Las Vegas is literally a city that never sleeps. There is so much going around the clock that it is impossible to be bored there. Whether you are going on a trip with friends, a significant other or even as a family, you will find yourselves very busy trying to cram in all this city has to offer. Do not limit yourself to only the famous “Las Vegas Strip”, as there are lots of attractions and sights worth checking out outside this main area. Below is a list of the top 9 things to do in Las Vegas.
1. Take a day trip
A lot of tourists when planning on things to do in Las Vegas will also usually try to plan a day trip to one of its surrounding areas. One of the closest places I highly recommend if you are tight for time is the Hoover Dam. This is also one of the most popular day trips and is typically included on the way to the Grand Canyon. There is an observation deck for people to walk along over the rim to get a good view of the gushing water.
Another day trip that is highly recommended is to the Grand Canyon. This is a full day activity as it is quite a drive to get to. You can either rent a car and go on your own or join a tour. There are all kinds of tours to the Grand Canyon; some that only go there or some that make other stops along the way. There are three main spots that tours will take you: West Rim, South Rim or the North Rim. The South Rim is probably the most popular with tourists. The West Rim is the closest and where you can find the Glass Skywalk over the canyon. The North Rim is a little more difficult to get to and the furthest away.
2. Take in a show
One of my favorite things to do when visiting Vegas is taking in a show. There are all kinds of shows depending on your interest. Some of the biggest names in music can be found performing here including Celine Dion, Elton John, JLo, Backstreet Boys and Boyz II Men. Maybe a mind-blowing magic show is more up your alley, so you can check out Penn and Teller, David Copperfield or Criss Angel. Other popular shows include Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group or Thunder From Down Under. There is a wide variety of shows geared towards all age groups and interests.
3. Go shopping
Las Vegas has to be one of the most amazing cities in the world for shopping. There are a number of shops located all along the strip and even some hotels have mini-malls attached to them. It is very easy to burn through your money here. Some of the famous hotel shopping includes the luxury shops of Crystals and Bellagio, Forum Shops at Caesars, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, and the Grand Canal Shops at the Venetian. For more affordable shopping, you can find the Fashion Mall located at the north end of the strip, or the Premium Outlet malls located a bit further out from both north and south ends of the strip.
4. Gamble at the casinos
It’s obvious that one of the most famous things to do in Las Vegas is to gamble in casinos. Every hotel along the strip and outside the strip will have a casino. The largest casino can be found at the Venetian while other popular casinos along the strip include the Wynn, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, and the Mirage. Don’t forget to go off the strip to visit the downtown area where you will find the famous casino “The Golden Nugget”.
Please note: If gambling is on your list of things to do in Las Vegas, please do so responsibly and know when to call it a day.
5. Travel around the world through hotels
When in Vegas, you don’t have to go very far to get a taste of other cities from around the world. Most of the hotels tend to be based around a theme and many of them are exactly this. If you have ever wanted to go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower, then you don’t have to go far; check out the Paris Hotel and Casino. Have you ever wanted to take a gondola ride through those famous Venetian canals? Book your stay at the Venetian Hotel. Take a stroll around the Big Apple and head to the New York New York Hotel to see the Statue of Liberty and ride the roller-coaster through the Manhattan Skyline. Transport over to Rome by visiting the Bellagio and check out the famous water fountain show every half hour. Other themed hotels include Egypt’s “Luxor”, the Roman-themed “Caesars Palace” and jump back in time to the Middle Age by checking out the Excalibur Hotel and Casino.
6. Venture through Downtown Vegas
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The Downtown Las Vegas happens to be the historic center of the city. Before the strip, the downtown area was the gambling hub and home of the mob. Today, it is a fascinating area to wander around with plenty to see and do. It is located north of the strip and is easily accessible by the bus. This is where you will find the Freemont Street Experience which occupies 5 blocks of the street and is filled with shops, bars and casinos. Be sure to step back into time by visiting the famous Golden Nugget Casino or brave your wilder side and zip line down the street with SlotZilla Zip Line.
7. Visit the Neon Graveyard
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This has to be one of the most unique things to do in Las Vegas for me. Just north of the downtown area, you will find the Neon Museum. Spread across 6 acres, you will find a massive collection of over 150 famous old casino, hotel and business signs. Take a walk through history on a guided tour of this remarkable collection. You need to book your time ahead of time (online or in person) as it has become quite popular and space runs out quickly. They offer tours seven days a week from 9:30am to 11pm (midnight on weekends). It is hard to suggest the best time to go as visiting in the day is a completely different experience than going at night. At night, you will see the signs all lit up and during the day you won’t. Some of the most popular signs you will see include La Concha, The Golden Nugget and the Stardust.
8. Brave the Stratosphere
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The Stratosphere Hotel and Casino is located at the very north of the strip. Here you can discover how brave you actually are by participating in one of the thrill rides on the very top of the tower. The Insanity ride is a mechanical arm that holds you 900 feet above ground as it spins you over the edge, The Big Shot will blast you 160 feet up in the air and lastly, The Scream shoots you headfirst 27 feet over the edge. These rides are not for the faint hearted or anyone who may be scared of heights but, for adrenalin junkies, they are definitely the most thrilling things to do in Las Vegas. If these aren’t for you, why not try leaping off the top off the tower and fall from the sky on the heart-pounding SkyJump?
9. Go back to the Mob Days
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Step back in time to old Vegas when it was run by the Mob. The Mob Museum, officially the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, is located in Downtown Las Vegas in the former Las Vegas Post Office and Courthouse. The museum is dedicated to organized crime, not only in Vegas but around the United States. You will get to see several artifacts, hear stories and learn all about the history of organized crime. Your experience will also provide you with more information about the first Casinos in the city, the origins of the FBI and all you need to know about Howard Hughes and Al Capone. This is one of those excellent things to do in Las Vegas if you’re a history and crime buff.
Know of any other tips or things to do in Las Vegas? Feel free to comment below!
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