So you’re jetting off to Nevada and need a list of the absolute best things to do in Las Vegas. Look no further – I’ve got you covered.
You won’t find any boring or overrated activities here – I’m only interested in the fun things to do in Vegas that’ll have you headed back home buzzing with memories and experiences that you’ll never forget. Let’s dive in!
1. Las Vegas Sphere
Price: $$
The hottest venue in Las Vegas opened in September 2023 with a gig from Irish rock band U2 and did it make headlines! The star of the show is the wraparound LED screen that covers the entire interior and exterior of the spherical building, turning concerts, films and other stage shows into completely immersive experiences.
Interactive experiences take place in the Atrium or right now, you can view an immersive film from renowned director Darren Aronofsky (director of Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream, among others). Tickets for the two hour experience start from $69 and range all the way up to $249 for Director’s Seat packages.
You can access Sphere via a pedestrian bridge from The Venetian Resort or from Sands Avenue, just off the Las Vegas Strip. Even just catching a glimpse of Sphere is an impressive sight!
2. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Price: FREE!
A botanical garden isn’t usually what you’d associate with Las Vegas but hear me out: this ain’t like any other botanical garden you’ve ever visited! With classic Vegas flair, the Bellagio go all out and transform the 14,000 square foot gardens into a showcase of scents, sights and sounds. It’s colour overload but weirdly, the perfect way to spend a more relaxed, hungover afternoon before you head back out to the Strip.
With each seasonal change come new experiences – for example, Lunar New Year features immersive dining right in the thick of the action – but be sure to check for dark dates so you don’t miss out. I haven’t even mentioned the best part: the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is completely free to visit.
3. Freemont Street Experience
Price: FREE
Away from the strip, Freemont Street is where REAL Las Vegas was born so where better to check out on your Las Vegas adventure? The Freemont Street Experience offers an electrifying blend of vibrant visuals and live music. The six-block stretch of road is pedestrian only so you can walk under the dazzling LED canopy (honestly, it’s actually startling how OTT this place is!), enjoy the area’s trademark cheap eats and soak in the lively atmosphere of hundreds of oddball street performers.
4. Zoom along the Slotzilla Zip Line
Price: $-$$
While the Freemont Street Experience is completely free to visit, it’s also home to the Slotzilla Zip Line. Be part of the action as you soar above Freemont Street – a unique way to experience the lively atmosphere and neon lights.
Choose between two experiences: $49 gets you a seated flight across two blocks seven stories up in the air, while if you’re even more of a thrill seeker, take on the Super-Hero Zoom for $69 at 11 stories high! Even the first option has me quaking with fear but adrenaline junkies, you’ll lap this one up.
5. Catch a residency
Price: $$-$$$$
Residency shows are a staple of the most fun things to do in Las Vegas. After all, you’re in the home of bigger and better, so it makes sense that the stars are bigger here too!
In 2024, you’ll be able to catch Adele, Usher, Barry Manilow, Rod Stewart, Dita Von Teese, Donny Osmond (Mulan fans, you know what to sing!), Carrie Underwood and even the queen herself, Shania Twain.
6. Visit the Grand Canyon
Price: Entry fees $ or tours can vary $$
Okay so it’s not technically in Las Vegas but with plenty of day trips to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas on offer, you’ll be able to escape the manmade bright lights for a natural wonder.
The Grand Canyon makes an appearance on almost every list of places to see before you die around and with around 5 million visitors each year, this is definitely one not to miss. A tour is the best way to make sure you make the most out of your time here. Most include lunch and some tie in the Hoover Dam too, so just choose the section you’d like to visit – Get Your Guide has options to tour the South Rim or the West Canyon.
7. Chcek out the Hoover Dam
Price: FREE
I mentioned it just a moment ago but with stunning views of the Colorado River and surrounding desert, Hoover Dam makes the cut as one of the best things to do near Las Vegas.
If you’re already heading outside of the Strip, the Hoover Dam is well worth visiting as a road trip from Las Vegas or taking a tour to appreciate the enormity of this engineering marvel.
8. Watch the Bellagio fountains
Price: FREE
Who would have thought that a fountain could be one of the biggest tourist attractions in a city? But it’s true: no trip to Vegas is complete without witnessing the mesmerisingly iconic Bellagio Fountains. The choreographed water dance set against the backdrop of the Strip is a true spectacle and it was one of my favourite things to see when I visited Las Vegas.
9. Be a high roller for the night
Price: $ – $$$$ – the choice is yours!
Casinos and excess: two words that go hand in hand with Vegas and it’s amazing we’ve made it through this list without mentioning a casino so far!
Virtually every hotel on the strip has a mega casino, the likes of which are unmatched throughout the world. They’re set up just as you’d expect, with plenty of machines and low-stakes options for the casual betters or you can go all-in on the professional tables and hope nobody calls your bluff.
10. Capture a photo at the Las Vegas sign
Price: FREE
Okay I’ve got a confession – I didn’t actually make it here during my city break to Las Vegas. However, it’s a completely iconic photo op and despite the fact it’s down at the far end of the Strip, it’s a must-visit for the classically Vegas picture.
11. Visit New York, Paris, Egypt and Venice – all in one day!
Price: FREE (activities +$)
Where else could you hop between four of the world’s most recognisable cities all in one day? Well, it may not be the real deal but stepping into one of these hotels sure feels like it!
Look, you won’t get the culture, authenticity or any of the real heart of these locations, but I did get a weird kick out of seeing hyper-exaggerated versions of these famous places. There are themed activities you can do in each – think gondola rides at The Venetian or New York-New York’s Big Apple Coaster – but these didn’t catch my interest so much as just strolling around these movie-set esque hotels.
