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There are so many things to do in Las Vegas that you could spend weeks here and still not get to see everything. We started our 10-day West Coast USA road trip with a bang in this classic American city and can assure you that even if you aren’t into gambling, there are plenty of activities that will suit your interests. No doubt why this is the most popular place in Nevada.
In fact, some of the best places to visit in Las Vegas are in the surrounding areas, so be sure to read our guide to things to do outside Las Vegas for more ideas. You can also check out our tips for renting a car in Las Vegas so you can get off the beaten path.
To get around Las Vegas, we took this sightseeing city tour on the hop-on/hop-off bus but the Las Vegas Monorail works pretty well too. I also 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.
The city is an adult playground of casinos, bars, restaurants, and just about any show you can imagine. Of course, there are lots of things to do with kids or as a family, too. Your trip to Las Vegas can be as thrilling or as tame as you want, and as they say, “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”
To help you plan your perfect trip, here are the 25 best attractions in Las Vegas.
1. Walk the Las Vegas Strip, the best thing to do in Las Vegas
Visiting the Strip is a must-do in Las Vegas, as this is where most of the hotels and casinos are (here are my 20 best hotels in Las Vegas Strip). Stretching over 4 miles, the Strip is a wonderland of neon lights, enticing sights, and all kinds of shenanigans. That said, it’s also where you can find things to do in Vegas for younger people, singles, and families.
While you’re on the Strip, be sure to photograph the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, one of the best attractions in Vegas. During the day, you can go shopping, visit one of the amusement parks, splash around in a hotel pool, or pamper yourself at a spa.
1. Walk the Las Vegas Strip, the best thing to do in Las Vegas
Around nightfall, the Strip comes to life, and you can find all kinds of entertainment, from concerts and nightclubs to burlesque shows and all-night gambling.
There are lots of other activities to do here, so I recommend reading our guide to things to do on the Las Vegas Strip.
2. Bellagio Fountains show, a must-see in Las Vegas
Not only is the Bellagio one of the best places to stay in Las Vegas, but its fountain show is also one of the top free attractions in Las Vegas.
The entire hotel was inspired by the Italian town of Bellagio, so it exudes a luxurious charm. The Five-Diamond resort has nearly 4,000 rooms, five swimming pools, and an 11,000ft² casino. However, you don’t have to spend the night here to enjoy the famous fountain show, which is one of the top ten things to do in Las Vegas.
2. Bellagio Fountains show, one of the most spectacular things to see in Las Vegas
The attraction was the largest fountain show in the world when it opened, and its jet sprays can shoot water as high as 460 feet. Each part of the fountain is choreographed and set to music and a variety of lighting effects. You can catch the show every night, and it repeats at 30-minute intervals (every 15 minutes after 8 p.m.)
There are different shows throughout the afternoon and evening, so this is a fun thing to do in Las Vegas again and again.
3. Ride the High Roller at the LINQ, a fun things to do in Las Vegas
The High Roller at the LINQ is the highest observation wheel in the world, making it one of the coolest tourist attractions in Las Vegas. It’s open day and night, so it’s another great thing to do in Las Vegas with kids or as a couple.
At 550 feet tall, this Ferris wheel is the best attraction in Las Vegas for panoramic views. Each of its 28 cabins can hold up to 40 people, and it takes about 30 minutes to do a complete revolution. It’s on the LINQ Promenade, so during your ride, you’ll be able to see all the amusements and shops, as well as the Las Vegas Strip and the city.
3. Ride the High Roller at the LINQ, something fun to do in Las Vegas with kids
Riding the High Roller at night is a fun thing to do in Las Vegas because you can see the sparkling display of all the casinos and resorts, including the Bellagio Fountains.
The High Roller is included in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass, or you can buy a ticket here.
4. Golden Nugget, one of the top casinos in Las Vegas
Built in 1946, Golden Nugget resort is one of the city’s oldest casino hotels in Las Vegas. While it has always been a historic hotel and has been featured in TV shows and movies, it became even more popular after The Casino series aired in 2004.
