The 11 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas (and Top Things to Avoid)

The best things to see, eat, and do in the City of Sin.I eagerly peeked out the window as my flight approached Harry Reid International Airport. Before even traveling there for the first time, I had the map of The Strip memorized. I could recite all the hotels and their corresponding themes like the back of my hand. As a 23-year-old college student, I was a self-proclaimed Vegas lover, even though I didn’t gamble or drink. On that first trip, I walked through every single hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard. I also took my first helicopter ride over the city, Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon. I realized that a champagne brunch and a scenic flight don’t churn together if you are prone to motion sickness. I indulged in my first all-you-can-eat seafood buffet (only $25 at the time) and watched one of the iconic Vegas burlesque shows, only to be shocked to find the dancers topless! At night, I returned to the quiet suburbs to stay with my uncle and aunt, who took me to a neighborhood Italian restaurant where I was certain some of the guests were mafia members. Over countless family reunions, I explored lesser-known eateries, hiked in the scenic Red Rock Canyon, and took long drives to surrounding national parks. As I revisited for work, I stayed at the opulent Fontainebleau, attended the first Southwest Michelin Guide ceremony (as of 2026, Las Vegas has got its Michelin Guide back), went behind the scenes to meet the cast of “O,” and ate at all the hottest new restaurants. Two decades and countless trips later, I still feel the same excitement every time I touch down in Vegas, for the promise of a new and thrilling adventure always remains. These are my picks for the best things to do and see, plus the must-try restaurants, the top hotels for any budget, and a few things to avoid. 1 OF 22 The Sphere WHERE: The Strip The constantly changing LED-lit graphics on the 366-foot-tall Sphere entertainment venue against the city’s skyline are captivating from all angles, whether you are driving past or gazing from your hotel room window. The Sphere is awe-inspiring from the outside, but for an even more immersive experience, step inside to see a concert or a film.Watching the reimagined 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer classic, “The Wizard of Oz,” makes for a great afternoon activity, offering stunning 16K optical and sensory 4D effects along with introspection about human impact on the planet and our future. Arrive early to explore the futuristic AI art installations in the atrium, and aim for mid-level seats (200-300 levels) for the absolute best wraparound perspective. Headlining live concerts are tied to limited residency dates, so plan your trip around the calendar. For the best balance of immersive visuals, direct line of sight, and optimal spatial audio, book a seat in the center of the 300 Level (Sections 305–307). 2 OF 22 Museum of Ice Cream WHERE: AREA15 Now you can touch, taste, play, and photograph your way through the largest Museum of Ice Cream in the world. Spanning approximately 30,000 square feet and featuring 14 immersive installations, the whimsical museum is more of an interactive experience, centered on nostalgia and dessert, with music, lights, and participation.The Las Vegas location features the world’s largest all-you-can-eat ice cream buffet, featuring rotating flavors and frozen treats from different brands. You will feel like a kid jumping into the world’s largest sprinkle pool, posing at a retro American diner serving milkshake-inspired installations, and posing at the Las Vegas-themed wedding chapel, complete with oversized ice cream props and neon signs that make for fun photos. Play a round of mini golf with candy-inspired obstacles, and use the pink subway car with oversized popsicles, banana swings, and giant scoops as a backdrop for fun photos with the family. The museum features interactive games, hidden surprises, and sensory elements designed for both adults and children. 3 OF 22 Aescape Robotic Massage at Qua Baths and Spa WHERE: Caesars Palace Las Vegas If you’ve ever wondered what a massage by artificial intelligence feels like, book an Aescape session at Qua Baths and Spa inside Caesars Palace, the first resort on the Las Vegas Strip to introduce robotic massage therapy. Instead of slipping under a sheet, you’ll change into specially designed, form-fitting Aerwear, then lie face down while a 3D body scan maps your muscles and creates a personalized treatment. Two heated robotic arms glide over your body with remarkable precision, allowing you to adjust the pressure, target areas, music, and even lighting from a touchscreen at any point during the session. The fully automated experience allows you to personalize pressure and focus areas for a precision-driven massage.It’s especially appealing if you’re touch-averse, prefer not to undress for a massage, or are simply curious about where wellness technology is headed. The Aescape session can be booked for 30-minute increments and cost a fraction of a regular massage treatment. Go on a weekday for discounted pricing and pair it with a day access to Roman soaking baths for a memorable wellness experience. 4 OF 22 Evel Knievel Experience WHERE: Las Vegas Arts District The newest attraction at the Arts District brings back to life one of America’s original daredevils and celebrates the life, legacy, and larger-than-life persona of legendary American stunt rider and entertainer Evel Knievel.Walk through immersive exhibits to see rare motorcycles, vintage jumpsuits, and the helmet from his infamous crash at Caesars Palace. A 4D virtual reality jump lets you experience one of his death-defying stunts from the rider’s perspective, while interactive displays reveal the grit, injuries, and showmanship behind his career. Even if you weren’t around for Knievel’s heyday, the museum offers a fascinating look at the man who turned fearless risk-taking into a uniquely American form of entertainment. 5 OF 22 Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens WHERE: Bellagio Resort & Casino No two visits to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are the same, so this is a must-visit in Vegas to admire nature and art inside a temperature-regulated environment. It is completely free to visit and open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week (but check for “dark dates” closures when they are changing out the displays).The 14,000-square-foot indoor Botanical Gardens completely transform five times a year with themed displays of scented floral arrangements, fairy-tale gazebos, intricately designed sculptures, and sensory music. It offers a beautiful backdrop for photos, especially when you are already dressed up for the evening. 6 OF 22 Fountains of Bellagio WHERE: Bellagio Resort & Casino Even though the fountains have been captivating crowds for nearly three decades, the Fountains of Bellagio spectacle never gets old. Strolling along the Strip after dark, you’ll be enchanted as over a thousand water jets sway in unison, dancing to tunes ranging from Frank Sinatra to modern pop, enhanced by fully synchronized lights. As you feel the light mist from the water spanning 1,000 feet across the lake and soaring up to 460 feet in the air, the show feels larger than life.Because the music and choreography change with every single performance, it is worth staying to watch a few back-to-back. The fountains erupt every 30 minutes during the afternoon (starting at 3 PM on weekdays, noon on weekends) and every 15 minutes at night until midnight. It is completely free to watch and fun for all ages. 7 OF 22 Big Martha’s Pierogies Class at The Bedford by Martha Stewart WHERE: Paris Las Vegas Skip another celebrity-chef dinner reservation and roll up your sleeves instead. One of Las Vegas’ newest culinary experiences, Big Martha’s Pierogies Cooking Class at The Bedford by Martha Stewart, lets you knead, roll, fill, and crimp the restaurant’s signature potato pierogies alongside the executive chef.You will learn to make the original recipe that comes from Martha Stewart’s Polish-American mother, affectionately known as “Big Martha,” whose homemade dumplings inspired one of the restaurant’s most beloved dishes. While Stewart occasionally drops in for surprise appearances, they’re rare enough that you shouldn’t book expecting to meet her.After class, reserve Martha’s Personal Table at The Bedford’s Brown Room, an exact recreation of the dining room in Stewart’s Bedford, New York farmhouse. Between the family stories, hands-on cooking, and intimate setting, the experience feels less like another celebrity restaurant on the Strip and more like spending an afternoon cooking in Martha’s own home. 8 OF 22 Grand Prix Plaza WHERE: Las Vegas Strip Part museum, part high-tech arcade, and part theme park, Grand Prix Plaza is the world’s