If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Las Vegas any time soon, there are so many things to do it will be hard to know where to start! Although Vegas is known for its nightlife, there are many more cultural activities to enjoy too. We’ve put together a list of the top 5 things to do in Vegas, so if you only have a few days to explore, these are the things to focus on to make sure you get an all-round flavour of this amazing city.
- Visit the Casinos
Obviously Las Vegas is packed with amazing casinos, from the classic Bellagio to the quirky Venetian, you are sure to find a casino building that attracts you and a style to float your gambling boat. One of the best places to head to once inside the casino is the slots section as these areas are always buzzing with activity and you could always hit a lucky win from one cheap spin! Many slots fans have played at online casinos and online bingo sites, but the thrill of the live slots is definitely something to experience when in Vegas. On top of all the games, you’ll also find lots of freebies on offer, as the casinos want to entice visitors, so be prepared for free buffets, drinks and shows, including dancing, singing and acrobatics.
- Shopping on the Strip
When in Vegas you have to hit the shops as there are so many exotically themed malls here, the experience is out of this world! You will find Moroccan style market bazaars, Venetian canals and French boulevards; with so many fun themed shopping malls everyone will find something to suit them. From crystals to gondoliers and even fake thunderstorms, there is far more of interest than just the shops to catch the eye when hitting the ‘high street’ in Vegas.
- The Valley of Fire
Sitting about an hour from the lights of the Vegas strip, the Valley of Fire is a perfect day trip. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip into the desert to see the spectacular red rock formations formed over multiple generations that are breathtaking in beauty. You can camp and hike here, although do beware the temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees C in the height of the afternoon, so an air conditioned coach tour is one of the best ways of seeing this amazing place.
- Art Exhibitions
Although Vegas can have a slightly tacky reputation, there is plenty of high-brow art on show here. The Luxor Hotel has a wonderful exhibition of historical artefacts, including parts and memorabilia from the Titanic, along with full-scale replicas of the staircase. At the same Hotel, there is also a slightly macabre exhibition of preserved human bodies, which is scientifically fascinating. Over at the Bellagio Hotel, you will find The Gallery of Fine Art, which includes some wonderful works from Picasso and Renoir. Las Vegas has a huge art scene with open galleries and exciting installations from lesser known artists and up-and-coming artists.
- Black Canyon Rafting
Finally, for something truly different and exciting, head to the Colorado River for a relaxing rafting trip. The rafting on the Black Canyon here is a world away from white water rafting. This rafting adventure here in Vegas is calm and suitable for all the family, letting you enjoy watching the scenery and the wildlife along the way. Starting at the foot of Hoover Dam, you set off from this historic landmark along the river for 12 miles before finishing at Willow Beach. You could swim or bathe in the river along the way and look out for bighorn sheep, osprey and heron. This is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the bright lights for a few hours.
Although Las Vegas is perfect for a few days of thrilling entertainment with all the casinos and buzzing nightlife, there are also many more cultural activities to enjoy and natural wonders to explore too. With our handy guide you can check out the best of the activities on offer here and plan your perfect Vegas holiday. Combine both sides of Vegas for a perfect trip to remember!
