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There are so many fun things to do in Las Vegas so we're here to help you find the best things to do from the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign on the Strip to Fremont Street Experience. Whether it's a bachelorette party on the High Roller, a weekend birthday bash, day trip to the Grand Canyon, or where to shop inside the Forum Shops at Caesars, we got you covered. If you're already in Vegas searching for "attractions and activities near me", here you go! 

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Things to do faqs.

I’m on a budget. What are some free things do in Las Vegas?

There are plenty of free things to do in Las Vegas, like the Fountains of Bellagio at the Bellagio Hotel, Lake of Dreams at Wynn Las Vegas on the Strip or the Atlantis Show at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Discover great selfie spots along Las Vegas Boulevard including Las Vegas' own Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas, The Park Las Vegas outside of the New York New York Hotel or the Venice canals and gondolas inside the Venetian Las Vegas. In Downtown Las Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience and Downtown Container Park are also free activities worth visting. For more inspiration, check out our guide to  free things to do in Las Vegas .

What are some kid-friendly things to do in Las Vegas? 

Las Vegas has many great activities for kids on a Vegas Vacation, such as the roller coasters at the Adventuredome at Circus Circus Las Vegas; Mandalay Bay Beach, Shark Reef Aquarium, High Roller Observation Wheel, a gondola ride at Venetian Las Vegas, the Container Park in Downtown Las Vegas, Hershey’s Chocolate World or the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York Hotel & Casino; swimming at unique pools like The Tank at Golden Nugget; catching a show and so much more. Many hotels are great for families including Mandalay Bay Resort, MGM Grand, Treasure Island, and Park MGM. There are also fun outdoor activities for the whole family like Red Rock Canyon National Conservation, Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Discover our guide to kid-friendly activities in Las Vegas for more information.

I just checked into my Vegas hotel! What are some fun things to do near me?

There are many fun things to do for Las Vegas visitors. So, whether you enjoy live entertainment and music, world-class sports, five-star dining, pool parties, mesmerizing shows, incredible sights, or attractions, there’s something for everyone. Read the 9 things to do while you’re in Las Vegas.

I’m a thrill-seeker. What adrenaline-pumping activities can I find in Vegas?

Las Vegas has you covered with an assortment of unique, thrilling activities! Free-fall from 100 stories above ground on SkyJump at The STRAT, Hotel, Casino & SkyPod; race exotic cars at SPEEDVEGAS; operate heavy machinery to complete various tasks at Dig This; or fly through the sky on SlotZilla at Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas. We’ve got you covered. Browse all the adrenaline-pumping thrills in Las Vegas .

What are experiences I absolutely cannot miss while in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is a unique, one-of-a-kind destination, brimming with Only Vegas experiences. A few popular options include the High Roller at The LINQ Promenade with its breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip; the Neon Museum in Downtown Las Vegas, a ride on a gondola at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and feel as though you’re in Venice; see a live performance from a world-famous headliner; or become mesmerized by one of the many world-class production shows. And don’t forget to try the most incredible dining that you’ll only find in Las Vegas. Additional inspiration and ideas can be found here .

I love exploring nature. What outdoor activities can I enjoy near Las Vegas? 

When you're ready to get away from the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip you can enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking or off-road desert adventures, Las Vegas’ surrounding areas have something that will delight every nature lover. Popular sites include Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon,- the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River and there are also half day tours available to visit Zion National Park, Grand Canyon's West Rim, or Death Valley National Park located in the sweeping Mojave Desert. All of this is easily accessible from Las Vegas.

I’m a foodie. What culinary experiences should I try in Vegas? 

Las Vegas is home to some of the most incredible award-winning culinary experiences and celebrity-chef restaurants. The Bedford by Martha Stewart at Paris Las Vegas brings together an immersive experience and locally sourced ingredients to round out a menu of Martha’s most celebrated dishes. Retro by Voltaggio at Mandalay Bay is a new dining experience in Las Vegas inspired by the 80s, 90s and now. From classic French cuisine, Italian, Japanese and Dim Sum, Vegas is the perfect city for foodies. Explore our recommended 10 must-visit restaurants . 

