Top 10 Unmissable Experiences in Las Vegas

With countless activities and sights to explore in Las Vegas—ranging from the vibrant resorts along The Strip to the bustling and swiftly rejuvenating downtown area—you could spend ages here without exhausting everything available. Be sure not to miss out on some iconic sites and landmarks, enjoy a show put on by Cirque du Soleil, gain insight into Sin City’s past at either the Neon Museum or the Mob Museum, and perhaps test your luck with a round of blackjack as well.

For further Las Vegas Inspiration? Check out our guides to the city's top spots. hotels , restaurants , bars , nightclubs and activities you can enjoy without spending money . Use our ultimate weekend guide to organize your visit. Should you be traveling to more remote areas, check out our comprehensive guide to the Grand Canyon National Park right here .

Discover activities based on location

• The Strip
• Downtown
• Chinatown

The Strip

Soar above the Strip on the High Roller.

You cannot surpass the breathtaking vistas from the summit. High Roller Sin City’s appropriately titled observation wheel stands as a Guinness World Record holder, surpassing even the height of the London Eye—a distinction evident at first glance against Las Vegas’ distant horizon. As you enjoy your 30-minute journey, you’ll be treated to an expansive view spanning from the dazzling Strip to the arid desert surrounding the city.

Insider's tip: Each of the wheel's 28 gondolas accommodates 40 passengers. To get the best views, try securing a position near the windows on the southwestern side, which will be directly to your right upon entering the pod.

Contact: caesars.com

Price: £££

Find excitement at an elevated amusement park.

If traditional roller coasters no longer excite you, consider visiting an amusement park situated 109 stories above ground level. This sky-high attraction offers thrilling rides that will get your adrenaline pumping. Stratosphere Hotel are on an entirely different scale, both metaphorically and physically: some spins send passengers spinning way beyond the edge of the building’s ledge, while others push you right to the brink before pulling you back up, naturally.

Insider's tip: It goes without saying that the thrill rides at the Stratosphere are not suitable for those with weak nerves. The amusement park caters primarily to adrenaline junkies: be sure to review the website prior to your visit so you understand exactly what you'll experience.

Contact:

stratospherehotel.com

Price: ££

Sail through the waterways aboard a Venetian-inspired gondola.

Imagine yourself in Italy—or maybe not. Las Vegas boasts its own copies of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Luxor Pyramid, and even Venetian waterways. The Vegas renditions can be equally enjoyable as their original counterparts. The Venetian Whether you opt for an indoor or outdoor gondola ride, you will enjoy being serenaded by your gondolier as you glide beneath bridges and along canal-side cafés.

Insider's tip: At this resort, a fresh program lets up to nine visitors each day take control of guiding a gondola. If you're making reservations at Emporio D'Gondola within the Grand Canal Shoppes, inquire about enrolling in the Gondola University.

Contact: venetian.com

Price: £££

Observe acrobatic and water-based theatrical performances

A lot of people who come to Las Vegas really want to catch one of Cirque du Soleil’s playful and extravagant circus performances. These range from the water-based show 'O' at the Bellagio to the Beatles-inspired production called 'LOVE' at the Mirage. No matter which show you decide to watch, make sure not to skip out on seeing these live acts as they blend amazing acrobatic stunts with spectacular stage designs and lively musical scores.

Insider's tip: Ticket prices can add up. If you have some wiggle room when choosing which performance to attend (keep in mind Cirque du Soleil offers seven different shows in Las Vegas), consider looking into the daily deal options available. tix4tonight.com , providing half-priced tickets for unsold performances.

Contact: cirquedusoleil.com

Price: £££

Indulge in a massage and experience the Roman baths.

Las Vegas boasts some of the most glamorous resorts globally, complete with top-notch spas. The good news is that you don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy them; many resort spas provide day passes. A notable option to consider is Qua Baths & Spa. Caesars Palace , an elegant spa featuring three Roman baths and a tea lounge. With a day pass, you can gain entry; a extensive range of treatment options is available within.

Insider's tip: Following a soak in the hot springs, refresh yourself in the Arctic Ice Room. Inside, artificial snowflakes drift from the ceiling—it’s advertised as the sole location of this type globally.

