Famous for being the ‘city that never sleeps’, Las Vegas has so much on offer. Here’s my guide to the best things to do in Las Vegas.
1. Vegas Sign
You can’t visit Vegas and not get a selfie with the original and iconic ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign!
Erected in 1959, this 25 foot tall classic sign marks the official start/end of the famous Las Vegas Strip. It is also one of the most loved and historic landmarks so should be top of your Las Vegas itinerary.
Due to its popularity, the city recently improved the access to the sign. So there is now a car park and paved walkway, making it safe to get the perfect insta shot!
In the past few years two replica signs have been built; one on Las Vegas Boulevard and one on Boulder Highway. However, for the ‘real deal’ you have to head out to Boulevard South.
The Vegas Sign has featured in countless film and tv productions, music videos, photo shoots and even video games. So visiting this classic sign is a must of things to do in Las Vegas.
For an inexpensive way to see all the top attractions, including the Vegas sign, the Self-Guided Sightseeing Highlights Digital Tour is a good option.
2. Bellagio Fountain
Bellagio Fountain is located on the Las Vegas Strip, in front of the Bellagio Resort. This world renowned fountain offers spectacular and free shows.
Opened in 1998, the Bellagio Fountain cost $40 million, making it one of the most expensive fountains in the world. However, when you see the amazing, musical fountain shows you will understand the expense.
Using 1214 water nozzles shooting water 460 feet high, as well as 4792 lights choreographed to music, this show is truly mesmerising.
With performances every 30 mins 3pm – 8pm and every 15 mins 8pm – 12 am, you don’t have to wait long to witness this awesome spectacle.
This is one of the most photographed places in the United States for good reason. So don’t miss Bellagio Fountain off your list of things to do in Las Vegas.
To visit the Bellagio Fountain as well as all the top tourist attractions, the Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour is a good choice.
3. The Venetian
Opened in 1999, the Venetian is a luxury hotel and casino resort located in the middle of the Strip. It’s the largest Forbes 4-Star hotel in the world and probably one of the most well known.
Themed after the Italian city of Venice, it has replicas of many of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The exterior entrance actually depicts Venice’s Doge’s Palace and includes a recreation of the Rialto Bridge.
Incredibly, the Venetian also has its own Grand Canal. Here you can relax and enjoy gondola rides through the interior and exterior of the complex.
In addition there is a replica of the beautiful Saint Marks Square. As well as spectacular, hand-painted frescoes on the ceilings.
Apart from having an incredible 4,049 rooms, it also houses over 20 restaurants and bars. Along with numerous pools, a large casino, live entertainment venues, a large convention centre and a luxury indoor shopping mall.
The Venetian is definitely a destination in itself and, as such, is top of many peoples Las Vegas bucket lists. So make sure you put it on your list of things to do in Las Vegas.
4. High Roller
If you’re looking for the best 360° views across Las Vegas, just jump on the 550 feet High Roller ferris wheel. Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, this is one of the city’s top attractions.
Billed as the ‘world’s tallest observation wheel’, it offers spectacular, bird’s-eye views across the entire Las Vegas valley.
Taking 30 minutes to complete a full revolution, there’s definitely plenty of time to enjoy the amazing vistas.
Additionally, sunset and after dark are recommended as a good time to ride the wheel. With the wheel brightly lit and Las Vegas a sea of shimmering lights, it guarantees the ‘wow’ factor.
Open daily from 12pm – 12am, adult tickets cost $23.50 (12pm – 6.59pm) and $34.75 (7pm – 12am). Book in advance and skip the line with The High Roller at The LINQ Ticket.
Or, for an arranged tour, the Bright Lights City Tour with High Roller Ticket is an open-air, Jeep Wrangler ride to all the famous sights plus a ticket for the High Roller Ferris wheel.
5. Slotzilla Zipline
The SlotZilla Zipline is like no other zipline you’ll see. This 11 storey, slot-machine inspired ride is another one of the top attractions in Las Vegas.
The enormous slot-machine ride features all the fun Las Vegas icons. Including a giant arm, large coins, show girls, a martini glass, a pink flamingo and oversized dice, as well as a light show.
SlotZilla offers two ways to fly – the lower, seated Zip-Zilla (Zipline) that covers 850 feet. Or the upper, laying prone Super-Hero Zoom (Zoomline) that covers 1,750 feet.
Once harnessed in, the face of the slot machine opens and you fly out and soar down the length of Fremont Street.
Lasting just over a minute and reaching speeds of 35 mph, the Zoomline ride is definitely breathtaking. As well as being possibly the closest you’ll come to actually flying Superman style!
Open daily from 12pm until late, prices start at $49 for the Zipline and $69 for the Zoomline.