The resort’s latest renovations are quite impressive, and the accommodation now sits between two aquariums. In fact, one of the coolest things to do in Las Vegas is to go down the slide that’s built into a tank of live sharks.
4. Golden Nugget, one of the top casinos in Las Vegas
Living up to its name, the casino is home to the Hand of Faith, the world’s largest golden nugget on display. Purchased in the 1980s for an estimated $1 million, it weighs 60 lbs and measures 18 inches long.
The extravagance doesn’t end there, as the resort has a $30 million pool with three levels, a swim-up bar, and various jacuzzis and grottos. Moreover, Golden Nugget is right by the Fremont Street Experience, another must-see in Las Vegas.
5. Eiffel Tower at Paris Hotel, a romantic thing to do in Vegas
The Paris Las Vegas hotel is one of the most romantic places to visit in Las Vegas. This beautiful resort on the Strip has an impressive Vegas Eiffel Tower replica right out front, so you can’t miss it.
Best of all, you can climb to the top of the tower without staying at the hotel. Looking out over the dazzling Strip, especially at night, is a perfect thing to do in Las Vegas as a couple. You can purchase a ticket to the viewing deck here, but it’s also included in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass.
5. Eiffel Tower at Paris Hotel, a romantic thing to do in Las Vegas for couples
Like the Bellagio, the Paris hotel has a free light show that you can see every night. It repeats every half-hour, so it’s one of the best things to see in Las Vegas with your sweetheart.
At 540 feet tall, the Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas may only be half the size of the real thing, but it’s still an impressive sight. While you’re at the resort, take a walk around and check out the other Parisian elements, including a replica of the Arc de Triomphe and La Fontaine des Mers.
6. Downtown Las Vegas & Fremont Street, the best place to go in Las Vegas at night
Off the Strip, downtown Las Vegas offers plenty of activities and entertainment, so much that we even have an entire guide for things to do in downtown Las Vegas.
The downtown district is home to Fremont Street, one of the top places to visit in Vegas. This street was a hotspot for casinos and other major attractions in Vegas, and it remains a popular place for shows, restaurants, bars, and activities.
6. Downtown Las Vegas & Fremont Street, the best place to go in Las Vegas at night
Open all day and night, Fremont Street is where you can experience everything that makes the city famous. On any given day, you can find street performances and see the free Viva Vision light show. A visit to downtown Container Park or a ride on the Slotzilla zipline are two other fun things to do in Las Vegas on Fremont Street.
To make the most of your time here, I recommend this walking tour, which is also one of the attractions included in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass.
7. Grand Canyon, one of the best places to visit near Las Vegas
The Grand Canyon is one of the best places to visit near Las Vegas. Depending on which rim you go to, it’s a 2.5 to 5-hour drive. However, you don’t have to drive if you don’t want to because there are lots of day trips available. We have even written a guide on the best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas. The most popular one is the famous Grand Voyager but, if you’re traveling on a budget, the West Rim bus tour is a great option, too.
7. Grand Canyon, one of the best places to visit near Las Vegas
Anyway, visiting the Grand Canyon is a must-do in Las Vegas, and it’s a family-friendly attraction that everyone will love. It’s one thing to see pictures of this natural wonder but standing before it is another story. The stunning views and magnitude of the canyon will leave you breathless.
Grand Canyon National Park is huge, and there are lots of different routes you can take depending on which part of the park you want to see. If you prefer to visit on your own and spend a couple of days there, don’t miss our guide full of tips for visiting the Grand Canyon.
8. See a concert or show, another must-do in Las Vegas
Without a doubt, taking in a concert or performance is one of the top things to do in Las Vegas. You can find any genre or type of shows in Las Vegas, from concerts to comedians and magic shows to burlesque performances.
Residency shows are common here, and reputable artists like Elton John, Céline Dion, and Britney Spears have held residencies in Las Vegas throughout the years. There are plenty of places to go in Las Vegas for this type of show, such as the Caesars Palace Coliseum or Planet Hollywood Resort.
