6 Fun Things To Do in Las Vegas
Are you going to have a long layover in Las Vegas and you don’t want to spend it cooped up in the airport? Or maybe you’re like us and find yourself arriving late at night and Las Vegas is just a pitstop on your journey? Either way, there’s plenty of fun things to do when you only have a couples hours in Vegas!
Kicking off our Southwest US road trip with a brief stop in Las Vegas
1. Bellagio Fountain Show
Jeremy and I are big movie fans and the absolute number one thing we had to see while in Las Vegas was the fountain show at the Bellagio (Ocean’s 11 anyone?). We stayed at the Park MGM Casino and we were happy to find out that it was just a short (free) tram ride from the Bellagio. After checking into our hotel, we made a B-line directly to the Bellagio fountain show. At night, when we were there, the show was going every 15 minutes, so we didn’t have to wait long and it lived up to the hype! We ended up sticking around for 45 minutes to see it multiple times and each time it was different. We would love to go back during the day and see it when it’s an entirely different atmosphere.
Enjoying the fountain show at the Bellagio
2. Conservatory and Gardens at the Bellagio
Walking through the Bellagio is fun all by itself as there is so much to see and do. We stopped by the Bellagio Conservatory and found a beautiful flower show. If we had more time, we would have eaten at Sadelle’s (it looks so good!). Also, don’t forget to look up and check out the ceiling in the entrance of the Bellagio to see the beautiful art installation.
Taking a peek at the flower show at the conservatory at the Bellagio
3. Walk down The Strip
When you’re done at the Bellagio, you’re perfectly situated to take a walk down the strip. It’s fun to people watch as you walk (a great free activity). The city has made it really convenient for pedestrians so you don’t have to deal with too many traffic lights. There are pedestrian walkways that cross the street above ground and offer great views looking down the strip. With more time to kill, pop into whatever stores pique your interest - there are plenty to choose from!
Views of The Strip from a pedestrian walkway
4. Go to Eataly
Why did we stay at the Park MGM? Two reasons. First, it’s non smoking and we are very sensitive to smells, so that was a major draw for us. Second, it has EATALY! We love Italy, it has a very special place in our hearts. We would love to go back to Italy and continue exploring the country, but until then, Eataly is the next best thing.
Never heard of Eataly? It’s a magical place where you can shop for all your Italian favorites: pastas, oils, sauces, cheeses, meats, pastries and wines. If that’s not enough, there are many different restaurants and food options to choose from; from sandwiches, pastas, steaks and charcuterie boards, to pastries, coffee and gelato. There’s something to satisfy everyone!
An assortment of pastries for breakfast from Eataly
A small charcuterie board makes a great dinner from Eataly
Ending the night with the perfect gelato
5. Visit a casino
Of course, going to Vegas wouldn’t be complete without visiting a casino. Stop by any of the major casinos and pop inside for some fun. Be prepared for smoke, though, and plan ahead if that is something you’d like to avoid (hit up the Park MGM if you’re like us and can’t deal with smoke).
Playing the slots at the Park MGM Casino
6. Las Vegas Sign
On your way out of Las Vegas, if you’re heading south down Las Vegas Boulevard, you have a perfect photo op stop: The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign!
Standing off to the side of the line to get a photo without people in it, not easy!
The parking lot at this tourist attraction is small, so get there early. We got there around 8am on a Saturday and there was already a long line to take photos. People, for the most part, respected the line and waited their turn. There was even someone there to help take photos of you, which was great! There are places for tour buses to park, so this attraction can get really busy! Our best tip is to get there early and be patient.
Have more time to kill in Las Vegas?
Here are some things we’d like to do on our next visit:
Catch a show!
Ride the High Roller ferris wheel
Explore more casinos (the Venetian looks fun!)
Visit the Pinball Hall of Fame
Go to the Neon Museum and see vintage neon signs
What would you do with a few hours in Vegas?
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