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Home » Destinations » North America » United States

10 Fun Things To Do in Las Vegas

Modified: Apr 23, 2025 · Published: May 2, 2022 by Res Marty |

There are hundreds of fun things to do in Las Vegas for entertainment, making it a city where you're unlikely to feel bored. Sin City has excellent casinos, hotels, nightclubs, and attractions. But it's not all about gambling and partying. There are also numerous nearby places to hike, camp, and take in the views.

We've selected the ten most incredible things to do in Las Vegas this year to help you make the most of your trip, whether you're diving into this 4 day Vegas package or just stopping by for a quick weekend escape.

Table of Contents

  • Top Las Vegas Attractions
    • 1. A Helicopter Ride Over Las Vegas
    • 2. Seven Magic Mountains
    • 3. Bellagio Hotel
    • 4. Excursion to Zion National Park
    • 5. Bus Tour
    • 6. Grand Canyon Skywalk
    • 7. Cirque du Soleil
    • 8. Death Valley
    • 9. Las Vegas High Roller
    • 10. Nightclubs
  • Tips for Saving Money in Las Vegas

Top Las Vegas Attractions

1. A Helicopter Ride Over Las Vegas

Helicopter over Vegas (photo: Matthew Brodeur)
Helicopter over Vegas (photo: Matthew Brodeur)

If you want to see the magic of Las Vegas in all its splendor, sign up for a helicopter tour. It's not as expensive as you think, and you'll have several options to fit your budget.

Flying in a helicopter over Las Vegas is one of those activities you have to see at least once in your life. You'll have an unforgettable experience.

Whether you want to take a quick ride over The Strip or visit the Grand Canyon, doing it by helicopter is the most exciting option. Here are a few itineraries to help you find the helicopter ride that best suits you.

Strip Highlights

If you're considering taking a helicopter ride, this is the best option, as it's one of the shortest, with a duration of 15 to 20 minutes.

The Strip Highlights tour takes place at night, visiting famous landmarks such as the New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Caesars Palace, and the LINQ Promenade, as well as the entire Strip. It costs approximately $80, an excellent investment.

Downtown Delights & City Sights

This is the perfect tour for those who enjoy tasting delicious dishes and want to discover the best restaurants in Las Vegas. The tour starts downtown, where a limousine picks you up and takes you to the helicopter, where you will then ride along The Strip.

The cost can range from $180 to $200 and last for six hours, from when you go for a walk through the restaurants until you finish the helicopter ride. It's an excellent option to learn about the history, culture, and gastronomy of Las Vegas.

Helicopter Wedding

We know that Las Vegas weddings are iconic. But a helicopter wedding will undoubtedly be the best way to make your happiest moment with the one you love unforgettable.

This ride includes a limousine transfer, roses, wedding cake, champagne, ceremony, private flight over the Grand Canyon, and the Valley of Fire to finish on the Las Vegas Strip. The price starts at $800, and the duration is a minimum of five hours.

2. Seven Magic Mountains

Seven Magic Mountains (photo: Alexandra Chan)
Seven Magic Mountains (photo: Alexandra Chan)

Since 2016, the Las Vegas desert has been filled with color thanks to the work of Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. The art installation consists of seven colorful mountains formed by 33 rocks, located at a strategic and balanced point in the city, between the artificial and the natural.

It's an excellent destination full of color, perfect for finding peace, connecting with nature, and taking amazing pictures. Admission to this play is free, so you don't have to worry about reservations or paying for tickets.

However, there is no public transportation to take you to the site. Therefore, although you won't spend any money when you visit, you will have to pay for transportation, unless you have rented a car.

The cost of an Uber from The Strip to Seven Magic Mountains can range from $25 to $45, and if you count round-trip, multiply that by two.

3. Bellagio Hotel

The author at the Bellagio
The author at the Bellagio

The Bellagio is one of the most elegant and exclusive hotels and casinos in Las Vegas. It receives millions of visitors, including guests, tourists, gamblers, spectators of its shows and events, and more.

On its own, the resort is a worthy destination, offering restaurants, bars, natural spaces, art exhibits, and iconic fountains. The Bellagio's world-famous fountains offer daily shows that are entirely free and change every half hour.

The fountain has more than 200 speakers playing music choreographed to the water jets show. The fountain's best moment is at dusk when its lights are turned on and contrast with the night sky.

At the Bellagio, you can also see the most impressive horticultural floral show at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden, which changes every season and even features displays at Chinese New Year. This attraction is also completely free.

The resort features the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, one of the premier destinations for art in Las Vegas. This institution has a partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston to present rotating collections of art and private collections; notable artists frequently exhibited include Picasso and Andy Warhol.

Ideally, you should visit the hotel for its tourist attractions and stay at a less expensive place. A night at the Bellagio can vary depending on the day of the week and the type of suite.

You can pay from $110 on a Monday to over $500 per night on the weekend. If you're on a budget, you can allocate that amount to other activities.

4. Excursion to Zion National Park

Zion National Park
Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of the most spectacular places you can visit. The reddish stone of its canyons contrasts with the blue of the waterfalls.

The National Park Service notes that Zion has 232 square miles of plateaus, a maze of canyons, and the Virgin River and its tributaries. Its pine and juniper-clad slopes, accompanied by its beautiful waterfalls, form breathtaking scenery that you surely won't want to miss.

Zion National Park has three authorized camping areas, making this option ideal for those who appreciate nature. Ideally, if you're going camping, you'll want to be prepared and include a generator with your gear so you don't run out of batteries unexpectedly.

