Las Vegas is an exciting city best known for its glitzy casinos, restaurants, shows, and live entertainment.
Because there’s so much to do in Sin City, and you may have limited time, you might want to hit only the best destinations. If so, read on for our list of the top 10 casinos in Las Vegas, along with a description of each, including their highlights and culinary offerings.
Bonus Info: Once you’re done perusing the highlights of these casinos, be sure to see our recommendations in the second half of this article for eight additional adventures and activities Vegas offers beyond gambling and food.
Without further ado, here’s a look at the best casinos in Las Vegas:
Bellagio
This luxurious casino resort on the Strip is known for its elegant gambling spaces, including a high-limit slot room and poker room hosting tournaments. Outside, the Fountains of Bellagio put on spectacular water shows. Dining options include Michelin-starred Le Cirque, Picasso for fine French fare, and Harvest by Roy Ellamar showcasing seasonal American cuisine.
Aria
One of the largest casinos on the Strip with 150,000 square feet of gambling space. Games offered include slots, blackjack, craps, roulette, and a poker room. It has a contemporary, high-energy vibe. Restaurants range from Jean Georges Steakhouse to lively bars like The Deuce Lounge. Popular nightclub Jewel rounds out the amenities.
(Read More: Top Tips for Casino Table Rentals When Party Planning)
The Venetian
Entering this casino is like stepping into Venice, Italy. Gondola rides drift along indoor canals, and details like marble floors and Roman columns bring opulence. Table games have lower minimums to attract players of all budgets. Dining is world-class at spots like Mott 32 for Chinese and Black Tap for burgers.
Wynn/Encore
Adjacent sister resorts with upscale casinos featuring natural light and lush greenery. Guests will find slots, table games, a poker room, and sportsbook. Award-winning restaurants abound, like SW Steakhouse, Costa di Mare, and Lakeside Seafood. Encore Beach Club offers poolside gambling.
The Cosmopolitan
Its three floors of gambling provide variety, from slots to table games, and a lively energy permeates the floors. Rooftop views are unparalleled from the wraparound terrace. Unique restaurants range from Momofuku’s Asian cuisine to Beauty & Essex’s glam industrial chic vibe.
Caesars Palace
Iconic for its Roman architecture and classic Vegas history. The sprawling casino houses over 125,000 square feet of gaming. High-limit slots impress, as do specialty table game pits. Celebrity chef restaurants include Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, and MR CHOW.
Mandalay Bay
Tropical inspiration from its sand beach and wave pool leads into a huge casino with every table game imaginable. Its expansive sportsbook has luxury seating to take in all the games. Michael Mina’s STRIPSTEAK offers premium steaks, while Lupo by Wolfgang Puck does upscale Italian fare.
The Mirage
This Polynesian-themed casino is home to a rainforest cafe, dolphin habitat, and outdoor volcano shows. Inside is a massive casino floor with everything – slots, blackjack, craps, roulette, and live entertainment. Tom Colicchio’s Heritage Steak is popular, as is Onda serving Spanish small plates.
Park MGM
A boutique hotel situated in central Vegas with an intimate, residential vibe. The casino feels smaller but has a solid mix of slots, video poker, and table games. Primrose and Best Friend are casual, quality restaurants. The pool deck morphs into a summer party spot.
Red Rock Casino
An upscale, locally-popular casino away from the Strip. The casino provides over 2,900 slot machines spread into intimate spaces. Table game minimums are low. Dining choices include 8 Noodle Bar for Asian cuisine, T-Bones Chophouse for steaks, and Yard House’s extensive beer selection.
Once you’re done gambling and eating, here are eight other fun ways to keep yourself entertained in Las Vegas:
Shows – Las Vegas is home to stunning production shows like the Cirque du Soleil classics “O” and “Mystere”. These feature heart-stopping acrobatics, dazzling visuals, and live music that will leave you amazed. There are also popular residencies by music stars like Adele, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan where you can see high-energy concerts in intimate Vegas venues.
Nightclubs/Pool Parties – Las Vegas has some of the hottest nightclubs and pool parties around. Omnia and Hakkasan are great for late-night dancing and partying, complete with DJs, pyrotechnics, and VIP bottle service. For day-life fun, check out pool parties at places like Encore Beach Club or Wet Republic to dance in the pool and enjoy poolside cabanas under the desert sun.
Adventure Experiences – For thrilling activities, you can drive or ride exotic supercars like Lamborghinis and Ferraris on race tracks. If off-road is more your style, take a rugged dune buggy out to the open desert. For shooting thrills, you can fire everything from handguns to machine guns and sniper rifles at one of Las Vegas’ indoor shooting ranges.
Helicopter/Plane Tours – A fun way to see the dazzling lights of the Strip or vast Grand Canyon is from the air. Helicopter and plane tours provide aerial views and an exhilarating experience. Some even land on the floor of the Grand Canyon for hiking.
Magic Shows – Las Vegas has a long history of hosting mind-blowing magic shows. Penn & Teller at the Rio blend magic with comedy. They recently inked a deal to continue their show at the Rio Hotel and Casino through the year 2026. David Copperfield at MGM Grand features grand illusions in an intimate theater. You’ll be astounded at the acts performed right before your eyes.
Comedy Shows – Laugh the night away at a comedy show by some of today’s top comedians. For example, as of this writing, at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, you can see the hilarious prop comedy of Carrot Top. Wayne Brady is at the Mirage performing plenty of his trademark humor. Meanwhile, for classic stand-up, celeb comics ranging from Jay Leno and Jon Stewart to Amy Schumer and Michelle Wolf have all previously provided nonstop laughs at the Comedy Cellar inside Rio.
Spas – For the ultimate in relaxation and pampering, Las Vegas has world-class spas. At the Aria, services range from massage to Ayurvedic treatments. The Spa at Bellagio provides couples’ experiences in a Zen sanctuary. The spas offer saunas, whirlpools, luxury amenities, and blissful treatments to help you unwind and rejuvenate.
Shopping – Shopaholics flock to Vegas for its incredible malls and stores. The Forum Shops at Caesars feature 160 high-end shops like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. The Grand Canal Shoppes inside the Venetian let you shop while enjoying canals and gondolas. Vegas shopping offers everything from designer fashion to souvenirs in a fun, lively environment.
With its incredible casinos, dining, and wealth of entertainment and activity options, a weekend or more in Las Vegas promises endless possibilities for an amazing getaway.
Final reminder: If you’re heading to Vegas mainly for the casinos, have fun but also remember to gamble responsibly. Only bet what you can afford to lose and look at gambling as a way to pass the time and entertain yourself – not as a money-making scheme. Enjoy!
