Blake Walsh

16 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas, NV

  • Published 2023/04/10

While most people think of Las Vegas as “Sin City,” it offers much more than just casinos and nightclubs.

Las Vegas, sometimes known as Vegas, is Clark County’s seat and the most populous city in Nevada.

The city markets itself as “The Entertainment Capital of the World” due to the prevalence of huge, high-end casino resorts and the wide variety of entertainment options.

The Las Vegas Strip will undoubtedly be the focal point of your journey to Sin City because of its famous neon signs and flashy attractions.

Don’t worry if you need a break from the slot machines or the nightclubs; Las Vegas is plenty of activities that won’t involve partying or gambling.

It has numerous stunning state and national parks easily accessible from Las Vegas, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who like activities like hiking, biking, and climbing.

Discover the best things to do in Las Vegas, Nevada, with this list below.

Strike a Pose with the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Daytime view of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

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The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, an icon since its construction in 1959, denotes the beginning of the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Taking a picture of yourself beneath this 25-foot Las Vegas sign is one of the best and most free activities you can do first things first.

Getting your photo taken at this spot would make for a great keepsake from your time in Sin City.

Sunset over the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

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Many businesses have used the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign to sell every imaginable type of souvenir from the city.

Finding a parking spot may be difficult unless you beat the masses, so plan accordingly.

On the other hand, if you don’t mind a little effort, you can walk here from Mandalay Bay in around 15 minutes.

Place Your Bets at Bellagio Hotel & Casino

Exterior of Bellagio Hotel & Casino

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The Bellagio Hotel & Casino rose to prominence because of media portrayals of its luxury and sophistication.

Everything about this place screams “extravagance” the instant you step inside, from the beautiful marble floors to the ceilings covered in sparkling gold leaf to the plethora of chandeliers.

The whirling street fountains outside are a spectacle in themselves.

The lobby of Bellagio Hotel & Casino

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Bellagio Hotel & Casino isn’t only known for its magnificence; it also features a live casino, world-class entertainment, award-winning dining (including the “most beautiful Chinese restaurant in the world,” the romantic Jasmine), and more.

Vacationing in Sin City is a must for every poker enthusiast.

Almost any casino you visit will have poker games available.

Don’t feel obligated to play if you don’t want to; you can always watch the pros duke it out.

Slot machines in Bellagio Hotel & Casino

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Catch a Stunning Light and Water Exhibition at Fountains of Bellagio

Aerial view of the Fountains of Bellagio

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The Fountains of Bellagio span eight acres and feature a musically synchronized, intricate water display, creating a sensual atmosphere.

When you visit Bellagio, you’ll experience a new dimension in water shows since it is home to one of the world’s highest fountains.

With 1,214 sprayers and shooters, this lavish fountain can launch water as high as 460 feet into the air.

Waters of the Fountains of Bellagio

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The Fountains of Bellagio’s charisma will have you dancing in the aisles.

Seeing the sunlight cutting through the water spray is fantastic, but you should stick around to see the fountain come alive with lights at night.

People watching the Fountains of Bellagio

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Check Out the Displays of the Neon Museum Las Vegas

Daytime view of the Neon Museum

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Formerly known as the “neon boneyard,” the Neon Museum Las Vegas is the former location of many of the Strip’s neon signs before being donated to the museum.

There are 120 signs in the “boneyard” outside the museum; the YESCO company produced most between the 1950s and the 1980s.

The evolution of sign technology and design has played a significant role in Las Vegas’s past, and you may explore them in detail on a guided tour.

Signages at the Neon Museum

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The Neon Museum Las Vegas’ visitor center was once the lobby of the nearby hotel La Concha relocated here to rescue it from destruction.

Go here if you want a break from the bars and casinos.

Lit-up signs at the Neon Museum

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Party and Have Fun at Las Vegas Strip

Night scene at the Las Vegas Strip

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The Las Vegas Strip is a four-mile-long hotspot for fun and games. It is where much of the action is for visitors to Las Vegas.

Formally known as Las Vegas Boulevard, it is lined with casinos and hotels that operate around the clock.

