Things to do in Vegas: smart itineraries, casinos, shows, cocktails, nature escapes, and practical tips to save time.

Las Vegas is pure adrenaline, with iconic shows and nights that never feel ordinary. Accor’s new addition, the Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, adds extra sparkle at the heart of the action, with classic casino energy and a front-row seat to the city’s nonstop vibe. Book your stay and enjoy every moment!

Things to Do in Las Vegas Beyond the Strip

Beyond the Strip, Las Vegas gets more local and a lot more surprising. Spend an afternoon in the Arts District for galleries, murals, vintage shops, and breweries, then catch golden hour at Red Rock Canyon for an easy scenic drive or a hike with wide-open desert views. After dark, the Neon Museum is a must for classic Vegas history in the open air. For a different vibe, head to Chinatown for late-night eats, desserts, and karaoke. If you want a quick reset, Springs Preserve adds gardens, trails, and museum spaces that feel worlds away from the casino lights.

Pick Your Pace: First-Time Visitors, Repeat Trips, and Short Stays

Need a hand planning your Vegas adventure? We’ve tailored these tips to match your travel style, ensuring you hit all the right notes whether it’s your very first visit, a return trip to your favorite spots, or a whirlwind 24-hour stay.

  • First-time in Vegas (2–3 days): start with a Strip walk, one headline show, and a classic casino night. Use Treasure Island as an easy home base to keep everything close and stress-free.

  • Repeat trip (3–5 days): mix in the Arts District, Chinatown dining, and a night at the Neon Museum. Add Red Rock Canyon for a desert reset between late nights.

  • Short stay (24–36 hours): one must-see show, one standout meal, and a late-night lounge or casino session. Keep mornings simple with a quick pool break or coffee, then head out fast.

Extra tip: plan one “anchor” moment per day, then stay flexible. Vegas rewards spontaneity.

Casinos in Las Vegas

From first-timer favorites to nightlife hubs and show-heavy resorts, Vegas casinos double as full-on entertainment districts. Pick one or two “anchor” properties each day, then casino-hop on foot or by quick rides to keep the energy high and the schedule easy.

Best Casinos for First-Time Visitors

Start where everything feels instantly “Vegas.” The Bellagio fountains and conservatory set the tone, Caesars Palace delivers classic spectacle, and The Venetian adds canals, big dining, and a polished vibe. For a straightforward, high-energy option with a prime location, Treasure Island keeps you close to the action without overcomplicating the plan.

Casinos in Las Vegas for Shows and Entertainment

If your priority is a packed night, choose casinos built around headline venues. MGM Grand and Park MGM give you major concert access, while Resorts World bundles multiple stages and a modern lineup under one roof. Wynn and Encore lean upscale with polished productions and lounges. Treasure Island is also a solid pick for an easy, central base when your evening revolves around a show, dinner, and a fast return to the casino floor.

Best Casinos for Nightlife

For club-focused nights, look at Omnia at Caesars Palace and XS at Wynn, both known for big-room energy and top-tier DJs. The Cosmopolitan is a strong all-around nightlife pick with bars that stay lively late, plus a social casino vibe. If you prefer something a bit simpler, start at Treasure Island for pre-game drinks and casino energy, then move to a marquee club nearby to close out the night.

Best Casinos for a Classic Vegas Experience

For old-school glamour, Caesars Palace and Flamingo bring heritage, bold architecture, and that “been here forever” feeling. Bellagio adds timeless elegance, while Treasure Island delivers a more traditional casino-night rhythm that’s easy to drop into, especially if you want table games, casual drinks, and a lively floor without turning the evening into a production. For the true vintage touch, spend an hour downtown on Fremont Street.

Best Casinos for Views and Photo Spots

Bellagio is the easy win for fountains and interior garden shots, while The Venetian Grand Canal area delivers postcard angles day or night. For skyline vibes, head to resorts with tall terraces or nearby observation points, then loop back for golden-hour photos along the Strip. Treasure Island is well positioned for quick photo runs, especially if you want to capture the Strip’s lights without crossing half the city between stops.

Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting Without Gambling?

Yes! Las Vegas is built for entertainment first, gambling optional. You can spend days on headline shows, food halls and celebrity-chef dining, rooftop views, pool scenes, spas, and wild people-watching. Go beyond the Strip for the Arts District, the Neon Museum, and late-night bites in Chinatown. Nature is close, too: Red Rock Canyon is perfect for a scenic drive or hike. If you’re staying at Treasure Island, you’re still in the center of it all, even if you never touch a slot machine.

Beyond the Strip in a Way That Still Feels “Vegas”

Vegas doesn’t stop at the Boulevard. Just a few minutes out, you’ll find neon nostalgia, creative neighborhoods, late-night food scenes, and desert landscapes that look unreal at sunset. It’s still bold, still glossy, just with more breathing room and fewer crowds between moments.

Arts District galleries, vintage shops, and breweries

The Arts District is where Vegas goes indie. Pop into small galleries and studios, hunt for vintage finds and quirky souvenirs, and follow the murals street by street. The neighborhood is walkable, easy for an afternoon crawl, and packed with breweries and casual bars that feel laid-back but still lively. Go earlier for browsing, then stay into the evening when patios fill up and the whole area shifts into night mode.

Immersive venues and big-ticket spectacles: what’s actually worth it

If you’re choosing one splurge, prioritize what feels uniquely Vegas: a top-tier residency, a signature Cirque-style production, or a next-level immersive venue with full-sensory visuals. Skip overpriced “tourist trap” add-ons that don’t change the experience, like rushed VIP upgrades or mediocre bundle tickets. Book the must-see early, then leave room for spontaneity. One major show night plus one immersive experience is usually the sweet spot.

Food-Led Vegas: The Easiest Upgrade to Any Trip

In Vegas, meals are part of the main event. One great reservation can set the tone for the whole night, and the variety is unreal: tasting menus, food halls, and late-night comfort staples. Plan one “big” dinner, then keep the rest flexible for spontaneous cravings.

Chef counters, global eats, and late-night classics

Book one chef-led “anchor” meal, then keep the rest casual. At Treasure Island, go for Phil’s Steak House for a classic steak night, The Coffee Shop for comfort-food breakfasts and easy late bites, Pizzeria Francesco’s for quick slices, and Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que for BBQ with a fun, rowdy vibe. For global flavors, Chinatown is still the move after dark.

Best restaurants in Las Vegas for first-timers

Do one iconic Strip dinner, one convenient casino meal, and one off-Strip flavor run. If you’re staying at Treasure Island, Phil’s Steak House is an easy “first big dinner” choice, and The Coffee Shop covers breakfast and no-planning-needed meals. Add a Chinatown stop for late-night noodles, dim sum, or dessert, then call it a win.

Desert Nature

Las Vegas is surrounded by desert scenery that feels cinematic, even on a short schedule. Red Rock Canyon is the easiest reset: a scenic loop, quick hikes, and sunset views just minutes from the Strip by car. Valley of Fire brings surreal red formations and wide-open landscapes made for photos. For cooler air and pine trees, Mount Charleston is a quick escape in summer. Bring water, wear sunscreen, and plan early mornings or late afternoons, when the heat is lower and the light is better.

Day Trips from Las Vegas You Can Actually Finish

If you want to explore beyond Las Vegas, there are great day-trip options nearby.

  • Red Rock Canyon (30–45 min each way): scenic loop drive, short hikes, sunset viewpoints.

  • Hoover Dam + Boulder City (35–45 min each way): dam walkways, museum stops, easy lunch town.

  • Valley of Fire State Park (about 1 hour each way): red-rock landscapes, quick trails, epic photo pulls.

How to Get Around Las Vegas

The Strip is walkable in chunks, but distances add up fast. Use rideshares or taxis for quick hops, especially at night. The Las Vegas Monorail helps if you’re moving along the east side of the Strip. For short trips nearby, buses can work, but they’re slower. If you’re planning Red Rock or Valley of Fire, renting a car is the easiest option.

