Things to do in Downtown Las Vegas

Published: July 18, 2024
The 'Welcome to Fabulous Downtown Las Vegas' sign at night

Seeking a little respite from the non-stop sensory assault that is the Las Vegas Strip? Then Downtown may be for you. The city’s historic heart promises much the same in terms of top-flight dining, high-stakes casinos and flashing neon signs, but is a much more laid back affair, with street eats, free live shows and an artsy enclave that feels more NYC than Vegas Strip. There are stacks of things of things to do in Downtown Las Vegas, too, and we’ve put together a few of our favorites below, including:

  • Fremont Street Experience
  • Golden Nugget casino
  • Mob Museum
  • Container Park
  • SlotZilla Zipline
  • Neon Museum
  • Las Vegas Arts District

Fremont Street Tour

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A tour of historic Fremont Street is hands-down the best way to find your bearings on your first visit to Downtown Las Vegas (and a great way to discover things to do on Fremont Street once the tour is over). During the tour you’ll follow in the footsteps of the first settlers, see where the Rat Pack used to hang out and learn about Sin City’s past links to organized crime. Your guide will also point out old-school Downtown icons like the Golden Nugget casino and Neonopolis wedding chapel, where you can – should you so desire – be married by Elvis and Gene Simmons impersonators. You’ll also discover the iconic Main Street Station hotel and casino which promises, among its many treasures, chandeliers from the Coca-Cola building in Texas and the Figaro Opera House in Paris, and a section of the Berlin Wall in the, um, gentlemen’s conveniences.

Fremont Street Experience

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The undisputed highlight of the Fremont Street Experience is its absolutely humongous vaulted canopy. At 1,500 feet in length (that’s about four blocks or five football pitches, fact fans) and containing nearly 50 million LED lights, this unashamedly decadent wraparound video screen is the world’s largest. Grab a drink at one of the many bars in this (mostly) pedestrianized part of town and settle in for the mesmerizing light shows that burst out of the big screen every hour. There’s also free live music across three stages here, starting at 6pm every single evening.

The Golden Nugget

You’ll recognize The Golden Nugget from its cameos in dozens of Hollywood flicks down the years, perhaps most notably Bond classic Diamonds are Forever and Elvis fave (yup, you guessed it) Viva Las Vegas. Enter beneath the iconic neon sign and check out the huge Hand of Faith nugget on display in the lobby before trying your luck at the roulette and blackjack tables or just grabbing a cocktail and soaking up the distinctly old-school vibes of this, Las Vegas’s oldest large casino.

SlotZilla Zipline

From high stakes to high wires, the SlotZilla Zipline is pure Vegas, with an 11-story launch deck that’s designed to look like a giant slot machine, complete with cascading coins and a pair of 35-foot showgirls. Incurable thrill-seekers can fly, Superman-style, along the epic (and appropriately named) Superhero-Zoom, which traverses the length of the Fremont Street Experience. The Zip-Zilla is a somewhat less frightening half-length option that flies a little lower and allows you to travel in an upright seated position, for those not feeling quite so dare-devilish.

The Mob Museum

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Practise your best Al Capone impersonations on a visit to the quite excellent Mob Museum, with its plethora of interactive exhibits that chart the history of organized crime in the US, with a focus on mob activity in Las Vegas. See if you can hit the target in the firearms training simulator and visit the rogues’ gallery charting over a century of made men. There’s even an underground speakeasy here serving Prohibition-inspired cocktails to thirsty visitors. Enter via the secret door by the parking lot, but watch out for shady-looking gentlemen in fedoras and pinstripe suits!

Container Park

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A giant metal mantis with flaming antennae and an ear-shattering sound system marks the somewhat apocalyptic entrance to the Container Park, a Downtown shopping and entertainment mecca built out of old shipping containers. It’s a pretty cool hangout, with a little something for people of old ages: there are independent boutiques, bars and live music for the grown-ups, while a huge slide and water-play area in the central courtyard keeps the kids happy.

