Cool Things to Do in Las Vegas, Nevada

I agree, partying and gambling in Vegas can get old real quick.

But don’t be too quick to write off this destination. I promise there’s a ton more to do in Sin City.

Keep reading for the ultimate guide on things to do in Las Vegas, NV.

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

Browse the art galleries

Yes, you read that right – you can admire fine art in Las Vegas!

The Gallery of Fine Art at the Bellagio features a curated show that changes a few times per year.

Past themes have included Picasso, Contemporary Art, female artists, and even artifacts from Muhammad Ali.

Aside from the Bellagio’s Gallery, you can also dine among authentic Picasso artwork at Bellagio’s Picasso restaurant.

Head to The Park next to the New York – New York hotel for an interesting outdoor twist on an art gallery experience.

At Park MGM, check out the Haus of Gaga exhibit featuring costumes and other sartorial artwork from Lady Gaga.

Check out the best views in Vegas

While many of the hotels on the strip offer impressive views of the city, there are a few standouts.

My top pick for best view in Las Vegas is the High Roller, the largest ferris wheel in the world.

The Top of the World restaurant at The Stratosphere is well-known for its view from the top of the Strip and serves a decent dinner.

SkyBar at Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas and the Eiffel Tower observation deck and restaurant at Paris Las Vegas have great mid-strip views, as well.

Explore the BODIES exhibit

If you’re into the nerdy side of knowing the human body, check out REAL BODIES at Bally’s and Bodies The Exhibition at the Luxor, where you can see preserved human bodies and body parts.

I’ve seen the Bodies exhibit before and it’s absolutely fascinating. Though I will admit it is not for the faint!!

Watch the Fountains of Bellagio

You can’t miss the Fountains of Bellagio show outside the magnificent Bellagio hotel.

Not only is it a classic Vegas attraction, but it takes place in an 8-acre lake that you literally can’t miss if you’re walking down the Strip.

Check out the Fremont Street Experience

The Fremont Street Experience is a pedestrian mall built around downtown Las Vegas, north of the Strip.

It includes shopping, restaurants, gambling, zip lining, bars, and hotels. Above the street is an LED screen canopy that plays digital shows.

Play old-fashioned games

Looking for some good ol’ fashioned fun? Vegas has that too!

Win some fun prizes at the Coney Island Emporium at the New York-New York Hotel.

Or relive your college days by mixing table games, like ping-pong, and drinks at MGM Grand’s Level Up bar.

Hit up the LINQ Promenade

The LINQ Promenade is one of my favorite spots on the Vegas Strip. Located right in the center, the LINQ Promenade is packed with attractions.

First up, have fun bowling or see a concert at Brooklyn Bowl at the LINQ Promenade.

Across from Brooklyn Bowl is Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club featuring the hottest comedians.

Carry on the party with drinks at one of several bars at the Promenade, like O’Shea’s or AmeriCAN Beer & Cocktails.

Shop for souvenirs at stores like Goorin Brothers Hat Shop, Nectar Bath Treats, and Welcome to Las Vegas.

Take a walk on the wild side and get at tattoo at Club Tattoo.

Leave the Strip without actually leaving the Strip on a virtual reality experience at VR Adventures.

For the daring, zoom down the Promenade via the FLY LINQ zipline.

Last up, the most recognizable attractions on the strip, the High Roller ferris wheel invites you to view the Vegas skyline from the sky.

At night, take in a neon light show on the High Roller and Promenade fountains, set to popular music. It’s basically a modern version of the Bellagio fountain show.

Ride motorcycles down the strip

The Las Vegas strip includes its own Harley-Davidson dealership, where you can buy or rent a motorcycle.

Don’t know how to ride? You can take lessons, too!

Play golf in Vegas

Get some tee time in at one of Vegas’ many golf courses, such as the one attached to Wynn.

If you’re looking to just practice your swing, head to Topgolf, behind the MGM Grand’s Signature Towers.

Or how about a round of mini golf at KISS by Monster Mini Golf?

Get a makeover

Many of the larger hotels have a salon on-site where you can get your hair and makeup done. If your hotel doesn’t, don’t fret!

Get your hair expertly styled at Drybar at the Miracle Mile Shops. Then pop over to one of 4 Sephora locations on the strip to get a new makeup look.

If you don’t want to leave your hotel room, hook up with La’Bella MAFIA to have a makeup artist and hair stylist sent to you.

Grab your honey and get married

Getting married in Las Vegas doesn’t need to be cheesy or impulsive, but no judging if it is!

Check out my list of unique wedding venues in Las Vegas to find the perfect venue, plus tips on how to get a marriage license.

Tour the Las Vegas strip

There are a few ways to tour the strip, but the best way is by helicopter. Maverick Helicopters offers a night tour and a sunset/night combo tour of the Hoover Dam and the Strip.

