Discover the 10 best things to do in Las Vegas. Amidst the glitz and bustle of the city, there are a multitude of amazing experiences waiting to be explored.
1. Walking along The Strip in Las Vegas
To open this article, we think it’s important for you to know that no visit to Las Vegas is 100% complete without a good walk along The Strip. It is the city’s main thoroughfare and is home to some iconic landmarks, such as the Bellagio, Caesars Palace and The Venetian. In other words, it’s an extremely beautiful, luxurious environment full of interesting attractions.
At night, the twinkling lights transform The Strip into a colorful spectacle. And there you’ll find fine casinos, high-quality stores, sophisticated restaurants and breathtaking shows. So every step of the way, there’s something new and exciting to discover, from choreographed fountains to street performances. Certainly, this is one of the 10 best things to do in Las Vegas.
2. Go to the Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas sign
An essential program for all tourists to the “city of sin” is a trip to the Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Located at the southern end of The Strip, it serves as a gateway to the exciting journey that awaits visitors to the city. That’s why it’s ranked as one of the 10 best things to do in Las Vegas.
For some visitors, the Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas sign may not seem that interesting. But it is a super-famous attraction and a tourist attraction in its own right. With its unique typography and classic design, it has become a symbol of the city’s extravagant energy. Plus, the walk there is great, as it won’t take up more than 2 hours of your day and you’ll get some great souvenir photos.
3. Getting to know the Old Las Vegas area
The Old Las Vegas area, also known as Downtown Las Vegas, is a very interesting place to visit. Therefore, this is our 3rd recommendation in this article on the 10 best things to do in Las Vegas.
To give you an idea, the hotels there were the first to be built in Las Vegas. And today, they carry great historical value. It’s also home to the famous Fremont Street. It consists of a huge LED ceiling, several stores and some gambling machines, which are cheaper than in the city’s fancy casinos. So here’s the tip.
Important tip: Las Vegas is a city that has many shows and tours. Always buy the tickets in advance. We always buy everything on this website that has the best price.
4. Enjoying The Linq complex in Las Vegas
The Linq complex is the city’s newest attraction and occupies an area of 18,000 square meters on The Strip. As well as having several restaurants, stores and good entertainment options, it is home to the world’s largest Ferris wheel, the High Roller, which can be visited during the day or at night.
We recommend taking a ride on the High Roller at night because, despite being a more crowded and expensive ride, it shows the true essence of Las Vegas. In other words, from inside the Ferris wheel, you can perfectly see the lights of the hotels, the casinos, the nightclubs and all the hustle and bustle of the city.
To get on the High Roller Ferris wheel, tickets vary between US$20 and US$35 and you can buy them online (more tips at the end of this article), as the price is cheaper.
5. Enjoying free attractions in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a city that offers attractions for all types of visitors, and for all budgets. If you’re looking for entertainment without spending a penny, you’re in the right place, as there are plenty of free options there. A good example is the free fountain show at the Bellagio hotel, which stands out as one of the most dazzling experiences in the entire region.
Another incredible free attraction in Las Vegas is the volcano show at the Mirage hotel. As the name implies, the show simulates a real volcano, as if it were in full eruption. In other words, people gather close to it to observe all the beautiful details. And it doesn’t stop there, as you can find lots of other great free attractions around the city.
6. Explore the museums in Las Vegas
Our 6th tip of the 10 best things to do in Las Vegas is to explore the museums. They are super diverse, with a good variety of locations and dedicated to different themes and genres: art, history, antiques, drawing, carriages, among others. So find out about the main museums there below:
Madame Tussauds Museum
The world’s most famous wax museum is also in Las Vegas. Madame Tussauds is located in The Venetian hotel, one of the city’s main and most luxurious hotel complexes.
In this museum, you’ll find wax sculptures of leading international artists and personalities, including: Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie, Barack Obama, Michael Jackson, Madonna and many others. Tickets cost around US$25 for adults and US$15 for children under 12. And it is, without a doubt, an unmissable visit.
