Top Ten Things to Do When Visiting Las Vegas for the First Time
Ah, Vegas. It’s been called everything from Lost Wages and Sin City, to the Entertainment Capital of the World, but to all who have visited and to many who have not yet had the pleasure, Las Vegas is a land of enchantment and bright lights, a place where the party never stops and the fun continues to beckon even after you’ve gone home. With its dazzling array of entertainment options, world-class shows, luxurious resorts, and thrilling casinos, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do in this amazing city.
As soon as you set foot on the famous Las Vegas Strip, you’ll be immersed in a glittering world of neon lights, iconic landmarks, and an electric atmosphere. From exploring the iconic resorts and indulgent dining experiences to trying your luck at the slot machines or catching a breathtaking performance, Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps and guarantees an unforgettable adventure for first-time visitors. Our list of the top ten things to do will get you started right when you arrive in this desert wonderland!
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1. Experience Fremont Street in All its Neon Glory
This is where it all started….Fremont Street. Before Las Vegas was anything more than just a railroad town, the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino opened its doors at 1 Fremont St. in 1906, where it still stands today. More than 100 years later, Fremont Street is a bustling hub of activity away from the sprawling high-rise hotels of the Strip, and it’s a must-see destination when you’re visiting Sin City. Enjoy classic Las Vegas charm while you casino-hop along the canopy-covered promenade, where the world’s biggest light show takes place every hour from 6pm to 2am. Shop for souvenirs at a number of souvenir shops, listen to live music FREE at several stages nightly, and gawk at some of the wildest street performers you’ll ever see. And if you’re feeling REALLY brave, ride the Slotzilla zip line straight down Fremont Street!
2. Marvel at the Fountains of Bellagio
Even if you’ve never been to Vegas, you’ve likely seen pictures or video of Bellagio’s fountain show. This spectacular water feature consists of more than a thousand fountains swaying to music, and is free to everybody, whether you’re staying at the hotel or just wandering down the Strip. Showtimes start at 3pm on weekdays and noon on weekends, and take place two to four times per hour, until midnight. Get there ten to fifteen minutes before showtime to grab your spot, and enjoy the dazzling display. When the show is over, head inside to the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, located just beyond the front lobby, where the horticulture team goes all out with seasonal displays of flowers, plants, and artsy decor. The installations change every season – Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Best of all, admission is free!
3. Soar to New Heights on the High Roller
Get ready for an awe-inspiring journey above the glittering Las Vegas Strip on the High Roller! This iconic observation wheel towers 550 feet above the city, providing unparalleled panoramic views and an unforgettable experience. Step into the spacious cabins and prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking sights below. The High Roller offers the perfect opportunity to take in the city’s beauty, capture stunning photos, and create lasting memories. The wheel takes 30 minutes to complete one revolution. To make the most of your ride, visit during sunset for magical views and consider booking tickets in advance to skip the lines. Include the High Roller in your Las Vegas itinerary and elevate your trip to new heights!
4. Catch a Show on the Strip or Downtown
Vegas is known for its dazzling performances as much as it’s known for its gambling, and no trip to Sin City is complete without taking in one of the many shows or concerts available at any given moment. From comedy or magic, to music or dance, you’re sure to find a show to captivate you. Whether a headliner like Carrie Underwood or Santana is your thing, or you prefer something more uniquely Vegas like Penn & Teller or Cirque du Soleil, there is something for everyone in the Entertainment Capital of the World!
5. Get Your Thrills at the Top of the STRAT
Calling all adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers! If heights don’t bother you, then you’ll want to head straight to the top of the STRAT Tower at the north end of the Strip for the ride (or rides!) of a lifetime. Brace yourself for the heart-stopping insanity of the Big Shot, launching you 160 feet into the sky, or the exhilarating freefall of the SkyJump, a controlled 829-foot descent from the tower. For a unique spin, hop on the X-Scream, the world’s highest teeter-totter, propelling you over the edge of the tower. Whether you choose one or all three, it’s the most heart-pounding fun you’ll have during your entire visit!
6. Coast Along the Grand Canal in a Gondola
Traveling to Vegas with your sweetie? Then you’ll definitely want to make some time for romance…and what could be more romantic than a floating trip through the sights of Venice with a singing gondolier? Glide under the famed Rialto bridge, pass by indoor patio restaurants, enjoy views of the Strip – all from the comfort of your gondola. Both indoor and outdoor rides are available, and you can even get married in the Signature White Wedding Gondola!
7. Ride to the Top of Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas
One of the most iconic sights along the Vegas Strip is the replica Eiffel Tower in front of the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino – and just like the real one, you can ride to the top in this one too! With a viewing deck 46 stories high, you get amazing views in all directions – including the Bellagio fountains right across the street. When you’re done taking it all in, head back down for dinner at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, then step outside to enjoy the tower’s free recurring light show every 30 minutes from sunset to midnight.
8. Shop Till You Drop at Miracle Mile Shops
It may not be the biggest shopping mall in Vegas (Fashion Show holds that title), but in our opinion it’s the most unique. With ceilings that are painted to resemble an outdoor sky, you definitely know you’re in Vegas while strolling by shops like Sephora, Victoria’s Secret, and Sunglass Hut. Fat Tuesday at Miracle Mile is THE place to grab a delicious Daiquiri, and Lobster Me offers up the “World’s Best Lobster Rolls”. And only in Vegas can you catch a variety of live shows at the mall – including Burlesque, Motown, hypnosis, and more!
9. Explore Vegas History at the Neon Museum
In Vegas, old signs never die – they just get hauled off to the Neon Museum to be restored to some semblance of their former glory. Since its inception in 1996, the Neon Museum has been installing these restored signs throughout the city as urban art pieces to be appreciated for years to come. Signs awaiting resoration reside in the Neon Boneyard, where they serve as inspiration to fascinated artists, students, historians and designers. Important historical pieces in the boneyard include the signage from the Moulin Rouge Hotel, the Stardust, Desert Inn and Caesars Palace, as well as many others. Guided tours of the Boneyard are available seven days a week; restored signs throughout downtown and on Las Vegas Boulevard can be viewed at any time.
10. Take a Tour of the Hoover Dam
While not actually located in Las Vegas, it’s close proximity at just 40 miles away makes the Hoover Dam an excellent “side trip” when you need a break from the neon lights and jingling slot machines of the casinos. Depending on your budget, a number of tour options are available – everything from a half-day charter bus tour that allows you to explore the dam and the power plant, to a helicopter tour that also includes breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River. If you’ve got more than a few days to spend in Vegas, you might want to think about including a trip to Hoover Dam in your itinerary!
