I have to admit, Las Vegas is not one of my favorite cities to visit. I'd visited before in college and all I though the city had to offer was smoky casinos and loud, crowded clubs. After recently visiting to see Usher's Vegas Residency, I can say that the city has so much more to offer! For a short three day visit, here's the top things to do in Las Vegas (that don't involve gambling or clubbing)!
STAY
The Cromwell is the Las Vegas Strip's first standalone boutique hotel by the Caesar's brand. It's smaller than most hotels on the Strip and has easy access to other Caesar properties where you can enjoy another hotel's amenities if you choose. The Cromwell is also connected to the very popular Drai's Beach Club, where celebrity DJs play while you chill by the pool (tickets are required even if you are hotel guest). If the beach club is not your thing, hotel guests are able to access adjoining Caesar's properties' regular pool areas.
EAT
Las Vegas has world class restaurants that I definitely recommend taking the time to visit for great dining experiences.
Bottiglia (Green Valley Ranch Resort & Casino)
If you're a fan of Italian food and an instantly Instagrammable space, then Bottiglia is where you want to be. If you are visiting on Saturday, their Social Saturdays features a DJ playing the perfect soundtrack to your bottomless brunch.
Giada (The Cromwell)
Celebrity chef Giada de Laurentiis has a stylish restaurant inside of the Cromwell where you can sit and have a wide view of the Strip. Open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays the menu features a variety of Italian staples as well as elevated brunch classics. Book a table and request a table with the view!
Mr. Chow (Caesar's Palace)
There a very few Mr. Chow locations in the United States so if you are in Las Vegas splurge a little and visit Mr. Chow. It is an upscale restaurant with the service to match but the food is well worth it!
PLAY
See a Show
Usher's Vegas Residency at the Colosseum (Caesar's Palace) was the catalyst for making and for my first concert after the pandemic, the show was a real treat! I definitely recommend - the concert venue is small and intimate with enough space between seats and rows that you can have breathing room (with or without a mask). If a music concert isn't your cup of tea, there are so many shows in the area that may interest you. Book early and spend an evening enjoying your favorite entertainment.
Explore the Arts District and Container Park
A vibrant cultural hub in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, get off of the Strip and explore the galleries and public art spaces. Some areas feel like you have stepped back in the Las Vegas of the 1950s and 60s and others feel so colorfully forward. The area is walkable and there are so many great restaurants and . Try 18bin for a quick lunch or wind down dinner and sit in their courtyard eating their tasty comfort food and great drinks!
Stroll through Fremont Street
One of the top free things to do in Las Vegas is taking a stroll on Fremont Street. Think a compact Las Vegas-Style Bourbon Street with free open air concerts, a plethora of street performers, and an assortment of experiences. There is a major zipline, the Slotzilla, where you can definitely experience Las Vegas over seven to eleven stories high!
Take a Day Trip to the Nevada Side of the Grand Canyon
About two hours away from Las Vegas is the Nevada side of the Grand Canyon and if you have the time, I would definitely recommend visiting! It is majestic and will take your breath away. On the ride you also pass the Hoover Dam if you want to book a visit. You may book a tour with a company in the city or rent a car for the day to travel to the area.
Visit Seven Magic Mountains Public Art Installation
The Seven Magic Mountains art installation is a beautiful marvel of neon in the middle of the desert. It is about a 20-25 minute ride away from the Las Vegas Strip and is open and free to the public. You will want to go early to avoid a crowd and the heat (there is no shade or public facilities near the installation).
I'm so happy I explored outside of the box in Las Vegas and hopefully this list allows you to as well!
Have you visited Las Vegas? If so, what are your favorite things to do there?