I just wrapped up a post on Overrated Aspects of Las Vegas, and although the list is short, taking a negative tone about Las Vegas had me feeling down. Not typically my style when discussing the city I love.
With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to create a list of things to do, eat, and drink that I find to be underrated or commonly overlooked by Vegas visitors.
Do you have a secret hole-in-the-wall restaurant or activity you never miss when in town? Leave it in the comments!
Here are some itinerary items in Las Vegas that I don’t feel get enough love.
Underrated Things To Do In Las Vegas
NYNY Big Apple Coaster: There’s a reason 1.4 million people pile onto this rollercoaster annually which provides great views and an exhilarating ride. At $19 – $23 for a ride ($10 for re-rides) is a great value.
What makes this underrated Vegas attraction better is the lack of a line. Jump right on!
Ellis Island Casino Dining Options/Craft Beer: The Gambling is good, but the food and craft beer options are the more alluring draw. My go-to meal at Ellis is their $8.99 steak and eggs breakfast deal that isn’t even listed on the menu.
The menus at Ellis Island are packed full of solid deals. It isn’t fancy, but if a solid meal at a good price is what you seek, then Ellis is tough to beat.
Add a 20oz. craft beer for next to nothing. Ellis Island is a short walk from Horseshoe – and worth it. If you are a value seeker, put this “underrated thing to do in Vegas” at the top of your list.
CX (Centennial Express) Bus to Fremont Street from Harry Reid Intl. Airport: While I think the Deuce, which goes up and down the Strip to Fremont Street is overrated due to overcrowding and frequent stops, the CX is the exact opposite.
I’ve ridden the CX several times now and have found it to be not only convenient but deserted (your experience may differ!).
If you need to get to your Fremont Street hotel from the airport, the CX is your best bet for only $2 one way. Underrated and largely unutilized by most tourists.
Happy Half Hour on High Roller: The High Roller itself isn’t underrated. Everyone has heard of it and you can see it from pretty much anywhere on the Strip.
What’s underestimated, however, is the open bar option. For $60, the happy half-hour package provides access to an open bar in your cabin. Depending on how many rum and cokes you can throw back, it’s an underrated value.
I’ve now taken 3 happy half-hour spins on the High Roller and have left heavily under the influence each time. You’ll get your money’s worth!
Vintage Slot Games: Most Las Vegas casinos only offer slot games with modern TITO (ticket in ticket out) technology eliminating the need for coins or tokens, however, some still offer machines that splash coins into a metal tray.
If you’re looking for that familiar ting, ting, ting, then check out my (shrinking) list of casinos that still offer real token/coin-operated games including the impossible-to-find original Sigma Derby horse racing game.
Miracle Mile Shops: While most shopping centers are not, the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood are among my favorite underrated things to do in Vegas for the abundance of cheap food and drink deals offered.
Hit up flights for 3 for $12 cocktails, or Ocean One for 3 for 1 drinks, in addition to their popular $5.99 lunch menu.
The Las Vegas Arts District: Typically overlooked and completely underrated by most visitors to Las Vegas, the Arts District is situated just blocks from the Fremont Street Experience and can be reached via the free Downtown Loop shuttle.
What you’ll find in the 18 blocks that comprise the district is a completely different feel than the more touristy parts of Vegas. Scattered about are unique, and fantastic dining options (check out Esther’s Kitchen), several bars/breweries, and an assortment of shops that sell art and antiques.
As a non-shopper, I can attest to the shops being legitimately cool, many offering man-cave items, or vintage casino memorabilia.
The Strat and SkyPod Observation Deck: Strat remains under-visited by tourists, mostly due to the resort’s location on the north end of the Strip.
There are numerous reasons to visit, however, including cheap table games, stunning views from the SkyPod Observation Deck, and dining/drinking options with a view.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you should check out the 3 rides atop the observation deck. Observation deck access costs $20 and rides can be added for under $10 each – A strong value for a thrilling attraction with minimal wait times.
Main Street Station Downtown Las Vegas: Set a couple of blocks away from the street performers and concerts, Main Street is an absolute gem downtown.
