Las Vegas is a city of excitement and entertainment. If you are looking for fun, Las Vegas should be at the top of your list! There are endless things to see and do in this vibrant city, from gambling at the casinos to watching amazing shows. In this blog post, we will take a look at 18 of the best things to see and do in Las Vegas. Whether you are looking for family-friendly activities or things that will get your heart racing, you will find something on this list that appeals to you!

I lived in Calgary, Canada when I decided Vegas was a must-see before I returned eventually to Australia, I spent an amazing 5 days exploring Las Vegas including a trip to the Grand Canyon with a flight over Hoover Dam. I spent one night at the Excalibur Hotel followed by 4 nights at the MGM Grand hotel. After my trip to Vegas, I flew to San Francisco for 3 days and enjoyed the sights.

Language English

The currency US Dollar

Where to stay in Las Vegas 

There are many different hotels to choose from in Las Vegas, and the best one for you will depend on your budget and preferences. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel with all the bells and whistles, the Bellagio or Wynn Las Vegas are great options. However, if you are working with a tight budget, there are plenty of affordable hotels, such as Flamingo or Circus Circus and so many more.

No matter what your budget is, you will be able to find a hotel that meets your needs in Las Vegas. Just be sure to do your research ahead of time so you know what to expect.

 I stayed at the Excalibur hotel, I got it extremely cheap around $60 per night, an absolute bargain, and a prime location on the strip, I then spent 4 nights at the MGM Grand, again on the strip, MGM was more expensive but worth every penny luxury but somewhat affordable. Staying downtown has many affordable options too.

Some Hotels that you may want to look at for your stay in Vegas may have more budget-friendly options, keep in mind these are all on the strip, there are so many other options and cheaper if you look downtown.

• Excalibur Hotel and Casino
• Flamingo Las Vegas – Hotel & Casino
• Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
• The Mirage Hotel & Casino
• New York-New York Hotel & Casino
• Treasure Island Hotel & Casino
• Tropicana Las Vegas
• MGM Grand Las Vegas

You can choose to book directly with the hotel or you can book with Booking.com

If you like staying in Hostels, you can book your hostel with HostelWorldwide. This will save you money to use on more exciting things.  

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The best time to visit Las Vegas, Nevada

The best time to visit Las Vegas is in the spring or fall (March-May and September- November). The weather is mild during these times of the year and there are fewer crowds than there are in the summer., if you are looking to take advantage of the city’s nightlife and casinos, visiting during the weekends is an option. Keep in mind that hotel prices will be higher on weekends and during holidays, so if your want to visit and not pay hefty prices, going during the week and in shoulder season is recommended

Getting to Las Vegas

If you are flying into Las Vegas, Harry Reid International Airport is the main airport that services the area. It is located less than 3 miles from the strip, if you are driving, there are a few different routes that you can take depending on where you are coming from. Once you are in the city, getting around is very easy. 

Getting around while in Las Vegas

There are a few different ways to get around Las Vegas. You can walk, take a bus, or rent a car. If you are staying on the Strip, most of the casinos and attractions are within walking distance. But, if you want to explore more of the city surrounds, renting a car is a good option.

There is plenty of parking available. So you will not have any trouble finding a place to park. Just be sure to read the signs carefully, as some parking spots are only for hotel guests or casino members.

Public transportation: there is a good bus system that can take you around the city. The RTC (The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada) operates buses in the Las Vegas area and offers affordably priced tickets.

MonoRail: The best way to get around Las Vegas is by using the city’s monorail system. The monorail runs along the Strip and makes stops at many of the major hotels and casinos. I chose to use the Monorail during my visit to Vegas and never had any problems.

Taxis: There are many different taxi companies available within Vegas, and using Uber or Lyft is another great option to get around. Download the app to make booking easier.

Limousines: If you want to travel in style, there are plenty of limousine companies that can take you where you need to go. Be sure to book or ask the concierge in your hotel to reserve one for you in advance.

How much does it cost to visit VEGAS?

The cost of a trip to Las Vegas will depend on a variety of factors, such as the time of year you visit, the length of your stay, and how many people you are traveling with. Hotel prices tend to be higher on weekends and during holidays, so if you want to save money on accommodations, visiting during the week is a good idea. You can also find some great deals on hotels if you book in advance.

As for other expenses, such as food and entertainment, the cost will really depend on your personal preferences. Las Vegas has something for everyone, so you can find activities and dining options that fit your budget. Just be sure to do your research ahead of time so you know what to expect.