6. Valley Of Fire Tour
Located in the Mojave Desert, 50 miles north east of Las Vegas, I would definitely recommend taking a Valley Of Fire State Park tour of this popular tourist attraction.
From canyons and petroglyphs, to unique red and orange stone formations, there is plenty to see. As well as there being some great hiking opportunities.
For a choice of hikes, the Valley of Fire Guided Hiking Tour from Las Vegas offers easy, moderate or difficult hikes. All depending on your level of fitness and experience.
Alternatively, From Las Vegas: Valley of Fire State Park Tour is a small group, day trip with a guide.
You get to trek between the towering sandstone formations and learn about the history of Valley of Fire. Including the Indigenous Americans that once lived here as well as discover some incredible petrified trees.
Filled with swirling reds and oranges, visiting this magical place is a big Las Vegas bucket list tick for many people.
7. Dream Racing
If you’re a bit of a ‘petrol head’, this will, without doubt, be one of the best things for you to do in Las Vegas! Although saying that, I’m not really into cars and I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling experience.
Dream Racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a five-star, multi award winning driving experience. Furthermore, it has the world’s largest and fastest selection of supercars .
They offer the opportunity to get behind the wheel of one or more of your favourite race cars. Including Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Porsches.
The track is a 1.2 mile, 9 turn road course located in the centre of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. With the average cornering speed for the course ranging from 80 kph to 135 kph.
Dream Cars offer various experiences, from the ‘Ride Along’, where you are driven around the track by a professional (from $99.) Right up to a Combo Package (from $349) where you get tuition and then drive solo in your choice of some of the most popular race cars.
The team at Dream Cars are super safe, professional and friendly and I can’t fault my time spent with them.
8. Daybed At A Hotel
I’m pretty sure that during your trip you may need to get some ‘down time’. What better way than to rent a daybed at one of the many hotels.
Usually on offer to non-hotel guests, this a great way to soak up some sun or relax in the shade.
The daybeds are usually poolside and are comfortable foam covered beds with colourful covers and pillows.
Prices start at $50 for the day and go upwards depending on which hotel you choose.
If you really want to splash out, you can even rent a cabana. A covered area that can range from a tent to a room with TV and air conditioning.
However, if you are just looking to grab some R & R, renting a daybed is definitely the way to go.
9. Meow Wolf Omega Mart Experience
Located in the Area 15 complex, Omega Mart is an interactive art installation created by American arts company Meow Wolf.
Spread over 4 floors, you enter what appears to be a normal supermarket which is actually anything but!
As you walk the ‘aisles’ you uncover hidden interactive artscapes, created by local and international artists.
With tunnels to crawl through, slides to ride, videos to watch and some very psychedelic sounds and colours, your senses will be buzzing. In addition, there’s an underlying mystery to solve if you are up for it!
There are no time limits, so you can just soak in the artwork as you move through the portals. Alternatively, you can engage and interact with the activities and stay for a good few hours.
Open every day, tickets start at $49. (Cheaper if booked in advance at Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart Ticket.) Opening hours vary, so it’s best to check before you visit.
For an incredibly cool art exhibit/experience this has to be one of the best things to do in Las Vegas.
10. BrewDog Rooftop Bar
Situated in the heart of the Strip, Brewdog Rooftop Bar offers an amazing choice of craft beers. Along with one of the best views of the Las Vegas Strip.
The patio area of the bar has comfortable lounge chairs to relax in and soak up the sunshine. Or alternatively, in the evenings, to get cosy around the fire pits and take in the lights.
They also serve an amazing choice of food. Including nibbles, right up to ‘large plates’ that include whole oak fired chickens, 1lb rib-eyes and the popular lobster mac n cheese. (Veggie and vegan options are also available.)
If you are into your beers, Brewdog specialise in the Scottish brewery’s craft beers, along with regular guest brews.
With spectacular views, a great ambience as well as great food and drink, this is the perfect destination for an evening with friends.
11. Ride The Shark Tank Slide At Golden Nugget
Located in downtown Las Vegas, the Golden Nugget is one of many luxury hotel/casinos. However, it is world famous for its centrepiece, three storey, pool complex.
Named the Tank, the pool’s special feature is an enclosed waterslide that takes you through an aquarium. This is Las Vegas, so not just any aquarium, a 200,000 gallon one filled with hundreds of sharks!
Five different species of shark, as well as sting rays and other large fish inhabit this colourful reef environment. All of whom can be seen up-close and personal as you glide through the aquarium on the 30 foot slide.
If you’re not staying at the hotel you can still have access to the pool and waterslide. With prices starting at $35 per person for non-hotel guests.
For a thrilling and alternative ‘swimming with sharks’ experience, the shark tank slide at Golden Nugget has got you covered. I can highly recommend it as one of the best things to do in Las Vegas.
