10 Things You Have to Do in Las Vegas

With a new year comes new Las Vegas adventures.

Here’s our thoughtfully slapped-together-at-the-last-minute list of things you simply must to add to your Las Vegas bucket list.

1. Hug a Lion

We fell in love with the kitties at the Lion Habitat Ranch, a few minutes south of The Strip, near the M Resort. The cubs are growing up quickly, but there’s still time to love up on them as part of your Vegas experience.

Lion habitat
The opportunity to interact with lion cubs is a rawr one.

2. Spent $1,000 on a Meal

We’re not going to say it again: You only live once. Save up, and when you’re in Las Vegas, do something huge. Sin City boasts some of the most extraordinary chefs and restaurants in the world, so take advantage, even if it’s just that one time.

It’s not hard to hit that $1,000 mark. Try Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand, Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace, Picasso at Bellagio or Aureole at Mandalay Bay.

Aureole wine tower
Aureole’s four-story wine tower. Your hometown has one, too, right?

3. Get Hitched

Quickie Las Vegas weddings are making a comeback, and Sin City remains the undisputed wedding capital of the world. This might be the year for you to take the leap, do something profoundly stupid and create some memories you’re sure to regret for a lifetime, or at least until your quickie divorce.

Vegas weddings
In Vegas, you can even get married from the back of a van.

4. Fight a Busker, Become an Internet Sensation

Think about going viral! One of the best ways to do that is to pick a fight with a busker, one of the costumed characters who beg for tips along The Strip or under the canopy at the Fremont Street Experience.

Just make sure your friends are taping the encounter, and let YouTube do the rest. Oh, important note, make sure to always keep the number of a bailbondsman on you.




5. Prepare for a Zombie Invasion

Vegas has been bitten by zombie fever, and this could very well be the year when things take a turn for the worse. Turn! See what we did there?

Stock up on survival supplies at the Zombie Apocalypse Store, shoot a machine gun at one of the city’s shooting ranges or explore the sexy side of zombies by seeing “Zombie Burlesque” at the V Theater. (We haven’t seen it yet, but how bad can it be? There are zombies doing burlesque.)

Zombie Apocalypse Store
The Zombie Apocalypse Store has a shooting gallery, but it’s a little less bullety than the real ones.

6. Ride the High Roller

The world’s tallest observation wheel, the High Roller, is a must-ride attraction in Las Vegas. We covered the building of this larger-than-life engineering wonder that gives Vegas visitors an experience they’re unlikely to forget.

High Roller
We’ll be watching you ride from the comfort of ground level, so smile and wave.

7. Get a Tattoo With Your Grandmother

Hey, Vegas isn’t just about you. Get some fresh ink with your Grams. Matching tats will bring you together like never before, and she’ll be able to cross something off her bucket list, too.

tattoo
Bad decisions have no expiration date.

8. Dry Hump a Little Person

O’Sheas is back at The Linq Hotel (formerly The Quad), and the bar’s mascot, Lucky the Leprechaun, is already stirring up trouble with Vegas visitors. Just remember to make sure any dry humping is consensual, and tipping is always appreciated.

O'Sheas
Lucky may be short in stature, but he’s long on romance.

9. Backstroke in a Fountain

Fountains and water features are everywhere in Las Vegas, so why not throw caution to the wind and take a dip? A brisk swim will rejuvenate you, provide some much-needed exercise and help you make new friends, including security guards and members of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Mirage fountain
Note that smartphones aren’t more waterproof just because you’re in Las Vegas.

10. Have a Threesome

Oh, come on. You’ve talked about it. If it’s ever going to happen, it’s going to happen in Las Vegas. Plentiful liquor (adios inhibitions), bachelor and bachelorette parties, as well as being a quick elevator ride away from your hotel room, all make for a perfect storm of potential threesome success. Let’s make it a Vegas vacation to remember, times three!

Threesome
What happens at the Riviera stays at the Riviera. Actual results may vary.

Enjoy all these must-do things to do in Las Vegas, and here’s hoping your stay is full of love, laughter and maybe even a little sin.