Looking for guided tours on land? Check out the ubiquitous hop-on/hop-off bus tour. For a one-of-a-kind, only in Vegas kind of experience, try a private guided tour led by Elvis in a pink Cadillac.

Explore the museums in Las Vegas

Las Vegas’s museum game has seriously stepped up over the past few years.

My top 2 recommendations are the Neon Museum and Mob Museum.

At the Neon Museum, you can see old Las Vegas signs and neon lights and at the Mob Museum you can learn about the history of organized crime and law enforcement.

For some naughty fun, check out the Erotic Heritage Museum or Burlesque Hall of Fame.

If those make you blush, perhaps the Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. or Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum are more your speed.

Race cars in Las Vegas

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a Nascar race driver, Vegas is the place to live out that fantasy.

At the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, you can watch different races, drive a racecar with the Richard Petty Driving Experience, or drive dune buggies or ATVs through the Nellis Dunes.

Step it up a notch and take a lap in an exotic car, such as a Lamborghini Gallardo or McLaren 5705, at Speed Vegas.

If you’re more into go-karts, check out the Pole Position Raceway across from the Palms.

Catch a show or concert

Las Vegas is filled with dozens of entertaining shows that are funny, flashy, weird, and sexy.

There are Broadway-style shows, concerts, comedians, magicians, festivals, and so much more.

To whittle down which show or concert to see, check out my list of the best shows in Vegas.

Party in Las Vegas like a rock star

Las Vegas is home to some of the world’s best nightclubs, such as Drai’s, Hakkasan, Marquee or XS, where you can party the night away.

More of a day person? Check out Rehab and Wet Republic, 2 of Las Vegas’ best dayclubs.

If ballin’ like a rock star is your #1 goal for things to do in Las Vegas, go in on a luxury suite with a group of friends, such as the Fantasy Suites at the Palms or Skylofts at MGM, and throw a party with your nearest and dearest.

Just don’t be a jerk and trash the place, ok? The dudes from The Hangover already have that covered.

Have some poolside fun

Las Vegas has some of the best pools where you can relax, swim or even party.

Check out my guide on pools in Vegas to find the best pools that aren’t day clubs.

Visit a spa in Las Vegas

For a luxurious activity, treat yourself to a day at your hotel’s spa.

Get a massage or facial, relax in the sauna, get a manicure and pedicure or whatever else you find relaxing.

Check out the Bellagio Conservatory

Several times a year, the Bellagio Conservatory has a massive garden display to celebrate the season or holiday, such as Lunar New Year.

The displays are quite impressive; practically artwork!

The best part is that it’s completely free to view and makes for a fun vacation photo.

Ride the Venetian gondolas

Pretend you’re in romantic Venice, Italy on a gondola ride through the Venetian canals at The Venetian Resort.

Visit the Titanic exhibit in Las Vegas

See artifacts from the most famous passenger ship in the world, The Titanic, at the Luxor hotel.

This long-running exhibit includes more than 250 genuine artifacts from the Titanic wreckage.

Also included are recreations of some of the ocean liner’s rooms, so you can better imagine what it was like on this famed ship.

Go shopping in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has some of the best shopping in the US!

For high-end retail, hit up Crystals at City Center.

For a good mix of luxury and affordable, try the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace or Fashion Show mall.

If you don’t want to be tempted by the luxury shops, check out Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood or hit up the Las Vegas Premium Outlets (2 locations available: North and South) for a good deal.

Ride all the thrill rides

Zip through the city skyline at Rio Hotel and Casino’s VooDoo Zip Line or through old Vegas at the Fremont Street Experience’s Slotzilla.

Ride the X Scream roller coaster at the Stratosphere Hotel or the Big Apple Coaster at the New York – New York Hotel.

Experience sky diving at Vegas Indoor Skydiving.

If you’re not quite ready for sky diving, try SkyJump at the Stratosphere. It’s a bit more controlled, kind of like a cross between sky diving and bungee jumping.

For an entire day’s worth of thrill rides, hit up Adventuredome at Circus Circus, where you can ride 2 coasters, go bungee jumping, play laser tag, and more.

Take a day trip

If you need a break from the glitz and glamour of Vegas, consider taking a day trip.

There are lots of parks and classic road trips outside Vegas, such as Grand Canyon National Park, Red Rock Canyon, the Hoover Dam, and Route 66.

For more ideas, check out my post on day trips from Las Vegas.

What are your favorite things to do in Las Vegas?

Are you ready to book your trip to Las Vegas now that you know all the awesome things you can do?

Use the search box below to find the best deals on hotels in Las Vegas.

And remember what they say… What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!

This post was originally published on March 25, 2017. It was last updated on March 3, 2021.