We cannot express in words how much we love The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas. Not only are these two sister towers our favorite hotel to stay in when we’re in Vegas, but we also love just going in there to see and experience what’s new.
And there’s always something new.
We’ll take 3-6 month breaks in between trips to The Venetian/Palazzo and find that on our subsequent visit, at least 2-3 new attractions or restaurants have popped up. So yeah, there’s a lot to do at The Venetian and Palazzo!
For first-timers, we recommend strolling, shopping, and dining your way through the Grand Canal Shoppes. You’ll feel like you’re in Venice, Italy on a warm and sunny afternoon!
For couples, how about a gondola ride, complete with a serenading gondolier? And for bachelor/bachelorette parties, how about a meal at one of the many celebrity chef restaurants followed by a wild show at the Atomic Saloon Show?
If all that is starting to sound enticing, there’s a lot more in store for you. Here are the top things to do at The Venetian and Palazzo.
Go on an indoor/outdoor gondola ride
Only at The Venetian Resort can you go on gondola rides in true Venetian style without needing to fork up money to buy a plane ticket to Italy!
Whether you choose indoors or outdoors, the Gondola Rides at The Venetian offer a whimsical escape that’ll instantly transport you to the Italian seaside. As you drift along the water, soak in the picturesque surroundings, and perhaps even request a serenade from your gondolier!
Pro tip: During the summers, opt for the indoor ride. Summers in Vegas are brutally hot! Opt for an outdoor ride during sunset for a magical experience.
Watch Shin Lim’s close-up magic show
Shin Lim has redefined the way close-up magic is presented, mesmerizing audiences in Las Vegas since his original show debuted in 2019. Heralded as “one of the most astonishing illusionists ever” and “the new superstar of Las Vegas magicians,” his show has been a hit over the years he performed at The Mirage.
Despite the hotel’s shutdown, his show is still alive and better than ever. In October 2024, he debuted an all-new show at The Palazzo Theatre (a theater that’s nearly 3x the size of his last showroom).
We attended the show’s opening night and were surprised to find all new special guests and even never-before-seen tricks! Throughout the entire show, we were completely baffled by how he was doing ANY of his tricks. Even now, we’re confused by how it was all possible?!?!
With a healthy mix of card magic, epic (and quite astonishing) sleight-of-hand, aerial acrobatics, and even some mentalism, we’re happy to say this show is 100% worth the hype.
Explore the Grand Canal Shoppes
The Grand Canal Shoppes is an upscale shopping mall featuring more than a dozen world-class and award-winning dining venues, in addition to over 160 signature stores and premier luxury brands. From high-end fashion to unique treasures, you’ll find it all.
But it’s not just any ol’ mall. This is a Vegas hotel mall, meaning it’s over-the-top when it comes to grandness! Expect Venetian-inspired architecture and a canal running through its heart.
I personally think one of the best ways to enjoy the Grand Canal Shoppes is to actually dine at one of the restaurants in Saint Mark’s Square. Unlike how it would be in Venice, these restaurants are not tourist traps. They’re actually delicious!
From one of the “outdoor” tables, you can soak in the peaceful atmosphere (the painted skies make it seem like it’s a sunny afternoon any time of the day), and do some people-watching while enjoying a top-notch meal.
Pro tip: Explore the quieter early morning hours for a more serene shopping experience.
Flight Club Social Darts
Reminiscent of British pubs and fairgrounds with a modern twist, Flight Club Social Darts invites guests to enjoy premium food and beverage offerings paired with a high-tech game experience that makes dart throwing approachable and fun to play.
When we say “premium food”, we mean it. Instead of your average sliders and nachos, expect foods like oysters on the half shelf, mini Barbacoa tacos, yuzu guacamole, truffle fries, pork belly buns, and steak skewers. Along with the food, they have specialty cocktails too.
For a limited time, you can head to The Venetian to experience this London-based “eatertainment” concept.
minus5 Ice Bar
Beat the heat at minus5 at The Venetian, a winter wonderland of 100 tons of custom-carved ice, complete with drinking glasses, walls, seats, and sculptures made of ice.
As the name suggests, minus5 is kept at a pretty chilly temperature, but don’t worry – when you visit, they’ll deck you out in a parka and gloves. With some packages, you can even upgrade to a super stylish faux fur coat. These outfits not only will keep you warm, but they make for some pretty fun photo ops.
This attraction is included with the Go City Las Vegas pass!
We love exploring new cities around the world with Go City! With the Go City Las Vegas pass, you can save up to 50% off attractions and access 50+ attractions for one low price. To see if this pass is worth it for you, check out all the activities that are included with either the All-Inclusive Pass or the Explorer Pass.
