOME OF IT…..

March 30, 2021 at 6:16 pm

Listening to this, sounds like a paid advertisement obviously endorsed by the big brands. You must be rich to do this. Alot more can be done on alot less money. 1st suggestion is go to Walgreens and buy your drinks to carry along. Otherwise its $10 per. Best steakhouse a fraction of the cost of the strip, Echo & Rig. But its not close so you should have a car. And if you have a car then go sight seeing. Willow Beach is beautiful. Pioneer Saloon is haunted. Mt Charleston is cool and relaxing and while up there, have a picnic in the meadows of wild horses. And so much more…

March 31, 2021 at 6:18 am

How about visiting the Pinball Hall of Fame or the Mob Museum?

April 4, 2021 at 9:53 am

great additions to any Vegas itinerary!

April 3, 2021 at 4:53 am

You definitely need to stay at the Delano it's next best thing to your Venetian stay and, it's right on the strip. Then stop by Arizona Charlie's to get a reasonable bite to eat. (Good food) and, if you're a Bingo player they play every odd hour. Gambling isn't to bad either. Then if you want to avoid lines Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino is a good spot to eat, reasonable and, good. Needless to say these two are not on the strip but, worth the visit . You definitely gotta get that donut or at least a half dozen from PinkBox Donuts you'll always go back for more. Yum,yum, yummy. Oh yea! If you want to venture out to a great night spot restaurant and, party style laid back superb dining try BLUME it's fantastic no regrets. Just left Vegas March 31,2021 it's getting back to it's old self lookin good. Oh stop by the newly opened Virgin Casino and, don't miss out on Circa down on Fremont now that's worth your visit just an exciting experience. Will be back in May!!

April 4, 2021 at 9:52 am

Thanks for all your tips! Sounds like you had a great time!

April 8, 2021 at 7:23 pm

You also need to see Vegas big production show.

April 12, 2021 at 8:27 am

Also close by is Red Rock Canyon Scooter Tours. They pick you up at your hotel. There's a van version for non-scooter people.

August 7, 2022 at 8:56 am

U mentioned skipping the Linc hotel? Why is that?

September 6, 2022 at 4:52 pm

I almost didn’t read this story since you said you went to Vegas for a Backstreet Boys show and that’s as horrible a time as it gets.

October 11, 2022 at 8:28 am

In the way of transportation/getting around, there also is a monorail, The Deuce bus, and shuttles. Though the monorail runs behind the properties on the east side of The Strip, it can provide a great way to get around without walking the 4.2 miles from one end to the other.

November 3, 2022 at 9:19 am

Thank you so much. Just what I needed to read. We ar going for a week from Ireland. Family thing. But loved your ideas and the fact they are day time events . Will be checking them out. I have been to Vegas many times over the years. Did my fair share of partying there. Now I am on the granny trip. But still plan on blazing some trails. Thanks again

September 29, 2023 at 9:02 pm

Thank you . Loved hearing from a local and wanted some things other than gambling while in town for a few dates. You gave lots of options, even for this one who is not a clubber. Most appreciated, will try some new places since not my first Vega trip.

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The Ultimate Las Vegas Travel Guide

Las vegas trip planner.

If it’s your first time in Sin City or you want to plan the best Vegas getaway ever, you need this Las Vegas travel guide . Below, you’ll find everything you need to plan a trip to Las Vegas , from attractions and Las Vegas city passes , to the best time to book your hotel.

Planning a Vegas trip step-by-step

This Las Vegas trip planner will guide you step-by-step, so you cover all the bases:

1. Things to do in Las Vegas

• 2. Best Vegas trip itineraries

3. Best time to travel to Las Vegas

4. how to find cheap trips to las vegas.

• 5. Where to stay in Las Vegas

6. How to get around Las Vegas

• 7. Tours to book in Las Vegas

8. Where to eat in Las Vegas

• 9. How much a Vegas trip cost
• 10. Las Vegas tourist map

Before you start planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Las Vegas , don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for the USA   if you’re traveling from outside the country .

5% OFF your travel insurance

With all of the activities available in Sin City, you can plan a Vegas trip for families, kids, friends, or couples. Below, you’ll find the best things to do in Las Vegas , including concerts, day trips, museums, and much more.

• Free things to do in Las Vegas
• Things to do in Vegas during the day
• Things to do in Las Vegas at night
• Things to do in Las Vegas with kids
• Things to do in Las Vegas as a couple
• Las Vegas bachelor/bachelorette ideas
• Things to do on Las Vegas Strip
• Things to do in Downtown Las Vegas

Many of these attractions are included in the Go City All-Inclusive Pass , the best Las Vegas city pass to save money. You can find more Las Vegas tips for first-timers in our city pass guide .

2. Plan your Vegas trip itinerary

You have lots of options when it comes to putting together a Las Vegas itinerary . It depends on what you want to do and see, as well as how many days you have in the city.

How many days to spend in Vegas

It’s hard to see all of Las Vegas in a day, but if you’re short on time, two days is enough. Ideally, I recommend planning a 3-day trip to Vegas so you can see all the top attractions.

Vegas trip itinerary ideas

For some ideas on how to plan a trip to Vegas , here are sample itineraries for one, two, and three days.

1-day Las Vegas itinerary

2-day las vegas itinerary, 3-day las vegas itinerary.

Begin your  day in Las Vegas  by visiting the  Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign . You can catch the  Hop-On/Hop-Off bus there and take it to Downtown Las Vegas, where you can explore this entertainment area.

Then, go to The Venetian  and check out  Madame Tussauds  and the  gondola rides  at the  Grand Canal Shoppes .

Later, head to the LINQ Promenade and ride the High Roller  during sunset. At night, walk to the  Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas , where you’ll have a great view of the  Bellagio Fountains . The water show is one of the best  free things to do in Vegas , although if you want to see it from the Paris viewing deck, you should reserve a  ticket  (It is also included at the  Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass ).

Seeing the  Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign  is a rite of passage, so start there. This is also where you can catch the  Hop-On/Hop-Off bus , which will transport you around the Strip.

If you like thrill rides, stop at  New York-New York ‘s  Big Apple Coaster  before continuing downtown. Then you can do the  Las Vegas Downtown – Fremont St. walking tour , one of the best  things to do in downtown Las Vegas .

Later on, head to the  LINQ Promenade , where you can eat, shop, and ride the  High Roller . You can also get awesome views from the 1,149-foot-tall  SkyPod  at  the STRAT . The SkyPod has a late-night bar and lounge, so it’s the perfect place to wrap up a  Las Vegas couples itinerary .

A  Las Vegas weekend itinerary  is ideal because you can experience some  daytime activities in Las Vegas  before diving into the nightlife.

First, take a break from the Strip with a half-day  Hoover Dam tour . When you return to Vegas, take a quick break, then do go to a  pool party in Las Vegas.  If that’s not your thing, you can take in the scene at  Fremont Street , perhaps with a ride on the  SlotZilla zip line  or a visit to the  Mob Museum , one of the  best Las Vegas museums .

At night, walk to the  Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas , where you’ll have a great view of the  Bellagio Fountains . The water show is one of the best  free things to do in Vegas , although if you want to see it from the Paris viewing deck, you should reserve a  ticket  (It is also included at the  Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass ).

If you feel it’s to early to go to bed, grab cocktails at a swanky casino or do a bar crawl .

Ideally, I recommend at least 3 days for your Las Vegas trip so you can fully enjoy all the top attractions. Spend your first day taking the Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour , starting at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign .

As you make your way along the Strip, stop by The Venetian , where you can see the wax figures at Madame Tussauds and take a gondola ride at the Grand Canal Shoppes .

Later on, check out the entertainment and attractions at the LINQ Promenade . If you perfectly time your ride on the High Roller , you can catch the Bellagio Fountains water show from the observation wheel.

The next morning, get in a nice swim or sunbathe at your hotel’s pool before the day gets too hot. Then, check out a Las Vegas museum , like the Mob Museum or the Erotic Heritage Museum .

In the afternoon, get a spectacular view of the city by taking a Las Vegas Strip Helicopter tour , a premium attraction with the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass .

Afterwards, grab dinner and drinks at Señor Frogs.

Spend your last day taking an adventure to one of the nearby national parks. I recommend this full-day bus tour to the Grand Canyon West Rim and Hoover Dam .

Once you get back to Sin City, you can eat something and get refreshed before taking in a Las Vegas show .

The best time to visit Las Vegas depends on what you’d like to see and do in Sin City. Thanks to its pleasant weather year-round, there isn’t necessarily a bad time to visit, but there are times when it’s more crowded and expensive.

What is the best month to go to Las Vegas?

• Best months for good weather:  March and September boast beautiful weather, so you’ll be able to maximize your outdoor time.
• Cheapest month to visit: January is one of the best times to book a Vegas hotel since prices usually drop after the holidays.
• Worst time to visit: Christmastime in Las Vegas is busy, but also very beautiful. Also, July and August are super hot and tend to be more crowded .

Now that you know the cheapest time to go to Las Vegas , see if you can save even more by booking a flight with Kiwi or Skyscanner . These sites will help you find the cheapest trips to Vegas across all airlines, as well as the best travel dates for maximum savings.

• Casino hotels in Las Vegas
• Luxury hotels in Las Vegas
• Cheapest hotels in Las Vegas
• Themed hotels in Las Vegas
• Vegas hotels with jacuzzi in room
• All inclusive hotels in Las Vegas

Hotels in Las Vegas Strip

If it’s your first time in Sin City, or you want an unforgettable vacation, I recommend booking a room at one of the  hotels on the Las Vegas Strip , an area full of restaurants, attractions, and activities

Hotels in Las Vegas Downtown

The downtown area is an exciting place to gamble, dine, and shop. As the original gambling mecca, downtown Vegas is a hub for culture, events, and the free Downtown Loop shuttle.

To travel around Las Vegas Strip and the outskirts of the city, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the transportation in Vegas . There are several buses, shuttles, and monorails, and if you want to visit some cool places outside Las Vegas , you can rent a vehicle.

Car rentals in Las Vegas

Rv rentals in las vegas.

Also, there are several national parks near Las Vegas , so renting a car or RV can be a great idea. If you plan to travel around Vegas , consider one of the Las Vegas road trip ideas in our guide.

5 Best Road Trips from Las Vegas, Nevada

10 Best State & National Parks near Las Vegas, Nevada

Road Trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park

7. tours to book when planning a vegas trip.

While there is lots to do on the Strip, you can also take a day trip from Las Vegas to get away from the crowds. If you don’t want to rent a car, many of these tours include transportation. Here are some ideas to keep in mind while doing your Las Vegas trip planning :

The best restaurants in Vegas appeal to all kinds of appetites and tastes, so treat yourself to a delicious meal during your Las Vegas vacation . Also, the nightlife in Sin City is incredible, so enjoy an after-dinner cocktail at one of the rooftop bars in Las Vegas .

Best restaurants in Las Vegas

Rooftop bars in vegas, 9. how much does a trip to vegas cost.

Calculating the cost of a trip to Vegas isn’t always straightforward since it depends on when you go, where you stay, how you get around, and which activities you do. Here is a price breakdown to help you out, as well as some Vegas trip planning tips so you can have an awesome getaway without breaking the bank!

Make the most of your Vegas trip by staying in one of the best hotels in Las Vegas :

• Room rates : $225-$1,850/night
• Resort fee : $51.02/night
• Room rates : $215-$2,315/night
• Resort fee : $45.95/night
• Room rates : $189-$732/night
• Resort fee : $45/night
• Room rates : $99-$398/night
• Resort fee : $39/night
• Room rates : $109-$300/night
• Resort fee : $36/night

Wondering how to avoid the resort fees? Check our list of best hotels in Las Vegas without resort fees .

American, Asian, French, Italian…whatever you’re craving, you can get it here. While planning your Vegas trip , remember to account for meals. Sin City has fast-food options, cafes, buffets, and many hotels offering complimentary breakfast. That said, you should splurge on a meal at one of the best restaurants in Las Vegas ! Below are the prices you can expect to pay per day:

• Breakfast : $0-$10/person
• Lunch : $10-$20/person
• Dinner (casual restaurant) : $20-$35/person
• Dinner (fine restaurant) : $35-$350/person
• Total : $65-$425/person per day

There are countless things to do in Las Vegas , but here are the most popular activities. If you’re interested in several of these attractions, consider a Las Vegas city pass to save money. For first-timers, I recommend the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass ($119).

