Best things to do in Las Vegas if you’re not a gambler
Known as the gambling capital of the world, the city of Las Vegas is more than just a place to try your luck at winning big. If you’re not a gambler, there are so many other opportunities to indulge your interests. Regardless of whether you’re a nostalgia buff, a music enthusiast, or a foodie, you’ll find something that appeals to your sense of fun.
We have selected hotels, restaurants and activities for 10 different personalities that we hope will inspire your next trip to Las Vegas.
The nostalgia buff
Experience a taste of old school Vegas at the Neon Museum — Photo courtesy of Neon Museum Las Vegas
Book a reservation at Mayfair Supper Club, a continuous dinner show that is set against the backdrop of the Bellagio Fountain, and you’ll soon understand why supper clubs have become as trendy as speakeasies. Speaking of speakeasies, visit the Mob Museum for a glimpse of Sin City’s storied past. Nestled in the basement is a speakeasy, which harks back to the Prohibition era, and you can also take a distillery tour which includes samples of moonshine that is made in-house. Also take a trip to the Neon Museum, which displays iconic Las Vegas signs and gives a view into the history of this colorful city.
Open since 1906, the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino is the oldest hotel in Las Vegas. Located under the lights of the Fremont Street Experience, this hotel is about as retro as you can get. If you’re craving a meal fit for the King, visit Golden Steer Steakhouse, where you can sit in the same red leather banquettes that were occupied by celebrities of yesteryear, including Elvis, Frank Sinatra and Muhammad Ali. Have a drink at Atomic Liquors, which is Las Vegas’ first free-standing bar that welcomed the likes of the Rat Pack, Barbra Streisand and Clint Eastwood.
The culture vulture
Visit the Downtown Container Park for art that’s truly unique — Photo courtesy of Downtown Container Park
What better place to soak up some culture than at the Bellagio, which is inspired by the villages of Europe and overlooks a lake with fountains that perform a choreographed dance every 30 minutes. The resort is also home to the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, which presents rotating exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and works on paper. While you’re at the Bellagio, stroll through the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, which recreates itself every season with themes that showcase nature in all of its glory.
The Downtown Arts District is filled with art galleries, antique shops, restaurants and performance spaces, and its creative energy is abundant. Visit on First Friday, a free monthly celebration of local artists, makers and musicians. Located not too far away, the Downtown Container Park is also worth a visit. You’ll find shops and restaurants that are housed in old shipping containers and enjoy live music on select days. While you’re there, stop at Oak & Ivy for creative craft cocktails and friendly bartenders who will make you feel right at home.
The wellness warrior
ARIA Resort & Casino is an excellent option for the wellness warrior — Photo courtesy of ARIA Resort & Casino
ARIA Resort & Casino’s Stay Well Premier rooms provide guests with an extra layer of protection. Amenities such as a shower infuser that reduces chlorine, air purification, and the use of nontoxic cleaning products are a nice touch. Consider Crossroads Kitchen at Resorts World for your vegan fine dining option, and Tacotarian or VegeNation for more casual vegan options. For fresh and healthy dishes in a casual poolside setting, Overlook Grill at The Cosmopolitan is always a great choice.
Anyone who’s interested in maintaining their physical and mental well-being should immediately book a spa service at Waldorf Astoria. With treatment names like “Karmic Happiness Ritual” and “State of Equilibrium,” you’ll be transported to another realm. When you have returned to reality, you can enjoy views of the Strip as you soak in the hot pool or recline in a heated lounger at Waldorf’s spa. The Waldorf Astoria, Park MGM and The Cosmopolitan all offer poolside yoga, or you can venture to local outdoor recreation spots, such as Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area or Valley of Fire.
The music enthusiast
Life is Beautiful is one of the many music festivals in Las Vegas — Photo courtesy of Life is Beautiful Music & Art Festival
At Planet Hollywood, each room gives off glamorous vibes, and you’ll party like a celebrity at Heart Bar. Legendary musicians such as John Legend, Shania Twain and Pitbull have performed at the Zappos Theater, and you can enjoy your favorite tunes at Extra Lounge, a place where you can be a bit extra while you seek out celebrities. Other hotels with desirable residencies include Resorts World, Virgin Las Vegas and Park MGM, which is also home to On the Record, a secluded music-themed nightclub.
If you’d like to check out the local music scene, head to Brooklyn Bowl at the LINQ, where you can simultaneously bowl and watch a show. SoulBelly BBQ in the Arts District also often hosts local bands, and the Sand Dollar Lounge hosts blues bands at both of its Las Vegas locations. The city is also the home of several music festivals, including Life is Beautiful in mid-September. The Electric Daisy Carnival is held in May every year and is a celebration of electronic music.
The adrenaline junkie
Check an item off your bucket list in this Cirrus SR22 plane — Photo courtesy of All in Aviation
The LINQ Hotel is the place to be if you’re a fan of an adrenaline rush. LINQ is helmed by the High Roller observation wheel, which at 550 feet tall is the largest observation wheel in North America. Or you can fly over 1,000 feet above the ground on Fly LINQ Zipline, which has 10 side-by-side zip lines. Head to The STRAT Hotel & Casino, where you can choose from one of the 1,149-foot SkyPod’s thrill rides – including a roller coaster and Big Shot, which catapults you to a height of 1,081 feet at 45 miles per hour.
While you’re in Las Vegas, you can check an item off your bucket list with All in Aviation, which offers flight lessons and airplane rentals in nearby Henderson. Whether you want to cruise over local destinations like Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam or take a longer trip to the Grand Canyon or Zion National Park, you’ll be able to fly the plane yourself with expert guidance from one of their instructors.
