21 Fun Things To Do In Las Vegas
Las Vegas, located in the Mojave Desert of the US state of Nevada, is a popular tourist destination known for its lively nightlife with casinos and other entertainment open around the clock. The main street and lifeline of the city is the almost 6.5 km (4 mi) long so-called Strip. Along this boulevard are numerous themed hotels with unusual design elements such as musical fountains or replicas of an Egyptian pyramid, the Grand Canal in Venice or the Eiffel Tower. But don’t forget the heart of Las Vegas, Downtown with Fremont Street. After all, this is where it all began.
I never expected it, but Las Vegas was actually one of my favorite cities on my trip to the US. Maybe because it was so different, and maybe because the kid in me was thrilled by the feeling of walking through a giant board game and the circus-like atmosphere. In this article I want to share my top 21 things to do in Las Vegas.
As always, all the places mentioned are also linked in the map below.
Things To Do In Las Vegas
Discover Las Vegas
1. Explore The Strip
The Las Vegas Strip with its neon lights and numerous exclusive casino hotels is the epitome of Las Vegas. And this, although it is not even in Las Vegas.
Everywhere you go on the Strip, there are new sights and experiences to discover. You can see the Pyramid and the Sphynx, the Eiffel Tower, and little New York City, all not far from each other. (Obviously, they are replicas).
 With all the attractions on every corner, you feel like you’re in an adult theme park. Especially in the evening, I had the feeling of walking through a huge playing field, as if you were in the middle of a party game.
2. Take Pictures With The Famous Las Vegas Sign
Take a photo with the world-famous iconic sign. The sign was designed by Betty Whitehead Willis in 1959. She was influenced by the Southern California aesthetic and later testified that she added the Disney star for good luck.
The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign is a Googie-style sign illuminated by fluorescent lights on the median of Las Vegas Blvd. It is the result of a joint public relations effort by city officials, casinos, and hotels. It is also one of the few neon signs in the fast-paced city that has stood still for so long.
3. Take A Gondola Ride
If you can’t make it to Venice, Italy, the Venetian in Las Vegas is the next best thing. The gondola ride at the Venetian is one of the most popular activities in Las Vegas. For romantics or people looking for a cool photo background.
There are two different rides, the indoor and outdoor gondola. Which one is better for you is subjective, but beware, in the summer it might be too warm for the outdoor ride. Each gondola seats up to four people, but if you want a more intimate ride, you have the option of renting the entire gondola.
Buy your tickets early and plan ahead. The rides book up quickly.
4. Fremont Street Experience
The Fremont Street Experience is an attraction in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. It spans the five westernmost blocks of Fremont Street. It was designed in the 1990s with the goal of attracting more visitors to downtown.Â
There’s plenty to do and explore here. For example, the SlotZilla Zipline, Viva Vision light shows, and free live music.
The Fremont Street Experience was definitely my favorite on my Las Vegas trip. I heard someone describe it as a circus atmosphere and didn’t like it because of that. I’m not entirely sure I agree with that description, but I definitely loved the atmosphere, however, you want to describe it.
Museums, Exhibitions, And Art Installations
5. Visit The Neon Museum
Founded in 1996, the Neon Museum is a nonprofit organization that displays signs from old casinos and other outdoor businesses on 2.62 acres.Â
The Neon Museum is located on Las Vegas Boulevard, just south of the Cashman Center. It features exhibits in three main areas. Restored and installed neon signs along Las Vegas Boulevard, the Neon Boneyard, and the museum’s North Gallery.
6. Wander Through The Botanical Garden
The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is worth a visit at any time of year. Five times a year, the 14,000-square-meter area is completely transformed.
It’s open around the clock, and the visit is free. However, it can get very crowded here. If you want to take photos, be sure to stop by early in the morning on weekdays.Â
The unique magical, fairytale atmosphere makes it worth a visit.
7. See The Iconic Bellagio Fountain Show
The famous Fountain Display at the Bellagio is one of the classics in Las Vegas. Admission is free for every visitor. However, you should be there early if you want to get a good seat for the show. People are already lining up at the rails. Each performance is unique in expression and interpretation.Â
The spectacle spans more than 1,000 feet, with water rising as high as 460 feet into the air.
It may be cliché, but I absolutely loved it. The atmosphere alone was worth it. Especially at night.
8. Pinball Hall Of Fame
The Pinball Hall of Fame is a non-profit pinball machine museum that opened in November 2009. The new location is on the “Strip,” directly across from the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. It is an effort by members of the Las Vegas Pinball Collectors Club to house the largest pinball collection in the world and make it available to the public.
The games range from pinball machines from the 1950s to the 1990s. All the machines are open for viewing, so you can not only see but also play.
9. Mob Museum
The Mob Museum is a historical museum located in downtown Las Vegas.Â
 It is dedicated to the artifacts, stories, and history of organized crime in the United States, as well as the actions and initiatives of law enforcement to prevent such crimes.Â
Guests can explore the museum on their own, be accompanied by a guide, or discover the museum’s surprises as part of a scavenger hunt with a group.
