Las Vegas is often thought of as a town where people gamble and party. While those things are popular activities, there is plenty more to do in Vegas than just that. You could spend your entire trip in Vegas without touching a casino or stepping inside a nightclub.
If you’re looking for things to do in Vegas besides gamble, you’re not alone.
Eating and drinking are probably some of the most popular activities in Vegas, and there’s no shortage of great places to find both. From world-famous restaurants to trendy nightspots, Vegas has something for everyone. Check out some of the best non-gambling activities Las Vegas has to offer.
Get a drink at one of Vegas’ many bars
If you’re looking for a fun night out in Las Vegas, you can’t go wrong with a trip to one of the city’s many bars. Whether you’re looking for a place to dance, drink or hang out, there’s sure to be a bar that fits the bill.
Here are some of our favorites – On the Strip, Off the Strip, and Downtown.
Downtown Cocktail Room
The Downtown Cocktail Room is the place to go if you’re looking for creative, tasty cocktails in a cozy speakeasy vibe. With live DJs playing all night and light bites available too – this lounge will not disappoint!
It can be tricky to get inside – enter at DT Art Alley – push open the ummarked, steel door (push it a second time, it’ll work).
Velveteen Rabbit
Sister-owned Velveteen Rabbit has a cool, eclectic, vintge decor vibe. If you’re into craft cocktails, you’re in for a treat here. Their seasonal cocktail menu uses fresh herbs and other ingredients, and the combinations are mouth-watering.
The Underground Speakeasy and Distillery
The Mob Museum is a hidden bar under the famous museum. Included in the General Admission tickets is the Speakeasy, so this is an excellent bonus if you’re planning on visiting the museum. However, if you’re just interested in grabbing a few cocktails and looking for entertainment, find the hidden door and password (check out their website for the password since it changes weekly).
the way to the underground through the museum entrance.
Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge
Located off the Strip is Las Vegas’s oldest restaurant. They opened in 1972 with an award-winning menu that includes crab cakes, steak & eggs, French toast, and many other choices to choose from on their delicious breakfast/brunch favorites list! For drinks, you can have anything ranging anywhere between a Coronarita cocktail, the Scorpian (their signature drink), or a Bloody Mary for those who love spice.
Love dive bars? If you’re looking for a change of pace from the glitz and glamour of the strip, pick from these 20 dive bars to visit.
If you’re looking to get your fill of Vegas, look no further than the Bellagio. Home to the most incredible fountain show that will make it feel like life is at a standstill.
The Bellagio Fountains are a unique and popular attraction for anyone who visits Las Vegas and doesn’t want to gamble. This water show has been choreographed to music from around the world can be viewed at several different times throughout each day.
The Bellagio Fountains get crowded very fast, so head over early for a front-row view of the show, which starts every half hour during the day and every 15 minutes after 7 pm.
Eat at some of the top-rated restaurants in Las Vegas
The culinary scene in Las Vegas is growing, with new restaurants opening weekly. If you plan on staying at a hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, there are plenty of incredible restaurants within walking distance of each other. It’s not hard to find something that suits every tastebud.
The following list includes some of the Michelin Starred restaurants in Las Vegas:
- Joel Robuchon – French Cuisine located at the MGM Grand (3 stars)
- Wing Lei– North American Chinese Cuisine located at the Wynn (1 star)
- Picasso – Spain and French Inspired cuisine located at the Bellagio (2 stars)
- Le Cirque – French Cuisine located at the Bellagio (1 star)
Michelin-starred restaurants are worth the visit, but they’re not all you need to make a fantastic weekend in Las Vegas! There’s a whole other side of beautiful restaurants filled with incredible food and a wonderful ambiance.
Sparrow & Wolf
If you’re looking for great food and atmosphere off The Strip, head to to Sparrow & Wolf. This lively bar has become very popular with its large drinks and dinner menu! They have libations unique enough for any occasion, plus dinner served until 10 pm Sunday, Tuesday – Thursday, and 11 pm Fridays through Saturday.
And, don’t forget dessert!
Visit any number of world-class museums and galleries
The Neon Museum
This 2.62-acre outdoor museum features iconic Las Vegas signs with pieces from the 1930s to the present day. Guests can take a guided tour of the Main Boneyard to understand the history of the signs. There is also an option for a self-guided tour which gives you an hour to walk at your own pace.
The Mob Museum
This history museum is located downtown and perfect for anyone interested in understanding the organized crime history and Mob’s origination. The Mob Museum is a self-guided, interactive tour.
Pinball Hall of Fame
Located off-the-strip is a collection of pinball machines from the 1950s to the 1990s. All devices are available to play.
Springs Preserve
If you love nature, this outdoor nature preserve is located three miles west of downtown. It’s perfect for families looking to venture off the strip and learn about the wildlife in Nevada.
