Las Vegas Travelers Recommend

Packing all the high-rolling fun of Las Vegas into three days doesn’t have to be a gamble—Sin City offers nonstop excitement morning, noon and night. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy the sights, adventures and glamour of Vegas in three days, while still leaving time to visit the nearby Grand Canyon.

Day 1: See the Sights

Get an overview of the city on a hop-on hop-off tour along the Strip, where you can visit attractions such as the observation deck at Stratosphere Tower and the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. Both of these landmarks offer a look at Vegas from above—a great way to start your exploration. Or perhaps check out the Mob Museum, one of the most interesting things to do in Vegas, providing a little history in a city that’s always evolving. When evening rolls around, hop on the High Roller, the observation wheel at the LINQ Hotel and Casino. Then stroll over to the Bellagio Fountains to watch the musical water show before heading inside the hotel for a performance of O, a favorite among Vegas’ many Cirque du Soleil shows.

Day 2: Fly High

While there’s plenty happening on the ground in Las Vegas, a lot of the action takes place in the air. Depending on your tolerance for thrills, begin your day with earning some serious bragging rights by booking a fighter pilot experience that gives you the opportunity to fly across the desert with a real fighter pilot. Then keep the adventure going at the Stratosphere Tower with the Unlimited Ride Pass, which provides access to three extreme rides: X-Scream, Insanity and the Big Shot. When darkness falls, admire the lights of the city on a nighttime helicopter tour before touring the Strip like a VIP in your own limo with a personal photographer to document your exploits.

Day 3: Discover a Natural Wonder

East of Las Vegas you’ll find Grand Canyon National Park, one of the biggest and most significant natural attractions in the United States. It’s easily accessible on a Grand Canyon day trip from the city by helicopter, airplane or coach. Some combo options include a helicopter ride to the canyon’s west rim, a boat ride on the Colorado River and the chance to walk out on the glass-bottom Grand Canyon Skywalk. When you return to the city, spend your last night exploring the clubs and lounges of Sin City with an all-access nightclub pass.

Grand Canyon National Park is not to be missed, and one of the easiest ways to visit is on a day trip from nearby Las Vegas. Trade in the slot machines for the tall rock walls, and head out of Sin City by road or air. See below for your options.

Road Tours

When traveling by road, there are a number of ways to arrive in style. Group day tours generally head to the Grand Canyon by coach bus, but it’s also possible to travel in a Hummer H2 for a more off-road experience. Tours by road often include stops at the Hoover Dam and allow for about three to four hours at the Grand Canyon. Be prepared for a long day—the park is about 285 miles (458 km) east of Las Vegas.

Air Tours

For quicker transit and a bird’s-eye view, a plane or helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon is your best bet. If you’d like to see it all from the air, you can fly from Las Vegas in a helicopter, tour the canyon from above, and be back in the city in just 1.5 hours. Otherwise, hop on a scenic one-hour flight that passes over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Mojave Desert, and even add a boat ride down the Colorado River for an action-packed day. Other air tours include a stop at the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass walkway 4,000 feet above the canyon floor.

Things to Know

• Driving to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas typically takes just over four hours each way, so keep in mind that road tours make for a full day out.

• Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Las Vegas.

• Be sure to dress for the heat and bring sun protection. Both Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon are in desert climates that can get quite hot.

• Full-day tours often include lunch and snacks.

The Grand Canyon is an inspiring sight from any angle, but seeing it from the air is an unforgettable experience. With a helicopter tour from Las Vegas, you'll travel in style and enjoy incredible aerial views of the canyon. Here are your options.

Highlights

• Skip the tour bus and reach the Grand Canyon in just 45 minutes on a helicopter ride from Las Vegas.

• Catch views of the famous Las Vegas Strip from above on your way in and out of the city.

• Take in the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River through expansive helicopter windows.

• Enjoy easy access to the sights of your choices, from scenic overlooks to the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

• Most tours also fly low over the Hoover Dam, affording more scenic views.

VIP & Exclusive Tours

From pickup in a luxury vehicle to a multi-course gourmet meal in the canyon, VIP tours kick things up a notch. Choose a tour that pairs your helicopter ride with a below-the-rim landing, a seated meal, or a sunset champagne toast and picnic set at the canyon with table linens and fine china.

