Las Vegas has some of the greatest entertainment in the world, attracting over 40 million visitors every year. There are an endless number of sights and shows to see while visiting Sin City. While Vegas is a go-to spot for gambling and partying, there is such a wide variety of other things to do, even if you’re not into betting your money or dancing in clubs.
Whether you’re visiting Vegas for a week or a day, there are a few top things you should definitely do. The top 5 things in Vegas you should not miss are:
- Stroll down Freemont Street
- Visit the Mob Museum
- See the Bellagio Fountain Show
- Hike through Red Rock Canyon
- Take a gondola ride through the Venetian Resort
Gambling in lavish casinos under neon lights is a great way to have fun for many people, but don’t let cards and slot machines be the only things you see in Vegas. Keep reading to find out more about Vegas’ top attractions so you can start planning your trip. Planning a Las Vegas trip and interested in exploring the Grand Canyon? You might wonder, “Where to fly into for the Grand Canyon ?” to optimize your access. Consider Las Vegas McCarran International Airport for convenience.
What Else is There to do in Las Vegas Besides Gambling?
Gambling is a large part of the Vegas experience. But there are also tons of adventures to be had outside of the casinos. If gambling isn’t for you, here are some other options you might want to look into:
- Natural landmarks
- Tours (both in the city and in the desert)
- Shopping
- Live shows
- Museums
- Art exhibits
Even if you’re not looking to gamble, Vegas is definitely worth visiting for all the other amazing attractions available.
People often forget that Vegas is in the midst of a vast and beautiful desert with a number of incredible trails and rock formations. Just a short drive outside of downtown Vegas, it is well worth it to get some fresh air outside the city.
What's the Top Thing I Should Not Miss in Vegas?
Vegas has such a variety of attractions; it is impossible to narrow it down to a top choice. The best way to get the most out of your Vegas trip, especially if it’s your first time vising the city, is to see a little bit of everything.
Here is a short list of the top things you should do in Vegas by category:
- Top Casino: The Venetian
- Top Live Show: Cirque de Soleil
- Best View of the City: The Strat Hotel Skypod
- Best Family-friendly activity: High Roller Ferris Wheel at LINQ Promenade
- Top Food/Restaurant: Brunch at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
5 Things You Should Not Miss in Las Vegas!
Dubbed the Entertainment Capital of the World, the city of Las Vegas is the central hub for food, culture, and all types of entertainment in the state of Nevada. This abundance of things to see and activities to do can overwhelm some visitors when coming to the city.
That’s why this list consisted of the top 5 things you should have at the top of your list while exploring Vegas. It consists of activities things to see located in different areas around time, so you get a holistic experience of the city.
You won’t regret adding the things on this list to your Vegas trip itinerary.
1. Walk Down Freemont Street at Night
One of the best ways to see Vegas’ excitement and nightlife is by taking a casual walk down Freemont Street.
The street performers, incredible lights, and live music stages create a unique and encapsulating experience of Vegas in all its bright and flashy glory. There are plenty of casinos, shops, restaurants, and unique attractions like the world’s largest pint glass or the city’s first movie theatre.
The main event you have to check out while exploring Freemont Street, which also happens to be free, is the infamous Viva Vision Lightshows. If you’ve seen photos of this area, they are likely from this light show decked out with a kaleidoscope show of moving lights accompanied by booming music you almost can’t help but dance along to.
Walking down Freemont Street, you’ll be amazed by the spectacular views and buzzing energy that often characterizes the entire city. It’s the best way to start off your trip to Vegas.
2. Take a Tour of the Mob Museum
If you’re a history buff or just someone interested in learning more about the history of organized crime, then the Mob Museum should definitely be on your Vegas itinerary.
Located within walking distance of Freemont Street, The Mob Museum includes hundreds of artifacts and exhibits that display the conflict between Mobs and law enforcement throughout history. Tracing through time from the first Mob to today, this museum is a spectacular way to get a closer glimpse at American history through a unique lens.
The building itself holds a lot of history as a beautifully restored yet grand Post Office from the 1930s. There are plenty of small relics and immersive exhibits like short videos or even records of wire-tapped phone calls from law enforcement.
Step back into the 1920s and learn more about some of the nation’s most notorious criminals and the work of law enforcement to take them down. The scope of history that this museum covers is truly remarkable. It’s quickly become not only a well-respected research institution but also one of the premier sights for Vegas tourism.
The tickets for admission can be a bit steep, but they are well worth it. The Mob Museum is one of the top-ranked museums in the country and is dedicated to educating visitors about history in a way that is interactive and engaging. You definitely do not want to miss an experience like this.
