Las Vegas is more than slot machines, casinos and neon lights. Sure, the gaming tables are iconic, but the city has transformed into a full-spectrum entertainment hub offering everything from world-class dining and family-friendly attractions to outdoor adventures and one-of-a-kind thrills you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re here for your first trip or your fifteenth, there’s always something new to discover.
Peruse this guide for the best things to do in Las Vegas, from iconic Strip attractions like The Fountains at Bellagio to adrenaline-fueled adventures like driving supercars at SPEEDVEGAS. Expect a mix of luxury, culture, adventure and budget-friendly fun so you can build your perfect Vegas itinerary.
No trip to Vegas is complete without a photo at this iconic landmark. It’s a rite of passage for every visitor and serves as the ultimate postcard for family back home. Iconic photo spot at the south end of the Strip. Free, open 24/7. Now has its own parking lot.
Pro tip: The earlier in the day, the shorter the line. Also, take advantage of “bad” weather. A little rain never hurt anybody, especially when the crowd around the sign is non-existent.
The Bellagio epitomizes luxury and its fountains are perhaps the most photographed attraction in Vegas. Double dip during your visit and stroll through the famous Conservatory, which is transformed each season with thousands of florals transforming the space into a magical wonderland. Watch the world-famous fountain show, choreographed to music and lights. Explore the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, where seasonal displays bring floral artistry to life.
Downtown’s Fremont Street is where vintage Vegas meets modern entertainment. This pedestrian mall is packed with dazzling lights, live performers and a cant-miss party vibe that literally never sleeps. A massive LED canopy lights Downtown Vegas’ open-air pedestrian mall. Free nightly Viva Vision light shows. Street performers, live music and vintage Vegas vibes. Pro tip: Need a break from the crowds? Circa Las Vegas is only open to people ages 21 and over. Home to the World’s Largest Sports Book, it’s worth checking out.
For motorsport lovers, SPEEDVEGAS is the ultimate playground. Drive dream cars, race go-karts or test your skills off-road—all just minutes from the famous Las Vegas Strip.
Exotics Racing (EXR): Drive dream supercars like Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren and Porsche on a professional racetrack.
Vegas Superkarts (VSK): Competitive outdoor go-karting on a real racetrack—perfect for groups and families.
Vegas Off-Road Experience (VORE): Take the wheel of desert trucks and buggies for an off-road adventure through rugged terrain.
Pro Tip: Visitors can also stop by SPEEDVEGAS for free—sign in, stroll the racetrack and take photos with the lineup of exotic cars.
Standing tall on the Strip, the High Roller offers unbeatable views of the city. The world’s second-largest observation wheel is a must for first-timers.
At 550 feet tall, it’s the world’s second-largest observation wheel.
Offers 30-minute rides with 360-degree views of the Strip. Check out their bottomless drink package.
The Venetian brings a taste of Italy to the desert with its indoor and outdoor canals. A gondola ride offers romance, charm and a touch of old-world magic.
Indoor and outdoor gondola rides through Venetian-inspired canals.
Gondoliers serenade riders for an authentic touch.
Caesars Palace heard the phrase “shop til you drop” and took that seriously. Roman-inspired design and just the right amount of kitsch combine with high-end brands and eateries for a shopping experience unlike any other. High-end shopping with luxury brands like Gucci, Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton. Grab a bite to eat at one of the mall’s 9 dining establishments. Pro tip: Catch the Forum Shops’ free show ‘Fall of Atlantis’ during operating hours Thursday through Monday.
AREA15 is an immersive playground of art, tech and out of this world entertainment. From VR to surreal art installations, it’s unlike anything else in Vegas. With the addition of Universal Unleashed’s Horror nights and recent expansion of its campus AREA15 is a dream destination for the curious explorer. Immersive entertainment complex. Home to Omega Mart by Meow Wolf and the interactive John Wick Experience. VR experiences, live performances and unique bars.
Step into the history of America’s most notorious city with interactive exhibits on organized crime and its infamous members and enablers. Interactive exhibits on organized crime in America. Speakeasy-style underground bar. Has a replica of an electric chair, famously known as "Old Sparky," where visitors can sit in it and pull a lever. The exhibit references the execution of mob boss Louis "Lepke" Buchalter, the first and only high-ranking mob boss to be executed in the United States
The STRAT’s thrill rides are not for the faint of heart. From plunging drops to daring jumps, the views alone are worth it.