8. See a concert or show, another must-do in Las Vegas
Along with long-running shows, you can find special performances with limited runs, so there is always something new to see. Just keep in mind that it is Vegas, so lots of shows are geared towards adults. That said, if you’re looking for things to do in Las Vegas at night, check or list of best shows in Las Vegas or the lasvegas.com website to see who’s currently performing!
9. Hoover Dam & Lake Mead, the best places to visit in Las Vegas
The Hoover Dam makes for another great day trip from Las Vegas, so I suggest visiting this marvel if time allows. As it’s less than an hour outside the city, the Hoover Dam is one of the best places to visit near Vegas, and it’s suitable for all ages.
The dam was built nearly 90 years ago and is still an impressive feat of engineering today. Its construction resulted in the creation of the country’s largest reservoir, Lake Mead, which contains over 26 million acre-feet of water.
9. Hoover Dam & Lake Mead, two of the best places to visit around Las Vegas
As one of the most famous sites in the American West, there are lots of tours to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas for those who don’t want to drive there. I like this tour, which includes the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon, but if you just want to see the dam, this tour is good, too. The Hoover Dam is also one of the Las Vegas tourist attractions included in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass.
From the panoramic lookout at Lake Mead, you can see the undulating Colorado River and Boulder City in the distance, and, with a bit of luck, bighorn sheep. No matter how you get there, a visit to the Hoover Dam is a unique thing to do in Vegas, especially if you want to get away from the Strip.
10. gondola rides at the Venetian, a fun thing to do in Las Vegas
The Venetian is one of the most luxurious hotels on the Strip and, as the 2nd-largest hotel in the world, it offers lots of Las Vegas activities. It has over 4,000 rooms, a 120,000ft² casino, and a stunning nightclub with an infinity pool. However, The Venetian’s stand-out attraction is its gondola rides.
The hotel’s interior is a beautiful recreation of Venice, Italy, complete with gondola rides on the “canal”. Splurging on a boat ride is a fun thing to do in Las Vegas with your partner or friends, and a relaxing way to appreciate the resort’s architecture.
10. The Venetian Hotel & gondola rides, an extraordinary thing to do in Las Vegas
Throughout the Venetian, you can find elements and scenery that reflect its Italian influence, such as the Rialto Bridge, San Marcos Square, and the 36-story St. Mark’s Campanile. Your gondola will wind through the Grand Canal Shoppes, an indoor shopping center with over 200 stores.
If you’re on a budget, you can still window shop and enjoy the free live shows that occur throughout the day, in which the performers wear elaborate costumes. While the Venetian has an opulent vibe, it’s still good for a casual visit, so it’s one of the best places to visit in Las Vegas.
11. Helicopter tours, an exciting activity to do in Las Vegas
A helicopter tour is a unique thing to do in Las Vegas, and it’ll make for one of the most memorable experiences. It’s such an incredible activity that we’ve written a guide on the top helicopter tours from Las Vegas.
Soaring above the Strip, seeing the glitz and glamor from a birds-eye perspective, is the best way to get a fresh look at the city. While there are daytime tours, I suggest taking a helicopter ride at sunset, just when the nightlife starts to rev up. Or, if you’re not sure what to do in Las Vegas for a special date, consider this night flight over the Strip.
11. Helicopter tours, an exciting activity to do in Las Vegas
Not only can you take a ride over the city, but you can also book a helicopter to the Grand Canyon. We’ve written about the different tour options to the Grand Canyon, but this one is the most popular. Without a doubt, a helicopter tour is a top thing to do in Las Vegas, so if you have the time and the budget, don’t miss it!
12. Volcano eruption at The Mirage, a popular attraction in Las Vegas
The Mirage is another top place to see in Las Vegas, as it’s one of the most uniquely-themed resorts on the Strip. The hotel was influenced by Polynesia, and its aesthetic is a beautiful blend of elegance and tropical relaxation.
12. Volcano eruption at The Mirage, a breathtaking attraction in Las Vegas
The resort itself has plenty of fun things to do in Las Vegas, including a poolside lounge, featured performances, and a 16,000ft² nightclub. There are also several restaurants inside the hotel, and the dolphin habitat is a popular attraction, although I advise against visiting it!