Combo Tours

If you have extra time, add to your Grand Canyon helicopter experience with a boat trip on the Colorado River, a stroll out on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, or some free time for hiking and exploring the national park's West Rim.

While you can get an up-close view of the glittering Las Vegas Strip by wandering the city streets, the best way to take it all in is to take a step back—and a step up. See below for the best ways to view this larger-than-life stretch of sparkle.

Spring in the desert offers the chance to enjoy the many attractions of Las Vegas without the scorching summertime temperatures. Here are our top ideas for discovering the natural and manmade wonders of the city and surrounding area.

• Visit the Grand Canyon West Rim on a helicopter tour or go white water rafting on the Colorado River.

• Take a tour and learn about the inner workings of the Hoover Dam.

• Look down on the LINQ Promenade with a ride on a zipline.

• Discover the rugged landscape outside the city on an off-road adventure through Primm Valley and Hidden Valley or a horseback ride in the desert.

• Ride a scooter or take a tour through stunning Red Rock Canyon.

• Jump from 829 feet above the Las Vegas Strip on a controlled freefall from the top of the Stratosphere tower.

• Capture all your memories on a limo tour of the Las Vegas Strip.

A Las Vegas vacation is a trip of a lifetime, whether you’re dreaming of gambling, nights on the town, or a morning flight to the Grand Canyon. With a long list of iconic sights to check off, planning a Las Vegas trip can be daunting, but booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out. That means even more time to stroll the Las Vegas Strip, enjoy world-class cuisine, catch shows from top performers and do all the things you can only do in Vegas! Not that visiting Las Vegas is only about urban adventures—there’s magnificent desert scenery just beyond the city limits ideal for hiking, rafting, horseback riding and off-roading. Jump-start your Las Vegas vacation with our hand-picked list of top experiences that range from high-roller exclusives to budget-friendly finds. 

Las Vegas is one of the top cities in the US for nightlife. Whether you want to see the neon lights of the Strip, catch a theatrical performance, or dance until dawn at a nightclub, Las Vegas has it all. See below for the best nightlife experiences in Sin City.

Bar and Club Crawls

The nightlife options in Las Vegas can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Instead of spending hours figuring out where to party, book a bar hopping tour or club crawl, and leave the planning to a local guide. Tours typically include skip-the-line entry, free drinks, and access to open bars, with some featuring a party bus or limo to take you around town.

Shows and Concerts

Las Vegas is home to a number of high-octane shows. Whether you’re into comedy, magic, music, or the high-flying acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil, there’s a dinner-and-show package for you. There are also frequent music concerts; several big-name musicians have residencies in Las Vegas throughout the year, and advance booking is essential. 

Sightseeing at Night

To fully appreciate the dazzling neon lights of Vegas by night, take a nighttime tour by air or on the ground. See the Strip, Fremont Street, or Downtown Las Vegas from a bus, limo, Jeep, pink Cadillac, or Segway, or join a walking tour to discover hidden gems that most first-time visitors miss. Sightseeing by night is also a great way to beat the daytime heat.

Dinner and Food Tours

Las Vegas has diverse dining options that range from all-you-can-eat buffets to fine dining. Take a food tour to sample multiple flavors and discover hidden gems, or opt for a package that combines dinner with a show or evening tour.

From casinos to hotels and restaurants to clubs, there's plenty to do and see in Las Vegas by day or night. For an especially thrilling look of the Las Vegas Strip, try a Las Vegas night helicopter tour. Here are the options.

Highlights

• See the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip from the air and have the most unobstructured views of the Las Vegas skyline. Choose your add-ons from luxury transportation to a delicious dinner.

• Fly over the famous casinos and see sights like the New York-New York Hotel and Casino, Luxor pyramid, MGM Grand, Stratosphere Tower, the Eiffel Tower replica at Paris Las Vegas and the Bellagio fountains from above.

• Enjoy stellar views on a helicopter flight to Red Rock Canyon where you'll land for a champagne toast with views over the entire Las Vegas valley. 

• Head to the Grand Canyon on a helicopter by day and see Las Vegas by night as you head back into the city.

• See the Stip from above and below on a combo tour - helicopter and open air jeep!

• You can even get married on a 15-minute helicopter ride over Las Vegas.

Offering everything from stage shows on the Strip to river rafting and Grand Canyon helicopter rides, Las Vegas is a prime destination that truly comes to life during the hottest time of year. Here are a few ways to enjoy summer in and around Sin City. 

