18 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas is one of those places that somehow manages to be exactly what you expect and still catch you off guard. I came for the neon lights, casinos, and over-the-top hotels, but I left realizing how much more the city has to offer. From world-class shows and striking architecture to unforgettable food, desert adventures, and hidden local gems, Vegas constantly reinvents itself.

Whether it is your first time walking the Strip or your fifth return, Las Vegas rewards curiosity. In this guide, I will walk you through the best things to do in Las Vegas, one attraction at a time, sharing what stood out to me, what surprised me, and how to experience each stop like a savvy traveler rather than a rushed tourist.

Let us start with the absolute must sees.

Try Your Luck Gambling

Let us get the most obvious Las Vegas experience out of the way. Gambling is woven into the fabric of the city, and whether you are placing your first-ever bet or you already know your way around a table, Vegas makes it accessible, exciting, and surprisingly social.

One of the biggest misconceptions about gambling in Las Vegas is that you need to be an expert or risk a lot of money to enjoy it. In reality, many casinos cater to beginners with lower minimum bets, friendly dealers, and even free gambling lessons. These classes are a fantastic way to learn the rules, understand basic strategy, and get comfortable before putting real money on the line.

During my visit, these lessons felt genuinely low-pressure and friendly. They are often held right on the casino floor during quieter hours, where you can ask questions, practice hands, and watch demonstrations without feeling rushed into placing a bet.

Here are some of the best places in Las Vegas offering free gambling classes:

Circus Circus

• Blackjack — Daily at 10:30 a.m.
• Roulette — Daily at 11:30 a.m.
• Craps — Daily at 12:30 p.m.

Golden Nugget

• Poker — Daily at 10 a.m.
• Craps — Daily at 10 a.m.
• Pai Gow — Daily at 10:30 a.m.
• Roulette — Daily at 11:30 a.m.
• Blackjack — Daily at noon

The Venetian

• Craps — Monday through Friday at 11 a.m.

South Point

• Craps — Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:15 a.m.
• Craps — Saturdays at 11:15 a.m.

The STRAT

• Poker — Saturdays & Sundays from 8–9 a.m.

Even if you do not plan to gamble much, walking through the casino floors is an experience in itself. Each casino has its own personality, from old school glamour to modern luxury, and the energy is constant no matter the time of day. If you do decide to play, set a budget, consider it entertainment rather than an investment, and enjoy the uniquely Las Vegas thrill of it all.

Take a Picture at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

No first trip to Las Vegas feels complete without a stop at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, and seeing it in person somehow makes the trip feel official.

The sign is located at the southern end of the Strip, with a small parking lot and a clearly marked walkway that makes it easy to access. There is usually a short line, but it moves quickly, and people are generally happy to take photos for one another. 

Early morning is the best time to visit if you want fewer crowds and softer light for photos. Sunset and nighttime are also popular, especially if you want the glow of the neon against the dark sky, but expect to wait a bit longer.

Watch the Fountains of Bellagio and Wander the Conservatory

Few sights in Las Vegas are as instantly recognizable as the Fountains of Bellagio, and experiencing them in person truly lives up to the reputation. Set on a massive lake right along the Strip, the fountains perform choreographed water shows throughout the day and night, set to music ranging from classical to pop. Each performance feels slightly different, and no matter how many times I stopped to watch, it never felt repetitive.

The best part is that the show is completely free. You can watch from the sidewalk, from across the street, or even while walking by and suddenly finding yourself pulled in by the music and movement. At night, with the Strip glowing behind it, the fountains become one of the most photogenic sights in the city.

Right inside the Bellagio, the Conservatory offers a quieter but equally impressive experience. This indoor garden is transformed seasonally with elaborate floral displays, sculptures, and themed installations. Every detail feels intentional, from the colors to the scent of fresh flowers, and it is hard to believe the space is redesigned multiple times a year.

After the energy of the Strip outside, wandering through the Conservatory feels almost meditative. That makes it an easy stop whether you are passing through or intentionally building a Bellagio visit around it.

Together, the fountains and the Conservatory show off two sides of Las Vegas. One is bold, dramatic, and meant to be seen by everyone. The other is refined, artistic, and best enjoyed slowly. Both are unforgettable.

Experience Iconic Vegas Attractions

Some Las Vegas attractions are famous for a reason. Scattered along the Strip, these experiences are the ones people picture when they imagine the city, big views, over-the-top themes, and a mix of thrills and spectacle. I tried a handful of the most iconic ones, and each offered a different way to see Las Vegas from a new angle.

