13+ Iconic Things to Do for the Best Time in Las Vegas
While I sort of don’t prefer going to cities, I think Vegas is fun for anyone, honestly. It is just so over the top that it is hard not to like. The lights, the sounds, the smells, the extravagant nature of it all…it’s hard to not appreciate how much goes into this city. It’s like everything works together to transport you to a whole other world.
Every hotel has its theme and is unique to itself. Every restaurant is carefully chosen to match its location. Everything about the casinos is designed to get you lost in that world. As long as you know how to handle yourself, this is just the place to go if you want to escape the world for a little bit and just have some good fun.
For other domestic destination itineraries or things to do, click here: Domestic Destinations.
We went to Las Vegas for a total of 4 days. This was plenty of time in my opinion. We had time for shows, tourist traps, lots of restaurants, trying out different casinos, going to the pool, and even a small day trip to Red Rock Canyon. Everything is included below:
1. Flamingo: X Burlesque, Pool, RuPaul, Casino
The Flamingo Hotel is one of the older hotels to stay at, but it has everything you need and for a fraction of the cost. It is one of the cheapest options, and surprisingly for the price, you are close to pretty much everything you could want to do. Check out everything to do here: Flamingo Las Vegas.
I won’t suggest you stay here if your budget allows for better, but we knew we would rather spend our money on things like casinos, food, and drinks, so we decided to save money on the hotel. It was definitely not as nice as some of the other places, but I didn’t feel disgusting there by any means. It definitely has the worst smoke ventilation, so keep that in mind if you go here.
Flamingo is part of the Caesars group of hotels and rewards, so you do have that going for you if you venture out to other places and it will get you in for free. Flamingo is also home to X Burlesque, which is one of the shows we went to during our time in Vegas.
This burlesque show was pretty small, but it was nothing short of entertaining. It was fun to go see a show that I wouldn’t normally go see at home, and it gets you into the Vegas vibe. It is also home to RuPaul’s show, which we didn’t go see but would have been so much fun also.
Again, the casino is quite smokey and not as big as some of the other hotels, but it got easier to navigate as time went on. They have a liquor store, a few restaurants, and a couple large pools for hanging out. They even have flamingos that they feed both in the morning and at night.
2. Paris: Alexxa’s
Paris was so, so beautiful. When you walk inside, the whole ceiling looks like a blue sky with lights for stars. You just want to stare at the ceiling as you walk. But don’t, because all the restaurants and shops look like you were transported to Paris, France. I mean, heck, the whole hotel and casino is located under a massive Eiffel Tower statue. Here is the website to see all that Paris has: Paris Hotel and Casino.
We attempted to go to Mon Ami Gabi, which is an iconic restaurant at the Paris hotel, but because the line was so long, we ended up going to Alexxa’s. I’m so glad it worked out that way, because it was SO delicious. The bottomless mimosas were never empty, the food was chef’s kiss, and the price was so good for Vegas.
All the restaurants at Paris look like they would have been amazing, but I’m so glad we ended up at Alexxa’s. We got to sit outside and look up at the Eiffel Tower and people watch around us. Here is the website for Alexxa’s so you can see the menus: Alexxa’s Las Vegas.
3. Caesar’s Palace: the POOL!
My friend said this was the pool we HAD to go to for our pool day in Vegas. I didn’t quite understand it at first, but then I walked outside and immediately thought, ”Yep, this is the place.” It was grand and modern, yet ancient and classic all at the same time. They have tables for blackjack literally IN the pool. They have drinks and 7 pools and overall just a great crowd. And cabanas for rent!
The day we went was extremely windy and also a random dust storm, but we still had a great time. This was post-bottomless mimosas, so we all took a little cat nap at the pool and relaxed for the whole afternoon. Everyone at Caesar’s was there for a good time, and you can definitely tell it’s the pool to be at. They also obviously have all the normal activities and restaurants as the other hotels, but the pool is definitely the main attraction.
This pool is called the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis, and it’s definitely that. If you are staying at any of the affiliated Caesar’s hotels, you can get in for free, but you can also simply make a reservation if you are wanting to go. Adults only! Check out more information about the pool here: Caesar’s Palace Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis.
4. Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen and Bar at the Linq
This is a very random restaurant recommendation, but I’m not kidding when I say I had the best food in Vegas at Guy Fieri’s. I ordered the cedar-planked salmon with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. It was unreal. Also, the service was spectacular. It was extremely hot, and combined with drinks and being in the sun that day, we were so thirsty.
I’m not kidding, our waitress never let our water run dry. She was always on top of it, and our whole dining experience was incredible. I never thought that this would be my best recommendation for Vegas, but here we are. Click here for the menus and more information: Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen and Bar: The Linq.
5. The Cosmopolitan: Wicked Spoon Buffet at brunch!
So we were on the hunt for both a good breakfast, a good brunch, or a good lunch. We had kind of heard of Wicked Spoon, but we were really just walking around the Cosmopolitan attempting to get EggSlut. The line was extremely long, so we made our way upstairs and to Wicked Spoon. We really didn’t have any information other than that it was one of the better buffets, and it definitely delivered.
We happened to get there right at the time where we had the tail end of breakfast and the beginning of lunch – aka, we had all the food we could ever want. They have such large selections of all types of cuisines. Don’t even get me started on the massive dessert selection. I’m a dessert girl, and this was my heaven. The food was all so good, which makes it difficult on the stomach and on the mind from trying to choose.
Anyway, highly recommend checking out Wicked Spoon. The price was only $38 because we technically got there during breakfast hours! Click here to learn more about pricing and even bottomless beverage option: Wicked Spoon Cosmopolitan.
6. Criss Angel MINDFREAK at Planet Hollywood
If you grew up in the age of Criss Angel, you’ll likely understand why this is a fun show to go to. I was definitely not one of those people, but both of my friends on the trip are. When we decided to go to Vegas, their first and only request was going to see this show. Well, it did not disappoint. I truly did not know what to expect going in, but it was both a crazy and hilarious show.
It’s a magic show, and the tricks are all pretty wild, pretty scary, and pretty funny. Some were obviously better than others, but the sheer performance aspect of the show is what made it great. There was crowd work and lights and acting.
This is one of those shows that is ALWAYS happening in Vegas, which is definitely what makes it iconic. No matter how long it has already happened, it still keeps going. Click here for more information and reservations: Criss Angel MINDFREAK.
7. Red Rock Canyon: Day Trip
We debated between going to Red Rock Canyon or the Hoover Dam. We ended up deciding on Red Rock Canyon, but if you have 4 days, there is plenty of time to do either one or do both! It is good to get out of the city, see the mountains, and take a break. Red Rock Canyon is about a 30-minute drive from the strip. If you have a car, this is a great quick trip out of the city and into nature.
Red Rock Canyon has a scenic drive that is only 13 miles. It is one big loop, so it’s easy to enter the park, stop at the Visitor Center and continue on the drive all the way around. The Visitor Center is pretty large, and it has a gift shop, maps for the drive, and tons of historical information about the canyon. All along the drive, they have tons of trailheads (26!) and so this is also a great place to go on a hike.
Red Rock Canyon also has climbing, biking, and camping. There is a lot to do here, and it has a lot of historical significance that you should definitely learn about either prior to visiting or at the Visitor Center. Click here for more information and to plan your visit: Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas.
8. Cafe Lola
I first saw Cafe Lola on TikTok and I always keep a list of places I see around the world that I want to go to one day. When we decided on Las Vegas, I remembered this was on the list and knew I had to check it out. What initially got me hooked was that this is a woman- and person-of-color-owned business.
Their first location opened in 2018 and now they have other locations around Vegas. We went to the location towards Red Rock Canyon, west of the city, and they actually recently opened another location on the strip!
I was all for supporting these women, and I also thought the menu looked fabulous. The menu is full of gluten-free options, and the doughnut I got was gluten-free and vegan, and it was one of the best doughnuts I’ve ever had. Cafe Lola is colorful and fun, and it makes your visit into a whole experience. The menu is light, tasty, and varied.
They also have bottomless rose and mimosas, as well as fun craft cocktails. Cafe Lola screams girly in the best way. There are tons of picture opportunities and is a great spot to go with the girls (or drag your boyfriend along and make him take pictures of you!) Click here for more information on locations and menus: Cafe Lola Las Vegas.