With an impressive array of antiques on display including part of the Berlin Wall, Doors from the Kuwaiti Royal Bank, Chandelier from the Figaro Opera House in Paris, Main Street is much more than a casino – It’s a Museum.
Check out the Triple 7 Brewery at Main Street Station as well. Quality beer options at a good price won’t disappoint – $6 for a 16oz / $7.50 for a 23oz.
Escaping the City: According to a 2022 survey from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor’s Authority, only 16% of visitors said they visited or planned to visit natural attractions outside of Vegas such as:
- Hoover Dam
- Grand Canyon
- Valley of Fire State Park
- St. Thomas Ghost Town
- Red Rock National Conservation Area
If you’re in town long enough, take a day, rent a car, and see some natural beauty. A personal favorite is driving out to Lake Mead and abusing a rental JetSki.
Frozen Baileys at O’Sheas: The best drink in Vegas to start your day after a night of insanity. Nothing soothes your throat like the ice-cold, malty consistency of the Frozen Baileys offered only at O’Sheas inside LINQ.
Topgolf Las Vegas: You may have a Topgolf in your hometown, but it’s not on Vegas’ level. The Vegas incarnation of Topgolf has all the aspects of the traditional experience but also includes a 2 level pool (free access!), 5 unique bars, video poker, TVs of all sizes scattered about, and great food.
With 4 large screens at the end of the driving range, Topgolf is the perfect place to sweat out a sports bet.
CVS/Walgreens on the Strip: All I hear is the outcry. How dare the Strip further commercialize! The underrated reality is that the stores popping up left and right deliver a heck of a lot of value. Stock up your room cheap and grab a 3 pack of tall boys for the road.
I know I’ll never spend $19.99 on a small bottle of sunscreen at the hotel gift shop again!
In addition to the essentials, convenience stores are commonly home to the cheapest ATMs in Las Vegas.
Titanic the Exhibit at Luxor: If you are a history buff like myself, this attraction will blow you away.
Contained within the 25,000 sq. ft. exhibit space is a large number of items recovered from the wreck including luggage, dining utensils, and even a massive piece of the ship’s hull.
Additionally, the exhibit has built replicas of 1st and 3rd classrooms as well as the grand staircase. You’ll certainly feel an eerie connection to the passengers on the ill-fated ship. Titanic is unsung, and worth the trip.
I recently stopped into Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition – Check out my experience!
Museum of Illusions: Although I visited the Museum of Illusions skeptical of its value, I left thrilled with what I got for my time and money.
Located between Cosmopolitan and Crystals, The Museum of Illusions is packed with a wide variety of visual illusions that were legitimately cool alongside an easy-to-understand explanation of what I was seeing.
What I enjoyed most were the numerous photo opportunities that allowed guests to be a part of the illusion – I got some really fun souvenir photos.
Hopefully, I was able to help you identify one or two underrated things to do in Las Vegas on your next trip! Do you have a favorite underrated, or under-the-radar thing to do while in Las Vegas? Leave it in the comments!
Related: Things to do with Kids in Vegas.
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
Gerald
Monday 15th of November 2021
Go to mesquite Nevada for great cheap food and gambling
Matthew Ford
Sunday 14th of November 2021
If you're even mildly nostalgic about pinball or arcade games, the Pinball Hall of Fame is a must-see: http://www.pinballmuseum.org/
Renae
Tuesday 14th of September 2021
You simply must go to Ping Pang Pong at the Gold Coast casino. They have the best dim sum I've ever had. The food is so fresh and delicious. 2 people can have a huge meal for about $40 including the tip.
Mike Thompson
Monday 13th of September 2021
The Underground House, built in 1978 by entrepreneur Jerry Henderson and his wife is underrated. It measures nearly 15,000 square feet, and the house sits 26 feet below the surface. The home was built as a bomb shelter and is called The Underground House and is located at 3970 Spencer St.
M@M
Wednesday 25th of August 2021
Thank you! I made my list of things to see at Vegas when I go!!! In Oct!!