The Mirage is also home to an artificial volcano that erupts every day. You can catch the show daily at 8 pm, 9 pm, and 10 pm, and it’s one of the top free things to do in Las Vegas. Along with the stunning lighting effects, there is an advanced sound system and a special natural gas that smells like piña coladas.
13. Neon Museum, one of the best museums in Las Vegas
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Las Vegas during the day, consider visiting the Neon Museum. Located on Las Vegas Boulevard, the museum is a curious attraction that features casino and business signs from years gone by, and it’s considered one of the best museums in Las Vegas.
The museum’s Visitor Center is actually the remnants of the old La Concha Motel. The neon sign collection began when the Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) began storing weather-damaged signage. In 1996, a non-profit recovered the signs and created the Neon Museum.
13. Neon Museum, one of the best museums in Las Vegas
This is a cool place to visit in Vegas with kids since they’ll love seeing all the fancy signs and glowing colors. It’s also an interesting place for adults, as you can learn more about Las Vegas’ history and how its collection of neon signs has changed over the years.
The main collection includes over 200 signs, and at sunset, these create one of the most impressive attractions in Las Vegas.
14. Night tour by open-top bus, another fun thing to do in Las Vegas
A night tour is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas if you want to see the city in all its splendor. While the city is fun during the day, it really comes to life when the sun goes down, and a night tour will show you all the best spots.
14. Night tour by open-top bus, another fun thing to do in Las Vegas
Of all the available night tours, I recommend this 3-hour tour, which includes the most iconic places to go in Las Vegas. You’ll travel in an open-top bus and pass the most famous resorts, casinos, and Fremont Street, which operates 24 hours a day.
You can hop on and off the bus at your leisure, so you can fully enjoy all the Las Vegas activities on the tour. See the Hand of Faith at Golden Nugget, watch the volcanic eruption at The Mirage, stroll around the LINQ Promenade, and much more.
15. New York-New York Hotel, one of the top attractions in Las Vegas
The New York-New York Hotel brings a bit of the East Coast to the American West. It stands out from the other resorts thanks to its 1940s-style architecture that resembles the NYC skyline. Here, you’ll find replicas of the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal, and Statue of Liberty, among other iconic sights.
15. New York-New York Hotel, one of the top attractions in Las Vegas
Winding through the hotel’s interior and partially outside is the Big Apple Coaster, one of the coolest tourist attractions in Las Vegas. It has an adrenaline-inducing maximum dop of 144 feet and reaches a top speed of 67 mph. The roller coaster is included in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass, or you can purchase a ticket here.
In addition to the Big Apple Coaster, the New York-New York Hotel has excellent restaurants and bars, as well as the acclaimed Zumanity Cirque du Soleil show. I can guarantee that it’s a top place to go in Las Vegas for both the young and the young at heart!
16. Caesars Palace, an incredible place to visit in Las Vegas
Caesars Palace is another iconic place to visit on the Vegas Strip. This landmark casino replicates ancient Rome and greets guests with a 20-foot Augustus Caesar statue at the entrance.
Its casino boasts a vast array of table games, slots, and machines, making it one of the best attractions in Las Vegas for gamblers. If you want to stay overnight in one of the most extravagant resorts, I highly recommend Caesars Palace.
16. Caesars Palace, an incredible place to visit in Las Vegas
Besides having one of the best casinos in Las Vegas, the resort has a performance hall that has hosted some of the most famous musicians and artists of all time. After taking in a show at The Coliseum, enjoy just about any cuisine you crave at one of over a dozen restaurants.
Moreover, the hotel is home to the Forum Shops and the Fall of Atlantis Fountain, which features a free light show about the underwater city of Atlantis. It’s one of the best free things to do in Vegas, especially with family.
17. Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend, a top place to visit near Las Vegas
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are two of the best places to visit near Vegas. We loved these two sites so much that we wrote a whole guide to visiting Antelope Canyon and another about Horseshoe Bend.
