Most Popular Things to Do in Las Vegas, Nevada

Are you up for 24/7 excitement in the Entertainment Capital of the World? Gear up and dive into all the fun things to do in Las Vegas, Nevada! Set on the edge of the Mojave Desert, this shimmering, around-the-clock entertainment oasis is jam-packed with non-stop action.

Among the top tourist attractions in Las Vegas, you’ll dig into a sumptuous menu of top-line entertainment, glittering casinos, sensational attractions, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Relax by the pool with a cocktail, take a romantic moonlit gondola ride, or soak up the after-dark energy on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Factor in superb museums, world-class retail, stunning landscapes, and legendary landmarks like the Hoover Dam, and you’ve got a winner.

Ready to spin the wheel in one of the world’s most fun cities? Grab this guide to the best places to visit in Las Vegas, and hit the jackpot!

Must-see places to visit in Las Vegas, NV

Fremont Street Experience

Want to put your finger on the Las Vegas pulse? Then head down to the Freemont Experience, an all-night Vegas fun-fest. Just a 15-minute drive from the Strip, this is the beating heart of downtown Las Vegas action.

Fremont Street 

This 5-block pedestrian mall rocks with activity after dark. Check out attractions like ziplining, dueling piano bars, street performers, and free nightly concerts. The Freemont Street Experience star attraction: an epic hourly light show on the world’s largest video screen.

The Freemont Street Experience is jam-packed with kiosks; be sure to stop off and browse some one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs. Take a break to sample delicious street food, and wash it down with a thirst-quenching craft cocktail or brew.

Come prepared to party!

Neon Museum

Those legendary neon lights of Las Vegas never die; they just retire to the Neon Museum. If you’re a fan of vintage flash, this is a must-see, even if you only have 24 hours in Las Vegas. Called “the most electrifying museum in Las Vegas,” this one-of-a-kind open-air museum has collected and preserved these iconic neon signs for decades. 

Neon Museum 

Check in at the Neon Museum visitors’ center for site details, then head out for a self-guided tour of the eye-popping Neon Boneyard. Home to over 200 neon treasures, this two-acre site offers a fascinating glimpse into Sin City’s early days. 

Get a close-up look at signs that once garnished historic buildings like the Stardust, Moulin Rouge, and Aladdin. As you wander through the Neon Museum, you’ll hear the fascinating tales of the original casinos and the colorful characters who shaped Las Vegas way back when.

Tours of the Neon Museum sell out in a flash; be sure to book ahead!

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

Up for an aquatic adventure? Take the plunge at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. North America’s only predator-based aquarium, this popular Las Vegas attraction is home to over 2,000 animals, including massive sea turtles, giant stingrays, and – of course – sharks. 

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

As you walk through a lush indoor rain forest, you’ll be able to view exhibits featuring golden crocodiles, pythons, and komodo dragons. Marvel at mesmerizing aquatic creatures like octopus, jellyfish, and sea stars. Reach out and touch a stingray, or (very carefully!) serve lunch to a shark.

For the grand finale, visit the Shark Reef Aquarium Shipwreck Exhibit. This amazing see-through spot features spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows. You’ll enjoy amazing up-close views of sharks, rays, sea turtles, and teeming schools of exotic fish.

Want to dive in but stay dry? Check out the Undersea Explorer experience for an unforgettable underwater VR adventure. 

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

If you’re ready for a break from the bright lights, just set your compass for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. A short drive from the Strip, this breathtaking site is carved into the stunning red rock of the Mojave Desert’s Spring Mountains.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Twenty-six different hiking and biking trails will take you from deep canyons to the top of rugged peaks. If you’ve got a yearning to climb, you’ll find it impossible to resist the lure of tackling massive boulders and sheer rock faces at Red Rock Canyon.

But there’s no need to break a sweat. Relax on a scenic drive through the spectacular landscape. You’ll journey through a thriving ecosystem that’s home to a rich variety of flora and fauna – not to mention prehistoric footprints and fossils.

RELATED: Day Trips from Las Vegas

Be sure to check out the Visitor Center and bookstore for more information on Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Got more to explore? Book a campsite!

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Festive floral arrangements with a theatrical flair? It all awaits at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Set in the legendary Bellagio hotel, this spectacular 14,000-square-foot botanical garden was inspired by the Art Nouveau conservatories of Paris.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Step inside and you’ll enter an enchanted world. You may be smack-dab in the middle of the Mojave Desert, but at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, you’ll experience four vivid seasons. Every three months, the stage is set with thousands of fresh flowers to form gorgeous sculptures and landscapes that celebrate the season.

Delight your senses as you immerse yourself in a vibrant array of sights, sounds, colors, and scents. Surrounded by amazing animatronic birds and butterflies, bright bobbing lanterns, and bubbling fountains, you’ll be in horticultural heaven!

Gondola Rides at the Venetian

Ever dreamed of a romantic gondola ride down the Grand Canal of Venice? Then you’ll want to glide along to the Gondola Rides at the Venetian. Set just off the Strip, the Venetian Hotel has recreated a magical Italian experience that features both indoor and outdoor waterways.

