Top 15 Things To Do (and 4 NOT TO DO) in Las Vegas - Nevada Travel Guide

When it comes to singular and eccentric tourist destinations, Las Vegas is certainly a candidate in the world top 5, with a unique mix, all concentrated around a couple of central areas (the Strip and Fremont Street), at a reasonable distance from each other. This therefore also makes it one of the most accessible American cities.

From the moment you pass the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, the surprise generated by the huge hotels, exotic architecture and general kitschy atmosphere is practically inevitable.

However, after the initial surprise, the visit could soon become tiring, both due to its nature as a somewhat exaggerated and unnatural city, and due to the torrid climate of Las Vegas and the continuous sound and visual rumble to which you will be subjected (especially in the evening ). However, if you organize yourself well, visiting Las Vegas can be an interesting experience, not only for those willing to spend money on the numerous shows or gambling, but also for those on a budget who want to explore it without spending a penny .

So let's find out all the things to see in Las Vegas, which areas to privilege during your visit, how to explore the surroundings and what to do in the city among the many activities on offer.

Bellagio Casino and Fountain

The Bellagio is certainly one of the most famous and beautiful luxury hotels in Las Vegas! Commissioned by Stephen Alan Wynn and opened in 1998, that year it was the most expensive hotel in the world! Perhaps the name doesn't sound new to you: in fact it is a tribute to Bellagio, the wonderful location on Lake Como!

The top attraction of the hotel is certainly the Bellagio Fountain show, the incredible fountains that are located outside. It is a true symbol of Las Vegas and one of the shows not to be missed! They will enchant you with dancing jets in time to music, while in the evening they are also illuminated, spectacular!

The Strip

The Strip, whose full name is Las Vegas Boulevard South, is the most famous avenue in the city! It crosses it from north to south for a length of about 7 km.

The main attractions of the city are found along the Las Vegas Strip: from huge and luxurious hotels to luxury restaurants, from all kinds of shops to clubs and casinos where you can stay up late. At night, the entire avenue is illuminated by LED and neon lights and life really never stops here! But that's not all: this avenue is the best place to sleep in Las Vegas! Most of them are luxury hotels, but if you are staying just one night this experience is worth it. You can choose from many themed hotels, all with an in-house casino.

Caesars Palace and The Fall of Atlantis

Another imposing and luxurious hotel, among the most expensive in the United States. We are talking about Caesars Palace, located between the Bellagio and The Mirage. Owned by Harrah's Entertainment, inside there are 3,349 rooms, divided into 5 towers, and some suites cost up to $40,000.00 a night (€33,640.00)! The hotel is inspired by the ancient world, especially the Roman Empire, but also with references to Ancient Greece.

One of the most visited attractions is The Fall of Atlantis, or the fall of Atlantis. Located inside The Forum Shops at Caesars, the hotel's large mall, it is one of the most loved shows in all of Las Vegas and here you can witness the Fall of Atlantis live.

The Venetian Resort and Little Venice

And if the Bellagio with its name is a tribute to the homonymous town on Lake Como, one of the most famous hotels in Las Vegas is inspired by Venice: we are talking about The Venetian Resort! It is located in the northern part of The Strip, in front of another spectacular hotel, the Mirage.

Here the favorite activity of tourists is the gondola ride! Exactly: once you enter the hotel you will seem to find yourself in Italy, thanks to the reproductions of the Palazzo Ducale, the Rialto Bridge, even the Campanile di San Marco! Most likely you will also see a newly married couple on a gondola, still in their wedding clothes. On the other hand, Las Vegas is known all over the world for its last minute weddings organized in the strangest and most unconventional locations! For example, it is also possible to get married in the spa of The Venetian... a little thought?

Paris Las Vegas and Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck

A hotel inspired by Paris, the romantic city par excellence, could certainly not be missing! We're talking about Paris Las Vegas, a luxury hotel that will let you experience the atmosphere of the French capital! It is a place chosen to stay especially by couples and families.

The main attraction of the hotel is the Eiffel Tower! Sure, it's not as tall as the original in Paris, but it's still a great eye-catcher! Inside there is a panoramic platform from which you can admire the whole city from above and, above all, which will give you a splendid view of the Bellagio fountains! We advise you to climb to the top to watch the show.

The Mirage and The Volcano

Located in the northern part of The Strip, next to Caesars Palace and opposite The Venetian, The Mirage is a real paradise hotel: the main theme is Polynesia and Polynesian art! With 3,044 rooms, outside the hotel there are swimming pools, palm trees and waterfalls, you will really feel like you are in Polynesia!

But the main attraction of the complex is definitely the large volcano! Yes, you read right: a faithful reproduction of a real volcano was built outside the hotel, about 16 m high, which every evening puts on a show with smoke, fire and lights. This was also one of the first shows in the city thus giving away all that can be seen today!

New York-New York Hotel and The Big Apple Coaster

We are in the United States of America, so there could not be a hotel dedicated to one of the largest American cities, another city that never sleeps, or New York! The New York-New York Hotel faithfully reproduces some of the symbols of the Big Apple, such as the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty, all to scale of course!

But the number 1 attraction is The Big Apple Coaster, or the fun roller coasters. This carousel is especially appreciated for the context in which it is located and the spectacle that can be admired from its highest point. Definitely an adrenaline-pumping activity not to be missed!

The environs of Las Vegas

At the basis of the tourist success of Las Vegas there are not only the casinos, the slots, the roller coasters, the sparkling lights of the clubs and the thousand other devils of the "city of vice".

