Situated on the north end of the Strip, The Venetian opened its doors in 1999 and was followed by Palazzo in 2007. Together, the two resorts offer over 4,000 guestrooms and are connected by the Grand Canal Shoppes.
In a city that is slowly “de-theming”, The Venetian still embraces the intricate Italian touches & details that make it a must-see property.
As is the case with many resorts in Las Vegas, there are so many more things to do at Venetian and Palazzo than gamble.
Things To Do at Venetian and Palazzo
Walk the Grand Canal Shoppes: Exploring the Grand Canal Shoppes is a must if you’re visiting The Venetian. Period.
Sure, there are over 160 shops, restaurants, and bars, but the star of the show is the theming. The Shoppes give guests the feel of walking the streets of Venice, with breathtaking scenery around every corner.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to snap a selfie in front of the “LOVE” sign. After all, if you don’t do that, were you ever even here?
Snap a photo at St. Mark’s Square: The focal point of the Grand Canal Shoppes is a replica of the square.
The Vegas version of St. Mark’s Square provides a chance to grab a bite under the simulated blue sky, surrounded by the theming elements that make Venetian a must-see attraction in itself.
See “The Wizard of Oz” at The Sphere: With over 2 million tickets sold to date, it’s safe to say it’s a hit.
Tickets start at $104 per person, which is steep, but my mom recently enjoyed the show.
I previously had seen “Postcard from Earth”, and can attest to the venue’s magnificence.
Throw Darts: Flight Club is located in the Grand Canal Shoppes near Grimaldi’s and offers 20 semi-private playing areas, a bar, and a restaurant.
The word I’d use to describe Flight Club is “elegant”. This isn’t your dive bar with darts back home.
Take a romantic gondola ride: Offering rides both indoors and out, Venetian’s gondolas are a favorite activity of couples seeking a romantic escape.
Gondoliers serenade guests as they make their way through the canals, which sounds terribly uncomfortable, but some people seem to enjoy it.
Check out Atomic Saloon: A production created by the same folks who brought you “Absinthe”, Atomic Saloon mixes engaging variety-show acts with an offensive brand of humor that I, and people like me, delight in.
Described by the show creators as “Blazing Saddles” meets “America’s Got Talent” meets ”Westworld”, Atomic Saloon could be a good option for folks who enjoy crude humor and entertaining acts.
Tickets start at around $100, but can be much cheaper on Vegas.com.
I recently saw the show… and accidentally bought a front row seat… on the stage!
Minus5 Ice Bar: For years, I thought the Minus5 Icebar would be a gimmick, but it’s awesome.
Everything within the bar, including the walls, chairs, and even the cups, is made of ice.
Parkas, gloves, hats, etc are provided. You’ll be comfortable and will make one heck of a unique memory.
I recently stopped into Minus5’s LINQ location and found it worthwhile!
Go Rock Climbing: A 40-foot rock wall is part of Venetian’s Canyon Ranch Spa, open to anyone. Prices range from $29 for a 25-minute session to $49 for a 50-minute session.
While the spa also offers traditional amenities like a salt cave, fitness classes, and other wellness services, I chose to focus on the rock wall… because that sounds like more fun.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum: Visit and take photos with celebrities and politicians, living and deceased at Madame Tussauds. Popular figures include Steve Aoki, Alan from “The Hangover”, and Snoop Dogg, among others.
I recently swung into Madame Tussauds for the first time in years. It’s fun, but also a bit underwhelming for the price.
Sing, or watch, Karaoke: Among the more upscale karaoke bars in Las Vegas, Kamu differentiates itself by offering 40 private suites, all with their own unique flair.
Take advantage of the pool: The shared pool deck at Venetian & Palazzo is sprawling, comprised of multiple bodies of water.
It’s a gorgeous scene.
A portion of the pool remains open year-round for those brave enough to swim during the winter.
Things To Do Near Venetian and Palazzo
Positioned at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, there are plenty of things to do nearby Venetian.
I recommend checking out the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at Wynn, which is worth seeing even if you don’t plan to gamble at the resort.
While you’re at Wynn, make time to stroll through their beautiful Plaza Shops, which boast numerous upscale tenants.
If you’re in the mood for a “divier” experience, head next door to Casino Royale for $3 bottles of beer.
If you are new to their loyalty club, they’ll even reimburse your first $20 of losses as free play.
At Caesars Palace, strolling the intricately themed Forum Shops is a must, if only for the scenery and photo ops.
Cigar aficionados will appreciate that Caesars also offers 2 cigar lounges. The first, Montecristo, is located off the casino floor.
Casa Fuente is located in the Forum Shops.
Resorts World is a short walk to the north and is the newest resort on the Strip. Inside, you’ll find a sprawling casino floor, a speakeasy bar (shh!), a cocktail lounge on the 66th floor, and numerous dining options.
My favorite aspect of the resort is the Famous Foods Street Eats, a food court serving an impressive variety of high-quality food at grab-and-go prices (around $20 or less).
My favorite tacos in Las Vegas can be found a short walk past Wynn and Encore at Tacos el Gordo.
The ordering system (more on that here) is a bit chaotic, but the tacos are cheap, authentic, and tasty as heck.
There is an absolute abundance of itinerary-worthy activities at Venetian and Palazzo. Although not listed as its own bullet point, just walking through and exploring the themed resort is among my favorite things to do while in town.
Related: Where to eat cheap on the Strip – A property-by-property breakdown of options.
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.