After living in Las Vegas for 14 years, I realized there were certain places and experiences I needed to enjoy one last time before leaving. Some were longtime favorites, and others were things I somehow never got around to doing. That’s how this Vegas bucket list came together.
This post covers the best things to do in Las Vegas, from iconic shows and attractions to experiences that feel a little more local and under the radar. Not everything on my original list got checked off, but I did get to experience a lot of what makes Vegas such a fun and unique place. The list is a long one, so it’s broken up into sections to make it easier to explore.
Iconic Las Vegas Shows and Entertainment
Golden Knights Games at T-Mobile
I love the Vegas Golden Knights and was lucky enough to attend a few games while living in Vegas. True to the city, a Golden Knights game is far more than just hockey. The opening show alone is a full production designed to fire up the crowd, and it often includes surprise celebrity appearances. Even if you’ve never been a hockey fan, catching a Golden Knights game is an experience in itself and absolutely worth adding to your Vegas bucket list.
Absinthe
Las Vegas is known for its endless show options, from comedy and magic to acrobatics and music. Absinthe manages to combine all of that into one wildly entertaining and genuinely funny show. It’s adult-themed, fast-paced, and unlike anything else on the Strip.
The show is performed in a circus tent outside of Caesars Palace, which only adds to the experience. If you’re looking for a Vegas show that feels bold, outrageous, and completely unforgettable, Absinthe belongs on your bucket list.
Garth Brooks Stadium Tour at Allegiant Stadium
Garth Brooks was originally set to be the opening concert at Allegiant Stadium, but those plans were postponed due to Covid. When tickets first went on sale, they sold out in minutes. Eventually the show was rescheduled, and I was lucky enough to be gifted tickets by a good friend.
This was my second time seeing Garth Brooks live, and he is easily one of the best performers I’ve ever seen. Allegiant Stadium itself is impressive, and the combination of an incredible artist and a brand new venue made it a really fun and memorable Vegas experience.
Must-See Las Vegas Attractions
The Linq Hotel and Casino
The LINQ is hands down my favorite casino in Las Vegas. It’s always lively but still feels laid back, and the dealers add to the fun without taking things too seriously. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and the pool scene is one of the best for a relaxed day. The pool has games, plenty of loungers, and a great social vibe. Some suites even open directly onto the pool and come with a small outdoor space, which makes them perfect for a staycation.
The LINQ Promenade is one of my favorite places to wander in Vegas. It’s lively without feeling chaotic, packed with restaurants, bars, and little shops, and always has something going on. You can grab a casual bite, sip a cocktail, people-watch, or just stroll around. The Strip is buzzing on one side, and the High Roller is towering above you. It feels less buttoned up than some parts of Vegas, more fun, more walkable, and way easier to just hang out and enjoy.
The High Roller
The High Roller is one of those Vegas experiences that actually lives up to the hype. Sitting way above the Strip, you get unreal views of the city, especially at night when everything is glowing and extra dramatic. Bonus, you get a great view of the Bellagio Fountains too. The ride is slow and smooth, so you have plenty of time to take photos and soak it all in without feeling rushed. It’s part touristy, part wow moment, and absolutely worth it for the view alone.
Bellagio Conservatory
The Bellagio Conservatory is genuinely spectacular. It transforms multiple times a year for different seasons and holidays, and somehow, it is always stunning. Every display is made with live flowers and plants, arranged into these massive, intricate installations that feel more like art than decor. Best part? It’s completely free to visit. Just know it gets very busy, especially during the day. If you can, go late at night when the crowds thin out and you can actually take it all in without playing human pinball.
Bellagio Fountains
Vegas is always changing. Things lose their shine, new ideas pop up, and something bigger and flashier is always around the corner. But the Bellagio Fountains are the one thing that never gets old. I have watched them more times than I can count, and every single time they still feel magical. It doesn’t matter if you’re standing right in front of them, watching from a hotel balcony, or stuck in your car on the Strip, the view is always beautiful. I used to drive past them every night on my way to work and secretly loved getting stopped at a red light when the fountains were going, just so I could watch for a few extra minutes. They were the last stop I made on the Strip on my final night in Vegas, and honestly, it felt like the perfect goodbye.
Downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street Experience, and Viva Vision Light Show
Downtown Las Vegas has a completely different vibe from the Strip. It’s a little chaotic, a little wild, and way less polished, but that’s part of the fun. There are tons of bars, restaurants, and old-school casinos, and the table limits are usually much cheaper than on the Strip. The overall atmosphere feels more relaxed and less flashy. Downtown is also home to the Fremont Street Experience, where the massive Viva Vision light show runs every hour from 6 pm to 2 am, with each show lasting about 6 to 7 minutes. Add in Container Park, complete with a giant fire shooting praying mantis, and you’ve got an area packed with things to see, eat, drink, and do.
Immersive Experiences and Interactive Attractions
Area 15: A Choose Your Own Adventure Playground
Area 15 is one of the newer additions to Las Vegas and it is seriously cool. We went multiple times and still didn’t manage to do everything. From the second you arrive, it feels like you’ve stepped into another world. The complex is packed with interactive experiences, bars, restaurants, shops, and immersive art. When you walk in, you’re greeted by a giant skull, and just beyond it is a massive tree with LED leaves that constantly shift colors. It sets the tone immediately.
Omega Mart by Meow Wolf
One of the main attractions at Area 15 is Omega Mart by Meow Wolf. It looks like a grocery store, but it’s actually a fully immersive, interactive experience that turns into a scavenger hunt with surprises at every turn. It’s weird, creative, and endlessly entertaining. You can spend way more time in here than you expect.
Wink World
Wink World is one of the coolest experiences at Area 15 and also one of the hardest to explain. You move from room to room through a trippy, almost psychedelic journey filled with visuals, sounds, and light. Definitely get the 3D glasses when you go. Not only do they make Wink World even better, but wearing them around the rest of Area 15 unlocks some fun visual surprises.
Emporium Arcade Bar
Another favorite of mine is the Emporium Arcade Bar. It’s a two level bar packed with arcade games, including a solid collection of pinball machines, which I love. They have a great selection of beer and cider on tap along with fun, custom cocktails. It’s the perfect place to hang out, play games, and take a break between experiences.
Even More to Explore
In addition to everything above, Area 15 also has axe-throwing at Dueling Axes, immersive art installations, a zipline, a retro candy store, a giant teeter totter, and plenty of unexpected things you’ll stumble upon just by wandering around. There are many bars and restaurants too. They also host really fun events. I attended the Neon Party, and it was such a good time.
Area 15 is a must-visit in Las Vegas because there truly is something for everyone. Entrance to the complex is free, but many of the individual attractions require a ticket.
Particle Ink
Particle Ink: Speed of Dark is an immersive show that blends live actors with augmented reality to tell a story you actually move through. Instead of sitting in a seat, you follow the performers from space to space as the narrative unfolds around you. It feels part theater, part digital art, and part interactive experience. It’s currently closed, but they are planning a new production, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for when the next one launches.
Local Favorites and Under-the-Radar Things to Do
Pinball Museum
As I mentioned earlier, I love pinball, so this place was a must. The Pinball Hall of Fame has been around in Las Vegas for years, but it used to be tucked away off the Strip in a small warehouse. Recently it moved into a massive space right on the Strip, making it way easier to visit. Inside, you’ll find rows and rows of pinball machines, including rare and seriously old classics alongside newer games. Admission is free and you just pay to play. My personal favorites are The Addams Family machine and The Simpsons, but honestly, you could lose hours here if you’re even a little into arcade games.
Neon Museum
The Neon Museum is one of those places I always meant to visit and somehow never did, until I finally checked it off my Vegas bucket list. It’s essentially a massive outdoor lot filled with iconic vintage signs from old Las Vegas casinos and landmarks. I highly recommend going at night when many of the signs are lit up; it completely changes the experience. The guided tour is absolutely worth it. Not only do you get to see the signs up close, but you also learn a lot about Las Vegas history along the way. I had a full circle moment here when I saw the sign from the Frontier, which brought back memories of many nights two-stepping at the original Gilley’s, hands down the best country bar Vegas ever had, before the casino was imploded in 2007.
