Top 55 Must-Do Activities in Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, a vibrant city characterized by its dazzling neon lights, towering megaresorts, and a plethora of entertainment options, serves as a destination for those seeking to unwind and enjoy a dynamic lifestyle.

Regarded as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas is a melting pot of leisure concepts, combining elements that would be unlikely to coexist elsewhere.

Imagine a bowling alley featuring rock music, a cocktail lounge nestled within a chandelier, or a state-of-the-art sports complex with DJs and table service. Moreover, you’ll discover a shopping mall complete with a retractable runway for fashion shows and a wildlife sanctuary housed within a casino. Such experiences are ubiquitous in this remarkable city.

Actively competing for visitors’ attention, the resorts in Las Vegas present blockbuster concerts, exhilarating nightlife, culinary masterpieces, and free attractions.

Let’s delve into the premier activities to experience in Las Vegas:

1. The Strip

This 4.2-mile stretch along South Las Vegas Boulevard has been featured prominently in numerous films and television shows, creating an almost surreal experience for first-time visitors taking in the captivating Bellagio Fountain and the Mirage Volcano.

Las Vegas is ever-evolving, with photos taken this year quickly becoming outdated.

In the spring of 2019, no fewer than six significant projects were underway, contributing to the ongoing transformation of the Strip, which has introduced attractions like the High Roller Ferris Wheel at the LINQ Promenade.

Each resort on the Las Vegas Strip is an impressive feat, with the vast scale of these establishments being nothing short of astounding.

Six of the world’s ten largest hotels are located right here, each vying for your attention with front-of-house attractions.

A network of elevated walkways connects resorts, shops, and performance venues, allowing visitors to avoid the bustling streets teeming with distracted drivers.

For those traversing the east side of the Strip, the Las Vegas Monorail provides convenient access to a variety of megaresorts and entertainment venues, including MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, and the upcoming MSG Sphere.

2. Vegas Residencies

Originating in Las Vegas, the Concert Residency phenomenon emerged in the 1940s with the legendary Liberace.

By the mid-1950s, he was commanding $50,000 a week at the now-closed Riviera Hotel and Casino.

Over the decades, artists ranging from Frank Sinatra and Elvis to Celine Dion have held extended performances at Las Vegas resorts for over 70 years, and the present era can be regarded as the golden age of the Las Vegas residency.

Residencies are no longer solely for seasoned performers or financial losses for resorts; today, breakout stars and top-tier artists participate alongside renowned acts.

In 2019, a dazzling array of artists including Cardi B (KAOS at the Palms), Drake (XS Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas), Lady Gaga (Park Theater), and Bruno Mars (Park Theater) graced the stage, alongside household names like Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Santana, Mariah Carey, Cher, and Sting.

3. Caesars Palace

Caesars Palace epitomizes the lavish spirit of Las Vegas, having opened in 1966 and designed to reflect the grandeur of a Roman emperor’s abode through the lens of a lavish Hollywood production.

From its inception, Caesars Palace has catered to high rollers, featuring an array of restaurants, including authentic Chinese cuisine tailored for affluent East Asian gamblers.

At the pinnacle of its dining offerings is Restaurant Guy Savoy, the sole establishment by this esteemed Michelin-starred chef located outside Paris.

Since Frank Sinatra’s residency in the 1960s, Caesars Palace has maintained an aura of stardom.

This venue was pivotal in reshaping the standard for Vegas residencies, particularly during Celine Dion’s acclaimed performances at the Colosseum in the 2000s.

In 2019, she headlined once more, along with Jerry Seinfeld and Rod Stewart.

Moreover, the luxurious Forum Shops at Caesars exceed even Rodeo Drive in sales, housing over 150 mid-range and high-end boutiques and restaurants.

4. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Prepare a picnic and venture west of the Strip, where within 30 minutes, you’ll encounter a rugged and reddish sandstone landscape rising over 900 meters.

Experience a variety of trails, from short loops to full-day hikes, leading to stunning lookout points overlooking canyons featuring temporary waterfalls during early spring.

Observe unique Aztec or deep red sandstone formations caused by iron oxide, as well as locations where the Paiute culture has left handprints in the rock, petroglyphs, and ancient roasting pits.

This area is perfect for rock climbing and horseback riding, but the most breathtaking sights of Red Rock Canyon can be observed from the comfort of your vehicle along a 13-mile loop.

The conservation area serves as a habitat for the endangered desert tortoise; while spotting one may be rare, there is an enclosure at the Visitor Center featuring two males and eight females.

5. Nightclubs

Las Vegas is renowned as the world’s ultimate party destination, famed for its electrifying EDM scene.

However, the lengths that the mega-resorts such as Mirage, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Cosmopolitan, and Bellagio will go to outshine each other may come as a surprise.

Nothing exemplifies theatricality better than Light at Mandalay Bay, which features Cirque du Soleil-level acrobats performing above the dance floor.

Hakkasan at MGM Grand is not only the world’s largest nightclub but also hosts world-famous DJs like Tiësto, Steve Aoki, and Calvin Harris, all with an astonishing sound system.

