Las Vegas may not be a FIFA World Cup 2026 host city, but it’s one of the best places to visit during the tournament. It’s only an hour’s flight (or a four-hour drive) from the LA matches at SoFi Stadium and packed with enough flying rides, sky-high views, and unforgettable shows to make it a highlight of your whole summer.
Las Vegas slots perfectly into the West Coast leg of your trip, turning a few days between fixtures into an adventure all their own.
Here’s how to make the most of it, with the best attractions, shows, and money-saving passes, all bookable in advance.
See Las Vegas From Above
The Vegas skyline is best enjoyed from up high, and there are three brilliant ways to do it, each with its own personality.
- LINQ High Roller Ferris Wheel: One of the tallest observation wheels in the world, the High Roller carries you up in a roomy glass pod for a 30-minute rotation with sweeping views over the entire Strip. It works beautifully by day for the desert-and-mountains backdrop or after dark when the neon really comes alive. You can even book a pod with an open bar if you want to toast the view.
- The Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas: Ride to the top of a half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower for a panoramic view looking straight down over the dancing Bellagio Fountains across the street. It’s one of the most romantic vantage points in the city, especially at sunset. Time your visit to catch a fountain show from above.
- FlyOver Las Vegas: A thrilling flight-simulation ride that lifts you in front of a giant wraparound screen and soars you over stunning landscapes, complete with wind, mist, and motion effects. It’s immersive, family-friendly, and one of the most purely fun attractions on the Strip. A great option when the desert heat makes you want to be indoors.
Quirky & Fascinating Museums
Vegas has a museum for every kind of traveler, from family-friendly to firmly adults-only.
- Madame Tussauds Las Vegas: Strike a pose with strikingly lifelike wax figures of music, movie, and sports legends, with plenty of interactive setups built for photos. It’s lighthearted, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for groups. A fun hour or two right on the Strip.
- Las Vegas Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs, marine life, and hands-on exhibits make this a reliable winner with families and a welcome change of pace from the casinos. It’s affordable and engaging for all ages. A good way to escape the midday heat.
- The Mob Museum: Housed in a historic former courthouse downtown, this gripping museum tells the true story of organized crime and the law enforcement that fought it, with genuine artifacts and immersive exhibits. It’s far more substantial than its flashy subject suggests. Allow a couple of hours to do it justice.
- Erotic Heritage Museum: An adults-only (18+) museum exploring the cultural history of human sexuality, aimed at the more curious traveler. It’s handled with a surprisingly educational, tongue-in-cheek tone. Strictly one for the grown-ups in the group.
Shows & Entertainment at the V Theatre
No Vegas trip is complete without a show, and the V Theatre in the heart of the Strip hosts a lineup with something for every taste.
- The Mentalist: A jaw-dropping mind-reading and magic experience that leaves audiences questioning what’s possible. Fast-paced and interactive, it’s a crowd favorite. It’s great for a first Vegas show.
- Zombie Burlesque: A cheeky, post-apocalyptic musical comedy for adults, blending song, dance, and irreverent humor. It’s bold, campy, and unlike anything back home. Best enjoyed with an open mind.
- The Jets 80s and 90s Experience: A high-energy throwback concert from the famous family band, packed with the hits and nostalgia. Perfect if you love a sing-along. It will definitely be a feel-good night out.
- Las Vegas Live Comedy Club: The city’s variety comedy show, stacked with comedians and laughs in an intimate setting. It is a reliable choice for a fun, low-key evening. Acts rotate, so every night is a little different.
- Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre: An award-winning, family-friendly show starring rescued pets alongside acrobatics and comedy. It is heartwarming and genuinely funny. It is also a standout option for travelers with kids.
See the City: Hop-On Hop-Off
New to Vegas and short on time? The Big Bus Las Vegas Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is the easiest way to get the lay of the land, with open-top views along the Strip and downtown and the freedom to jump off at whichever sights catch your eye.
It’s an efficient way to orient yourself on day one and decide where you want to spend more time. Look for combo options that pair the bus with a night tour to see the city lit up.
Routes typically loop past the big-name Strip resorts and stretch up to the Fremont Street Experience downtown, so a single ticket stitches together the city’s two very different sides.
Buses come by often enough that you’re rarely waiting long, and the onboard commentary points out landmarks and history you’d otherwise stroll straight past. In summer, the air-conditioned lower deck is a welcome break from the desert heat between stops, while the open top is unbeatable once the sun drops. It’s an especially smart pick for World Cup travelers on a tight turnaround, letting you tick off the highlights in a day before heading back to the LA matches.
Best Value: Combo Tickets & City Passes
If you’re packing several attractions into a few free days, bundles and passes can save you serious money.
Combo tickets pair two favorites at a discount:
- Madame Tussauds + Natural History Museum
- FlyOver Las Vegas + The Eiffel Tower Experience
- FlyOver Las Vegas + Madame Tussauds
- Natural History Museum + The Mob Museum
- Natural History Museum + Erotic Heritage Museum
City passes unlock the most flexibility:
- Go City Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass: Save up to 50% with entry to as many attractions as you can fit into your chosen number of days. It is ideal for fast-paced travelers who want to see it all.
- Go City Las Vegas Explorer Pass: Pick a set number of attractions and visit them at your own pace. It’s perfect for a more relaxed itinerary.
How Does Vegas Fit Into a World Cup Trip?
Las Vegas pairs naturally with the Los Angeles matches. You can either fly or drive over for a few days between fixtures and come back recharged. As one of the world’s biggest sports-watching cities, its bars, sportsbooks, and venues will be buzzing with World Cup energy, so you won’t miss a moment of the action even when you’re off the coast. It’s the ideal place to celebrate a result or drown your sorrows in style.
Make Every Off-Pitch Day Count
Vegas attractions and shows sell out fast in summer, and World Cup travel will push demand even higher. Booking ahead locks in both your spot and the best prices, and a Go City pass is the smart way to see more for less.
From a flight over the Strip on FlyOver Las Vegas to a sunset spin on the High Roller or a night of magic at the V Theatre, Thrillark helps you turn your days off the pitch into unforgettable experiences.
So build Vegas into your itinerary the way you’d build it around a match: with a plan.
