13+ Things to Do in Las Vegas for Convention Attendees
Las Vegas is notorious for its loud gambling, themed resorts, and (now) endless nickel and diming for tourists and locals alike - often leading to a hangover before you can catch a solid buzz.
But that’s not the entirety of Vegas. There are plenty of hidden treasures and obvious good choices for the ladies and gentlemen looking for a good time.
This article is a tasting menu of the finer things. We’re not listing any buffets so if you’re looking for those, please visit this article instead.
Below, you’ll find 13+ curated suggestions along with 11ish other sidequests.
The Vegas Classic: Steakhouse Dinner
If you are craving a taste of the mob-era of Vegas, look no further than one if its classic Steakhouses. Many of the servers have worked there for 40+ years and have stories to tell.
Original / Legacy Steakhouses (mob-era)
The Steakhouse (Circus Circus) — a hidden gem that remains faithful to old-Vegas steakhouse traditions.
Golden Steer — one of the few remaining classic steakhouses from the Rat Pack era. Don’t forget the Caesar Salad.
Oscars Steakhouse — This is a newer one but its namesake is Oscar Goodwin, the former Las Vegas Mayor who before that was the go-to lawyer for many many (alleged) mob bosses and associates.
Modern & Boutique Steakhouse Picks
SW Steakhouse at Wynn — lakeside, choreographed fountains, modern luxury, classic Wynn.
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés — conceptual, adventurous, theatrical.
Jean Georges Steakhouse at ARIA — sleek, refined, contemporary.
STK — stylish, hype-driven, with social energy to back it up.
For History Buffs: The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum delivers a bloody and immersive look into the United States (and Las Vegas’) organized crime history and evolution. Complete with bullet holes from the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre to a recreation of the count rooms where millions where skimmed in the casinos, this is a comprehensive look at organized crime over the centuries and reaching across the globe.
Admission: ~$30
VIP Packages: Upgrade for speakeasy access and whiskey tasting
Runtime: ~2 hours
It’s culture with an edge — relevant, stylish, and rooted in the kind of ambition Vegas was built on.
For Those Who Like a Good Show
If you must see a “Vegas show” and aren’t sure where to start, we’ve done the homework for you.
For something timeless, Mystère at Treasure Island remains one of the Strip’s most beloved and iconic performances. Classic Cirque, surreal, fun and wild.
At Wynn, Awakening combines cutting-edge stagecraft with Cirque-inspired storytelling. It’s a sensory overload of acrobatics, music, and light that only Vegas could produce.
Tickets: $75–$200
Runtime: ~90 minutes
You can’t go wrong with these.
If you have a craving for comedy:
Carrot Top — wildly hilarious with endless props, every show is different but consistently great.
Blue Man Group — absurdity, visual comedy, and rhythm — you can’t go wrong with these guys at the Luxor.
Mad Apple - another Cirque show, based in New York New York, this adult comedy comes complete with acrobatics and performance.
A New Experience: The Sphere
The newest landmark on the Strip, The Sphere redefines what entertainment looks like. The LED dome outside is a show by itself, but inside, immersive productions sets a new definition for experiencing the big screen. Light pollution aside, we’ve only heard glowing reviews about the Sphere.
Tickets: $79–$249
VIP Suites: Private service and catering available
Runtime: ~90–120 minutes
The Billion Dollar View: Maverick Helicopters
Looking to see the city from another angle? Maverick Helicopters runs 15-minute night flights over Las Vegas, swooping past the Bellagio fountains, the Eiffel Tower, Allegiant Stadium, and the Sphere.
Price: from $149 per person
Private Charters: $1,500+ depending on route
Runtime: ~30–60 minutes total
For a city escapt, Maverick’s Grand Canyon tours are bucket-list level.
300 Million Dollar Views: Spearmint Rhino Las Vegas
What’s Sin City without a little bit of lust? For decades, Spearmint Rhino Las Vegas has been the gold standard as a premium gentlemen’s club. With over 35,000 square feet, this high-class adult club mixes exclusivity with baddies while offering strong drinks, amazing food and even better company.
Cover: $20–$50
Bottle Service: Packages start around $500
Hours: 24/7
Get Free VIP Entry and a Complimentary Drink by registering here.
Side note: bring cash if you’re coming here (or to any other strip club) because those ATM fees are atrocious.
Looking for something a bit more wild and unhinged? Chicas Bonitas might be up your alley.
Hitting the Green: Golf at Shadow Creek or Wynn Golf Club
Vegas golf is an experience, not an escape.
Shadow Creek — once reserved for high rollers — is open exclusively to MGM Resorts guests. Tee times include limousine transport and a personal caddie.
• Rate: ~$1,000 per round
• Runtime: ~4–5 hours
Wynn Golf Club offers championship-level greens right behind the Strip.
• Rate: ~$600 per player
If you’re a true golf aficionado, you’ll want to read our full article.
Hitting the Greens: Dispensaries Worth a Visit
If you’re looking to catch a solid head change without the drunken debauchery that Vegas loves to embrace, look no further than these fine establishments.
Curaleaf — strong brand name, broad inventory, solid reputation, good selection, friendly staff
NuLeaf Las Vegas — boutique feel, curated flower & concentrates
The Grove — high-end ambiance, elevated shopping experience
Cookies Las Vegas — cult brand, premium strains, unique storefront vibe
Rise Las Vegas - great customer service, great products and close to the Strip.
Please note - DO NOT BUY WEED on Fremont Street or directly on the Strip. These are scams and you’re wasting money for a major disappointment. Cannabis is regulated in Las Vegas and cannot be sold within a proximity of casinos.
