Things to do in Las Vegas

The ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’ certainly knows how to have a good time. There are so many things to do in Las Vegas, but no trip would be complete without having a flutter in the casinos. You can play table games like poker or black jack, try your luck on the roulette wheel, or have a go on the slot machines.

Las Vegas is also famous for its show-stopping spectacles, with some incredible theatrical shows and musical performances. You can see world-famous acts like the Blue Man Group, or watch iconic artists take to the stage. Las Vegas boasts some huge-name residencies – ranging from Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, to Shania Twain and Rod Stewart – so there’s something for everyone.

If you’re heading to Vegas to party, there are dozens of swish clubs where you can dance the night away. Flash the cash at Hyde in the Bellagio – where you’ll have fantastic views of the fountains – or book a VIP cabana at Marquee in The Cosmopolitan. Travelling on a budget? Take a look at Chateau, OMNIA or Beauty Bar for a wallet-friendly night out.

Despite being in the middle of a desert, Las Vegas is perfectly placed for some excellent day trips. You can head east and discover the vast plains of Death Valley. This barren spot is one of the hottest places on the planet, with summer temperatures often soaring to 50°C. Or, if you’d prefer to see some greenery, why not spend a day in Spring Mountain Ranch State Park? Just a 35-minute drive from Vegas, this oasis is full of hiking trails. Walk up to the top of Mount Wilson, and you’ll be able to see all the way back to Sin City.

But a day trip to the Grand Canyon is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular things to do in Vegas. There are loads of tours available, so you can choose to go by bus, lightweight plane or helicopter. We’d recommend taking to the skies, as you’ll have fantastic views during the 70-mile flight, passing over Lake Mead, the Colorado River and the Hoover Dam. And, when you reach the Canyon itself, prepare to be amazed. Spanning for nearly 2,000 square miles, this amber-coloured ravine is sure to make your jaw drop. 

When you’re deciding what to do in Las Vegas, shopping might not immediately spring to mind. But America’s playground has a huge range of malls and stores, where shopaholics will be in their element.
Inside Planet Hollywood, Miracle Mile is home to more than 200 shops, featuring high street names like H&M and Urban Outfitters. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a spot of high-end retail therapy, browse The Shops at Crystals. This upscale mall boasts luxury brands like Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton.

For a unique shopping experience, though, you should head to The Venetian. Inside this ornate hotel, Grand Canal Shoppes has more than 160 stores crammed into its laneways – and, in true Vegas style, there’s a canal running through the heart of the mall. So, when you fancy a shopping break, why not hop into a gondola and enjoy a relax tour of this miniature Venice?

If you’re travelling as a family, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas with kids. Children of all ages will love watching the incredible show at the Fountains of Bellagio, as water jets shoot up into the air, beautifully choreographed to music. And don’t miss the volcano outside The Mirage. This fiery show erupts every night on the hour, between 8pm and 11pm.

For more family thrills, head to AdventureDome for mini-golf, fairground rides and arcade games. Or, if you’re travelling with teens, get their adrenaline pumping on The Big Apple Coaster at New York New York Hotel. Looping high above the Las Vegas Strip, this rollercoaster zooms along at 67mph.

If that sounds a little extreme, take the whole family to Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. This amazing centre is home to 2,000 animals, including sharks, rays and sea turtles. You can even feed the sting rays, if you wish.