Planning a trip to Vegas? You’ll definitely want to enjoy the many things to do at the Bellagio Las Vegas.
The Bellagio is without a doubt one of the top resorts on Las Vegas Boulevard, and exploring the iconic resort is among the best things to do in Las Vegas.
With an enviable location right in the heart of the Strip, the Bellagio has a resort tower with a majestic facade, reminiscent of European palace complexes.
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Inspired by the picture-postcard town of Bellagio on Lake Como in Italy, Bellagio Las Vegas features a large man-made lake in front of the resort tower.
The lake is home to the Bellagio’s most popular attraction, the Bellagio Fountains. The light and sound show is one of the top attractions on the Strip — and it’s free!
And if you are looking to explore more of the resorts in Vegas, we also have guides to the best things to do at the Cosmopolitan and the top things to do at the Venetian.
Considering a visit to this famous Vegas resort? Discover the best things to see and do at the Bellagio in Vegas!
The Best Things to Do at The Bellagio in Las Vegas
1. Enjoy the Bellagio Fountains Show
The iconic Fountains of Bellagio will captivate you, especially if it’s your first time seeing the show.
Although we’ve seen it many times now, we still stop to see the show if we happen to be walking the Strip during the time the show is on.
Watching the play of water, light, and music is mesmerizing!
A meticulously choreographed performance featuring light, sound, and dancing water, the Fountains of Bellagio show is one of the top attractions on the Las Vegas Strip.
And it’s free! In our opinion, this fountain show is among the must-do free things in Vegas.
There are several shows each day, and if it’s your first visit to Vegas, you’ll want to catch it by day, at sunset, and by night. The after-dark shows are truly magical.
You can watch the show from the Strip. Find a place to stand right up against the railing, so you can snap photos without obstruction, and capture the show on video.
The evening and night shows are popular, so you may have to arrive in between shows to snag a prime viewing spot. The few minutes’ wait is well worth it!
More than a thousand fountains dance and sway to the rhythm of the music, and some of the water streams shoot up as high as 460 feet into the air.
The scale and the drama are mega-grand, in true Vegas style, and the choreography changes such that you don’t see the exact same show twice.
Catch the Bellagio Fountain show every 30 minutes from 3.00 p.m. until 6.30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and every 15 minutes from 7.00 p.m. until midnight.
On weekends and holidays, the shows run every 30 minutes from noon until 6.30 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 7.00 p.m. until midnight.
Good to know: Since it’s an outdoor attraction, adverse weather conditions may cause shows to be canceled.
Want a bucket-list view of the Fountains of Bellagio? Adventurous visitors to Vegas can book a night helicopter flight over the Strip, not only to see the fountains playing, but also the dazzling lights of the city from above.
2. Admire the Displays in the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
If the Fountains of Bellagio are the star attraction outside, the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens take center-stage inside the resort.
Walking through the Conservatory is one of the best free things to do at Bellagio Las Vegas.
The arcaded garden is set between the lobby and the western end of the tower, and is a must-stroll when you visit the Bellagio.
The lavish displays in the Bellagio Conservatory celebrate the different seasons of the year: Lunar New Year, Spring, Summer, Harvest, and Holiday.
Plant material, colorful decorations, and large scale figures of people, characters, and animals make for a stunning visual feast.
Thousands and thousands of live flowers and plants are used to create intricate characters and objects.
We’ve visited during the holidays, and the exhibit featured giant Nutcrackers, polar bears, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a train on its way to the North Pole, and more.
Another time the exhibit featured exotic African animals, from lions to zebras and giraffes, all draped with garlands of colorful flowers.
And at our latest visit, in the fall, giant mushrooms, pumpkins, and fall leaves dominated the display.
The Bellagio Conservatory and gardens span 14,000 square feet, so allow plenty of time to walk around, admire the details, and snap photos!
The Conservatory is open 24 hours and is free to visit.
If you want photos without other people, plan to visit early in the day. During the day, it’s a popular attraction.
The displays can be viewed throughout the year, except for a few “dark dates” when they are being switched out.
Check the schedule on the resort website to make sure you visit when a display is running, because there are a few dark dates to allow for installations to change.
And if you are planning your first ever trip to Vegas, be sure to also check out our other helpful tips for traveling to Vegas!
3. Gawk at the Chihuly Sculpture on the Bellagio Lobby Ceiling
Walk into the lobby of the Bellagio Las Vegas and your gaze will immediately be drawn upwards, to the magnificent glass sculpture that covers the ceiling.
Fiori di Como, which translates to “Flowers of Como,” is Dave Chihuly’s colorful interpretation of spring and summer bloom at Lake Como in Italy.
It is a mesmerizing installation and you’ll want to take a million photos.
Arguably the most recognized piece of public art in Vegas, the Chihuly Ceiling at the Bellagio is one the largest glass sculptures ever created.