• Take in panoramic views of the city’s most notable sights on a breezy, open-top hop-on hop-off bus tour. 
• Escape the heat and experience world-class entertainment at a larger-than-life stage show at a Vegas theater. 
• Visit one of Las Vegas' attractions - Marvels Avengers Station at TI, Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay or the Mob Museum. 
• Get out on the water and enjoy the outdoors with a paddleboard rental, at the Aqua Park or on a fun kayak trip.
• Explore the Las Vegas desert and red rock mountains on a guided horseback ride or an air-conditioned van tour. 
• Cool off in the rapids of the Colorado River on a white-water rafting trip.
• Visit the Hoover Dam on a small-group tour. 

If you need more than the roulette wheel to get your adrenaline pumping, Las Vegas has experiences that serve as solutions for all kinds of adventure-seekers. Here are our favorite ways to find thrills in Sin City, from the air to the racecourse.

Take an open-air leap from 108 stories above the Vegas Strip.

Head to Stratosphere Tower for a true adrenaline rush. Try SkyJump to leap from the tower and fall at up to 40 miles per hour down to a landing pad at street level, 854 feet below, or the Big Shot, a ride that zips you up to the top before you zoom down to the bottom at breakneck speeds. If you can keep your eyes open, you'll get stellar views of the Strip. Alternatively, take on X-Scream and Insanity, two rides that will have you dangling out above the city and snapped back to the tower's top edge. Those looking for a less intense trial run can try out Vegas' indoor skydiving.

Satisfy your need for speed with a driving experience.

Tours to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway or into the desert provide the opportunity to put your foot on the gas in an exotic car, whether it's a Lamborghini or an off-road dune buggy.

Take to the skies and be a fighter pilot.

When you need a super-charged dose of adrenaline, head up into the sky in a fighter plane. Choices include an aerobatic flight where you'll twist, turn and roll through the skies with a trained pilot - to flying the plane yourself and being in an aerial dogfight!

Find out what it feels like to fire a gun.

With a Las Vegas shooting experience, you can visit an indoor or outdoor range to learn how to aim and shoot handguns, shotguns, rifles, and other firearms.

Soar through the air on a zipline.

Fly from the Strip end of the LINQ Promendae to the High Roller, on the Fly LINQ Zipline, which stands more 12-storeys above the ground. You'll zoom above the promenade at speeds of up to 35mph (56km/h), covering a distance of 1,121 feet (3424 meters).

With everything from fine dining to sunset cruises, helicopter rides to world-class shows, Las Vegas is a top destination for those in love. Here’s what you need to know to plan a romantic getaway.

Take a Helicopter Ride

For a truly indulgent experience, don’t miss the chance to fly in a helicopter along the West Rim of the Grand Canyon at sunset. Most tours include limousine transportation and a glass of champagne. 

Cruise on Lake Mead

Nothing says romance quite like a cruise on Lake Mead, complete with views of the towering Hoover Dam. Most dinner excursions offer multiple courses and wine; alternatively, soak up the sun on a daytime boat tour.

Try an Adventurous Activity

Few things say love like trying a totally new, thrilling activity with your partner. From skydiving and ziplining to horseback riding, adventure options abound. Most activities include hotel pickup and drop-off, so no need to worry about transportation.

See a Show

Beyond the bustling casino gaming floors, Las Vegas is a standout city for performance. From acrobatics stage shows to musical revues, there’s always something to see on the celebrated Strip. Book tickets in advance to secure the best seats in the house for you and your sweetheart. 

Go Out Dancing

With clubs, bars, and lounges, Vegas has countless options for partying all night. Grab your favorite person and snag all-access passes to avoid the pesky lines, or opt for a party bus to get around hassle-free. 

Wine and Dine

From vineyards to award-winning restaurants, Las Vegas has first-rate cuisine. Most culinary-themed tours stop at several eateries, making it easy to sample some of the best the city has to offer.

A visit to the Hoover Dam is an unforgettable experience, and there's no better way to see it than from the air, where you get a true sense of the dam's impressive scale. See below for your options for Hoover Dam helicopter tours from Las Vegas.

Highlights

• Get to the Hoover Dam quickly, easily, and in style on a helicopter tour from Las Vegas.

• Take in the views over Lake Mead and the Colorado River on your way to the dam.

