Las Vegas – also known as Sin City or The City That Never Sleeps – is an incredible destination, no matter your interests. If you’re into museums, shows, casinos, drinking, shopping, shooting guns, nature, or anything else, you can probably find it here. We’ve been to Vegas a few times and before I left I couldn’t wait to come back. This list doesn’t even come close to mentioning all the Las Vegas attractions, but here are 30 different options to help you plan your own trip to Las Vegas. If you have any other attractions or activities to add, let me know in the comment section below!
1. Las Vegas Sign
The first attraction you should add to your list in Las Vegas is to visit the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign. When we visited there was quite a long line to take turns taking photos in front, but it actually moved pretty quickly. The sign is located south of Mandalay Bay, so it is about a 15 minute walk (from inside) Mandalay Bay, or about a 2 minute drive. Parking was free at this attraction
2. Las Vegas Neon Museum
This is a must-do attraction if you are in Las Vegas. The Neon Museum is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to collecting and preserving the historic neon signs of Vegas. Here you will find numerous historic signs on display from years gone by. There is an outdoor boneyard that gets illuminated at night for evening tours, and you can also explore during the day. Volunteers walk around and are very knowledgeable about the signs so you can ask them any questions about neon signs, and Vegas history.
3. Seven Magic Mountains
The Seven Magic Mountains are an art installation in the desert south of the Las Vegas strip. There are multi-coloured boulders making up 7 towers that are each more than 30 feet high. We enjoyed the visit, but aside from taking some photos, there wasn’t a lot to do there. Still, it was a fun sight to see and if you’re planning a visit, you better get there soon. They have only extended the exhibition through the end of 2021.
4. Fremont Street
A visit to Fremont Street is an essential activity on your Las Vegas itinerary. If you’re staying on the main Las Vegas Strip, or off the strip, you must venture to the old Las Vegas Strip – the Fremont Street Experience. This area is the original Las Vegas with hotels like the Golden Nugget, Binions and the 4 Queens. This historic area has turned into an entertainment district with live entertainment, a large LED music and light show overhead, restaurants, bars, casinos, and shopping. We had a fantastic time visiting the old casinos, watching the Viva Vision light show, and seeing the street performers along the street. The area is primarily geared toward pedestrians, but there are a few areas where traffic can pass through. Make sure you plan a visit here to see the original Vegas Strip.
5. Red Rock Canyon
If you have access to a vehicle, or feel like renting one for the day then you should visit the Red Rock Canyon. This conservation area has a scenic loop to drive and experience the canyon in all it’s glory. There is a visitor centre with more information about the area, and once you’re done there you can being the drive through the scenic loop. Along the way there are scenic lookout points and hiking trails. We enjoyed our experience there, and wish we had more time to do some hiking. If you do go, make sure you bring water and snacks with you, and fill up your gas tank before you leave!
6. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden
One of my favourite attractions in Vegas has to be the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden. Here they change the displays and decor four times a year for each season. It’s a fully immersive experience with beautiful flower and plant displays, music, and a lovely garden aroma. Before you visit, do check the website as they have “dark days” where they use the time to redecorate for the next season. But make sure you stop here on your next visit (if you haven’t already).
7. Bellagio Fountain Show
Chances are if you’ve ever watched a movie or TV show set in Las Vegas, you’ve seen the Bellagio Fountain Show. But even if you have seen it on screen, it’s something you definitely need to see in person. This show is an iconic Las Vegas attraction, and it’s 100% free. So you have nothing to lose if you aren’t sure about checking it out. There are many unique song and fountain combinations and the fountains span more than 1000 feet and water reaches up to 460 feet in the air. Check our their website for show times and frequency.
8. Circus Acts at Circus Circus
Another item you should add to your Las Vegas itinerary would be a visit to Circus Circus to enjoy some of their free Circus Acts. I had the pleasure of watching some very entertaining jugglers during one visit and a trapeze artist as well. It’s a great activity if you have kids, or are a kid at heart.
9. The Strat Skypod & Rides
While your at the top end of the Strip, you can also visit the Strat Skypod for some great views of the Strip and city of Las Vegas below. At the top you can also enjoy some thrill rides (if that’s your thing!) like the a roller coaster that teeters over the edge, a ride that catapults you into the air and drops you down, and one that spins over the side of the tower. Rides cost extra, so if you’d prefer to just enjoy the views like I did, you only have to pay for the observation deck.
