21 Great Things to Do in Las Vegas: The Ultimate Guide to Vegas Experiences
From world-class shows and top attractions to thrill rides and Grand Canyon adventures, here are the top things to do in Las Vegas for an unforgettable trip.
Las Vegas dazzles with attractions that extend far beyond its iconic casinos. Whether you’re drawn to the bright lights of the Strip, the sensational shows, the gourmet dining, or the natural wonders beyond the city limits, there’s no shortage of things to do in Las Vegas.
I recently spent four action-packed days exploring Las Vegas top attractions with my family. We watched the amazing U2 concert film at the Sphere, soared over the Grand Canyon on a helicopter ride, ziplined down the LINQ Promenade, and dined at some truly incredible restaurants. And since Las Vegas is famous for its jaw-dropping attractions, my son Luke couldn’t resist the ultimate adrenaline rush, and jumped off the tallest building in the city!
I have listed some of my top fun things to do in Vegas below, as well as restaurant recommendations and epic Vegas day trips that you shouldn’t miss, and you can search the top Las Vegas hotels here:
1. Take in a Show at the Sphere
The Sphere was one of our Las Vegas highlights. We were fortunate to be there when they were showing U2’s immersive concert film, and it was superb. At times it felt like we were watching them live, so I can only imagine what the concert must have been like! However, regardless of the show, the Sphere is simply a must do in Vegas.
It took 5 years and $2.3 billion to build the 366 feet high and 516 wide Sphere, which has the world’s most advanced audio system and the world’s largest hi-definition screen.
The wow factor starts as soon as you walk into the Atrium, when robots start talking to you. This sets the scene for the futuristic film that is shown daily, which is a sci-fi journey into our future. If there are no concerts during your stay, I suggest you book tickets to Postcard from Earth.
2. Catch the Bellagio Fountain Display & Visit the Botanical Garden
The Bellagio Fountain display is one of the top free things to do in Las Vegas, and if you are walking along the Strip, you can’t miss it.
Over a thousand fountains sway to music and light in front of the hotel. The display spans more than 1,000 feet with water soaring as high as 460 feet into the air. The display runs every 30 minutes during the day: from 12pm Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays, and from 3pm Monday to Friday. Every day from 8pm to midnight it runs every 15 minutes.
However, the Fountain Display isn’t the only thing to see at the Bellagio! Don’t miss the Conservatory and Botanical Garden inside the hotel. Each season, talented horticulture and engineering teams transform the 14,000-square-foot Botanical Gardens into a magical showcase with real plants – it is a stunning site to see!
3. Take your Picture at the Las Vegas Sign
No visit to Vegas would be complete without the obligatory photo at the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign! It is located at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South, close the Mandalay Bay Hotel.
Top Tip: There will probably be a queue to take pictures, but if you stand to the side, you can still get the photo, and avoid the queue!
4. Ride a Gondola
Who need’s Venice, when you can ride a gondola in Vegas instead! Even if you don’t want to ride a gondola you should make time to visit the stunning Venetian Hotel. As well as a recreation of St Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge, the authentic Italian architecture with shops and restaurants overlooking the canal is an extraordinary sight. The roof is painted with clouds and mimics daylight, by changing throughout the day depending on when you visit!
You can enjoy a 15 minute relaxing gondola ride indoors along the Grand Canal or outdoors along the resort’s lagoon. The cost is $39 per person in a shared gondola for up to four people, or you can book a private gondola, but you will pay $156 for the privilege.
Top Tip: Catch the Gondolier March twice a day at 9.45am and 4.20pm where gondoliers sing in unison as they march along the indoor canal.
5. Enjoy City Views from the Eiffel Tower
Like many hotels in Las Vegas, the Paris Hotel has a show-stopping attraction – a half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower. This hotel is not just an iconic fixture in the city, it has a viewing deck on the 46th floor where you can catch the best views of Las Vegas Strip.
