The Sphere in Las Vegas

20 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas (2026 Guide with Prices)

The 20 best things to do in Las Vegas: Strip sights, shows, the Sphere, Fremont Street and desert day trips, with 2026 prices.

Updated October 25, 2026 · 3 min read
Quick answer: The essentials in Las Vegas are an evening Strip walk (the Bellagio fountains are free), a show (Cirque, a residency or the Sphere), the High Roller (from $28), Fremont Street, a pool day, a great buffet or celebrity-chef dinner, Red Rock Canyon, and a day trip to the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam.

There’s far more to Las Vegas than slot machines. Here are the 20 best things to do, grouped by area, with 2026 prices where they’re fixed. Show and event prices vary by date and seat, so always check the official seller.

On the Strip

  1. The Fountains of Bellagio: free water shows every 15–30 minutes, set to music.
  2. The Bellagio Conservatory: free seasonal flower displays.
  3. The Sphere: immersive films and concerts inside the world’s largest spherical screen. Tickets vary by show and date.
  4. The High Roller at the LINQ: $28 by day, $40 anytime, and $67+ for the 21+ open-bar “Happy Half Hour” (The Better Vacation).
  5. The Venetian and Palazzo: indoor canals and gondola rides.
  6. A Cirque du Soleil show: O, Mystère, KÀ and others.
  7. A headline residency or comedy show: check what’s on during your dates.
  8. The Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck at Paris Las Vegas: a view right over the Bellagio fountains.
  9. Pool parties and day clubs: the season usually runs from spring to early autumn.
  10. A food crawl: celebrity-chef restaurants, buffets and food halls.

Downtown and off-Strip

  1. Fremont Street Experience: the LED canopy light shows, street performers and zip lines.
  2. The Neon Museum: the “boneyard” of historic Vegas signs, best on a night tour.
  3. The Mob Museum: the history of organised crime, in a former courthouse.
  4. The Arts District: galleries, breweries and vintage shops.
  5. The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign: a free photo stop on the South Strip.

Desert and day trips

  1. Red Rock Canyon: a 13-mile scenic drive and hikes about 30 minutes away. A timed-entry reservation is often required in peak months.
  2. Hoover Dam: an engineering marvel about 45 minutes away.
  3. The Grand Canyon: the West Rim and Skywalk (about 2.5 hours away) or the South Rim (about 4.5 hours). See our guide.
  4. Valley of Fire State Park: red sandstone about an hour away.
  5. A helicopter flight over the Strip at night, or over the canyon.

Compare Las Vegas show tickets, helicopter flights and day tours.

Tips

  • Buy show tickets directly or from trusted sellers, and look for same-day discounts at official booths.
  • Many of the best sights are free. See our free things to do in Las Vegas.
  • Drink plenty of water. The desert air dehydrates you fast, even in winter.

More Las Vegas guides

FAQ: Things to do in Las Vegas

What is there to do in Las Vegas besides gambling?

Shows, the Sphere, the High Roller, pool clubs, world-class restaurants, museums like the Neon and Mob Museums, and day trips to Red Rock, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.

What is the most popular attraction in Las Vegas?

The Bellagio fountains and the Strip itself, with the Sphere now among the most talked-about experiences.

Is Las Vegas fun for non-gamblers?

Absolutely. Most visitors spend more time on shows, food, pools and day trips than in the casino.

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