10. Lobby at Wynn
The Wynn Hotel is a luxury resort in Las Vegas and has an incredibly beautiful lobby. There are trees, flower displays, twinkle lights, and a lovely skylight letting in natural light. I enjoyed visiting here and looking around while taking some photos. It’s a great photo spot beside the lobby bar and also home to some of the hotel shops.
11. Gondola Rides at Venetian
Another attraction are the Gondola Rides at the Venetian Hotel. There are two options for the gondola rides – indoors through the “Grand Canal” shops area, or outdoors in front of the hotel. Both offer a relaxing gondola ride experience with singing gondoliers.
12. Eiffel Tower at Paris
The next attraction you should add to your Vegas itinerary would be visiting the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel. This tower is a replica of the original tower in Paris, France and measures in at exactly half its size. The design and decor of the hotel made me feel like I was actually back in France. On your visit you’ll go up 46 stories to the observation deck for spectacular views of the Vegas Strip. You can even try to time your visit to match up with a fountain show at the Bellagio to view it from above. There was a cage-like structure all the way around the observation deck, but there are cut-outs for cameras to get some unobstructed views. In the evening the Eiffel Tower has a light show similar to the real thing in Paris.
13. Fall of Atlantis Show
Another free attractions is the Fall of Atlantis Show located in the Ceasars Palace Forum Shops. This animatronic show includes fire, water, an large talking statues. It’s a little dated and the sound might not be the greatest, but it is a fantastic free attraction for adults and kids.
14. Tipsy Robot
A trendy and unique spot to get a drink can be found in the Planet Hollywood Miracle Mile Shops – the Tipsy Robot. This automated bartender accepts your order through a tablet, and creates your drink in front of you. There are actually two robotic arms whipping up the drinks, and even if you just watch someone else’s drink being made, it’s a pretty fun sight to see.
15. Attend a Las Vegas Show
I don’t think you can go to Vegas without seeing a show. Vegas is famous for their performances, and there are so many to choose from. I’ve seen numerous shows in Vegas including magic performances by Penn & Teller, concerts and musical performances, and my favourite option – Circue du Solei. I really enjoyed the Michael Jackson One, Mystere and Ka Cirque du Solei shows and highly recommend them.
Check out my other posts if you’re looking for some Las Vegas Tips or Free Activities to do in Las Vegas! If you want to learn more about the Mandalay Bay Resort, I’ve also got you covered.
16. Tram Ride
The Las Vegas Strip is massive. It can literally take hours to walk from one end to the other (I know, because I did it all by myself. And it took me even longer because I stopped at each hotel along the way). There are a few free trams that operate between hotels that can help you save some steps. And, some of them are even free! I stayed at Mandalay Bay and we were able to get to Luxor and Excalibur on the Tram which was very convenient. Check out what the other hotels offer to enjoy some air conditioned down time between hotels.
17. Lounge by the Pool
And speaking of down time, you can spend a day by the pool relaxing. Most of the hotels on the strip have at least one pool. Some of them (like Mandalay Bay and Caesars Palace where we stayed) have more than one. The hotels charge you a resort fee, so you’re technically paying for this amenity, so you might as well use it! I really enjoyed the pool area at Mandalay Bay. There was a wave pool, real sand to create a beach, and some quieter pools. But if you’re looking for a party, you can attend one of many pool parties during the day or evening at some of the
18. Shark Reef Aquarium
If you’re a fan of aquariums, then the next attraction should be the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Here you can see more than 2000 animals including endangered sea turtles, sting rays, and sharks to name a few. There are options to even go diving with the sharks and watch the feedings. It’s a great activity for kids and adults.
19. Big Apple Coaster at NYNY
If you’re looking for a fun activity for kids (or if you’re a kid at heart) you can head to NYNY hotel and take the Big Apple Coaster ride above the hotel. Ticket fees start at $19 so it is on the pricey side.
20. Drink on the Las Vegas Strip
This isn’t an attraction per se, but it’s a fun activity you can do in Las Vegas. There are open container laws in Vegas which means you can drink alcohol while you’re out and about on the Las Vegas Strip. Whether you decide to stop at a restaurant or bar and grab a drink in a fun souvenir cup, or just stop at a Walgreens and grab an alcoholic beverage from the fridge section – you can enjoy a drink while you explore. Personally, I prefer to stop at the Walgreens to grab my drink because it’s to much cheaper than some of the bars along the Strip.