The Neon Museum

This huge outdoor museum preserves and exhibits that most Las Vegas of art forms: the neon sign. It’s a kind of retirement home for neon signs, giving these masterpieces of the Nevada skyline a second lease of life as part of a major tourist attraction. This is where you’ll find classic old-school signage including sparkling examples from the Stardust, Sassy Sally’s, Lucky Cuss Motel and the Hard Rock Cafe. We recommend visiting the Neon Boneyard at sundown for the most Instagrammable photo opportunities, when the signs are lit up against the fiery desert sky in all their technicolor glory.

SkyPod at the Strat

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Ok ok, so it’s not strictly part of Downtown, but it does command some of the best views of Fremont Street you’ll find anywhere in the city, so we say it counts! Another bonus is that this is one attraction you really can’t miss: just look for the skyscraping observation tower south of Downtown in the direction of the Strip; it's only the second-tallest of its kind in the entire Western Hemisphere! And, should your nerves be able to withstand the head-spinning super-speed elevator ride up to the 108th floor, there are plenty of attractions up here, nearly 1,000 feet above the Strip, to keep adrenaline-seekers occupied for hours. Board the aptly-named Insanity ride, a giant metal claw that dangles (and spins) its victims passengers over the edge of the building and into thin air. Or get even higher on the Big Shot, the vertical drop ride that goes up (and down) the tower’s needle, reaching a gut-churning height of 1,081 feet. Eek, eek and, furthermore, eeeeeeeeeek!

Save on attractions in Las Vegas

Save on admission to Las Vegas attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Vegas High Roller or Eiffel Tower: Which Experience Shines?

