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If you’re planning your first trip to Las Vegas, you may not know where to start—so here are some of the best things do in this vibrant city for first timers.
Las Vegas is a city like no other, with an iconic skyline, glittering lights, and a world-renowned reputation for entertainment. It’s no wonder that the city attracts both long-term residents and visitors alike to its many attractions.
If Las Vegas is going to do anything, it will entertain you. There’s a near-endless list of fun things to do in Sin City, and in this article, we will share 21 things to do in Vegas for first-timers.
Attend a Vegas Residency
One MUST-see in Vegas for first-timers is to see one of the residency shows. A Vegas residency is when a musical artist performs at the same venue for an extended period.
I’ve seen so many residencies here first-hand, from artists like Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Adele, and Lady Gaga. Keep in mind booking ahead of time is necessary.
You can read the information and book tickets here.
Walk along the Strip
Something everyone that goes to Las Vegas finds out, there is so much walking to be done! So make sure you pack some good walking shoes. Seriously.
Walking the Strip is one of the best things to do your first time in Vegas. Between the people watching, walking through the casinos, and admiring the different hotels and their perspective themes, there is so much to see and get into while walking the Las Vegas Strip.
Stumble onto a gondola ride outside at The Venetian. Take in The Belaggio fountains and visit the Eiffel Tower, enter the elevator, and take the city view.
Eat at a top-rated restaurant, like Hell’s Kitchen
There are many excellent restaurants on the Vegas Strip. Gordon Ramsey’s Hells Kitchen restaurant is on the same property as the Caesars Palace, overlooking the strip, is one of the best. For reservations and other information, click here.
Carbone Italian restaurant in ARIA. PRIME Steakhouse at the Bellagio. Bouchon at the Venetian boasts delectable French cuisine.
At the Wynn Las Vegas, you can indulge in Japanese fine dining. Tucked into a magical forest setting, complete with a waterfall and a pond, is Mizumi. Click here for all the information you need.
Snap a photo at the Las Vegas sign
It’s been around since 1959, and you can do it for free. So catch an Uber and take some pictures; the earlier, the better, but night photos with the lights would look fabulous in a frame on your wall.
Sometimes showgirls and Elvis are at the sign; tip them to take some pictures with you to take them to the next level.
Shop at the Forum Shops
Ready to swipe your credit cards? Luxury shopping at the Forum Shops in the Caesars Palace boasts over 150 stores and restaurants. From Jimmy Choo to the Cheesecake Factory, there is something for everyone.
Besides the window shopping and yummy eats, this place looks magnificent, and you will feel regal walking through it. Don’t be afraid to strike a pose and take some Instapics.
Wander down Fremont Street
Walking around Fremont Street is free, and there are so many things to do in this downtown area of Las Vegas that your head will spin.
Take in the original casinos and their iconic old-school neon signs while also enjoying the light shows accompanied by music.
Enjoy one of Las Vegas’s buffets
The Bacchanal Buffet is the best kind of crazy and one of those things to do in Vegas for first-timers. This is not your small-town buffet; fresh seafood, pasta, desserts and more.
The Buffet is open from 9 am-10 pm and Mon-Wed 3:30-10 pm.
Ride the High Roller
Another must-do in Vegas for first-timers is the High Roller. A 550-foot tall Ferris wheel waiting to be explored. Take a ride and enjoy the Sin City lights from the sky.
Open until midnight every night; we suggest buying tickets online. The happy hour tickets include an unlimited bar. FYI: One cabin can hold up to forty people.
Zip line at the LINQ
While you’re at the High Roller, head over to the zipline at the LINQ. If zipping down the line at 35mph from twelve stories over everyone sounds fun, then you have found your place!
Tickets start at $35.
Ride a gondola at the Venetian
One of the most well-known activities in Las Vegas is the gondola ride at the Venetian. Glide down the Grand Canal and soak up the moment as your gondolier sings to you while you relax.
It runs as late as midnight on the weekends—with an indoor and outdoor experience. The ticket booth is open at 9:30 am. Tuesday-Wed: $34.00pp, Thursday–Sunday: $39.00pp. More info here.
