People come to Las Vegas in droves for food, nightlife, music, and resorts.
Las Vegas is known for its glitzy and glamorous hotels, many of which are over the top. These hotels are an attraction in and of themselves. In recent years the city has attempted to clean up its image and several of the new hotels, including the Wynn and the Rio, are more elegant and high end. Some of the classic hotels remain favorites however. Definitely pop your head into the Venetian, with Venice like canals and real gondola rides. Also check out New York, New York, with props that create the image of a New York Street.
Whatever your interest, Las Vegas truly is a Disney World for adults. With so much to see and do in addition to the casinos, it would be quite easy to spend at least 3 days in Las Vegas to make sure you see everything. The city offers amusement park rides, theatre experiences, nightlife, and more.
While gambling is the obvious activity in this city, there are a surprising variety of activities you can enjoy if betting your money away isn't your style. There are countless shows you can see with some of the most popular being "Blue Man Group" and "Cirque du Soleil." Other attractions include Indoor Skydiving or Helicopter tours. You can also book trips to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam from Las Vegas.
Many of the large hotels also have plenty of other activities (some of which are free). You can visit the White Tiger habitat at the Mirage, pay a little bit of money to enjoy the Caesars Palace pool for a great swim, see the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, watch the fountains and lights in front of the Bellagio at night, and see the amazing light-up "ceiling" on the old area of Fremont Street. Other popular sights include the Adventuredome at Circus Circus, the Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio, and The Mob Museum.
Nightlife is also a huge draw to Las Vegas, as the city never sleeps. Every major hotel and casino has some sort of nightclub or two. Bars are plentiful as well. Whether you want to dress up all fancy or go casual, Vegas has something for everyone. And keep an eye out for all of the couples that just got married, too. Vegas is a very popular place to elope, after all.
Plenty of nearby places in the region are also accessible from Las Vegas, including the Hoover Dam, some national parks, and good hiking spots. For more ideas, check out this guide to day trips from Las Vegas to help plan your trips.
Museums and Attractions:
Las Vegas is known for its famous museums and other landmarks. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.
Theatre Productions:
You shouldn't miss out on the theater scene. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.
Music:
The music scene in Las Vegas is popular and draws a crowd. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.
Shopping:
Shopping here is an experience not to be missed. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.
A nice way to explore destinations in Las Vegas is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Las Vegas Kayak TOUR to the Emerald Cave for $115 details
- Makati Street Food Experience with V for $65 details
- Baja Race Truck Experience in Las Vegas for $299 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Las Vegas are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
We used to stay off the Strip because the hotels were cheaper, but honestly it was more hassle than it's worth. Pay the extra money and stay on the Strip where you can use the transportation or walk everywhere.