• High Roller ($26)
• Paris Eiffel Tower ($27)
• Neon Museum ($20)
• Mob Museum ($30)
• Natural History Museum ($12)
• BODIES: The Exhibition ($35)
• Titanic Artifacts Exhibit ($35)
• Discovery Children’s Museum ($15.50)
• Erotic Heritage Museum ($30)
• National Atomic Testing Museum ($22)
• Gondola ride ($39)
• The STRAT SkyPod ($20)
• Vegas Strip night tour ($69)
• Big Apple Coaster ($19)
• Madame Tussauds ($37)
• Adventuredome ($31.95)
• Fly LINQ Zipline ($35)
• Las Vegas Springs Preserve ($10)

These are the most popular tours from Las Vegas , but you can find more options in our guide.

• Night flight over the Vegas Strip ($89)
• Grand Canyon West Rim Tour ($89)
• 3-hour Hoover Dam tour ($65)
• Full-day Antelope Canyon tour ($299)
• Death Valley one-day tour ($239)
• Guided Valley of Fire hike ($119)
• Bus tour to Zion & Bryce Canyon ($185)
• 3-hour Red Rock Canyon tour ($113)
• Area 51 day trip ($205)
• One-day Hollywood tour ($247)
• 3-day Far West tour ($540)

Las Vegas’ public transportation is a convenient and reliable way to get around:

• Airline Shuttle ($9-$10 one-way)
• Downtown Loop (free)
• Las Vegas Monorail ($12/day)
• Deuce Bus ($8/day)
• SDX Bus ($8/day)
• CX Bus ($5/day)
• Big Bus ($45/1-day tour)
• Taxis ($20-$25 from airport)
• Uber/Lyft ($15 from airport)

Renting a car in Las Vegas will allow you to explore the nearby surroundings, and we highly recommend using DiscoverCars . The price depends on the vehicle you choose, how many days you rent it for, and the insurance you purchase, but the average price is $66/day.

If you want to visit a nearby national park, renting an RV in Las Vegas is a good idea, and there are a few reputable rental companies:

• Outdoorsy (~$115/day)
• Motorhome Republic (~$158/day)
• RVshare (~$205/day)
• USA RV Rentals (~$185/day)
• Cruise America (~$181/day)

Experiencing the nightlife is part of visiting Sin City, and there are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas at night :

• Concerts/shows : There are all kinds of shows in Las Vegas , such as musicians, comedians, magic shows, and more. Pricing can range from $50 to $5,900, depending on the performer.
• Casinos : Enjoy the slots, table games, sports betting, and poker at the top casinos in Las Vegas .
• Nightclubs : Las Vegas’ nightclubs range from lavish and intimate venues to multi-level lounges with lively dance floors. Ladies usually get in for free, while men can expect to pay a cover of $10-$100.
• Pools/parties : Whether you want a family-friendly pool or an adults-only party venue, there are lots of fun pools in Las Vegas . Some hotel pools require you to be a guest at the resort, while others charge a fee of $20-$35.

Below is the total for one person spending three days and two nights in Vegas. However, the total cost of a trip to Vegas depends on where you stay, what you eat, how you get around, and what you do in the city, so use this only as a guide:

• 2-night accommodation : $430
• Meals : $360
• 2-day Attraction Pass : $119
• Day tour : $206
• Airport Shuttle (two-way) : $20
• Other activities : $250
• Total : $1,385 per person for a 3-day/2-night trip

Planning a cheap Las Vegas vacation

• When choosing the best time to visit Las Vegas , think about what you want to do and where you want to stay. If you would like to travel on a budget, do it during the low season.
• Save money on accommodations by booking a cheap Las Vegas hotel or a Vegas hotel with no resort fees .
• Consider purchasing a Las Vegas citypass , and don’t forget to take advantage of all the free things to do in Vegas .

10. Download a tourist map of Las Vegas

Finally, keep a map of Las Vegas on hand so you can find all the things you want to see. This way, you can plan a route around those attractions, which will make traveling in Vegas a lot easier.

Other travel tips for Las Vegas

Here are some final tips to keep in mind while you’re doing your trip planning for Las Vegas :

• It’s hard to see all of Las Vegas in a day, but if you’re short on time, 2 days is enough. Ideally, I recommend a 3-day itinerary for Las Vegas so you can see all the top attractions.
• I recommend getting the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass (the best CityPass in Las Vegas ) if you plan on staying in the city for a few days and you want to take advantage of all there is to see and do.
• This sightseeing city tour on the hop-on/hop-off bus is a great way to get around and see several popular attractions.
• Remember to always have a map on hand when you plan your trip so you can find the best things to do in Las Vegas and plan out a route that allows you to make the most of your stay.
• Plan ahead and reserve your rental car in Las Vegas in advance. We use DiscoverCars for the cheapest options.
• You can legally refuse to pay resort fees since they violate the Deceptive Trade Practices Law in Nevada. If you don’t want to deal with this, book a room at one of the Las Vegas hotels without resort fees .
• The weather in Las Vegas gets extremely hot in the summer, so if you visit during this season, bring loose, light-colored clothes and lots of water.

Las Vegas travel guide FAQ

To finish up this Las Vegas trip planner , here are some common questions about Sin City and the Vegas Strip:

How hot is it in Las Vegas?

The yearly average high temperature in Las Vegas is about 80°F. That said, the summer weather in Las Vegas can be brutal, with highs exceeding 100°F.

How old do you need to be to book a Las Vegas hotel room?

Most Vegas hotels require guests to be 21 to book a room, but if the resort doesn’t have a casino, the age limit may be 18.

What is the minimum age to visit a casino in Las Vegas?

You must be 21 or older to enter the gaming area in any casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Are Vegas casinos open 24 hours?

Yes, most casino hotels on Las Vegas Strip are open 24/7.

How much does it cost to get into a Las Vegas nightclub?

It typically costs anywhere from $20 to $100 to get into a Vegas club. Men will pay more than women, and if a famous DJ or performer makes an appearance, cover charges will be higher.

Is Las Vegas fun for non-gamblers?

Yes! You don’t have to gamble at a casino to enjoy Las Vegas. Other attractions and activities include museums, tours, exhibits, pools, shops, shows, and more.

Is Las Vegas safe?

In general, the Strip is safe, and you should practice common sense in Las Vegas as you would in any other city.

Is Las Vegas kid-friendly?

Yes, there are lots of things to do in Vegas as a family.

Are there beaches in Las Vegas?

There aren’t any ocean beaches close to Las Vegas, but there are beach pools and the beaches of Lake Mead.

Is it easy to get around Las Vegas?

Yes, and there are plenty of transportation options like buses, monorails, and trams.

Can I park a car in Las Vegas?

Yes, there are parking lots throughout Las Vegas, and some Vegas hotels offer free parking for guests.

Which national parks are close to Las Vegas?

These are the most popular national parks near Vegas:

• Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area – 20 mins
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area – 30 mins
• Valley of Fire State Park – 45 mins
• Death Valley – 2 hours
• Red Cliffs National Conservation Area – 2 hrs
• Zion National Park – 2 hrs 40 mins
• Joshua Tree National Park – 3 hrs
• Bryce Canyon – 4 hrs
• Grand Canyon National Park – 4 hrs, 10 mins
• Yosemite National Park – 5 hrs 30 mins

If you have any other questions about our Las Vegas visitors guide , feel free to leave a comment below. I hope this Las Vegas trip planner is helpful, and I wish you a wonderful time in Sin City!

all our vegas posts

10 Best Luxury Hotels in Las Vegas – 5-Star Hotels in Vegas

10 Best Hotels in Las Vegas Without a Casino

8 Best Boutique Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada

10 Best Hotels in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada

5 Best Hotels in Las Vegas with Indoor Pools

8 Best Flea Markets in Las Vegas, NV + MAP

10 Best Scenic Views of Las Vegas, Nevada + MAP

12 Best Rooftop Bars in Las Vegas + MAP

10 Best Water Parks in Las Vegas + MAP

8 Best Outlets in Las Vegas, Nevada + MAP

Best Shows in Las Vegas | Top Vegas Shows, Musicals + More

6 Best Spas in Las Vegas & Hotel Spas in Las Vegas

10 Best Hotels in Las Vegas – Top Las Vegas Hotels

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10 Best Hikes in Las Vegas + Las Vegas Trail Map

15 Best Museums in Las Vegas, Nevada + MAP

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15 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas at Night

15 best things to do in las vegas as a couple.

10 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Las Vegas

2 replies on “ Las Vegas Trip Planner – The Ultimate Las Vegas Travel Guide ”

Well, I am very thankful for your information. After complete my trips from new york to niagara falls . I must share this information with friends.

Hi Aalish, Thanks so much! I’m glad I could help 🙂

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Home » North America » USA » Las Vegas

The EPIC Las Vegas Travel Guide + Budget Travel Tips! (2024)

Sin City AKA Las Vegas – it’s one of the most infamous places in the USA that’s often portrayed as a den for gangsters, gamblers, and runaways.

If I can guarantee just one thing, it’s that visiting Vegas will be an experience – to say the least.

In this Las Vegas Travel Guide, I’m not going to walk you through how to experience nightlife. Because to participate, all you have to do is show up.

I’m going to be talking about some of Sin City’s less conventional travel attractions: the amazing hikes, the interesting museums, the local restaurants- all the things that make a city worth visiting.

Granted, we will be spending some time on The Strip and you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to shoot craps. At the end of the day, this is a guide to visiting Las Vegas for first timers and these things are, admittedly, a right of passage.

By the end of this article, you’ll know when, where, and how to travel in Vegas on a budget, along with a few offbeat location ideas, too.

So grab your tacky Hawaiian shirts, your one-piece suits, your Elvis costumes, whatever it is you want to wear. We’re heading to bat country!

Why Visit Las Vegas?

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Because where else can you find a literal City of Sin in the middle of a massive desert?

Las Vegas is unique in just about every way, from its hundreds of underground tunnels to its bonafide status as an “Adult Disneyland.” If you’re going to be backpacking the USA , it’s one of those places that you just can’t miss.

From themed casinos to some of the best shows in the world, Las Vegas is synonymous with entertainment. While many call NYC the city that never sleeps, it’s Vegas where you can truly find EVERYTHING at each and every hour of the day. 24/7/365 casinos outfitted with “natural” lighting can really make this damned city feel like another world.

Not trying to spend every day attepting to win money?

You can also rock out at one of Las Vegas’ iconic pool parties, or check out the very vibe-y Fremont Street, which is where the city’s old heart beats. Sin City can also hold its own in the food scene, and I’m not just talking about the bougie restaurants you can find in all the famous casinos.

While Las Vegas isn’t quite as “real” as even Miami, part of what makes it so fun is the debauchery. We’re always down for a good party, and the reality is that with cash to blow, a trip to Las Vegas might just be the most lit part of your American adventure. It’s also centrally located to several famous natural landmarks, like the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam .

What Are the Major Attractions in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is teeming with iconic attractions, after all, it does attract tourists from all over the world! As much as you should try to get off the beaten path while experiencing Sin City, this wouldn’t be a legitimate Las Vegas travel guide without mentioning these awesome things to do in Las Vegas .

Here’s what you just can’t skip:

• Fremont Street
• The Venetian
• Caesar’s Palace

How Long to Spend in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is a pretty small city, and most of its attractions can be seen pretty quickly. This means you can pack a LOT into just a few days.

I’d recommend spending 3 days in Las Vegas to start. This will give you enough time to see the main sights, do a bit of gambling, and even take a solid day trip from Vegas .

If you’re looking to properly check out all the casinos and really get into traditional Las Vegas activities, you may want to extend that to 5 days. You’re definitely gonna want to leave one for recovery.

The following is a sample 3-day itinerary for a weekend in Las Vegas. Most of the top destinations mentioned in this Las Vegas travel guide are covered in this section, but be sure to leave some room for spontaneity in your Vegas itinerary !

Day 1 in Las Vegas: It’s All About The Strip

The first day of our Las Vegas travel guide is all about the touristy stuff. We’re talking about all the essentials of Las Vegas. While I don’t think that any of the casinos are really impressive, you have to roll the dice once at a craps table and see the Bellagio Fountains while in Vegas.

Las Vegas Boulevard AKA The Strip officially begins on the edge at the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign (cue touristy photo op). The first casinos you’ll see are Mandalay Bay, the Luxor and then the line goes on for about 4 miles until Circus Circus.

