Glittering, flashy Las Vegas is larger than life—a seeming mirage in the middle of the desert. Visitors seeking a wild night will find plenty of parties, but there are endless things to do in Las Vegas without stepping inside a casino or club. Top chefs, family-friendly performances, and art abound, including in a newly revitalized Downtown Las Vegas. Desert landscapes begin where the neon glow fades. Many visitors make Las Vegas their base camp for exploring the Grand Canyon, Colorado River, and Mojave Desert.
Mild weather and desert wildflowers from March through May mean spring is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking, as well as for all-night dancing during the renowned Electric Daisy Carnival in May. After a few months of sweltering summer weather, crowds and moderate temperatures return in September, fueling the outdoor pool party scene. Budget-savvy travelers can save by avoiding traveling here during major conventions, which drive up hotel prices.
Most visitors arrive at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport, located 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Las Vegas Boulevard. If you’re staying within the city limits, it’s easy to get around without a car. The Las Vegas Monorail links destinations along the Las Vegas Strip and the free Downtown Loop shuttle bus circles between downtown, the Arts District, and the Fremont Street Experience. Taxis and rideshares are plentiful.
If you’re coming to Vegas as a novice gambler—or you want to brush up your game—you can get help from the pros. Some gambling tours of the city feature lessons in games like poker and blackjack, which mean personalized attention and tips. Some casinos, including Mandalay Bay, Circus Circus, and MGM Grand, also offer gambling classes, pairing groups of newbies with experienced players. They’re popular, so plan to arrive early if you want to participate.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone PDT (UTC -8) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 105 | Tours 1,038 | Reviews 160,846 |
Viator's resident Vegas expert, Jenny feels incredibly fortunate to live in what she believes to be one of the most vibrant, exciting, and colorful cities in the world.
a hop-on hop-off tour to get your bearings along the Strip and in the Fremont Street area. Get to know the crossroads, too, as that’s how locals give directions.
involves visiting the Mob Museum, the Neon Museum, and the Fremont East district, where there are plenty of cool restaurants and bars. Finishing your evening with a cocktail at Circa.
Vegas’ entertainment scene. From stars like Celine Dion and Britney to over-the-top shows and world-class sports teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and the Raiders, Vegas has it all.
head to the desert. Red Rock Canyon has great year-round outdoor activities; the Valley of Fire has incredibly stunning scenery; and Lake Mead is a boaters paradise.
go to the Skyfall Lounge or the Foundation Room in Mandalay Bay for a view of the Strip. Or, visit the Apex Rooftop Bar for panoramic views over the entire valley.
Before the Strip became the center of Las Vegas, in the early 1900s, Fremont Street was where it was at—gambling, prostitution, and liquor sales were easily accessible within a 2-block area. It’s here where the city gained its famous nickname: Sin City. After World War II, mob bosses came to town to form casino empires, further cementing the moniker.
...MoreMarch through May and October to November are the best months to go to Las Vegas. This is when travelers will experience the best weather for walking the Strip and participating in outdoor activities like hikes. During the summer, daytime temps regularly climb into the triple digits, with August being the hottest month. Also, keep in mind that some resort swimming pools are closed from October through February.
...MoreOf course, most Vegas visitors will want to try their luck at the city’s countless casinos packed with table games and slot machines. Beyond that, Las Vegas and the surrounding area offer a unique mix of nightlife and entertainment including top-name acts and natural attractions like the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
...MoreSince the city’s architecture can trick the eye like a desert mirage, get your bearings along the Strip and in the Fremont Street area by exploring the resorts on your own or via a hop-on hop-off bus tour. And be sure to attend a show—whether you’re into acrobatics, show tunes, or adult-only revues, there’s something for everyone. Plus, located just south of Mandalay Bay, you’ll find “The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign—a first-timer’s must-snap photo.
...MoreIf gambling’s not your thing, there are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas outside the casinos, including spas, shopping, dining, cultural attractions like the Neon Museum, and even rides such as the High Roller Observation Wheel. Also, the nearby Grand Canyon is a popular day trip option for those visiting Vegas, and the neighboring Hoover Dam is also a must-see.
...MoreThe Fountains of Bellagio, located in front of the Bellagio Hotel on the Strip, are like many Vegas sights: over-the-top but in a good way. Among all the glitz and glam, the elegant waterworks attract visitors and locals alike who marvel at the synchronized show that’s choreographed to music, making it one of the most popular things to do in Las Vegas. The show changes every 15 minutes.
...MoreBesides getting married in one of Las Vegas’ 50-odd wedding chapels, couples can take a romantic ride in an authentic gondola at the Venetian hotel. A gondolier steers the boat along an indoor/outdoor waterway as they serenade you in Italian. Or dine atop the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel and Casino.
...MoreUnless they work at one of the casinos, hotels, or resorts, locals aren't likely to hang out on the Strip. You might find them at Fremont Street, though, where there are dozens of watering holes. Other fave local neighborhoods include the Arts District and Chinatown. And outside Vegas, the Red Rock Canyon is where outdoorsy locals go.
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