Visiting Las Vegas for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

The nightlife in Las Vegas is legendary, featuring a seemingly endless list of sleek, cavernous bars and clubs that cater to celebrities, locals, and anyone looking for an unforgettable night out. Get the VIP experience and learn where the hottest spots are on a nightclub tour that gets you past the ropes. Or, cruise the Strip in style with a limo ride. Keep in mind that not all the parties happen after dark in Las Vegas—pool parties rage all day at clubs where revelers swim, dance, and lounge in the desert sunshine.

Las Vegas shows are in a class of their own. Options range from the massive productions staged by Cirque du Soleil to magic, impersonators, and tributes to Sin City’s swinging Rat Pack era. Big names set up residencies here, entertaining huge crowds every night of the week, while some smaller venues have tables and booths facing compact stages. Buy your tickets well in advance, and if you’ve purchased general admission passes, come early to score the best possible seats.

Sometimes, we can all use a little perspective. Seeing Vegas from above showcases the city’s over-the-top scale and glitter, whether you’re flying above the strip on a VIP helicopter tour or gliding on the High Roller Observation Wheel. Find more fantastic views from the STRAT Tower Observation Deck, Stratosphere Tower, and even an open-top, double-decker tour bus. Or you could go the high-adrenaline route and leap from SkyJump Las Vegas, which sits 829 feet (253 meters) above the Las Vegas Strip.

While it might come as a surprise to some visitors, Las Vegas is one of America’s best outdoorsy cities. Try hiking and e-biking in nearby Red Rock Canyon, or head to the Colorado River for kayaking at Emerald Cave. There’s also off-roading on sand dunes, desert horseback riding, and a lot of seriously challenging rock climbing. Some of the US’ most famous national parks are also within day-tripping distance, including Death Valley National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce National Park, and Zion National Park.

Recent years have brought a burgeoning street art scene to Las Vegas. Check out brightly colored murals on your own or take a guided walking tour of downtown. A recent arrival worth booking ahead is Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart at AREA15, a surreal and interactive “grocery story” that’s packed with quirky design and is made for exploring. There are also a handful of fun art museums, which range from the rotating exhibits at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art to the digital art museum Perception.

There’s more to Las Vegas than casinos, of course. But casinos are classic Vegas. If you’re a novice player, you can learn the ropes by booking a tutorial with an experienced gambler. Or, simply set a firm budget and go casino-hopping, joining a game or two as you make your way along the Strip. Bonus points: most casinos provide free drinks and snacks as you play. Be sure to tip the servers well to keep the freebies flowing, and remember that it’s common practice to tip dealers, as well.

Related: 10 Things to Do in Vegas—Besides Gambling

The massive dam that created Lake Mead was the largest on earth when it was built in the 1930s, and Hoover Dam is still a grandiose sight. It’s close enough to Las Vegas you can visit on a quick, half-day jaunt. Or combine it with a visit to the Grand Canyon for a full day of exploring both manmade and natural wonders. Flightseeing trips to the Grand Canyon also generally take in Hoover Dam—seeing the dam from the air gives a true sense of its overwhelming size.

Welcome to the heart of the action: Packing a lineup of light shows, concerts, and casinos into a 4-block stretch, the Fremont Street Experience is Vegas bling on an over-the-top scale. There’s also more to the Fremont Street Experience than meets the eye. History tours showcase the area’s fascinating past, mob-themed walking tours explore Sin City’s dangerous side, while foodie experiences highlight local flavors and treats you’ll only find in Vegas.

Nothing says “I did Vegas” like a snap of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, whose retro neon has glimmered over Las Vegas Boulevard since 1959. A photo op with the sign is a sought-after experience—lines form as visitors wait to snap their own—and the sign is a key stop on many tours of Las Vegas, from hop-on hop-off buses to photo-themed tours featuring the best backdrops in town.

Insider tip: For even more cool vintage signs, head over to the Neon Museum, which has hundreds of old-school finds in their open-air neon boneyard.

More than 1,000 feet (305 meters) of fountains front the Bellagio, regularly erupting into elaborate displays with musical themes ranging from pop to classical. Some rooms and dining areas have views of the Fountains of Bellagio, but you don’t need a reservation to catch the show. In the afternoon and early evening, the fountains erupt every 30 minutes, then go off four times an hour until midnight. Many Las Vegas tours feature the Fountains of Bellagio, too—you can even visit with a professional photographer for a personalized photo shoot.