Each casino on The Strip has a specific theme and usually offers attractions based upon that theme. Mandalay Bay is all about water – it has an aquarium, as well as a pretty cool ice bar.

Excalibur is medieval-themed, so obviously it hosts jousting tournaments. A lot of these are actually being demolished to make room for newer hotels, so you might want to visit them before they’re gone.

CityCenter is one of the newest developments on The Strip and attracts attention for its futuristic architecture. Inside this complex are a couple of really cool installations, like the Art Gallery of Richard Macdonald and the Akhob – the latter is highly recommended.

The Bellagio is one of the most famous casinos in Las Vegas and is recognized by its iconic fountains. Less known are the free Botanical Gardens inside the hotel and the Gallery of Fine Art . The gallery sometimes hosts an infinity room by the famous Yayoi Kusama.

End your day out with a sunset gondola ride at the Venetian , because when in Vegas, am I right? Then end your night in Caesar’s Palace or the Flamingo gambling and eating till it’s time to call it a night.

Budget Travel Tip: If you can’t sneak in, just get a day pass to one of the pool areas, at least for one day! The best way to beat the heat is hang out at one of the casino’s extravagant pools. Many pool areas host a massive EDM pool party on their respective day of the week. If you’re into that, well, ladies get in free. Men, expect to pay up.

Day 2 in Las Vegas: Downtown + Museums

We’re going to be dedicating the second day of our Las Vegas travel guide to the Downtown Las Vegas area. Here lies the city’s most traditional nightlife as well as a number of museums and art installations. It is a more authentic area that offers a chance to see another side of Vegas.

There are a number of cool museums to start off your day with. The Mob Museum is everyone’s favorite exposition of the people who essentially ran this town in the 60s. You’ll get to see and learn a whole lot about organized crime.

Next, check out the Neon Museum – this graveyard of old electric signs perfectly captures Las Vegas’ essence.

Some notable casinos on Fremont are the Golden Nugget and The D. The Golden Nugget gets its name from the giant lump of gold it has on display, which is referred to as the Hand of Faith (it’s actually really big). Nearby is The D and it is one of the last great vintage casinos in the city.

There’s a lot more to see in the Downtown area beside the Fremont Arcade though. There’s a shit ton of street art between 6th and 7th Streets on Ogden and plenty more further south in the Arts District. If you’re around on First Friday, there’s a big street party in the Arts District.

If not, be sure to stop by Container Park for a drink and some photos before ending your day on Fremont Street – a vortex of neon lights and old-school casinos. Wandering around this area is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Las Vegas at night.

Day 3 in Las Vegas: Pick Your Day-Trip

A lot of the must-dos in Vegas are not even in the city itself – several are located on the outskirts and further into the desert. On the final day of your Las Vegas trip, you’re going to see a few of them

Lake Mead is one of the best day trips from Las Vegas as it’s directly east of the city and is the perfect place to cool off on hot days. The lake is open to recreational use, which means you can go boating on it. There are even a couple of “beaches.” Before heading back to the city, stop by the Hoover Dam at the mouth of the lake for some iconic views.

Finish off the outdoorsy day with a stop at the Red Rock Canyon Viewpoint – It’s practically a part of town and offers all of the amenities of a world-class national park. At Red Rock Canyon, you can go hiking, climbing, and on one of many scenic drives. The viewpoint offers great sunset and star views on clear days.

Spending More Time in Las Vegas?

Got more time to work with? Aside from all its “main” attractions, there’s a whole lot to see, do, and eat in Vegas that most short-stay tourists miss out on. Here are some of the lesser-known adventures to be found in Las Vegas:

• Visit the other museums : Vegas is chalk full of unique museums. Aside from the famous Neon and Mob displays, you can check out the various pop-up exhibits, including the Erotic Heritage Museum, where you can see and learn about human sexuality. The immersive Van Gogh exhibit is another can’t-miss if it’s happening on your travel dates.
• Check out the Arts District : To see Vegas before it became another version of Disneyworld, look no further than the Arts District, where you can check out the underground Art Factory too.
• See a show : Las Vegas is known for its legendary entertainment scenes, and there’s always a new artist or performance to be enjoyed. Check out which artists are “in residency” as those will be your best show options.
• Go on an Area 51 tour : Nearly everyone has heard of the conspiracy-riddled region of Nevada known as Area 51. While the exact site is strictly off-limits to the public, tours from Las Vegas to what’s known as the “Extraterrestial Highway” is one of the most unique places to visit in the USA.

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1. Give Chinatown a chance

Often neglected, Las Vegas’ own Chinatown is actually really good. Some of the best places to eat in Vegas are in this plaza because the restaurants can be very authentic. You can thank all of those Chinese businessmen who just made a quick million at the slots and want a hot pot to celebrate.

2. Be knighted

Ironically, the most popular pro sport in Las Vegas is hockey. The Las Vegas Golden Knights have only existed for a couple of years and yet they have already made it to the Stanley Cup finals! Obviously, the locals love their team but the Knights are gaining fans from all over the country now.

3. Go faster!

If you’re a fan of speed or anything turbo-charged, there are two activities that you must do in Las Vegas: one is driving a souped-up race car and the other is going for a ride in an acrobatic plane. Both are huge thrills and will leave you breathless (quite literally).

4. Get outdoors

Vegas may be most well known for its casinos and gambling, but one thing that is often overlooked about the city is its location.

Las Vegas is very close to some amazing national parks, including Zion , the Grand Canyon , and Death Valley . For outdoorsy people, Las Vegas is the perfect base for an epic Southwest road trip .

MATH TIME: The entry fee for Yellowstone National Park is $35. Meanwhile, the entry fee for the neighbouring Grand Teton National Park is another $35. That means that visiting TWO national parks alone (out of the 423 total in the USA) will run you a grand total of $70…

Or you can stuff that whole deal off and buy the ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for  $79.99.  With it, you get unlimited access to ALL federally-managed land in the U.S.A for FREE – that’s over 2000 recreational sites! Ain’t that just beautiful?

5. Double down at a blackjack table

It may not be one of the cheapest things to do in Las Vegas, but you simply have to sit at a blackjack table on a casino floor – if only for the experience. Feel free to set whatever budget you’d like; just try not to get sucked into the game. Funnily enough, these casinos (AKA massive, glitzy businesses) know how to profit off saps with bad luck.

If you hit a big win, my advice is to take it and run. If you get lucky once, chances are you won’t get lucky again.

6. Walk on The Strip

It may be cliche, but walking The Strip at night is still one of the best things to do in Las Vegas. Here, you’ll find all Las Vegas’ top attractions, like the Luxor , the Bellagio , Caesars Palace , and more. All are monuments to the city’s glory and can be best described by one word: extra.

7. Be a different person

Vegas has always attracted people who are trying to escape something, be it for a weekend or a lifetime. These runaways are afforded new lives in Sin City and some thrive on their newfound anonymity. Regardless of where you come from, you can be whoever you want here, because “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”.

8. Go to a music festival

More and more, Las Vegas is turning to EDM. While the casinos are already throwing dance parties every night, the absolute best way to experience electronic is at a festival in Vegas .

EDC is legendary by now for its outrageous production and stacked lineup, but the Life is Beautiful and iHeartRadio festivals are good too.

9. Visit a different sort of museum

Las Vegas may not be a paragon of high culture or offer the most spectacular collections of art. What it does have though is a series of very odd and interesting museums.

Be sure to drop by the likes of the Pinball Hall of Fame , the Atomic Testing Museum , the Neon Museum , or the Mob Museum for a unique experience.

10. Check out the street art

One of the best things to do in Las Vegas during the day is to go on a hunt for street murals. The Downtown area, specifically between 5th and 7th Streets on Ogden , is jam-packed with street art leftover over from the Life is Beautiful Fest. The Cosmopolitan Hotel also has a cool Wallworks gallery in one of their garages.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Hostels  in Las Vegas are kinda cheap but their quality is not what I’d call extraordinary. They’re usually built from former motels, which may or may not irk you. Prices spike if you visit Vegas on the weekend.

Las Vegas Hotels often appear expensive but don’t feel discouraged. There are plenty of affordable lodging options in Las Vegas. Be aware that many hotels deals may neglect to provide certain amenities, much in the same way budget airlines do. Keep this in mind when planning a trip to Las Vegas.

Vacation rentals in Vegas give you more freedom and flexibility to come and go as you please as well as spread out like you would at home.

The Best Places to Stay in Las Vegas

Wondering where to stay in Las Vegas ? Here are some of the best budget options in the city. With a higher bank balance, the sky is literally the limit when it comes to accommodation in Sin City.

South Strip

If you’re visiting Las Vegas for the first time, there’s no better place to stay than the South Strip neighbourhood. Located, you guessed it, just south of the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip, this neighbourhood is within walking distance of the city’s most famous casinos, clubs, restaurants and attractions.

Downtown Las Vegas

Downtown Las Vegas – or DTLV – is the city’s central business and historic district. Set a short walk north of the Strip, this ideally located neighbourhood is close to great bars, cool clubs, and a myriad of unique and unforgettable attractions.

There’s no better place to stay if you’re looking to party the night away than the Las Vegas Strip, the most infamous neighbourhood in Las Vegas.

Arts District

Tucked away north of the Strip is one of the coolest and most colourful neighbourhoods in Las Vegas. Spanning 18 city blocks, the Arts District – also known as 18b – is the heart of Las Vegas’ arts and culture scene.

Symphony Park

Symphony Park is one of the smallest and newest neighbourhoods in Las Vegas. Covering just 61-acres, this neighbourhood is a mixed-use space that houses shops and businesses as well as residences and a massive green space.

For something a bit different, I highly recommend checking out the numerous VRBOs in Vegas .

Las Vegas Budget Accommodation Hacks

Sometimes you need your own roof above your head – I know the feeling. Other times, you’re doing everything you can to save a nickel and dime.

If you’re trying to cut the costs of travel to Las Vegas, then maybe it’s time to stay somewhere besides a hostel or apartment. Airbnbs in Las Vegas are plentiful and generally of high quality. You can also save some cash as you can use the kitchen to cook your own food.

If you need to save money, try one of these:

• Couchsurf – Couchsurfing is the best way to save cash when it comes to accommodation: most of the time you’re crashing for free! Staying with a local host is also a great chance to experience a more authentic side of the city and to visit hidden Las Vegas. The problem with Couchsurfing is that it’s really popular (duh, it’s free) and demand often outstrips supply. Hosts are picky as well so you’ll need to impress them with an eye-catching message. Definitely, try Couchsurfing, but be ready to be rejected.
• Tap into your backpacker network – You never know when you have a friend in a foreign city! If you’ve traveled a lot, you may have met someone from Las Vegas – or know someone who knows someone…
• Camping – Urban camping is a growing trend in many cities. These campsites are comfortable, sociable, safe, and cheap. They are often located on the outskirts of town, which means they are quieter too. Call in advance to check for spaces and pack your best budget tent !

Visiting the USA on a budget is tough, and in Vegas, it can seem downright impossible. Las Vegas is marketed as one of the most luxurious, most lavish places to visit in the US . It’s a city where people with too much money visit to throw away their hard-earned dollars, simply because they don’t know what else to do with them.

That being said, Las Vegas can still be cheap! This city offers a number of affordable options, and you don’t necessarily have to be a high roller to visit.

Las Vegas will take your money, no matter how little it is. In order to travel to Las Vegas on the cheap, you just have to have very strict spending habits.

Take note of what I say in this Las Vegas travel guide and y’all will be fine. A lower daily budget for Las Vegas will be around $60-$80. This will get you a dorm bed, groceries, tickets to some local sites, and beer money.

The average daily cost of food in Las Vegas can vary widely . Las Vegas has some crazy restaurants, run by some of the most famous chefs in the world, and eating at these will assuredly cost a lot. If you stick to cooking for yourself and dining at local places to eat in Las Vegas, then your dollar will go much further.

For that matter, eating or drinking anywhere near The Strip will cost way more than the Downtown Vegas area or the burbs. If you want to truly do Las Vegas on a budget, limit your spending near the casinos and popular areas.

A Daily Budget in Las Vegas

A few free things to do in las vegas.

Even though it’s one of the most opulent places in the USA, there are actually quite a few free things to do in Las Vegas. Take advantage of one of these gratis offerings to really visit Las Vegas on a budget.