Atomic Saloon Show
For a unique and entertaining experience, The Venetian offers the Atomic Saloon Show, a thrilling production that takes the theme of bars/saloons and goes crazy with it.
At the Atomic Saloon Show, you’re in for the rowdiest, raunchiest riot of drop-dead sexy circus, variety, and comedy mayhem this side of the mighty Mississippi! The show features Madam Boozy Skunkton and her sensational yet outrageous crew, and their plan is to throw a nightly boozy-doozy of a show right in the middle of Sin City’s wildest watering hole.
Expect the unexpected as you navigate through the multiple bars, each adding its unique flavor to the unforgettable mayhem that unfolds on stage.
Experience Sphere for yourself
If you’ve driven on the highways of Las Vegas (or have been on social media at all), chances are you’ve seen Sphere. Located by The Venetian, Sphere has two main features — the outside and the inside.
The outside always has some cool projection going on, making it perfect for photos. The inside features an even cooler experience called The Sphere Experience. The Sphere Experience is a two-part multi-sensory experience lasting approximately two hours. In all honesty, it’s two hours of immersive amazement.
First, you’ll get to explore The Atrium. There’s a 360-degree avatar capture, a mesmerizing 50-foot holographic installation, and a few other cool tech features.
Then, brace yourself for an immersive cinematic experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen with Darren Aronofsky’s ‘Postcard from Earth.’ This specially commissioned film is a sci-fi portrait of our planet, leveraging Sphere’s cutting-edge technologies to transport you to new worlds without ever leaving your seat.
On a budget? Just skip going inside. The outside of Sphere is cool enough to see!
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is a two-story attraction nestled within The Venetian. With over 80 meticulously crafted wax figures representing iconic celebrities from film, television, and music, this immersive experience allows you to get up-close and personal with your favorite stars.
All the figures are crafted with such realism that they might just fool your family into believing you partied with Snoop Dogg!
Unlike meeting real celebrities, Madame Tussauds offers a unique advantage – you can touch, pose, and take unlimited selfies with uncannily lifelike figures. Bad Bunny, Channing Tatum, Beyoncé, Tupac Shakur, Mike Tyson, Jamie Foxx, and Brad Pitt are just a few of the famous faces you can expect to see here.
Relive the bootlegger days at 1923 Prohibition Bar
If you’re looking for a fun, speakeasy-style experience at The Venetian, do not miss the quaint 1923 Prohibition Bar.
Hidden in the shadows of the Grand Canal Shoppes, this hidden-in-plain-sight bar takes you back to the roaring 20s, complete with period-specific decor, live jazz music, and classic cocktails.
The bar’s menu features a variety of classic cocktails, including the Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, and Sazerac, as well as some signature drinks, such as the Gatsby’s Gin Fiz, Tajin Temptation, and the Speakesy Strange Rush.
The drinks can be enjoyed any time of the week, but we recommend visiting on Friday and Saturday nights for their NOLA Nights event. From 9pm to midnight, enjoy live entertainment and burlesque while soaking in the authentic New Orleans speakeasy experience — no password needed.
Just locate the hidden elevator and step into history.
Catch a super-secret show inside 1923 Prohibition Bar
Just when you thought 1923 Prohibition Bar couldn’t get any cooler, it does. Not only is this speakeasy a great spot for drinks and live music, but it’s also a venue for super intimate parlor shows.
Right now, you can experience the magic of Legerdemain, where close-up magic meets comedy and storytelling. This immersive show allows just 45 guests per performance, blending audience interaction with masterful sleight of hand and custom cocktails woven into the act.
Running Friday through Sunday with showtimes between 6 PM and 9 PM, each ticket includes handcrafted libations, making this a truly unique evening. It’s one of the most exclusive and engaging magic experiences in Las Vegas and it’s only available for a limited time.
If you’re put off by large, overly polished productions (like those of Criss Angel and David Copperfield), this intimate show is a great one to catch.
Did you know Mandalay Bay has its own 1923 Prohibition Bar?
The speakeasy location at Mandalay Bay also has its own intimate parlor show. In a secret chamber hidden behind the bar, you’ll find a hidden gem of a show called Ghost Stories. For a limited time, you can catch Kent Axell performing feats of mind reading and magic at his dark, eerie, and immersive show. This experience is equally as exclusive and intimate as the one at The Venetian!
Dine at one of the many celebrity chef restaurants
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure because if you’re after good restaurants, The Venetian/Palazzo has got you covered on this front.
You’ll find renowned restaurants by famous chefs such as Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Thomas Keller, Lorena Garcia, Tetsuya Wakuda, Eyal Shani, and Buddy Valastro.