largest immersive Formula 1 fan experience. Located at the permanent Pit Building, it offers you a chance to dive into motorsport history, explore cutting-edge automotive technology, and put your driving skills to the test. A highlight of the visit is suiting up for F1 DRIVE, where you can get behind the wheel of high-performance karts and race family or friends along a modified section of the actual Las Vegas Strip Circuit.Inside the 100,000-square-foot facility, you can explore interactive 4D exhibits, design your own virtual F1 car and race helmet, take on full-motion driving simulators, and recharge at the onsite F1 HUB Lounge. On race weekends, fans can join watch parties, meet drivers, and participate in family-friendly fan celebrations. The main race lights out on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. PST and lasts roughly 90 to 120 minutes. Plus, with Formula 1 committing to a long-term contract extension, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is locked in to stay on the F1 calendar through at least 2037. Note that F1 DRIVE is hands-on kart racing on the actual circuit that lasts 12-30 minutes, while F1 X is an interactive museum and 4D exhibition that takes about an hour to visit. Purchase bundled tickets to experience both. 9 OF 22 Downtown Container Park WHERE: Downtown Las Vegas The industrial-looking Downtown Container Park may appear strange and out of place at first sight, but it is one of the coolest places to enjoy live music and daytime wandering off the Strip. The 1.1-acre, open-air shopping center and entertainment venue features 39 shops, restaurants, and bars–all constructed of 43 repurposed shipping containers and 41 locally manufactured Xtreme cubes that are works of art themselves. Make sure to check out the giant metal praying mantis–she shoots out flames after dark! You can even take the kids to blow out the steam at The Treehouse and The Lawn at Container Park. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like balloon artists, face painters, and free movies on weekends. Only adults are permitted at the Park after 10 p.m. 10 OF 22 'O' by Cirque du Soleil WHERE: Bellagio Resort & Casino If you are a fan of Cirque du Soleil, “O” will take your imagination to a new dimension! Permanently housed in a dramatic opera house-style theater, the aquatic stage holding 1.5 million gallons of water is the only entirely water-based performance by the world-renowned Canadian nouveau cirque. Watch former Olympic swimmers, professional scuba divers, and acrobats execute high-flying stunts and plunge into a giant pool with incredible artistic grace.This is one show where it is worth splurging on the “La Grande Expérience” package. You’ll skip the main lines and be whisked off to an exclusive VIP lounge to sip champagne, chat with cast members, and take photos. You’ll also watch a guided video presentation revealing the stage’s intricate engineering secrets before enjoying the performance from a private, luxurious VIP suite. 11 OF 22 Fremont East Entertainment District WHERE: Fremont While the famous pedestrian-only Fremont Street Experience was all the rage in Vegas a long time ago, the six-block Fremont East Entertainment District has taken on an energetic new vibe as an incubator for trendy, locally owned bars, restaurants, and art galleries. Wander, discover, and feel the energy of the city as you walk past the neon arch, admire the vibrant murals and art installations, join a Mexican bingo night at Lucky Day, or grab a sandwich at Fremont Hotel & Casino Food Hall. For a free street party, check out The Downtown Rocks Concert series featuring rock, reggae, and country music across three stages. 12 OF 22 Things to Avoid: Getting Dehydrated If you are visiting Sin City in the summer, don’t underestimate the intense dry heat. Use sunscreen when going out or lying by the pool, and stay hydrated. Most of the bars and concessions charge for drinking water, so make sure to carry your refillable water bottle and keep sipping on it through the day. Don’t be afraid to branch beyond the sugary cocktails, and try a great selection of mocktails made with non-alcoholic spirits across properties, bars, and restaurants. You can avoid the expensive IV hydration therapy services around Vegas that offer liquid IV to visitors who suffer from hangovers and dehydration. 