Welcome to the View-Off: High Roller Wheel vs. Eiffel Tower Experience!  So you’re making tracks to Las Vegas, and the city’s views are calling your name. Now you face the real challenge—should you hop aboard the High Roller Observation Wheel, or will the Eiffel Tower Experience win your heart? We’re breaking down both iconic attractions so you’ll know exactly which sky-high adventure matches your Vegas mood. From dizzying heights and Insta-worthy photo ops to which family member is likely to have the most fun, we’re dishing up the details as only Vegas can.  The lowdown  High Roller Observation Wheel:  Stands 550 feet tall on the LINQ Promenade, dazzling the Strip with its colorful lights.  30-minute rides with 360-degree enclosed cabins (perfect for all weather).  Views of the entire Strip, distant desert skyline and mountains.  “Happy Half Hour” cabins with open bar.  Family-friendly in the daytime, party energy at night.  Eiffel Tower Experience:  Half-scale replica at Paris Las Vegas, 46 stories above the Strip (about 460 feet tall).  Glass elevator and open-air viewing deck for panoramic photos.  Romantic nighttime ambiance with twinkling lights and Bellagio Fountain views.  Parisian feel with French-themed décor throughout.  Sounds good, tell me more...  Okay, so which one is most impressive?  It all comes down to what “impressive” means to you. The High Roller pulls out all the stops with its towering height and futuristic pods, dominating the skyline and lighting up the night like a Ferris wheel from the future. Its sheer size blows minds and makes heads turn, especially when the full-color light show kicks into gear at sunset.  The Eiffel Tower Experience wins points for history, detail, and ambiance. The latticework is true to Parisian engineering and the ambiance delivers Paris-in-the-desert vibes; nothing in Vegas comes close for pure old-world charm. Watching the Strip from above through crisscrossed steel, with the Bellagio Fountains bursting below, is like stepping into a movie scene.  Vegas loves drama, and both attractions deliver, but in different flavors: the High Roller impresses with scale and spectacle; the Eiffel Tower charms with ambiance, romance, and that unbeatable Parisian twist.  Which one is more fun?  Fun in Vegas comes in many forms. The High Roller is built for a good time, especially with those “Happy Half Hour” cabins. Imagine riding above the strip, drink in hand, surrounded by a group of new friends—or your own crew—sharing jokes while gazing at the endless parade of neon lights. Families and friends can sprawl out in climate-controlled cabins, with everyone glued to the glass walls, spotting landmarks from all angles.  Eiffel Tower Experience leans into a different kind of fun. Here, it’s about the shared “wow” moment as you step onto the open-air deck. With fewer crowds than the High Roller, it’s perfect for those loving a slower pace. Grabbing a selfie with the Strip or the Bellagio Fountains in the background is a memory in itself. For couples, it’s pure romance; for solo travelers, the sense of adventure is just as real.  If your idea of fun leans towards lively crowds, cocktails, and a party vibe, the High Roller is your spot. If you’re after European romance and a dash of classic elegance, Eiffel Tower Experience takes the prize.  Which is more beautiful?  Beauty is subjective, but let’s dish out the facts. The High Roller Observation Wheel delivers city-wide views from a cozy, glass-walled pod, while the ever-changing LED lights outside turn the wheel itself into a feast for the eyes. The sight of the Strip’s lights sprawling in every direction—plus distant mountain silhouettes—makes every spin a visual treat.  Meanwhile, the Eiffel Tower’s open-air deck gives you more than views, it frames your photos with unmistakable steelwork and Parisian details. The sense of height is a bit more real here, thanks to the wind on your face and the city sounds far below. The best part? Looking westward for front-row seats to the Bellagio’s water show, fountains firing under the desert sky.  Both attractions know how to show off, but if you love polished, high-tech beauty, High Roller shines. For moody, romantic, and delightfully atmospheric, Eiffel Tower wins.  Which has the better view?  Choosing the “best” view depends on what you want to see.  High Roller: Here, you’re fully surrounded by Vegas. Each pod moves with a slow, steady grace, never rushed. You see up and down the Strip, the mountains, the nearby airport with its glimmering runways, and a cross-section of hotels and people below. Come at dusk for golden hour magic, or later for endless city lights.  