The 12 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas (and Top Things to Avoid)

The constantly changing LED-lit graphics on the 360-foot tall Sphere entertainment venue against the city’s skyline are captivating from all angles–when you are driving past or gazing from your hotel room window. The Sphere is awe-inspiring from the outside, but for an even more immersive experience, go in to see a concert or film. There aren’t many live performances, so plan your trip around what’s coming up. And if you have been once, go again! The visuals and sound effects are different every time.

Watching “Postcards from Earth” is a good afternoon activity that doesn’t just offer great optical and sensory effects, but also introspection about the human impact on the planet and our future. The film provides a sense of place, connecting the man-made city to the planet, and the diverse people who come to Vegas every day. Arrive early to explore the futuristic art installations in the atrium, and consider mid-level seats (200-300) for the best wraparound 4D effect.

Known simply as 18b, this vibrant area is a stark contrast to the glitz and glamour of The Strip. Colorful converted warehouses with small galleries and artists’ studios, vintage shops, murals, and graffiti art make you feel like you are in an alternate gritty Vegas. Be prepared to wander outdoors, take lots of pictures, shop for unique finds, pop into a pottery-making demonstration, and run into an impromptu block party or concert.

While the Arts District is open through the week, you will find the most activity on Thursday-Sunday evenings. There is also a “First Friday” free monthly event that showcases local artists, musicians, makers, food trucks, and live music along the streets and sidewalks.

No two visits to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are the same, so this is a must-visit in Vegas to admire nature and art. It is completely free to visit and open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week (but check for “dark dates” closures when they are changing out the displays).

With the change of each season, the 14,000-square-foot indoor Botanical Gardens completely transform with themed displays of scented floral arrangements, fairy-tale gazebos, intricately designed sculptures, and sensory music. It offers a beautiful backdrop for photos, especially when you are already dressed up for the evening.

Avoid dining at The Garden Table unless you don’t mind being part of the spectacle. Monitor the live feed to plan your visit if you want to avoid large crowds.

Even though the fountains have been around for three decades, the Fountains of Bellagio spectacle doesn’t get old. If you are on the Strip after sunset, or taking a stroll holding hands with a loved one late at night, and stop outside the sidewalk of the Bellagio to see over a thousand fountains sway in unison, dancing to popular Sinatra to pop tunes, enhanced by choreographed and illuminated lights. As you feel the light spray from the fountains that span 1,000 and soar as high as 460 feet into the air, you can’t help but feel enchanted.

Each show is different from the previous one, so come back multiple times within the same evening. The fountains spout every 30 minutes during the day, and every 15 minutes at night (check the lobby or Bellagio website for exact timings). It is free to watch and enjoyable by all ages.

To escape The Neon City and breathe fresh air in nature, travel 17 miles out of the city to the dramatic The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. You can take a 13-mile one-way scenic drive along the vibrant red sandstone cliffs (reservations required between Oct-May), or for a more active adventure, hike, bike, and rock climb. There are 30 miles of trails to choose from, which vary from easy to challenging. It’s also fun to watch the expert rock climbers from all over the world hang on to the edge of the cliffs. Make sure to bring plenty of water, good shoes, and wear layers as the weather changes quickly in the desert.

Part museum, part video arcade, and part theme park, the world’s largest immersive Formula 1 attraction, Grand Prix Plaza, offers a chance to learn about motor sports, be wowed by the latest innovation in technology, and test your driving skills. A fun way to spend the day is by suiting up and getting behind the wheel of F-1 inspired go-karts and racing your friends and family along a section of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Then wander through the interactive exhibits, design your own virtual car, and appease your appetite at the onsite Fuel & Fork eatery. If you are in town on Grand Prix Sundays, you can see the main race on screen or live, interact with the drivers, and participate in the family-friendly fan celebrations. The race typically starts at 2 p.m. and lasts for 90-120 minutes.

If you are a fan of Cirque du Soleil, “O” by Cirque du Soleil will take your imagination to a new dimension! Housed in a dramatic opera house-style theater, the aquatic stage holding 1.5 million gallons of water is the only entirely water-based performance by the world-renowned Canadian “nouveau cirque,” showcasing impossible human feats. Watch former Olympic swimmers, pro scuba divers, and mind-blowing acrobats plunge into skillful acts above and under a giant pool with expert artistry.

This is one show where you should splurge on a behind-the-scenes “La Grande Experience” package so you can skip the long lines, and be whisked off to a private VIP lounge where you can sip on a glass of champagne and chat with the artists before the shop. You will also get to watch a video that unveils the show’s secrets so you can better appreciate all the acts as they unfold in front of you.

