Las Vegas: 10 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit

Las Vegas isn’t just about casinos and neon lights—it’s a playground of world-class entertainment, jaw-dropping attractions, and hidden gems waiting to be explored. As someone who has experienced the thrill of the Las Vegas Strip, the luxury of five-star resorts, and the excitement of off-the-beaten-path adventures, I can confidently say this city offers something for every traveler.

Whether you're here to see a legendary Cirque du Soleil show, dine at a Michelin-star restaurant, or test your luck in a high-stakes casino, Vegas never disappoints. But beyond the Strip, you’ll find breathtaking natural wonders like Red Rock Canyon, thrilling outdoor adventures at the Hoover Dam, and vibrant local culture in Downtown Las Vegas.

For those seeking the best nightlife, the city boasts world-renowned clubs, rooftop bars, and exclusive VIP experiences. If you're more into history and art, the Neon Museum and Mob Museum offer fascinating glimpses into the city’s past. Families can enjoy immersive attractions like the Shark Reef Aquarium, while thrill-seekers can ride the heart-pounding SlotZilla Zipline.

From iconic best Las Vegas hotels to unforgettable experiences, this guide covers the best things to do in Las Vegas—whether it’s your first visit or your tenth. Let’s dive into the ultimate list of must-see spots and hidden gems.

What to see in Las Vegas: 10 Top Places

There are endless things to do in Las Vegas, so don't make the mistake of thinking that the only thing you come here for is to gamble in the casinos and be amazed by the shows in the hotels.

Wondering what a town like this is doing in the middle of the desert? We did too, so we did some research and found out about its short but very interesting history: it was founded in 1905 , as a simple railroad town in the middle of the Nevada desert . For decades, it was just a dusty place with little appeal. But in 1931 , everything changed: the construction of the Hoover Dam brought workers and, along with them, legal gambling ! This lit the spark that would transform Las Vegas into an entertainment paradise.

In the 1940s , casinos began to flourish, many funded by mob money . Icons like Bugsy Siegel opened iconic venues like the Flamingo , ushering in a golden age of glamour, spectacle, and gambling .

In the decades that followed , major corporations bought up the casinos and resorts, ushering Las Vegas into a new era of mass, diversified, and more family-oriented entertainment. Today, Las Vegas is home to world-renowned shows, replicas of famous landmarks, and an unstoppable energy. Weddings, neon lights, multimillion-dollar bets, and entertainment of all kinds: the city proved that in the desert, anything is possible.

what to do in las vegas

1. The Strip, the great avenue of Las Vegas

Get a first impression of the city by strolling down its most legendary street, “ The Strip ”, which with its 7 km full of dazzling lights, the craziest and most extravagant hotel-casinos in the world, always has a great atmosphere.

During the day it is quieter and if you travel in June, like us, VERY hot. At night it is ~~quite~~ VERY crazy. You know: what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

Where to Stay on the Las Vegas Strip – Your Ultimate Hotel Guide

2. Route of the best casinos in Las Vegas

A visit to Las Vegas is not complete without visiting at least one of the most spectacular casinos in the world. Which ones should you see? The offer is wide, but we believe that these are the best:

– Bellagio

Famous for its spectacular dancing fountains , the Bellagio is synonymous with luxury . Inspired by Bellagio, an Italian village on the shores of Lake Como , this casino is home to one of the most exclusive poker rooms in Las Vegas and the Bellagio Art Gallery, which showcases world-class works of art.

For us, the most recommended thing to do here is to attend the light and sound show at the fountain . According to reports, it covers an area of over 32,000 square meters and has more than 1,000 jets capable of projecting jets of water at different heights, some reaching 140 meters. It is truly impressive.

– Caesars Palace

A Las Vegas classic, this casino takes you on a journey to Ancient Rome , with columns, statues, and an imperial atmosphere. It is known for its Colosseum , a theater where world-renowned artists perform. It also offers a top-notch sports betting area.

– The Venetian

This resort recreates the magic of Venice with canals, gondolas and stunning Italian architecture. Its casino is huge and sophisticated, and the hotel has luxury suites. It is also famous for its Grand Canal Shoppes shopping mall , ideal for shopping lovers and curious places: its sky changes depending on the time of day 🙂

– MGM Grand

One of the largest casinos in the world , this resort is synonymous with entertainment . It is known for its impressive shows, such as Cirque du Soleil 's KÀ show , and for its lively gaming area, which includes a huge variety of slot machines and gaming tables. It is also home to MGM Arena , the scene of legendary boxing matches (with boxers such as Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather) and great concerts (from Beyoncé to Lady Gaga).

– Wynn Las Vegas

A symbol of elegance , the Wynn stands out for its impeccable design , lush gardens and a water and light show. Its casino offers a luxury experience, with gaming tables and exclusive VIP areas, as well as its own golf course .

– Luxor

The Luxor is another of Las Vegas' most iconic casinos, known for its distinctive pyramid shape that makes it stand out on the city's skyline. This resort, which opened in 1993 , is inspired by ancient Egypt , with a large glass pyramid at its center and a pharaoh statue at the entrance.

– Excalibur

With its medieval castle design , the Excalibur is a themed casino ideal for those looking for a fun, family-friendly experience. Its colorful towers and fairy-tale style are unmistakable on the Strip. Inside, you'll find a wide variety of games, shows like knight tournaments , and entertainment options for the whole family.

– Paris Las Vegas

This resort is a little piece of France in the middle of the desert. Its half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower and cobblestone streets make you feel like you're walking through Paris. The casino has a chic atmosphere , an excellent selection of gaming tables and restaurants with spectacular views.

– New York-New York

This themed casino recreates the iconic New York skyline, including replicas of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge . Inside, the details of its streets and buildings transport you directly to the Big Apple . In addition to the casino area, it has an impressive roller coaster that runs through the complex.

las vegas casinos

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3. Ride the High Roller

Another thing to see and do in Las Vegas is to ride the High Roller , which was the tallest panoramic Ferris wheel in the world (the tallest right now is the Dubai Eye ).

Standing at an impressive height of approximately 167 metres , the High Roller offers visitors the chance to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Las Vegas from the spacious, dizzying cabins. The ride takes about 30 minutes and our tips are: book your skip-the-line tickets here and do it at sunset.

what to do in las vegas high roller

4. “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign

Take a selfie with the “ Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas ” sign , a symbol of welcome for visitors arriving in the city as it has appeared in countless movies.

The design is simple yet iconic: a neon structure with the phrase “ Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas ” written in large, bold letters, with stars and flashing lights around it. It stands at the southern end of Las Vegas Boulevard.

Welcome to Las Vegas sign

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5. Downtown and Freemont Experience

In contrast to the famous Strip, Downtown is where the history of Las Vegas began. If we go back to the 1900s , the Fremont Street area was the epicenter of Las Vegas. It is here that the first casinos, hotels and nightclubs were built, including the Golden Gate Hotel , which is still in operation today.

In March 1931, the legalization of gambling in Nevada transformed the city and attracted investors and entrepreneurs looking to take advantage of the opportunities. The first mega-hotels and casinos, such as the El Cortez Hotel , were built in this area, marking the beginning of the entertainment and gambling industry in Las Vegas. Curious, right?

Here's a look at Freemont Street, best seen at night. Don't miss the show: " Freemont Experience ". It basically consists of a light and music show that takes place under a canopy of high-resolution LED lights that covers almost the entire street. This light display extends over several blocks and projects impressive visual and musical spectacles on visitors walking below.

⭐ Tip : A good idea is to take a night tour that will take you to discover the best of Las Vegas at night , when the city shows its best side.

Freemont Experience

6. Shows and performances in Las Vegas

Ready to discover the magic of Las Vegas beyond its casinos? Sin City is also the world capital of shows, so let's see which are the best shows:

O by Cirque du Soleil : This aquatic show at the Bellagio is a unique visual experience, with acrobatics performed in a gigantic pool, combining dance, theatre and amazing effects.
Vegas, The Show : At Sahara Hotel & Casino , Vegas, The Show celebrates the glamour and music of the city's golden days with a musical journey through jazz, pop and Las Vegas glamour.
Mystère by Cirque du Soleil : Performed at Treasure Island , Mystère combines acrobatics, dance and comedy, making it one of Cirque du Soleil 's longest-running and most popular shows, full of energy and color.
Awakening : At the Wynn Las Vegas , 'Awakening' fuses magic, dance and advanced technology to create a surreal spectacle that takes viewers on a fantasy journey.
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil : With its massive moving stage, KÀ at the MGM Grand combines martial arts, acrobatics and special effects in an epic production that tells the story of two twins in search of adventure.
Blue Man Group : At the Luxor , this interactive show combines music, visual art and comedy to offer a unique experience, with spectators actively participating.
The Mentalist : At the V Theater , Gerry McCambridge presents a magic and telepathy show, mesmerizing audiences with mind-reading tricks.
Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil : is a tribute show that pays tribute to Michael Jackson 's music with dance, acrobatics and visual effects, celebrating his legacy in a spectacular way.