Learn more about all the museum has to offer and check out upcoming events at their website here.
3. Watch the Bellagio Fountains Show
Exploring around Las Vegas can get pretty pricey, between the high costs and fees of hotels and other attractions, but there are some spectacular sights that won’t break the budget. Enter the wonderous Water Show at the Bellagio Hotel.
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The show comes on in 30-minute or 15-minute intervals seven days a week. And each show is a bit different, so even if you watch the show one night, you’re likely to catch something different if you come back later during your trip.
These magnificent and looming fountains were designed to replicate the romantic atmosphere of luxurious fountains in European countries like Paris and Rome.
You might be thinking that a fountain water show couldn’t be that spectacular, but in the case of the Bellagio, you would be wrong. These fountains span over 1,000 feet, with the water spouting as high as 460 feet above the ground. Accompanied by lights and music, this fountain show will not disappoint.
You can even begin your time at Bellagio with the conservatory and botanical gardens located at the entrance. Take a late afternoon stroll through the lush indoor gardens inspired by conservatories in Paris, and then end the night with a fountain show incorporating music.
Since the show is free, all you have to do is find a good seat, settle in, and enjoy the magic.
4. Enjoy the Fresh Air of Red Rock Canyon
For a great escape from the bright lights and loud noise of the city, make sure to spend some time at Red Rock Canyon.
Located 17-miles out from the strip, Red Rock Canyon is under the protection of the Southern Nevada Conservancy. Here are just a few things you can do while visiting this incredible natural landscape:
- Explore any of the 26 available trails for hiking or biking
- Check out the Visitor Center with wildlife exhibits or book and gift shop
- Connect with nature at the developed campground available to visitors
- Meet Jackson, the beloved Burro, and learn more about land conservation
There are plenty of seasonal programs, classes, and tours of the local wildlife that you can also check out on the Red Rock Canyon website here.
Although most people come to Vegas for the gambling and partying, the beauty of and abundance of the Mojave Desert is not something you should overlook while in Vegas. It’s a great place to take a day trip and see a different side of the area than most tourists tend to seek out.
If you’re not looking to spend a lot of time with nature during your stay but still want to escape the city for a bit, there’s also a lovely 13-mile scenic drive you can take and get a look at the massive rock formations and wide expanse of the desert.
Ticket prices for 1-day entry range from 5.00-15.00 dollars, which, when compared to the price of live shows downtown or club entry fees, is actually a rather budget-friendly cost for a full day of adventure near Vegas.
5. Take a Gondola through Mark's Square at The Venetian
You’ll feel like you just stepped into Italy when you enter the iconic Venetian Resort located right on the Las Vegas strip. It is definitely one of the most visited destinations in Vegas for a reason.
The architecture and art style of this mega hotel, Resort, and casino is magnificent. There are modern recreations of classic art sculptures that will take your breath away as well as an endless array of entertainment possibilities.
Head to a Mark’s Square inside the Resort, a recreation of one of the most iconic spots in Venice, Italy, and take a leisurely gondola ride along the pristine blue water.
Complete with pools, spas, restaurants, a nightclub, cocktail bars, and a luxurious casino, the Venetian is so grand you will have everything you need for an amazing night.
The Venetian is one of the most well-known resorts in Vegas for a reason. It perfectly embodies the romance and opulence that Vegas itself is notorious for. Once you enter this Resort, you’ll have some of the most luxurious dining, shopping, and entertainment options right at your fingertips and all under one roof.
If you’re looking to have that iconic Vegas experience with everything as lavish as possible, the Venetian should be at the top of your list for places to visit or even stay.
Final Thoughts
Narrowing down the top things to do in Vegas is nearly impossible, but there it is. This list full of ideal attractions to see during your trip in order to get the best experience of Vegas as possible.
The casinos, resorts, and clubs are such a staple part of the Vegas experience, but there are plenty of activities and sights to see beyond a poker table that fits into a travel budget quite nicely.
If you decide to incorporate any of the attractions on this list into your Vegas trip, you are sure to have a blast and experience the best that Vegas has to offer.
Planning a trip to Las Vegas on a budget? Our comprehensive guide shares expert tips and tricks on finding cheap flights to Las Vegas, allowing you to save money on airfare and splurge on the thrilling entertainment and vibrant nightlife the city has to offer
(With options that include tours of the most famous spots in the city as well as local masterpieces, the best Airbnb experiences in Las Vegas are the way to go when visiting! You could also choose to do all these adventures on your own time by choosing a regular Airbnb in Las Vegas! The choice is all up to you!)