Eiffel Tower: You get a slightly lower perch but a unique angle. The west-facing deck means the Bellagio Fountains are the view’s main event, especially at night when the show pairs with music and lights. You’ll see the Strip in all directions, framed by a classic Paris tower, with a lighter breeze and a bit more open air.  If you want to see all of Vegas, go High Roller. If your dream shot is the Bellagio Fountains from above, Eiffel Tower it is.  How do I get there?  High Roller:  Located at The LINQ Promenade, center Strip.  By monorail: Disembark at the Harrah’s/The LINQ station.  By bus: Strip & Spring Mountain bus stop, then a quick walk.  By car: Paid parking available at The LINQ.  On foot: It’s an easy walk from the Flamingo, Harrah’s, or Caesars Palace.  Eiffel Tower Experience:  Situated within Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, mid-Strip.  By monorail: Paris/Bally’s station is the closest—exit and follow signs through the casino.  By bus: Belt out at the Paris stop; the Eiffel Tower is impossible to miss.  On foot: Beautiful stroll from Bellagio, Planet Hollywood, or Bally’s, with plenty of sidewalk excitement.  Best choice for families, couples or friends  Traveling with kids in tow, on a romantic getaway, or celebrating with your best friends? Both High Roller and the Eiffel Tower Experience shine, but deliver different flavors for each group.  Families:  We find the High Roller fits families perfectly. The roomy pods invite everyone to spread out, move around, and spot their favorite landmarks. It’s stroller-friendly and offers a smooth ride without sudden scares or vertigo—ideal for the younger crew or grandparents. Bonus: kids get wide-eyed seeing their hotel below, and everyone gets a new perspective of the city.  Couples:  Date night alert! The Eiffel Tower positively oozes romance. Couples love the twinkling Parisian lights, the gentle breeze on the open-air deck, and the opportunity to watch the Bellagio Fountains put on a show just below. Take in a dreamy sunset here, especially if you’ve got something special to celebrate.  Friends:  For groups, the High Roller easily wins for social energy. Book an entire cabin for your mates or join a Happy Half Hour to make new pals. There’s music, laughter, and plenty of room to roam—from selfies at every angle to impromptu dance parties as the Strip glows below. The Eiffel Tower is more suited to friends who want memorable views without the party vibe.  I’ve got fidgety kids to entertain – which has more ‘hands on’ activities?  While neither attraction is a traditional hands-on activity center, there are still ways for curious kids (and grown-ups) to keep busy.  High Roller: The journey is interactive by nature—watch little ones scurry from one window to the next, spotting roller coasters, hotels, and even planes taking off at McCarran Airport. In-cabin screens offer fun facts for trivia-minded youngsters, and the ride length keeps the experience engaging without being tiresome.  Eiffel Tower Experience: There’s genuine excitement climbing up the glass elevator and walking beneath the intricate steel design. The open deck lets adventurous types peer through the mesh for bird’s-eye people-watching and fountain spotting. However, interactivity is more about the scenery, so especially energetic kids might spend less time here than on the wheel.  For busy hands, the High Roller just edges it, especially with the space and interesting camera angles for budding photographers.  What’s the accessibility like?  Both attractions work hard to ensure everyone can enjoy the view.  High Roller: Fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and staff assistance as needed. Pods have space for wheelchairs and strollers, so no one misses out on the experience.  Eiffel Tower Experience: Wheelchair-accessible elevators take you straight up. The deck is level and navigable, though some areas can get busy when crowds gather for the fountains. Team members are always nearby to offer a helping hand.  You can feel at ease with both options—just let a staff member know your needs when you arrive, and relaxation awaits above the Strip.  Best lunch spots nearby?  High Roller / The LINQ Promenade:  Yard House: Famous for an impressive list of draft beers—over 100 on tap—alongside street tacos, burgers, and their signature poke nachos. The lively patio seating sets the scene for casual people-watching and pre-wheel snacks.  in-N-Out Burger: For the West Coast classic—order your burger “Animal Style” for extra sauce and grilled onions. This is Vegas’ most wallet-friendly, filling meal, just steps from the High Roller’s entrance.  Virgil’s Real Barbecue: Southern hospitality, big helpings of smoked brisket, and sweet tea. Try the mac-and-cheese or their award-winning Banana Pudding, all served in comfortable, rustic surrounds.  