Marvel at the beauty of the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden
Every season brings a new design, so bring your camera and prepare to fall in love with the
Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden. Take in the enormity of it all and prepare to spend some time here to experience the art of nature.
Located in the Bellagio lobby, free entry.
See the Bellagio Fountain Show
After you have enjoyed the Botanical display in the Bellagio lobby, head outside for the Fountain show.
The fountain and light show at night is a fantastic watch whether you’re with your favorite people or on your own. The fountain show makes our list of things to do in Vegas for first-timers because it’s free, easy to access, and great for photo backgrounds.
Ride the Big Apple Coaster
With an arcade and a roller coaster, the New York New York hotel is yet another one of those things to do your first time in Vegas. If you need to know, you can get married on the big apple coaster.
How much does Big Apple Coaster cost? Single rides are $25; an all-day pass is $26. Open Sun–Thurs 11 am–11 pm and Fri–Sat 10:30 am–12 am.
Explore the Shark Reef Aquarium
Not the largest, but worth the visit. Walking through an aquarium tunnel is a unique experience not to be missed. Take advantage while you’re in Vegas, and visit the crocodile and piranha tank while you’re at it. Not bad for a $35pp anytime ticket.
It’s located in Mandalay Bay.
Take in the view from the STRAT Observation Deck
The STRAT observation deck has the highest 360 views of the Strip in the city. With a sky-high upscale restaurant and adrenalin-pumping rides at the top and outside of the building, this is, by far, one of the fantastic things to do in Vegas for first-timers.
For an even better view, go at night so you can see the Strip lit up. This is one of my favorite spots to bring first-time visitors to Vegas, like friends and family.
Tickets to the Observation Deck are $20. Click here for more details.
Adventure to another dimension at Area 15
You could dedicate an entire day to exploring Area 15, just 10 minutes away from the Strip. Throw some axes, ride rides, immerse yourself in unique art exhibitions, and enjoy music shows. Don’t miss out on Omega Mart!
Eat, drink, and adventure at Area 15.
Support a local sports team
You could always support a local sports team outside a major event and still have a blast!
Hockey is an exciting sport, and it would be so cool and unique to support the Vegas Golden Knights while you’re in Vegas! Last-minute nose bleeds start at $612, and the T-Mobile Arena is next to the New York New York Hotel and Casino.
Go on a helicopter tour above the city
Who wouldn’t like to fly on a helicopter during their first time in Las Vegas? Again, seeing the bright lights of Las Vegas from above makes our list of things to do in Vegas for first-timers. Thanks to Viator tours starting at $99, including transportation and snacks, you can reserve today and pay later.
Get some great photos of yourself hovering over the city on a tour like this one.
Learn at the Mob Museum
The Mob Museum is a 13-minute ride from the Bellagio into Downtown Vegas, just two blocks from Fremont Street—three floors of national mob history and interactive activities inside an old courthouse building.
There is also a prohibition-era speakeasy in the museum basement. Take the ticket counter stairway down. They display weekly passwords on the site page and are open until 10 pm on weekdays and midnight Thursday-Sunday.
Pretty cool, huh? It’s open from 9 am-9 pm.
Visit the casinos
It’s safe to say if you’re in Vegas, you might want to try a casino or two, especially as a must-do in Vegas for first-timers. Some of the better casinos on the Strip include Aria Resort & Casino, which has the best slots in Las Vegas, the elegant Bellagio Hotel & Casino, and the best for beginners, Golden Nugget on Fremont Street.
You do not pay to get into casinos on Las Vegas Strip.
See a Cirque du Soleil Show
Mystere is the longest-playing Cirque du Soleil Show, running since 1993, and it would be wild not to see it when you go to Vegas, especially for your first time.
I’ve personally seen both Mad Apple and O and loved both of them. Mad Apple is super modern and funny, while O is classic and has water acrobatics.
Let yourself get lost in the magical acrobatics in this must-do activity. When you know your travel dates, plan and buy tickets for $65.
There is something for everyone on this list of 21 things to do in Vegas for first-timers. There is so much to Vegas beyond the tables and hangovers. Let us know what you are excited about getting into on and off the Strip!
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