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Las Vegas is famous for its casinos, but plenty of visitors never place a bet. Between world-class shows, free spectacles on the Strip, celebrity-chef restaurants and some of the most dramatic desert scenery in the US, there is more than enough to fill a long weekend.
Free things to do on the Strip
1. The Fountains of Bellagio
Water, music and light shows run every half hour in the afternoon and every 15 minutes in the evening. Free, and still impressive no matter how many times you see it.
2. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
A huge indoor garden that changes with the seasons, from Lunar New Year to Christmas. Free to walk through.
3. The Venetian's canals
Walk the indoor Grand Canal Shoppes under a painted sky. Gondola rides cost extra, but watching them is free.
4. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Chilean flamingos, ducks, turtles and koi in a garden right in the middle of the Strip.
5. The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign
The classic photo stop at the south end of the Strip, with its own small parking lot.
6. Fremont Street Experience
Downtown's pedestrian street has a giant LED canopy with free light shows at night, street performers and live music.
Shows and entertainment
7. See a show
Las Vegas has some of the best live entertainment in the world: Cirque du Soleil, magicians, comedians, headliner residencies and big production shows. Compare prices and book ahead on Klook, or see tours and tickets on our things to do in Las Vegas page.
8. Go up the STRAT tower
The observation deck at the top of the STRAT has 360-degree views of the city, plus thrill rides hanging over the edge for the brave.
9. Ride the High Roller
A giant observation wheel at the LINQ, with a full loop taking about 30 minutes. Go at sunset.
10. Visit The Sphere
The futuristic venue near the Venetian is impossible to miss, with its giant LED exterior. Inside, it hosts immersive films and concerts.
11. The Mob Museum and the Neon Museum
Two of the city's best museums. The Mob Museum tells the story of organized crime and law enforcement in America. The Neon Museum's "Boneyard" displays restored vintage Vegas signs, best visited after dark.
Day trips from Las Vegas
12. Red Rock Canyon
Just a short drive west of the Strip, this conservation area has a scenic loop drive, hiking trails and red sandstone cliffs. Timed-entry reservations are required in busy months.
13. Hoover Dam
An engineering wonder on the Arizona border, about 45 minutes away. Walk across the top for free, or take a guided tour inside.
14. Grand Canyon
The West Rim (home of the glass Skywalk) is the closest part of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. The South Rim is farther away but has the classic views. Bus tours, helicopter flights and self-drive trips are all popular.
15. Valley of Fire State Park
Nevada's oldest state park, with fiery red rock formations and ancient petroglyphs, about an hour from the city.
16. Zion National Park
Utah's most visited national park is about 2.5 to 3 hours away. A long day trip, or a great overnight.
Food and drink
17. Eat at a celebrity chef's restaurant
The Strip is packed with restaurants from famous chefs. Lunch menus are often much cheaper than dinner.
18. Try a buffet
The Las Vegas buffet is a classic. Prices vary a lot from casino to casino, and weekend brunch is usually the most expensive.
19. Rooftop bars and lounges
Several resorts have bars with sweeping views of the Strip.
Relax
20. Pool days
From spring to early fall, the resort pools are a big part of the Vegas experience. Many offer day passes even if you are not staying there.
Where to stay
Hotel prices in Las Vegas swing wildly between weekdays and weekends, and when big conventions are in town. Staying Sunday to Thursday can cost a fraction of a Friday and Saturday stay. Watch out for daily resort fees when you compare. See prices on one map on our Las Vegas hotels page.
Getting to Las Vegas
Harry Reid International Airport is only a few minutes from the Strip, and it has flights from almost every US city. Popular routes: Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco and Houston.
Frequently asked questions
- What can you do in Las Vegas if you don't gamble?
- See a show, watch the Bellagio fountains, walk the Strip and Fremont Street, ride the High Roller, visit the Mob Museum and Neon Museum, and take day trips to Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.
- What is free in Las Vegas?
- The Bellagio fountains and conservatory, the Fremont Street light show, the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and walking across Hoover Dam are all free.
- Is it cheaper to stay in Las Vegas on weekdays?
- Usually yes. Hotel rates from Sunday to Thursday are often much lower than on Friday and Saturday, unless a big convention is in town.