• Many helicopter tours travel over the Hoover Dam and on to the iconic Grand Canyon National Park.

• Most tours include hotel pickup from Las Vegas and transport to Boulder City, from where most helicopter rides depart.

Things to Know

• Tours can last anywhere from 2 to 12 hours depending on the sight and activities included.
• Tours provide narration via headset so you'll have context for what you're flying over.
• Helicopter tours that include the Hoover Dam often sell out, so you'll want to book in advance.

With its abundance of bright lights, crowds, street performers and traffic, the last place you want to be in Las Vegas is behind the wheel. So, leave your car at home and take advantage of Sin City’s alternative transport options, which range from hop-on hop-off buses to limousine shuttles and everything in between! 

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Skip the hassle of figuring out bus routes and schedules, and instead see downtown and the Strip from a hop-on hop-off bus. The open-air, top deck gives you unobstructed views of highlights such as the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign and Fountains of Bellagio, while audio commentary provides context. Plus, ample stops throughout the city let you explore at your own pace. 

Walking Tours

Since most Vegas attractions are concentrated on the Strip or Fremont Street, it’s easy to explore on foot. Join a food tour to visit Bellagio's chocolate fountain or learn about the history of Fremont Street on a walking tour of historic downtown. When night falls, follow a guide on a bar crawl, which typically include free drinks and VIP access to top clubs. 

Public Transit

Between the Monorail and the Deuce bus, public transport in Las Vegas is both convenient and affordable. Buy a single ticket for both bus and train, or save time and money by purchasing a 1-, 2-, or 7-day pass. The monorail’s quick turnaround times mean you can expect to wait between 4-7 minutes, while Deuce buses depart every 15 minutes. 

Limos and Party Buses

It doesn’t have to be a special occasion to rent a limo in Las Vegas—they can be surprisingly affordable. Additionally, you can book a tour of the Strip or downtown Las Vegas that transports you in a limousine or party bus, ensuring you enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.

Segways and Scooters

For something completely different, Vegas also has tours by e-scooters and segways. See Fremont street, the Arts district and more on these fun, zippy people movers!

Visiting Las Vegas in the winter means you can take advantage of outdoor activities without the heat and discover what the city has to offer—that is, beyond the pools and casinos. Here are our favorite ways to make the most of your stay.

• Take a nighttime helicopter tour above the Strip, or fly to the Grand Canyon West Rim for a visit free from summertime crowds.
• See the city’s top attractions on a hop-on hop-off tour by open-top bus.
• Watch the cultural history of Sin City come to life on stage at VEGAS! The Show at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.
• Zoom around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
• Take advantage of the cooler weather by going for a guided hike in Red Rock Canyon or the Valley of Fire.
• Head to TI to catch Mystere by Cirque du Soleil or next door at the Mirage to see the amazing ventriloquist Terry Fator. 
• Jump onboard a food tour and sample some of the best bites in Las Vegas!
• Go into the unknown on the Area 51 tour!

Even with only two days to spend in Las Vegas, you can still discover the city’s exciting mix of noteworthy sights, panoramic viewpoints, live shows and extreme adventures. There's no reason to roll the dice when planning your trip. Here's a 2-day itinerary that hits all the essentials for a Sin City adventure.

Day 1: Get AcquaintedMorning: Start your day with a hop-on hop-off bus tour for an overview of the city, photo ops of the Strip from the open-top bus and transportation to landmarks such as the Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck and the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck at Paris Las Vegas. Book in advance so you don’t have to wait in line for tickets.

Afternoon: Next, spend some time at one of the city’s wildlife or cultural attractions. History buffs will want to head to the Mob Museum or Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Luxor, while those traveling with kids might prefer Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.

Night: Begin your evening on the High Roller, an observation wheel where you can enjoy happy hour 550 feet (167 meters) in the air. Then head to one of Vegas’ always-popular Cirque du Soleil shows — perhaps Mystere at TI or longtime favorite O at the Bellagio.

Day 2: Get AdventurousMorning: Begin your second day in the desert on an adrenaline-charged ATV tour of Primm and Hidden Valley or perhaps a fun scooter tour of stunning Red Rock Canyon.

Afternoon: Then head to the Stratosphere Tower for more thrills with the Unlimited Ride Pass, which provides access to three extreme rides: X-Scream, Insanity and the Big Shot.