Prices to visit Zion National Park in 2022 are as follows:

  • Per person: $20
  • Motorcycle: $30
  • Automobile: $35
  • Annual pass: $70

Remember to go with a guide or an expert to accompany you during your visit, especially if you are unfamiliar with the park.

5. Bus Tour

Las Vegas is also famous for its bus tours, which give you the perfect opportunity to tour the city, take pictures of great sites, and at the same time, learn a bit about each place you visit.

If you want to explore a little more of the Fremont Street Experience when you visit downtown Las Vegas, there is a free bus route called the Downtown Loop, which takes you around the area's main points, including the Arts District.

Although there are also paid options with prices that are not too high, they can range from $45 and up. Since it is an open-top bus, it is best to wear sunscreen before embarking on your tour.

To save time and money, book in advance and note that prices may vary depending on the number of stops and the area you plan to visit.

6. Grand Canyon Skywalk

Grand Canyon Skywalk on the Hualapai Reservation (photo: Stan Lawrimore)
Skywalk (photo: Stan Lawrimore)

From Las Vegas, you can visit hundreds of attractions in the Grand Canyon, but you can't miss the Skywalk viewpoint. From there, you get a panoramic view of almost the entire canyon.

It's a visitor center where you can learn about the history and nature of the Grand Canyon. Also, depending on the season, you can admire the stars.

This viewpoint rises to 4,770 feet (1,454 meters), and its horseshoe-shaped glass floor will get your body pumping with adrenaline. If heights aren't your thing, skip this attraction because, to enjoy it, you must leave your fear of heights aside.

Access to the reserve costs approximately $45, and the combined ticket, which includes the Skywalk, costs around $80. You can include it in the helicopter tour packages, as well as with your accommodation; it all depends on the location you choose.

7. Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil offers us surreal shows, minutes that can entirely take you away from reality and immerse you in a fantasy. These shows are presented in the most famous hotels in Las Vegas. The company resumed operations in the summer of 2021.

Some of the shows include:

  • "O:" A mix of surrealism, romance, acrobatics, and synchronized swimming acts, this show has been considered the best in Las Vegas in several votes. It can be seen at the Bellagio Hotel.
  • "Ka:" One of the most dynamic shows, it combines an incredible mix of martial arts, romance, acrobatics, and gravity-defying acts. It's playing at the MGM Grand Hotel.
  • "Love" is a musical production based on the creation of The Beatles, supported by visual effects, tales of passion, and overcoming, sure to leave audiences clapping and singing along. It's available at the Mirage Hotel.

In Las Vegas, the show line-up is highly varied, as are the prices, ranging from $69 and up.

8. Death Valley

The best times to visit Death Valley are during spring, fall, and winter, as the weather is more comfortable during these seasons. Activities include hiking, rock climbing, scenic drives, camping, and a tour of the history of the Wild West.

It is one of the hottest, driest, and lowest-lying places in North America, so visiting in the summer is not recommended. The permanent drought and temperature records are extreme in this desert that offers incredibly colorful scenery despite its intimidating name. This valley is located two hours from Las Vegas.

Prices in 2022 are as follows:

  • Per person: $15
  • Motorcycle: $25
  • Automobile: $30
  • Annual pass: $55

Related: Visiting Macao, the Las Vegas of the Far East

9. Las Vegas High Roller

Las Vegas' High Roller Ferris wheel at sunset (photo: Kedar Gadge)
High Roller at sunset (photo: Kedar Gadge)

There are many attractions in Las Vegas, but few offer the opportunity to have fun in a tiny capsule while enjoying panoramic views of the city. The 548-foot (167-meter) High Roller is considered the world's tallest Ferris wheel.

The duration of a ride is 30 minutes, an ideal time to take good pictures and enjoy the view. The price of the tickets may vary depending on the time you choose to visit the attraction.

If you decide to visit during the day, the admission price is $23.50 for adults and $8.50 for children aged 4 to 12 years old (children under 3 years old are admitted free of charge). After 4 p.m., general admission is $34.75 for adults and $17.50 for children 4 to 12 years old.

10. Nightclubs

Partying in Las Vegas is an opportunity you won't want to miss, and it doesn't have to be expensive. The leading clubs in the city offer the option to sign up for guest lists, allowing you to gain free admission and even receive complimentary drinks. All you need to do is visit the club's website that interests you and check if they offer a free service.

Another option is to stop by the place during the day and find one of the promoters who will give you free tickets and, in some cases, coupons for drinks.

See also: Dig This - Best Oddball Attraction in Vegas

Tips for Saving Money in Las Vegas

Welcome to Las Vegas sign (photo: Grant Cai)
Welcome to Las Vegas sign (photo: Grant Cai)

Take advantage of the shows and the different free attractions in the city. Fremont Street Experience, the downtown bus, and some shows in the casinos.

Check the buffet schedules at the hotels where you are staying, as the cost varies depending on the time. You can save more than $20 if you have breakfast at 10:55 a.m. instead of 8 a.m.

Another way to save is to take public transportation. You can find out about routes and schedules. This way, you will also get to know the city.

Don't wait in line at the hotel when checking in. You will save more than an hour if you manage it from the hotel app.

You can also enjoy some free activities on The Strip:

  • Volcano at the Mirage
  • Hershey's Chocolate World
  • Palazzo Waterfall Atrium
  • The Park
  • Hershey's Chocolate World

In the city of sin, everything is allowed, from enjoying your favorite artist's concert to marrying the love of your life by an Elvis impersonator. What's not allowed is leaving without taking a picture of the famous Las Vegas sign.

You need to go south of The Strip, just before the Mandalay Bay hotel, and that's it. If you don't have a picture there, can you say you've been to Las Vegas? And remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

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Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

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