Things to Do in Las Vegas in 2025 - Top Attractions, Local Food, Hotels & Travel Tips (Updated April 2025) | Trip.com

About Las Vegas

Recommended trip: 3–5 day(s)

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The entertainment miracle of the ultimate audio-visual experience

Immersive art exhibition space

Universal Horror Unleashed Ready to Thrill

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Las Vegas Local Travel Guide 2025

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Las Vegas Brief Guide

Las Vegas is one of the most popular and - let’s be honest - notorious tourist cities in the world. A desert metropolis, its 4.2-mile Strip dazzles with icons like the Venetian, Bellagio, and Mandalay Bay—casinos, shows, and pools that never quit. Beyond the lights, Red Rock Canyon offers rugged trails. Food runs from street tacos to chef-driven plates, and Cirque du Soleil keeps nights electric. Vegas hits hard with fun—big games, bold sights, and a vibe that pulls you right in.

Las Vegas Must-try Local Experiences

1.Explore Vegas's Fascinating Museums Explore Vegas’s past at the Neon Museum—old signs glow in the ‘Brilliant!’ show. Hit the Mob Museum downtown for crime tales and speakeasy drinks, then see Nevada’s nuclear story at the Atomic Testing Museum. Bonus: Pinball Hall of Fame nods to gaming roots—cheap and fun. 2. Experience World-Class Shows Roll the dice on Vegas’s legendary entertainment with Cirque du Soleil dominating the Strip: "O" at Bellagio stuns with aquatic feats, while "Mystère" at Treasure Island delivers classic cirque acrobatics. Crave something edgier? Absinthe at Caesars Palace blends irreverent comedy and circus flair in an intimate spiegeltent, or catch Carrot Top at Luxor for prop-driven Vegas satire. Watch for headliner residencies like Adele or Usher (check schedules). Book weekend shows a month ahead; snag last-minute deals at Tix4Tonight outlets. 3. Step into the Future at the Sphere A 366-foot-tall marvel just off the Strip at The Venetian Resort. Its 160,000-square-foot interior LED screen—the world’s largest—wraps around you in 16K glory, paired with 160,000 speakers and 4D effects that make you feel the show. Catch "The Sphere Experience" with Darren Aronofsky’s "Postcard from Earth," a 90-minute sci-fi-meets-nature journey, or check out residencies. Outside, the Exosphere’s 1.2 million LEDs light up the skyline for free—think giant emojis or cosmic art. 4. Discover AREA15's Immersive Attractions Step off the Strip into AREA15, a playground of mind-bending experiences. Start at Omega Mart, Meow Wolf’s surreal supermarket-turned-art-installation—grab an “employee card” at coat check to unlock the full interactive story. Next, sip through the theatrical Lost Spirits Distillery tasting experience, blending rum with wild performances. For a quick psychedelic detour, try Wink World. 5. Try Your Luck at Classic Casino Games Test your luck—learn craps at Fremont or poker at Excalibur, both free. Spin penny slots for kicks, or hit Bellagio’s high-stakes Baccarat. Sports buffs love Circa’s sportsbook. Grab a players’ card for perks—Vegas gaming’s a rush—engage responsibly! 6. Indulge in Legendary Buffets Feast like royalty at Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, with over 140 dishes—prime rib to fresh oysters. Prefer a lighter tab? Try The Buffet at Wynn or The Buffet at Bellagio. For variety, Wicked Spoon at Cosmopolitan delivers creative bites. Hit a late breakfast/early lunch (around 10:30 AM) for the best of both menus—reservations cut wait times. 