• First Friday Art Walks – On the first Friday of every month, the Vegas Arts District sets up a big block party for exhibiting local studios. There’s plenty of art to see and lots of food vendors to keep you going.
• Free concerts – Fremont Street hosts a lot of free shows in Las Vegas. Hang out here long enough and you’re bound to catch one.
• Free shows – Las Vegas almost always charges a premium (or discounted one) for a performance. Luckily, there are a couple of staples in the city that you can catch for free. Circus Circus offers complimentary acrobatics on a daily basis and the Dueling Pianos at Harrah’s is practically a right of passage for first timers to Las Vegas. There’s also the iconic Volcano at the Mirage, but it may be a little underwhelming compared to the ones in Iceland.
• Silent Savasana – If you’re burned out from a couple of days of binge drinking or maybe just want to get away from the madness, it’s time for some yoga. Silent Savasana hosts free yoga courses at various locations around Vegas and provides headphones to cancel out the noise of the city.
• Tasters – There a number of local factories and restaurants in Las Vegas that organize free tastings of wine and sometimes food. Hearthstone Cellar, Rock n’ Roll Wine, and Ethel M Chocolates are all well-known practitioners of the free sample. Just don’t expect these to be a real source of sustenance.

Las Vegas Travel Guide – Budget Tips

Las Vegas can be one of the most expensive cities in the USA, but as a local told me once, “only idiots pay full price.” Las Vegas is just one of those places where you need to pull out all the budget travel tricks!

• Find cheap drinks during happy hour – Las Vegas has some crazy drink/food specials that could seriously sustain you for a while. Scope out the best happy hour deals in Las Vegas . Or…you could make your own cocktails to be enjoyed from your hotel balcony. Seeing as you are in Las Vegas, the Vegas Bomb Shot is a good one to sip at sunset.
• Take advantage of Vegas “freebies” and visitors coupons – There a ton of offers floating around that can get you everything from 2-for-1s to free buffets in Las Vegas. Women can usually get into all the pool parties and clubs for free too. Check with your hotel or casino to see if you’ve earned any, sign up for local memberships, and use Las Vegas Visitors coupons .
• Look for discounted or free shows in Vegas – A big thing to avoid in Las Vegas is a full-priced ticket. For whatever reason, there are a ton of leftover tickets or cancelations, which means that there are always discounted offers. Drop by a hotel concierge or ticket office and see if you can get cheap Vegas show tickets.
• Hustle – At the end of the day, Las Vegas is all about taking advantage of a situation. One of the best ways to get free stuff in Las Vegas is just by being smooth – pretending to be a high roller, tipping waitresses well to get free drinks, convincing show-goers to give you their extra pair of tickets; it’s all a part of the game.
• Get free lifts – If you’re going to a club, particularly a strip club, don’t take a taxi. The club will provide free transport, just because they want to stick it to local taxi companies.

Why You Should Travel to Las Vegas with a Water Bottle

No corner of Earth is free from our plastic problem… so do your part to say no to single-use plastic.

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel it really puts the full extent of the plastic problem into perspective. So I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveler .

Plus, you can save money from all those overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets too! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor some poor fishy’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Las Vegas is a desert, in case y’all haven’t heard yet – a place that is full of cacti, Gila monsters, and the buried remains of those that opposed mobsters. It is hot in Las Vegas, in more than the literal sense, and will be for most of the year.

Winter is a popular time to visit Vegas as the temperatures are reasonably mild and almost never go below freezing. Being the desert, nights are still chilly and snow is not entirely impossible .

Prices during the winter will be a bit higher than usual. Many people travel to Las Vegas to enjoy the holidays and New Year here. They may also be escaping whatever sub-arctic climate they came from, be it Boston, Chicago, or New York City.

You can find good deals on hotel rooms during the spring, with the exception of big holidays or events. Spring Break (April) will drive prices way up and will sometimes make you question your faith in humanity, as American Spring Breakers can be the epitome of douchebaggery.

EDC, which is usually held in May, is another time to avoid Las Vegas, unless you’re actually going to the festival.

Summers in Las Vegas are scorching hot and temperatures can easily be in the triple digits (Fahrenheit – obviously, jeez). The only thing to do in Vegas during the days of summer is to take shelter next to the pool or hang out in an icebox. Both will be overcrowded, you can bet on that.

The main reason to go to Vegas in the summer is for the pool parties to be honest, but another silver lining is that the season usually offers the best deals on accommodation in Las Vegas.

The best time to plan a trip to Las Vegas is around the spring and the Fall .

During these times, the temperature is very pleasant and the city shouldn’t be too crowded. I find this the best time to go hiking around Las Vegas as well.

What to Pack for Las Vegas

What you’re going to pack for Las Vegas will vary depending upon when you visit, but here are a few essentials I wouldn’t head to Sin City without!

Osprey Daylite Plus

Any city slicker needs a SLICK daypack. In general, you can never go wrong with an Osprey pack, but with its array of awesome organisation, durable materials, and a comfy build, the Daylite Plus will make your urban jaunts buttery smooth.

Grayl Geopress Filtered Bottle

Save $$$, save the planet, and save yourself the headache (or tummy ache). Instead of sticking to bottled plastic, buy a Grayl Geopress, drink water no matter the source, and be happy knowing the turtles and fishies thank you (and so do we!). 🙂

OCLU Action Camera

Wait, it’s cheaper than a GoPro and… better than a GoPro? The OCLU action cam is the cam for budget backpackers that want to immortalise all their wildest adventures – including that time you dropped it off a Himalayan mountain – WITHOUT breaking the bank.

Solgaard Solarbank

Resourceful travellers know how to find power outlets anywhere on the road; smart travellers just pack a solar power bank instead. With 4-5 phone cycles per charge and the ability to top up literally anywhere the sun is shining, there’s no reason to ever get lost again!

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

ALL travellers need a headtorch – no exceptions! Even in the hostel dorm, this beauty can save you in a real pinch. If you haven’t got in on the headtorch game, DO. I promise you: you’ll never look back. Or at least if you do, you’ll be able to see what you’re looking at.

While it might not be the safest part of the USA , Las Vegas is far from the most dangerous. Especially after the 2017 Las Vegas Shooting, security has been amped up making it more secure than ever.

Las Vegas attracts all kinds of shady characters, both rich and poor, who are looking to score quickly. You shouldn’t be surprised to hear that a city that lures so much money and frivolousness also brings about a few thieves in the process.

Luckily, Las Vegas takes security very seriously . The city maintains its reputation as being one of the biggest gambling destinations in the world because it ensures that people walk out with what they win. If people were being robbed in droves here, Las Vegas would not be as popular as it is.

The police and private security firms are very active on The Strip and near popular casinos. Casinos themselves will often aid guests by escorting them to wherever they need to go. They will usually provide additional means of guarding your winnings too, be it in the form of a personal check or safe.

That being said, thieves never really give up. Pickpockets do roam the streets and will take advantage of you if given the opportunity. If you’re in a smaller casino or in a less-busy part of town, there will be fewer eyes around to stop thieves.

No matter where you are or how drunk you intend on getting, you must always practice travelling safely .

On that note, be aware of hustlers, con artists, and prostitutes. These kinds of people will try to coerce you out of your money or put you in a situation where it can be taken forcibly. If someone presents an offer that seems to be good to be true, it probably is.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is synonymous with sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. Internationally known for its insane parties, and copious amounts of illicit substances, Vegas is THE place to drink and party.

Now let’s start with the legal stuff: alcohol and weed! Yup–Las Vegas is one of the places in the US that has embraced drug tourism and sells the good ol’ devils lettuce to anyone age 21 and over. Don’t expect the dispensaries to be cheap, but they’re there, and they’re state-of-the-art.

Alcohol is as easy to find as water, and ladies can likely find plenty of opportunities to get lit for free. From pool parties to EDM club scenes, Las Vegas is a fabulous place to be a woman. Guys on the other hand can still attend, but paying up is a pre-requisite.

As the saying goes, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” and that’s not a joke: some real crazy shit can and does happen here. The casinos can easily make you feel like you’re in another dimension, and that’s when things can get weird. Above all, make sure you stay hydrated when trying any of the many illegal substances of Sin City.

Now to talk about one last thing: sex. It’s well known that Las Vegas and sex work go hand and hand. Though brothels and prostitution are legal in some parts of Nevada, that doesn’t include Clark County–where Vegas is located. Escorts and strip clubs are legal, however, and you certainly won’t be lacking in options.

If you do make your way into this scene, make sure you respect anyone you’re interacting with, as they’re a real person just like you. Love and sex on the road are almost inevitable in Sin City, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try your best to partake responsibly.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Las Vegas

Traveling without insurance in Las Vegas would be risky. Especially with the infamous (and ridiculous) for-profit health system in the USA. So do consider getting good travel insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have used World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional, and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Its existence may be a slap in the face to Mother Nature (no city of this size should be in situated in what feels like the Mojave Desert) but its location is pretty hard to beat.

Las Vegas is at the confluence of some of the best states in the USA, including California, Northern Arizona, and Utah. If you’re on a West Coast road trip , you can get to Las Vegas very easily and have immediate access to all of its unearthly delights.

If you’re coming from Los Angeles for a weekend road trip, be aware that Highway 15 can be very congested with people doing the exact same thing. While driving in the US is pretty straightforward for the most part, with this region, not so much. There have been so many deaths from reckless driving on I-15 that the route was actually named one of the deadliest in America. So be on guard.

If you do not have your own car  rental or otherwise, you can still travel to Las Vegas via bus or plane (obviously).

McCarran International is Las Vegas’ primary airport. The airport itself is located very close to The Strip and there are multiple public buses connecting the two. A bus from McCarran takes around 30 minutes to reach The Strip and 40 minutes to reach Downtown Vegas.

I’d avoid taking a taxi from the airport as the rates in this town are robbery. Choose Uber or Lyft if you really need a private car.

Long-distance buses service Las Vegas frequently. Greyhound is the most popular national company though MegaBus is a good alternative.

For the ultimate experience, you can rent an RV in Vegas . That’s how make a trip that rocks!

Getting Around Las Vegas

Compared to many other American cities, Las Vegas is small. On a map, getting around Las Vegas seems like a very simple affair as it’s grid-like and most of the big Vegas attractions are fairly close to one another. Many people choose to experience Vegas by foot and most have a great time doing it.

Walking in Las Vegas can be grueling though. The heat can be relentless and, oftentimes, the only way to escape it is to duck into a casino for a moment. The strip itself is about 4-miles long and, while that may not seem like a lot, it can become a death march.

Of course, you can go walking in Las Vegas. Just remember to bring a good water bottle and take frequent breaks. If you’ve been drinking, dehydration will kick in MUCH quicker as well so try not to supplement water with cocktails.

Las Vegas actually has a very effective and varied public transportation network. Between the monorail, trams, and public buses, you could conceivably see the best of Vegas without being outside too much.

The public buses (managed by RTC) are your standard urban affair – utilitarian and efficient. Rides cost $2 one way and $5 for day passes. The Strip has its own set of buses – a double-decker called The Duece and the SDX – and these cost $6 for a 2-hour pass.

The Las Vegas monorail is a cool way to get around the city but isn’t really practical to use. It has limited routes, capacity, and is pretty expensive to use. I’d ride it a couple of times and move on.

Finally, there are a couple of trams that provide transport on the strip. They’re also limited but are at least free to use.

Traveling in Vegas long-term? Keen to make some cash when you are not exploring the city?

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection.

Depending on your qualifications you can teach English online from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills. It’s a win-win!

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world.

Overall, Las Vegas isn’t what I would call a top place to work online or volunteer, but you can still find some decent opportunities with a reputable company. I’d recommend steering clear of shady companies and instead, book your volunteering experience with a good one.

The Broke Backpacker recommends Worldpackers as it’s easy to use and offers up some cool community features. It’s review-based so you’ll be able to know exactly what to expect before you arrive.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

It’s no secret that everyone goes to Las Vegas to party – a lot of my friends go there several times a year just to let loose. Arguably, Las Vegas is the ultimate party destination in the USA as you can do just about anything here and will have to worry very little about being judged.

The Strip is probably the most revelrous part of the city. By day, the casinos host wild pool parties. At night, the Las Vegas Strip is mostly inhabited by stumbling drunks, wandering from casino to casino with too much money and too little sense.