SkyJump (world’s highest controlled freefall).
X-Scream and Big Shot thrill rides at 1,149 feet.
Seeing Vegas from above is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Maverick Helicopters offers luxurious flights that showcase the Strip’s glittering skyline and the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon.
Experience Las Vegas from the sky.
Sunset helicopter rides over the Strip.
Day trips to the Grand Canyon with champagne landings.
This luxury shooting range gives you the chance to fire real machine guns in a safe and exciting setting. Choose from the world’s most famous gaming firearms or learn from history with some of the oldest known firearms fully restored and fireable. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience that can only happen in Vegas. Fire real machine guns in a safe, controlled environment. Packages range from military-style weapons to themed experiences. Ask about their Outdoor car packages for an extra thrilling time.
Vegas’ history is written in neon and this museum preserves the city’s iconic signage. Lovingly referred to as the “Neon Boneyard” by Vegas locals, it feels like walking through a living history of Sin City with new signs added regularly. Explore the “Neon Boneyard” featuring retired Vegas signs. Guided tours give fascinating insights into Vegas history. Tours are available for reservation during day or night.
With more than 2,000 animals at the Shark Reef Aquarium, a day spent here is the ultimate treat for ocean enthusiasts. Explore all that sea life has to offer with various exhibits and aquatic spectacles daily. Animals include sharks, rays and sea turtles. Trek through Shark Reef’s iconic glass tunnel surrounded by the ocean’s coolest creatures.
Rollercoasters, carnival games and yummy eats galore, Adventuredome is an indoor theme park packed with sky-high rides and kid-friendly attractions making it a great option for families.
Indoor theme park with roller coasters and family rides.
Great for kids and teens.
This educational museum engages kids with interactive exhibits in science, art and culture. A must-visit for families with younger children.
Hands-on science, art and cultural exhibits.
Perfect for families with younger kids.
Just outside the city, Red Rock Canyon offers dramatic desert landscapes perfect for a scenic drive, hiking and world-class rock climbing.
Just 20 minutes west of the Strip.
Scenic drives, hiking trails and rock climbing.
A peaceful break from the chaos of the city.
A marvel of modern engineering, Hoover Dam is both an educational and awe-inspiring stop. Tours highlight its construction and importance to the region. You can also park and walk the length of the dam to experience breathtaking views of the Colorado River. Iconic engineering marvel straddling the Nevada-Arizona border. Tours include a look at its massive generators and the inner workings of the famous dam.
This large-scale art installation in the desert is both colorful and surreal. The towering neon rocks have become a symbol of Vegas creativity.
Colorful, stacked boulders art installation by Ugo Rondinone.
Free to visit and perfect for Instagram.
The newest marvel on the Strip, The Sphere is a cutting-edge concert and event venue with immersive visuals and audio. Expect world-class entertainers year-round in addition to awe-inspiring renderings of your favorite films.
Las Vegas’ newest entertainment venue.
16K LED interior screen, immersive sound and concerts.
When you think of Las Vegas, it’s common to think of the infamous Cirque de Soleil. Experience mind-blowing visuals and unforgettable performances from a variety of cirque shows available up and down the Las Vegas strip. Multiple resident productions including O at Bellagio, Mystère at Treasure Island, and Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay. Mind-blowing acrobatics and visuals.
A healthy mix of Vegas includes a little bit of everything the city has to offer. You should watch the Bellagio fountains, stroll the Strip, snap a photo at the Welcome sign, grab an unforgettable meal at one of the city’s world-class restaurants and experience a unique adventure like driving a Lamborghini at SPEEDVEGAS or flying over the city in a helicopter to round out your Vegas experience.
The “$20 trick” involves slipping a $20 bill between your ID and credit card at hotel check-in, politely asking if any complimentary upgrades are available. Success varies, but it’s a popular Vegas hack.
Don’t miss the Bellagio fountains, Fremont Street Experience, Neon Museum, a Cirque du Soleil show and at least one adrenaline activity like SPEEDVEGAS or a helicopter ride.
Yes, if you budget wisely. Stick to free attractions, enjoy budget dining and allocate funds for one or two big experiences. Gambling can quickly eat into that budget.