When we went to Antelope Canyon, we were amazed by the rocky formations, spiral arches, and beams of light that shone through the top of the canyon. It’s truly a sight that can’t be described in words. The slot canyon has two main sections that create some of the most intriguing scenes for landscape photographers, so it was a must-see for us!
17. Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend, a top place to visit near Las Vegas
Horseshoe Bend is also one of the best attractions near Vegas. Sometimes called the ‘East Rim of the Grand Canyon,’ Horseshoe Bend is a crescent-shaped meander with an impressive overlook located 4,200 feet above sea level. This imposing landmark is one of the most popular spots along the Colorado River, so if you have time, be sure to stop by.
The main town between these two sites is Page, which is a 4.5-drive from Las Vegas, but if you don’t want to drive, don’t worry. This full-day tour will take you to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
18. Madame Tussauds, something to do in Las Vegas with kids
For a family-friendly attraction in Las Vegas, check out Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. It’s the most famous wax museum in the world and has the largest collection of wax figures. Here, you can take a photo with A-list celebrities like Brad Pitt and Cameron Diaz, as well as fictional characters like Captain America and The Hulk, and athletes like Shaquille O’Neale.
18. Madame Tussauds, something to do in Las Vegas with kids
This is one of those fun things to do in Las Vegas that will please kids and teens of all ages. You can purchase an entry ticket here, or combine the museum with a gondola ride with this ticket. It’s also one of the Vegas attractions included in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass.
Besides posing with realistic wax figures, you can visit the museum’s virtual reality room or grab a drink at the bar.
19. Go to a nightclub, another must-do activity in Las Vegas
Without a doubt, one of the coolest things to do in Las Vegas is to party at a nightclub. All along the Strip and downtown Vegas, you’ll find some of the top clubs in the country.
While there are loads of nightlife venues, one of the best Las Vegas nightclubs are Omnia nightclub at Caesars Palace, which, in addition to its massive stage, has an incredible outdoor terrace.
19. Go to a nightclub, another must-do activity in Las Vegas
Drais nightclub has some of the best live music in Vegas and has hosted performers like Keyshia Cole, French Montana, and Gucci Mane. The LIGHT nightclub at Mandalay Bay is another worthwhile stop thanks to its exuberant party atmosphere and massive LED screens.
While the nightlife isn’t for everyone, going clubbing is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas if you want to experience everything this city has to offer. This VIP nightclub tour is also a good option if you want to hit all the hotspots without waiting in line.
20. Luxor Hotel, one of the most luxurious places to visit in Las Vegas
The Luxor Hotel is another must-see in Las Vegas, and it’s impossible to miss. The 30-story casino was one of the first themed resorts in Vegas. As soon as you see it, you’ll recognize the Egyptian theme, and the name Luxor even comes from the ancient city of Thebes.
20. Luxor Hotel, one of the most luxurious places to visit in Las Vegas
This Vegas landmark is known for its unique pyramid shape, and it even has inclined elevators that travel up the slanted sides. Along with over 4,400 rooms, it has excellent nightclubs and restaurants, so it’s an awesome place to go in Las Vegas after dark.
That said, the Luxor has featured two primary family-friendly attractions for the past decade. Bodies: The Exhibition and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition are both interesting displays that will please kids and adults.
21. STRAT Tower & Observation Deck, one of the nicest views over Las Vegas
The STRAT hotel and casino is one of the most entertaining places to visit in Las Vegas. While the resort has a performance showroom and indoor shopping mall, it’s most famous for its Tower Observation Deck, where you can get one of the best views of Las Vegas.
At 1,149 feet tall, it’s the 2nd-highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. Near the top, you’ll find a revolving restaurant, lounges, and even a wedding chapel. The outdoor viewing deck on the 109th floor is among the most popular tourist attractions in Las Vegas.
21. STRAT Tower & Observation Deck, one of the nicest views over Las Vegas
If you’re seeking a thrill, it doesn’t get much better than the STRAT. There is an indoor viewing platform one floor below, and at the top of the tower pod, there are a few extreme rides, including a free-fall, bungee-jumping, and a couple of rides that hang over the edge of the deck.