There are many misconceptions that Vegas is Expensive, don’t get me wrong it can be, depending on what you are going to do there if you’re going to drink a lot, gamble and party, it can be expensive, but it can easily be done on a low budget for around $100 a day or less, there are many free things to see in Vegas that can fill your days and if going midweek you can snag some cheap accommodation deals.

Traveling Vegas as a family

I was surprised at how many families were in Vegas with kids. I thought it would be mostly adults since it is known for gambling and shows. However, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to do in Vegas. If you are traveling with children, you will find that there are plenty of things to keep them entertained. There are several different theme parks, museums, and other attractions that are geared toward families. You can also find many hotels that offer childcare services and kid-friendly amenities.

If you are looking for things to do that are family-friendly, there are plenty of options. The Adventure dome at Circus Circus is an indoor amusement park with rides, games, and a rock-climbing wall. The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is another great option, where you can see over 100 species of fish and reptiles. For something a bit more unique, you can also visit the Neon Museum, which is home to over 200 vintage signs from Las Vegas history.

If you are looking for adrenaline-pumping activities, there are plenty of those as well. You can go skydiving at Fremont Street Experience, bungee jumping off the Stratosphere Tower, or zip-lining at speed through the desert. There are also plenty of shows and attractions that will get your heart racing, such as the roller coasters at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino and the Volcano show at The Mirage.

The Las Vegas Strip is over four miles long, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes when you explore it! You’ll definitely want to spend some time walking down the Strip to take in all of the sights and sounds. There are plenty of things to see and do, so you could easily spend a whole day (or more) exploring.

Let’s dive into some of the other things that will keep you busy during your time in Vegas.

18 of the best things to see and do in Las Vegas

Visit the Seven Magic Mountains

The Seven Magic Mountains is a public art installation located about 30 minutes outside of Las Vegas. The installation consists of seven stacks of brightly-colored boulders, each about 35 feet tall. The Seven Magic Mountains is a great place to take photos and enjoy the desert landscape. Admission to the site is free, so it’s a great activity if you’re on a budget.

Shop the Miracle Mile and see the unique indoor rainstorm   

The Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood is home to over 200 stores, making it one of the largest shopping malls in Las Vegas. You’ll find everything from high-end designer stores to affordable souvenir shops.

In addition to the great shopping, the Miracle Mile also features an indoor rainstorm that runs every half hour. The rainstorm is a great photo opportunity and a fun way to cool off on a hot day, it’s an experience you won’t forget, featuring thunder, lightning, fog, and pouring rain. I for one thought it was pretty cool. 

When you’re finished shopping, head over to the food court to refuel. After you’ve had your fill, walk off some of those calories by taking a stroll down the Strip. The Miracle Mile is just a short walk from some of the city’s best hotels and attractions. 

See The Cirque du Soleil shows

Cirque du Soleil is known for its incredible and acrobatic shows. There are several different Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas, so make sure to catch one (or more!) during your visit. Popular shows include “O”, “KA”, and “Mystere”.

You can purchase tickets for shows in advance online or at the box office. If you’re looking to save some money, there are sometimes discounts and deals available online. Keep an eye out for special offers! Cirque du Soleil can definitely be a highlight of your trip!

Take a picture at the famous Vega sign

One of the most popular things to do in Las Vegas is to take a picture with the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. The sign is located just south of the Strip, so it’s easy to get to.

Admire the Water show at the Bellagio 

The Bellagio Fountain is one of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas, and for good reason! The water show is truly a sight to see. The fountains go off every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night, I highly recommend seeing the water show during the day and the night and best of all it’s free.

Ride The LINQ, the tallest Ferris wheel in the world

Take a ride on the LINQ, the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. The views from the top are incredible, and you can see all of the major landmarks in Las Vegas from up there. The ride takes about 30 minutes, and it’s definitely worth it!

Visit the Hoover Dam and raft on the Colorado River  

The Hoover Dam is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Las Vegas. The dam is located about 30 minutes outside of the city, and it’s a great place to take photos and learn about the history of Las Vegas. History buffs will love touring the dam and learning about how it was built.

Admission to the dam is free, so it’s a great activity if you’re on a budget, however, if you are wanting to do a tour and learn more about the history of the dam, that will cost you.

 During your visit to the Dam, If you want to get adventurous go rafting on the Colorado River, There are several companies that offer rafting trips, and they range from mild to wild. A great activity for families, groups of friends, or couples if you like to live on the wild side.

Take a Gondola Ride at The Venetian

The hotel is absolutely beautiful, and it features a replica of Venice’s canals. You can take a gondola ride through the grand canals, and it’s definitely an experience you won’t forget, but it may set you back slightly if you’re on a tight budget with tickets starting at $34.00 per person!