The Gondola Rides at The Venetian were far more relaxing than I expected in the middle of such a busy area. Floating through the canals felt like stepping out of Vegas for a moment without ever leaving it. It is undeniably touristy, but in a way that is easy to enjoy.

Climbing the Eiffel Tower Observation Deck at Paris Las Vegas gave me one of my favorite views of the Strip. It is high enough to take everything in without feeling overwhelming, and looking down at the Bellagio fountains from above is worth the trip alone. Nighttime is especially magical when the lights stretch endlessly in both directions.
→ Get tickets for the Eiffel Tower Observation Deck here

If you are in the mood for something faster, the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York delivers instant adrenaline. The coaster races around the hotel with sharp turns and big drops, and the fact that it is right on the Strip somehow makes it even more fun. You can hear riders screaming long before you see the track.
→ Get tickets for the Big Apple Coaster here

The High Roller is the complete opposite experience, slow, smooth, and all about the view. Riding it as the sun goes down was a highlight for me. Watching the city light up gradually below gives you a real sense of how massive and bright Las Vegas truly is.
→ Get tickets for the High Roller here

Then there is the STRAT Tower, which is not for the faint of heart. The observation deck alone offers incredible panoramic views, but if you want to push yourself, the thrill rides and the SkyJump take things to another level. Standing at the edge and looking straight down is one of those moments you will either love or swear you will never do again.
→ Get tickets for the STRAT Tower Observation Deck here

Recommendation: Make the most of your Las Vegas trip with the Go City Las Vegas Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass. Enjoy skip-the-line access to top attractions like the High Roller, Eiffel Tower Observation Deck, Madame Tussauds, and more—all at one discounted price. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, this pass helps you save money, plan your itinerary easily, and experience more without the hassle of buying individual tickets.

Explore the Fremont Street Experience

If the Las Vegas Strip feels polished and theatrical, Fremont Street feels raw, loud, and unapologetically fun. This is downtown Las Vegas at its most energetic, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots to wander with no plan, easily ranking among the best places to visit in Las Vegas.

The Fremont Street Experience is a pedestrian-only stretch covered by the massive LED Canopy, which lights up with dazzling visuals and music shows throughout the night. Standing beneath it, surrounded by flashing neon and old-school casino signs, feels like stepping into a living time capsule that somehow still feels modern.

One of the best ways to experience Fremont Street is to simply stand back and take it all in. Street performers, musicians, zipliners flying overhead on the iconic SlotZilla, and visitors from every walk of life create a nonstop spectacle. You could stand in one spot for 20 minutes and never see the same thing twice.

Free live music is another major draw. Multiple stages host bands and performers every night, and the vibe ranges from classic rock to pop to electronic. It is easy to bounce from stage to stage with a drink in hand and stumble into a show you did not expect to enjoy as much as you did.

Fremont Street is also home to some of the city’s most historic casinos, like Golden Nugget, alongside newer additions that keep the area feeling fresh. Whether you are there for the lights, the music, or the sheer chaos of it all, Fremont Street delivers a version of Las Vegas that is impossible to ignore.

Step Into Another World at AREA15

AREA15 feels like Las Vegas decided to lean fully into the weird, immersive, and futuristic and I mean that in the best possible way. Located just off the Strip, this massive entertainment complex is designed for visitors who want to be part of the action rather than just observe it.

The headline attraction here is Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, an interactive art installation disguised as a surreal grocery store. At first glance it looks playful and odd, but once you start exploring, hidden passages, secret storylines, and mind bending rooms open up. You can spend an hour here or lose half a day without realizing it. Even if you do not follow the narrative, simply wandering through the space is worth the visit.

For thrill seekers and horror fans, Universal Horror Unleashed delivers a completely different kind of immersion. This attraction brings cinematic scares to life with detailed sets, actors, and atmospheric effects that make you feel like you are inside a horror movie. It is intense, polished, and not for the faint of heart.

Fans of action movies should not miss the John Wick Experience, which drops you into the sleek, dangerous world of the films. The attention to detail is impressive, and the interactive elements make it feel more like a role playing mission than a traditional attraction.

Even outside of these headliners, AREA15 is packed with bars, art installations, and unexpected surprises. It is the kind of place where you go in planning to see one thing and end up staying far longer than expected. If you are looking for something that feels completely different from classic Vegas, AREA15 stands out as one of the most unique attractions in Las Vegas.