Chihuly is a renowned US glass artist with installations all over the world, and the ceiling of the Bellagio is one of his most popular works.
Covering 2,100 square feet, the sculpture is made up of 2,000 hand-blown glass blossoms in jewel colors: orange, purple, teal, yellow, red, and more.
Weighing about 40,000 pounds, the sculpture is supported by a framework of steel that itself weighs 10,000 pounds, and is reported to be worth several million dollars in today’s prices.
Every morning, a team of engineers cleans and maintains the installation.
The sculpture is free to view and can be viewed 24 hours.
4. Snap a Photo of the Largest Chocolate Fountain in the World
At the Bellagio Patisserie, you can gawk at one of the world’s largest (and tallest) chocolate fountains.
Over 2,000 pounds of melted chocolate are circulated through 500 feet of pipes. The chocolate is maintained at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so it flows easily.
The streams of melted dark, milk, and white chocolate flow artistically down from ceiling height, making for a unique sight.
If you are visiting Las Vegas with kids, this is one sight at the Bellagio they will be excited to see! As chocoholic adults, we were excited too.
The rivulets of chocolate are recycled and reportedly have to be changed out only once a year or so.
You’ll find the Bellagio Patisserie next to the Conservatory, in the Spa Tower.
The Bellagio Chocolate Fountain is free to view, although you’ll likely be tempted by the pastries in the store! The shop os open from 6 a.m. until 11.00 p.m. every day.
5. Watch O by Cirque du Soleil
You’ll find entertainment and shows of every kind in Vegas, but the Cirque shows are a must-experience, and O by Cirque du Soleil at the Bellagio definitely ranks up there as one of the top shows in Las Vegas.
We’ve seen it twice, and we would not hesitate to go yet again.
The theatrics, athleticism, and visuals are spellbinding!
The show is set in, on, and above water, and features a cast of synchronized swimmers, divers, acrobats, and other artists that weave magic with their movements, accompanied by great music and lighting.
The 90-minute show is held in the Bellagio “O” Theater.
Shows occur Wednesday through Sunday at 7.00 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. There are a few additional dates in November (16,17, 18) and December (26, 31). These special shows have varying times.
6. Enjoy Exhibitions at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
While it’s an intimate space, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is known for its art exhibitions, organized in partnership with museums and art foundations from all over the world.
Artists of renown have been featured in past exhibitions, from Picasso to Monet and Warhol.
We saw Yayoi Kusama’s Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity Infinity Room and Narcissus Garden, two stunning installations, at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art a few years ago.
At the time of writing, the gallery’s exhibit is In Bloom, a spring-themed offering featuring multiple artists. The exhibit is scheduled to continue until September 10, 2023.
Exhibits change from time to time, so if you are an art enthusiast planning a trip to Vegas, be sure to check what’s running when you go.
The gallery is located in the Promenade Shops, right across from the main pool entrance.
It is open everyday from 10.00 a.m. until 6 p.m., and there is an admission fee.
Good to know: Photo and video are not permitted inside the gallery.
7. Shop (or Window-Shop!) at the Swanky Bellagio Shops
The stores at the Bellagio are a shopper’s paradise, and even if you aren’t planning to buy, they make for excellent window shopping.
Browse the Via Bellagio Shops, the Promenade Shops, or the Lobby Shops. You’ll find stores scattered about elsewhere as well.
The upscale brands that have stores here include Hermes, Prada, Valentino, Chanel, BVLGARI, and Tiffany &Co.
SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker features handcrafted shoes, handbags, and accessories. Perrotin Las Vegas is a must-visit for contemporary art enthusiasts.
The setting of the promenade of shops is stunning, with carved plaster ceilings topped by rotondas. Glass skylights let in plenty of light, giving a light airy feel to the walkway.
There are over two dozen stores to browse.
The shops in the Promenade and along the Via Bellagio are usually open from 10.00 a.m. until 8 p.m., although individual shops may have different hours.
8. Stay in a Fountain-View Room at Bellagio Las Vegas!
With a prime location in the middle of the Strip, the Bellagio is a fabulous place to stay in Vegas. Rooms have been recently remodeled, and offer elegance and luxury.
For the ultimate experience, you have to book a room with a view of the iconic Bellagio Fountains!
We stayed at the nearby Vdara on a recent stay, in a suite that had unobstructed views of the fountains, and it was wonderful to be able to see them from the comfort of our room, albeit absent the music.
Some of the rooms at the Bellagio have a much more stunning view of the fountains than we did!
Fountain View King rooms are furnished in soft neutrals with just a touch of color, and ooze relaxation. Gorgeous en suite bathrooms feature marble, granite, and mother of pearl, with an outsized shower instead of a tub.
The resort also offers extravagant suites that overlook the fountains if you are looking to splurge!
9. Enjoy Fine Italian Cuisine at lago (with a View of the Fountains!)
Want to dine with a view of the Bellagio Fountains?