13 OF 22 Things to Avoid: Unsolicited Discounts While walking around the Entertainment Capital of the World, you may be tempted by offers for free shows or meals, which always have a catch to attend an obligation-free presentation. Know that these can take a significant amount of your valuable vacation time, put uncomfortable sales pressure, and may not result in the best seats or meals that you hoped for. Avoid scams that may result in you paying for counterfeit, stolen, or overpriced tickets. If people approach you with offers for VIP entry or discounts to nightclubs or shows, it’s best to ignore them and purchase directly through the ticketing website or the hotel concierge. 14 OF 22 Must-Try Restaurants: Gymkhana WHERE: ARIA Resort & Casino The acclaimed London-based two-Michelin-star restaurant, Gymkhana, opened the first Indian restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip. As with JKS hospitality concepts worldwide, expect a sophisticated menu of bold, authentic flavors created by Executive Chef Srikant Kumar. The location features exclusive creations developed specifically for the Las Vegas market, including beef short rib pepper fry, wagyu keema naan, and Goan lobster curry.Before dinner, slip into the intimate 42 Bar, where bartenders reinterpret classic cocktails with Indian spices, tropical fruits, and house-made infusions. Reserve a table in The Vault, Gymkhana’s 58-seat, club-like dining room tucked behind the main restaurant. With dark wood paneling, jewel-toned leather banquettes, and low lighting, it feels like you’ve stumbled into an exclusive members’ club rather than one of the Strip’s hottest new restaurants. Reservations are released 45 days in advance. 15 OF 22 Must-Try Restaurants: Cantina Contramar WHERE: Fontainebleau Las Vegas Cantina Contramar is the first U.S. outpost of one of Mexico City’s most iconic restaurants for nearly three decades, bringing the spirit of Chef Gabriela Cámara’s beloved seafood institution to Las Vegas. Expect bright tuna tostadas topped with crisp fried leeks, citrusy ceviches and aguachiles, and fresh tortillas, sopes and quesadillas.The menu explores the vast landscapes of Mexican and Pacific flavors, paired with a selection of beverages crafted with Tequila Casa Dragones, one of Mexico’s best-known ultra-premium tequila brands. Designed by acclaimed Mexican architect Frida Escobedo, the polished space features upscale, cantina-style ambiance with indigo tile, warm wood, and amber lighting. 16 OF 22 Must-Try Restaurants: Maroon WHERE: SAHARA Las Vegas The latest dining concept on The Strip from James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi offers a Caribbean steakhouse experience with bold, authentic flavors that come to life in imaginative new ways. Stepping inside feels like entering an intimate, sultry Caribbean hideaway, where dark mahogany tones, glowing crimson accents, and serpentine curved walkways set a lush, late-night island mood for an upscale steakhouse experience. Highlights include rum-aged steaks, jerk chicken cooked over a custom-built jerk pit, banana leaf snapper with tamarind chutney, and oxtail-stuffed beef patties finished with truffle and caviar.Curated by Master Sommelier Chris Gaither, the wine-pairing program emphasizes diversity, featuring wines from women- and minority-owned producers as well as sustainably farmed vineyards. For Onwuachi, whose cooking often explores his Nigerian, Jamaican, Creole, and Bronx upbringing, the restaurant is as much about storytelling as it is about dinner. 17 OF 22 Best Boutique Hotel: The Vanderpump Hotel WHERE: The Strip The newest accommodation to debut on The Strip is a luxury boutique hotel that transforms the former Cromwell into an intimate, design-driven retreat with the signature Old Hollywood glamour of British restaurateur, entrepreneur, author, and television personality Lisa Vanderpump.Offering a prime location at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road, the hotel has 188 rooms and 19 suites, furnished with crystal chandeliers, velvet upholstery, floral motifs, and bespoke artwork curated by Vanderpump and designer Nick Alain. For round-the-clock entertainment, you can find a 40,000-square-foot casino, upscale Italian cuisine at GIADA, an expansive Soleia rooftop pool, and the iconic nightlife destination, Drai’s After Hours. If you don’t want to walk across a sprawling resort to get to your room, this is a quiet, compact, and navigable option. 