What unique shows can I catch while in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas, also known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, is a revolving door to some of the greatest headliner names in the music industry, whether on stage for a residency or a one-night only show. Check out the likes of music icons Adele, Bruno Mars, Carrie Underwood, and Usher. On top of that, you can see world-class Las Vegas production shows like Michael Jackson ONE from Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, magic and comedy shows, and other live shows !

I will be heading to Las Vegas soon. What are some things to do this weekend?

There’s always something fun to do in Las Vegas! Up and down Las Vegas Boulevard, there’s a headliner or sporting event worth attending. Throughout the year you can catch free concerts on Fremont Street. What’s more, Vegas is home to luxury shopping, celebrity chef restaurants, unique attractions, Las Vegas spas and production shows like Cirque du Soleil, and so much more. Every weekend here is like a Las Vegas holiday so check out things to do this weekend while you're visiting Vegas.

I’m traveling solo to Las Vegas. What activities would you recommend for me?

As a solo traveler, you can always enjoy Las Vegas to its fullest. Take a bus tour and discover the Strip; visit popular attractions in Las Vegas such as the Fountains of Bellagio at Bellagio; shop at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace; see a headliner show; hike the picturesque trails of Red Rock Canyon, lay out by the pool at Mandalay Beach at Mandalay Bay, get pampered at the Waldorf Astoria spa; and more. Or you can always hit the casino floor to check out the table games and slot machines. Get inspired with our three-day weekend itinerary here .

What are some fun activities to do with a group of friends in Vegas?

Having fun with friends has never been easier than in Las Vegas. Enjoy some friendly competition at Topgolf Las Vegas at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino; visit Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart at AREA15; explore Las Vegas history at the Neon Museum; enjoy the outdoors with a half day trip to Hoover Dam or Lake Mead, catch a hockey game with the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena, dine at the X Pot at the Grand Canal Shoppes, be amazed at Mystère by Cirque du Soleil at Treasure Island; or go dancing at one of the many nightclubs on the Strip.

I want to pamper myself. What relaxing activities can I do in Vegas?

With its many incredible spas to choose from, Las Vegas is the ultimate destination to rest and relax. Treat yourself to a gemstone-infused facial at the Bellagio Spa & Salon; relax with a stone massage with aromatherapy at Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace; and have a 30-minute, themed sauna experience at Awana Spa & Wellness at Resorts World Las Vegas. Discover these Las Vegas spas .

I’ve never been to Las Vegas before. What are the must-do activities for first-time visitors?

With its numerous attractions and activities, first-time visitors will have a blast in Las Vegas! Visit landmarks including the iconic Las Vegas Sign; "swim with the sharks" at The Tank Pool at Golden Nugget Casino, get the best views of Las Vegas on the High Roller Observation Wheel, catch a residency show such as Adele or Usher at Park MGM; a Pink Jeep tour out to the Grand Canyon, explore AREA15, the world’s first experiential art and entertainment complex; or dine at gourmet restaurants. These are just a few must-dos. Explore our first-timers’ guide .

What are some of the new things to do in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is always bringing new entertainment, sports, dining, nightlife and other fun activities for all to enjoy. Some of the exciting new things to check include the MSG Sphere, Salt & Straw at UnCommons, Laguna Pool House & Kitchen at Palms Casino Resort, Paradox Museum, Electric Vinyl at Fremont Street Experience and the return of the reimagined show Awakening at Wynn Las Vegas. Read about more new things to do in the latest arrivals .

What are the top things to do on the Las Vegas Strip?

The Las Vegas Strip is home to world-famous restaurants headed up by celebrity chefs; world-class production shows drawing crowds from around the world; luxury shopping; Grand Canyon tours, mesmerizing attractions like the High Roller at The LINQ Promenade; world-famous resorts and casinos; headliner performances by artists, comedians and magicians; and more. Browse our guide to a night on the Las Vegas Strip .

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A first-timer's guide to Las Vegas

Feb 8, 2024 • 9 min read

First time going to Vegas? Don't miss these helpful tips © Johnny Greig / Getty Images

If there is any destination where its reputation precedes itself, it is probably the raucous one of fabulous Las Vegas , Nevada.