While most shows in Las Vegas require you to sit and lie back, the DISCOSHOW by Spiegelworld gets you moving on your feet. You’ll find yourself transported to a vibrant dance party set in a 1970s New York City nightclub–only this one is high-tech with wraparound LED walls displaying stimulating videos, spinning disco balls, lit-up dance floor, and dynamic surround sound system. A sassy drag star known as “Mother” narrates the dramatic story of how disco heals everyone and guides the superb dancers on rollerblades. She may also tease you, as you and the rest of the audience are also part of the show!

Dress in sequence or ’70s-inspired costumes, with comfortable shoes that you can dance in. Remember, there are no seats at this show. Arrive early and stay late to enjoy the DJ and different thematic bars, including one that looks like a New York subway station.

The industrial-looking Downtown Container Park may appear strange and out of place at first sight, but it is one of the coolest places to enjoy live music and daytime wandering off the Strip. The 1.1-acre, open-air shopping center and entertainment venue features 39 shops, restaurants, and bars–all constructed of 43 repurposed shipping containers and 41 locally manufactured Xtreme cubes that are works of art themselves. Make sure to check out the giant metal praying mantis–she shoots out flames after dark! You can even take the kids to blow out the steam at The Treehouse and The Lawn at Container Park. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like balloon artists, face painters, and free movies on weekends. Only adults are permitted at the Park after 10 p.m.

While the famous pedestrian-only Fremont Street Experience was all the rage in Vegas a long time ago, the six-block area of the Fremont East Entertainment District has taken on an energetic new vibe as an incubator for locally-owned trendy bars, restaurants, and art galleries. Wander, discover, and feel the energy of the city as you walk past the neon arch, admire the vibrant murals and art installation, join a Mexican bingo night at Lucky Day, or grab a sandwich at Fremont Hotel & Casino Food Hall. For a free street party, check out The Downtown Rocks Concert series featuring rock, reggae, and country music across three stages.

A visit to The Mob Museum (officially named The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement) is both educational and somewhat ironic, as it talks about organized crime and law enforcement in a city that has firsthand experience with it. The multiple floors of exhibits and interactive displays in a restored 1933 U.S Post Office and Courthouse explore the power struggle between organized crime and law enforcement all over the U.S., from the glamorous old-school Mob’s origins to today’s cybercrime incidents. There are also lectures, film screenings, and special events that add to the experience, especially if you are into the subject. On your way out, make sure to pop into the Prohibition-style basement speakeasy (the password to get in changes weekly).

If you haven’t had a chance to visit The City of Canals yet, get a flavor of what its like to stroll through cobblestone streets (these ones are much cleaner), and take a gondola ride under the perfect painted blue sky with marshmallow clouds (the indoor portion is also temperature controlled) at the Grand Canal Shoppes. At the Venetian Resort’s iconic Grand Canal, you can ride down the Grand Canal underneath bridges and past Italian-inspired cafes or just watch the gondoliers sing in unison at the beginning and end of each day. The 150-minute-long gondola boat rides are great for couples and families and cost only a fraction of what they do in Italy!

If you are visiting Sin City in the summer, don’t underestimate the intense dry heat. Use sunscreen when going out or lying by the pool, and stay hydrated. Most of the bars and concessions charge for drinking water, so make sure to carry your refillable water bottle and keep sipping on it through the day. Don’t be afraid to branch beyond the sugary cocktails, and try a great selection of mocktails made with non-alcoholic spirits across properties, bars, and restaurants. You can avoid the expensive IV hydration therapy services around Vegas that offer liquid IV to visitors who suffer from hangovers and dehydration.

While walking around the Entertainment Capital of the World, you may be tempted by offers for free shows or meals, which always have a catch to attend an obligation-free presentation. Know that these can take a significant amount of your valuable vacation time, put uncomfortable sales pressure, and may not result in the best seats or meals that you hoped for. Avoid scams that may result in you paying for counterfeit, stolen, or overpriced tickets. If people approach you with offers for VIP entry or discounts to nightclubs or shows, it’s best to ignore them and purchase directly through the ticketing website or the hotel concierge.

Located inside a shopping mall, Bazaar Mar by José Andrés feels like a warm invitation inside someone’s unpretentious living room. Filled with Spanish and Moorish art, Bohemian carpets, colorful paintings, and velvet curtains, the exciting décor itself is worth checking out. The innovative seafood presentation is in a league of its own! A display of fresh catch is sliced, marinated, cooked, and plated in ways that appeal to all the senses. Try the lightly breaded and fried squid Po Boy, melt-in-your-mouth lobster croquetas, and smoked river trout served in a fun mini savory cone. This is a good place to splurge on a tasting menu with wine pairing, as you will be able to taste practically all of the seafood dishes.