Experience the Sphere

The Sphere is unlike anything else in Las Vegas, and it has quickly become one of the most talked-about attractions in Las Vegas. Seeing it from the outside is impressive enough, but stepping inside completely changes how you think about live entertainment.

Inside, the screen wraps around you in every direction, creating an immersive experience that feels more like stepping into a world than watching a show. Concerts here are elevated by the visuals, with artists like the Backstreet Boys performing against massive, cinematic backdrops that move and shift around the audience. Even if you are not normally drawn to arena shows, the setting alone makes it worth considering.

Beyond concerts, the Sphere also hosts immersive productions designed specifically for the space. Shows like The Wizard of Oz reimagine familiar stories using the Sphere’s technology, pulling you into scenes in a way a traditional theater never could. The sound, visuals, and scale work together to create something that feels truly next level.

If you are choosing one modern, big-ticket experience in Las Vegas, the Sphere is an easy recommendation.

Catch a Live Show

Las Vegas is a show city at heart. No matter your taste or budget, there is almost always something happening on a stage, in a theater, or even in the middle of a casino floor. Catching at least one show during your trip feels less like an optional activity and more like part of the Vegas experience.

For big, ticketed productions, the city delivers at the highest level. Cirque du Soleil remains a standout, blending acrobatics, music, and theatrical storytelling in ways that feel uniquely Las Vegas. Blue Man Group offers high energy, audience interaction, and a sense of controlled chaos that makes every performance feel alive. If you prefer comedy, Carrot Top is a classic Vegas staple, while Absinthe pushes boundaries with its mix of circus acts, adult humor, and an intimate, anything could happen atmosphere. For fans of magic, David Copperfield amazes audiences with jaw-dropping illusions and interactive tricks.

What surprised me most, though, was how many genuinely entertaining shows are completely free. These are perfect if you want a break from walking the Strip or are trying to keep costs down without sacrificing fun.

The Dirty at 12:30 Comedy Show at South Point Casino is a free show that lives up to its name. It is fast paced, uncensored, and definitely not for sensitive ears. At Circus Circus, the Free Circus Acts feature live acrobatics and family friendly performances that feel like a classic Vegas throwback. For something truly unexpected, the Mermaid Show at the Silverton Aquarium is also free and has performers swimming alongside fish in a massive tank, blending fantasy and spectacle in a way only Vegas could pull off.

Whether you splurge on a headline act or stumble into a free performance, shows are one of the easiest ways to understand why Las Vegas is called the Entertainment Capital of the World.

Explore Vegas Through Its Museums

Las Vegas may be known for its shows and casinos, but its museums tell some of the city’s most interesting stories. From vintage neon signs to organized crime history and hands-on nostalgia, Vegas museums offer a slower, more thoughtful way to experience the city without losing its sense of fun.

The Neon Museum is a must. This outdoor collection of restored and unrestored casino signs feels like walking through the city’s visual history. Seeing these massive neon icons up close gives context to how Las Vegas reinvented itself over the decades, and the nighttime experience is especially memorable when the signs are lit.

For a deeper dive into the city’s past, the Mob Museum explores the role organized crime played in shaping Las Vegas. The exhibits are engaging and interactive, and the storytelling strikes a great balance between history and entertainment. Even if you are not usually a museum person, this one pulls you in quickly.

On the lighter side, the Pinball Hall of Fame is pure joy. Packed wall to wall with vintage and modern pinball machines, it feels more like a retro arcade than a traditional museum. Most machines are still functional, and a few dollars can easily turn into an hour of nostalgic fun.

Beyond these standouts, Las Vegas is full of smaller, creative museums worth exploring. The Museum of Illusions leans into optical tricks and interactive photo opportunities, while the Arte Museum blends digital art, sound, and scent into an immersive experience. And those are just a few examples, new exhibits seem to appear almost as often as new hotels.

If you need a break from the Strip but still want something uniquely Vegas, the city’s museums deliver history, creativity, and surprises, making them some of the most underrated things to do in Las Vegas.

Test Your Skills in an Escape Room

Escape rooms in Las Vegas go far beyond solving puzzles in a locked room. Many of them are built like movie sets, with high production value, special effects, and storylines that feel fully immersive. Even if you have done escape rooms elsewhere, the production quality here makes them feel far more cinematic.

If you are looking for experiences you can only find here, start with Escape IT, SAW Escape, and Escape Blair Witch. These attractions lean heavily into horror and suspense, with detailed sets, live actors, and cinematic pacing. They feel less like traditional escape rooms and more like interactive thrill experiences. You do not need to be a hardcore horror fan to enjoy them, but you should expect tension, jump scares, and moments that make your heart race.

