“Melting pot”, “bustling” and “neon city” are phrases often used to describe Las Vegas and whilst they’re all true – they somehow don’t quite capture the essence of this concrete jungle.
Vegas is a surreal place for many reasons. It throws the rulebook out of the stratospheric window and allows you to do things you wouldn’t usually do. It has a different vibe, as if someone purposely built a giant adult playground in the middle of the desert.
Jam-packed with endless activities; whether you want to gamble ‘til dawn, see a different show every night or party in a world-famous hotel – this place has you covered.
Partying not your scene? Why not take a trip up the Eiffel Tower or a Gondola ride in the canals Venice. Yes that’s right, Las Vegas has its own magical version of these iconic landmarks.
1. WALK THE STRIP
Probably the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Vegas. The Strip, formally called Las Vegas Boulevard, is approximately 4 miles of unrelenting hotels and casinos.
You could easily spend 1-2 days wandering down each side, through a hotel, up and over the roads and onto the next.
The Strip is loaded with restaurants, bars and huge shopping malls; perfect shelter from the harsh Nevada sun and a great opportunity for some retail therapy.
2. EXPLORE THE HOTELS
The hotels are what make Las Vegas. They’re iconic and are forever getting bigger and more extravagant. We’ll never forget the first time we entered The Paris Hotel and walked along the lantern lit Parisian streets. There’s no need to rush to Venice for a ride on a Gondola when you can be serenaded on the water in The Venetian.
Walking through the hotels is like Disneyworld for adults. Where else can you sit on a rollercoaster that shoots you through the ceiling of New York, New York?
The design and detail are next level and you can’t help but compare favourites.
If we had to choose our standouts; Caesar’s Palace for the décor and beauty, The Bellagio for the nightly fountain shows and grandeur and The Paris Hotel for transporting us back to a little boulangerie in Montmartre.
FOW TIP: The Bellagio fountain show is a must and we really should have given it a shout out of its own. Watch both day and night shows as they usually differ.
3. TRY YOUR LUCK AT A CASINO
Whether you’re a high roller betting big on the roulette or prefer to take it easy on the slots, visiting a Vegas casino should be up there on your bucket list.
Depending on which casino you chose to lay your bet, you could be spending anywhere from 25 cents to $25 per round. We found the table stakes were lower moving away from the bigger, more central casinos. This way you get more bets for your bucks and the tables are less crowded.
Often waitresses will come around and take your drink orders. If you’re actively betting within the casino these drinks will be free regardless of if you’re only playing on the $1 slots.
The drinks include beers, spirits and sometimes cocktails but it’s best to double check first. Remember to tip the staff member that takes your order a dollar or two each time.
FOW TIP: The betting stakes are often lower in the day and increase during the evening.
4. SEE A SHOW
If we hadn’t made it clear yet, Vegas has it all and the variety of acts on offer is no different.
Are you a fiend for trying to figure out magic tricks? Head to MGM Grand to watch David Copperfield. On a girl’s trip or seeking out something naughty? The Chippendales make for a fun night and can usually be found at Rio Hotel & Casino.
Make your friends envious by bagging tickets to see some of the biggest A-Listers. Adele, Rod Steward and Celine Dion have all famously had residencies at Caesar’s Palace.
FOW TIP: Be careful if buying tickets from touts on the street. We had a friend who lost money when they were sold a fake ticket to a show. We strongly recommend only buying from reputable ticket offices or verified online sellers.
5. TAKE A PHOTO WITH THE ICONIC LAS VEGAS SIGN
Have you even been to Las Vegas if you haven’t had your photo taken with the historic sign? Standing proudly at the south end of the strip, the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” has been greeting visitors since 1959.
The easiest way to get there is to drive, grab a taxi or catch the Duece or 104 bus. There’s a small carpark located next to the sign which makes it easy to park up and jump out.
Be prepared to queue as it’s one of the most popular attractions in Vegas. You may even see a Bride & Groom having their wedding photos taken.
If you wish, you can hand your phone or camera to a guy at the sign who will take your photos. It’s free but doesn’t hurt to tip a few dollars for his help.