9. In-n-Out
It’s not a trip to Las Vegas, or the west coast in general, without a trip to In-n-Out. This is actually the only place I’ve had In-n-Out. I know, I know, this is not a hot take. But, after drinks and expensive food and crazy experiences, sometimes a classic fast food meal is what you need. It’s cheap, it’s filling, and honestly, it’s delicious. Get animal style everything.
They have a small but mighty menu. It’s your classic burgers, fries, and shakes kind of place. If you’ve ever lived in America or been to the west coast, you already know. They have locations all around the city, but there is one right next to Flamingo and in the strip of shops by the Linq. It’s an easy, walkable place to get your In-n-Out if you’re in the market. Here is their menu if you’re somehow not familiar: In-N-Out Menu.
10. PBR Rock Bar & Grill
I don’t know how this happened, but we stumbled upon PBR Rock Bar twice during our 4 days in Las Vegas. It’s located in Planet Hollywood and there wasn’t a wait, so we decided why not? They have a classic American menu, but their drinks are the star of the show.
As of this post, they are sadly being relocated from Planet Hollywood. But be on the lookout for their new location, because they are working hard to find a good spot for their ”Country Americana” brand.
When you think of Vegas, you probably think of very crazy and very large drinks. PBR Rock Bar & Grill has all of it. They have the biggest drinks that absolutely get you sloshed if you don’t do it right. They have massive drinks to share with a group, all the classics, and some good frozen drinks too.
We enjoyed these both in the morning and late at night after MINDFREAK. For what you get, the prices are definitely fair. If you’re looking for a solid American, boozy meal or even just a place to get a massive drink, look no further. Here is their website, and you can check on when they are opening again: PBR Rock Bar & Grill.
11. Bellagio: Fountains & Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
We didn’t spend much time at the Bellagio, but we did attempt to see the fountains and also check out their Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. When we went, it wasn’t quite time for the fountains to go off, but it’s definitely something you should do if you want to see the classic sights of Vegas. The water is so blue, and it’s honestly much more massive than I was expecting.
Once inside, that’s where you will find the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. They always have a display that rotates by season. It is beautiful, and you can see all the work that goes into making these.
Take a walk around and notice all the details that go into making the displays an intricate scene. Since you’re already inside, go ahead and stop by their casino! That’s where my friend won the most on a slot machine than we did the entire rest of the trip.
12. Get a Tall, Frozen, Boozy Drink
I know, I’ve talked about alcohol a LOT. But, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, right? This is truly a city that never sleeps, and so you make the most of your time here. No matter where you walk, you’ll see signs for these classic drinks. It’s a lot like New Orleans in that way. On every corner, in every restaurant, in every casino, you’ll find these crazy drinks.
Just go ahead and order one. They have all kinds of flavors for any taste buds. We got one right outside the Flamingo, and we were able to mix flavors or do whatever combination you could want – boy were these strong. There are also other shops that have more flavors than you could even imagine wanting. If you want to be iconic Vegas, go ahead and grab one of these, because why not? Click here to read more about the entertainment at the Bellagio: Bellagio Las Vegas.
13. Cereal Killerz at Miracle Mile Shops (Planet Hollywood)
I guess we spent a lot of time at Planet Hollywood unexpectedly? This is another place that I found on TikTok and had on my list. It’s an entire cereal bar with all kinds of cereal options you can think of – a lot you’ve never even heard of, unless you’re a cereal guru. Cereal Killerz has unreal cereal milkshakes – I believe I got the Brownie Pointz milkshake and it was so good.
Their menu has so much variety I don’t even know where to start. Cereal Killerz has milkshakes, iced coffee, waffles, ice cream tacos with cereal, poptarts, and so much more. They even have a cereal challenge where you can try to eat every type of cereal in under an hour. There are currently 3 locations, but it seems like they are working to expand. Maybe they will show up in a city near you!
If you’re looking for a dessert, packed with sugar, look no further than Cereal Killerz. It is both unique and classic, and you can even stop here while shopping at the Miracle Mile Shops. Check out their website here: The Cereal Killerz.
For more things to do around the US, click here: Domestic Destinations.
For more ideas of what to do around Denver, click here: 15+ Classic and Unique Things to Do in Denver, Colorado.
Going to Nashville soon? Click here for my local ideas and things to do: Best of Nashville.