Eiffel Tower / Paris Las Vegas:  Eiffel Tower Restaurant: For a splurge, book a table at this fine dining spot perched halfway up the tower. Signature dishes include the delicate lobster bisque and their Grand Marnier soufflé. Floor-to-ceiling windows mean the Strip is always in view.  Mon Ami Gabi: Parisian bistro vibes with striped awnings and prime patio seating facing the Bellagio Fountains. The steak frites and French onion soup are the stuff of legend here.  La Creperie: Need something quick and sweet? Hit this counter-service gem for fresh Nutella-banana crepes, or keep it savory with a classic ham and cheese.  Nearby Food Markets:  Block 16 Urban Food Hall (just across at The Cosmopolitan): Sample everything from gourmet doughnuts to Nashville hot chicken at this buzzing food market, all moments from the Eiffel Tower.  Where are the best photo opportunities?  High Roller:  Inside the pod, the glass panels ensure photo ops from every angle—point east at sunrise or west for sunset shots. At night, the glow of the wheel and city below makes for unforgettable group selfies.  Ground-level shots are magic too—snap the wheel fully lit up against the night sky. Stand underneath for a dramatic shot of its structural design.  Eiffel Tower Experience:  Snap down at the Bellagio Fountains mid-show; the jets look like glimmering lace from above.  Sunset is perfect here, with the Strip in golden tones—plus, the tower itself looks brilliant as dusk falls and its lights switch on.  Don’t leave without a classic upward-looking shot from the base, framing the intricate latticework skywards.  Photo Tips:  Sunset ("golden hour") is perfect for both attractions—think fewer shadows, softer light, and the start of Vegas’s evening buzz.  For night owls, late evening delivers the Strip’s crackling neon energy.  We’re finished and thirsty – is there a decent bar in the area?  Near High Roller:  SkyLounge at High Roller: Ride the Happy Half Hour for a built-in bar with your view, or pop into SkyLounge’s bar nearby for cocktails with a view of the wheel itself.  O’Sheas Irish Pub: Go casual with cheap beers, live music, and a lively pub atmosphere. The frozen Irish coffee here is a cult hit on a hot Vegas day.  Near Eiffel Tower:  Baccarat Bar (in Paris Las Vegas): Opulent, quiet, and a great spot to sip a Champagne cocktail beneath glittering chandeliers.  Beer Park: Just outside Paris Las Vegas, this rooftop bar serves a lineup of draft beers and spiked lemonades, with prime patio views of the Bellagio Fountains.  Signature Drink Picks:  At Beer Park, their spiked strawberry lemonade is a refreshing Strip staple.  Order the "Tower Spritz" at Eiffel Tower Restaurant—Cointreau, sparkling wine, and a bright dash of orange bitters.  Any other good stuff nearby?  High Roller / LINQ Promenade:  Fly LINQ Zipline: Launch yourself from the top of the LINQ promenade for a thrilling trip above the crowds—perfect for adrenaline junkies.  Brooklyn Bowl: Laugh, eat, and bowl a few frames at this music venue-bar-bowling alley mashup.  Free fun: Marvel at street performers or giant outdoor art installations that line the walkway.  Near Eiffel Tower Experience:  Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: Just across the street, stroll the ever-changing floral displays, all for free.  Fountains of Bellagio: Don’t miss the water and music show from ground level for a totally new perspective—shows run every half-hour in the evenings.  The Shops at Crystals: Step into air-conditioned luxury next door—window shop or real shop at brands like Gucci, Prada, or browse art galleries.  Local tip: Mon Ami Gabi's patio fills fast for good reason—arrive slightly before noon or sunset to score a prime fountain-facing seat.  Let’s Wrap it Up  Vegas is never short on dazzling experiences, but both the High Roller Observation Wheel and the Eiffel Tower Experience promise memories that’ll last way beyond your checkout date. Looking for a family-friendly vibe, high-energy fun, and panoramic Strip views? The High Roller spins its magic every time. Do you dream of Parisian elegance, jaw-dropping views over the fountains, or a romantic escape above the noise? The Eiffel Tower Experience romances every visitor.  Whichever you choose, you’ll get more from Vegas with Go City®. Save money, skip ticket lines, and bundle even more adventures into your trip—because in Vegas, there’s always one more story to be told.  Ready to see Vegas from above, for less? Buy your Go City® pass and start planning those sky-high memories!    Enjoyed this? Check out which tourist traps to avoid, and how to make the most of your evenings on the Strip. 
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Things to Do in Las Vegas in Summer - Attractions, Activities & More

