There really is no city quite like Las Vegas, Nevada. Whether you’re in town on a fun family vacation or planning a wild weekend away with friends, Sin City will not disappoint! 

If this is your first visit to Vegas or your fifth, it’s hard to tear yourself away from the bustling Las Vegas Strip. This is the place to be if you want to check out the famous Fountains of Bellagio, see the Blue Man Group perform at the Luxor, or take a thrilling ride on the towering High Roller Ferris wheel. 

But the Entertainment Capital of the World has plenty more to offer than the Strip’s most famous attractions. If you’re looking for something a bit more offbeat, you’ll love exploring all of the massive street art murals in downtown Las Vegas, taking photos of the quirky Seven Magic Mountains art installation, and checking out the collection of vintage Vegas hotel signs at The Neon Museum. For those looking to mix things up with a nature fix, there are plenty of hiking, rock climbing, and river rafting opportunities just a stone’s throw from Las Vegas.

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Las Vegas for you. Stick to these fun and unique Las Vegas bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this flashy corner of the US!

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15 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas, Nevada

1. Ride the Tallest Ferris Wheel in the US

If you’re looking for a unique activity to add to your Las Vegas bucket list, look no further than the High Roller Observation Wheel. Dominating the Vegas skyline, the Ferris wheel is 550 feet tall and 520 feet wide. It just so happens to be the tallest Ferris wheel in North America and the second tallest in the entire world!  

Each of the 28 cabins can accommodate up to 40 people. Plus, you can even rent out the entire cabin if you’re in town for a special celebration. 

The slow-moving Ferris wheel takes a full 30 minutes to fully rotate, offering guests unreal 360-degree views of the Vegas skyline. Visit during the evening, and you’ll have the chance to witness the city’s lights shimmering beneath you. 

The 21 and up crowd will be tempted by the Happy Half Hour option. One of the coolest things to do in Las Vegas, you’ll get to enjoy an open bar (complete with your very own bartender!) for the entire 30-minute rotation. The capsule’s capacity is limited to 25 guests during the Happy Half Hour to make room for the bar.

2. See the Downtown Las Vegas Murals

Street art lovers would be remiss not to spend at least a few hours checking out the massive murals in downtown Las Vegas. It all started during the Life is Beautiful festival in 2013 when artists took to the streets in an effort to beautify the downtown area. Luckily, the movement stuck, and the streets of downtown Vegas remain a mecca for some seriously talented international street artists.

Explore the area, and you’ll find all sorts of colorful large-scale murals covering the facades of hotels, restaurants, and objects. Some of the must-see murals include Fear No Fate by Tristan Eaton, The Cycle of Civilization by Zio Ziegler, and The Meaning by Pixel Pancho. Be sure to bring your camera because the streets of downtown Vegas are a hot spot for photographers and selfie-takers. 

If you happen to be visiting in September, you might even be able to attend the annual three-day Life Is Beautiful festival and see the artists in action! No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll want to pair your street art excursion with a trip to the nearby Downtown Container Park and the Fremont Street Experience.

3. Snap a Selfie at the Seven Magic Mountains

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, Seven Magic Mountains is one of the most unique things to do in Las Vegas. The funky large-scale art installation is set right off Interstate 15, just 30 minutes from the heart of Vegas. 

As you approach the installation, you’ll spot seven 30-foot-tall rock formations jutting up from the desert landscape. The formations were created out of stacked limestone boulders, and each one is slathered in a different color of paint. 

The piece was created by renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone in 2016 and was only meant to be displayed for two years. But given the installation’s popularity, you can still spot the “mountains” to this day. Though there’s no telling how long you’ll be able to view them!

Be sure to bring your camera because you’ll definitely want to snap at least a few pics to add to your Instagram feed. There’s a reason over 2 million people have visited this one-of-a-kind Las Vegas attraction!

4. Cure Your Hangover with the Bacchanal Buffet

Vegas is (in)famous for many things, including its buffets. But Bacchanal Buffet isn’t your run-of-the-mill Vegas buffet. 

As the name implies, everything at this upscale all-you-can-eat buffet is indulgent and over the top. You only have 90 minutes – so come hungry! 

Whether you’re looking for the ideal weekend brunch spot or you’re in desperate need of a boozy breakfast to cure that hangover, Bacchanal is the perfect place. Set in the iconic Caesars Palace, the restaurant features nine open kitchens and serves up hundreds of dishes every day.

Expect roving dim sum carts, forward-thinking carving stations, and gourmet egg and omelet bars. You can pile your plate high with chipotle bourbon BBQ oysters and shrimp cocktail from the seafood kitchen, stuff your face with tacos al pastor and heaps of chips and guac from the taco bar, and fill up on Vietnamese and Indonesian delights at the Asian station. 

If you’re looking for the best bargain, visit for Sunday brunch. For $54.99, you can indulge yourself with truffle mushroom egg bites, red velvet waffles, crab Florentine benedict, birthday cake pancakes, and so much more. If it’s a boozy brunch you’re after, pay the $15 extra for unlimited champagne, mimosas, and wine.