For something more classic and puzzle focused, The Escape Game is a solid choice. It offers multiple themed rooms with clever design and polished gameplay, similar to what you might find in other major cities. While these rooms are not exclusive to Las Vegas, they are well executed and a great option if you want a challenge without the intensity of horror elements.

Escape rooms make a great indoor activity during the heat of the day. If you want an experience that feels interactive, memorable, and distinctly Vegas, the city’s escape rooms are well worth your time.

Party at a Vegas Pool

Pool parties are a huge part of the Las Vegas experience, especially during the warmer months. What looks like a simple hotel pool during the day often transforms into a full-scale party with DJs, cabanas, drinks flowing, and a crowd that treats the afternoon like a nightclub in swimwear.

Some of the most well-known pool parties take place at resorts like Encore Beach Club, Sapphire Pool, Tao Beach, and Daylight Beach Club. Each has its own vibe, ranging from high-energy dance floors to more relaxed but still lively scenes. Music is front and center, and it is not uncommon to see big-name DJs performing daytime sets.

If full-on partying is not your thing, many Vegas pools still offer a social atmosphere without the club-level intensity. These can be a great option if you want music, cocktails, and sunshine without the crowds and chaos.

Whether you go all out with a cabana or just stop by to experience the scene for an hour, Vegas pool parties are a fun and very memorable way to spend a day in the desert.

Dine at World-Class Restaurants

Las Vegas surprised me more than anything when it came to food. The city is packed with world-class restaurants, many run by celebrity chefs, and eating well here does not feel like a bonus. It feels like part of the main event.

Some of the most talked-about dining experiences include Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, where the atmosphere is just as dramatic as the food, and Joël Robuchon, which offers an elegant, fine-dining experience that is often considered one of the best restaurants in the city. For something modern and bold, é by José Andrés delivers a creative tasting menu where each course arrives with its own story and presentation.

If you are looking for something slightly more approachable but still exceptional, Beauty & Essex combines upscale dishes with a fun, lively setting, while Best Friend blends Korean flavors with a casual, high-energy vibe that feels very Vegas. SW Steakhouse is a classic choice for steak lovers, especially with its view of the Lake of Dreams show at Wynn.

In Las Vegas, dining is not just about eating. It is another form of entertainment, and one that is well worth building into your trip.

Escape the City at Red Rock Canyon

Just a short drive from the Strip, Red Rock Canyon feels like a completely different world and is often considered one of the best places to visit in Las Vegas for outdoor lovers. The neon lights fade away and are replaced by towering red sandstone cliffs, sweeping desert views, and a quiet that makes you forget how close you are to Las Vegas. It is the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe, and actually notice the desert around you.

The park is perfect for hiking, scenic drives, or just stopping to take in the view. Trails range from easy strolls to more challenging climbs, so it works whether you want a quick nature break or a full outdoor adventure. Even if hiking isn’t your thing, the scenic drive alone is worth it, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the rocks glow in every shade of red and gold.

If you do want to hit the trails, the Calico Tanks Trail is the most popular for a reason. This 2.4-mile moderate hike usually takes about two hours and winds through colorful rock formations before ending at a natural water basin with panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and even the Strip in the distance. It is challenging enough to feel like an accomplishment but still accessible for most visitors.

Spending a few hours here changes the pace of your whole day. The trails, open views, and steady desert quiet make it easy to slow down and stay longer than you planned.

Marvel at the Hoover Dam

Just a short drive from Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is one of the most impressive feats of engineering in the United States. Spanning the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona, it is massive, dramatic, and surprisingly accessible for visitors. Even if you are not usually drawn to architecture or engineering, seeing it in person is awe-inspiring.

The dam offers several ways to explore. Walking across the top gives incredible views of Lake Mead on one side and the river gorge on the other. The visitor center provides exhibits about the dam’s construction, history, and impact, while guided tours allow you to see areas that are off-limits to casual visitors, including the massive turbine halls inside.

Visiting Hoover Dam is an easy day trip from Las Vegas and offers a change of pace from the city. It is part history lesson, part outdoor adventure, and part jaw-dropping view—an iconic stop that gives a different perspective on the region and its remarkable human achievements.

Recommendation: Don’t have a car? No worries — this guided Hoover Dam tour includes round-trip transportation to and from Las Vegas and a knowledgeable guide who shares the history, engineering, and fun facts along the way.