Las Vegas is a hot destination in the summer – both literally and figuratively. If you’re planning a visit and looking for things to do in Las Vegas in the summer, check out our list of the top attractions and activities going on this year, including: Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Hop-on Hop-off Las Vegas Tour Hoover Dam Tour Grand Canyon South Rim Tour LINQ Promenade & High Roller Observation Wheel Local Summer Festivals Heading to the area to celebrate Independence Day? Then check out our post on things to do in Las Vegas 4th of July Weekend. If you are in Sin City for Labor Day, here are some things to do in Las Vegas Labor Day Weekend. Save on Summertime Activities Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on the Go Las Vegas Card. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 60% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all Las Vegas tourist passes, attractions and prices. Please note, some of these special Summer events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Go Las Vegas Card. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas If you're looking for a fun museum to take the kids to, or just an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon while soaking up some culture, visit Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. This iconic wax museum is filled with informative exhibits and fascinating replicas of famous individuals from many areas of public life. Some of their featured exhibits include "Viva Las Vegas," "The Hangover Experience," "Marvel Superheroes," and more. Getting In: Madame Tussauds Las Vegas tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas Card. Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Las Vegas Tour Hoover Dam Tour Grand Canyon South Rim Tour Blue Man Group Show & Other Shows There's nothing more Las Vegas than taking in a show or three. Swing for the fences with the Blue Man Group, one of the most iconic acts in recent history. You'll enjoy their musical stylings alongside their signature makeup and costumes. If you're looking for other options, V Theater is another great venue that offers everything from a variety show to zombie burlesque to pet comedy shows. A perfect choice for families! Getting In: Blue Man Group Show tickets are available as a premium attraction option with the 3-, 4-, and 5-Day Go Las Vegas Cards. Additional shows at V Theater are also included with the pass -consult our website for more details. LINQ Promenade & High Roller Observation Wheel CSI: The Experience If you’re a fan of the TV franchise and have an interest in criminal forensics, then CSI: The Experience is a great thing to do in Vegas in the summer (or anytime really). Learn all about the real techniques and technologies behind CSI’s depiction of a criminal investigation, and even embark on some crime-solving of your own! Getting In: CSI: The Experience tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas Card. The Mob Museum This delightful experience is a hit with visitors of all ages. Explore interactive exhibits and fascinating artifacts. Learn about the significant role that organized crime has played in American history, and focus on the stories of some of the most famous criminals in the country. They also host a number of special events throughout the summer, ranging from community safety events to book signings and beyond. Check out their website for specifics. Getting In: Mob Museum tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas Card. Summer Stage Concert Series Summerlin Every Wednesday (except July 4) This delightful summer concert series on Summerlin's Lawn takes place every Wednesday evening from early June - mid July. Nightly entertainment includes a varied schedule of events beginning at 5 pm with a DJ and kid-friendly activities and concluding at 9 pm with a band performance. A tentative lineup for these events might include Rockie Brown and Jase Neron, likemelikeyou and Cameron Calloway, and several more. Getting In: Summer Stage Concert Series events are free. Amazing Las Vegas ComicCon Las Vegas Convention Center June A fan of comic books and all things pop culture? Then spend some time at this multi-day convention dedicated to the “best and brightest” of contemporary and classic pop culture. Enjoy an exhibition hall, an artists’ gallery, a video game arena, costumed attendees, and much more. Some of the highlights of this year's con include Rob Liefeld (creator of DEADPOOL, CABLE, DOMINO, and X-FORCE), Charlie Cox as DAREDEVIL, Jason David Frank as Green Power Ranger, Brianna Hildebrand from DEADPOOL 2, and lots more! Getting In: Amazing Las Vegas ComicCon tickets are separately ticketed and are not included with the Go Las Vegas Card. Hamilton The Smith Center May to June Curious what all the Hamilton fuss is about? You're in luck if you're planning a trip to Las Vegas this summer. And, you won't be disappointed. Snag some tickets for when this Broadway smash is coming to Las Vegas and experience one of the most entertaining accounts of important American history at this Tony Award-winning musical. Getting In: Hamilton tickets in Las Vegas are separately ticketed and not included with the Go Las Vegas Card. Las Vegas Golden Knights T-Mobile Arena (or any sports bar) May to June Who would have bet that the newest expansion team, the Las Vegas Golden Knights, would make it all the way to the NHL Stanley Cup Finals during their first year as an established team? If you did bet on them to go all the way, your bet would definitely have paid off! If you're not lucky enough to score tickets to the actual games, place your bet at a casino and belly up to a sports bar and cheer on the local team during the Stanley Cup Finals, the locals are sure to do some partying to celebrate their team! Getting In: NHL Stanley Cup Finals tickets are separately sold and not included on the Go Las Vegas Card. Let's Recap So there you have it. Our picks for some of the top things to do in Las Vegas in the summer. Please note, the summer events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Las Vegas Card. Plan to visit some of these top attractions during your trip. Whether you are traveling with your family or a couple of friends, we're sure you will have a great time.
Katie Sagal
Vegas skyline on a warm summer night
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Las Vegas in June