Where to Stay, When to Book, and What to Reserve Early

Pick a central Strip base if you want less commuting. Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas keeps you close to the action, with an outdoor pool and cabanas (DJ vibe), plus on-site dining like Phil’s Steak House and Gilley’s Bar-B-Que for easy nights.

Book earlier for weekends, holidays, major events, and big fight/show dates. Try to reserve early: must-see shows, one “anchor” dinner, and pool cabanas or daybeds if you want guaranteed space.

Las Vegas Itinerary Ideas

Whether you have a weekend to spare or a full week to explore, the key to a great Vegas trip is balancing the neon-lit chaos with moments of real relaxation. Choose an itinerary that matches your energy level and use these curated plans to navigate the city like a pro:

2 Days: The Strip Essentials

  • Day 1: check in at Treasure Island, walk to the Bellagio Fountains, and enjoy a classic steak dinner at Phil’s Steak House. End the night with the high-energy Mystère by Cirque du Soleil.

  • Day 2: spend a lazy morning by the tropical pool. In the afternoon, head to The Venetian for canals and shopping, then hit the casino floor for a late-night session before departure.

3 Days: Glitter and Culture

  • Day 1: explore the Mid-Strip landmarks and enjoy the neon lights.

  • Day 2: head to the Arts District for vintage shopping and local breweries. In the evening, visit the Neon Museum to see the city's history in glowing glass.

  • Day 3: take a morning drive to Red Rock Canyon for desert views. Return for a celebratory dinner in Chinatown and a final night of lounge music or slots.

5 Days: The Ultimate Vegas Experience

  • Day 1-2: follow the 2-day essentials.

  • Day 3: day trip to the Hoover Dam and Boulder City.

  • Day 4: indulge in a "Spa Day" at Treasure Island followed by a world-class residency show at a neighboring resort.

  • Day 5: exploration day—visit the Valley of Fire State Park and return for a farewell BBQ dinner at Gilley’s Saloon.

Longer Trips (6–15 days):


The Southwest Hub Use Las Vegas as your luxury base camp. Spend your first week hitting every major show and celebrity restaurant. Use the second week for longer excursions to the Grand Canyon (West or South Rim) or Zion National Park, returning to the comfort of your hotel for recovery days by the pool and spa.

What to Expect: Amenities at Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas

When you choose an Accor-partnered property, the best of the city is always within reach. At Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas, you’ll find a perfect blend of high-energy entertainment and essential comforts, ensuring every part of your stay feels like a win.

  • Las Vegas Strip Access: a prime location with a pedestrian bridge connecting you to the best shopping and sights.

  • Cirque du Soleil Mystère: enjoy the original, must-see Las Vegas production right on-site.

  • Live Casino Games: from high-stakes poker to the latest slot machines, the energy of the floor never stops.

  • Outdoor Tropical Pool: relax in a cabana or daybed surrounded by palm trees and a vibrant DJ-led atmosphere.

  • World-Class Spa & Salon: rejuvenate with a massage or a full glam session before a big night out.

Las Vegas Wedding: Say "I Do" in Style

Las Vegas remains the world’s wedding capital, and for good reason. Whether you want a traditional, elegant ceremony or a quirky, fast-paced "Vegas-style" chapel event, the city handles it all with flair. At Treasure Island, wedding planners can help you coordinate everything from intimate chapel vows to grand receptions. Imagine saying your vows with the neon lights of the Strip as your backdrop, followed by a world-class dinner and a night of celebration—all without leaving your hotel.

Find your luck in Las Vegas with Accor

Ready to experience the neon capital of the world? Whether you’re here for the jackpot, the shows, or the desert sun, Accor provides the perfect gateway to the desert’s most famous oasis.

Book your stay at Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino today and start earning points with ALL - Accor Live Limitless. Your extraordinary Vegas story starts here.

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