Delmonico Steakhouse, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Bouchon, Chica, Wakuda, and Buddy V’s Ristorante are just a few of the remarkable celeb chef-created dining options here.
Party brunch at LAVO
LAVO is one of the many restaurants offered within The Venetian resort. The thing they’re most famous for — aside from the massive 1-pound meatball on the menu — is their Party Brunch experience! It’s one of the most fun times you’ll ever have at brunch.
Offering indulgent menus, a large selection of champagne, live chef stations, bottomless cocktails, and resident DJs, brunch at LAVO is unlike anything on the Las Vegas Strip.
Saturdays and Sundays are where it’s at. On Saturdays from October to March, you can partake in the famed LAVO Party Brunch where you can even dance on top of tables after your meal. Every Sunday, you can indulge in a bottomless Italian brunch experience with unlimited options and live chef stations.
Both of these weekly events are perfect for large groups and celebrations — LAVO is practically a staple for bachelorette parties in Vegas!
TAO Nightclub
Get ready to own the night at TAO Nightclub, where world-class DJs set the stage for an unforgettable party experience.
TAO Nightclub used to be all the rage in the 2010s, then fell off for a few years as partygoers flocked to other clubs on the Las Vegas Strip. Since then, they’ve had a resurgence!
Playing a variety of hip hop and top 40 music, TAO boasts three bars, one dance floor, private sky boxes, and a 40-foot outside terrace overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.
Guests can catch a glimpse of the bathtub models immersed in rose petal baths, take in the sounds of the DJ from a VIP table on the dance floor, and enjoy bottle service in one of eight private sky boxes overlooking the main room.
PRO TIP: Hotel guests staying in The Venetian, Venezia, or Palazzo towers will receive complimentary entry for themselves and 1 guest during specified times. Check the Venetian website for the latest details.
TAO Beach Dayclub
When the sun’s blazing, there’s no better place to be other than at a Vegas pool party. TAO Beach Dayclub at The Venetian is one of the best venues to experience a Vegas dayclub pool party!
Lush foliage and beautiful decor make Tao Beach Dayclub a perfect tropical escape. You’ll find multiple ways to enjoy the afternoon outdoors, including cabanas, bungalows, daybeds, and a covered patio with open seating and a bar area.
But of course, the main focal point here is the impressive musical lineup. A day at TAO Beach means you can sip cocktails, soak up the sun, and vibe to the beats of big-name DJs all afternoon long.
Last season’s lineup was anchored by Swedish superstar Alesso and the platinum-selling DJ, Fisher. This season, TAO returns bigger and better with loads of new artists and a new DJ booth taking center stage.
Canyon Ranch Spa & Fitness
The Venetian and The Palazzo share the award-winning Canyon Ranch Spa & Fitness, a sprawling venue that offers a host of top-notch massages, facials and wraps.
Guests can choose from more than 150 extraordinary services with more than 90 treatment rooms, exclusive amenities, and warm personal attention at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa. While you’re here, try the Aquavana thermal suite for a super unique relaxation experience.
If you need to squeeze in a workout, you’re in luck here. The Venetian’s gym has loads of equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes, as well as workout benches and free weights. There’s even a rock-climbing wall and a variety of fitness classes you can sign up to take.
Electra Cocktail Club
For the cocktail connoisseur in you, the Electra Cocktail Club is a must-visit destination that’ll leave you wowed. This high-energy lounge features some of the most cutting-edge mixology.
The mixologists at Electra Cocktail Club take the art of cocktail creation seriously, offering a menu that balances classic elegance with contemporary flair.
Pro tip: Don’t hesitate to ask the skilled bartenders for a personalized recommendation based on your flavor preferences, and be sure to explore the signature concoctions like the Electra Mule or the Smoked Peach Negroni. Cheers to an unforgettable night in a cocktail haven!
For another cool cocktail lounge: check out the Rosina Cocktail Lounge — serving up classic cocktails served with a modern twist. Expect a glamorous atmosphere complete with a champagne call button at each table.
Grand Lux Cafe
Grand Lux Cafe is personally one of our favorite large-group restaurants in all of Las Vegas! We love staying at The Venetian and The Palazzo whenever we throw group trips of 8 or more, and one of the top things we look forward to is dining at this restaurant.
Expect a menu so massive (almost like Cheesecake Factory’s but better) that you’ll have a hard time picking just one dish for yourself. From appetizers to pasta dishes to steaks and seafood to desserts, there’s something for even the pickiest of taste buds.