The Venetian

Indoors, you’ll weave beneath the Venetian’s magnificent sky-painted ceilings. Outdoors, you’ll float beneath graceful bridges, alongside picturesque cafes, and past charming Grand Canal Shoppes set in a Venetian streetscape. And – this being Las Vegas – your colorfully-garbed gondolier will of course serenade you as you glide along the water.

You can book a private or shared trip with Gondola Rides at the Venetian. Both indoor and outdoor options are enchanting, but the outdoor version offers more space and privacy. Watch the sun go down and the moon light up over the water.

This is one of the most popular points of interest in Las Vegas, so book ahead!

Mob Museum

Looking for a brush with infamy? Then you’ll want to do some time at Sin City’s amazing Mob Museum. Housed in a circa-1933 Courthouse, this joint really spills the beans on mob history and law enforcement in America and is one of the most interesting places to go in Las Vegas.

Mob Museum

You’ll get the truth and nothing but from the fascinating video clips and intriguing interactive exhibits spread over the four floors of the Mob Museum. Learn about everything from historic Mob characters to the culture and fashion of organized crime in its heyday.

Put yourself at the scene of the crime with hundreds of immersive exhibits and artifacts. Investigate interactive exhibits at the Crime Lab, where you can explore the work of DNA profilers, medical examiners, forensic scientists, and fingerprint analysts.

Finish off with a libation at The Speakeasy, a Prohibition-era replica featuring exhibits highlighting the rowdy Roaring Twenties. Get the password, find the side door, and you’re in: Case closed!

Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

Lions and tigers … and dolphins? Oh yes! You’ll find all these and more at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Set in the Mirage Hotel and Casino – where the duo performed for over a decade – this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Las Vegas.

Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

Experience the thrill of coming face-to-face with some of nature’s most majestic creatures. Get up close and personal with rare and exotic species like white tigers, leopards, lions, and panthers. Stroll through the site’s lush garden setting to see big cats in all their glory while their cubs are at play.

And there’s more to explore on the aquatic side. Head to the underwater viewing area to watch bottlenose dolphins as they frolic. Working alongside Dolphin Care Specialists, you can meet, feed, and touch these marine marvels.

Take a selfie! This experience shouldn’t stay in Vegas.

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

How do you hobnob with Beyonce, Snoop Dog, and Celine Dion in a single room? You visit them (or their wax facsimiles) in Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at The Venetian. You may never get a chance to brush shoulders with the real deal, but this is the next best thing.

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is jam-packed with eye-popping replicas of actors, musicians, politicians, and other high-profile folks – so get in there and mingle.

Moonwalk with Michael Jackson. Strike a pose with Madonna. Sling an arm over Babe Ruth’s shoulder, or huddle up with The Hulk. Keep your camera handy so you’ll be ready for your closeup.

If your visit has you seeing stars, take a break to refuel at the cafe, or quench your thirst at the Hangover Bar.

Springs Preserve

Want to scout out the “Birthplace of Las Vegas”? Then a visit to the Springs Preserve is a must. Set on the site of artesian springs that gave Las Vegas its name, this was the area’s original source of water – and it’s what turned a few square miles of desert into a neon-lit city.

Rich in history and recreational options, Springs Preserve offers plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family.

Walk, bike, or ride the train through the Springs Preserve’s 3.5 miles of trails. Covering over 100 acres, this diverse ecosystem is home to more than 250 native species and a treasure trove of archaeological sites. 

For a deep dive into the past, drop into the Nevada State Museum or the Origen Museum. Explore interactive features and exhibits showcasing the region’s fascinating history.

Experience an amazing journey that will take you from the Nevada desert’s prehistoric era right through to the present day.

High Roller

Ready to hit the heights? Then don’t miss out on the High Roller, one of the most popular things to do in Las Vegas. This massive structure on the Vegas Strip would be hard to miss: it stands 550 feet tall, making it the largest observation wheel in the world!

High Roller at the LINQ

The High Roller is definitely not your grandma’s Ferris wheel. The “seats” are actually luxurious, climate-controlled pods that each take up to 40 people on a spectacular 30-minute revolution.

A daytime ride features breathtaking vistas of Nevada’s desert landscape. Ride by night, and you’ll get spectacular views of the glittering neon signs that spell Las Vegas.

Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck

If a taste of Parisian je-ne-sais-quoi is on your bucket list, here’s a suggestion: head for the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck atop the Paris Las Vegas hotel. This icon of the Las Vegas skyline is a half-scale replica of the French original, and it’s one of the most popular places to see in Las Vegas.

Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck

Immerse yourself in “Paris” as you wend your way through exhibits leading to the observation deck. You’ll pass iconic Parisian landmarks like the Louvre, the Paris Opera House, and the Arc de Triomphe. (Great for selfies!)

The Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck is 460 feet high and a world away from the street-level hustle. Take in spectacular 360-degree city views that feature iconic landmarks like the High Roller and the Fountains of Bellagio. Feast your eyes on the haunting landscape of the distant Mojave Desert. Only in Vegas!

