I’ve been to Las Vegas more times than I can count, and I’ve definitely had different feelings about it over the years. There was a time when I loved wandering the Strip, people-watching, playing a few of my favorite slots and just seeing what was going on.
But things change, and these days I’m not always nearly as enthusiastic. For example, driving into Vegas, you come up to where you can see the Strip. How I used to get giddy seeing it. There it was in the distance, the pyramid at the Luxor, Excalibur’s castle, New York New York and all of the hotels. And while my last visit in July, I still did get a bit of an exciting feeling, there wasn’t that same spark that I used to feel.
Vegas has gotten expensive. Some of the things I used to enjoy have disappeared or changed, and I’m not sure the quality has always kept up with the prices. That said, there are still plenty of things I enjoy about Las Vegas, and if you’re visiting for the first time, there are some things I think are worth doing.
Here are my personal favorites and a few things I’d skip.
Things to Do in Las Vegas
Bellagio Fountains
The Bellagio Fountains are iconic, although I have to admit that the music has gone downhill a little over the years. In July, the song was terrible. Come on bring back Sarah Brightman, Michael Jackson or something else. Still, it’s free and it’s something you should see at least once at night and once during the day. Just grab a spot around the lake and enjoy.
Bellagio Conservatory
The Bellagio Conservatory is one of my favorite stops in Vegas. The displays change seasonally, and they’re always impressive. This summer, the theme was an African safari, and it’s one of the best displays I’ve seen there.
It’s worth popping inside even if you’re not staying at the Bellagio. And while you’re there, don’t miss the glass sculptures by Chihuly in the lobby. They’re gorgeous.
The Sphere
Whether or not you actually see a show at The Sphere is up to you. The shows can be expensive, and I haven’t been inside just yet, but watching from the outside is still fun (and free). The display is unique and you never know what you might see.
Neon Museum
The Neon Museum has been one of my favorite attractions to visit in Vegas. It’s a boneyard filled with retired Las Vegas neon signs. If you’ve been visiting Vegas for years, it’s especially fun because you’ll recognize signs from old casinos and businesses that are long gone. I definitely recommend going toward sunset. You can see the signs before they’re lit up and then watch them come to life as it gets darker.
Important tip: Bring water. It’s outside and it gets really warm, even when you don’t think it will be that hot.
Arte Museum
The Arte Museum is pricey, but I thought it was worth it. It’s an immersive experience located on the Strip, and it’s a good option if you want something completely different from the typical casino experience. We were there a few hours and I had a blast.
Mob Museum
I haven’t personally been to the Mob Museum, but I’ve heard great things about it. It’s located downtown, so this is one I’d combine with other things in the area if you decide to go. I’m planning a visit the next time I go. Vegas has so much history and the mob is a key part of it.
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is very touristy, but if you’ve never been to one, it’s fun. It’s located at the Venetian, so it’s easy to work into a day of exploring the Strip. Besides who doesn’t enjoy seeing wax figures of their favorite celebs?!
Walk the Strip
One of the best things about Vegas is that you can just walk around and see a lot without actually spending money. Visit the themed resorts and casinos. Paris, New York-New York, Luxor, Venetian and the others all have their own personalities and things to see. Of course, walking the Strip is much more tiring than it looks on a map. Wear comfortable shoes and don’t do it in the middle of summer. My very first trip to Vegas years ago included my friend and I walking the Strip from The Stardust (now Fountainbleu) down to Mandalay Bay and back. Along the way, we collected buckets because back then it was buckets and coins. I remember getting a coupon to eat at Kahunaville (a restaurant at Treasure Island) and stopping at the Flamingo for an Aussie BBQ complete with pina coladas and Foster’s Oil Cans (not a real Australian experience if you ask me haha).
Fremont Street
The Fremont Street Experience is worth seeing if you go downtown. I’m not a huge fan of downtown Las Vegas, but many people love it. If you’re short on time, you can probably give it a miss, but if you’ve never been, I’d see it at least once.
High Roller
The High Roller is a Ferris wheel that’s also popular with visitors. Again, I think it’s really touristy, but it does provide some good views of the Strip. If you’re looking for something different to do, it’s an option.
Find a Hidden Cocktail Bar
Vegas has plenty of hidden cocktail bars, and this can be a fun way to spend an evening.
You’ll find several around places like the Cosmopolitan. My favorite is the ski-themed bar at the Cosmo. It’s tiny but it definitely has that après-ski vibe. Cosmo has a few others including Ghost Donkey, but many hotels have others.
Speaking of cocktail bars, make a trip up to the North Strip and stop in at the Peppermill Fireside Lounge. This place is a hoot. Get a scorpion bowl and enjoy the old timey Vegas atmosphere.
See a Show
Vegas, of course, has lots of shows. You can find everything from traditional magic shows and Cirque du Soleil productions to major performers with residencies. There really is something for everyone. My favorite was Le Reve which closed down a few years ago at the Wynn. They had another show called the Awakening, but news just came out this summer that it is ceasing production. But if you are at the Wynn, check out the Lake of Dreams show. It’s short but entertaining and only costs the price of a few drinks.