Night: Take in the lights of the city on a night tour by open-air Jeep, most of which include a stop at the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas. For a different perspective and views of the Strip from above, go big with a nighttime helicopter tour. Then hit up some of Sin City’s clubs and lounges with an all-access nightclub pass.

A welcome respite from the glitz of the Las Vegas Strip, a boat ride on the Colorado River provides the chance to admire the natural scenery of the American Southwest. Here are some options depending on your interests, from low to high intensity.

Rafting

White-water rafting through the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular ways to explore the Colorado River. As you navigate the river rapids, you can take in the beauty of the canyon from its lowest point. Calm rafting experiences are also available on certain sections of the Colorado River, such as Black Canyon or the base of the Hoover Dam, where a large, stable, motorized raft provides a scenic ride with a guide.

River rafting day trips from Vegas make for long days, typically lasting 15 to 17 hours and including a guide and lunch. Some tours include transport from Las Vegas hotels while others give travelers the option to drive themselves to the launch point. Most Grand Canyon combo tours include a boat ride inside the canyon, but others may visit other nearby sites.

Cruising

Tours to the Grand Canyon West Rim from Vegas often combine a river cruise with activities such as a helicopter ride or a visit to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Typically, you'll travel either by vehicle or helicopter from the city to Grand Canyon West, and then descend to the canyon floor (also by helicopter) to board a pontoon boat. This stable vessel takes you on a relaxing journey along the river, usually about 15 minutes long. Tour duration ranges from 3.5 to 12 hours depending on the activities included.

The MGM Grand is not the only place in Las Vegas to see an MGM show — with more hotels along the Strip, MGM Resorts hosts nearly 20 performances each week, including five sought-after Cirque du Soleil shows. Here’s all you need to know.

MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

At the flagship MGM property, you can catch Cirque du Soleil magic in KÀ or illusions from David Copperfield. Enjoy the choreography of the Jabbawockeez dance crew, or check out Brad Garrett's Comedy Club for some laughs.

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino

Fans of the King of Pop can head to Mandalay Bay for Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil. This tribute show combines Jackson’s many hit songs with impressive dance and acrobatics that would surely make the legend proud.

New York – New York Hotel and Casino

Making its debut in late May,2022 the newest Cirque du Soleil show to hit the Strip is Mad Apple. This dynamic take on New York City includes 6 acts ranging from acrobats and street performers to comedians and magicians! For a differnt kind of show, Terry Fator performs ventriloquism and celebrity impressions in Terry Fator: Who's the Dummy Now?

The Mirage Hotel and Casino

The Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil is The Mirage's most popular show, but if you’d rather see one of America's Got Talent's Champions - look no further than Shin Lim. Or, for some comedic vibes, Aces of Comedy series features rotating performers such as Jay Leno, Ray Romano, David Spade and Daniel Tosh.

Excalibur Hotel and Casino

At Excalibur, listen to the sounds of the 1960s and ‘70s at The Australian Bee Gees Show: A Tribute to the Bee Gees, or get the party started at Thunder from Down Under, the Australian male revue. To dive into Excalibur’s medieval theme, check out the Tournament of Kings dinner experience. Mac King is also on hand to deliver some family-friendly afternoon entertainment!

Bellagio Las Vegas

Bellagio is home to one of Cirque du Soleil’s first Vegas shows — the perennially popular O. A water-themed extravaganza, it’s been here since 1998.

Luxor Las Vegas

Visit Luxor to check out long-running performances from the Blue Man Group or Carrot Top, or see some of the most outstanding acts from America's Got Talent in the show of the same name! For something a little more Sin City, head to Fantasy, a topless female revue.

The Las Vegas food scene goes from late-night bites to celebrity chefs whose tasting menus snag international headlines. Since the city draws talent from across the globe, there’s a little bit of everything here—as well as key dishes you shouldn’t miss. Here are our tips for eating your way through Las Vegas.

Must-Try Dishes

A classic Vegas experience is the buffet, with options that encompass budget-friendly feasts and luxurious spreads. You can find these all-inclusive meals at any time of day, but brunch is big. Watch for Las Vegas favorites such as shrimp cocktail, in addition to sushi, breakfast pizza and plenty of Mexican delicacies.

In a town known for high rollers, it’s no surprise that steak and lobster make frequent menu appearances. Not that the special plates are always a splurge. While you can find Kobe beef that’s a carnivore’s dream, there’s also flavorful prime rib that won’t break the bank.