12. Shop into opulence
Price: $ – $$$$ – the choice is yours!
If flashing the plastic is your holiday vibe, then the shopping will be one of your best things to do in Las Vegas. You can find anything and everything here, from the cheapest souvenir tat to designer wares: I’d recommend check out Forum at Caesar’s Palace to find some of the biggest names in style before heading down for a bite to eat after you’ve finished browsing.
13. Eat at a breakfast buffet
Price: $
Now look, I’m a British gal so the food portion sizes in America struck me from the moment we stepped out fo the airport. But if they weren’t crazy enough across the country, the Vegas breakfast buffets sweep in and blow everything else out of the water. Many resorts offer lavish morning spreads that will keep you fuelled up for the rest of the day.
It’s got to be done at least once (ideally more) during your stay – start your day the Vegas way (although most are open until 15:00 if you’ve had a late night). Learn a lesson from me too and don’t drink so much that you can’t enjoy it properly. These buffets are best saved for when you’re on top form; it absolutely wiped me out!
14. Take a night flight over the Las Vegas strip
Price: $$$
For an indulgent experience you’ll never forget, a helicopter tour will give you a stunningly unique perspective over the entire Strip at night. Marvel at the dazzling lights of Vegas as the sun sets, creating a stunning panorama.
These can be pricey but honestly, I’d say it’s well worth the splurge – particularly if you’re celebrating a special occasion. If it’s not within budget, keep reading as the next option may be more up your street…
15. Marvel at the Strip skyline from The Strat’s Tower Observation Deck Experience
Price: $
The Strat’s Observation Tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in Las Vegas! With both indoor and outdoor experiences available, this is one to take advantage of if you’d like to see the glittering city spread out before you, without having to splash the cash.
You’re also able to experience award winning cuisine with a view or hop onto a thrilling ride like Big Shot and X-Scream.
16. See a Cirque du Soleil show
Price: $$
Immerse yourself in the magic of Cirque du Soleil – theatrical marvels that go hand-in-hand with the must do activities in Las Vegas. With various shows across different resorts, you’re bound to find a performance that suits your taste.
In 2024, you can check out the following Cirque du Soleil shows in Vegas:
- Cirque du Soleil Mad Apple at New York-New York Hotel and Casino
- The Beatles LOVE at The Mirage Hotel and Casino – I’m from Liverpool so obviously this one is right up my street!
- KA at MGM Grand
- “O” at Bellagio Hotel and Casino
- Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay resort & Casino
- Mystère at Treasure Island
17. Visit Red Rock Canyon
Price: $-$$$ depending on your choice of tour
Las Vegas’ desert location offers up another spectacular opportunity to check out some natural wonders. Hike, bike or drive through the vibrant rock formations and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding this manmade playground.
Taking a tour is another great option here as you’ll be able to maximise your time if you’re on a tight schedule. You can even do 4×4 adventures, hire electric bikes or combine it with a trip to Death Valley if you have the entire day to spare.
18. FlyOver Las Vegas
Price: $
One of the newest attractions in Las Vegas and located centrally right next to the Hard Rock Cafe, all you have to do at FlyOver Las Vegas is strap in and let state of the art technology take you on an adventure – without leaving the Strip.
Choose the adventure you’d like to take – the Canadian Rockies would be my pick! – and allow the captivating score and landscapes whisk you away.
19. Watch the Mirage volcano erupt
Price: FREE
On my trip to Las Vegas, we saw the Mirage volcano eruption completely by accident as we strolled past on our way to find some dinner. It’s another one of the Strip’s most iconic experiences and great to see the combination of fire, music and choreography if you’re in the area.
2024 could be your last chance to see the Mirage volcano as it’s being closed down to make way for a new hotel Hard Rock hotel.
20. Party under the Eiffel Tower
Price: $
One of my most memorable moments in Las Vegas was partying at the outdoor balcony of the Paris nightclub, located right under the hotel’s famous Eiffel Tower and directly opposite the Bellagio fountains. As far as locations go, it can’t be beaten!
Cover charge is approximately $25 for ladies, $35 for gents or you can bag complimentary entry if you’re a hotel guest like we were!
21. Take a spin on the High Roller
Price: $
It’s another of the world’s tallest – this time, it’s the world’s tallest observation wheel! Located at The LINQ, you can marvel at unbelievable views of the Strip and beyond from the safety of your cabin. This ain’t your average Ferris wheel!
Tell me what your best thing to do in Las Vegas is!
Laura x
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2 Comments
Charli
February 13, 2016 at 3:55 pmAh Vegas is definitely high up on my “to see” list. Two days sounds like a good amount of time to experience the ambience! Looking forward to seeing breakfast buffet photos 🙂
Victoria
February 15, 2016 at 12:55 pmI love Vegas it’s one of my favourite places to visit. My mum was reluctant to go and she loves it more than me these days I think.
Further to your bucket list just to say if you can get a table outside at Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris you can enjoy watching the Bellagio Fountains whilst you eat. Make sure you have shade tho, mum and I made the mistake of going on a particularly hot day and ordering their french onion soup – was delicious but awfully hot!
Oh to be a high roller but if you want to just watch casino life try the casino bar at Caesars Palace. It’s a simple bar with wait staff but great to watch casino ‘characters’. All if you have a drink at the Gossy Bar whilst Matt Goss is performing at the weekend you can hear the show and catch some bits in the mirrors!
If you’re looking at Buffets again Caesars is a good one (can you guess where I stay!) and if you can do a brunch it gives you the best of both breakfast and other foods.
Oh and make sure you get a crepe at the Paris, they’re delicious.
Victoria x
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