Beyond the dazzling lights and high-energy entertainment of the Las Vegas Strip lies a city rich in contrasts. You can find everything from iconic attractions to local hidden gems that are tucked away in the shadows of neon signs, but eagerly waiting to be discovered. If you and your travel buddies have been chatting about your next trip, but struggling to find a destination that gets everyone excited – consider taking a look at the unique experiences that could only exist in a city like Vegas.
Check out these can’t-miss Vegas attractions that are sure to get your next trip out of the group chat and onto your Instagram feed.
The X Pot: For the foodie who loves a good show.
We all have the foodie friend who is eager to chow down, but only after they’ve captured a content masterpiece. Since The X Pot Las Vegas goes out of its way to stimulate all your senses, it’s the perfect place to enjoy exceptional food and unforgettable tableside entertainment. This immersive Asian American dining experience can be found inside The Palazzo at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. At this spot, all the mouthwatering cuisine is complemented by beautiful HD 360 projections, thematic soundscapes, and interactive light shows. You’ll also be able to enjoy authentic Japanese entertainment like traditional face-changing ceremonies and a noodle dance where hand-pulled noodles are made right by your table.
AREA15: The something-for-everyone spot.
In all honesty, AREA15 is such a massive entertainment district that it probably deserves a list of its own. You could easily spend an entire day here if you wanted and you still might not run out of things to do. AREA15 boasts everything from a sprawling, mind-bending art exhibit that’s perfect for zany selfies – Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart – to an otherworldly distillery that hosts its very own top-end cirque show – Lost Spirits Distillery. Plus, it’s all right off The Strip. No trip to this out-of-this-world venue feels complete without hopping on their panoramic ride and outdoor lounge, LIFTOFF. This slow-moving ride lifts you high into the sky to take in breathtaking views of Vegas while sipping on an elevated cocktail menu.
minus5 Ice Bar: For the friend who’s tired of sweating in the club.
If you’re looking for a cool place to “chill” while keeping the good vibes going, there’s no better spot than minus5 Ice Bar. There are three different locations that bring their own unique experience carved completely out of ice and you can find them all on The Strip. Each venue offers an exhilarating escape into a frozen wonderland where everything from your glass to the chandeliers are 100% ice. Needless to say, you’ll be partying in freezing temperatures, but minus5 provides gloves and parkas for all guests. You can also purchase additional gear, like animal-themed hats, to help you stay warm and capture the perfect ice cold selfie. The best part is that the décor and ice art is constantly changing, so there’s always a reason to visit again and see what’s new.
The Neon Museum: For the artsy friends and the history buffs.
There’s no better way to shine a light on Las Vegas history than a trip to The Neon Museum. You can take a guided tour to dig deep into the stories behind each iconic piece or you can just stroll through the boneyard at your own pace. If you really want to get some photos that will illuminate your social feeds, the museum also offers a variety of photo and video packages. Consider booking your trip around sunset so you can experience the signs in both day and nighttime lighting.
Lock Speakeasy at Horseshoe Las Vegas: For the friend who wants the escape room feel without the escape room challenge.
The Cabinet of Curiosities is a lounge and bar that you should absolutely add to your Vegas itinerary, but it’s actually not the star of the show at Horseshoe Las Vegas. Tucked away in the back of this bar is a massive safe that’s ready to transport you back in time. Lock Speakeasy is a reservation-only bar that can only be discovered if you follow directions and crack the code. It’s one of the newest speakeasies on The Strip and nails the formula of creating genuine secrecy without making it too difficult for you and your friends to crack the code to get in. Once you make your way inside, you’ll be met by a crew of world-class mixologists and a fascinating collection of oddities from around the world.
HyperX Arena Las Vegas: For the gamers and streamers.
Remember when gaming bars were the absolute coolest place for adult gamers to hangout? Well, things have changed. HyperX Arena Las Vegas is a gamer’s paradise hidden inside Luxor Hotel and Casino. Avid gamers will know this venue as the home of Evo–one of the biggest fighting game tournaments in the esports scene. But don’t worry, even casual gamers will find a lot to love at this state-of-the-art arena. Guests can book gaming time to explore a massive collection of games on all major platforms or reserve a streaming room that’s large enough to host your friends so you can take the gaming shenanigans live to Twitch. On your way out, get your group to snap a picture in the center of The Dome, which features a gaming chandelier made of 17 monitors and various gaming controllers surrounded by a 360-degree LED video wall.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway: For the boujee thrill-seekers and auto aficionados.
Maybe you have a thing for racing exotic cars. Maybe you have a thing for riding as a passenger in exotic cars. Maybe you just have a thing for taking Insta-worthy pictures in front of exotic cars. No judgment here. The good news is that Dream Racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will give you and everyone in your crew a chance to do their thing. You can get behind the wheel of world-class exotic cars, including Audi R8, Aston Martin, Mercedes-AMG GT, and Corvette Z06 – just to name a few. If you’re feeling too nervous to actually drive one of these powerful vehicles, you can also strap in to experience world-class 3D racing simulators or immerse yourself in a race theory theatre. You can always just snap a few photos in front of the cars so nobody will have to know if you actually drove it or not. That is, unless one of your friends decides to out you on the ‘Gram.
Top of the World: For the friend who loves chasing gorgeous views.
Vegas offers plenty of places for guests to admire breathtaking views. You can check out The Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas, catch a happy half hour on the High Roller at The LINQ Promenade, or party with panoramic views at Skyfall on the 64th floor of Delano Las Vegas. But there’s only one spot that gives you several jaw-dropping views without you needing to move a muscle. Top of the World is the iconic, award-winning restaurant perched at the top of The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower. This revolving restaurant offers a delicious assortment of seafood and steaks all while giving guests a full 360 tour of the Vegas skyline every 80 minutes.
With so many unique experiences, jaw-dropping views, mouth-watering menus, and mind-bending attractions, you’ll be eager to share your next trip to Vegas with the entire world.
And the ‘Gram is a great place to start.