21. Flamingo Habitat at the Flamingo
There is a free flamingo wildlife habitat at the Flamingo hotel that is home to a variety of feathered friends. Here you can observe a flock of Chilean flamingos, various ducks, pelicans, and swans. There are also koi fish and turtles living in the ponds. There are 15-acres of habitat and it is open daily from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
22. Explore Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos
This is a free activity – unless you decide to gamble in the casinos along the way. Each hotel has a unique theme and decor, often with attractions to lure tourists into their hotel. I enjoyed walking my way from one end of the strip to the other and stopping in each of the hotels to look around. It took me a total of 8 hours to start at Mandalay Bay and get to The Strat – which included exploring the hotels, shopping, stopping for photos, stopping for lunch and snacks, and taking my time. The next day I took an Uber from Mandalay Bay to Wynn and walked my way through the hotels and shops on the way back to Mandalay Bay. It was a great way to get some steps in, and to see what each hotel had to offer.
23. Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is located by the border of Nevada and Arizona and is about 45 minutes from the strip (depending on where you’re staying). We rented a car and drove out to the Dam to explore. There is a large parking garage on site and it costs about $10. If you’re interested in learning more about the Dam and getting a behind the scenes look, you can purchase a tour that takes you through the inspection tunnels, through the power plant and you get access to the visitor centre. Tours start at $10 (for self-guided tours of the visitor centre) to $30 for the extended package that covers all 3 tours.
24. Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon isn’t technically in Las Vegas, or even in Nevada. But you can easily rent a car on the Strip and head out to visit the Grand Canyon. It is a long day of driving, and some stretches of road have nothing but desert and mountains to look at – so make sure you fill up your gas tank at every opportunity. We decided to visit the Skywalk on the West Rim, which was about 2 hours and 30 minutes from our hotel. If you want to visit the National Park (South Rim) it would take approximately 4.5 hours each way. So my recommendation would be to stay a few nights in Arizona close to the South Rim of the Canyon if you want to spend some time there exploring.
25. Helicopter Ride Over the Las Vegas Strip
If you’re feeling adventurous and want a unique experience you can take a helicopter ride over the Las Vegas Strip. I looked into it for myself and packages start around $130 USD for a 15-minute helicopter ride. Most of the packages include round-trip hotel transfers, or pick-up from your hotel. However, since I’m kind of scared of heights, and was going by myself I didn’t end up booking. But if I go back – I might put this one back on my list!
26. Ride the High Roller Ferris Wheel
The High Roller is a giant Ferris wheel measuring 550-feet tall and 520-feet in diameter. This huge Ferris wheel can be found at the LINQ Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip in and it is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment. Riding the High Roller does come in at a high cost… this Ferris wheel starts at $10 for kids and $37 for adults. But there is also an all you can drink package for the High Roller – and that comes in at a much higher price. But, you’re paying for the experience!
27. Sigfried & Roy’s Garden and Dolphin Habitat
Enjoy a day outside at the Mirage Hotel & Casino exploring the grounds of Sigfried & Roy’s Secret Garden. This attraction is located near the pool entrance at the Mirage and is home to various tigers, lions, other exotic cats and also a dolphin habitat. There are numerous ticket options to choose from including basic admission all the way to VIP access and painting with the dolphin packages. We did basic admission and it cost around $20 per adult.
28. Mirage Volcano Show
The Volcano is located by the Las Vegas Boulevard main entrance and nightly shows take place every day. The explosions are in tune to a rock soundtrack and you can feel the heat of the fire and lava if you’re close enough. A fun, free activity to add to an evening on the Strip.
29. Shop on the Strip & Outlet Malls
My husband actually enjoys shopping so he was all for visiting both of the outlets in Vegas. We went to the north outlets and the south outlets in the same day via bus. The bus wasn’t too expensive and was pretty convenient as you could catch it in numerous spots along the strip. We found amazing deals at the outlets and got a little carried away. Definitely a fun way to spend a day browsing the outlets or any of the shops along the strip. And hey – window shopping is free!
30. Dine at a famous chef’s Restaurant
There certainly is no shortage of dining options in Lad Vegas. It seems like every famous chef has a place on the strip and of course, we heard the food is amazing. We decided to eat at Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill and it was a a very tasty meal. You definitely pay premium prices for your food but it is a fun experience to visit one or a few different famous restaurants.
30 Top Las Vegas Attractions Summary
Well I hope that these 30 attractions and activities can help you if you’re planning your own trip to Las Vegas. And if you have any suggestions of your own – leave them in the comment section below. Overall I would say that Las Vegas can be as cheap or as expensive as you want to make it. There are plenty of free activities to do on the Las Vegas Strip and nearby. But, on the other hand it’s not difficult to make your trip to Vegas one of the most expensive trips of a lifetime… even if you don’t gamble. Either way, I hope if you’re visiting Sin City in the future that you have a fantastic trip!