FOW TIP: Get to the sign early to avoid the most crowds.
6. VISIT THE BIRTHPLACE OF LAS VEGAS
Situated north of Las Vegas Strip, Fremont Street was a popular hangout for the likes of Frank Sinatra and James Dean. In 1931 the first casino was built marking the beginning of Las Vegas as we know it.
Over the past few decades, the six-block stretch has been totally revamped. The area has been pedestrianised and the world’s largest overhead canopy constructed, giving it a magical tunnel-like feel. The canopy comprises of 49 million LED lights and provides constant visual entertainment to spectators below.
Old school casinos, such as the Golden Nugget, still line the street and are as impressive now as they were ninety years ago.
Test your adventurous side by trying out SlotZilla, an 11-story zipline that sends you whizzing from one side of Fremont Street to the other.
It’s not advisable to walk to Fremont Street from the Las Vegas Strip, so book a taxi and save those legs.
FOW TIP: Whilst we enjoyed our visit to Fremont Street, we would advise people to be aware of their surroundings. For us, the best time to visit is just after sunset when you can see the iconic neon lights in their full glory. The head back to the Las Vegas Strip to enjoy the rest of the night.
7. VISIT THE GRAND CANYON & HOOVER DAM
Since you’re this close, you can’t pass up the opportunity to visit one of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders.
The nearest Rim is situated 130 miles away from Las Vegas and the easiest way to get to the Grand Canyon is with an organised tour. There are many to choose from, all offering something slightly different. Some will provide breakfast and/or lunch, others offer a longer stay at the Canyon.
Most day tours operate to the West Rim and almost all will include a stop at the impressive Hoover Dam.
We opted to self-drive. After speaking to some locals, we were advised to visit the South Rim. Whilst the West Rim is independently owned, the North & South locations are part of the Grand Canyon National Park and offer more spectacular views across the canyon.
The downside of visiting the South is that it’s around 270 miles away from Vegas. That’s about 4.5-5 hours each way which is a fair old amount of driving.
We bit the bullet and headed out at sunrise and was back at our hotel around 9:00pm. It was a super long day but luckily we had a few people that could take a turn to drive.
Whichever option you decide to take, we can promise you it will be a day you won’t forget.
8. DRIVE ON THE MOST FAMOUS ROAD IN THE WORLD
Route 66 is 2,400 miles of roadway connecting the cities of Chicago and Los Angeles.
People from all over the world travel to the US to take a drive-holiday on this iconic stretch of road.
And if you’re visiting Las Vegas then good news; you can be one of them.
If you’re choosing to do a self-drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim, then a stint on Route 66 is the perfect way to combine both bucket list adventures.
Think true American Diners in vast rural landscapes, throw in the town that inspired a Disney movie and some film-like Motels. Got it? You’re now starting to get a picture of Route 66. If you have the time, we’ve put together an incredible two day itinerary here.
FOW TIP: Charge up that camera!
9. EAT, DRINK & PARTY!
Would this list be complete without mentioning the very thing that entices most visitors each year. Where else do people travel eight hours on a plane for a long weekend?
You can’t walk too far without seeing a ‘yard of alcohol slush’ for sale or a poster for the latest spring break pool party.
The party scene is epic and films like The Hangover have cemented Las Vegas’ nightlife into the number one spot.
Fortunately, there aren’t many tigers roaming around – or at least none that we’ve seen.
All the big hotels have parties going on way into the early hours and long after us 30-something’s are fast asleep. If you’re less of the go-hard-or-go-home type and more of a good meal and maybe a cocktail or two, we have you covered.
The selection of restaurants and bars is overwhelming, but we recommend Margarita’s as a good starting point. It has a tiki feel, good food and livens up in the evening if you fancy a dance.
FOW TIP: Book, book, book! If there’s somewhere in particular you would like to eat at, make a reservation in advance. This goes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you don’t mind waiting, then walk-in only should be fine.
Most importantly remember… what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
There you have it! That’s our top things to do in Las Vegas.
Let us know if they have helped you plan your trip or if there’s any other recommendations you think we’ve missed.