We all know Las Vegas comes alive at night, thanks to its lively nightlife and casinos. But even so, during the day there is plenty to do in Vegas too. So forget about sleeping until dusk, even if you’re hurting a little from the night before. There’s no excuse for skipping these things to do in Las Vegas during the day.
Forum shops | Flickr CC: Daniel Ramirez
1. Go shopping
Some of the best malls in America are found in Las Vegas, so put on some comfy shoes and set out on a shopping spree. The Fashion Show Mall is one of the most famous, but the Forum Shops at Caesars is pretty picturesque and photo-worthy. If discounts are more your thing, then check out Las Vegas North Premium Outlet Mall to get reduced prices on all kinds of designer stuff.
Paris | Flickr CC: Sean MacEntee
2. Enjoy a coffee in Paris
OK, so it’s not the real Paris (France), but it’s as close as you’ll get without booking an extra flight. The Paris hotel has a beautiful lobby, complete with streets designed and set out to look and feel just like Paris, France. Head out one morning and grab a coffee in one of the French coffee shops – you might just forget what side of the Atlantic you’re on.
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Mob Museum | Flickr CC:
3. Visit the Mob Museum
If you want to find out more about the city’s fascinating history—and fancy a chance to get out of the daytime heat—head to the Mob Museum. Here, you’ll see the original firing wall from Capone’s St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, and learn how the Vegas mob scene links ups with syndicates in other cities such as Chicago, New York and Havana.
Photo courtesy of the Neon Museum
4. Visit the Neon Museum
This is an incredible outdoor museum in downtown Las Vegas, located just off the Strip. The Neon Museum holds some of the city’s vintage neon signage, preserved and displayed so you can see what Las Vegas used to be like back in the day. The museum offers a guided tour, which is really informative, and you’ll have plenty of stops along the way for photos.
Stratosphere | Flickr CC: Yortw
5. Get that adrenaline pumping
There are four (yes four!) thrill rides at the top of the Stratosphere Tower towards the end of Las Vegas Strip. Challenge yourself and see how many you dare to do! What is there to choose from? Well, you have the SkyJump, the Big Shot drop tower, the X Scream roller coaster and Insanity – and all of them are guaranteed to get your pulse racing. Oh and if you were wondering, the tower is a whopping 1,149-foot-high. Yikes!
6. Do a lunchtime buffet
Almost all the hotels in Las Vegas have buffets, but the best are probably found in The Wynn, The Bellagio and The Aria. The buffets are pretty pricey in the evening, but during off-peak hours and lunchtime, the price can be reduced by $10–$20. So grab your bib, skip the evening lines and fill up on tasty eats from around the world.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
7. A day-trip to the Grand Canyon
There are some seriously noteworthy tours and day-trips that leave out of Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon is one of the best. It’s among America’s most photogenic and amazing natural wonders and, being so close, it’d be a shame to miss it. Tours can range from anywhere between $70 – $600, and you can explore via helicopter, motor coach or on your own two feet.
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8. Take in a matinee performance
Not all theaters in Las Vegas offer matinee performances, but some do! These afternoon performances usually begin at around 2pm, making them an ideal way to spend an afternoon and beat that Vegas heat for a while.
9. Visit the Hoover Dam
Almost as iconic as the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam is an unforgettable feat of engineering. You can get there by bus or car (or taxi) in less than an hour, making it a pretty easy (and quick) day trip from the city—even if you’re tight on time. If you’ve never been before and you’re interested inseeing something so breathtaking – it’s certainly worth the trip.
10. Relax in your hotel resort
Most Las Vegas hotels have pool complexes to enjoy, so why not kick back, relax and enjoy that hot Vegas sun? If you’re feeling a little more adventurous you could book yourself into one of the many pool parties that happen in the city during the day, or pool-hop your way down the Strip!