6 Exciting Things to Do in Las Vegas for First-Time Visitors

Experience the Fremont Street Experience

No trip to Las Vegas is complete without a visit to the legendary Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas. This pedestrian mall features an incredible LED canopy that stretches for five city blocks and plays spectacular light and sound shows every night. With classic casinos, vibrant neon signs, street performers, and lively bars and restaurants, the Fremont Street Experience encapsulates the classic Vegas vibe.

Be sure to catch one of the free light shows displayed on the Viva Vision canopy every night. These mesmerizing shows feature millions of LED lights choreographed to popular music. Don't forget to pose under the iconic Vegas Vic and Vegas Vicky neon cowboy and cowgirl signs. And for a thrill, consider zooming over the Fremont Street Experience on SlotZilla, the world's tallest slot machine-inspired zip line attraction.

Fremont Street Must-Sees

• Viva Vision light and sound shows
• Neon museum branch
• SlotZilla zip line
• Vegas Vic and Vegas Vicky signs
• Street performers and free entertainment

See the Bellagio Fountains

The dancing Fountains of Bellagio are an iconic must-see when visiting Las Vegas. Located in front of the luxurious Bellagio Resort & Casino, these dramatic fountains feature an 8-acre man-made lake where jets of water shoot up to 460 feet in the air, choreographed to music and lights.

The dazzling water show takes place every 30 minutes in the evenings and also during afternoons on weekends. Each performance is different, so you can come back several times and see a new show every time. The repertoire includes classics like "My Heart Will Go On" and "Luck Be a Lady" as well as contemporary hits. Prepare to be wowed by this romantic, aquatic spectacle.

Bellagio Fountain Tips

• Performances every 30 minutes, evenings and afternoons on weekends
• Free shows, visible from sidewalks along the Strip
• Romantic vantage points include café terraces at Bellagio
• Prime viewing spots fill up fast for the 8 pm, 9 pm and 10 pm shows

Go for a Ride on the High Roller

For incredible panoramic views over Las Vegas, hop aboard the High Roller observation wheel. Located at The LINQ Promenade, this giant Ferris wheel stands 550 feet tall - making it the tallest in the world!

Each glass-enclosed cabin offers expansive 360-degree views as you glide effortlessly over the Vegas Strip. One full revolution takes about 30 minutes. For the best views, time your ride right around sunset. Specialty cabins are available for an extra charge, including the Celebrity Pod with flat screen TVs or an open-air Bar Pod where you can enjoy drinks as you soak in the scenery.

High Roller Tips

• Standard cabins hold up to 40 people
• Daytime rides, happy half hour, and night rides available
• Skip the line tickets recommended
• Specialty cabins include open-air, bar, and private pods

See the Spectacular Fountains at the Bellagio

No trip to Vegas is complete without seeing the iconic Fountains of Bellagio. These remarkable fountains feature jets of water that dance to music and lights in a choreographed water ballet. With jets shooting as high as 460 feet in the air, this free attraction is one of the most ambitious water features ever constructed.

The 8-acre lake in front of the Bellagio serves as the stage for this aquatic extravaganza. There are more than 1,200 fountains that move to selections from famous operas, classical pieces, Broadway tunes, and modern pop hits. The show takes place every 30 minutes in the evenings and afternoons on weekends.

Fountains of Bellagio Tips

• Free shows every 30 minutes until midnight
• Romantic vantage points include café terraces at Bellagio
• Prime viewing areas fill up before the 8 pm, 9 pm and 10 pm shows
• Song choices vary, so you'll see a different show every time

Ride the Roller Coasters at Adventuredome

Located right on the Las Vegas Strip at Circus Circus, Adventuredome is an indoor amusement park that provides year-round thrills. This 5-acre park is home to roller coasters, rides, games, and attractions under a giant pink glass dome.

Thrill seekers will love the double looping Canyon Blaster roller coaster and the adrenaline-pumping El Loco that zooms forward and backwards. Other rides include a carousel, bumper cars, a rock climbing wall, mini bowling alley, and 4D motion theaters. With carnival games and food vendors, Adventuredome offers affordable family fun right in the heart of the Vegas action.

Adventuredome Park Tips

• Indoor, climate-controlled park open 365 days a year
• Canyon Blaster and El Loco roller coasters
• Discount ride passes and specials available
• Ideal for families visiting Vegas

Take a Gondola Ride at The Venetian

The Venetian Resort brings the feel of Venice, Italy right to the Vegas Strip. Meander along replicas of St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the iconic canals of Venice. No Venetian experience is complete without a glide down the Grand Canal in an intimate Italian gondola.

Operated by professional gondoliers, you can embark on a relaxing 15-minute canal cruise past cafes and under bridges. You'll feel transported to the real Venice as you soak in the Venetian architecture. For a romantic experience, opt for a specialized gondola cruise that comes with a singing gondolier.

Venetian Gondola Tips

• Standard shared gondola cruises for up to 4 people
• Romantic cruises with singing gondolier available
• Outdoor rides dependent on weather
• Discount coupons available online

Watch the Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.

If you're a Marvel fan, you can't miss the Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. This interactive exhibit at Treasure Island transports you into the world of The Avengers films. As a new recruit, you'll move through different rooms and complete missions, just like an Avenger.

Highlights include a Hall of Armor showcasing Iron Man suits, a Thor experience where you try to lift his hammer, and an immersive encounter with the Hulk. See Captain America's suit up close, check out Black Widow's espionage gadgets, and more. With behind-the-scenes details and movie props, it's a must for Marvel enthusiasts.

Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N Tips

• Located on the 2nd floor promenade at Treasure Island
• Timed entry tickets required, book online in advance
• Takes 1-2 hours to experience everything
• Great for Marvel fans of all ages

FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Las Vegas?

The best times to visit Las Vegas are March through May and September through November when the weather is mild and hotel rates tend to be lower. Summer brings very hot temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter can be chilly with some rain. Many hotels offer great deals in the summer and winter to compensate for the extreme weather.

How many days do you need for a Las Vegas trip?

Most people find 3 to 5 days is ideal to experience the main Las Vegas attractions on a first visit. This gives you time to see the Strip casinos, downtown Fremont Street, catch some shows, and take in sights like the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam if you add those day trips.

How do I get around Las Vegas?

The Las Vegas Strip area is very walkable since many major resorts and attractions are close together. For farther distances, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are convenient and affordable. Buses and monorails also provide transportation along the Strip and to downtown. Taxis are readily available for hailing or can be ordered in advance.

What's the best Las Vegas show for first-time visitors?

Some top Las Vegas shows for first-timers are Le Reve at Wynn, the Bellagio Fountains, the famed Cirque du Soleil productions like O and Michael Jackson One, Blue Man Group at Luxor, Absinthe at Caesars Palace, and Magic Mike Live at Sahara.

What are the best free attractions in Las Vegas?

Top free Las Vegas attractions include the Fremont Street Experience downtown, the Mirage Volcano, Circus Circus Adventuredome, Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, and Mandalay Bay Shark Reef aquarium. Most casinos also offer free entertainment like volcano shows, light displays, and streetmospheres.