Pinball Hall of Fame

Heads up, flipper fiends! If you’re hankering for a taste of the good old days, you’ll get a heaping helping at the Pinball Hall of Fame. Spanning 10,000 square feet, this one-of-a-kind tribute to “pin” features over 100 lovingly refurbished pinball machines spanning seven decades.

Pinball Hall of Fame

Take a walk down memory lane and wander through a vast collection of machine brands including Bally, Gottlieb, and Williams in models ranging from arcade-era classics to early computer-era specimens. Take time to view the information attached to each machine to learn more about their history and popularity in pinball culture.  

Is that a roll of quarters in your pocket? Take your pick of machines, pop in a coin, and hit those flippers! Maybe this time you’ll hit the jackpot.

Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum

Spook specialists, no need to wait for Halloween to give yourself a scare. Fly over to Zac Bagans’ The Haunted Museum, and you’ll get chills to last a lifetime. Seen on the Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures, this historic mansion is the perfect place to get your adrenaline pumping.

Take the Haunted Museum’s RIP All-Access tour to learn about the building’s history, paranormal hotspots, and the haunted items it houses. View artifacts from haunted sites, and hear bone-chilling tales of nearby paranormal activity. 

Explore secret passageways into more than 30 rooms that look like something out of a Hollywood horror film. View infamous possessed objects like the Dybbuk Box, the world’s “most haunted” object and the inspiration for the movie The Possession. 

Ghostbuster wannabes will be tempted by the Late Night Flashlight Ghost Tour Experience, where they’re given 90 minutes to explore the entire site without supervision. Do you dare?

Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Looking for a family-friendly spot that’ll be a hit with the whole crew? Then head ‘em up and move ‘em out to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. Just a few miles north of the Vegas strip, this popular attraction offers plenty of fun and engaging activity for kids.

Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Let them explore a wealth of exhibits including the Treasures of Egypt, the Prehistoric Life Gallery, and the African Savannah Gallery. They’ll be thrilled by growling animatronic dinosaurs and gigantic whale figures hanging from the ceiling. They’ll be enthralled by life-like animal models set in their natural habitats and marvel at ancient fossil specimens.

Be sure to check out Dinosaur Mummy CSI at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. This one-of-a-kind exhibit highlights the expertise of scientists who unlocked the secrets of the world’s best-preserved dinosaur mummy, Leonardo. Little Einsteins (and their parents) will be inspired.

SlotZilla Zipline

Craving an adrenaline rush? Then zoom over to the SlotZilla Zipline on Freemont Street, where you can fly through the air with the greatest of ease. This 11-story slot machine-inspired zip line attraction is custom-made to meet your need.

SlotZilla Zipline

Zip-Zilla, the lower line, launches from a 77-foot-high platform and whisks you in a seated position right to the middle of the never-ending Fremont Street party scene.

Or go full-on Superman with the Zoomline, launching from a height of 114 feet. Feel the thrill as you fly prone all the way down the Fremont Street Experience to a landing platform at the historic Golden Gate casino. 

Smile big as you land, because someone from the SlotZilla Zipline gang will be there to snap your pic.

Want to capture the experience on video? Get a GoPro helmet on the harness deck, and you’ll leave with a permanent memento.

Discovery Children’s Museum

On the hunt for some brain-boosting fun to satisfy the kiddos in your crew? You’ll find plenty to quench their curiosity at the Discovery Children’s Museum.

Discovery Children's Museum

A hop, skip, and a jump from the Fremont Street Experience, this interactive playground is home to nine permanent gallery spaces that are custom-made to engage young minds.

Let them splash around in “Water World” (raincoats supplied), where they can learn about the power and importance of H2O. Pay a visit to “Eco City” to learn about sustainability through interactive games and activities. The “Discovery Lab” is chock-full of tools and hands-on toys that will fire up the urge to experiment and create.

If they’ve still got energy to burn, let them tackle “The Summit”, a 70-foot tower featuring interactive science exhibits all the way to the top. A-ha moments guaranteed!

Where to stay in Las Vegas for sightseeing

For most travelers, the top choices for where to stay in Las Vegas include Downtown, the Strip, and around Fremont Street. Even in the centralmost areas, hotel prices can be surprisingly reasonable.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort

Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort

Stay in Vegas without breaking the bank at this excellent budget-friendly hotel. The rooms here are modern and comfortable. Extra amenities include multiple outdoor pools, hot tubs, and an on-site restaurant & bar.

The Palazzo at The Venetian

The Palazzo at The Venetian

The Venetian often factors into Las Vegas sightseeing plans. Why not make a night of it? The hotel offers spacious suites enhanced by an extensive menu of amenities, including an on-site spa, pool terrace, and over 80 (!) restaurants on-site.

Encore at Wynn Las Vegas

Encore at Wynn Las Vegas

Get the ultimate Las Vegas Strip experience at this classic hotel! The Encore at Wynn delivers spacious suites decked out with modern decor and impeccable views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Duck in for relaxing treatments at the hotel’s award-winning spa or cool down in the outdoor pools. The hotel also offers several on-site dining and nightlife options to end the evening in style.

Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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