There is also the wild nature of the canyons all around, with the possibility of participating in excursions of all kinds, for all budgets and needs (from walks for adults and children to more demanding routes).

The most comfortable solutions, those that, to be clear, take half a day away are: Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. On the other hand, those who have more time and budget available can reach Death Valley and the Grand Canyon, again from Las Vegas, perhaps by helicopter. On the web you can find all the information to organize these tours in detail.

Wynn and Lake of Dreams

Another hotel and another unique show: this time we present the Wynn Las Vegas, a luxury resort with suites and rooms, restaurants, nightclubs where international DJs perform. It even hosts its own gold club! Built by the same architect as the Bellagio and The Mirage, this hotel is located on the northern end of The Strip, after The Venetian.

This time the main attraction of the hotel is not outside the structure, but inside, with admission always free. We are talking about the Lake of Dreams, a show of sounds, lights and choreography, all projected onto the internal lake and onto the wonderful 27 m waterfall. A show that even the little ones will love!

Luxor Hotels

Among the many thematic hotels present in Las Vegas, a hotel set in Ancient Egypt certainly could not be missing! The Luxor Hotel stands out on the city skyline with its marvelous pyramid, which is totally illuminated in the evening! An immense sphinx will also welcome you at the entrance!

Inside you will find a luxury hotel, swimming pools, restaurants and a large casino, but that's not all! The hotel also houses the unique BODIES | museum The Exhibition, an exhibition focused on the anatomy of the human body! But be careful, it is not an attraction recommended for those who are easily impressed: the bodies shown are in fact real, preserved in excellent condition thanks to a new and innovative conservation process. Organs, 3D models and information panels on every aspect of the human body are also on display!

Flamingo Wildlife Habitat

Flamingos in Vegas? Yes, it is possible. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is located in the 3-star Flamingo, Hotel & Casino, one of the oldest on The Strip. The building is inspired by the unmistakable Art Deco style, with very elegant architecture.

In the center of the hotel, in the large garden, there is this small zoo open to everyone, not just to its guests. If you travel with children you definitely can't miss it. The great protagonists are obviously the pink flamingos, but you can also admire numerous parrots, turtles, swans and fish. The garden is embellished with waterfalls and water features!

Neon Museum

“To collect, preserve, study and exhibit the iconic signs of Las Vegas for educational, historical and artistic and cultural enrichment purposes“. This is the mission of the Neon Museum about two kilometers from Freemont Street.

So an exhibition that has the ambition to retrace the development of Las Vegas through its neon and its signs. A decidedly "pop" idea but absolutely in line with the originality of the city, and above all an idea that allows art and history to be included (although there is no shortage of high-level private collections) in the tourist offer of Las Vegas .

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

Passing the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign, the first large hotel you come across is the Mandalay Bay, a famous 43-storey luxury hotel. A real giant: it is the eighth largest hotel in the world!

The hotel's main attraction is its large indoor aquarium, called the Shark Reef Aquarium. As you can understand from the name, the great protagonists of this place are the sharks, but you can admire many other species, including piranhas, turtles, octopuses and even crocodiles! Suitable to visit even with children, you will be able to go through a large tunnel and come face to face with blissfully swimming sharks, a wonderful experience!

Fremont Street

Let's leave the famous The Strip for a moment to discover the second most important street in Las Vegas: Fremont Street. This is the ancient heart of the city: the first casinos were born here and the first films that chose Las Vegas as a location were also filmed here. We could define this area as the historical center of the city.

The area has been completely modernized and, near the old resorts, you can find brand new buildings, such as the famous Freemont Street Experience, a completely pedestrian shopping area covered by thousands of LEDs! This place, obviously open 24 hours like the whole city, is a unique sight! We advise you to visit it after 6.00 pm, usually the start time of the light and sound show of the LEDs that cover the pedestrian section.

High Roller Observation Wheel

Could a Ferris wheel be missing in Las Vegas? Absolutely not! In fact, in the city you will find the High Roller Observation Wheel, the largest Ferris wheel in North America. It is located in the Linq district, next to the Flamingo hotel, with the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat.

Open to visitors in 2014, the High Roller consists of 28 cabins, which can accommodate up to 40 people each. An entire tour takes about 30 minutes and will give you a splendid view of The Strip and all of Las Vegas. You can mainly opt for two tickets: the Day Ticket, choosing the precise day and time, or the Anytime Ticket, which gives you more freedom, choosing to access when it is most convenient for you. Certainly one of the best times to go up is at sunset when the city lights start to come on!

4 Warnings

No false ID

Do not bring a fake ID, this could cause you big trouble in case of verification by the police.

What not to forget

Exclusive parties, casinos, restaurants, swimming pools, desert excursions and a thousand other leisure opportunities. For every moment there is the right outfit but this is not the point. The thing you have to keep in mind is that it's very hot and the sun beats down. Therefore, a hat and sunscreen are essential accessories. Long-sleeved shirts and light sweaters are also necessary because, precisely because of the heat, the indoor environments are all air-conditioned.

Watch the money

Gambling is the "company name" of Las Vegas. But be careful that money flies away quickly and without the ability to set limits - especially if it is the first time in "Sin City" - there is a serious risk of ending the holiday before having even started it. Hold on!

Don't pay for sex

Prostitution in Las Vegas is illegal (which does not mean the phenomenon is absent). In other Nevada counties it is tolerated. In the city of vice, however, no. Paradoxes.