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds displays more than 100 intricately designed replicas of well-known celebrities, including world leaders, celebrities, and musicians. These very realistic wax figures will leave you in awe.
Burlesque Hall of Fame
Exotic and racy, the Burlesque Hall of Fame is a must-see for any fan of this historical art form. This museum includes hundreds of costumes, stage props, and photographs. A must-visit for any fan or enthusiasts alike!
Helicopter Night Flight
I am NOT a helicopter person, BUT many people love seeing the city this way.
If it’s ever been on your bucket list to get a bird’s eye view of the Las Vegas Strip, this is your chance. This 10-12 minute Las Vegas Strip Highlights by Helicopter at Night tour is spectacular.
The Red Rock Canyon is just a short 30-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip. There is plenty of hiking trails, scenic views, rock climbing, and mountain biking opportunities for everyone. However, if you’re not interested in any outdoor activities, take the 13-mile scenic drive for stunning views of Red Rock.
Red Rock Canyon is a photographer’s dream, with all the spectacular mountains, color, and natural beauty that you could ever want. Remember to bring your camera and charge those phones for the perfect picture.
There is a picnic location in one of their many scenic spots along the 13-mile scenic drive. Red Rock is especially hot during the summer months so remember to pack water bottles and ice packs.
See a show on the Las Vegas Strip
Watching a show is a great way to end the evening in Las Vegas. There are many excellent shows to watch on the strip, but one of the most popular is Cirque Du Soleil. Favorites include Mystère, Michael Jackson ONE, The Beatles Love, “O”, and Absinthe.
Other fan favorites include:
The best way to see is a show is to start the evening early with dinner at one of the restaurants nearby, then grab a drink at one of the many bars or cocktail lounges you will find along the way to the show. Be sure to arrive early for light snacks and a cocktail or beer to sip on during the show.
Arrive early or on time for the show as there are sometimes mini-performances that happen with the actors interacting with the audience.
The STRAT for amazing views, thrill rides, and world-class dining
The STRAT is a hotel in Las Vegas marking where the Strip begins and ends. The observation deck above the hotel offers 360-degree views of the city from 1,149 ft above street level. Prepare to see all famous landmarks, including the Bellagio fountains, Caesars Palace, and New York, New York’s roller coaster ride. Plus, incredible views of the surrounding city and beautiful mountains.
There are two thrill rides at Stratosphere for the adrenaline lovers that give you a bird’s eye view over Las Vegas!
Arrive hungry and dine at the Top Of The World restaurant for its award-winning cuisine. Menu items include:
- Baked Brie
- Rack of lamb
- Shrimp scampi
- Seared sea-bass
- King crab legs
- Whole lobster mac and cheese
Leave room for dessert items like the salted caramel crème brûlée and the warm butter cake. The dining room revolves 360 degrees every 80 minutes, so it’s dinner and a show.
The Top Of The World enforces a strict Upscale dress code so leave the baseball hat, sandals, oversized clothing, and athletic wear at home. They also require a $55/person food minimum.
Stroll the gorgeous hotels
Just walking through the themed hotels is day-long entertainment. Each of the hotels . Here are a few of my favorites:
- Bellagio – This iconic resort is a must-see. It’s of course where the Bellagio water show happens, in front over it’s lake of water. Inside, the Conservatory of flowers is beautiful. If you’re looking for a high-end French meal, Michelin starred Le Cirque is inside the resort, as well as dozens of other delicious and themed restaurants.
- Venetian – This place is magical. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the cobblestone streets of Venice, complete with gondola rides and realistic outdoor sky ceilings. The Grand Canal Shoppes, a luxury mall of about 160 stores, is also inside the resort, along with many restaurants, bars, and TAO nightclub .
- The Cosmopolitan – Like bling? This swanky hotel will light you up. It screams glitter and diamonds.
Visit Fremont Street Experience
Vegas’ original Downtown is full of life, music, and adventure. Prepare for live concerts, dancers, magic shows, and a light show from above. Plus, there are great options for food and drinks.
The Pop Culture Walking Tour Downtown is a great way to explore the neighborhood. You’ll get the lay of the land while learning some interesting Vegas history, as well as discover about some cool spots you may want to visit afterwards.
Be sure to look up as you walk the streets of Fremont to catch the neon light show called Viva Vision. This is a free show which starts on the hour every night beginning at 6 pm. Viva Vision is the world’s largest digital display with 16.4 million brilliant pixels. The music is loud, and the visuals are bright, but it’s a mind-blowing free show to experience Downtown.
As you walk around, grab a cocktail from one of the many bars. Some of the best include The Laundry Room, Oak & Ivy, and Atomic Liquors. Also, be sure to step inside some of the newest hotels Downtown like the Circa and visit the rooftop cocktail bar Legacy Club.
More Things To Do: