Things to Do in Las Vegas, USA
The Strip, Old Vegas and the Desert Beyond the Neon
- Average daily budget
- $150–$350/day
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Best for
- Nightlife, Shows, Dining, Desert Day Trips
About Las Vegas
Las Vegas packs most of its famous hotels onto a four-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard, the Strip, where a replica Eiffel Tower faces dancing fountains and a Venetian canal runs past a casino floor. Downtown, two miles north, is the older city of Fremont Street, vintage neon and dollar-bill shrimp cocktails. Most visitors never leave the casinos, which is a mistake: Red Rock Canyon's sandstone is 30 minutes west and Hoover Dam 45 minutes southeast. Come for the shows, the restaurants and the spectacle, and budget for the fees the room rate leaves out.
Top Attractions in Las Vegas
Bellagio Fountains
Free water-and-music shows on the eight-acre lake every 30 minutes from mid-afternoon (noon on weekends) and every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight; the bridge in front of Paris has the best angle.
Fremont Street Experience
Five pedestrian blocks downtown under the Viva Vision LED canopy, with hourly light shows after dark, street performers, the Golden Nugget and the SlotZilla zipline overhead.
Sphere
The 366-foot LED globe east of the Venetian, glowing every night on its outer Exosphere; inside, the immersive films and residencies sell out, so book ahead.
High Roller
The 550-foot observation wheel at the end of the LINQ Promenade takes about 30 minutes per rotation; the sunset cabin is the one to book.
Red Rock Canyon
A 13-mile one-way scenic drive through red and cream sandstone with trails like Calico Tanks and Ice Box Canyon; timed-entry reservations are required from October to May.
Hoover Dam
The 726-foot concrete arch on the Colorado River, 35 miles southeast, with a visitor centre, power plant tours and the walkway on the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman bridge above it.
Neon Museum
The Boneyard holds retired signs from the Stardust, the Sahara and dozens of vanished motels; the evening tours, when restored signs are lit, are worth booking.
The Mob Museum
Three floors of organised-crime history in the 1933 federal courthouse downtown, including the courtroom of the 1950 Kefauver hearings and a basement speakeasy.
Best Neighborhoods in Las Vegas
Center Strip
Bellagio, Caesars Palace, the Cosmopolitan, Paris and the LINQ, with the fountains, the High Roller and most of the headline restaurants within walking distance.
South Strip
Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur, New York-New York and MGM Grand, closest to the airport and T-Mobile Arena, with rooms often cheaper than mid-Strip.
Downtown and Fremont East
The original casino district: the Golden Nugget, El Cortez, cheaper tables, the Mob Museum, and the bars and restaurants east of Las Vegas Boulevard on Fremont.
Arts District
Antique shops, breweries, galleries and taquerias between the Strip and downtown, busiest on the First Friday art walk each month.
Chinatown
A long strip of plazas on Spring Mountain Road, a few minutes west of the Strip, with the city's best ramen, hot pot, dim sum and late-night dining.
What to Eat in Las Vegas
- Shrimp cocktail at the Golden Gate Hotel on Fremont Street
- A buffet at Bacchanal in Caesars Palace or Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan
- A slice from Secret Pizza on the Cosmopolitan's third floor
- Northern Thai khao soi at Lotus of Siam
- Ramen or hot pot on Spring Mountain Road in Chinatown
- Late-night breakfast at the Peppermill
Best Time to Visit Las Vegas
March to May and late September to November bring 70–85°F days and comfortable evenings for the Strip and the desert parks. June to August is fierce, often over 105°F, with pool season and cheaper midweek rooms. Winter is mild by day and cold at night. Rates spike on big convention weeks and holiday weekends, so check the calendar before booking.
Las Vegas Travel Tips
- Budget for resort fees of roughly $35–$55 a night and paid parking at most Strip resorts; both are added on top of the advertised room rate
- Walking the Strip takes longer than it looks: casinos that seem next door can be 15 minutes apart, so use the 24-hour Deuce bus, the monorail on the east side, or a rideshare
- Harry Reid International Airport is 10 to 15 minutes from the Strip by taxi or rideshare, with flat zone fares for taxis
- Carry water and wear sun protection from May to September, especially on desert hikes; start trails at sunrise
- Tip dealers, bartenders and housekeeping as elsewhere in the US, and book shows ahead
Las Vegas FAQ
When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
March to May and late September to November bring 70–85°F days and comfortable evenings for the Strip and the desert parks. June to August is fierce, often over 105°F, with pool season and cheaper midweek rooms. Winter is mild by day and cold at night. Rates spike on big convention weeks and holiday weekends, so check the calendar before booking.
How much does a day in Las Vegas cost?
Plan on an average daily budget of $150–$350/day in Las Vegas. The local currency is the US Dollar (USD).
How do I get around Las Vegas?
Walking the Strip takes longer than it looks: casinos that seem next door can be 15 minutes apart, so use the 24-hour Deuce bus, the monorail on the east side, or a rideshare. Harry Reid International Airport is 10 to 15 minutes from the Strip by taxi or rideshare, with flat zone fares for taxis.
What are the top things to do in Las Vegas?
Top attractions in Las Vegas include Bellagio Fountains, Fremont Street Experience, Sphere, High Roller and Red Rock Canyon. Las Vegas is best for nightlife, shows, dining and desert day trips.
What should I eat in Las Vegas?
Must-try food in Las Vegas includes Shrimp cocktail at the Golden Gate Hotel on Fremont Street, A buffet at Bacchanal in Caesars Palace or Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan, A slice from Secret Pizza on the Cosmopolitan's third floor and Northern Thai khao soi at Lotus of Siam.
Similar Destinations to Las Vegas
- More in North America → City, beach or national park for a first trip, a 12-day New York, New Orleans and Cancún route by air, a Banff and Yellowstone road trip, park passes, ESTA and eTA notes, seasons and daily budgets.