These attractions aren’t for the faint of heart, but the observation tower is still one of the best things to see in Las Vegas. Plus, it’s included in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass.
22. Mob Museum, an interesting thing to see in Las Vegas
The Mob Museum is one of the most interesting places to go in Las Vegas. Located in downtown Las Vegas, the museum is full of artifacts and exhibits that explain the history of organized crime in the U.S.
22. Mob Museum, an interesting thing to see in Las Vegas
If you’re into crime shows or movies like The Godfather, visiting this attraction is a fun thing to do in Las Vegas. During your tour of the museum, you’ll learn about some of the most infamous mobsters in history, as well as the top agents who fought against the mafia.
The museum’s basement has a distillery where you can hang out and grab a drink. I think a visit to the Mob Museum would make for a fun daytime activity in Vegas with friends. You can get an entry ticket here, although the museum is also included in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass.
23. Supercar Racetrack Driving Experience, a popular activity in Las Vegas
Another way to get off the beaten track is by taking a Supercars driving experience. Racing around in a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or other supercar is one of the coolest things to do in Las Vegas.
23. Supercar Racetrack Driving Experience, a popular activity in Las Vegas
This is the perfect way to blow off some steam and take a break from the typical Vegas attractions. During your Supercars tour, you’ll hop behind the wheel of your chosen racecar with an instructor and take a few laps around the track. You’ll get a primer course in the best driving techniques before you strap in and experience the racetrack like a professional.
Keep in mind that this activity is only for people over 18 and with a valid driver’s license. It makes for one of the top things to do in Las Vegas for a special anniversary or birthday, too!
24. MGM Grand Hotel, a can’t-miss Las Vegas attraction
The MGM Grand Las Vegas is one of the largest single hotels in the country, so it’s a top place to visit in Vegas. It boasts over 6,800 rooms, five swimming pools, an artificial river, and one of the biggest gaming floors in Sin City, at 171,500ft².
24. MGM Grand Hotel, a can’t-miss Las Vegas attraction
The hotel also has over a dozen restaurants, including some of the best restaurants in Las Vegas, so you know you’ll eat well here. There are also nightclubs, lounges, and bars where you can revel in the Vegas nightlife.
Even if you aren’t staying overnight at the MGM Grand, it still offers plenty of fun things to do in Vegas. I recommend seeing a performance, especially the Cirque du Soleil show, or one of the comedians, magicians, or dance groups. Or join some friends at TopGolf, a combination of a premier driving range and a nightclub.
25. Elvis wedding, a unique thing to do in Las Vegas
If you’re traveling to Las Vegas with your partner, why not get married in Vegas? Thousands of couples, some of them celebrities, tie the knot in Sin City every year. It surely is one of the most curious and unique things to do in Las Vegas!
25. Elvis wedding, a unique thing to do in Las Vegas
While most couples take part in figurative ceremonies or vow renewals, you can actually get married in Vegas. There are several famous chapels throughout the city, including Graceland, where Elvis will walk the bride down the aisle and sing his greatest hits. Other tourist attractions in Las Vegas that host weddings include the Chapel of the Flowers and Viva Las Vegas Weddings Chapel.
Without a doubt, attending (or participating) in an Elvis wedding is an unforgettable experience and a quirky way for partners to express their love. This is a popular thing for couples to do in Vegas, so be sure to book in advance!
Now you know the best things to do in Las Vegas so you can plan the trip of a lifetime in Sin City. Be sure to also download this map of Las Vegas so you can see the best Las Vegas attractions at a glance.
Of course, if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll be happy to help you out. Safe travels!
My parents are planning to go to Las Vegas, where they’ll spend their vacation, which is why they’re currently looking for restaurants and other places to visit. We’ll keep in mind to visit the Golden Nugget Las Vegas since it’s the largest and oldest casino. It’s also a good thing that you shared here the advantage of visiting the Belaggio water show.
There are many things to do in Las Vegas, so I’m sure they are going to enjoy it!
Let me know if you need anything else 🙂