Things to Do in Las Vegas
From the Bellagio fountains to the Sphere, neon-lit Fremont Street to a sunrise over the Grand Canyon, here is everything worth your time in the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Updated June 2026
There is nowhere on earth quite like Las Vegas, a city of fountains and volcanoes and giant glowing orbs rising out of the Mojave Desert, where a four-mile boulevard packs in more spectacle than most countries manage in a lifetime. You can do this town on any budget: some of the best things to do here cost nothing at all, while others will run you the price of a once-in-a-lifetime ride.
This is our master hub for the whole city, and it suits everyone, the first-timer who wants to walk the Strip with their jaw on the floor, the couple after a quiet gondola ride, the family with kids in tow, and the day-tripper itching to get out into red-rock country. We will point you to the headline attractions below, then send you deeper into our guides to shows, neighborhoods and day trips from here.
The headline attractions
The big-ticket sights along Las Vegas Boulevard, the ones you came here to see.
Downtown, the sky & the desert
The other Vegas: old-school neon, rides above the city and the wild country just outside it.
A perfect first night
One easy evening that hits the highlights without burning you out.
- Start with a slow ride on the High Roller at dusk to get the lay of the land as the lights come on.
- Walk north along the Strip, ducking into the Venetian and Caesars Palace to gawk at the themed worlds inside.
- Time your stroll past the Bellagio to catch a fountain show, free and on the half-hour.
- Book yourself a show for the headline event of the night, whatever is playing while you are in town.
- Cap it off downtown under the Fremont Street Experience canopy for late-night neon and live bands. Need a plan for the rest of the trip? See our itineraries.
Where to go next
Dig deeper into the things that matter most for your trip.
Shows & Residencies
Cirque, magic, comedy and headliners, with help choosing the right ticket.
Day Trips
Hoover Dam, Red Rock, Valley of Fire and the Grand Canyon, with routes and times.
Free Things to Do
Fountains, light shows, gardens and views that won't cost you a dime.
Things to Do With Kids
The rides, animals and attractions that make Vegas work for families.
Book Las Vegas tickets & tours
Common questions
What are the top things to do in Las Vegas?
The headline attractions are the free Fountains of Bellagio, the Sphere, the High Roller observation wheel, walking the themed Strip resorts, the downtown Fremont Street Experience and a show. Just outside town, day trips to Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon and the Grand Canyon round out most visits.
What free things are there to do in Las Vegas?
Plenty. The Fountains of Bellagio dance for free through the afternoon and evening, the Bellagio Conservatory is free to walk through, the Fremont Street Experience runs free nightly light shows, and simply wandering the themed resort lobbies and gardens costs nothing. See our free-things guide for the full list.
How many days do you need in Las Vegas?
Three to four nights is the sweet spot for most first-timers. That gives you a couple of days to walk the Strip, see a show and explore downtown, plus a day for a desert day trip like Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon or the Grand Canyon without feeling rushed.
Is Las Vegas good for families with kids?
Yes, though it takes a little planning since gambling areas, clubs and many shows are 21-and-over. There are plenty of family-friendly options, from the High Roller and the Fremont Street zipline to animal habitats, arcades and matinee shows. Our things-to-do-with-kids guide covers what works.
When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather, with mild, sunny days ideal for walking the Strip and exploring the desert. Summer is reliably very hot, often above 100°F, so plan indoor breaks and early-morning outings; winters are mild but evenings can get chilly.
Do Las Vegas shows change often?
Constantly. Shows and headliner residencies open, close and switch venues throughout the year, so a show that ran last season may not be playing now. Always confirm the current lineup and book ahead, especially for popular Cirque du Soleil productions and big-name residencies.