Most of the bars and clubs in this area are ridiculously expensive and, honestly, a bit over the top. At this time and place is when most of the weird shit happens in Vegas.

Since most casinos have their own stages, the grand majority of music shows happen on The Strip. The initial price for these shows may seem steep but you can always find cheap Vegas show tickets. Just ask around and you’ll dig something up.

Downtown is where you’ll find more casual forms of bars, like pubs, lounges, and the occasional speakeasy. In my opinion, it offers the greatest variety of things to do in Vegas at night. You’ll also find much better deals in this part of town.

Some noteworthy spots in Downtown are Commonwealth, Backstage Bar, Downtown Cocktail Room, and Atomic Liquors.

If you want a real taste of Vegas, hang out in the local joints. These are often frequented by the permanent denizens of Vegas and feel much more authentic. Some local bars in Las Vegas include Frankie’s Tiki Room, Huntridge Tavern, and Dino’s Lounge.

Travel Tip: You can drink in public in Vegas! Granted, it’s still technically illegal but no one really bothers with this law.

Dining in Las Vegas

It wouldn’t be one of the most famous vacation destinations in the world if the food was shit, would it?

Las Vegas offers a ton of culinary options in a million different ways. Whether you’re looking for a Michelin-star meal or something easier, I doubt you’ll go hungry here. Join a curated Las Vegas food tour so you don’t miss any of the eats the city has to offer.

Buffets are one of the most popular ways of eating in Las Vegas because they’re large and cheap. Lots of hotels offer these as freebies to Las Vegas guests and these can make all of the difference. Free buffets in Las Vegas are one of the best ways to save cash.

There are also a number of venues in Vegas that offer discounted full-course meals. These can still be quite pricey ($50+) but, considering the quality, it’s still well worth the money.

While you can find just about any type of food in Las Vegas, there are two varieties that you should pay special attention to – Italian and Asian.

Italian immigrants played a huge part in the development of the city and obviously brought their cuisine with them. You can still find a lot of authentic Italian food in Las Vegas, particularly at the local lounges.

Asian food is very well represented in Las Vegas due in part to the plethora of visiting businessmen. Las Vegas’ Chinatown actually has a number of great restaurants and shouldn’t be ignored.

On another note, the Thai in Vegas is extremely good and I’ve heard from several people that the Lotus of Siam is a must-visit restaurant here.

Slick Restaurants and Cheap Eats in Las Vegas

There’s no denying it: eating in Las Vegas is expensive AF. The world-famous city is teeming with 5-star restaurants and celebrity chefs, and eating just one meal on The Strip could cost more than your hostel’s nightly rate.

But while you should splurge on Vegas’ iconic gastronomy at least once, here are some of my favorite cheap eats to help you stay on budget:

• Moon Palace – I bet you haven’t tried this fast food brand before! Moon Palace is located inside of the Venetian and has all of your fast-food favorites (including Vegan options) for under $10. What makes this joint extra special–aside from its cute moon mascot–is that its burgers are served on King Hawaiian rolls. You can also try their prime rib french dip slider for something a bit different.
• Viva Las Arepas – For some of the best arepas and overall best budget eats in Vegas, look no further than Viva Las Arepas. The Venezuelan joint has delicious and unique pork and beef options to choose from.
• Archi’s Thai Cafe – Archi’s is all about the lunch special, though it’s entire menu is far more affordable than most Thai food in Las Vegas. While the prices won’t feel like Thailand, you can still fill up for $15-$20 on authentic options.
• CrunCheese Korean Hot Dog – I just love when you can save $$ while trying a completely new food at the same time. That’s exactly what you’ll get to experience at CrunCheese, which serves the best Korean hot dogs in Las Vegas. These fried hotdogs come in multiple varieties and you can have more than one for less than $10!
• Gabi’s Gorditas –   Another iconic local eatery, Gabi’s Gorditas is a place you’re going to want to visit multiple times if you want to save some cash. The delicious Mexican dish comes in various flavors, you can nab everything from tuna poke to brisket for $7 or less.
• Marilyn’s Cafe – Who doesn’t love all day breakfast? It’s what Marilyn’s is famous for–and it’s real budget friendly too. You can get a quality, filling meal at all hours of the day for $10.09, a true steal for Vegas.

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How to Get Off The Beaten Path in Las Vegas

While I’ve touched on some of the hidden gems in Las Vegas , to actually get off the beaten path will involve getting out of the city. Here are some of the superlative places to visit near Las Vegas if you want to see more than casinos:

• Seven Magic Mountains – An iconic art installation right off the side of I-15 that’s become an Instagram hotspot these days, and is still worth seeing even if you don’t plan to post your day to the infamous app.
• Grand Canyon – It’s the granddaddy of all chasms in the world; the most epic, most awe-inspiring, and most famous place to visit near Las Vegas – you can’t leave without visiting The Grand Canyon . If you can manage it, try spending a week around this natural wonder, visiting the likes of the North Rim, Havasupai, and the Colorado River.
• Death Valley – True to its name, Death Valley is often considered one of the most inhospitable ecosystems in the world. If you can stand the heat while staying in Death Valley , which is more bearable in the winter, you will be rewarded with wondrous sights like the Mesquite Sand Dunes , Zabriskie Point , and the Sailing Rocks .
• Northern Arizona – There’s more to Arizona than your average Grand Canyon itinerary . Many locations, like Antelope Canyon , the Vermillion Cliffs , and Buckskin Gulch , are just outside of the borders of Grand Canyon National Park and all of these are worth the day trip from Las Vegas.  
• Zion/Bryce – Both of these national parks are, hands-down, among my favorite places in the entire USA. They are just spectacular, and will show you why Utah’s national parks are among some of the best in the country.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Before you head to Sin City, it’s likely you have some questions you want to be answered, and I’ve absolutely got you covered. Here are some top FAQs for traveling to Las Vegas:

Is traveling to Las Vegas expensive?

It absolutely can be! If you want to stay in one of the top casinos and eat at the famous restaurants, expect to shell out a few grand in just a few days. But even if you follow all the budget travel tips out there, Vegas is still going to be pricey.

Is Las Vegas safe?

Yes, Las Vegas is safe for travel–otherwise it wouldn’t attract millions of gamblers a year. Even so, any city offering so much fun is bound to attract pickpocketers and other shady characters. Follow your usual travel safety tips and you should be fine.

Is weed legal in Las Vegas?

Yes! As of 2017, recreational marijuana has been legal in Sin City. These days, there are tons of dispensaries to choose from and cannabis lounges are incoming!

What are the top attractions in Las Vegas?

The top attractions of Las Vegas include The Strip, Fremont Street, Bellagio, and the Venetian. You can also visit the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Red Rock Canyon from Vegas.

Are there any cheap hostels in Las Vegas?

Let’s say cheap-ish. While they’re certainly not the cheapest hostels in the world, Las Vegas does have a few budget-backpacker friendly hostels to choose from.

Sin City is going to be a lot of things at once, and hopefully, that will include some killer memories in some of the gaudiest locales in the entire United States. As much as this city has been filmed and discussed, there’s a massive difference between watching a movie set in Vegas, and having your own Las Vegas experience.

The latter is sure to be unlike any other trip you’ve taken. There’s simply no other city in the world quite like this. Even backpacking Los Angeles won’t hold up.

But as extra and over the top as Vegas is, it’s a whole lot more than that if you give it a chance. It’s the quirky downtown scenes, the legendary natural sites that surround it, and more importantly, it’s a place where people live full lives beyond the casino floors.

If I can give you one final piece of advice in this Las Vegas Guide let it be this: see the real Vegas. You know, the one beyond the multi-million dollar casinos and $100 dinners. Those deserve to be experienced too, but give your Las Vegas trip a bit of variety why don’t you?

Try to meet locals, head to those offbeat spots, and sample the many cheap restaurants that can be found outside of The Strip.

Regardless of how you spend your time, make sure you buckle up: a trip to Las Vegas is one helluva ride!

Last Updated: February 2022 by Samantha Shea at Intentional Detours

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Great in depth article. For a view from the Stratosphere without paying for a ticket to the observation deck, you can go up to the bar on the 107th floor and walk around a few times to soak in the view, then “decide” you don’t want anything, and head back down. Sure beats paying $20 to get the same view at the observation deck.

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Rooms and suites, restaurants, attractions, recently added, las vegas strip, just off strip hotels, greater las vegas, popular brands, standard rooms, luxury suites, dining style, cirque du soleil, popular shows, popular attractions, bars and lounges, information.

A Destination Like No Other

Welcome to the Las Vegas Travel Guide where we showcase the best hotels, accommodations, restaurants, shows, attractions, nightlife and more.

Discover a destination like no other and explore everything that this incredible city has to offer, from the 24-hour action of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip to the beauty of the surrounding national parks and recreation areas.

Las Vegas Hotels

Discover and experience some of the worlds biggest and most unique hotels, from the luxury resorts of the Las Vegas Strip to budget off-strip properties.

Wynn Las Vegas

Experience the pinnacle of luxury at Wynn Las Vegas with its sumptuous accommodations, extensive restaurant collection, world-class amenities and impeccable service.

Resorts World Las Vegas

The latest resort destination to open on the Las Vegas Strip, Resorts World features three Hilton brands, a diverse array of restaurants and bars and world-class amenities.

Park MGM Las Vegas

With its prominent location on the Las Vegas Strip and 100% smoke-free environment, Park MGM features stylish accommodations and a wide range of amenities.

Paris Las Vegas

The city of lights meets the entertainment capital of the world at Paris Las Vegas with its replica Eiffel tower, elegant accommodations and romantic restaurants.

New York New York Hotel and CASINO

Experience the Big Apple at this family-friendly and mid-range themed hotel which features replica's of New York's most iconic buildings, landmarks and attractions.

Horseshoe Las Vegas Hotel

With its fabulous central location, the recently reimagined Horseshoe Las Vegas is the perfect base to explore the excitement of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.

Luxor Hotel and Casino

The iconic Luxor Hotel and Casino offers a truly unique experience with its distinctive 30-story pyramid design, Egyptian theme, light beam and inclinators.

Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino

Located at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino features contemporary accommodations, star-studded shows and luxury amenities.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

The Cosmopolitan is a luxury resort destination centrally located on the Las Vegas Strip featuring residential-style accommodations and world-class amenities.

The Cromwell Hotel Las Vegas

The boutique Cromwell Hotel is located right at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip and features chic accommodations, a rooftop nightclub and celebrity chef dining.

The Venetian Resort

The five-star Venetian Resort embodies the spirit and excitement of Venice with its all-suite luxury accommodations and world-class amenities and entertainment.

Sahara Las Vegas

Sahara Las Vegas features spacious guest rooms and suites in three towers, award-winning restaurants, live entertainment, a large casino and luxury amenities.

Las Vegas Rooms and Suites

Find your perfect Las Vegas retreat from a choice of over 1000 unique accommodations, from standard rooms to some of the worlds most luxurious suites.

Standard Rooms, 1 King Bed

Standard Rooms, 2 Queen Beds

Most Popular Rooms

1 Bedroom Suites, 1 King Bed

1 Bedroom Suites, 2 Queen Beds

Most Popular Suites

Studio Suites, 1 King Bed

Studio Suites, 2 Queen Beds

Save 15% or more on stays with getaway deals at Booking.com Turn your long weekend into lifelong memories. Book by September 30.

Las Vegas Shows

Search the best shows in Las Vegas, from the stunning acrobatics of Cirque Du Soleil to mind-blowing magic acts, headliners, tribute shows, comedy and more.

Coming to the Las Vegas Strip in summer 2024, DiscoShow celebrates the music and a movement which ignited a decade, so get ready to party like it’s 1977.

This spectacular show at Wynn has been conceived and created by a world-renowned team of talent behind some of the most iconic moments in entertainment.

Michael Jackson ONE By Cirque Du Soleil

Celebrating the iconic king of pop, Michael Jackson One by Cirque du Soleil immerses the audience with an electrifying fusion of acrobatics, dance moves and visuals.

Blue Man Group

Leave your expectations at the door and let three fabulous bald and blue men take you on a spectacular journey bursting with music, laughter and surprises.

Atomic Saloon Show

Located at The Venetian Resort, this Spiegelworld adults-only show features drop-dead sexy acrobats and ridiculous comedy mayhem set inside Madame Skunkton's saloon.