With a whimsical name and a sleek interior, expect to find some of the best Hong Kong-style Dim Sum in the city, accompanied by cheeky craft cocktails and upscale service. Concepted by acclaimed restaurateur Alan Yau, Washing Potato transports you to the highly fashionable restaurants of Asia while bringing the street food to your table. Starting with the open views of the bar that spans the entire restaurant, which resembles a jazzy cooking show stage and spotlights focused on the tables, the atmosphere is trendy but not formal. The food itself is simple, fresh, and unfussy, with shareable portions of soft and steamy shumai, delightful squash and pine nut dumplings, flavorful Singapore fried noodles, and perfectly crisp fried Peking duck with all the fixings. Enjoy a sophisticated Chinese tea service to cap off the meal.

The laid-back sports-themed steak and seafood restaurant, Emmitt’s Vegas, owned by NFL legend Emmitt Smith is a good spot for premium celebrity dining any time of the day, and at approachable prices. The interior may remind you of the classic old school steakhouses with dark wood panels and gold accents, but this one also has modern touches of marble tables and television screens. Some standout dishes are the Cajun-spiced head-on creole shrimp, Asian-style Maine lobster tempura tenders served over sushi rice, and sustainably sourced 44-oz Tomahawk steak with Emmitt’s laser-engraved logo (perfect for sharing). You’ll want to save room for dessert. Both the decadent butter cake, topped with a Woodson Whiskey caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, and the carrot cake with rum-soaked pineapples are highly acclaimed and worth the indulgence.

The modern hotel, Downtown Grand Las Vegas, offers the luxury of the mega-resorts without the hefty price tag. You will find all the amenities, including an on-site casino, a lively rooftop pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and a good variety of dining establishments. But the best part about this property is the location. It is relatively quieter as compared to hotels on the Strip, yet close to the bustling Fremont Street Experience, Arts District, and the Mob Museum. Book a room with a built-in interactive augmented reality located at the newly built eight-story Gallery Tower so you can interact with digital murals outside your window.

Downtown Grand often offers discounted weekday deals, 3rd night free promotions, and 20% off advance bookings, so make sure to check their website. There’s also complimentary wi-fi, parking and bottled water.

For a different kind of Vegas experience, trade the glitz, glamour, and casinos for an artsy and intimate stay at the sophisticated 74-room The English Hotel. The 21 and over, non-gaming property is located in the vibrant Las Vegas Arts District, drawing creative inspiration from its surroundings into every element of the hotel. You will find plenty of paintings around the interiors, terraced gardens, a quiet heated rooftop pool, and a cocktail cart in your room. If you are sharing a room with someone, make sure you are comfortable with the lack of privacy, as the showers have a glass-mirror feature. Try Todd English’s award-winning onsite Mediterranean concept, The Pepper Club, and check out the trendy coffee shops and restaurants around the neighborhood.

Soaring 67 stories above the Strip, Fontainebleau Las Vegas redefines luxury with its 3,644 meticulously designed rooms and suites, each a haven of comfort and expansive space. From the dramatic lobby with bouquets of fresh flowers, the private VIP entrance with free-flowing champagne, a dedicated elevator leading you to Fleur de Lis floors, to a personal butler to attend to your every need, you will feel like a celebrity as soon as you walk in! Also, expect to see some of the best views of The Strip, spanning from the airport and the Sphere, to the surrounding mountains, from the floor-to-ceiling windows. (The Poodle Room on the top floor has the best panoramic views of the city.)

Make some time to soak in the vitality pools, saunas, lounges, and salt caves at the hotel’s opulent 55,000-square-foot Lapis Spa. Even with a sprawling resort with 20 restaurants, 12 bars/ lounges, and a 150,000-square-foot casino, Fontainebleau feels relatively quiet yet close to all the excitement.

There’s hardly a bad time to visit Vegas. While spring and fall offer mild temperatures, it is also the busiest time with conferences and special events. If you want the best bang for the buck, go during off-peak summer months when some hotels and shows offer discounted pricing. These may include all-in-one packages including dining, drinks, and entertainment.

Avoid expensive taxis and heavy traffic, especially during the evening dinner and show rush hours. If you are on the Strip, make use of the several free and convenient transportation options, such as the Aria Express Tram, Downtown Loop, Las Vegas Monorail, LVCC/Vegas Loop, and Mandalay Bay Tram that link between most hotels and attractions.