5. Catch an NFL Game at Allegiant Stadium

If you’re a sports fan and have money to burn, it’s well worth getting tickets to see the Las Vegas Raiders play an NFL game at the brand-new Allegiant Stadium. Even if you’re not a fan of sports, there are plenty of world-class concerts and events held here throughout the year.

Set just off the Las Vegas Strip, the highly anticipated $1.9 billion, 65,000-seat stadium finally made its debut in 2020. The high-tech stadium boasts a transparent roof, a natural grass field that can roll in and out of the stadium, and a retractable window that offers spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip. 

In true Vegas fashion, expect world-class stars – think Steve Aoki – to put on epic performances before every game. If that’s not impressive enough, the halftime shows feature superstars like Ludacris and Ice Cube.

This is Vegas, so expect the food and drink options to be second to none. You can fill up on Prime Time Kobe burgers and Tailgater Trash Can nachos at Guy Fieri’s Tailgate Kitchen and Bar, avocado and chicken burritos and barbecue-dusted pork skins at BBQ Mexicana, or chopped brisket sandwiches and brisket chili cheese dogs from Rollin’ Smoke.

6. Take a Tour of the Hoover Dam

One of the top things to do in Las Vegas, it’s well worth making the 30-minute drive out to the iconic Hoover Dam. Regarded as one of the greatest engineering works in history, millions of people flock to this 726-foot tall arch-gravity structure each year! Even if you don’t feel like taking an official tour, you can at least drive across the dam and get up-close views of the Colorado River and Black Canyon.

If you have the time, we highly recommend taking the Powerplant Tour to learn about the fascinating inner workings of the dam. You’ll have the chance to take an elevator 530 feet down through the Black Canyon and embark on a 30-minute tour of the plant. 

After the tour, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Observation Deck at the Visitor Center for incredible views over Lake Mead, the Colorado River, and the Hoover Dam. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go canoeing, kayaking, or rafting on the Colorado River below the Hoover Dam!

7. Visit The Mob Museum

If you have any interest in organized crime or the city’s fascinating ties to the mob, The Mob Museum should be at the top of your Las Vegas bucket list. Housed in a former US Post Office and courthouse, this is where some of the US’s most infamous organized crime trials were held, including the Kefauver hearings.

Explore the three-story building, and you’ll find all sorts of artifacts that once belonged to crime bosses, inspectors, and informants, including guns, photos, and journals. The Crime Lab Experience, Firearm Training Simulator, and Massacre Wall are easily the most popular exhibits in The Mob Museum that shouldn’t be missed. 

Peruse the exhibits, and you’ll also learn all about the Prohibition Era, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, and some of the most notable figures in organized crime. After you’re done exploring, head down to the ritzy Prohibition-style speakeasy in the basement, where you can sip classic cocktails and explore even more mob-related exhibits, videos, and artifacts.

8. Shop, Dine, and Play at Downtown Container Park

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Las Vegas, Downtown Container Park is a fun option for the whole family. Located on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas, this one-of-a-kind shopping center is comprised of over 80 shipping containers and metal cubes. 

You can easily spend all day shopping in the boutiques, dining in the quirky restaurants, or catching a live family-friendly show or outdoor movie screening. There’s also a playground with a giant treehouse and a 33-foot slide for the littles ones! 

Plus, the whole family will want to pay a visit to the 50-foot-tall resident praying mantis. Taken from a Burning Man festival from years past, the praying mantis puts on a musical fire-breathing show at 4:30 pm!

Once you work up an appetite, dig into delicious tacos al pastor at Pinches Tacos, sip wine and graze on charcuterie and cheese boards at Bin 702, or enjoy a boozy brunch and live music at Downtown Terrace. You won’t go hungry or thirsty here! 

9. Hike in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Outdoor enthusiasts will definitely want to spend at least one day away from the concrete jungle that is the Las Vegas Strip. Located just 30 minutes from the Strip, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is the perfect respite for a much-needed day surrounded by rocky red cliffs, beautiful gorges, and picture-perfect overlooks.

Red Rock Canyon boasts 26 scenic trails, but if you only have time for one, the moderate Calico Hills Trail is your best bet. Plus, the trail is two to six miles (one to three hours), depending on where you start. So you can hike as much or as little as you want. You’ll also find a bunch of trailheads along the 13-mile Scenic Drive if you want to do more exploring.

For those looking for more of a challenge, Calico Hills Trail features plenty of rock climbing opportunities. You’ll find all sorts of boulders and sheer rock faces perfect for both beginners and experts.

10. Marvel at Cirque du Soleil’s “O”

It’s no secret that catching a show is one of the top things to do in Las Vegas. The Entertainment Capital of the World is home to so many incredible shows it might be hard to choose the perfect one. 

If you’re having a hard time landing on a Vegas show, you can’t go wrong with Cirque du Soleil’s “O.” The show has been in permanent residence at the Bellagio since 1998 for good reason! With gravity-defying performances and incredible choreography, it’s no wonder “O” is still one of the top Las Vegas attractions.

A play on words, “O” is actually pronounced eau, which is French for “water.” So it’s fitting that the story is about a boy’s journey through a fantastical aquatic world. 