Must-Do Experiences

• Taste your way through the Las Vegas strip on a gourmet tour, and sample the city’s top flavors.
• Treat yourself to leisurely brunch that takes all morning—and some of the afternoon.
• Eat your way through some of the best restaurants at the Venetian Hotel including Mott 32, Matteos and BRERA osteria

With most of the action happening along just one street—Las Vegas Boulevard (aka the Strip)—the exciting highlights of Las Vegas can easily be tackled in one day with a little planning. Here are our top ideas for a 1-day itinerary that includes sightseeing, an interesting museum or wildlife attraction, and a night out amid the city’s bright lights.

Morning: See the Sights

Before the heat sets in for the day, head out on a hop-on hop-off tour by open-top bus to cruise down the Las Vegas Strip for views of Paris Las Vegas with its mock Eiffel Tower and New York-New York Hotel & Casino with its mini Manhattan skyline. You can hop off at any stop to check out attractions that interest you—perhaps visit Madame Tussauds Las Vegas or the Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck. Book your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.

Afternoon: Visit a Uniquely Vegas Attraction

When you’re ready for a break, visit an attraction as scandalous or wild as Las Vegas itself. History and crime buffs will want to head to the Mob Museum to see exhibits and artifacts detailing the exploits of mobsters such as Bugsy Siegel and Al Capone. Alternatively, channel your inner lumberjack and learn how to throw an axe or jump in the drivers seat and start digging big holes with an excavator!

Night: Catch a Show

Start the night 550 feet (167 meters) in the sky with drinks on the High Roller, an observation wheel at the LINQ Hotel and Casino. Back on the ground, make sure to stroll by the Bellagio Fountains, which are best enjoyed after dark, before heading to a Las Vegas show. With only one night in Vegas, a Cirque du Soleil performance should be at the top of your list—music lovers will want to check out O or Mystere. Or head downtown and see America's Got Talent performer Vinny Grosso or catch some free entertainment on Fremont Street.

High rollers rub elbows with circus performers at Las Vegas restaurants that go from all-day breakfast buffets to late-night taco joints. In recent years, an influx of celebrity chefs has raised the stakes on local cuisine, turning Las Vegas into a foodie destination in its own right. Be sure to try these classic dishes on your next trip to Sin City.

Steak

In keeping with the over-the-top approach that defines the Vegas scene, steaks in this city are as big as they get. Top-shelf spots feature Kobe beef, but there’s a steak for every pocketbook, and budget-friendly prime rib remains a favorite.

Brunch

It’s a meal, not a menu item, but brunch in Las Vegas might be the city’s defining food experience. This is where late-night partiers shake off the morning (or afternoon) fog, and the menu often includes ritzy perks such as seafood bars and free-flowing bubbly.

Shrimp Cocktail

While you can still find examples of the bargain-basement shrimp cocktail that was once a Vegas essential, the signature Sin City dish has grown up since it was introduced in the 1950s. Today, different versions pop up across town, and most casino kitchens gives the classic a personal twist.

Tacos

Las Vegas is blessed with a wealth of Mexican restaurants, and tacos here range from simple taco-truck classics to crunchy, deep-fried versions. They’ve become so popular that a wide variety of restaurants—Mexican or not—have their own takes.

Lobster

Hours from the ocean in every direction, Las Vegas might seem like an unlikely spot to order lobster, but it gets pride of place on local menus. You’ll even find lobster dressing up classic comfort food here, whether it’s slipped into grilled-cheese sandwiches or enriching a cheesy plate of macaroni.

Spaghetti

Blame it on Frank Sinatra, but spaghetti remains a favorite in Las Vegas—with or without meatballs. It has all the retro appeal of a night at the blackjack tables, and it’s a fitting tribute to Vegas’ Italian heritage.

With the end of the vacation season and the beginning of milder temperatures, fall in Las Vegas is a great time to enjoy the variety of activities both in and outside the city. Here are some of the top ways to make the most of your stay.

• Enjoy the cooler weather with a gondola ride on the Venetian’s Grand Canal.

• Catch one of the city’s Cirque du Soleil shows such as O or Michael Jackson ONE.

• Experience the Grand Canyon by helicopter or whitewater raft.

• Soak in the autumn light—always great for photos—with a sunrise or sunset hot-air balloon ride.

