There is so much to do and see in Vegas that it’s overwhelming. You can look at one picture of the strip and not even know where to begin. There are so many flashing lights, casinos, food, and drinks that its almost obnoxious. There’s a lot to see in Vegas that isn’t related to gambling at all, I know, shocking. Here are my top 9 non-gambling things to do in Las Vegas and 1 thing that isn’t worth the time.
If you like this post, be sure to sign up for my e-mail list for travel inspiration (and get your FREE budget printable), or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you purchase something I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
9. Take an exotic car for a ride.
While personally, this isn’t up my alley, it does seem like an amazing experience for any car lovers. SpeedVegas gives you the ability to rent exotic cars (like a Ferrari or Lamborgini) and drive them around a race track. If you’re like the majority of the population and won’t own one of these cars in your lifetime, this is a great way to still be able to sit behind the wheel.
Travel Tip: Las Vegas at Christmas time is magical! Don’t be afraid to visit Sin City in the winter!
8. Get the best views of the strip from a helicopter.
No matter how high a bar is in a casino, nothing will beat the views of the strip than a helicopter ride. If you have the money, this is an awesome way to see the city. If you don’t have the money, then here’s a list of the top rooftop bars in Las Vegas.
7. See a show.
I’m not going to tell you which show – there’s simply too many in Vegas. The Cirque de Soleil shows are breathtaking but expensive. Musicians such as Billy Idol, Britney Spears, and Cher have residencies in Las Vegas and perform unimaginable shows using state of the art technology. There’s also a lot of comedians in smaller clubs. Personally, I like the uniqueness of Vegas and decided to experience my first burlesque show. Sin City got its name somehow! I really enjoyed the positivity of the people in the show, the various body styles, and types, and the skill the performers have.
6. Get an over-sized beverage
For readers over 21, you can make this an adult beverage.
There is something to be said about walking the streets of sin city with a 64oz Margarita in a Margaritaville plastic blender, that just screams “Las Vegas”. There’s such a variety of oversized drinks that it’s just – fun. I would suggest splitting with AT LEAST one person if not more in order to drink responsibly. You are allowed to walk on the sidewalks with an open container as long as it is not in a glass container. You’re not allowed to have these containers while driving or taking public transport.
5. Ride the NY NY Roller Coaster
A classic sight of the Las Vegas strip and definitely a unique experience. How many roller coasters go in and around a hotel? It’s not a long ride, meaning the lines are short, so you can get in and out pretty quickly. Get your blood pumping with the most photographed non-gambling thing to do in Las Vegas!
Travel Tip: If you’re heading to Vegas as a couple, there are plenty of epic things to experience.
4. Enjoy the FREE shows on the Strip
There are a few free public shows on the strip that you should enjoy at least once. The Mirage Volcano typically goes off at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00pm. It’s one of the more impressive free shows – incorporating fire and faux lava!
Then there’s the Bellagio Fountains. Channel your inner Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and stare wistfully into one of the best water/light/music demonstrations in the world. The fountains go off throughout the day and night, so check the schedule and give yourself plenty of time to get a good spot. It’s easy to get mesmerized by the water and completely lose track of time.
3. The Neon Museum
Even though I didn’t know much about Las Vegas history, it is pretty awesome to walk through a “boneyard” of old signs that once were the glitz and glamour of the city. I would recommend doing this at night, since some of the signs still light up. During the day, it just looked like a bunch of rusted old lights. Many of the signs are incomplete – they just have an iconic letter or star – and you may not recognize it. The tour guides are very knowledgeable about the signs and the city, which helps give the museum more context.
For more inspiration on what to do in Vegas for first-timers, click here.
2. Top of the Stratosphere
Vegas is intended to get your blood flowing with delicious food and gambling wins – so why not get your dose of adrenaline!! The Stratosphere is one of the best places to make that happen and home to some of the best non-gambling things to do in Las Vegas. There are 3 rides on the top of the towering casino – The Big Shot, Insanity, and XScream. The Big Shot lifts you up then quickly drops you, pushing your stomach into your throat. Insanity mixes heights with being spun around a lot so you really don’t know which way is up. XScream is the ultimate trust fall – where you sit in this bullet, rocks you back, and then lets you fall forward so it looks like you’ll plummet to your death on the Vegas Strip. You can buy a variety of packages which include your entrance to the SkyPod (Vegas’s highest bar) and your choice of 1, 2 or all 3 rides.
Or if you want something that even fewer people actually want to you, you can actually jump off the Stratosphere! This was easily my favorite thrill experience in Vegas! For $130 you can do SkyJump – basically a vertical zip line off the Stratosphere. That’s honestly probably what I loved about it, (despite the screaming you hear in the video) I never felt like I was free-falling. It was an awesome experience I recommend to anyone visiting Vegas! You can do it during the day, but I loved seeing the lights of the strip at night!
Please excuse my screaming – it’s a mix of fear, excitement, and adrenaline.
1. Fremont Street
My FAVORITE place in Vegas – who doesn’t like cheap gambling and food, friendly people, and a laid back party atmosphere? Add in a zip-line over everyone and I’m sold. Fremont Street is the place to go if you’re tired of paying $12 for a drink and want $5 tables. While you can find cheap gambling here, there are also plenty of non-gambling things to do as well. There has to be some kind of requirement to be friendly in Fremont Street because everyone I ran into was very friendly. One of the top non-gambling things to do in Las Vegas is riding the zip line in Fremont Street. While zip-lining on SlotZilla I befriended the three other people that were zip lining with me (all of us, ironically, a bit fearful of what we were about to do. We ended up having a drink together after, relishing in flying over the thousands of people walking the street that night.
Fremont is a must at night – the lit-up ceiling is definitely not to be missed. (Yes, if you’re lucky, you can zip-line while the lights are happening but it’s not a guarantee).
Fun fact: Fremont St was the first paved road in Las Vegas and dates back to 1905. It was also the home of the first traffic light (which now Vegas has plenty!)
What to Skip? The “Welcome to Las Vegas” Sign.
Hear me out. The sign is not as big as you probably think it is. It’s also not easy to get to by public transport at all. We took a bus to the end of the strip and then had to take a 15-minute taxi ride (one way) just to wait in a long line to get a picture in front of it. If you have an hour to spare to take a photo or two, then go ahead – but in my opinion, there are better things to see in Vegas!
Pin “Non-Gambling Things to do in Las Vegas” for later