You likely already have an image in your head shaped by years of pop culture: flashing neon lights, dice rolling across a craps table, singing slot machines and the “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” ad campaign from the early 2000s. 

But what I love about Las Vegas is that it constantly reinvents itself, meaning your experience will be unique to that moment in time, your interests and the people you’re traveling with. Yes, it is Sin City, boasting gambling and strip clubs, but it is also more than that, catering to a ton of different sins too. 

Is yours gluttony? Because there are plenty of high-end restaurants and epic buffets serving up memorable meals. Is it greed? Beyond gambling, there is tons of great shopping. Is it sloth? There is no shortage of amazing spas and pools to visit once you have grown tired of the clattering noise of the casino. 

You can still find poker high rollers, Elvis impersonators and drive-thru wedding chapels, but the Vegas of today also hosts megastar residencies like Adele and U2 in spectacular, intimate theaters. It also stays at the edge of technology with novelties like robot room service, champagne vending machines and robo puppies. 

Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your first visit.

When to go to Las Vegas

In most destinations you’re probably trying to avoid the crowds, but you just may want to schedule your Vegas trip to coincide with popular days when the city is buzzing with excitement. Any sporting event (Super Bowl weekend, NCAA college basketball tournament, NBA finals) will see droves of visitors, and federal holidays (Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day) will attract travelers from across the country looking for a fun four-day weekend.  You’ll see soaring prices for accommodations, but that may be worth it if you want to be in Vegas when the city is electric.

Another busy time to flag: the Consumer Electronics Show brings people from around the world, with the airport often adding international flights to accommodate the passenger traffic. 

Still, there’s no bad time to visit this dynamic city, and if you want to shoot for a period with fewer crowds, you will be rewarded. There's still a party nearly every day of the week, all times of the day. If you head to Vegas mid-week in the summer months, the excruciating summer desert sun (upwards of 104 ° F/40 ° C) will drive down resort prices, but you’ll still be able to keep cool with air conditioning everywhere (you’ll likely need a sweater inside) and enjoy the day club/pool party season.

How long do I need in Vegas?

I have visited Vegas too many times to count over the last two decades, and as much as I adore this saucy city, I cannot remember a single time when I was not really ready to go home on day four. There is no quieter flight than the return flight home from Vegas. Build in a day for rest after – trust me. 

Getting around Las Vegas

The main thing to remember about getting around is that objects are farther away than they appear. The casino resorts are huge, and that makes distance really hard to judge visually. A resort that may look just three doors down may actually be more than a mile (1.6 km) away, so keep that in mind when you decide to walk between destinations. 

Still, there are a variety of options for travel between resorts other than on foot. Some resorts offer trams and shuttle services to get you between their properties. Uber and Lyft are common – but beware most resorts have designated pick-up and drop-off points. Read more about transportation around Vegas.  

Where to stay

Keeping in mind what I said about distances, you may want to stay close to where most of your plans are taking you, especially if you’re attending a big event and don’t want to fight for an Uber after. Vegas caters to a lot of conventions and large events, so there is a variety of hotels and amenities available. 

You'll always find a new resort in Vegas and this year the newest on the block is Fontainebleau , which recently opened its doors with a concert featuring Justin Timberlake. 

I personally love a location in the middle of the Strip near the Cosmopolitan and Aria as well as the iconic Caesars Palace . For those seeking an Oceans Eleven-themed trip, the Bellagio recently refreshed its fountain view rooms. (Pro tip: Turn on your room TV to the dedicated fountain channel so you hear the music while you watch the show from your window.) 

On the other end of the Strip, Resorts World has several hotels (Hilton, Conrad and Crockfords) in one. This is a new, sleek resort but you can often find great deals to stay here. At some there is a “boutique hotel” within the larger property that provides a more elevated experience. 

For a quieter visit, look for what’s called a “non-gaming” hotel. These hotels don’t have a casino on the property and tend to be a bit more tranquil – by Vegas standards. The Waldorf Astoria , Four Seasons and Vdara all fall in this category, and Marriott and Hilton both have some non-gaming properties just off the strip. 

