Best Las Vegas attractions on and off the strip

Las Vegas, the world's entertainment capital, reigns supreme as one of the most desirable destinations for Canadians travelling in the United States. If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas, no doubt you will be spoiled for fun things to do whether you’re on a trip with friends, a romantic getaway, or a midweek trip. In fact, there are hundreds – if not thousands – of great attractions for people of all ages and tastes. To get you started, here are some of our top picks for things to do in Sin City.

It’s no surprise that immersive experiences have taken hold in Sin City. Las Vegas is the perfect place to push the boundaries of history, technology, and theatricality. Among the ongoing exhibitions, you can’t miss is The Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. This exhibition immerses you in an interactive experience that will teach you about more than 300 artifacts recovered from the wreck site of this iconic ship, as well as the dramatic story of the design, creation, launch, maiden voyage, and tragedy of the biggest and most luxurious ship of its time. You will also be able to explore full-scale re-creations of The Titanic’s rooms.
Also worth checking out is the Illuminarium Las Vegas, where your senses will be fully activated while exploring the depths of space or embarking on a wild safari in Africa. This attraction employs cutting-edge technology such as 4K interactive projections, 360° audio, floor vibrations, and scent systems to provide a cinematic experience unlike any other. Find other popular Las Vegas Exhibits.

Las Vegas isn’t a cheap destination. However, opportunities to save money can still be found. Among the attractions you will be able to score at no cost are Bellagio’s Water Show with its fountains choreographed to music. The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features five different themes. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat delights visitors with its display of flamingos and other exotic animals. The Downtown Container Park features chic retail, dining and art hangouts. Take a snapshot at the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign, which is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. If you are craving sweets, head to Hershey’s Chocolate World and M&M’s World. The Lake of Dream Show is an audiovisual show that combines colorful puppetry, an immersive soundtrack, and cutting-edge sound and lighting to create an unforgettable spectacle. Last, but not least, be mesmerized by the millions of bright led lights while strolling along the Las Vegas Strip and instagrammable Fermont Street.

Las Vegas has one-of-a-kind museums that are fascinating, and outrageous with all the extravagance – or quirkiness – that you would expect from this city. Among the options within the famous Nevada Strip are the Mob Museum, which showcases the story of organized crime and law enforcement in American society. The Neon Museum is dedicated to preserving and studying iconic Las Vegas signs from old casinos and businesses. Zak Bagans' The Haunted Museum was created by the host of Discovery Channel’s Ghost Adventures and is where you can experience the spine-chilling vibe of the spirit world. The Discovery Children’s Museum is dedicated to the educational enrichment of children and youngsters through interactive, hands-on learning.

If you're going to Vegas, you should definitely see a show. Featuring everything from Divas and acrobats to magicians, comedians, and much more, there are so many shows in Las Vegas that it's impossible to imagine seeing them all. Still, there's no doubt you'll find something that will take your breath away and add to your Vegas experience. Even if you've been to Sin City before, the constant influx of big names makes it easy to find new shows to enjoy. Popular live television shows such as America’s Got Talent and RuPaul's Drag Race, several Cirque du Soleil shows, and of course, musical concerts by top-notch musicians and bands such as Aerosmith, John Legend, Maroon 5, Katy Perry, and many others have all provided entertainment to old and new fans alike. A complete schedule of shows can be found here.

Las Vegas is a fantastic destination where the fun never stops. However, there are more places to visit outside of the city. Some nearby attractions include scenic landscapes, and plenty of nature and history. If you're visiting the city and have time to explore the surrounding areas, you shouldn't miss taking one of the many 1 or 2-day tours that are available. You can see the ancient tribal artwork at the Red Rock Canyon or learn the history and take pictures of the Grand Canyon. Also worth visiting are the sand walls of the Antelope Canyon and the Hoover Dam, which is a marvel of engineering. Other options include kayaking in the Emerald Cave, rafting down the Colorado river, or even riding an ATV in the Mojave Desert.

• Shark Reef Aquarium – Of the 14 exhibits devoted to dangerous aquatic predators, the aquarium is home to over 2,000 animals, including reptiles, exotic fish, and sharks. A fantastic attraction for families travelling with children.
• Pinball Hall of Fame – This location will undoubtedly bring back memories for both baby boomers and millennials. It is regarded as one of the best arcades in America, with hundreds of pinball machines dating from 1950 to the present. You’ll have a lot of fun nights at this pinball parlour, just like so many others have over the last few decades.
• See Las Vegas from up high – There is no better way to see the Strip and the Las Vegas skyline than from the observatory deck of the Eiffel Tower (Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino) or Stratosphere Tower (Strat Hotel and Casino). Along with spectacular views of the Las Vegas Valley, the Stratosphere Tower also features a sky jump, thrill rides 800-1000 feet above the city, a snack and drinking bar, as well as a restaurant.
• Las Vegas Motor Speedway – This premiere racing venue has a deep catalogue of year-round events, including the NASCAR race in March. If watching the action is not enough, several options are available to put you behind the wheel for some adrenaline-filled action. Drive a NASCAR-style vehicle at The Richard Petty Driving Experience. Exotic Racing has an entire fleet of exotic sports car, including Porsches, Ferraris, McLarens and Lamborghinis you can drive in a 1.9-km safe course. Or, if you are looking for more of an dirt track driving type of a thrill, feel the adrenaline rush when your Baja Off-Road truck gets airborne in one of the course’s 10-foot jumps.
• Ride in a Gondola – Many travellers crave a romantic outing along the canals of Venice. The Venetian Gondola Ride in Vegas is about as close as most Canadians will come to the Venice Canal, without travelling to Italy. The entire architecture of the resort and the Grand Canal Shoppes bear striking resemblances to their European counterparts. Two types of gondola rides are available to visitors. Indoor canal rides provide views of the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, while outdoor rides provide views of the hotel’s exterior.
  

If you're concerned about unforeseen events that could happen before or during your trip, a travel insurance plan from Allianz Global Assistance may provide peace of mind.

Allianz Global Assistance does not endorse any company or tour operator mentioned or linked to in this article.

Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators Group of Companies, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc.