You either love Las Vegas, or you don't. There is rarely an in-between. It's a city of sin for many, a no-fly zone for children, and a playground of neon lights and big money. But pour a little water over the dust and glitter of this electrifying maze, and there is a certain allure to the spectacle of it all. In this article, I've compiled a list of some of the coolest (and my favourite) things to do in Las Vegas!
Try Your Luck at the Casinos
Before you even think about placing a bet, or start laying down chips at the table, there are a few things worth knowing.
Firstly, the casinos are massive, seriously massive. It’s surprisingly easy to get turned around between gaming floors, restaurants, and hotel corridors, so hold your darlings close. Give yourself a few minutes just to take it all in: the neon glow, the constant sound of slot machines, the cheers from a nearby table…
As for what to wear? Almost anything goes. You’ll see people dressed in stylish evening wear making an entrance, and others walking in straight from their beds in flip-flops.
If you’re planning to play, set a budget before you start. It’s easy to get carried away in the energy of the room, so decide what you’re comfortable spending and stick to it. And always remember, you don’t actually have to gamble to enjoy the experience. Watching a high-stakes blackjack table can be just as entertaining as playing. (Or if you must, there are beginner tables designed for first-timers…)
Now drinks, they are on the house, and are complimentary while you’re playing. A beer, a glass of wine, or a simple cocktail might appear at your table courtesy of the house, but yeah, you can always tip your server.
Beyond gaming, the casinos host magic shows, sporting events, and live entertainment. Some resorts even feature roller coasters and thrill rides overlooking the Strip. And before you leave? Cash out. Those ticket vouchers are easy to forget in a pocket, and far less exciting once you’re back home. Whether you play or simply observe, spending time in a casino remains one of the defining things to do in Las Vegas.
Explore Themed Hotels and Browse Stores
Walk into The Venetian and you’ll feel like you accidentally took a wrong turn into Venice. (blame the gondolas all around). At Caesars Palace, it’s all Roman grandeur with royal columns, big-name shows at The Colosseum, and the Forum Shops where retail therapy is imperial.
Bellagio keeps things elegant, inspired by Lake Como, while Paris Las Vegas gives you a half-scale Eiffel Tower, and yes, you can ride to the top for a surprisingly good view of the Strip and the desert beyond. Then there’s the Sphere. You’ve definitely seen it online, that giant glowing orb rolling its eyes. Inside, it hosts immersive shows and concerts that feels… very real.
From the pyramid-shaped Luxor to the pirate swagger of Treasure Island, the Strip is basically a collection of alternate realities stitched together. Even if you’re not planning to shop, wandering through these themed hotels remains one of the most entertaining things to do in Vegas!
Escape to the Grand Canyon West Rim or Red Rock Canyon
Las Vegas is not all neon lights, slot machines, and overpriced parties… because just a few hours outside the city, there is this natural world.
The Grand Canyon West Rim gives you landscapes unlike anywhere else on earth, and with easy-to-access viewpoints, and a daytrip that lets you swap the Strip for sandstone, it's worth considering. Meanwhile, Red Rock Canyon is a perfect contrast: rust-red cliffs, winding trails, and a peaceful escape that feels worlds away from the city.
Both spots are ideal for anyone craving an amalgam of adventure, photo-worthy scenery, or simply a break from all the glitter. For many travellers, these natural escapes rank high among Las Vegas attractions because they give you something completely different from the Las Vegas attractions of the Strip.
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Experience One of the City’s Legendary Shows
If you’re only in town for 24 hours, make the evening count. This is the city that built theatres the size of aircraft hangars just so you can gasp in surround sound.
If you want spectacle, start with Cirque du Soleil. Shows like “O” at Bellagio (aquatic stage, synchronized divers, wild stunts), KÀ at MGM Grand (a moving, tilting stage with battle scenes), and Mystère at Treasure Island (the original Vegas resident Cirque show) are the kind of productions you don’t forget.
Prefer music over acrobatics? Big-name residencies rotate through venues like The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and The Sphere! But if you’re more into magic or comedy, Penn & Teller at the Rio mix large-scale illusions with sharp humour, and if you want something cheeky, Absinthe at Caesars Palace is adults-only, irreverent, and very Vegas!
And lastly, if you don’t want to spend a dollar, The Bellagio Fountains perform every evening for free, and Fremont Street hosts nightly live music under its LED canopy. The hardest part isn’t finding something good here, but choosing just one.
Looking for more things to do in the USA? Check out our recent blog on the best places to visit in the USA to plan your ultimate adventures across the country.
Savour the Las Vegas Cuisine
When you're in Vegas, you can walk out of a casino and straight into a genuinely great restaurant. Not just “good for a tourist city”, an actually good one…
Perhaps, start with institutions that have earned their stripes. Spago at the Bellagio still delivers polished brunches with fountain views and classic crowd-pleasers, but if you prefer something theatrical, Bazaar Meat is where dinner turns into a full-blown experience!
If you’re craving something of Europe like French, Bardot Brasserie brings bistro and strong pastries. Want Roman glamour? Mother Wolf leans into old-world Italian cuisine in a packed dining room.
If your night calls for dim lights and a DJ soundtrack, Toca Madera keeps things moody. There’s only one real rule here: Make reservations. The places for the best things to do in Las Vegas such as these fill up fast, especially on weekends…
Want something more personal? Connect with our travel experts to craft a USA holiday that ticks off exactly what you want!
Wander the Las Vegas Strip, Day and Night
The Strip is 4.2 miles of fine spectacle!
Start with the easy wins. The Bellagio Fountains are always worth stopping for, especially at night. The Conservatory inside Bellagio is a quick, impressive walk-through and if you want views, ride the High Roller at The LINQ or head up the Eiffel Tower deck at Paris Las Vegas. (sunset is your best bet).
There’s also plenty you don’t have to pay for. The Mirage Volcano erupts on schedule, Wynn’s Lake of Dreams lights up after dark, and get a photo at the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” please…
Perhaps also ride a gondola at The Venetian, and if you see the giant glowing Sphere and wonder what’s happening inside, find out! If you’re searching for essential things to do in Vegas, simply experiencing the Strip at both times of day is non-negotiable.
Curious for more destinations around the globe? Explore more journeys from Cox & Kings and find your next great story.
