Top Attractions for…
Families
While Sin City isn’t always seen as the most kid-friendly destination, there are actually plenty of family-friendly things to do in Las Vegas. Top picks include the Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage, the shark reef aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the pinball museum. Circus Circus offers free circus acts, arcade games, and an indoor amusement park. Most casinos also have arcade areas to keep kids entertained. Outside the Strip, consider the Discovery Children’s Museum, the Springs Preserve botanical gardens and museum, or the Ethel M Chocolate factory tour. You can also take a day trip to Red Rock Canyon for hiking and exploring the great outdoors.
Couples
For couples seeking adult-only fun, Las Vegas is full of romantic experiences. Take in a dazzling Cirque du Soleil show or see an A-list headliner in concert. Indulge in an intimate gondola ride at The Venetian. Splurge on dinner at a celebrity chef hot-spot like Gordon Ramsay Steak or Nobu. Cap off the night sipping cocktails at a rooftop lounge while you enjoy stunning views of the Strip. Some more unique date ideas include racing supercars at the Exotics Racing experience, a couples’ massage at one of Vegas’ luxury spas, or doing the High Roller observation wheel at sunset. Don’t forget to also explore classics like the Bellagio fountains show.
Bachelorette & Bachelor Parties
It doesn’t get much better than Las Vegas for a blowout bachelor or bachelorette bash. Book a party bus and bar hop along the Strip, making stops at hot spots like TAO, Marquee, and Omnia nightclubs. See eye-popping acrobatics and burlesque-style acts in Absinthe or Fantasy. For something steamier, Thunder from Down Under and Chippendales provide ample beefcake entertainment. Pool parties are also a great way to spend the day – Wet Republic, Marquee Dayclub, and Encore Beach Club all know how to throw a wild pool rager. And you can always mix in some classic Vegas activities like gambling, hitting a strip club, or doing a silly photo shoot in costume. What happens here, stays here!
Gamblers
Las Vegas is a gambler’s paradise, so roll the dice to your heart’s content on the casino floor. For beginners, stick to simpler games like slots, craps, roulette, or blackjack. Read up on game rules beforehand so you don’t feel lost. Veteran gamblers may want to explore off-Strip locales like Red Rock Casino and Fremont Street, or splurge on the high roller experience at lavish casinos like Aria and Caesars Palace. Poker players can get their fix at poker rooms like Bellagio, Aria, and Venetian. Bingo, keno, and sports betting are also popular gambling options. Remember to gamble responsibly and only play with money you can afford to lose. The casinos invest heavily to create an atmosphere that makes you want to keep playing – don’t get sucked in beyond your limits.
Shoppers
From budget-friendly outlets to ultra high-end designer boutiques, Las Vegas is a shopper’s haven. Some top shopping destinations include the Fashion Show mall, the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, The Forum Shops at Caesars, and the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. You’ll find familiar names like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany’s, Cartier, and Prada. But Vegas shopping also means unique boutique finds you won’t see elsewhere. Some examples are The Attic vintage shop, the artisan offerings at Emergency Arts, and the quirky Las Vegas souvenirs in the Neonopolis complex. Don’t miss the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets and Las Vegas South Premium Outlets if looking for steep discounts on brand name goods. And score even deeper deals at Las Vegas Outlet Center and Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas. Shop ’til you drop!
Foodies
With star chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck, and Bobby Flay running the show, the culinary offerings in Las Vegas rival the world’s top dining capitals. Celebrity chef restaurants are clustered at major hotels like Bellagio, Aria, and The Cosmopolitan. But the dining scene has expanded way beyond the Strip. Venture to the Chinatown plaza for authentic Asian fare, or to Downtown’s Fremont East district for hip new eateries like EAT and Le Thai. Off-Strip favorites like Raku Japanese grill and Tacos El Gordo are also worth the Uber ride. Wherever you eat, make reservations in advance as hot restaurants book up fast. And don’t miss the legendary Vegas buffets for a one-stop food extravaganza!
Clubbers
When the sun goes down in Vegas, the nightclubs turn up. Marquee, XS, Omnia, TAO, and Drai’s all attract world-class DJs and huge crowds ready to rage all night. Dress to impress (you’ll get turned away in sneakers) and prepare to pay steep covers at the door unless you get on the guest list ahead of time. Inside, dance and drink the night away under pulsating lights as confetti cannons erupt overhead. Many clubs also have poolside daylife counterparts, like Encore Beach Club and Wet Republic, so the party never stops. Just don’t plan on getting much sleep – Vegas clubs stay hopping until dawn!
How to Get Around Las Vegas
With dozens of hotels and casinos spread along a 4-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard, simply walking around town isn’t very realistic. You’ll need to utilize transportation to get from point A to point B without wearing yourself out. Here are your main options for navigating Vegas:
Public Transportation
The Las Vegas Monorail provides a quick and affordable way to travel between hotels at the heart of the Strip, from the MGM Grand to the SLS Station. On the Strip, wait at designated bus stops located at casino entrances. Real-time arrival info is available on the Strip and Downtown app. While the monorail and Deuce provide solid north-south transportation, traveling east-west (between Strip hotels) is more difficult without a car or rideshare. Walking between neighboring hotels is doable, just be prepared for long blocks in 100+ degree summer heat.
Taxis and Rideshares
You’ll find an endless stream of taxis and rideshares outside every hotel, casino, restaurant, and attraction in Las Vegas. Rates and base fares vary between companies. Be aware of additional charges like airport fees and be sure to tip your driver. Uber and Lyft are typically cheaper than taxis. Compare fare estimates between services. Note that fares surge during peak times when demand is highest. Avoid booking rides at bar closing time when everyone is trying to leave at once. Taxis can be hailed on the street, booked through hotel valets or concierge, or requested via app services like Curb. Familiarize yourself with the general Strip geography so you can give reasonable directions.
Charter Buses
For group travel or events, charter buses are the most convenient and cost-effective transportation option. No need to coordinate multiple cars – just book one bus and you’re set! Larger coaches like 56-passenger buses work well for big groups like wedding parties, corporate outings, and school trips. Smaller 25-passenger minibuses are great for bachelor/bachelorette parties looking to bar hop in style. Buses come equipped with plush seats, WiFi, and more. Professional drivers navigate Strip traffic and parking so your group can relax. Contact Las Vegas Party Bus Company at 702-273-3530 to get a custom quote for your Las Vegas group transportation needs.
Ready to Get Started?
With so much to see and do in Las Vegas, first-timers can benefit from having an action plan for their trip. This guide covers the must-visit attractions by interest area, plus tips on getting around town. Now that you’re armed with insider knowledge, it’s time to start planning your Vegas itinerary! Map out which sights, restaurants, shows, and nightlife spots make your must-do list. Book reservations for the most in-demand eateries and shows as far in advance as possible. If traveling in a large group, secure group rates and packages when available. Read up on casino loyalty programs and sign up for players cards to benefit from gaming perks and discounts. Pack accordingly for the desert climate, remembering to include proper nightclub attire if you plan to party with the best of them. Comfortable walking shoes are a must as you’ll log plenty of mileage navigating the Strip, convention centers, and expansive casino properties. Lastly, budget wisely and set aside more spending money than you think you’ll need – the charms of Vegas have a way of enticing you to indulge at every turn. With the right preparation, your first Vegas adventure promises to be one for the record books. The only question is, what happens in Vegas – will you choose to have it stay in Vegas, or bring home stories that last a lifetime? The thrilling memories made here are yours to keep!