18 OF 22 Best Luxury Hotel: Fontainebleau Las Vegas WHERE: The Strip Soaring 67 stories above the Strip, Fontainebleau Las Vegas redefines luxury with its 3,644 meticulously designed rooms and suites, each offering expansive space and floor-to-ceiling views spanning from the airport to the Sphere and surrounding mountains. For the ultimate red-carpet experience, book the top-tier Fleur de Lis collection to enjoy private VIP check-in, dedicated elevators, personal butler service, and access to The Poodle Room—an exclusive 67th-floor members-only club boasting some of the best panoramic views of the city.Make time to recharge in the salt caves, saunas, and vitality pools at the resort’s opulent 55,000-square-foot Lapis Spa. Despite hosting over 30 dining and nightlife venues alongside a massive 150,000-square-foot casino, Fontainebleau retains an airy, relaxed atmosphere. Located on the northern end of the Strip, it offers a sophisticated retreat while remaining just minutes from the Las Vegas Convention Center and main attractions. 19 OF 22 Best Budget Hotel: Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino WHERE: Downtown The modern Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas offers the comfort and style of larger resorts without the hefty price tag. Guests have access to a full suite of amenities, including an on-site casino, a lively rooftop pool deck, a 24-hour fitness center, and a great lineup of dining spots. The hotel’s location hits the sweet spot—it sits in a quieter pocket off the main strip, yet is just a block from the bustling Fremont Street Experience, directly across from the Mob Museum, and close to the Arts District.For a unique stay, request a courtyard-facing room in the eight-story Gallery Tower, where in-room iPads allow you to interact with massive augmented-reality murals right outside your window. Downtown Grand frequently runs weekday rate drops, ‘3rd night free’ promotions, and 20% advance-booking discounts on its website. Plus, registered guests get free self-parking alongside complimentary Wi-Fi and in-room bottled water. 20 OF 22 Best Airbnb: Casa Azul If you are traveling as a couple, with a small family or pets, or are looking for a balance between escaping and still feeling right at home, the Airbnb listed as Casa Azul stands out for its boutique aesthetic and exceptional guest satisfaction, and it’s just minutes from the Strip and ten minutes from LAS airport.This three-bedroom villa boasts modern coastal-inspired interiors. There’s a private pool, a gazebo-covered hot tub, a peaceful, lush garden with shaded areas to escape the heat, and a fire pit to enjoy the cool desert evenings. 21 OF 22 Best Airbnb: Escape to Modern Luxury If you prefer a more spacious rental accommodation with the privacy of a house, this highly rated Airbnb is located within sight of the world-famous Stratosphere Hotel, Sphere, and Resorts World Las Vegas. A drive to Downtown, the Arts District, the Fremont Street Experience, and the world-famous Las Vegas Strip is less than five minutes.The 6,000-square-foot four-bedroom home comes with a pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, pool table, and green spaces. Rates generally start at around $600 per night and increase during holidays and major conventions, so make sure to book well in advance. 22 OF 22 Things to Know There’s hardly a bad time to visit Vegas, but timing affects your wallet. While spring and fall offer ideal temperatures, they are also peak seasons for massive conventions and high room rates. If you want the best value, consider visiting during the off-peak summer months, when resorts lower room rates and roll out all-inclusive package deals featuring dining, drinks, or show credits.To navigate the city efficiently, avoid sitting in heavy gridlock along Las Vegas Boulevard during peak evening hours. Instead of driving or riding taxis along the Strip, take advantage of the free trams—such as the Aria Express Tram (linking Park MGM, Aria, and Bellagio) and the Mandalay Bay Tram (connecting Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur). For longer distances, paid options like the Las Vegas Monorail on the east side of the Strip or the underground Vegas Loop at the Convention Center can bypass street traffic entirely. If you head downtown, hop on the free Downtown Loop shuttle to get around Fremont Street and the Arts District.Insider Tip:If you are having difficulty scoring restaurant reservations, simply show up 10-15 minutes before opening. Most high-end Strip restaurants hold their bar, lounge, and counter seating exclusively for first-come, first-served walk-ins.