Mystère by Cirque Du Soleil

Mystère by Cirque Du Soleil at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino combines singing, dancing, high-energy acrobatics and incredible imagery in a music-filled adventure.

The Beatles Love by Cirque Du Soleil

Set to an iconic soundtrack, The Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil at Mirage Las Vegas will send you on a multi-sensory journey featuring the music of the Fab Four.

Christina Aguilera

Voltaire’s newest headliner, Christina Aguilera, celebrates her vocal prowess in a seductively cozy environment like no performance she has ever done before.

Absinthe is a refreshing, irresistibly intoxicating blend of circus, burlesque and vaudeville, remixed and reimagined to delight savvy, seen-it-all modern audiences.

Las Vegas Restaurants

Discover the best restaurants in Las Vegas and browse the extensive selection of worldwide cuisines, from fine dining by celebrity chefs to quick eats on the go.

Steakhouse Restaurants

Award-winning steakhouse restaurants offer fine dining at its best as world-renowned and celebrity chefs bring you the finest cooked to perfection steaks.

Italian Retaurants

From wood-fired pizzas to handmade pastas, experience an endless choice of Italian restaurants that feature a wide variety of classic and regional dishes.

Japanese Restaurants

Dine in style within spectacular surroundings and enjoy modern and traditional Japanese cuisine with menus of ocean-fresh sushi, sashimi and specialty dishes.

Chinese Restaurants

From the Michelin starred restaurants to quick eats on the go, embrace the Chinese cuisine and enjoy a wide variety of modern, regional and traditional dishes.

American Restaurants

Enjoy a wide variety of American menu items including traditional southern cuisine, classic breakfasts, huge sandwiches and some of the worlds best burgers.

French Restaurants

Discover some of the best French restaurants where award-winning chefs offer you the finest French cuisine within sophisticated and romantic surroundings.

Mexican Restaurants

Discover some of the best and most popular Mexican and Latin restaurants in Las Vegas that showcase both modern and traditional south of the border fare.

Las Vegas Attractions

From thrill rides and adventure to museums and exhibitions to immersive experiences, Las Vegas is home to some of the best attractions and activities in the world.

A new immersive playground just minutes from the Strip, Area15 features a range of experiences, exhibits, art and events for both families and thrill-seekers.

The Mob Museum

The Mob Museum, located at the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, is an interactive attraction that offers an insight into the history of organized crime in the US.

Bellagio Conservatory

The beauty of the four seasons are spectacularly showcased at the 14,000 square foot Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.

Madame Tussauds

Walk the red carpet with some of the world’s best-known celebrities at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, located at the heart of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.

Fly Linq Zipline

The only zipline experience on the Las Vegas Strip, Fly Linq is an adrenaline fueled and electrifying sky-high experience located 12 stories above the Linq Promenade.

The Escape Game

Located within the Forum Shops at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Escape Game is a live 60-minute adventure which features a variety of themes and difficulties.

High Roller Observation Wheel

Experience incredible 360 degree views of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding valley on the 550 feet tall High Roller, the largest observation wheel in North America.

The wheel takes approximately 30 minutes to complete one revolution and features 28 spacious cabins which can accommodate up to 40 guests. Enjoy a fabulous one-of-a-kind cocktail experience, where Happy Half Hour cabins include an open bar and bartender for up to 25 guests aged 21 and over. Families can download the self-guided curriculum sheet that provides a 30-40 minute lesson plan that will generate discussion around architectural design, technology, geography, science, math and more.

Las Vegas Nightclubs

Experience the best nightclubs on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip as award-winning and famous DJ's perform EDM, House and hip-hop in the ultimate party atmosphere.

Zouk Nightclub

The new and innovative Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World is one of the most technologically advanced in Las Vegas and features multiple experiences for party-goers.

Omnia Nightclub

Experience an all-encompassing and interactive nightlife experience and world-renowned musical talent at Omnia located at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.

Jewel Nightclub

Whether the headliner is a world-class DJ or performer, Jewel Nightclub at Aria Resort and Casino offers a multi-faceted experience for each guest and every event.

TAO Nightclub

Featuring the hottest DJ's and frequented by A-list celebrities, the award-winning TAO Nightclub at The Venetian Resort is the epitome of Las Vegas nightlife.

Las Vegas Bars and Lounges

Discover the best bars and lounges in Las Vegas, from state-of-the-art sports bars to sophisticated cocktail lounges to the best speakeasy bars to 24/7 casino bars.

Cocktail Lounges

Las Vegas is home to an abundance of incredible cocktail destinations where expert mixologists create an extensive selection of classic and signature cocktails.

Sports Bars

Visitors to Las Vegas are spoilt for choice when it comes to taking in the sporting action with multiple venues offering big screen state-of-the-art viewing.

Speakeasy Bars

Taking inspiration from the prohibition era when alcohol was served discreetly, discover some of the best speakeasy bars in Las Vegas with their hidden entrances.

Do you want to visit Las Vegas?  There are surely many things that you still don’t know about the city in Nevada. Find out why millions of people visit Las Vegas every year.

Las Vegas Travel Guide

• Information
• Top Attractions
• How to get there
• How to Save
• Where to eat
• Where to Stay

Why visit Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is the world's entertainment capital , a true theme park for grown-ups that never disappoints. Las Vegas is also one of the most visited cities in the world as well as being the city which has grown the most over the 20th century.

As soon as you step off the plane at the airport , you'll know you're in a one-of-a-kind place.  Walking through the airport, decorated with thousands of slot machines, you realize why it's known as “America’s Playground”.

With its unique  themed hotels and incredible shows , you'll believe you're on holiday in a parallel world. David Copperfield, Madonna, Elton John, and many other artists will ensure you have a perfect trip.

This is where our story begins in finding out why Las Vegas is also known as Sin City. Remember: what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Traveling to Las Vegas with children?

Although most visitors are adults, children can also enjoy the hotels with a circus, swimming pools, attractions, fairgrounds, and the best shows  on the planet. You can also have fun on a helicopter ride over the city of lights or on a trip to the Grand Canyon .

Need accommodation?

• If you don't have accommodation yet in Las Vegas, we recommend visiting our search engine, where you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels, and apartments with the best rates guaranteed (with up to 75% discount) . And, what's more, you'll only have to pay once you arrive at your destination. 
• Hotels in Las Vegas – Find the best deals online.

top activities

Grand Canyon West Rim Day Trip Enjoy awe-inspiring views of some of the United States' most incredible scenery on this day trip to the Grand Canyon West Rim and the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas !

Go City Las Vegas Explorer Pass The Go City Las Vegas Explorer Pass offers access to 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 of the city's top attractions . Save up to 55% and decide what to visit on the go.

Las Vegas Strip Night Tour Millions of glittering lights, glamorous hotels and spectacular fountains . Experience the glory of Las Vegas with a champagne toast as you tour Sin City!

High Roller Ticket With this ticket to High Roller , you can get the most amazing views of the City of Sin from this gigantic ferris wheel in Las Vegas!

Aboard this open-top tour bus, you'll enjoy the finest night views of Las Vegas . It's one of the most comfortable ways to experience Sin City .

The Strat Las Vegas Ride Tickets Looking for an adrenaline rush? If you're in Las Vegas , don't miss your ticket to The Strat attractions – a roller coaster and sky-high free fall!

The STRAT Tower Observation Deck Ticket With your ticket to   The Strat Tower Observation Deck , you'll climb the tallest observation tower in the USA  and have incredible views over  Las Vegas .

Battlefield Shooting Experience Shooting and feeling the power and sound of endless pistols, rifles and machine guns is something you can only do in Battlefield Vegas.

Elvis Wedding in Las Vegas Get married in Vegas!  Make your visit to Sin City unforgettable by sealing your love with the King of Rock 'n' Roll  as a witness in Graceland Chapel!

Join this private tour of the Grand Canyon and discover one of the most iconic landmarks in the American West , with whomever you wish to come.

Go City: Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass The Go City: Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass allows access to 35 attractions in Las Vegas , including the High Roller Ferris wheel, & the city's main sights.

Grand Canyon Tour + Private Flights On this Grand Canyon  tour, we'll travel by plane to the west rim of this natural formation and discover its panoramic viewpoints - a complete experience!

Bryce Canyon Day Trip On this excursion to Bryce Canyon National Park , see the world's biggest concentration of rock spires, called Hoodoos . A forest of rocks you won't forget!

Las Vegas Helicopter Tour Flying over the Las Vegas strip in a helicopter is an unforgettable experience . Enjoy it at any time, be it during the day or at night!

Book this private tour of Las Vegas for you and your loved ones and your guide will take you to explore the hotels and chapels in the so-called 'Sin City'.

Excursion to Antelope Canyon Antelope Canyon is one of the most magical corners of Arizona , and with this excursion, you can visit the canyon and discover spectacular landscapes.

Grand Canyon South Rim Plane Ride Fly over the Grand Canyon's South Rim in a plane and then take a minibus tour of the most stunning sites of the national park with a picnic included!

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Ticket Enjoy a fun-filled time posing with your favourite artists on the most iconic stages in Sin City with this Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Ticket.

Grand Canyon Day Trip + Las Vegas at Night This combination tour is the best way to see the most iconic sights of Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and its surrounding area in just one day.

Hoover Dam Half-Day Trip On the  Colorado River  stands one of the world's largest dams . On this tour, marvel at this titanic megastructure, featured in Superman and Transformers. 

Death Valley Tour Salt flats, mountains and arid dunes: discover one of the most impressive desert landscapes in the U.S. on this Death Valley National Park tour .

Tickets to O by the Cirque du Soleil O is the Cirque du Soleil's water show , running in Las Vegas since 1998. An unexpected aquatic experience & a beautiful opera make this truly unmissable.

Tickets to LOVE by the Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas LOVE is the world's biggest celebration of the Beatles' musical legacy with more than 60 artists paying homage to their most famous songs.

Tickets to Mystère by the Cirque du Soleil Mystère is one of the most famous shows by the Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. Impossible acrobatics, amazing talents and set make this show a must-see.

Travel into space and immerse yourself in this incredible place's jaw-dropping multimedia and sensory experiences with this ticket to Illuminarium Las Vegas .

Private Tours from Las Vegas On one of our private tours from Las Vegas you'll visit the Grand Canyon, the Antelope, Bryce or Zion Canyons, or Mount Charleston with an exclusive guide.

If you want to enjoy New York nightlife in Las Vegas , the new Cirque du Soleil Mad Apple show will transport you directly to the nightclubs in the Big Apple.

Travel to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend on this tour from Las Vegas and visit two of the most fascinating places in the Arizona desert !

Grand Canyon Tour + Skydiving Looking for a truly unique Grand Canyon experience ? On this tour, we'll be visiting the famous canyon on foot and by parachute .

Looking to try something new?  In this activity, you'll get your adrenaline going as you drive a powerful monster truck through the desert of Las Vegas .

Red Rock Canyon Bike Tour Discover the remarkable scenery around Red Rock Canyon , in the Nevada desert and just a few minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, with an electric bike tour.

Valley of Fire Hike If you enjoy hiking then make the most of this hike in the Valley of Fire . The park's impressive landscape and near Las Vegas will leave you in awe!

Zombie Burlesque Las Vegas Ticket Enjoy Zombie Burlesque in Las Vegas, a show packed with songs, comedy and burlesque that will take you back to the 1950s to a world invaded by zombies.

Las Vegas Hot Air Balloon Ride Experience the enchanting desert landscapes of Las Vegas at sunrise as you embark on a captivating hot air balloon journey through Sin City.

Emerald Cave Kayak Tour On this kayak tour through the Emerald Cave we'll paddle through the waters of the Colorado River to discover a natural treasure .

Invictus Experience: Espionage Adventure Want to be a spy for a day? Book this activity and feel like the next James Bond: drive a luxury vehicle , shoot different kinds of real guns and skydive!

If you love fine dining, this Las Vegas food tour is for you. We'll take you to taste the most exclusive dishes at several gourmet restaurants on The Strip .

Light Aircraft Tour of the Grand Canyon On this light aircraft tour of the Grand Canyon , we'll fly over the stunning landscapes of the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead!

Ticket to The Mentalist Do you think it's possible to enter other people's minds?  Find out for yourself with this ticket to The Mentalist , one of the best shows in Las Vegas!

Ticket to Absinthe Las Vegas Absinthe is the #1 show in Vegas for adults . The fantastical blend of classic circus with wild and extravagant acts will give you an unforgettable night out.

