Things to Do in Vegas (Besides Gambling)

I heard over & over again that we would get bored in Vegas after a day or two, which couldn’t be more wrong! We aren’t gamblers, but we still found Vegas exciting & can’t wait to go back. In this post I’ll give you a full lists of things to do in Vegas (besides gambling) & I’ll include all the info you need for a great trip!

Walk the Strip & Explore Hotels, Malls, Etc

• All the hotel lobbies and casinos along the strip are decorated differently and are fun to see! Even though we don’t gamble, we really enjoyed spending a full day walking the strip and wandering through the different hotels & casinos. This is a great free activity as well, because you don’t have to pay anything to wander through the lobbies/casinos and look around and take pictures. You can also do this completely at your own pace and stop along the way for drinks, snacks, etc! Hotels & casinos completely line both sides of the strip, so the walking distance between each one is short.
• Besides visiting hotel lobbies, the strip is also full of malls, restaurants, bars, and more for you to stop at along your walk!
• The strip is 4.2 miles and is completely pedestrian friendly with footbridges at main intersections.

Busy Bee Tips:

• When we spent our day doing this, we walked >30,000 steps. So wear good, comfy walking shoes!
• There are malls EVERYWHERE in Vegas! Almost every hotel has it’s own shopping area, plus several other malls scattered around the strip.
• Plan to spend a full day just on this if possible! There is so much to see and you don’t want to be rushed. If you have a full day, you can stop and enjoy a random restaurant you come upon, etc.
• Visit this link for more info – they have a good breakdown of walking distances between certain hotels & a map of the strip with highlights for stopping. Click here for the link!

My Favorite Stops:

• Cosmopolitan Hotel – this entire hotel is gorgeous and very upscale feeling.
  • The Chandelier bar is a MUST SEE! Even if you don’t drink, it’s cool to see. If you’re up for a cocktail (or mocktail) I recommend stopping for a drink here. The verbana was my favorite – different than anything you can try anywhere else!
  • Ghost Donkey – this is sorta a secret tequila/mezcal bar? Now that social media has taken over the travel world a bit, it’s less of a secret. But it is basically a hidden fiesta in the Cosmopolitan Hotel,
    • Ghost Donkey’s door looks like a service door with a bohemian donkey on it! It’s on level 2 of the Boulevard Tower inside the Block 16 Urban Food Hall.
  • More Speakeasies in the Cosmo Hotel:
    • Beauty & Essex: Glitzy style similar to a New York City bar. Located in the Pawn Shop on level 3 across from STK Steakhouse
    • The Barbershop: level one, off the casino floor. Prohibition style bar behind the barbershop.
• Aria Hotel lobby is fun!
• Bellagio Gardens – absolutely gorgeous! Be ready for photos!
• Bellagio Fountains – this is a free lighted fountain show! Cool to see during the day, even better at night!
• Flamingo Hotel/Casino has live flamingos out front in an enclosure.
• M&M Store – 4 levels of M&M fun! This was the first M&M store ever. You can create your own M&Ms and use their photo machine for fun photo ops.
• Seeing the exterior & interior of the Venetian is a must as well – it’s modeled after Venice (duh) and the bridges and gondalas are beautiful. (You can also ride a gondala here)!

Pool Day / Pool Parties

Most of the Vegas hotels have their own, nice pools. If you’re visiting during pool season, I recommend atleast taking advantage of the pool for a few hours! You can order drinks and snacks poolside, but you are also allowed to bring your own drinks down from your room to save money. Pool parties are also huge around Vegas, with various hotels hosting different parties with different themes. Most have DJs and they can get wild. You’ll typically need to purchase pool party passes in advance.

Visit the Mob Museum

• What is it: a highly rated museum dedicated to the history of organized crime and law enforcement in the United States. It provides an immersive experience, with interactive exhibits, artifacts, and stories about the ongoing battle between the mob and law enforcement.
• Location: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Price: General Admission: $29.95 / Nevada Residents: $19.95 (with valid ID) / Seniors (65+), Military, Law Enforcement: $16.95 / Students (with valid ID): $16.95 / Children (ages 11 and under): Free

Visit Area 15

Visit the Hoover Dam

Kayaking at Lake Mead / Emerald Cave

This is around a 4mile kayak trip and typically takes 3-4 hours. I recommend booking this through a tour company, as they’ll have the kayaks and equipment for you. Most companies also offer pick up and drop off from your Vegas hotel. I’ve linked some highly rated tours below for you to check out!

Helicopter Ride

There are lots of options when it comes to a helicopter ride in Las Vegas! Some includes landmarks like the Grand Canyon, or Hoover Dam, and some are just over the Vegas Strip. I’ve linked a few highly rated options below.

See a Show

This is one of the best night time activites in Vegas, in my opinion. We saw Rouge and had a blast. We purchased a table in the front row and had dancers on our table at one point, which was embarrassing, but fun. There are a never ending amount of options for shows to see including magic shows, cirque de soliel shows, tribute bands, burlesque shows, and more. I recommend searching on the Vegas Show site for tickets and info.

Take a Picture with the Vegas Sign

Bungee Jump at the Strat

High Roller Observation Ferris Wheel

Day Trips to State & National Parks

Visit Lots of Cocktail Bars

Vegas is FULL of fun cocktail bars, so the biggest problem here is narrowing down your selection! If you don’t drink alcohol, most places serve fun mocktails as well! Here’s a few of my favorites:

• Mayfair Supper Club (Bellagio): a glamorous dining and entertainment venue located within the Bellagio. It combines a sophisticated supper club experience with live music, dancing, and stunning views of the Bellagio Fountains. Mayfair After Dark on Fri & Sat from 11pm-1am features live performances! Be sure to make reservations in advance!
• Vanderpump Cocktail Garden (Caeser’s Palace): an elegant lounge and cocktail bar created by reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump. It offers a stylish setting with pink velvet seating, intricate floral arrangements, and soft lighting, creating a sophisticated and intimate vibe.
• Chandelier Bar (Cosmopolitan): a multi-story bar and lounge known for its stunning design featuring three levels within a massive chandelier. Each level offers a unique experience and ambiance, making it a popular destination for cocktails and socializing. Try the Verbana cocktail for a different experience!

Visit Speakeasies:

There are tons of speakeasies around Vegas. I’ve listed a few more that are in the Cosmopolitan Hotel above, but here’s some others as well!

The Laundry Room

• Location: Inside Commonwealth bar, 525 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
• Description: Accessed through an unmarked door within Commonwealth, The Laundry Room offers an intimate speakeasy experience with a strict reservation policy and personalized cocktail service.
• Ambiance: Retro-chic with vintage decor, dim lighting, and a cozy atmosphere.
• Reservations: Required in advance. Book via text message to secure a spot.

1923 Prohibition Bar

• Location: Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA
• Description: Inspired by the Prohibition era, this hidden gem features live jazz music, an extensive whiskey selection, and classic cocktails.
• Ambiance: Speakeasy-style with low lighting, plush seating, and a nostalgic feel of the 1920s.
• Reservations: Recommended, especially for weekends and peak times. Entry may require a password, so check ahead for details.

The Mob Museum Speakeasy

• Location: The Mob Museum, 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
• Description: Located within The Mob Museum, this speakeasy requires a separate admission ticket to access. It features craft cocktails and a historic ambiance.
• Ambiance: Authentic 1920s decor with artifacts from the Prohibition era, providing a unique backdrop for enjoying drinks.
• Reservations: Check availability and any special events or access requirements through The Mob Museum’s website.

Eat Great Food

Vegas is nothing if not a foodie’s playground. There is an endless supply of upscale restaurants, celebrity food joints, and unique bites to explore. Several restaurants in Vegas even have Michelin Stars! Here’s a few to consider:

My Faves:

Mon Ami Gabi: In my opinion, having brunch on the patio is a must! The patio faces the Bellagio fountains, so you can watch the show while you eat.

• Location: Mon Ami Gabi is located at Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA.
• Cuisine: Offers authentic French cuisine with a focus on traditional dishes such as steak frites, escargots, quiche, and seafood specialties. The restaurant also features a bakery and patisserie.
• Ambiance: The restaurant captures the ambiance of a bustling Parisian sidewalk cafe with outdoor patio seating overlooking the Bellagio Fountains and the Eiffel Tower replica.
• Reservations: Recommended, especially for patio seating and during peak dining hours.

Black Tap:

• Location: Black Tap has a location at The Venetian Resort, 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA.
• Description: Black Tap is famous for its inventive burgers, over-the-top milkshakes, and lively atmosphere. It blends a casual dining experience with gourmet burgers and craft beers.
• Crazy Shakes: Known for their extravagant milkshakes topped with items like cotton candy, cake slices, cookies, and candies, creating a dessert-like experience.
• Reservations: Recommended, especially during peak dining hours and weekends. Can be made online through their website or by contacting the restaurant directly.

Visit a Cat Cafe