Pajama Party Bingo
I still don’t know how I lived in Las Vegas for so many years without ever playing BINGO, but I knew I had to do it at least once before we left. Palace Station hosts themed BINGO nights, and we went for Pajama Party Bingo. It was way more fun than I expected. One of my best friends and I showed up in unicorn onesies. We won a few random prizes but no actual money, and honestly, it didn’t matter. The vibes were great, everyone was into it, and yes, drinks are free while you gamble, and BINGO absolutely counts as gambling.
Candlelight Concerts
Candlelight Concerts aren’t exclusive to Las Vegas, but Vegas was where I first discovered them. The concept is simple and really beautiful: a string quartet performing in a room filled with candlelight. There are a variety of themed shows, and I went to the Taylor Swift concert in Las Vegas. They offer a wide range of genres, from Disney songs to Imagine Dragons vs. Coldplay, Vivaldi, and more. I’ve even seen one since moving to the Algarve, a Queen tribute, which was just as good. If you see a Candlelight Concert in a city near you, it’s definitely worth checking out.
The Arts District
The Arts District quickly became one of my favorite areas in Las Vegas, especially in my last few years living there. It has a laid-back, creative vibe that feels completely different from the Strip. You’ll find local bars, breweries, restaurants, art galleries, vintage shops, and tons of murals just by wandering around. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon hopping between spots without a plan and still have a great time.
Outdoor Experiences and Day Trips Near Las Vegas
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is technically in Utah, but it’s close enough to Las Vegas to make for an easy day trip. I had wanted to go for years because it looks unreal, and we finally made it out there with Bodhi. Since not all areas of the park are dog-friendly, we didn’t get to explore everything, but what we did see was absolutely beautiful and worth the drive. If you plan to go, start early. It gets very busy, and we spent a decent amount of time sitting in traffic just to get into the park.
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is one of the best outdoor escapes near Las Vegas and it’s only about a 30 minute drive from the Strip. It feels like a completely different world with red rock formations, desert landscapes, and endless views. You can explore it in a few different ways, whether that’s driving the scenic loop, hiking one of the many trails, or rock climbing. It’s a great option if you want to get outside without committing to a full-day trip. Go early if you can, especially on weekends, because it gets busy and parking can fill up quickly.
Seasonal Events and Special Experiences
St. Patrick’s at the Linq
St. Patrick’s Day is one of my favorite days of the year, and Las Vegas always does it right. My friends and I dress up, start early, and fully lean into the chaos in the best way. I went to The LINQ every single year for St. Patrick’s Day after it opened, so there was no way I was missing it for my last one in Vegas. Between O’Sheas, the Tilted Kilt, and the block party that takes over the LINQ Promenade, it’s nonstop fun. They even light the High Roller green for the occasion. If you’re in Vegas for St. Patrick’s Day, this is hands down the best place to be.
Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
- Bellagio Fountains
- Bellagio Conservatory
- Fremont Street Experience and Viva Vision light show
- The LINQ Promenade
- Walking through the Venetian and Palazzo and checking out the canals
- Caesars Palace Forum Shops
- The Arts District murals and galleries
- Container Park in Downtown Las Vegas
- The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
- People watching anywhere on the Strip
- Area15 entrance and art installations
- Hotel hopping on the Strip
- Live music and DJs at various casino lounges
- Free drinks while gambling
- The view from different casino balconies and walkways
- Street performers on Fremont Street
Final Thoughts: My Vegas Bucket List
Las Vegas has an endless amount of things to do, and even after living there for years, there was still so much I never got around to. It’s a city that’s constantly changing, with new experiences always popping up and pulling people back in. Vegas really is an incredible place. For my favorite places to eat and drink in Las Vegas, check out this post here.
Follow Me
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @vegas.to.portugal to see more of my life as an expat in Portugal and my many adventures. 💙
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