12. Stadium Swim
One of the latest attractions in Las Vegas is Stadium Swim. Located within the luxury Circa Hotel & Casino on Fremont Street, it’s proving to be very popular for good reason.
Swim Stadium boasts six pools over two levels. Including two swim-up bars, and a 40ft wide HD screen showing all the biggest sporting events of the day.
In addition, it has over 300 chaise lounges, along with day beds and numerous cabanas. As well as outdoor gaming if you want to keep busy and a resident DJ if you like your music.
Stadium Swim is open every day, all year round 8am – 11pm. (Winter hours 9am – 9pm.) Entry prices vary depending on the sporting event and/or date.
This unique setting has to be the perfect spot for all keen sports fans who love a pool party!
13. Find A Speakeasy
Known for their hidden entrances, finding and visiting a speakeasy has to be one of the best things to do in Las Vegas.
Speakeasies came into prominence during the American prohibition in the 1920s, when alcohol was illegalized. These secret bars were illicit establishments that sold alcohol.
I visited Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails where I was greeted by a slick, retro barbershop offering hair cuts and razor shaves.
However, hidden away behind a secret door within the barbershop is a glamorous, prohibition style parlour.
Fitted out in 1920s-inspired barbershop decor, it’s also full of modern touches. Including comfortable sofas, opulent detailing, friendly waitresses and great music.
Furthermore, with a great choice of craft beers, whiskeys and delicious cocktails, you don’t have to worry about prohibition style drinks!
To learn more about the history of the speakeasy, Mobsters, Casinos, and Speakeasies Bar Crawl might be a fun tour.
14. Eat, Eat, Eat
One of my favourite things to do when travelling, is try out different foods and Las Vegas has a massive array of eateries. Here’s a few of the best:
Park on Fremont, located in the Fremont East Entertainment District, is a quirky gastropub with an open-air layout.
The interior decor includes an eclectic art collection, chandeliers and a 1940s juke box. In addition there’s a magical outdoor area that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.
Park on Fremont serves a choice of food as delightful as its surroundings. From hammered chicken topped with baby spinach to veggie sliders made with sprouts and avocado and much more.
Vanderpump A Paris, located in the Paris Hotel, is perfect for an upmarket dining experience.
Created by reality star Lisa Vanderpump, it exudes chic, vintage, Paris glamour. However, don’t expect a typical French bistro when it comes to dining.
Offering delicious sharing dishes including a selection of cheeses served in a birdcage plus main dishes such as French onion mac n cheese and coq au vin pot pie. Vanderpump A Paris definitely has a nice little French/American crossover!
NoMad Library Restaurant, located within Park MGM Resort on Las Vegas Boulevard, serves contemporary American cuisine in opulent surroundings.
True to its name, the walls are packed with over 25,000 vintage books. Along with traditional red leather seating, dark wood tables and tiered chandeliers all adding to the majestic ambience.
Sharing courses are served alongside a selection of salads, pastas and entrees, complemented by large-format dishes for two. Specialising mainly in American classics, the menu also includes some great veggie/vegan options.
I would definitely recommend trying out some of the unique eateries that Las Vegas has to offer as one of the best things to do in Las Vegas.
Real foodies might even like the Foodie Walking Tour on The Strip with Tastings.
Where To Stay In Las Vegas
Luxury
Set behind the famous Fountains of Bellagio, this luxury Las Vegas Strip hotel and casino offers multiple dining options and elegant rooms with marble en suite bathrooms.
The richly-decorated rooms of the Bellagio come with a flat-screen satellite TV and electronic drapes. Soft bathrobes, a minibar and an iPod docking station are available.
Bellagio guests can enjoy one of 5 beautiful courtyard pools and lush botanical gardens. A wide-range of dining options are available, including Sadelle’s, Prime Steakhouse and the Mayfair Supper Club.
Mid-Budget
Featuring an outdoor pool, poolside bar and lounge area, this Las Vegas casino and resort provides plush bathrobes in each elegant room.
Offering a separate vanity area off the marble en suite bathroom, each room provides a pillow-top mattress. A 40-inch flat-screen cable TV, white linens and rich wood and leather furnishings are also on offer.
Guests can relax in lounge chairs on the poolside terrace or sauna at Las Vegas Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino. Slots and tables are available in the on-site casino.
Massage services are available in the Spa. Dry cleaning services and concierge services are also available. Nine restaurants and two Starbucks are onsite.
Budget
Near the Fremont Street Entertainment District in the heart of exciting central Las Vegas, Nevada, this economy hotel offers convenient amenities such as free parking.
Downtowner Hotel features a refreshing outdoor swimming pool. Guests will also appreciate free local calls and in-room satellite TV.
Visitors at the Hotel Downtowner can enjoy world-class dining, fine shopping and exciting gaming only minutes away.
For more places to stay in Las Vegas, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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