On this tour to the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas , we'll visit Nevada's oldest state park and its breathtaking red-colored landscapes - an absolute must!

Los Angeles Tour On this tour to Los Angeles we'll depart from Las Vegas to visit Hollywood and Beverly Hills , and other icons of the Californian city . You will love it!

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Visiting the Grand Canyon by helicopter is one of the most popular activities in Las Vegas . Make the most of your trip with this incredible experience!

Shooting, Archery & Axe Throwing in Las Vegas If you're looking for adventure, this activity in the Las Vegas Desert is perfect for you! Try your hand at shooting, archery, and axe throwing !

On our  Las Vegas Desert Buggy Tour , you'll have an unforgettable experience driving through this arid desert in Nevada . You'll also try your hand at shooting!

Arizona Desert Trip: 3 Days Sedona, the famous Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley... Discover the undisputed beauty in the southwestern state with this Arizona Desert Trip lasting 3 days.

Las Vegas Desert Shooting Practice In this Las Vegas Desert shooting activity , you'll get the exhilarating experience of shooting different guns in the spectacular Nevada desert.

Blue Man Group Ticket Go on a  multi-sensory adventure with Blue Man Group , an unforgettable show that has captivated more than 35 million people around the world since 1991 .

Grand Canyon 2 Day Tour Immerse yourself in the iconic landscapes of the Grand Canyon on this two day tour from Las Vegas : discover Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell and Glen Canyon.

Awakening Show in Las Vegas If you're in Las Vegas and are a fan of fantasy and sci-fi movies and novels, then  Awakening   is perfect for you. Delve into this immersive experience!

At the Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas , you'll feel the true spirit of Sin City and enjoy a classic American meal while listening to the greatest rock hits.

Las Vegas Luxury Wedding Can't wait to marry the love of your life? Say "I do?" in style with a luxury wedding in Las Vegas - a day you'll remember forever!

With this ticket to the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel ,   you'll enjoy the best panoramic views of The Strip, the great avenue of the city of casinos.

Excavator Operation Desert Experience In Las Vegas , you can experience anything! So why not hop behind the wheel of an excavator  for an adrenaline rush as you operate heavy machinery in the desert!

Las Vegas Wedding at Graceland Chapel More than 100,000 marriages are celebrated in Las Vegas every year. If you want to join these lucky ones, plan your wedding at the iconic Graceland Chapel .

Pawn Stars Set Tour Are you a fan of the TV show Pawn Stars ? Join us on this tour of Pawn Stars' sets  to see the places where this popular American reality show was filmed.

MJ Live: Michael Jackson Tribute Concert Enjoy the best songs in the history of pop  and witness  Michael Jackson perform live  in front of his fans with your  ticket to MJ Live .

SkyJump at The Strat Experience an adrenaline rush and test your limits at The Strat's SkyJump , the tallest observation tower in the United States -   an unforgettable adventure!

Mat Franco Magic's Show Ticket With this ticket to Mat Franco's magic show , you'll experience a show full of mind-blowing optical illusions , masterful sleights of hand, and card tricks.

Comedy and magic combine perfectly in this Piff the Magic Dragon show in Las Vegas . Don't miss one of the funniest shows in town!

Atomic Saloon Show Tickets If you're in Las Vegas, don't hesitate to purchase a ticket to the Atomic Saloon Show , an incredible performance that's equal parts acrobatics and comedy .

Ride through one of the most arid places in the U.S. on this exciting quad tour through the Las Vegas desert. Adventure awaits!

Visit the Atomic Museum Don't miss the chance to visit the  Atomic Museum in Las Vegas   and explore the rich history of nuclear testing in Southern Nevada .

Explode A Car In Las Vegas Experience the ultimate car explosion adventure in the Las Vegas desert , where you can detonate a vehicle with your own hands  just like in the movies!

Piano Man Tickets Sing along to Billy Joel and Elton John's greatest hits at the Piano Man show in Las Vegas . An experience like never before in the V Theatre!

Las Vegas Desert Buggy Tour If you're looking for thrills, you'll love our buggy tour in the Las Vegas Desert ! We'll have a blast as we drive through the spectacular deserts of Nevada . 

Tickets for Michael Jackson ONE Pay homage to the King of Pop with this tribute to Michael Jackson , a musical spectacle, acrobatics and a light show by the legendary Cirque du Soliel .

Aerial Combat Experience Think you've seen it all? Well on this tour we'll recreate aerial combat, with you piloting the most advanced acrobatic plane in the world . Think again!

Tickets to KÁ by the Cirque du Soleil You'll be able to see it, but you won't be able to believe it: the slogan of Cirque du Soleil's KÁ, combining martial arts, acrobatics, dance and projections.

Las Vegas Party Tour Are you ready to party with us on this night tour of Las Vegas ? We'll dance to Latin music in the best clubs in ' Sin City '.

Wedding in the Valley of Fire The striking colours and breathtaking rock formations of the  Valley of Fire  make it the perfect backdrop for a beautiful wedding ceremony .

Vegas! The Show Ticket Lights, Music, Camera, Action! Find out why Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world at the city's most complete show: Vegas! The Show .

V - The Ultimate Variety Show Las Vegas Ticket Enjoy the V - The Ultimate Variety Show in Las Vegas, the show that brings together the world's most impressive and innovative performances into one show.

Grand Canyon & Utah National Parks 3 Day Tour Discover the spectacular natural landscapes of the southwestern USA on this three-day tour of the Grand Canyon and Utah's national parks .

Shopping at The North Premium Outlets Adidas, Hugo Boss, Burberry, Calvin Klein... if you're looking to refresh your wardrobe at incredible prices, don't miss this tour to the North Premium Outlets.

The Mafia Museum Ticket Discover one of the most unique history museums in the United States, the Mafia Museum . You'll learn about the history of the mafia and organised crime!

Discover Las Vegas and its surroundings at your own pace with this 2-hour  Can-Am Ryker rental - the most fun way to get around the city and the desert!

Zion Canyon & Valley of Fire Day Trip Explore the breathtaking scenery of the United States' West Coast on our Zion Canyon & Valley of Fire Day Trip from Las Vegas.

Discover two natural treasures of the state of Nevada with this excursion to Zion and Bryce canyons . We'll walk among incredible rock formations!

Zion National Park Tour Take a break from Sin city on our  Zion National Park Tour . You'll travel to one of Utah's breathtaking national parks and wander through beautiful scenery.

Las Vegas Excavator Driving + Car Crushing If you're after a unique way to blow off steam, our  Las Vegas Desert Excavator Driving activity is perfect for you! Ready to drive a Big Cat Excavator ?

Channel your inner cowboy on this horseback ride through the desert of Las Vegas. You'll have a blast as you trot through the arid desert of Nevada!

South Rim Day Trip This South Rim day trip from Las Vegas is a great opportunity to see the famous Grand Canyon,   Kolb Studio, Bright Angel Lodge and other landmarks .

Las Vegas Tourist Bus Explore Sin City's most iconic landmarks in the comfort of a double-decker open-top bus. Hop on & hop off whenever you'd like for total flexibility!

the ghost town of Nelson , and the renowned Hoover Dam .

Aerobatic Flight Experience Neither skydiving nor bungee jumping compares to the adrenaline rush of  aerobatic flying . On this flight, you'll feel the excitement of the exhibition arena !

Ticket to Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. With your  ticket to the Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. ,   you can discover the secrets of the most famous  superheroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe .

Criss Angel Mindfreak Live Ticket Discover a world of mystery and magic with the celebrated magician Criss Angel . Mindfreak Live is an immersive spectacle with mind-blowing tricks!

Purple Reign: The Prince Tribute Show By booking your tickets to Purple Reign , you'll enjoy  one of the best tributes to Prince in  Las Vegas. You'll experience his greatest hits live!

Ticket to The Hunger Games: The Exhibition With this ticket to The Hunger Games: The Exhibition , you'll see the costumes , props and sets from the saga - immerse yourself in the nation of Panem.

Fly LINQ Ticket Get your adrenaline pumping and fly over Las Vegas with this ticket to the Fly LINQ Zipline ! You'll see the City of Sin from a truly unique perspective.

Yellowstone, Rocky Mountains, Bryce Canyon & Grand Teton 7-Day Tour Explore Yellowstone, the Rocky Mountains, Bryce Canyon & Grand Teton on this 7-day tour from Las Vegas. Four impressive national parks in the U.S. await!

Death Valley & Yosemite National Park 4 Day Tour On this 4 day tour through Death Valley and Yosemite National Park , you'll see some of California's most amazing landscapes and end tour in San Francisco .

Day Trip to Mt. Charleston Escape the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas and immerse yourself in a snowy winter wonderland on our day trip to Mt. Charleston .

Forget everything you know about the laws of nature with this ticket to the Nathan Burton magic show  – nothing is what it seems!

Las Vegas to San Francisco 7-Day Tour Package On this 7-day tour from Las Vegas, we'll visit the Grand Canyon, the South Rim, Zion National Park & Bryce Canyon and more!

The most concise guide to Las Vegas.

We offer a travel guide for holidaymakers with personal advice to help you optimize your time. This guide will provide all the information on Las Vegas you need to make your trip perfect.

The information and practical details are up to date as of  June 2022 .  If you see a mistake or something that you think we should change, please get in touch with us .

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Las Vegas Sphere: Ultimate guide to seats, prices and how to see Dead Forever in 2024

Competing for attention in Las Vegas with neon signs, billboards and mega-resorts that resemble European palaces and Egyptian pyramids is no easy feat.

But an eight-month-old orb with a talent for shapeshifting is stealing a little of their thunder.

Sphere at The Venetian Resort , an entertainment venue that opened September 2023 just off the Las Vegas Strip , has garnered much attention since its debut for its immersive audio-visual experiences.

See the 366-foot-tall venue from the outside at night and it captivates people for its ability to project images from its exterior shell (also called the Exosphere) containing 580,000 square feet of LED lights, whether it's the Earth, the surface of Mars, a blinking eye, or an emoji. It developed a reputation for causing traffic gridlock since the projections began last year during the Fourth of July.

Inside, the venue's 160,000-square-foot display with 16K by 16K resolution displays immersive visuals, backed by the world's largest beamforming audio system, according to The Venetian .

If you're planning a trip to Las Vegas, check our guides on the best ways to get there from Phoenix , free things to do , which hotels offer free parking , and how to check for bedbugs in hotels .

If you can't get to Vegas just yet, the newly opened Caesars Republic Scottsdale hotel and upcoming VAI Resort in Glendale offer the luxury of Vegas in the Valley, though neither has a casino.

Here's everything to know about the Las Vegas Sphere.

What is the Sphere in Las Vegas?

Described on its website as "a next-generation entertainment medium that is redefining the future of live entertainment," Sphere is an immersive venue that uses haptics (seats that can move and vibrate), atmospheric simulations and visual effects to "transport audiences to places real and imagined."

The Sphere Experience, the main attraction inside the Sphere, is a two-part attraction. The first part, guided by a humanoid robot called Aura, includes a 360-degree avatar capture and a 50-foot-high holographic installation.

The second part is a viewing of an immersive film called "Postcard From Earth" by director Darren Aronofsky on Sphere's largest, highest-definition screen. "Postcard From Earth" is described as part nature documentary, part science fiction movie.

Sphere has also hosted concerts, with U2 inaugurating it with a 40-show residency that launched on Sept. 29, 2023. Sporting events are coming as well: UFC President Dana White said in February that he booked Sphere for UFC 306, scheduled for Sept. 14, 2024.

Where is the Sphere in Las Vegas?

Sphere is at the intersection of Sands Avenue and Koval Lane, just off the Las Vegas Strip and about 1 mile east of The Venetian.

Its address is 255 Sands Ave., Las Vegas.

Who owns the Sphere in Las Vegas?

Sphere is owned by Sphere Entertainment Co., which was spun off from Madison Square Garden Entertainment in April 2023.

Can you go inside the Vegas Sphere?

Yes, but it will cost you. Every guest must have a ticket for a show to enter the Sphere.

How many people does the Sphere hold? 

Sphere can seat 17,500 people and has a standing room capacity of 20,000, according to The Venetian .

Do the seats move in the Sphere? 

Of the Sphere's 17,500 seats, 10,000 of them are described as "haptic seats," or seats that are capable of moving and vibrating.

Where are the bad seats in the Sphere? 