Decides from the Gondola ride, there are so many great things to do at The Venetian, You can go shopping, eat at one of the many great restaurants, see a show, or gamble at the casino and visit Madame Tussauds.

See the Volcano eruption at the Mirage

The Mirage is home to a volcano that erupts every hour. The eruption is pretty impressive, and it’s definitely worth seeing if you’re in the area. The volcano is right in front of the Mirage hotel and you can see this on your stroll along Las Vegas Blvd.

The volcano erupts every hour starting at 7 pm, last show is at 11 pm.

Other than the volcano, go inside and check out the aquarium behind the front desk that holds over 450 fish and admire the stunning coral colors or visit the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat where you can see the Bottlenose Dolphins, White Tigers, White Lions, and Leopards, to get admission into the garden prices start at $25 adults. The hotel is also home to a casino, so you can try your luck there as well, among many bars, shops, and restaurants!

Stroll along Fremont Street

Fremont Street is the older, more historic part of Las Vegas. The street has been turned into a pedestrian mall, and it’s lined with casinos, hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops.

The mall is covered by a canopy that displays amazing light shows every night. The shows are free to watch, and they are definitely a sight to see!

Fremont Street is also home to the world’s largest video screen, which spans the length of four football fields. The screen displays shows and music videos throughout the day and night. You can’t go to Las Vegas without checking out Fremont Street!

Check out the lights at Neon Museum

The Neon Museum is a must-see for anyone who is interested in the history of Las Vegas. The museum features over 150 signs, and it’s a great place to take photos.

The museum offers both daytime and nighttime tours, and the nighttime tour is definitely the way to go if you want to get the full experience. 

The Strat-Stratosphere Tower

If you want to get a birds-eye view of Las Vegas, Stratosphere Tower is the place to go. The tower is located on the north end of the Strip, and it’s the tallest free-standing observation tower in the United States, soaring 1,150 feet (350 meters) above.

The tower has an indoor and outdoor observation deck, as well as a few rides for those who are looking for a thrill. The rides include the Big Shot, Insanity, and X-Scream.

If the thrill-seeking doesn’t sound appealing to you, enjoy a meal at the revolving restaurants located in the tower.

Relax at Mandalay Bay Beach

Mandalay Bay Beach is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the Strip. The beach features a lazy river, a wave pool, and sandy beaches.

If you are looking for something more adventurous, you can also go tubing down the lazy river or ride one of the three slides.

The beach is open from 9 am to 6 pm, and there is a charge for admission approx around $18 adults.

Enjoy a Helicopter Ride over Las Vegas and see the lights

If you’re not on a tight budget or want to splurge, one of the best ways to see Las Vegas is from above, spoil yourself with a helicopter ride.

There are many different companies that offer helicopter tours, A helicopter tour is a great way to see the Strip in all its glory.

Visit the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and it’s just a short drive from Las Vegas.

Visit the North or South rim, admire the breathtaking rock formations, and take a hike or bike ride along one of the many trails.

You can also take a helicopter or river rafting tour for an even more unique experience. Seeing the canyon and Hoover Dam from above is an unforgettable experience.

A Helicopter or small passenger plane tour departs from Las Vegas and takes you over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead before arriving at the Grand Canyon.

There are many different companies that offer tours, and they vary in price.

I visited the South Rim during my time in Vegas and flew by a small passenger plane, I highly recommend it the views are amazing.

Shop at many of the Shopping outlets

During my visit, I went to the Las Vegas South Premium Outlets. The outlet mall is located south of the Strip, and it has over 150 stores. You can find great deals on designer clothes, shoes, and accessories. If you are looking for a place to relax and escape the heat, the mall also has a food court and a movie theater.

Las Vegas is a shopper’s paradise, and the South Premium Outlets are a great place to start your shopping spree! You will also find the North Premium Outlets shopping mall, the Fashion Show Mall, and Wynn Esplanade which have many outlet stores to explore if shopping is your thing.

Explore the hotels

Without listing all the hotels on the strip because there are so many, make sure to spend time walking along and checking out each hotel on the Las Vegas strip they all have their own unique theme, architecture, and fun. Some of the most popular hotels include The Venetian, Bellagio, and Wynn Las Vegas, just to name a few.

There you have it, these are just a few of the many exciting things to see and do in Las Vegas. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or staying for a week, visiting with family, or on a solo trip, you will never get bored in this vibrant city.

I hope this list of things to do in Las Vegas has helped you plan your trip. Safe travels!

If you have any suggestions for other fun things to do in Las Vegas? Let us know in the comments below!