Things are heating up in Sin City! June is a busy month in Vegas, as the last of the spring clouds are gone, the sun comes out in all its glory and party goers flock to the strip in search of fun and festivities. Most of the excitement is now happening indoors away from the heat, but for those who seek the sun there’s still plenty going on outside – and the pool parties never stop, of course! Hotel prices are at a premium now, especially around the Juneteenth commemorations, but there are some good deals to be had if you come mid-week, or book ahead. Visiting Las Vegas in June Average temperature: 99oF • Average rainfall: 0 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 14.5 hours/day You won’t need many layers in June, as the mercury will hit the 80’s most days and will probably nudge over 100 on some too. It doesn’t cool down much overnight, either – the average low is a very mild 75, so you can look forward to some lovely warm evenings. Plan to be indoors in the air conditioning during the day, and if you are going out wear sunscreen and a hat. There’s almost no rain in June, although the wind does pick up to a breezy 10 miles per hour, so if you’re heading out of the city make sure you have sunglasses to protect your eyes from flying dust. Remember to keep hydrated, and you’ll be fit to keep partying for as long as the sun is up – or down! What’s on in Vegas in June? Juneteenth Juneteenth is an annual commemoration of the official abolition of slavery in the US, which was declared on June nineteenth in 1865. The day itself is marked with special religious services, speeches and family gatherings, and in Vegas is usually accompanied by a festival that takes place on the weekend closest to the day. This uplifting and inspiring holiday is a showcase of the city’s African-American heritage, particularly in the entertainment industry, so expect music, art and plenty of dancing. Sports Most outdoor sporting events wrap up in June, but sports fans can still find some indoor events if they need a break from the gambling and partying. The local WNBA team, the Las Vegas Aces, plays at the Mandalay Bay Michelob ULTRA Arena, where there’s also some quirky silver art in the lobby that’s worth checking out. Or if you want to keep up with all the sporting action around the country, head to the massive pool complex at Circa’s Stadium Swim, where you can catch all the action on a massive 40-foot-tall LED screen while you’re keeping cool in the pool or sipping cocktails on a comfy sunbed. Where to cool off? When you need a break from the heat of the strip, duck into a casino and enjoy a moment in air-conditioned splendor. You don’t have to be a gambler to appreciate all they have to offer (although if you do fancy a flutter you’ll be spoilt for choice!). Caesar’s Palace is famous for its round lobby with classical marble pillars and renaissance-themed frescoes, the MGM grand has a games and billiards arcade, the Cosmopolitan has a bar famous for its edible cocktails, and Circus Circus has its own family-friendly indoor amusement park, complete with roller coasters, bumper cars and acrobats. For a refreshing twist on things, have a wander through the indoor botanical garden at the Bellagio – stopping on the way to check out their world-recording-holding chocolate fountain, of course. Muse in a museum Despite its reputation for drunkenness and debauchery, there’s quite a bit of culture to be counted up in Vegas. There are several museums, all air-conditioned and ranging in themes from the very traditional Natural History Museum to the surprisingly educational Erotic History Museum. In between there’s a Madame Tussauds, a Mob Museum (where you can explore the history of organized crime and try your own cocktail in an underground speakeasy) and an Illuminarium, which is a 4K, 360o immersive cinematic experience that takes you past the moon and into the far reaches of the galaxy. If that doesn’t cool you off, you might need to try more extreme measures – jumping off the STRAT, perhaps? Party by the Pool A summer trip to Vegas wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one luxury resort complex and spending a day at the pool. There are plenty to choose from, although keep in mind that some of them charge a fee for non-guests and you’ll probably have to book. Mandalay Beach does a good job of imitating an actual tropical beach, but if you prefer to know you’re in a city then perhaps try the Boulevard Pool at the Cosmopolitan, which overlooks the strip. Others to look out for include the Golden Nugget’s Shark Tank, the uber-luxurious eight-pool complex at the Venetian, or the Mount Olympus-inspired Garden of the Gods at Caesar’s Palace. Keep an ear out for hotels hosting pool parties (which is basically a club, but you can wear your swimsuit) or if you can’t decide, jump on a Rock Star Pool Party Tour and let someone else chauffeur you around from party to party like a proper celeb. Emerge in the evenings When the sun goes down you can finally step outside and breathe in a bit of warm summer air. Stroll down the strip, and maybe try an evening tour from the top deck of a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour – be sure to jump out at the ‘Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign now it’s all lit up, and retrace your steps to the Bellagio Hotel to see the water fountains, which will also now be brightly illuminated. If you’re in the mood for views you can look down on it all from the Eiffel Tower Experience, the Fly LINQ Zipline or even from a helicopter, or you can go for full escapism with a show like Cirque du Soleil’s KA or the Blue Man Group’s bright fusion of color and sound. On the other hand, if you want to keep up the heat, head to Senor Frogs for a sizzling fiesta of Mexican food, drinks and party vibes. Keep things cool with Go City In Vegas, it’s never too hot to have a good time! Be sure to get your Go City All-Inclusive or Explorer Pass, and you’ll get cool savings on all the best attractions in town!
Karleen Stevens

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