10. Visit The Mind-Blowing Omega Mart
Omega Mart is an interactive art installation at the Area15 complex in Las Vegas created by American art firm Meow Wolf. It is their second permanent installation, an interactive, amazing, and immersive art experience. Visitors can explore an extraordinary supermarket that breaks into surreal worlds and unexpected landscapes. The mart also features customized products that can actually be purchased. Part of the installation is also a secret bar, Datamosh. In it, eight special cocktails are served.
This installation is probably one of the main reasons why I want to go back to Las Vegas.
11.Go Mural Hunting in Downtown
Another way to see art is to look for murals in downtown Las Vegas. Especially in the Arts District you can find some amazing pieces.
The Arts District also features several independent art galleries and venues in converted warehouses. Among the most popular venues are the Arts Factory and Art Square.
12. Seven Magic Mountains
Admittedly, this exhibition is not directly in Las Vegas and is mainly interesting for people who want to take some nice photos. But it’s worth it for that.
The Seven Magic Mountains by internationally renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone is a large-scale, site-specific public art installation near Jean Dry Lake, about ten miles south of Las Vegas. It consists of seven towers of colorful stacked boulders more than thirty feet high.
It is meant to be a creative expression of the human presence in the desert.
See The City From Above
13. Visit The Best Viewpoints Of The City
If you want to see the whole city, you should visit one of the impressive viewpoints. The STRAT SkyPod has an observation deck at 1149 feet with a fantastic view over Vegas. The brave can even bungee jump from there. Those who want to take it a little easier can also enjoy the view on a ride on the High Roller Ferris wheel. And romantics can overlook Las Vegas from the Eiffel Tower observation deck.
Eat
14. Get A Photogenic Dessert
If you’re looking for a dessert that is also sweet on the eyes, visit one of Vegas’ popular dessert eateries. Black Tap for whimsical milkshakes, The Patio Desserts & Drinks for dessert creations that remind you of Alice in Wonderland, and Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge for quintessential Vegas ambiance with classic American desserts. Admittedly, the atmosphere is the main reason for the latter.
15. Eat At A Traditional Vegas Buffet
Las Vegas is known for its buffets. As early as the 1940s, casinos found a way to keep gamblers happy with food that could be easily consumed through an ever-expanding buffet system. In the 1980s and 1990s, the buffet scene in Las Vegas became increasingly glamorous and extensive and correspondingly more expensive. Today, there aren’t as many buffet restaurants in Las Vegas as there once were. However, the city still offers a variety of options.Â
Among the most popular are the Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas, and Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace.
Be Entertained
16. See A Show
Visiting a show in Las Vegas is a must. There are a variety of shows, the most popular being Cirque Du Soleil.
Magic shows like David Copperfield’s, comedy shows or other extraordinary shows like the Blue Man Group are also popular. I would recommend to inform yourself well beforehand how to visit a show and also to read the reviews. We spontaneously went to a comedy/magic show back then and it was just okay.
Party
17. Go To A Pool Party
Las Vegas is famous for its pool parties. These parties usually take place during the hot summer months to keep everyone cool while having a great time.Â
If you feel like having a pool party now, you can check out the following locations: Wet Republic at the MGM Grand, Jemaa NoMad at Park MGM, Drai’s Beachclub at The Cromwell, Daylight at Mandalay Bay, and Bare at Mirage.
18. Go Bar Hopping In Freemont East
Located in the heart of downtown, the Fremont East Entertainment District sits adjacent to the popular tourist attraction, Fremont Street Experience.
It is an area that offers entertainment, lodging, bars, and restaurants.You can check out the comedy clubs, rooftop bars, nightclubs, and other musical entertainment venues.
Stroll, Hang Out And Relax
19. The Park
 The Park is an outdoor dining and entertainment district. MGM Resorts has transformed the traditional pedestrian mall to create a vibrant destination in close proximity to the famous Las Vegas Strip. It offers restaurants and entertainment. An eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options.
 For those looking to experience, even more, check out neighboring New York-New York. It’s the first city-themed resort in Las Vegas. And offers a diverse mix of attractions and entertainment that pay tribute to the Big Apple. From the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge to authentic Greenwich Village-style restaurants, there’s plenty to explore here. And of course, how could it be any different, a roller coaster.
20. The Linq Promenade
The Linq Promenade is a promenade with stores, restaurants and entertainment such as a Ferris wheel and a zip line. In my opinion, one of the most beautiful promenades in Las Vegas, where it is even just fun to walk around and explore.
21. Downtown Container Park
Downtown Container Park is an open-air shopping mall with boutiques, restaurants and live entertainment. Admission is free.
And there’s something for kids, too. They love the interactive playground with The Treehouse, for example.
Adults can relax with free concerts, movies and more on the main stage.
Or help awaken the praying mantis with a sunset drum circle.
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Day Trip Ideas
- Red Rock Canyon (Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area)
- Valley of Fire State Park
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Mojave National Preserve
- Nelson Ghost Town
- Boulder City
- Lake Havasu CityÂ
Do you know of any other (hidden) gems and things to do in Las Vegas? Share them with us in the comments below!
Need A Place To Sleep?
Check out our hotel recommendations! Rooms for every budget, from affordable to luxurious. Located on the Strip and in Downtown.
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