Extra : If you have the chance to see a concert at The Sphere , don't hesitate! With a capacity of almost 18,000 people, The Sphere's stage is characterized by its gigantic 360° screen and a state-of-the-art sound system , creating a completely immersive atmosphere for the audience. Renowned artists, such as U2, have already begun to use this space, offering shows that are not just concerts, but a unique sensory experience .

⭐ Here we give you more information about the best shows in Las Vegas (paid and free)

The Sphere

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7. Wedding in Las Vegas

One of the best things to do in Las Vegas is to get married! Seriously, Las Vegas is world famous for its fun weddings where the typical priest here is an Elvis lookalike XD If you are thinking about taking the “big” step here is some info on how to get married (and the price!).

Wedding in Las Vegas

8. Stratosphere Tower, one of the best things to do in Las Vegas

At approximately 350m tall, the Stratosphere Tower offers spectacular panoramic views of Las Vegas and the surrounding desert.

And the surprises don't end here: in addition to being an observation platform, it houses several attractions such as SkyJump , a controlled free-fall experience from the top of the tower, and "Big Shot", an attraction that launches visitors into the sky at high speed. People with vertigo should avoid this, hehe.

⭐ Book your ticket to the Stratosphere Tower in advance to avoid queues.

stratosphere tower

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9. Stay in a hotel-casino, a great experience to do in Las Vegas

We looked at a few and finally decided on The Linq , much more modern than most of the other casinos and cheaper. It has a pool, an unbeatable location and they give you a breakfast voucher… well, a real success! (We found a great offer since it is usually very cheap during the week, but the weekend is quite expensive, but it is still the most convenient).

LINQ Hotel Casino

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10. Neon Museum, original plan in Las Vegas

On Route 66 we fell in love with the neon lights of the roads and establishments of the United States, and in Las Vegas there is a museum dedicated to them: the Neon Museum .

It is a curious place to see in Las Vegas, as it preserves the rich history of neon lights and emblematic signs , which were rescued from hotels, casinos and businesses that were once part of the city's luminous skyline .

Neon Museum

Extra: excursion to the Grand Canyon

And, of course, take a day to visit the Grand Canyon , one of the most amazing places in the world. If you don't have a car and don't plan on renting one, you can sign up for a guided tour in Spanish . And why not fly over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter ?

⭐ Other excursions from Las Vegas are:

Take a trip to the Hoover Dam , it's an easy drive and well worth the trip.
If you are going to be in Las Vegas for several days, a good excursion, not very well known, is the Valley of Fire .
Another perfect excursion to spend a few hours is to visit Red Rock Canyon, just 20 minutes away. More info .
And of course, to Death Valley , one of the most famous National Parks in the United States (and the hottest, without a doubt).

Grand Canyon United States

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More things to do in Las Vegas

Have you already done the essentials of Las Vegas? Do you have time to continue enjoying the city? Then take note of these other plans:

Go nuts with a Cirque du Soleil show . There are also many different ones every day: you can choose between KÀ , LOVE , Michael Jackson ONE , O (water show) for example 🙂
It may sound strange and absurd, but the eruption of the volcano at The Mirage is one of the most striking and popular attractions in Las Vegas. It is essentially an open-air dramatization of a volcanic eruption with special effects, music and burning flames that illuminate the facade of the hotel.
There are plenty of shopping opportunities in Las Vegas, but if you want to find real bargains, head to the Las Vegas North Premium Outlet or the Fashion Show. The casino stores are very expensive, though, and as one man told his friend while looking at a $40,000 statue, “ still cheaper than my divorce .”
One of the most peculiar places in Las Vegas is a restaurant with the unfriendly name Heart Attack. Here, if you manage to finish their 9,000-calorie burger without suffering consequences (luckily for your heart, there are less risky options), you eat for free.
Did you know that there is a “ Las Vegasian ” version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame ? The stars are spread out along Las Vegas Boulevard, between Sahara Avenue and Russell Boulevard. You won’t see them all, because some have been removed in recent years.
Look for a clock inside a casino . Spoiler alert: you won't find it. They'll do everything to make you lose track of time, and they succeed. We also have a hypothesis: they put caffeine in the air to keep people from wanting to go to sleep.
Another great idea is to see the city from above … really high up! We suggest you take a helicopter ride : do you dare?
Looking for something unique and different to do in Las Vegas? The MOB (National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement) is a museum filled with interactive and educational exhibits about the history of organized crime in the United States. Here you'll learn more about legendary figures of organized crime, understand how criminal organizations operated, and explore law enforcement efforts to combat this phenomenon throughout the country's history.

Hoover Dam United States

Here we have left you a few ideas of things to see and do in Las Vegas , but we are sure there are many more plans.

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