During the performance, aerialists and acrobats perform incredible acts above a massive pool, which holds 1.5 million gallons of water! The show also features an incredible cast of synchronized swimmers and divers. From the costumes to the music to the engineering, this is definitely a must on your Las Vegas bucket list. 

11. Take Quirky Photos at The Neon Museum

Paying a visit to The Neon Museum is easily one of the coolest things to do in Las Vegas. The 2.6-acre outdoor museum is comprised of all sorts of vintage signs from Sin City’s old hotels and businesses, including the Riviera, Moulin Rouge, Golden Nugget, and Stardust. The museum was founded in 1996 in an effort to collect and preserve Vegas’ signs to celebrate the culture, art, and history of Las Vegas.

The museum is appropriately housed in the former La Concha Motel lobby, which was saved from demolition and moved to the site of The Neon Museum. The museum features three exhibits: the Neon Boneyard, the North Gallery, and the restored and installed neon signs along Las Vegas Boulevard (between Fremont St. and Washington Ave.).

The largest collection of neon signs is located in the Main Boneyard. Here you’ll find Insta-worthy signage from Stardust, Riviera, Desert Inn, and Caesars Palace, as well as the giant skull from the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. Do note that there is broken glass and metal scraps scattered around the museum, so it’s best to visit during the day, especially if you’re visiting with young children.

12. Party Hard at the MGM Grand

This is Vegas and chances are you’re in town to let loose. So why not kill two birds with one stone and party the day and night away at the MGM Grand? Throw on your bikini or trunks and head over to Wet Republic for one of the hottest pool parties in town. Expect Vegas nightlife vibes combined with all the perks of a lavish poolside setting. 

Socialize over cocktails, splash around in the pool, relax in an exclusive VIP bungalow, and groove to the live DJs. If you’re looking for one of the most popular pool parties in Vegas, this is the place to go! After you’ve had enough fun in the sun, grab dinner, take a nap, and gear up for an epic night out at one of the best nightclubs in Vegas.

Hakkasan at MGM Grand hosts some of the biggest DJs in the world (think Tiesto, Zedd, Martin Garrix, and Steve Aoki), and it takes its nightlife game very seriously. If you’re looking to go big, one debaucherous night at Hakkasan should be at the very top of your Las Vegas bucket list! 

Plus, this place has five levels, which means you can essentially go club-hopping within the venue. From EDM to hip-hop to fine private dining, you’ll find it all at Hakkasan.

13. Visit the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden

If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas. Plus, it’s completely free to enter, so there’s no reason not to explore this whimsical wonderland.

The Conservatory’s horticulture and engineering teams work together to transform the 14,000-square-foot Conservatory & Botanical Garden each season. Depending on the time of year, you’ll see fantastic displays dedicated to spring, summer, fall, and winter, as well as Lunar New Year.

If that’s not impressive enough, the teams switch out displays made from over 10,000 flowers every two weeks, so you’ll never see the same thing twice! Explore the grounds, and you might find giant hummingbirds feeding from beautiful flowers, groves of trees with stunning red and orange fall foliage, or festive holiday displays. No matter what’s on display during your visit, the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden is sure to be a hit among kids and adults alike.

14. Be Entertained at the Fremont Street Experience

If you’re looking for something fun to do, you’ll definitely want to add the Fremont Street Experience to your Las Vegas itinerary. Set in downtown Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience offers five blocks of pure entertainment. The pedestrian-friendly entertainment zone attracts more than 20 million visitors every year and is easily one of the top Las Vegas attractions. 

Most visitors flock here to marvel at the famous evening light show, gamble at the area’s historic casinos, and zip line from the 11-story slot machine down Freemont Street. From talented buskers to free live concerts, there’s always something fun to do at the Freemont Street Experience. To pick up funky trinkets, head over to Neonopolis, where you’ll find shops selling everything from sports cards and memorabilia to Las Vegas Harley Davidson souvenirs. 

Once you work up an appetite, you can dine on Evel Knievel-themed pizza at Evel Pie, fill up on comically large burgers at Heart Attack Grill, or sip tequila-infused drinks at La Comida.

15. Shop Till You Drop at the Grand Canal Shoppes

Vegas is a shopaholic’s paradise! If you’ve got money to burn, you should definitely spend an afternoon shopping at the upscale Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. 

Not only will you be surrounded by old-world architecture and gondola-filled canals, but you’ll have over 160 shops to choose from. You can grab a new pair of heels at Jimmy Choo, spoil yourself with a new handbag at Louis Vuitton, or pick up a new outfit for the night at White House Black Market. 

When you need a break from all that shopping, you’ll find all sorts of unique ways to keep yourself entertained. Be sure to snap a selfie next to Laura Kimpton’s 13-foot high “LOVE” sign. For quirky cocktails, head over to Minus5 Ice Experience, where you can don a parka and sip vodka cocktails from an ice glass. 

Or, if you need something more substantial than a boozy beverage, you can fuel up for more shopping with a French-style brunch at Bouchon, a filet minion at CUT by Wolfgang Puck, or an over-the-top Insta-grammable milkshake at Black Tap Las Vegas.

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Las Vegas. What’s your favorite thing to do in Sin City?

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