LAGO by Julian Serrano at the Bellagio Las Vegas has unparalleled views of the fountains, especially if you sit outside, or right by the window.
Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Julian Serrano, the restaurant offers an Italy-inspired menu and is open for lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner.
The à la carte menu has a variety of pasta and risotto dishes, pizzettas, and large plates featuring seafood or meat. We love their mushroom risotto.
We’ve had lunch here twice, once inside and once on the patio. Dinner outside would be great for a date night!
Attire is business casual.
Reserve ahead, especially if you want a table with a view at dinner.
10. Or Pick Another Bellagio Restaurant with a Fountain View
While LAGO has the most spectacular views of the fountains, there are several other restaurants at the Bellagio with excellent fountain views if you do not feel like Italian cuisine.
Picasso features original works by Picasso on the walls and a view of the fountain show. The menu is inspired by regions in Spain and France. You can try the degustation menu or the prix fixe menu. They also have a vegan prix fixe option.
PRIME Steakhouse has a garden patio with views of the fountains. You can try steak here, of course, but also lamb and seafood.
Spago is a Wolfgang Puck restaurant with fountain views. Get a table on the outside patio! The restaurant offers farm-fresh California cuisine and is open for both lunch and dinner.
Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge offers traditional and modern Japanese cuisine with a twist of Korean for a unique experience. Enjoy specialty sakes and views of the fountains with your meal here.
11. Sample the Spread at the Bellagio Buffet!
Considered one of the best buffets on the Las Vegas Strip, the Buffet at Bellagio offers a huge spread of food.
Featuring Italian, American, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines, the buffet is known for its live cooking stations, where chefs whip up made-to-order omelets, crepes, and other creations as you watch.
There’s a carving station, and the buffet’s popular items include the St. Louis style ribs and rotisserie chicken. Enjoy gourmet fare such as Chilean bass and jumbo king crab legs at dinner.
The dessert station, is, of course, spectacular, and includes a personalized gelato station and a variety of seasonal sweet concoctions.
The buffet is open for brunch daily from 8.00 a.m. until 3 p.m., and for dinner from 5.00 p.m. until 9.00 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
At the time of writing, brunch is $44.99 Monday through Thursday and $49.99 Friday through Sunday. Dinner is $66.99 on Friday and $74.99 on Saturday and Sunday.
You can buy a 2-hour beverage package for $24.99 if you want to enjoy alcoholic beverages with your meal.
It’s a pricey buffet, but the quality of the food, and the variety, has been excellent the two times we’ve visited for brunch.
To avoid having to wait in line, enjoy the buffet at off-meal times.
Attire is resort casual, please do not arrive in swim wear or tank tops!
12. Wander the Interiors
As one of the top resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, the Bellagio’s interiors are stunning. Wandering the public spaces to take in all the details is a fun (and free!) activity.
You’ll find lots of art to admire, architectural details worth noting on walls and ceilings, and plush furnishings.
The fine art on public display at the Bellagio includes works by many renowned artists, and the resort adds to its collection periodically.
We’ve already mentioned the fabulous Chihuly sculpture, but the rest of the lobby is beautiful as well. When we visited during the holidays one year, there was a striking equestrian sculpture that captured your attention.
13. Enjoy a Spa Day!
The spa at the Bellagio is a must-experience if you want a relaxing day on your Vegas visit!
While the rituals offered at the spa and salon come from around the world, they are carefully attuned to the season and designed to make you feel pampered and rejuvenated.
Massages, body treatments, facials, and nail services are offered. You can also have your massage in your own room, if you prefer.
The spa and salon are open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Book appointments ahead of your visit. Walk-ins may also be accepted.
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO LAS VEGAS
Planning a visit to Las Vegas? The city makes for one of the most exciting USA weekend trips!
Read our article on the best things to do in Las Vegas, which includes a variety of activities on and off The Strip (besides gambling), plus places to explore near the city, like Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire.
We also have a round-up of the best things to do on the Las Vegas Strip, the heart of the city and the place where you’ll likely spend quite a bit of your time on your first visit.
Check out our in-depth guide to things to do at the Cosmopolitan Resort in the City Center complex.
And if you are a Vegas newbie, you’ll want to read our Las Vegas travel guide, which contains many helpful tips for your first visit.
If you plan to spend a few days in Las Vegas, check out our article on the best day trips from Vegas you can take, from nearby Red Rock Canyon to the stunning Valley of Fire. We also have a round-up of incredible weekend getaways from Las Vegas!
We also have a detailed guide on how to visit Valley of Fire from Vegas, and all the best things to do in the park. In our opinion, Valley of Fire is one of the top state parks not just in Nevada but in the US.
Love the outdoors? You’ll want to check out all the US national parks near Vegas you can visit, from the Grand Canyon in Arizona to Zion and Bryce in Utah.
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