7. Enjoy the Strip's Free Attractions Time your evening for the Bellagio Fountains (every 30 minutes from 8 PM), a mesmerizing water dance. Inside Caesars Forum Shops, the Fall of Atlantis animatronic show dazzles. Soak in the Fremont Street Experience, where a massive video canopy syncs with live music and street performers. Bonus: Ride a gondola through the Venetian’s Grand Canal for faux-Italian charm. 8. See Vegas from Above Catch the Strip’s glow aboard the High Roller observation wheel —sunset’s prime, especially with the Happy Half Hour open-bar pod. STRAT SkyPod thrills at 1,149 feet, or Circa’s Legacy Club sips over the valley. For the ultimate wow, book a night helicopter tour over the neon sea. Strat’s observation deck is free with a restaurant purchase. 9. Capture Iconic Photos Snap the classic "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign —go early to dodge crowds. Climb the Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris for killer Strip shots, or hit Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay (free before 10 PM with dinner reservation) for upscale nighttime vistas—dress sharp. Bonus: Seven Magic Mountains will add colorful desert flair to your travel feed. 10. Explore Natural Wonders Soar to the Grand Canyon via helicopter with a champagne landing—a bucket-list desert stunner. Closer in, cruise Red Rock Canyon’s 13-mile scenic drive or hike its trails; rent bikes for extra fun. Valley of Fire State Park wows with red sandstone and ancient petroglyphs. Craving cool air? Mt. Charleston offers alpine escape. 11. Cool Off at a Vegas Pool Dive into Vegas’s pool scene: Wet Republic (MGM Grand) or Marquee Dayclub (Cosmopolitan) host celeb DJs. Circa’s Stadium Swim rocks six pools and giant HD screens for sports buffs. Families love Mandalay Bay’s wave pool. Book cabanas ahead for shade—dress code’s pool chic. 12. Explore Downtown Arts District Venture beyond the glitz to the Downtown Arts District, buzzing during First Friday art walks. Sip craft brews at Able Baker Brewing, browse Art Factory galleries, and sip cocktails at ReBar. Chow down at Esther’s Kitchen for acclaimed Italian or Casa Don Juan for authentic Mexican. Bonus: Hunt murals or hit Velveteen Rabbit coktail bar for one-of-a-kind drinks. 13. Savor the Variety of Celebrity Chef Dining Vegas is a playground for celebrity chef royalty, serving up a smorgasbord of flavors. Dive into molecular magic at é by José Andrés at The Cosmopolitan, or visit Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace that recreates the TV drama with beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding. Italian elegance shines at Giada at The Cromwell; Wolfgang Puck’s legacy spans decades—try Spago at Bellagio for upscale fusion or CUT at The Palazzo for sleek steakhouse vibes. 14. Race Like a Pro at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Speed off at Las Vegas Motor Speedway—drive Lambos or Ferraris on a pro track, instructor aboard. Ride with a racer or hit Baja trucks; go-karts suit families. It’s pure adrenaline, Vegas-style—perfect for speed junkies or anyone craving a break from the neon glow. Book early; slots fill fast, especially on weekends! 15. Immerse Yourself in Vintage Vegas at the Golden Nugget Relive old Vegas at the Golden Nugget downtown—since ‘46, its gaming floor holds the world’s biggest gold nugget. Slide through the shark-tank pool, catch live tunes, or sip retro drinks at Rush Lounge—classic Sin City lives.