Riding in Style: Royalty Exotic
Vegas respects status symbols, and few turn heads faster than a Lamborghini or Ferrari roaring like the MGM lion down the Strip.
Royalty Exotic Cars rents an enviable lineup — Aventadors, McLarens, even Bugattis — for daily or hourly drives.
Price: $400–$500 per day (and up)
Runtime: half-day to full-day rentals
Subtle Escapes: The Cigar Lounge
If you’re looking to decompress (or network?), maybe catch part of the game with a stogie and enjoy something strong on the rocks - check out these smokey escapes.*
Montecristo Cigar Bar at Caesars Palace — leather chairs, a serious whiskey library, and space for real conversation.
Davidoff of Geneva Cigar Bar — a hybrid lounge/retail concept at the Fashion Show Mall, with a walk-in humidor, full bar, indoor/outdoor seating, and lounge specials.
Eight Lounge at Resorts World — a full cigar lounge experience with over 150 premium cigars on hand, a modern ambiance, and cocktail pairing to match.
*They’re not really smokey, we just wanted to sound cool. These locations are well ventilated.
Fine Dining
The problem with Vegas is that there is so much good dining. It's hard to go wrong. From amazing smash burgers to Nashville hot chicken sandwiches to all you can eat sushi, we could have an entire website dedicated to the culinary delights bestowed upon us in this wonderful city.
For the sake of simplicity and efficiency we're just gonna give you a few options. But wherever you go, it's hard to go wrong. Just check the reviews.
Delilah at Wynn – supper-club atmosphere, vintage Hollywood flair.
Carbone at ARIA – Italian classics with swagger and style.
Wally’s at Resorts World – half wine bar, half fine-dining experience.
Private dining rooms and curated pairings make each ideal for client dinners. Expect $250–$500 per head for the full experience.
Power Lunches
• Cipriani: Venetian classics, Bellinis poured tableside, light and modern.
• Spago: Patio seating with Bellagio fountain views, impeccable service.
Entrées average $30–$50.
For the Gamblers:
Poker:
Poker in Las Vegas is as much about reading people as it is about cards.
The Bellagio Poker Room remains iconic — a playground for pros and execs alike. The ARIA Poker Room, newer and more refined, hosts tournaments starting around $140 and offers comfortable buy-ins for casual play.
A few hands at a $2/$5 table can teach you as much about risk as a quarter of an MBA.
For serous players looking to connect with a mix of locals and tourists, South Pount (off the Strip) is a must.
Blackjack
El Cortez — consistently voted one of the best low-limit blackjack spots in town. Real-deal single-deck tables, favorable rules, and a nostalgic vibe that’s pure old Vegas.
Ellis Island Casino & Brewery — local favorite with player-friendly rules, low minimums, and some of the best drink comps on the Strip’s edge. Ideal for anyone who likes their blackjack with a side of real Vegas grit.
Treasure Island — fair odds, good energy, and dealers that keep the pace fun instead of frantic.
For a deeper dive into Vegas blackjack and optimal play, check out the following:
Slots
Paris Las Vegas - With over 1,700 slot machines set in a replica Parisian streetscape, Paris Las Vegas offers an immersive gaming experience. Its central location makes it a convenient starting point for an adventurous night.
Circus Circus - Loosest Slots: Older casinos like Circus Circus tend to have higher Return to Player (RTP) rates. It's rumored to have some of the loosest slots in Vegas, appealing to players focused on favorable odds.
Bellagio: Boasting over 2,300 slot machines, Bellagio offers a vast selection for players. While some machines have lower RTPs, several older machines provide higher returns. A notable win includes a Florida woman who won $1 million playing the Wheel of Fortune machine here.
You can read it all here: Best Slot Machines in Las Vegas
Guns & Ammo
If you prefer the smell of napalm in the morning, Vegas has you covered.
Machine Guns Vegas and Battlefield Vegas offer private VIP packages that include transportation, dedicated instructors, and the chance to fire everything from your favorite handguns to fully automatics.
Packages: $100–$1,000+
Runtime: 1–2 hours
If you crave something a bit more destructive, there are packages that allow you to crush cars with tanks, shoot a 50cal from a helicopter and even blow something up. One of the many advantages of playing in the desert.
Off the Strip & Off the Grid
If you’re looking for an escape from tipsy tourists and neon signs - you don’t have to venture too far to be in a different world.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area — 13-mile scenic drive, multiple trailheads, dramatic sandstone vistas
• La Madre Spring Trail — water source, often frequented by bighorn sheepValley of Fire State Park — vibrant red rock, petroglyphs, desert landscapes, and desert bighorn sheep
Emerald Cove / Emerald Cave Kayak Tour — half- to full-day trips, often with wildlife spotting along the Colorado River
Mount Charleston — alpine escape, cooler air, forested trails
Lake Mead / Willow Beach Marina — access point for water adventures, boating, kayaking
Nevada Bighorn Sheep info — learn where to spot wildlife across Red Rock and Valley of Fire
Sidequests & Hidden Gems
If you’re still looking for something, here’s a montage of interesting attractions that’ll give you a bang for your buck - all capturing the essence of Las Vegas.
Neon Museum
Atomic Testing Museum
Meow Wolf Omega Mart
Fremont Street Experience
The Golden Tiki Bar
Punk Rock Museum
High Roller Observation Wheel,
Perception Las Vegas
Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix
Viva Las Vegas - Like a Boss
The trick to Las Vegas isn’t doing everything. It’s about having fun in your own way.
For business travelers, that means choosing experiences that amplify your time rather than waste it. A performance vehicle instead of an Uber. Steaks cooked to perfection instead of fighting endless lines at the buffet. Drinks and company at the Rhino instead of hoofing up the broken escalators on the Strip.