Take a Helicopter Tour to the Grand Canyon

If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience from Las Vegas, a helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon is hard to beat. It is one of the most unforgettable ways to see the scale of the desert landscape, and it turns what would be a long drive into a smooth, scenic journey.

Flying out of Las Vegas, the views change quickly. The Strip shrinks into the distance, the desert opens up, and suddenly you are soaring over rugged terrain, winding rivers, and dramatic rock formations. Seeing the Grand Canyon from the air gives you a sense of its size that photos simply cannot capture.

Many tours include a landing inside or near the canyon, which gives you time to step out, take photos, and truly take in the surroundings. Everything feels bigger and quieter once you are there, and the contrast with Las Vegas makes the experience even more striking.

If a Grand Canyon helicopter tour feels like too much of a splurge, there is a great alternative. Many helicopter companies also offer shorter night flights over Las Vegas. These tours fly over the Strip after dark, when the city lights are at their brightest, and still give you the thrill of riding in a helicopter without the high price tag.

Whether you choose the Grand Canyon or a nighttime Strip flight, seeing Las Vegas and the surrounding landscape from the air is an experience you will not forget.

Kayak to Emerald Cave

Kayaking to Emerald Cave was one of the most unexpectedly peaceful experiences of my entire trip. After days of bright lights and constant energy, being out on the water felt like hitting a reset button. Out on the water, the only sounds are paddles dipping into the river and the wind moving through the canyon walls.

Emerald Cave itself is a small but striking spot, named for the vivid green glow created when sunlight hits the water just right. The paddle to get to Emerald Cave is as rewarding as the destination. You start on calm water with desert scenery around you, then slip into a narrow canyon where towering rock walls create a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

If you want a stress-free experience, I highly recommend booking a guided kayak tour. These tours typically include transportation, equipment, and a guide who shares interesting details about the area while keeping the pace relaxed. This is a great option if it is your first time kayaking or if you prefer having everything handled for you.

If you are more independent, you can also rent kayaks and go on your own. This option gives you more flexibility with timing and how long you spend on the water. As long as you are comfortable navigating and planning your route, it is a rewarding way to experience the area at your own pace.

Fire Machine Guns or Drive a Tank

Las Vegas has a way of turning extreme experiences into something surprisingly accessible, and this is one of the wildest examples. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush that you truly cannot replicate anywhere else, shooting machine guns or even driving a tank definitely qualifies.

At Machine Guns Vegas, the experience is designed like a lounge rather than a firing range. This is the only place in Las Vegas where you can fire the same powerful weapons used by elite military units like the SEALs and Delta Force, all under the supervision of trained professionals. Everything is tightly controlled, and the staff walks you through the experience step by step, which makes it approachable even if you have never touched a firearm before.

For something even bigger, Battlefield Vegas takes things to another level. With over 1,000 different weapons systems available, including rare and historic firearms, the sheer scale of the collection is impressive. What really sets it apart, though, is the ability to drive and fire a real tank. Yes, an actual tank. It is loud, powerful, and completely over the top in a way that only Las Vegas could make possible.

This is not an experience for everyone, but for those curious about military hardware or looking for an unforgettable adrenaline hit, it is hard to find anything more extreme. Like many Vegas attractions, it leans fully into excess, and that is exactly what makes it memorable.

Say Your Vows at the Graceland Wedding Chapel

Las Vegas is famous for its weddings, and no experience captures the city’s playful side quite like the Graceland Wedding Chapel. Whether you are getting married for the first time, renewing your vows, or just celebrating a fun moment, this chapel offers a ceremony that feels uniquely Vegas.

For fans of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis-themed weddings are the main attraction. You can exchange vows with an Elvis impersonator officiating, complete with music, costumes, and plenty of photo opportunities. It is lighthearted, memorable, and entirely over the top in the best way.

If Elvis is not your style, the chapel also offers traditional weddings and vow renewals. The staff is experienced at making the ceremony smooth and special, whether you want something intimate or a more elaborate celebration. No matter which option you choose, the experience is quick, convenient, and distinctly Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is far more than casinos and nightlife. From outdoor adventures and immersive attractions to world-class dining and unforgettable shows, the best things to do in Las Vegas cover every kind of traveler and every style of trip.

What makes the city special is how easy it is to mix the iconic with the unexpected. You can plan around famous landmarks or discover something new simply by saying yes in the moment. No two visits ever feel the same, and that is what keeps people coming back.

However you choose to experience it, Las Vegas has a way of turning even a short trip into a lasting memory.