Just watching the tourists and locals go about their business is entertaining.

See some of the outrageous antics of post-club revelers or visitors dressed for the occasion.

Hard rock cafe at the Las Vegas Strip

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You could even be lucky enough to spot future brides and grooms in their wedding attire.

A parking spot might be hard to come by, so plan if you want to drive there.

It’s worth a shot to look for a place in the free parking lots at Shoppes at Mandalay Palace, Fashion Show Mall, and Shops at Crystals.

These malls can be reached on foot from hotels and other points of interest on the Las Vegas Strip.

Aerial view of the Las Vegas Strip

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Take as Many Photos as You Want at the Museum of Selfies

Anybody interested in modern art or taking selfies will find the Museum of Selfies on the LINQ Promenade to be their dream trip.

Learn about the intriguing evolution of self-portraiture while having fun taking photographs in unique interactive displays like the glittering Gold Bath and the whimsical Emoji Pool.

Have a blast around every corner at the Museum of Selfies!

Plunge into a deep ball pit, the upside-down chambers, the Infinity Room, and the Jacuzzi filled with gold coins.

Take your loved ones on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will leave them with a newfound respect for the selfie and a photo album full of your best self-portraits!

Check out the Seven Magic Mountains

Daytime view of the Seven Magic Mountains

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A work of art like Seven Magic Mountains is incomparable to anything else.

Stop briefly at one of the most frequented free things to do in Las Vegas to break up the long journey there.

Seven Magic Mountains is a desert sculpture park designed by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone and situated just south of the Las Vegas Strip.

People admiring the Seven Magic Mountains

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Boulders were stacked 30-35 feet high to make these vibrant dayglow totems.

You should consider the weather and pack accordingly, as it may become warm in the desert.

Likewise, there is also no restroom nearby.

Aerial view of the Seven Magic Mountains

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Revisit History at the Mob Museum

Exterior of the Mob Museum

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The Mob Museum is in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas and chronicles the rise and fall of American organized crime.

There were some of the most landmark cases in the history of organized crime here, including the infamous Kefauver hearings, which took place at the historic US Post Office and Courthouse built in 1933.

This 1933 Neoclassical structure has a unique past.

Exhibit in the Mob Museum

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It collects weapons, artifacts from law enforcement and crime leaders, court hearings videos, and a wall section from the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.

Retrace the steps of informants, federal investigators, and mobsters (complete with bullet holes and blood stains).

There’s also a gun range simulator built by the FBI and a wire-tapping booth where visitors may listen in on actual conversations from the past.

Interior of the Mob Museum

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Take the Venetian Resort Las Vegas Gondola Rides

People on the Venetian Resort Las Vegas Gondola

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The Venetian Resort Las Vegas Gondola Rides are a quintessential part of every trip to Las Vegas.

In-car sights include the Rialto Bridge and a miniature version of San Marco Square.

Waters of Venetian Resort Las Vegas

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The Venetian Resort Las Vegas Gondola Rides await customers on the pavement in front of the Venetian Hotel.

A friendly gondolier will greet and sing to you as you travel around the hotel’s retail arcade.

View of a Venetian Resort Las Vegas Gondola

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Catch a Stellar Performance at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace

Exterior of the Colosseum at Caesars Palace

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Even if you’re not staying at the hotel or in Las Vegas, you may still see one of the hundreds of world-class performances at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, which cost $100 million to build.

In terms of entertainment, it has everything one could want.

With acts spanning the gamut from dance and acrobatics to comedy and musicals and starring some of the biggest names in the business, there’s truly something for everyone.

Mariah Carey in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace

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The Colosseum at Caesars Palace has not only welcomed luminaries like Rod Stewart, Elton John, Adele, Cher, and the original resident Celine Dion.

It also regularly features a variety of family-friendly impromptu performances.

For those planning a journey here hoping to catch a concert, book ahead to ensure you get the best seats available.

Interior of the Colosseum at Caesars Palace

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Grab a Drink with Friends at Lost Spirits Distillery

Explore the creative and intoxicating world of Lost Spirits Distillery while sipping premium rums and brandies.