Contact: caesars.com

Opening times: Daily, 6am-8pm

Price: ££

Observe sharks in a 1.3 million-gallon tank

You’ve never witnessed an aquarium quite like this one. The Shark Reef Aquarium boasts a massive 1.3-million-gallon tank with a curving design that allows you to walk right through it. Here, you’ll encounter a myriad of aquatic life forms such as piranhas, green sea turtles, over thirty species of shark, and the incredibly scarce golden crocodile. Additionally, a fresh exhibition known as Polar Journey, featuring robotic penguins, guides guests into the world’s coldest climates.

Insider's tip: Unique 'Animal Encounters' sessions enable guests to enjoy extended experiences beyond typical aquarium operating hours. Participants can engage in activities such as feeding zebra sharks, sea turtles, or stingrays. Additionally, scuba-divers with proper certification get the exclusive opportunity to dive into the tanks for an immersive exploration.

Contact: mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com

Price: £

Experience and get noticed at an iconic pool party.

Why not enjoy the festivities during daytime? In Las Vegas, parties continue around-the-clock along the Strip, typically taking place poolside at numerous hotels. Envision an ambiance similar to a nightclub—complete with DJ music and flowing cocktails—but now set alfresco under the sun’s glow near expansive pools framed by luxurious VIP cabanas.

Insider's tip: Popular choices include the Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan , Wet Republic at the MGM Grand and Tao Beach at The Venetian You can purchase general admission tickets via the resorts’ websites online. It’s advisable to make reservations beforehand if you’re interested in getting a daybed, bungalow, or cabana.

Contact: vegas.com

Opening times: Schedules vary; check online

Price: £

Downtown

Experience the height of the Mafia's influence in Las Vegas

In Downtown Las Vegas, just a brief bus or cab trip from The Strip, you can find numerous notable sites such as the high-tech Mob Museum. This museum occupies an elegantly refurbished old courthouse built in 1933 and provides a captivating look into the region’s past with organized crime, along with the influence of the Mafia in shaping modern casino resorts.

Insider's tip: Reduce the cost of admission by purchasing tickets online, but keep in mind these are for specific entry times. Once inside, however, feel free to stay as long as you like. The venue also features an on-site café and a bar — fitting for Las Vegas.

Contact: themobmuseum.org

Price: ££

Rediscover Las Vegas' nostalgic yesteryears

You're familiar with the iconic historical videos showing the demolition of classic Las Vegas casino structures. While these edifices may have vanished, their dazzling neon signage remains an enduring symbol. Despite the transformation of the city over time, numerous such signs were preserved. Visitors today can view them firsthand either within the Neon Museum or along Downtown’s walkway near Fremont Street. Notable pieces include a sparkling oversized martini glass, the vibrant Hacienda Horse and Rider sculpture, alongside several vintage motel signs from yesteryear.

Insider's tip: To get a brief introduction, take an unrestricted self-led walk around the street-level vintage neon displays located in the city center. Afterward, reserve a scheduled evening visit to the Neon Boneyard, where you can see preserved and non-preserved neon signage showcased at the museum.

Contact: neonmuseum.org

Price: £

Improve your gaming abilities before you sit down at the poker table.

Las Vegas is primarily known for its casinos. However, if you've never picked up a game or wish to enhance your abilities prior to risking your savings, many of these establishments provide complimentary tutorials for newcomers. A good option to consider is the Golden Nugget , an elegant downtown casino-resort offering free lessons in roulette, blackjack, craps, and poker. Once you feel more assured, move on to the gaming area and test your skills with a few hands of Mississippi Stud.

Insider's tip: The timing of classes and their dates differ, yet they are consistently scheduled for the early hours. If you’re unsure, simply arrive at the casino by approximately 10 am and inquire about which class you can participate in.

Contact: goldennugget.com

Price: £

How we choose

Each site and experience featured here has been personally vetted by our knowledgeable local experts, ensuring they offer an authentic viewpoint. Our selection spans various price points and preferences—from top-tier art galleries to entertaining amusement parks—tailored for all kinds of visitors. This roster is frequently refreshed to reflect new additions and deliver current suggestions.

About our expert

Bridget Gleeson has visited Las Vegas numerous times, yet it wasn't until she leased an apartment near the Strip that she truly began to understand the essence of the city. Her affection for Las Vegas stems from its historic neon lights, traditional mixed drinks, and tranquil waterways.

Subscribe to the Front Page newsletter at no cost: Your daily must-read overview of The Telegraph’s schedule - delivered directly to your mailbox every single day of the week.