There’s also a great Happy Hour that takes place Monday through Friday from 4 PM to 6:30 PM. You can dig into chicken tenders, burgers, crabcakes, potstickers, Asian nachos, chicken lettuce wraps, buffalo chicken rolls, mini cheeseburgers, and more all for under $11 each.
Bouchon
Bouchon, the French bistro owned by Thomas Keller, delights guests with flaky pastries during breakfast, decadent sandwiches at lunch, and exquisite French classics for dinner.
Bouchon is a big deal in Vegas (and in Napa, CA when it originated). Bouchon at The Venetian aims to transport you to a Parisian brasserie where culinary artistry meets comfort food.
Begin your day at Bouchon Bakery with the aroma of freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolat, served alongside expertly brewed coffee. This is one of our favorite bakeries on the Strip — the croissants are so flaky and delicious!
Come evening, you can head to Bouchon the restaurant. The dinner menu elevates your culinary experience with French classics like Steak Frites, Coq au Vin, and the celebrated Roast Chicken. They also have a raw bar with select oysters on the half shell and many other Fruits de Mer to choose from.
Pro tip: Save room for dessert, where the pastry expertise truly shines. Whether it’s the decadent Chocolate Bouchon or the ethereal Tarte au Citron, the sweet finale at Bouchon is nothing short of a masterpiece.
SUSHISAMBA
Not many people have attempted an East-meets-South America dining concept. But SUSHISAMBA does it, and they do it well.
Brace yourself for an explosion of flavors as Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines come together in a dance on your taste buds. From Japanese tempura and sushi, to Brazilian churrasco and moqueca, to Peruvian anticuchos and seviches, each dish is a work of art, and the iconic Samba Rolls are a must-try!
Buddy V’s Ristorante
If you’re craving a taste of Italy with a dash of American charm, Buddy V’s Ristorante is calling your name. Step into the world of Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, where Italian-American comfort food takes center stage.
Prepare to be delighted by classic dishes made with a modern twist, served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. From hearty pasta dishes to mouthwatering desserts, every bite is a nod to family traditions and authentic flavors.
Pro tip: Save room for the cannoli – they’re a sweet masterpiece and a true Buddy Valastro signature.
The LOVE Sculpture
Strike a pose in front of the larger-than-life LOVE sculpture at The Venetian, created by the renowned artist Robert Indiana.
Indiana, an American artist born in 1928, gained international fame for his iconic LOVE series, which he first created as a Christmas card design in the 1960s.
Enjoy the art and architecture throughout the resort
After snapping up a few selfies by the LOVE sign, it’s time to explore the rest of the resort. Two of our favorite areas to find rotating art installations within the resorts are The Venetian’s lobby as well as The Palazzo’s lobby.
During our most recent trip, we purposefully stopped by these resorts just to see their Lunar New Year installations. They were so extravagant and pretty! Alongside the “Acqua di Cristallo” in The Palazzo’s lobby was a colorful dragon ringing in the Year of the Dragon.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you may walk into a winter wonderland, a flower-filled springtime installation, etc.
From there, take a stroll through the rest of the resort to take in all the other Italian-inspired art and architecture!
Renaissance frescoes transport you into the heart of Venice, while digital displays showcase a new era of modern art. Look up at the hand-painted ceiling of the Grand Colonnade and check out the recreated historic sites in St. Mark’s Square (Grand Canal Shoppes) like the Bridge of Sighs, the Campanile Tower, the Rialto Bridge, the Doge’s Palace, and more.
Planning Your Trip To Vegas?
Here are some of our other Vegas travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip:
- How To Snag Discounts On Las Vegas Attractions And Shows
- Here Are All The Absolute Must-Do’s In Las Vegas For First Timers
- 25+ Unique And Totally FREE Things To Do In Vegas
- Top Las Vegas Magic Shows That Will Knock Your Socks Off
- 15 Fun Places To Eat On The Las Vegas Strip
- 15 Kid-Friendly Shows In Las Vegas Perfect For Families
- 5 Cheaper Alternatives To Cirque du Soleil Shows In Las Vegas
- 10 Fun Rides and Roller Coasters In Las Vegas For Thrill Seekers
- 10 Secret Bars And Speakeasies On The Las Vegas Strip (+ Where To Find Them!)
- 20 Quirky And Fun Museums You’ll Only Find In Las Vegas
Other Posts You’ll Enjoy
15 Top Things To Do At Horseshoe Las Vegas
15 Top Things To Do At Paris Las Vegas
12 Must-Do’s At The Bellagio For The Full Experience
15 Fun Things To Do In Mandalay Bay For The Full Experience
20 Things To Do At Caesars Palace For The Full Experience