- Address: 3377 S Las Vegas Blvd Ste. 2001, in Las Vegas.
- Opening hours: every day of the week, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Atomic Testing Museum
The Atomic Testing Museum tells the story of the atomic age, with artifacts and recreations from the Cold War period. It’s an incredible place for history buffs. What’s even cooler is that the State of Nevada hosted the first nuclear testing facility in the United States between 1951 and 1992.
Tickets to enter the Atomic Testing Museum cost around US$29 for adults and US$15 for children aged 7 to 17. Children under 6 have free access to all areas of the museum.
- Address: 755 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas.
- Opening hours: every day of the week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Neon Museum
The Neon Museum is one of the most interesting museums in the city, and in the United States. There, you can see how the old signs that used to hang all over Las Vegas have been repurposed. They are now used as artistic exhibits. One tip is to visit the museum at night, when everything is lit up.
In order to enter the Neon Museum, there are 3 ticket options available: the day ticket, the night ticket and the night ticket with a guided tour. Therefore, the final prices will depend on the time, date and method chosen for your tour. However, be aware that they range from US$14 to US$33.
- Address: 770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas.
- Opening hours: every day of the week, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
MOB – Museum of Crime
The Museum of Organized Crime, better known as the MOB Museum, is the largest of its kind in America. Located in Downtown Las Vegas, it is housed in an old building that dates back to 1933 and formerly housed the city’s Palace of Justice.
The museum is interactive and contains thousands of items that tell the story of organized crime in the United States, from real cases to the most famous chases. So, if you like it and want to visit, know that the entrance fee ranges from US$25 to US$35, depending on the date you choose. And it’s recommended that you allow around 3 hours for a full visit to this attraction.
- Address: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas.
- Opening hours: every day of the week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Important tip: To make the most of your trip is to stay in the best region. If you want, see our article here that explains the best area, hotels and how to save a lot on accommodation.
7. Eating at the best restaurants in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is also a great place for those who want to eat well. There are many restaurants considered to be the best in Las Vegas, rated with many stars and run by chefs who are real celebrities. So if you’re willing to shell out a few extra dollars for a meal at these places, it’s worth it.
See some of them below:
Joël Robuchon restaurant in Las Vegas
The Joël Robuchon restaurant at the MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas is a classic destination for lovers of haute cuisine. With 3 Michelin stars, it offers an exceptional experience in a sophisticated setting.
The house specialty is refined French cuisine, featuring delicious dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Prices average around US$200 per person. But even though it’s an expensive place, know that it’s worth it and is highly recommended by everyone.
CUT by Wolfgang Puck restaurant in Las Vegas
The CUT by Wolfgang Puck restaurant, located inside The Venetian hotel in Las Vegas, is also a benchmark for culinary excellence. Standing out for its combination of innovation, flavor and elegance, the menu offers an incredible selection of expertly prepared meats, with prices ranging from US$90 to US$150 per person.
Guy Savoy restaurant in Las Vegas
At the Caesars Palace hotel, the Guy Savoy restaurant, under the direction of renowned French chef Guy Savoy, is a super sophisticated dining option in Las Vegas. Matching the elegant ambience, the refined menu features elaborate French cuisine that is sure to exceed expectations, with average prices ranging from US$150 to US$300 per person.
Picasso restaurant in Las Vegas
The Picasso restaurant, one of the best in Las Vegas, pays homage to the Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, under the careful direction of chef Julian Serrano. With a fusion of Mediterranean and French cuisine, the restaurant offers dishes that are true works of gastronomic art, with prices ranging from US$120 to US$250 per person.
8. Attending Las Vegas art shows
Attending art shows is also on the list of 10 best things to do in Las Vegas. Each hotel has around 2 fixed shows that take place every day. They vary in theme from magic to illusionism and even more sensual performances (for the adults, of course). However, among them, the most famous shows are those of Cirque du Soleil.