Any seats with an overhang of upper levels will obstruct the view of the stage and/or screen.

USA Today's 10Best suggests avoiding certain seats in the far right and far left sections in the 100 level, where rows 30 and higher are completely obstructed by the overhang.

The 200, 300 and 400 levels offer the best seats.

How long does the Sphere Experience last? 

The Sphere Experience lasts just under two hours, with 60 minutes for the interactive experiences and 50 minutes for the "Postcard From Earth" film.

How long will U2 be at the Sphere?

U2 played the final show of its U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere residency on March 2, 2024.

Who is performing at the Sphere in 2024? 

After U2's residency ended, the jam band Phish became the second music act to play Sphere. Their four-show residency ran April 18-21.

Members of Dead & Company, a spinoff of the Grateful Dead featuring former members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart along with singer and guitarist John Mayer, will perform a 24-show Sphere residency called Dead Forever. The residency, which runs from May 16 to July 13, will begin a year after their final tour made a stop in Phoenix .

How much does it cost to go to Sphere Vegas?

It depends on the show and what day you plan to visit.

The Sphere Experience starts at $79 per person during the week and $99 per person on weekends.

Tickets for Dead & Company's Dead Forever residency start at $145 per person.

Is the Sphere worth going to?

Sphere has attracted an assortment of highly positive and highly negative reviews from travelers.

It has a user rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google. One user, Phillipe Beaumier , called Sphere "a once in a lifetime experience" and described the immersive audio and visual as "so incredible, you feel like you are part of the travel!"

Tripadvisor users gave Sphere more mixed reviews, with an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars. Most of its bad reviews were critical of the message of the "Postcard From Earth" film in the Sphere Experience.

A one-star review from a Tripadvisor user named Kathryn W. expressed disappointment with the Sphere Experience's humanoid robots and how "a couple of robots that are comparable to (Amazon's virtual assistant) Alexa can't answer a question." Kathryn added that the moving seats "could be mistaken for someone kicking the back of your chair."

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at  [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:  @salerno_phx .

Support local journalism.   Subscribe to  azcentral.com  today.

What to know about gambling before you go to Vegas

Apr 19, 2024 • 6 min read

If the lights of Las Vegas’ many casinos lure you on the floor, here’s all you need to know as a first-time gambler © Veronica Jones / Getty Images

If you fancy placing a bet or two (or 20), you’ve hit the jackpot in Las Vegas .

Gambling in all of its forms has been legal in Nevada since 1931, which has made Las Vegas the essential place in the USA to let it ride, double down and max bet (oh my!). Even with other states legalizing casinos and sports betting as well as Native American tribes unveiling casino-resort destinations, Sin City remains in a class of its own.  

And yet...that grumpy chain-smoking dude at the blackjack table judging your every hit. The hundreds of lights blinking at you on a single slot machine. The seemingly endless plusses and minuses on a sportsbook screen glaring down on the masses. We’d forgive gambling rookies for finding it all very intimidating. 

But don’t be scared. Las Vegas is as friendly as it gets in terms of easing into your new favorite game. 

In between strolling The Strip , a day trip into the desert and seeing a fabulous show , chances are you’ll want to give the tables and slots a shot. When you do, here are the answers to any Las Vegas gambling rookie’s key questions.

How many different games can I play in Vegas?

With new games being unveiled seemingly every day – particularly from slot-machine manufacturers – you can easily gamble hundreds of different ways under the roof of a single Las Vegas casino. Table games include such classics as blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and various forms of poker, like Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em and Three Card Poker. 

Slot machines feature thousands of different themes, paylines and jackpot options. Among the most omnipresent machines citywide are Megabucks and Wheel of Fortune , which have progressive statewide jackpots that often reach the million-plus level. Sports betting is also a significant draw: you can bet on everything from big-time NFL battles to a small soccer match in Colombia. In some casinos, you’ll even find halls where you can play bingo. 

What are the rules? 

You must be 21 years or older to gamble and drink in Las Vegas casinos. An important yet unspoken rule in our increasingly digital world: casinos don’t take kindly to folks being on the phone during table game action. This policy extends to taking phone calls, scrolling digital inboxes and making Google searches as to whether or not you should hit on 12 against a dealer’s 6 at a blackjack table. (Don’t tire your fingers: the answer is no.)

As for game-specific rules, your best bet is to simply ask a dealer or pit boss before you sit down. Don’t make the rookie mistake of plopping it at a table, betting $100 and saying, “Um, how do I play this?” Settle in at an empty or relatively empty table game – and don’t be bashful in getting your questions answered before diving in.

What about refreshments? In Nevada, you can indeed drink for free while gambling. If you’re feeding a video poker machine embedded in a casino bar, count on the bartender comping your drinks. The same goes for when you’re sitting at slot machines and table games: cocktail waiters and waitresses make regular rounds. Whether your drinks are comped or not (and, really, especially if they’re not), make sure to tip your bartenders and waiters with each round. 

What is the etiquette? And what about strategies for the different games?

Remember that you will be playing every game (save for the action in poker rooms) against the dealer (or “house”). You are not competing against the person at the slot machine next to yours, the dice roller that’s on fire at the craps table or your fellow players at the blackjack table.

Don’t be afraid to ask the dealer general questions about both etiquette and strategy. You’ll be sure to get an opinion – but remember that this is gambling, and you may want to go with your gut regardless. Here are a few pro tips that align with the odds of common games: 

• Blackjack: Stay if your cards add up to 12 or more and the dealer has a 3, 4, 5 or 6 showing.
• Three Card Poker: Play if you have a Queen–6–4 or better.
• Video poker: Always place the maximum bet, as there is a higher bonus payout should you hit a coveted royal flush.

How much money should I bring to place bets with?

This is contingent on how much money you are willing to lose. Casinos are in business to make money, after all – and the house always has the edge. Always.

Bet minimums run the gamut in Las Vegas – you can wager a (literal) penny on select slot machine spins, or $100,000-plus on a single roulette spin at a high-limit table. Before sitting down at any machine or table, note the minimum and maximum bets posted – and place yours accordingly. 

Given that ATM machines within casinos charge exorbitant fees (typically $10, in addition to any fees charged by your bank), bring your budgeted cash amount with you rather than make an on-site withdrawal.

We must never fail to mention that gambling can highly be addictive, and isn’t for everyone. If you’re having trouble stepping away once you’ve started, chat with a casino employee or call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.

Are there dress codes at Las Vegas casinos? 

Las Vegas resorts span high-end restaurants, raucous nightclubs and the most informal of poolsides. Given that diversity, dress codes really aren’t a thing on the gambling floor. If you’re coming from the pool, you may be asked to cover up – but that’s about as strict as it will get.

Which casinos are best for beginners? 

You’ll likely want to start cheap, and blackjack table minimums can be indicative of the prices of other table games at any given casino. A $5 blackjack table isn’t too common these days – but you can find many of them at the no-frills Ellis Island , just off The Strip, and at Downtown Grand . Fun fact: Downtown Grand even offers a $1 game of blackjack. 

Most casinos also offer free “learn to play” sessions. For example, the Golden Nugget offers daily lessons on nine different games spanning pai gow poker to craps to roulette. Ask someone at the casino cage (cashier) wherever you may be staying for the latest schedule of free lessons.

Which game is easiest?

Slot machines merely require you to push a button or pull a lever. That’s it. If you know the basics of poker, the video version of the card game is pretty seamless as well. A third option is roulette: there are 38 numbers (inclusive of 0 and 00) on most roulette wheels in Las Vegas, with your odds contingent on how many numbers you place bets on.

Is there such a thing as a smart bet?

It’s called gambling for a reason, and any form it takes carries inherent risks and zero guarantees of winning. With that said…a “smart bet” in Las Vegas would be one with a lower house edge, meaning better odds to the player. Some of the safer, long-established bets in Vegas include betting the pass line in craps, betting on the banker in baccarat and playing blackjack “according to the book” (or basic strategy).

Keep planning your trip to Las Vegas:

All the best things to do in Sin City Skip the casino floor and check out these free things to do How to get around Las Vegas See desert beauty at the city’s best parks

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Curious about all the fun things to do in Las Vegas on your next trip? This trip planning guide has you covered. Consider these suggestions while you plan your 2024 getaway to Las Vegas.

Cheers 🥂 to another #OnlyVegas year! 🥳⛲

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Must-Try Restaurants

Las Vegas is a major culinary mecca, offering world-class restaurants and unique dining experiences on and off the Strip. Here’s a crash-course guide to hot Las Vegas restaurants you simply can’t miss!

Indulge in the irresistible French charm and authentic flavors from award-winning spot LPM Restaurant & Bar at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Don’t forget to save room for the crème brûlée. If you’re looking to taste flavors from south of the border, then try Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant with catadores (or tequila experts) on staff to guide your drink selection before moving onto its diverse menu of coastal Mexican cuisine, only at Durango Casino & Resort.

An elegant and stunning space, you’ll go back in time with the old-school service at Don’s Prime , a sophisticated steakhouse at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Trolley carts and tableside presentations—including expert carvings, salad preparations and flambé desserts—are standard here. Fine dining venue, Peter Luger Steak House at Caesars Palace, offers old-world charm, dry-aged prime cuts and exceptional service that has been delighting diners for a decade.

Enjoy classic Italian American fare, including the traditional Sunday Gravy, at Luchini Italian Restaurant at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, inspired by the flavors (and sights) of New York. Don’t forget to check out the hidden speakeasy, Chez Bippy, for a craft cocktail before you leave! Rolling deep with a big crew? The Sundry at UnCommons, roughly a 20-minute drive from the Strip, might be exactly what your group is looking for! With two full-service restaurants and 13 quick eats to choose from, there’s something for everyone! Enjoy handmade pastas at Barzotto or creative twists on classic tacos at B.S. Taqueria, then finish with a couture donut from Saint Honoré!

The Sundry At UnCommons

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Must-Do Activities and Attractions

Las Vegas has something to experience around the clock, 365 days a year. Offering an assortment of experiences, you’ll have your pick of memorable things to do in Vegas. Add some of the below, if not all of them, to your itinerary!

From virtual reality rides to an arcade and even a venue where you can throw axes, AREA15 has options for everyone. In between taking in the immersive experiences, head to one of its bars or restaurants for a drink and to fuel up! Here’s a challenge for you: Find the hidden Datamosh speakeasy in Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart.

Step into the world’s largest spherical structure for The Sphere Experience at Sphere, which features interactive activities and a viewing of acclaimed filmmaker Darren Aronofsky’s Postcard from Earth. From holographic art installations to chatting with robots, this is a can’t-miss, Only Vegas experience! Oppenheimer , a 2023 hit movie, renewed interest in the Atomic Age and the technology that was developed to ultimately end WWII. Learn all about the fascinating era, featuring artifacts and rotating exhibits, exploring different facets at The Atomic Museum .

Another cool venue to check out is The Punk Rock Museum , positioning itself as the world’s most comprehensive attraction dedicated to “rock ’n’ roll’s rebellious offspring". This institution in Downtown Las Vegas offers hours of exploration. Check out the unique memorabilia and artifacts, stop by the bar for a drink or head to “The Shop” for an impromptu tattoo! While you’re downtown, venture over to Fremont East Entertainment District , a vibrant neighborhood filled with popular bars, restaurants, nightclubs and music venues. Since you’re hopping around the area, be sure to check out the fantastic street art—including the murals painted for the annual Life Is Beautiful music festival.

Whatever the Season, Vegas Is Always Happening

The fun simply never ends in Las Vegas. No matter what time of year it is, world-class events are always taking place in the destination.

Whether it’s a music festival, headlining residency or a concert at an amazing venue, the entertainment calendar is jam-packed with live music and performances all year, such as shows by The Rolling Stones, Christina Aguilera, Phish and Shania Twain.

When it comes to sports , exciting happenings in 2024 include the very first Super Bowl in Las Vegas, the Australian National Rugby League Telstra Premiership season kickoff, and the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. With professional sports teams and a calendar of special sporting events, there’s always some action to observe—be it on the ice, field or court. And whether you’re visiting solo, with your significant other, bringing the fam or vacationing with friends, holidays are a fun time to be in the destination. The party never ends in Las Vegas!

Now that you have the 2024 guide to Vegas details, what are you waiting for? It’s time to secure those reservations and score those tickets! Don’t forget to take a look at all the deals for your next stay in Las Vegas and how to navigate the city !