If you’d rather leave it up to the professionals, take a ride with Maverick Helicopters, which lets you enjoy stunning views of the Strip or longer trips to the Grand Canyon.
The foodie
Sample a variety of cuisines with Finger Licking Foodie Tours — Photo courtesy of Finger Licking Foodie Tours
Whether you’re in the mood for a decadent meal at a classic restaurant or want to try something more cutting edge, Las Vegas has you covered. One of the best ways to explore the food scene here is a self-guided tour with Finger Licking Foodie Tours, which offers a variety of tours all over the city – from the Strip to Chinatown to the Downtown Arts District.
Las Vegas has evolved into a serious dining destination, with many celebrity chefs setting up shop both on and off the Strip. One of the more recent additions is Best Friend, chef Roy Choi’s restaurant that combines his Los Angeles Kogi truck delicacies with a touch of Vegas cool. If you stay at Park MGM, you’ll have access to both Best Friend and Eataly, the illustrious Italian marketplace.
Visit Spago at the Bellagio for fine dining at its best, or Mott 32 at The Venetian, where you can preorder one of their most coveted dishes, the Applewood Roasted 42 Days Peking Duck.
The techie
If you’re a techie, you’ll appreciate Resorts World — Photo courtesy of Resorts World Las Vegas
If you identify as a techie, then you must stay at Resorts World, which opened in 2021 and is home to the world’s largest LED globe. Visit the Conrad lobby at Resorts World, and you’ll be greeted by three robotic puppies: Elvis, Sinatra and Stardust. Also check out the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop, home to a fleet of underground Teslas that travel by tunnel between Resorts World and the Las Vegas Convention Center.
In the mood for a cocktail made by a robot? Order one at The Tipsy Robot at the Miracle Mile Shops, and you’ll watch it dance, shake and pour your custom-made concoction.
For the ultimate in immersive art experiences, AREA15 has it all. From the world-famous Omega Mart to the psychedelic Museum Fiasco and the out-of-this-world Illuminarium, you won’t be at a loss for things to do here. At The Cosmopolitan lobby, just try to look away from the digital art, where a curated library is displayed on eight 15-foot digital columns and creates a living narrative that incorporates poetic interpretations of life’s travels.
The social butterfly
Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan is the perfect spot for social butterflies — Photo courtesy of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
There couldn’t be a more fitting choice for a social butterfly than The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, which is a hub of activity both day and night. The three-story crystal-ensconced Chandelier Bar is often the center of it all; a place to see and be seen as you sip your cocktail in style.
Make new friends at The Cosmopolitan’s Marquee Dayclub, one of the most popular pool parties in Las Vegas. For late night bites, visit Superfrico, where you’ll savor food classified as “Italian American Psychedelic.” Located within Superfrico is Ski Lodge, a speakeasy that was inspired by the world’s coziest aprés-ski bars. Or visit one of the city’s many other stylish speakeasies. The Cosmopolitan alone has four – besides Ski Lodge, there’s also Ghost Donkey, Beauty & Essex, and The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails.
Venture over to Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den at Resorts World, where you’ll find a speakeasy tucked inside the Famous Foods Street Eats food hall. For a more retro vibe, a reservation at The Laundry Room speakeasy is highly coveted and doesn’t disappoint.
The sports nut
Allegiant Stadium is home to the Las Vegas Raiders — Photo courtesy of Allegiant Stadium
Even if you’re not a gambler, you’ll be thrilled by the action at the Caesars Race & Sportsbook at Caesars Palace. Cheer on your favorite team as you’re surrounded by fellow sports fans – the energy is contagious. Beer Park near Paris Hotel & Casino sprawls over a 9,000-square-foot outdoor deck and is host to ESPN’s “SportsCenter.” It evokes the feeling of a classic baseball stadium and invites you to play games like pool, darts and giant Jenga.
The Front Yard Beer Garden at Ellis Island is a great spot for game day tailgating and offers game day specials with viewing parties all year long. Allegiant Stadium is home to the Las Vegas Raiders and the University of Nevada Las Vegas Rebels college football team. This state-of-the-art venue also offers stadium tours, where you can go behind the scenes.
College basketball fans take over Las Vegas during March Madness, where they root on their favorite teams from virtually any place with a TV screen. The T-Mobile Arena often hosts sporting events like UFC, boxing, basketball and hockey with the Vegas Golden Knights.
The solo traveler
Make yourself at home in one of Vdara’s suites — Photo courtesy of MGM Resorts International
Celebrate your decision to travel solo with a stay at the luxurious non-gaming Vdara Hotel & Spa, where you’ll enjoy a suite that is both spacious and secluded. You can even bring your best four-legged friend, as Vdara offers special suites designed for you and your pet. Each of Vdara’s modern suites also includes a kitchenette. If you’re feeling social, head over to Fergusons Downtown, a community collective that is very welcoming.
Dine at Peyote, and you’ll enjoy an array of mouthwatering dishes served amidst a Palm Springs vibe. Don’t Tell Comedy at Fergusons presents monthly comedy shows under the stars, and the Mavericks Show at Cheapshot Showroom is a great spot to make new friends in an inclusive atmosphere, all while enjoying a combination burlesque and variety show.
Craving solitude? Visit the Springs Preserve which is about a 15-minute drive from the Strip. Explore a butterfly habitat, visit the Sustainability Gallery & Nature Exchange and hike across 3.5 miles of trails.