Las Vegas Travel Tips

1. Book Shows Early or Grab Last-Minute Deals Top shows like Cirque du Soleil and residencies sell out fast—book 2 months ahead, especially weekends. Miss the window? Hit Tix4Tonight booths on the Strip for same-day discounts (up to 50% off select shows) or ask hotel concierges for cancellations. 2. Keep It Quiet in Public Lower your voice in hotels and casinos—late-night noise draws security quick. Shows ban photos and videos—stash your phone to avoid ejection. 3. Tip Generously Toss $1-2 per drink at bars, 18-20% at restaurants, $2-3 per bag for bellhops, $2-5 daily for housekeeping (leave it each morning). Winning at tables? Slide dealers a chip (e.g., $5 on a $100 win)—they’ll appreciate it. 4. Stay Sharp on the Streets Guard your pockets on Fremont Street and northern Strip—pickpockets hit late-night crowds; stick to lit paths. ‘Free’ tickets or timeshares? Walk away—it’s a scam. Only take drinks from bartenders or servers—keep them in sight. Use pedestrian bridges—street crossings are risky. 5. Move Smart Around Town Ride The Deuce bus 24/7 to every major Strip hotel—grab a multi-day pass at the terminal. Weekend traffic jamming? Walk if it’s under a mile—rideshares lag. Monorail skips half the Strip but zips to convention centers—check your hotel’s stop. 6. Be Ready For the Desert Climate Summer climbs past 43°C (110°F), winter drops below 4°C (40°F)—pack layers, casinos blast AC nonstop. Dry air dehydrates fast—remember to drink water hourly (get free cups at casino bars) to skip headaches. 7. Carry Cash for Quick Fixes Keep bills handy for tips, taxis, and small buys—ATMs sting with $7-10 fees; use your bank’s app or CVS/Walgreens cashback. High-limit tables demand cash—stash some for the big games. 8. Follow Public Space Rules Consume alcohol on the Strip or Fremont Street in plastic cups only—glass or cans result in fines. Smoking is permitted in casinos but prohibited in restaurants and hotel rooms—check posted signs. Pools prohibit outside food and beverages—bringing them in risks confiscation by security. 9. Dodge Fremont Street Hustles Fremont Street’s ‘free’ photo ops with costumed crews—think Elvis or showgirls—turn into $20 shakedowns. Smile and walk; they can’t force cash. Watch for ‘VIP’ club promoters too—bogus fees hit hard. Stick to legit bars, skip the street pitch. 10. Play the Casino Comps Game Sign up for free players’ cards at casino desks—swipe at slots, tables for points. Low rollers snag free drinks, big spenders score rooms. Don’t overplay for perks—house edges bite. Locals say Caesars and MGM love newbies.

Las Vegas Must-see Attractions

The Las Vegas Strip cuts through Sin City—a 4.2-mile blast of casinos, lights, and non-stop action on Las Vegas Boulevard. It’s loud, brash, and loaded with icons like Bellagio’s fountains, Caesars Palace’s Roman sprawl, and The Venetian’s canals. Walk it for street performers, high-end shops, and 24/7 buzz—no quiet corners here. From Paris to Egypt in a mile, it’s Vegas excess dialed up. Hit it day or night; the energy never quits. Don’t skip this—it’s the city’s core, unfiltered and in your face.

Las Vegas Where to Stay

If you dream of being at the heart of Las Vegas’s iconic energy, The Strip is where you’ll want to lay your head. This world-famous boulevard is lined with grand resorts like Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and The Venetian, offering luxurious accommodations and easy access to dazzling casinos, top-tier shows, and high-end shopping. It’s perfect for first-time visitors or those who thrive on nonstop excitement, with attractions like the Bellagio Fountains and the High Roller observation wheel just steps away. Night owls and entertainment enthusiasts will feel right at home here, though light sleepers might need to pack earplugs to tune out the constant hum of activity.

Las Vegas Food Guide

Las Vegas’s steakhouse tradition traces back to the mobster days of power lunches and cigar-lit deals, a legacy of decadence still alive today. Dry-aged prime cuts, like those at the vintage Golden Steer, shine with robust flavor. It’s a nod to the city’s glamorous past, blending old-school charm with top-tier beef. Request tableside preparation for the Caesar salad—a ritual worth watching.Take your time; this is a meal to savor, not rush. Price Range: $75-$150 per person. A dry martini or Cabernet Sauvignon elevates the experience. Perfect for those craving a taste of Sin City’s golden era.

Las Vegas Useful Guide

Touching down in Las Vegas is a breeze thanks to its well-connected airport and highway access. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), just 10 minutes from the Strip, welcomes flights from major U.S. hubs and beyond. Driving in from nearby cities is also straightforward, though the desert demands some prep. Here are your best options: By Air (Harry Reid International Airport - LAS) RTC Airport Buses: Routes 108 and 109 takeyou to the Strip or Downtown. Buses leave every 20 minutes from Terminal 1—cheapest and reliable. Rideshares: Uber and Lyft pick up at designated zones (Terminal 1, Level 2M; Terminal 3, Level 0). Expect $20-$30 to Strip hotels—quick and convenient. Taxis: Queues are separate at both terminals. Fares to the Strip run around $30-$35 plus tip—good for groups or late arrivals. Rental Cars: Available but optional unless exploring beyond the city. Book ahead; no need if staying central. By Car From Los Angeles: I-15, 4-5 hours. From Phoenix: US-93, 4.5-5 hours. From Salt Lake City: I-15, 6 hours.