Playboy Magazine has called this distillery the “Willy Wonka of Liquor,” while WIRED Magazine tagged it as “Disneyland for Adults.”

You’ll find one of the world’s most renowned research and development rum distilleries here, where visitors can stock up on rare and award-winning rums.

Lost Spirits Distillery is a must-visit in Sin City.

More than enough beverages and a thrilling adventure for two hours come with the price of admission.

After a while, you’ll wonder if you’re awake, dreaming, or merely drunk.

Whether going with friends, a date, a business associate, or just by yourself, a trip to the theater is always a good time.

Admire the City from High Roller Las Vegas

Daytime view of High Roller Las Vegas

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The High Roller Las Vegas, with a height of 1,149 feet, is the world’s tallest observation wheel, topping even the London Eye and the Singapore Flyer.

Go into the glass capsule and slowly rotate up to 550 feet above the Strip.

If you arrange an open bar experience, you may drink before boarding and another while on board.

Round gondolas of High Roller Las Vegas

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You can also book a STEM family field trip guide at High Roller Las Vegas, who will teach you and your kids about the city’s innovative construction techniques.

Regardless of your transportation mode, you can take in breathtaking views of this stunning region.

People in High Roller Las Vegas

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Learn about Sea Creatures at Shark Reef Aquarium

Exterior of the Shark Reef Aquarium

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Are you looking for kid-friendly activities in Las Vegas?

About 2,000 creatures of every shape, size, color, and native provenance call this place home.

The Shark Reef Aquarium in Mandalay Bay is like a little zoo for kids and adults, with its underwater tunnels, touch tanks, interactive displays, and educational trainer presentations.

Aquarium tunnel in Shark Reef Aquarium

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More than one hundred species swim in the aquarium’s clear waters, including everything from giant rays and well-known sharks to endangered green sea turtles, nippy piranhas, colorful jellyfish, and some rare golden crocodiles.

Shark Reef Aquarium collaborates with wildlife scientists to rehabilitate marine and freshwater creatures at risk of extinction and to protect threatened species.

A shark in Shark Reef Aquarium

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Feel the Thrill at Vegas Indoor Skydiving

Exterior of Vegas Indoor Skydiving

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Vegas Indoor Skydiving is unlike anything else you’ll do.

Visitors can feel what it’s like to skydive without an aircraft or parachute.

Trained professionals guide you to a vertical wind tunnel where you don protective clothing and helmets.

Anyone may float smoothly through the air once the fan is activated.

You don’t need prior knowledge or skills; you may do it as a family or with friends, and you’ll be soaring quickly at Vegas Indoor Skydiving.

Satisfy Your Cravings at M&M’s World Las Vegas

Exterior of M&M's World Las Vegas

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Visit M&M’s World Las Vegas, a candy paradise with bright colors and delicious treats.

The structure is an Instagrammer’s dream, with fun and whimsical decor that will delight youngsters and adults alike.

Don’t miss out on the free 3D movies and limited-edition items.

Interior of M&M's World Las Vegas

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You may even make personalized M&Ms bearing a particular message.

If you want to take home a souvenir or two for your loved ones, you may choose from various treats, stuffed animals, and other trinkets.

M&M characters in M&M's World Las Vegas

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Take Photos with a Giant Coke at Coca-Cola Store

Exterior of the Coca-Cola Store

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Stop into the iconic Coca-Cola Store on The Strip to pick up some unique souvenirs.

You will instantly recognize it with its dazzling neon signs.

Even if you aren’t a souvenir shopper, learning about the origins of such a popular brand name is interesting.

Interior of the Coca-Cola Store

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Then, take pictures beside the giant glowing Coke bottle as night falls.

Trying one of Coca-16 Cola’s foreign drinks is a fun and affordable thing to do in Las Vegas.

Soda cans in the Coca-Cola Store

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Final Thoughts

Las Vegas is a multifaceted city that can accommodate visitors of all stripes, including those traveling in large groups, small cliques, or even on their own.

Use this guide to the best things to do in Las Vegas, Nevada, to have a memorable vacation!

Plan your trip today!

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