You can visit by day, and enjoy brunch at Cheri Rooftop, but night time offers the best views of the city lights, plus the tower illuminates with a light show every 30 minutes from sunset till midnight.
6. Shoot Guns at Machine Gun Vegas!
If you want to see what its like to shoot a real machine gun, this is your chance! Machine Gun Vegas is the only Vegas experience where you get to fire weapons used by the world’s most elite forces, like the SEALS and Delta Force. With the help of an expert guide you can shoot a variety of guns in the best shooting range in Las Vegas.
7. Marvel at Cirque du Soleil
There are several Cirque du Soleil shows in Vegas. We saw “O” in the Bellagio, which not only has world-class acrobats, but show-stopping divers too – the name “O’ derives from L’eau, the French world for water. It was hard to believe we were watching the show inside a theatre, the stage production and massive swimming pool was mind-blowing.
8. Visit the Mob Museum
Learn about the history of organised crime, Prohibition, and its impact on Las Vegas and American society in this remarkable museum that is housed in the restored 1933 former courthouse, close to Fremont Street.
Pop into the Underground afterwards, a speakeasy and distillery that offers Prohibition-era cocktails located in the basement of the Mob Museum – this is surely one of the unique things to do in Vegas.
9. Shop till you drop at the Outlets
We always go to the outlets when we visit the US, it is hard to beat the value, and Las Vegas was no exception. We visited the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets which are just 15 minutes drive from the Las Vegas Strip.
These outlets are a member of the Simon Premium Outlets, the same owners as Woodbury Common in New York, and have all the top designer stores at discounted prices, such as Under Armour, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren etc.
Top Tip: Sign up to the FREE VIP membership online to get extra discounts when you shop.
10. Stroll down Fremont Street
Fremont Street is in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas and is where the Las Vegas entertainment district originated. While I didn’t particularly like the vibe there, it is worth a visit, if only to see the ever-changing LED display that covers five blocks, and is the world’s largest video screen.
At night time this area comes alive with dazzling light shows set to music, live music and street performers. The famous SlotZilla Zip Line is located here too – see more in section 16 below.
Best Restaurants in Las Vegas You Have to Try
From lavish celebrity-chef restaurants to classic comfort food, Las Vegas offers an incredible variety of cuisines from around the world. Whether you’re craving a high-end steak house, a modern Mexican, or gourmet vegan dishes, Vegas delivers with style. There are 48 different celebrity restaurants in Las Vegas. Gordon Ramsay has six restaurants here – all offering a different cuisine, and Nobu has three.
The city is also known for its extravagant buffets and themed dining experiences, making it a true culinary destination beyond the casino floors.
11. Splash out at a steak house
The Irish-owned Smith & Wollensky steakhouse had been on my bucket list for years, so I was thrilled to finally visit its Las Vegas location. Beautifully situated overlooking the canal at the Venetian Hotel, the location perfectly complements its renowned dining experience.
Since we were all in the mood for steak, our server suggested that each of us try a different cut – it was a fantastic way to experience the unique flavours of each. We also couldn’t leave without trying the Baked Alaska, which is an absolute must-have here.
Celebrity chef Bobby Flay’s Brasserie B Parisian Steakhouse is another standout restaurant we loved. The surf and turf was exceptional, and the Spicy Bay Scallops Sophie – named after Bobby’s daughter were divine! I couldn’t resist ordering the pork chop, especially after seeing him prepare it on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
12. Enjoy casual bites with live music
If you prefer more casual dining, with some live music thrown in, you won’t be left wanting. Ole Red has live country music all day with indoor and outdoor dining options. This is a popular American restaurant with a lively atmosphere and tasty food.
If you are missing some home-cooked food, (like we were after two weeks in the US), and like an authentic Irish bar, that serves good Guinness -yes really!, then check out Rí Rá Irish Pub in the Mandalay Bay Hotel. I can highly recommend the Shepherd’s Pie, and the live music will ensure a lively atmosphere.