When booking your stay, heads up: the price you see is not the price you pay. Nearly every resort charges what they call a “resort fee'' which ranges from USD$35–50 a night plus tax. So it's not uncommon for that $30/night bargain to be more like $100/night when the bill is settled. Make sure to check the resort fee on the hotel website and do the math before you book.

Top things to do in Vegas

It’s worth walking through different resorts to see all their unique personalities, from replicating Paris and Venice, to wowing audiences with fountains and conservatories of fresh blooms. Part of the Vegas experience is to appreciate the eclectic decor and themes, often a reflection of Vegas’ personality in the year they were built. Get your 10K steps while walking the Strip the Lonely Planet way. 

At night, grab a ticket to a show. The ticket price may seem expensive, but you’re usually seeing the artist in a more intimate venue than you would elsewhere, and since the production doesn't move daily like on a tour, you'll experience a pretty spectacular performance. Having a hard time deciding which show is right for you? Let us help you choose. 

If you need a break from the buzz of the Strip, don’t forget Vegas has a lot of great outdoor activities too. Red Rock Canyon Recreation Area and the newly opened Ice Age Fossils State Park are great places to get outside.

Don’t forget to check out Fremont Street as well. Along with giving you the feel of classic Rat Pack Vegas, this part of the city is in the middle of a renaissance with hot restaurants with less expensive prices than the Strip and new hotels like the Circa , which boasts Stadium Swim, a huge rooftop pool with a 40ft HD-screen TV. 

If the Vegas Golden Knights are playing, snag a ticket to experience hockey as only Vegas can do it. It’s almost like attending a show where a hockey game breaks out. The successful franchise is beloved by locals, so go early for a drink in the nearby Park MGM complex and enjoy the city’s spirited support of its team. 

My favorite thing to do in Las Vegas

I rarely gamble when I’m in Vegas these days. When I go, I’m there for the chance to experience its spectacular entertainment options and its ever-changing culinary scene, which draws chefs from around the world. 

Some restaurants, like supper clubs The Mayfair and Delilah , offer those two experiences together. 

There’s always a new restaurant to try here, so by all means, look up what the hot new thing is. But the one restaurant I cannot resist coming back to over and over is Roy Choi’s Best Friend . Based on the chef’s beloved LA food truck, you’ll walk through a faux bodega to get to the dining room where a DJ is spinning while you share Korean BBQ with your friends. Make a reservation in advance – this place books up. (A side note: Roy Choi and actor/director Jon Favreau just teamed up to bring a real-life version of the food truck from the 2014 movie Chef into the Park MGM!)

I’m also a big fan of checking out restaurants off the strip, like Esther’s Kitchen and Carson's Kitchen in Downtown Las Vegas . The Neon Museum , a bit north of there, is also a great off-the-beaten-path thing to do that allows you to experience Vegas’ sparkle of previous decades. 

Finally, for a splash of nostalgia, I love to take friends for a cocktail at the Peppermill ; with its sunken living room-esque booths and moody neon lighting, this place feels like a time warp into 1970s Las Vegas. It’s a vibe. 

Average costs in Las Vegas

Let me set some expectations: long gone are the days of the dollar buffet and the cheap Vegas stay. You’ll still find some bargains here and there – but expect a mid-range (to expensive) weekend depending on the sins you choose to indulge in.

Tipping in the US is the norm, and in Las Vegas you may see a service charge already included in a bill. Still, there are some instances, like for large parties, where the service charge may not be included so always double check. 

Even with service fees, there are still some instances where tipping is expected: when the door attendant brings your bags to the room, when a staff member has gone above and beyond (like snagging you a last-minute reservation), or when servers provide bottle service at the club. Also, when you’re gambling, drinks are often free but you’re expected to tip the waiting staff at some point. (Expect your drink to take some time to be delivered, as they hope you spend a little more money gambling.) 

• Mid-range hotel off-peak, midweek summer: $60–100
• Mid-range hotel on peak weekend: $200+ 
• Daily resort fees: $30–50
• Service fee: 20%  
• Bottle service at a club: $1000–1200 (plus tax and tip)
• Monorail day pass: $13.45 online
• Sandwich: $12–20
• Dinner for two: $100–200 (or more)
• Beer/pint at the bar: $6–10
• Cocktail: $15–20

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