Explore Essentials: Things to do in Las Vegas

“From the iconic neon lights to the speciality museums, Las Vegas is filled with unique experiences and attractions. Whether you want to try your luck in the casinos, explore fascinating and quirky historic sites or marvel at the natural wonders in the desert, Las Vegas has something for everyone.

_Photo by Mike Boening on Unsplash_

### Check out the Strip

The biggest draw in Las Vegas is the Strip, Sin City’s notorious hub for entertainment. Here you’ll find the most notable hotels in Las Vegas, each with an iconic landmark, such as the Eiffel Tower replica at Paris, the delightful water shows at the Bellagio Fountains and the Egyptian pyramid and sphinx at the Luxor.

### Take a romantic gondola ride on the Venetian Canal

Las Vegas’ Venetian is a destination inspired by Venice, complete with gondola rides down the Grand Canal. This experience offers beautiful views of the city’s architecture and shops by water, including the Streetmosphere, a collection of singers, stilt walkers and ‘living statues’ along the canal banks.

### See the spectacular Cirque du Soleil

The shows and performances in Las Vegas are world-renowned. Cirque du Soleil, or ‘Circus of the Sun’, is a thriving acrobatic act that combines artistry, skill and stunning light shows for an exhilarating and family-friendly night out.

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### Tour the Hoover Dam

Spanning from the Colorado River to the Black Canyon, the Hoover Dam is a vast concrete structure on Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States. The Hoover Dam is one of the country’s most noteworthy landmarks and includes a variety of educational experiences. You can learn more about the science of the dam in the Exhibit Gallery, a feature with visual and interactive exhibits, including a walk-through generator model, and an observation area for a bird’s-eye view of the water.

### Hike Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Located southwest of Las Vegas, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a nature break from the neon lights of the city. You can view the landscape by car on a scenic route or hike and bike through the red hills and coloured sands of the Mojave Desert.

_Photo by Daniil Vnoutchkov on Unsplash_

### Learn about Las Vegas’ storied past in the Mob Museum

Housed within the former federal courthouse, the Mob Museum explores the darker side of Sin City’s mob history. You’ll find exhibits and artefacts of notorious gangsters like Bugsy Siegel, John Gotti and Al Capone, as well the federal agents who worked to catch them. The museum offers a detailed history of organised crime in the country and globally, including mob activity in the modern day.

### Marvel at the lights of the Neon Museum

The iconic neon lights of Las Vegas are one its distinctive features, spread across hotels, casinos and bars in the city. The Neon Museum pays tribute to these landmark signs of the past and present, all spread across the desert floor known as the ‘boneyard’. During your trip, you’ll see signs from the famous Caesars Palace, Stardust and Golden Nugget on a guided tour hosted by local historians.

### Take a thrill ride at SPEEDVEGAS

If you prefer adrenaline-fueled activities, SPEEDVEGAS offers the ultimate in exotic driving experiences. Just south of the Strip, SPEEDVEGAS gives you a chance to drive some of the world’s fastest cars, such as Lamborghinis and Ferraris, for an unforgettable holiday experience.

### Get a bird’s-eye view at the LINQ

For aerial views of the Strip, you can ride the High Roller at the LINQ, a massive observation wheel with handcrafted pods made of Italian glass. You can enjoy the ride on the wheel to see spectacular views of the casinos and attractions or try a Happy Half Hour pod that includes an open bar.

_Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash_

### Explore the Pinball Hall of Fame

The Pinball Hall of Fame is a unique speciality museum with a vast collection of historic pinball machines and vintage arcade games. Some of the games in the museum date back to 1930, offering a pleasant nostalgia and touch of whimsy. You’ll also find exhibits tracing the history of pinball and some of the notable players.

### Visit Fremont Street

Once the hub of entertainment in Las Vegas, Fremont Street holds the classic casinos that once ruled the city. Located near the Mob Museum, Fremont Street spans several blocks and includes food stands, souvenir shops and a pedestrian walkway for hours of entertainment. You’ll also see the immersive Viva Vision light show, which includes millions of LED lamps, and SlotZilla zip line, which takes you on a thrilling ride 10 storeys above the streets.

With its spectacular natural spaces, exciting casinos and memorable attractions, Las Vegas truly is a destination for all.”