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10 unmissable things to do in Las Vegas

Published 25th July 2023

Welcome to Las Vegas sign with the Mandalay Bay hotel in the background

IMEX America is only a few months away and we’re getting show ready!

As you may know, IMEX America is held in Las Vegas where there’s an adventure around every corner. With our exciting home, Mandalay Bay, comes a host of fun things to see, do and eat! We’ve put together a list of our top restaurants, attractions and things to do in Las Vegas.

Places to eat

Border Grill, Mandalay Bay

An IMEX team favourite, this modern Mexican restaurant is conveniently located just a short distance from the IMEX America tradeshow floor. Let Food Network chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger spice up your day with bold Mexican flavours, conscientiously sourced ingredients and seasonal sangria.

a table of food from border grill

 

Soulbelly BBQ, Arts District

If you feel like getting away from the strip, Soulbelly serves classic American BBQ in the trendy Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas. Here you can sample BBQ favourites like salt and pepper brisket, pork spareribs and Carolina pulled pork – all imagined by former Top Chef contestant Bruce Kalman.

food at Soulbelly

 

Best Friend, Park MGM

Best Friend is ‘Koreatown in a capsule’ – it offers modern, LA twists on classic Korean dishes. From kimchi carbonara to kung pao glazed lobster tails (and an impressive sake list), Best Friend is one of the coolest places in Vegas to grab a bite and a “drank”. And our plant-based friends will love the dedicated vegan menu.

best friends food

 

Casa Calavera, Virgin Hotels 

Head over to Virgin Hotels to try this Mexican cantina with its Instagram-worthy interior. The menu boasts contemporary spins on traditional Mexican favourites, including tacos, ceviche, enchiladas, and a dazzling selection of cocktails and margaritas.

interior casa calavera

 

Vegan-friendly

If you’re looking for plant-based options, we recommend checking out Vegans Baby for a comprehensive guide to all things vegan in Vegas. Downtown and the Arts District are two of the city’s more vegan-friendly parts of town, with highlights including VegeNation, Tacotarian and 18 Bin.

vegenation food

 

Things to do

On your doorstep

Skyfall Lounge, Delano

Experience the best view of the Vegas strip away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds. The Skyfall Lounge offers a taste of the high life: artisan cocktails, panoramic views over the city, a relaxed atmosphere and easy-going tunes from in-house DJs. Reservations recommended.

skyfall lounge

 

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign

Just a 15-minute walk away from Mandalay Bay is the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign. Our top tip is visit early, before the rest of Vegas wakes up, to avoid queues.

Shark Reef Aquarium, Mandalay Bay

Mandalay Bay is home to more than just humans, with over 2,000 sea creatures in this unique exhibit. 

Further afield

Area 15

‘Immersive playground’ Area 15 opened in 2020 and we’ve been desperate to see it since the team joined us over on PlanetIMEX. This 200,000-square-foot complex is an entertainment venue like no other, offering experiences ranging from immersive VR to axe-throwing, right through to zip lining.

area 15

 

IMEX-exclusive offers

IMEX America attendees have access to exclusive discounts at restaurants, shows and experiences, courtesy of our Las Vegas partners. 

The most important thing to know about Las Vegas is it’s host to IMEX America every year! Are you in? Register now.