Unmissable Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas:
- “O” at the Bellagio: this aquatic show takes place around a pool of 5.5 million liters of water, combining incredible acrobatics, dives and artistic performances.
- “Michael Jackson ONE” at Mandalay Bay: inspired by the music of Michael Jackson, this show is a celebration of the life and legacy of the King of Pop, incorporating dance, acrobatics and special effects.
- “Mystère” at Treasure Island: this is a classic Cirque du Soleil show, combining breathtaking acrobatics, comedy and artistic performances.
- “Ka” at the MGM Grand: this epic show presents a thrilling story with dazzling aerial acrobatics and an elaborate production.
- “The Beatles LOVE” at The Mirage: is a show that pays homage to the Beatles, combining artistic acrobatics with some of the band’s most iconic songs.
9. Visit the Grand Canyon near Las Vegas
If you’re going to Las Vegas and have some free time on your itinerary, it’s worth considering a visit to the Grand Canyon. This is one of the most fantastic tours in the region, and you can be sure that the hours of driving will be well worth it. You’ll experience unique and unforgettable moments.
At the Grand Canyon, you’ll be able to explore different places with incredible scenery. By going to the edge of the canyon, for example, you can see the grandeur of nature up close. But if you’re brave enough, it’s much better to take a helicopter ride. Also, don’t miss the famous skywalk, a suspended glass walkway that offers a fantastic view of the entire site.
How do I get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?
- Rental car: this is the most practical way. The drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon can take around 4 to 5 hours, depending on which entrance you choose (South Rim or West Rim). However, the most common route is South Rim, following the US-93 highway.
- Guided tours: many companies offer tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. They include transportation, guides and, in some cases, meals. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive. To find out more and buy your ticket, just click here.
- Helicopter or airplane: some companies offer helicopter or airplane tours to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. These tours offer incredible views, but are usually quite expensive.
10. Relaxing on the beaches near Las Vegas
Although the city of Las Vegas is full of attractions that can win over even the most demanding tourists, it doesn’t have any beaches in its desert setting. However, for those seeking the tranquil refuge of water and sand, there are great options just a few hours away.
Below are some of the beaches near Las Vegas:
Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach
The first tip is Victoria Beach, located in Laguna Beach, California. Practically hidden away from tourists, it is a good option for those looking for peace and quiet. In addition, its beautiful landscape – very exotic and surrounded by rocky walls, white sand and crystal-clear green water – makes for a breathtaking setting.
To get from Las Vegas to Victoria Beach by car, take Interstate 15 south towards Los Angeles. Then connect to Interstate 10 west towards Orange County and go straight. The trip will take between 4 and 5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
La Jolla Beach in San Diego
La Jolla is the most exquisite beach in San Diego, which is why locals and tourists love to visit this area. One of the main attractions there is scuba diving, so the place is full of people wanting to learn the sport.
And among the favorite places to dive is La Jolla Cove – a space where there are many marine animals, beautiful concentrations of seaweed and an underwater canyon with an extensive crevasse, located below the Pacific Ocean.
To get to La Jolla Beach from Las Vegas, take Interstate 15 south towards San Diego. Then continue on Interstate 215 south and then Interstate 805 south. The drive will take about 5 hours.
Zuma Beach in Los Angeles
Another beach tip is Zuma Beach, located in the famous Malibu area of Los Angeles. It has been the setting for dozens of films and series, and it’s no wonder why, as it has unparalleled beauty and a whole infrastructure to cater for visitors.
To get from Las Vegas to Zuma Beach by car, take Interstate 15 south towards Los Angeles. Then connect to Interstate 10 west and then the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) towards Malibu. In total, the trip will take between 4 and 5 hours.
Save money on your trip to Las Vegas:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Las Vegas cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Tickets: find out where to buy your Las Vegas tickets in the cheapest and safest way – for parks, museums and ticket combos. You can save up to 40%!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: We always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Las Vegas. You will find out the best area, the hotels that we have stayed there and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one, from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