Shopping
Vegas has shopping for pretty much every budget. There are outlet malls if you’re looking for bargains, along with designer stores and high-end shopping inside the major resorts. If shopping isn’t your thing, don’t worry. You can easily spend your entire trip without stepping foot in a store though you’ll walk by many!
Spas and Pools
Vegas also has an abundance of spas, and sometimes spending an afternoon at the resort pool is the best way to spend your money. Those poolside drinks can add up though.
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, don’t underestimate how hot it can get. Hydrate and wear sunscreen. A pool day can be a very welcome break from walking around the Strip. I like the Wynn, Encore, Venetian and Palazzo’s pools. New York New York’s is small. Aria’s is decent.
Getting Around Las Vegas
The easiest way to get from the airport to the Strip is rideshare or taxi. Once you’re on the Strip, you can walk between many of the resorts, although remember that distances are deceptive. What looks like a quick walk can turn into 20 or 30 minutes, especially when you’re crossing massive casino properties. The goal is to keep you in those casinos and shopping areas so they aren’t always the easiest to get in and out of.
There is also the Las Vegas Monorail, which can be useful depending on where you’re staying and where you’re going.
Las Vegas Hotels: Where I’d Stay
I’ve stayed at a lot of hotels in Las Vegas over the years, and I have favorites.
Wynn & Encore
Wynn and Encore are luxurious and my favorite hotels in Las Vegas. They have great pools and spas, and one of my favorite little indulgences is a chocolate martini at the casino floor bar. (Used to be while enjoying my favorite slot machine, but sadly, they removed it right after COVID).
The rooms are a good size, and every time I’ve stayed there, the rooms have been very clean. The common areas are beautiful too.
Venetian and Palazzo
The Venetian and Palazzo are another good option. There are great pools, the Grand Canal and lots of shops and restaurants. There are plenty of places to eat, including restaurants like Grimaldi’s and Grand Lux Café which are reasonably priced. I personally prefer the Venetian to the Palazzo because when I stayed the rooms were more up-to-date and in better shape.
Treasure Island
Treasure Island or TI is one of my favorite value options on the Strip. The rooms are clean and the location is excellent. It’s directly across from the Venetian and close to Fashion Show Mall.
This is a hidden gem for me because you get a good location without paying the high fees of some of the nearby resorts. The casino is perfectly fine, and there are limited food options, but there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance.
New York-New York
New York-New York is fun, but if you’re looking for a nice pool, this probably isn’t the place I’d choose. The pool is tiny and the rooms aren’t anything special. They’re basic but clean. It’s a good choice if you like the location and the New York theme, but I wouldn’t pick it specifically for the hotel.
Elara
Elara has good-sized rooms, which is a definite plus. It’s attached to Planet Hollywood and all the shops there, so you have a lot right outside your door. The downside is that getting through Planet Hollywood and the shops can make it feel like a bit of a hike. I liked the property overall, though.
Vdara
I haven’t stayed at Vdara in quite a few years, but when I did, I had a very nice suite with a view of the Bellagio fountains. The room was huge and the service was great. I also liked that it was non-casino and non-smoking. It’s been several years since I’ve stayed there, though, so I can’t say whether the quality has slipped.
Aria
Aria is another property I’d consider. The rooms are good, and it has a lot going for it if you want a more upscale resort experience without staying at Wynn. It’s also in a good location in the CityCenter complex, with plenty of restaurants, shops and entertainment nearby.
Desert Rose Resort
Desert Rose is technically off-Strip and further down toward the airport. It’s a condo-style property that was decent when I stayed there a few times. The biggest advantage is usually the price. The downside is the location. You’ll have a bit of a walk to Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand, so I’d choose it more for value than convenience.
Westgate
Westgate is another off-Strip option. I didn’t ride the monorail when I stayed there, but the property itself was OK. The biggest issue is that it’s a little removed from the main action. If you don’t mind being farther away, it can be worth considering.
South Point
South Point is far out there. I’m not a huge fan of the location, but it does provide good value. I’d consider it if price is the priority and you’re planning to have a car or don’t mind being away from the Strip.
Hampton Inn Henderson
If you want something completely different from a Strip hotel, I stayed at the Hampton Inn in Henderson. It’s right next to Sunset Station, so you can walk over to the casino, although you do have to hike through some shrubs to get there.
I loved the Sunset Station Casino.
The Hampton Inn itself had strong Fab-u-louso smell and breakfast wasn’t great. Parking was easy though and the staff was nice.
OYO
I wouldn’t recommend OYO. That’s probably enough said.
Is Las Vegas Still Worth Visiting?
Yes, but Vegas has changed a lot and if you used to be a frequent visitor, you may be nostalgic for something that no longer exists. I used to love wandering the Strip, people-watching and playing a few favorite games. These days, the cheaper slot machines and games have disappeared from most places, and everything seems more expensive.
But there’s still plenty to see and do. You can see incredible displays at the Bellagio, wander through elaborate hotels, visit the Neon Museum, see a show, find a hidden cocktail bar, spend an afternoon at a pool or simply walk around and take it all in.
I just wouldn’t go to Vegas expecting it to be the cheap, anything-goes destination it once was. For me, the best way to enjoy Vegas now is to pick a few things you actually want to do, stay somewhere comfortable, and don’t feel like you have to spend every minute gambling or chasing the next attraction.