• Get into the Halloween spirit on a citywide ghost tour or by visiting the abandoned mining town of Goodsprings.

• Fly above the Strip on a nighttime helicopter tour.

• Take an in-depth look at the engineering wonders of the Hoover Dam.

About 120 miles (190 km) east of Las Vegas, Grand Canyon West is a popular day trip destination with many available tours. But by opting for a self-drive tour, you can experience the natural wonder at your own pace. Here's what you should know.

Highlights

• A self-drive tour provides you with a vehicle and directions so you can drive yourself from Las Vegas to and from the Grand Canyon instead of going on a guided tour.

• Enjoy the ability to travel with only your party and make your own stops, perhaps at the Hoover Dam or in Arizona's Joshua tree forest.

• Optional add-ons may include entrance to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a helicopter flight to the base of the canyon, or a boat ride on the Colorado River.

• Choose to stay overnight at Hualapai Ranch if you wish to extend your adventure.

• The Grand Canyon West Rim is the closest part of the canyon to Las Vegas, making it reachable on a day trip; this is not part of Grand Canyon National Park, however, which encompasses the South Rim and North Rim and is a much longer drive from Las Vegas.

Las Vegas has a well-deserved reputation as a big party town. But there’s more to Sin City than just pool parties and non-stop gambling, including a number of activities and attractions for culture lovers. Here are some of our top cultural picks in Las Vegas.

Check Out the Arts

Discover Las Vegas art all over town. Start with the 18b Las Vegas Art District, an eclectic creative space downtown. Visit some of the city's art museums, including the Las Vegas Art Museum, Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, and Metropolitan Gallery Las Vegas. You can even view art at the lobbies and malls of some high-end Strip resorts, including at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Venetian, and the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.

Learn About Las Vegas History

Las Vegas has a storied—if not a particularly long—history to explore. Stop at the Mob Museum and learn all about the city’s connection to organized crime. Afterwards, head to the Neon Museum north of downtown Las Vegas, which is home to a collection of more than 200 restored neon signs from Las Vegas’ recent and not so recent past.

See a Vegas Show

Watching a show is a classic Las Vegas activity. The city is home to a wide assortment of entertainment, from comedy and magic to musical and variety. Be sure to book shows, like Cirque du Soleil, ahead of time to ensure seats. The action is not limited to the large casinos either, as you can take advantage of the city's thriving community theater scene.

Explore Its Quirky Museums

Las Vegas is home to a surprising number of quirky and unusual museums. See hundreds of pinball machines at the Pinball Hall of Fame. Or learn about the Cold War at the National Atomic Testing Museum. Car and movie lovers will enjoy the Hollywood Car Museum. There are also more mainstream museums, such as the Clark County Museum and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum.

As one of the best-known cities in the US, it’s no wonder Las Vegas draws huge crowds. However, with some planning, you can beat the crowds of Sin City with ease. Here’s how. 

Plan Ahead

Pre-booking admission tickets to popular attractions saves you time and money; skip-the-line passes typically reduce wait times at favorites such as the LINQ High Roller by a couple of hours. VIP packages are another great way to beat the crowds and gain fast track entry to restaurants, clubs, and pool parties. Alternatively, time your entry for off-peak hours for shorter waits. 

Embrace the Weather

The heat of the Las Vegas summer deters many visitors, meaning that Sin City sees far fewer crowds. Nearly all indoor attractions have air-conditioning, so you can cool off and enjoy extra elbow room at top Sin City attractions. 

Expand Your Transportation Options

Many attractions on the Las Vegas Strip are within walking distance of each other, so opt to walk from attraction to attraction in order to avoid the crush of the bus; the Las Vegas Monorail is also a cool and convenient way to get from one end of the Strip to the other. Or, opt for a tour on by stretch limo or a pink Cadillac, which makes the journey just as exciting as the destination. 

Go Off-the-Beaten-Path

There’s more to Las Vegas than just casinos and the Strip. Lose the crowds at quirky, hidden gems such as the Neon Museum and Boneyard, Dig This, the Pinball Hall of Fame, the Seven Magic Mountains, the Mob Museum, or the National Atomic Testing Museum.

Get in Touch with Nature

Though it may come as a surprise, Las Vegas has its fair share of nature. Red Rocks, Mt. Charleston, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Valley of Fire State Park are all within a short distance of downtown, and all offer plenty of breathing room.