13. Taste a Golden Goddess at Amaya Mexican
If you like Mexican food, then you can’t miss Amaya Mexican in the Cosmopolitan Hotel. It had me at the stylish decor, but I also loved the modern Mexican cuisine including fresh ceviche and tuna, as well as traditional tacos and fajitas. Don’t leave without trying the delicious golden goddess dessert – portion sizes are huge, so one is all we needed between four of us.
Thrilling things to do in Las Vegas in Kids
Las Vegas may be known for its vibrant nightlife, but it’s also packed with exciting, family-friendly activities that make it a fantastic destination for kids. From the High Roller Observation Wheel to AREA15, interactive museums to thrill rides, there are many family attractions in Las Vegas to suit children, and teenagers in particular.
14. Visit Area 15
AREA15 is a groundbreaking entertainment venue in Las Vegas that offers a dynamic mix of attractions including the immersive Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, along with virtual reality experiences, interactive art installations, and a range of themed bars and dining options.
The space also hosts an ever-changing lineup of live performances, festivals, and pop-up events, making every visit unique. With its bold, futuristic vibe AREA15 is a must-visit destination for those interested futuristic entertainment, and is one of the top things to do in Las Vegas with teenagers.
15. Ride the Big Apple Coaster
The New York Hotel’s star attraction was the first roller coaster in the world to have a 180-degree “heartline” twist. You ride at speeds of up to 67 mph and dive to a 203 foot drop. Riders must be 54” without footwear and pre booking is recommended.
16. Jump off the top of The Strat
The Sky Jump is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas for thrillseekers. Face your fears and jump off the tallest building in Vegas, which happens to be 20 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. SkyJump is an open-air leap from 829 feet above the Strip and holds a Guinness World Record as the highest commercial decelerator descent facility. My son Luke did this during our visit and reached speeds of 40 mph on the way down!
There is an Observation Deck here too as well as other thrill rides, which you can pay for separately. Currently only one is open – Big Shot. This catapults you 160 feet in the air at 45 miles per hour in a matter of seconds from the 921-foot-high platform up the tower’s mast – neither attractions are for the faint hearted!
17. Ride a Zipline
Las Vegas is blessed with two Zipline attractions, the most famous being SlotZilla, which is an 11-story zipline attraction which glides over Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas.
We tried Fly LINQ on Linq promenade, which is just a short stroll from the Las Vegas Strip. While this doesn’t provide the iconic images that SlotZilla does, I personally preferred this location, and it is ideally placed to combine with the High Roller which is located right beside it.
18. Take in Las Vegas Views from the High Roller
The High Roller is the largest observation wheel in the world and offers the best views of the Sphere, Las Vegas Strip and beyond, from 550 feet in the air. The enclosed pods (similar to the London Eye), and leisurely pace, make it a relaxing experience and one of the best things to do in Vegas with kids.
Best Tours and Day Trips from Las Vegas
Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or simply a change of pace, Las Vegas is ideally placed for epic day trips. A day trip to the Grand Canyon is probably the most popular choice, but if you are short on time, Red Rock Canyon, the Hoover Dam, and Valley of Fire State Park are all close by. For the ultimate day trip from Vegas, cross the state line into Utah and discover its stunning National Parks, just over 2 hours drive away.
19. Experience the Majesty of the Grand Canyon
Visiting the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas should be at the top of your list. Nothing can prepare you for the sheer size and depth of the Grand Canyon, it is mind-blowing to see this natural wonder.
The West Rim is the most accessible, it’s about a two-hour drive from Las Vegas, although most people tend to book an organised trip that includes a trip to the famous Skywalk – a glass walkway that extends out over the canyon, for a thrilling view straight down. This tour that I have linked is the most popular tour, and you can add on lunch and tickets to the Skywalk.
