Last Updated: December 20, 2023
It is difficult to believe that where Vegas stands now, it was once nothing but desert. The so-called Sin City, in Nevada, is famous worldwide for the bright lights, palatial hotels, casinos and great shows! With so much to do, it may get overwhelming planning your trip. Fear not, because below you will find the Top 10 things to Do and See in Las Vegas.
Vegas is America’s Playground and it is a hot (literally and metaphorically) destination if you’re looking for a few days to have fun. I will never forget the first time I visited Vegas. While we were on the highway, we saw the desert giving way gradually to a few hotels and dine-ins. I knew I was entering the city by the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, and a few meters past the sign, I realized I was driving down the Strip.
In this guide, I will go through where to go and what to see in Vegas. You will also find a few tips that hopefully will make your planning a bit easier and more stress-free.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LAS VEGAS
Both times I visited Vegas it was mid-September but that was due to my personal travel plans. The weather was scorching hot around that time, so I wouldn’t recommend visiting then. The best months to visit Vegas are between October and April. However, watch out for the Christmas and New Year holiday period when the city tends to attract a lot of people. As well as, March due to Spring Break.
WHERE TO STAY IN VEGAS
Chances are, you’ll be visiting Vegas for only a couple of days which means that ideally, you stay close to where the action is. On the Strip, you will be spoiled for choice, as that’s where the mega-resorts are located. With that being said, the Strip is a little over 6km long and walking from one end to the other, can be very tiring. My recommendation is, choose a hotel that is not at the end of the Strip so that you avoid the hustle of finding parking or spending money on Uber. Most of the people go to Vegas during the weekend, meaning that the prices in the hotels are significantly higher during those days, if you are on a budget, then try visiting mid-week for better deals in hotels and fewer crowds.
WHAT TO SEE IN VEGAS
Contrary to what many people think, Vegas doesn’t have only the Strip. There are other attractions to see and places to visit, not only in the city but also outside. Here is what to not miss during your visit to Vegas.
FREMONT STREET
It is tacky, it is sketchy but it is totally worth visiting. Fremont Street is located in historic downtown Las Vegas and it is the oldest part of the city. This is where everything started back in 1905 and Casinos such as Fremont Hotel and Casino, Golden Nugget and the neon sign of cowboy Vegas Vic were featured in countless Hollywood movies that wanted to portray the glitz of Vegas.
WATCH A GREAT SHOW
The shows in Vegas are spectacular! Whether it’s a concert or a show that you’re looking for, one thing is for sure, Vegas will have it. From famous singers to Cirque du Soleil performances, no matter which one you pick, it’s guaranteed that you’ll love it!
TIP: Try and book the show or concert of your choice far in advance as they tend to sell out fast. Buying your ticket online is the best way to secure a ticket.
Also, avoid paying full price for a Vegas show by either visiting one of the discount ticket kiosks or searching online for deals.
VISIT A CASINO
A trip to Vegas is incomplete if you don’t try your luck at least once at one of the casinos.
Whether it is poker, blackjack, roulette or the slot machines that you choose, gamble responsibly and have fun! Bonus point, the drinks are on the house while gambling at the casino.
A NIGHT AT THE NEON MUSEUM
Vegas is all about the glitz and neon lights help to create that extravaganza. The Neon Museum it’s a great place to see some of the most famous signs in the history of Vegas. It is best to visit the museum during the late evening hours in order to enjoy the experience to the fullest.
FREE SHOWS IN VEGAS
That’s right, as expensive as Vegas can be, there are a few shows that you can see without spending a penny. The most popular are the Fountains of Bellagio, Fremont Street light show named Viva Vision, and the Fall of Atlantis at Caesars Forum Shops. If you’d have to choose only one, then it has to be the Fountains at the Bellagio show. The synchronization of the water, lights, and music is mesmerizing.
EXPLORE THE GRAND CANYON
Do not miss an opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon while you’re in Vegas. This breathtaking natural wonder is only a couple of hours’ drive from Vegas and you will need almost an entire day to explore it. There are also organized tours that you can book to save you the hustle of doing your own research.
If you’re looking for a more unique experience, then book a helicopter ride during sunset. You can thank me later!
VALLEY OF FIRE
Valley of Fire was one of the most scenic routes we’ve taken in the United States (with Big Sur being my No.1). My suggestion is, wake up very early in the morning to reach the National Park right in time for sunrise. It looks particularly beautiful during sunset and sunrise and that way, you will also beat the crowds. But I won’t say much about this, instead, I’ll let the picture below speak for itself.
SEVEN MAGIC MOUNTAINS
If you have spare time, then visit the Seven Magic Mountains. Located in the desert, a 30-minute drive from Vegas, you’ll find this beautiful art of gigantic colorful rocks stacked on top of each other. They are a great photo op but bear in mind that this spot is very famous amongst Instagrammers, which means that it will probably be very crowded.
WELCOME TO FABULOUS LAS VEGAS
This famous landmark welcomes everyone visiting Vegas and has been standing there for over 60 years. Located at the southern end of the Vegas Strip it is one of the most photographed spots in Las Vegas. Queues tend to form from the early morning hours till about sunset time, so either get there during sunrise or be prepared to wait in line.
CHEAP EATS IN VEGAS
Vegas can be very expensive and it can feel at times a bit overwhelming to have to spend a fortune on a simple meal. Fear not because here are a few places where you can eat for less.
The food courts at the shopping malls have very reasonable prices and the portions are generous too. We particularly enjoyed the Santa Barbara Char at The Habit Burger Grill, located at the Fashion Show. Another place we loved was the sushi burrito at Jaburritos. Finally, you will find McDonald’s, Starbucks, and In-N-Out Burger for a quick cheap meal during your visit to Las Vegas.
GOOD TO KNOW
PARKING can be very challenging and if you decide to not stay on the Strip, most of the hotels charge for valet and parking space. However, the below hotels and shopping malls in Vegas offer parking free of charge:
- Stratosphere
- Treasure Island
- Venezia-Palazzo
- Fashion Show
- Trump International
- Circus Circus.
DRINKS are quite pricey but a lot of restaurants and bars have happy hours. If you don’t manage to find a happy hour deal then you can stock up from the corner store. Vegas is one of the few places in the United States where you can drink on the street.
