Las Vegas may not be the first city you think of when you think ‘romance,’ but it’s got its fair share of love in the air. Not only is it a hugely popular wedding destination, with over 120,000 weddings performed each year, but it’s also got it’s own brand of romantic charm. From high end restaurants to low budget picnics, check out these 8 romantic things to do in Las Vegas for you and your sweetheart.
Visit the Ethel M Chocolate Factory
Nothing says romance like chocolates, so why not take a tour of best of the best? Ethel M Chocolate Factory offers not only tours of their facility, but also tasting sessions, where you can sample loads of different kinds of chocolate! When you’re done, don’t forget to pick up a chocolatey drink, and meander around the cactus garden arm in arm. D’aww.
Budget: The self guided tour and cactus garden are free.
Splurge: The chocolate tasting is $15 per person.
Ride the Gondolas at The Venetian
Yes, it’s cliche. It’s kind of expensive. But it’s totally worth it. You might not actually be in Italy, but you’ll certainly feel like you are on this romantic gondola ride through the Shoppes. Share a trip with another couple, or go full on romantic with your own private gondola. Your gondolier will serenade you down the canal, and you can even spring for a professional keepsake photo. There are also gondola rides in the outdoor canals in front of the Venetian.
Budget: A shared ride is $29 per person. Or you can walk along the canal and stare longingly at the boats for free!
Splurge: A private gondola is $116. Photo options start at $22.
Dine at a Romantic Restaurant
Las Vegas has tons of different restaurants, with cuisines from all over the world. Take your significant other to the top of the Stratosphere, for spectacular views and fine dining at Top of the World. Or teleport to France by dining at The Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris. If you’re not into stunning views, try Hugo’s Cellar at Four Queens, where ladies are gifted a red rose. Or, if you and your SO are big foodies, try an upscale buffet! The Wynn Buffet and Bacchanal at Caesar’s are flawlessly decorated for a beautiful and sophisticated ambiance.
Budget: If you’re looking to stay under $50, or even $20, check out Firefly, a tapas bar near The Strip, or try Paris Baguette in the Venetian. You can get sandwiches, pastries, and all kinds of desserts along with a great view of St Mark’s Square.
Splurge: Try Alize, Le Cirque, The Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Top of the World, or Picasso. A chef’s tasting menu will run you about $100 per person, and entrees are usually $35+ depending on the restaurant.
Have a Picnic or Go Star Gazing (or Both!)
If you and your SO like the outdoors, Red Rock and Mount Charleston present endless opportunities! Take a drive or a hike around the area, have a picnic, go stargazing, take a tour, and so on! Or drive out to the Grand Canyon West or South Rim! The views there are unparalleled.
Budget: Hiking, stargazing, and picnics.
Splurge: Take a helicopter tour of any of these areas! Try a Grand Canyon tour with champagne and limo transportation, or a Grand Canyon sunset tour! Or go out to Red Rock! Prices start at $125 per person.
Take in a Show
Las Vegas is an entertainment capital, with shows ranging from musicals to magic acts to Chippendale’s. For something on the romantic (and naughty) side, try Zumanity or Baz. For a laugh, check out Penn and Teller, and for music try a concert or ballet at the Smith Center. Depending on the show, tickets usually range from around $50 per person to over a thousand, so there’s something available for every price.
Budget: On the other hand, if you’re really strapped for cash, try this: find a spot at night near McCarren airport, and watch the planes come in. Trust us. It’s romantic AND unique. Or you can be more of a tourist and check out the free acrobatics at Circus Circus, the Fall of Atlantis at Caesars, or even the Bellagio Fountains.
Splurge: Book VIP seats for Cirque du Soleil’s “O”! You get private opera-house style seats, treats, champagne, and more. Tickets start at $330 per person.
Visit Lake Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas has tons of activities, from paddle boats to beach lounging to restaurants and more. They also have entertainment from time to time, there’s golf, water activities, and Montelago village, where you can stroll through the shops and feel like you’re in Europe.
Budget: to visit Lake Las Vegas is free, as is wandering Montelago village. Or stop and have a coffee with a lakeside view!
Splurge: water activities start at $30 per person, and can go all the way up to over $1200 (if you want to rent a private yacht, that is).
Go to an Art Gallery
Vegas may not be known for its arts and culture, but we’ve certainly got it! Check out the Bellagio Art Gallery, or the Dave Chihuly ceiling. Stroll through the Bellagio gardens for extra wow! Visit the Art of Richard MacDonald gallery, with statues of Cirque performers, or the Martin Lawrence gallery for Warhols!
Budget: The Richard MacDonald, Martin Lawrence, Bellagio Gardens, and Dave Chihuly ceiling are all free to visit.
Splurge: The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art starts at $16.
Take in a View of the City
Many a proposal have been, well, proposed on the High Roller. It’s a great way to take in the city’s sights and lights while being above the chaos (literally) of The Strip. Another great place to view the city is from one of Vegas’ many rooftop bars. Try The Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay, or Ghostbar at The Palms. Nothing says romance like making googly eyes at each other over a bottle of wine, the sun setting in the distance.
Budget: If you want to get those views without paying an arm and a leg for drinks, head outside the city just a bit to Henderson. The parking garage at Green Valley Ranch has some stellar views of the city skyline.
Splurge: For a dynamite view, take a helicopter tour of the Strip! It’ll run you about $125-150 per person.