For the ultimate bucket list experience, I can highly recommend booking a helicopter over the Grand Canyon. We booked the Grand Celebration tour and loved every minute of it. We rode in the helicopter for about 35 minutes, passing by the Hoover Dam before landing inside the Canyon, where we had 30 minutes to take photographs and enjoy a picnic with a glass of champagne!
Return transfers to the helicopter from our hotel ( 30 minutes ) were also included and the total tour time is about 4 hours.
Top Tip: Pay extra to sit up the front, at least in one direction.
20. Visit nearby Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is located just 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, but will feel world’s apart. It is known for its towering red sandstone formations, rugged desert scenery, and diverse wildlife. Part of the Mojave Desert, the canyon offers a scenic 13-mile drive with multiple viewpoints, as well as a network of hiking and biking trails suitable for all skill levels.
21. Take a Tour of the Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is about an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, and can be easily reached by car or excursion from your hotel. Located on the border between Nevada and Arizona, this monumental feat of engineering was completed during the Great Depression and remains one of the most iconic dams in the United States.
Visitors can take guided tours inside the dam, which also offers panoramic views of the Colorado River and Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the country.
Bonus Suggestion: Explore Zion National Park & Bryce Canyon
If you were following me on Instagram you will have seen how much I loved exploring Utah. We combined our stay in Las Vegas with an epic Utah road trip, Two of my favourite places we visited are Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, which are just over two hours drive from Las Vegas.
This top-rated full-day tour visits both parks, with park fees, a light lunch and pick up from selected hotels in Las Vegas included.
6 Tips for Visiting Las Vegas
1. Bring cash
We rarely carry cash on holidays but I found we needed it in Las Vegas, especially for taxis. ATMs are everywhere but they charge hefty fees to take money out, especially in casinos. Taxis charge $3 if you tap or use a card, so it is important to have small notes too – as they never have exact change!
2. Plan activities that are close together
Las Vegas hotels are HUGE! It can take 15 minutes to get from your hotel to the hotel next door. You may have to walk across a sky bridge, and it will take time to find the restaurant or attraction that you think is just a few minutes away. Try to plan activities together in the same area, i.e the High Roller with the LINQ Zipline, or the Las Vegas Sign with a visit to Mandalay Bay.
If you have restaurants or shows booked they are probably in one of the hotels you want to visit, so get there early and explore the hotel, it will saving you going back a second time.
3. Book restaurants and top attractions in advance
There is no shortage of amazing restaurants or top-class shows in Las Vegas, but it is wise to book as many as possible in advance, and allow plenty of time between dinner reservations and shows.
4. Bring a reusable water bottle!
Coke is cheaper than water in Vegas! It is rare to find a bottle of water less than $4, in fact we were charged $8 on one occasion. With hot temperatures you will need water regularly. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up in your hotel before you leave.
5. Casino Tips
Casino tables usually set higher minimum bets at weekends or peak hours, so if you are in Vegas for four or five nights and are new to casinos, it might be wise to choose week days to try it. Some of the cheap Vegas hotels such as the Excalibur, Circus Circus and the Strat will have lower minimum bets than tables at some of the high-end luxury hotels.
Complimentary drinks are usually given if you are actively gambling, you just have to order from one of the servers. We received complimentary drinks for both of us, even though only one was gambling – but this may not always happen.
6. Go beyond the city
Vegas is renowned for being the entertainment capital of the world, and for good reason, but take time to explore the stunning scenery that surrounds it. From nearby Red Rock Canyon to the awesome Grand Canyon or Zion National Park, there are so many epic things to do near Las Vegas. It would be a shame not to visit at least one of them during your time there.
How to get to Las Vegas
Now that you know what to do in Las Vegas, isn’t it about time you booked that trip?
There are many flights to Las Vegas, but if you want to fly direct, Aer Lingus offer a seasonal service from Dublin to Las Vegas from October – April. Alternatively you can fly via another US airport at any time of year. Taxis have a flat rate from the airport to the Las Vegas Strip of approximately $25.
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, attractions are subject to change. A special thanks to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for organising some of experiences listed above. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