Jewel at Aria Resort & Casino, created by the Hakkasan group, epitomizes luxury with its dazzling LED productions, bespoke leather seating around the dance floor, and themed VIP suites with personalized amenities.

Additionally, Tao Nightclub at the Venetian, Hakkasan’s Omnia at Caesars Palace, and the opulent XS Nightclub at Wynn, the most expensive club ever constructed, deserve mention.

6. Spas

Las Vegas’ flair for captivating experiences extends to its wellness and relaxation offerings.

The Spa at Encore welcomes visitors through a lantern-lit corridor, resembling an entrance to a sumptuous escape.

The comprehensive treatment menu features unique offerings such as synchronized massages conducted by two therapists, a “Good Luck Ritual,” and an extravagant Citrus Soufflé Body and Facial Treatment.

Recognized for excellence, the Qua at Caesars Palace boasts three Roman baths and the world’s exclusive Arctic Room that generates artificial snow.

For an exceptionally indulgent experience, The Spa and Salon at Aria provides a diamond and white jade facial for $380 for 80 minutes.

Additionally, the Spa at LINQ offers exclusive features such as a Himalayan salt therapy cave, enriching the air with high-quality salt aimed at benefiting both skin and respiratory health.

7. Celebrity Chef Restaurants

Once synonymous with mediocre all-you-can-eat buffets, Las Vegas has evolved into a premier dining destination.

The city has attracted leading culinary figures, with each mega-resort featuring establishments run by celebrity chefs.

No other location on the planet exhibits such a concentration of culinary talent.

Renowned chef Wolfgang Puck has an impressive five venues, with “Cut” at The Palazzo standing out.

Gordon Ramsay is also well-represented with five restaurants, three of which are located at Caesars Palace.

Additionally, Guy Fieri offers a taste of his artistry at Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar at the LINQ hotel and El Burro Borracho at Rio Hotel.

For innovative Spanish cuisine, É by José Andrés is an exceptional choice, while Thomas Keller’s Bouchon captures the essence of a French bistro.

Finally, Emeril Lagasse’s New Orleans Fish House has thrived at MGM Grand for over 20 years, enduring in the competitive Las Vegas dining landscape.

8. Bellagio

For fans of the film Ocean’s Eleven (2001), many elements of the Bellagio will feel familiar; however, the real experience transcends viewing it on screen.

Featuring 3,015 rooms, the resort opened its doors in 1998, drawing its name from the enchanting town of Lake Como.

Next, we’ll delve into the famed fountains and the stunning conservatory, both of which constitute attractions in their own right.

Even a quick visit requires a stop at the lobby, adorned with a magnificent glass flower sculpture crafted by renowned artist Dale Chihuly.

The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art hosts seasonal exhibitions that have previously featured legends such as Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, Impressionist masters, Ansel Adams, and the decorative arts from Chatsworth House in England.

In terms of gaming, the Bellagio routinely hosts major World Poker Tour tournaments, and its poker room is frequented by many of the world’s elite players due to its high betting limits.

For those seeking culinary excellence, the two Michelin-starred Picasso is a must-visit, while the Bellagio Shops feature luxury brands including Prada, Guerlain, Tiffany & Co., and Gucci.

Lastly, the captivating water-themed performance O by Cirque du Soleil is staged in and around a 5,700-cubic-litre pool, showcasing 85 talented acrobats and skilled swimmers.

9. Fountains of Bellagio

A memorable event is the breathtaking five-minute water and light show in front of the Bellagio, occurring every half-hour starting at 3:00 PM and then at 15-minute intervals until after 8:00 PM.

Once the world’s largest fountain, the installation features over 1,200 nozzles and a musical repertoire that includes Whitney Houston’s interpretation of “The Star Spangled Banner,” Elton John’s “Your Song,” Frank Sinatra’s “Luck Be a Lady,” and Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” among various others.

During the show, the lights illuminating the Bellagio transform into a vibrant purple or a patriotic display of red, white, and blue depending on the musical selection.

Seasonal events include unique themes, such as the Game of Thrones display to celebrate Season 8 in the spring of 2019. Notably, the fountain’s eight-acre replica of Lake Como is supplied by a freshwater well originally drilled for a golf course.

10. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Open to the public, the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a magnificent free attraction located adjacent to the hotel’s lobby.

Beneath an elaborate Beaux-Arts-style glass canopy with a copper frame, the resort’s 120 horticulturalists and landscape designers create stunning rotating exhibits featuring captivating floral arrangements, bridges, ponds, and gazebos.

During the festive season, a giant Christmas tree and vibrant poinsettias set a jubilant atmosphere.

During Chinese New Year, expect remarkable displays featuring the year’s zodiac animal, complemented by orchids and bromeliads.

The spring showcase of 2019 celebrated Japan, complete with a replica of Osaka Castle and an abundance of cherry blossoms.

In the summer, the gardens exhibit a patriotic theme, predominantly showcasing red, white, and blue hues, transitioning into fall’s warm tones of chrysanthemums, pumpkins, and russet colors.

11. High Roller

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