We’ll be honest, before MGM Grand did their renovations of the Studio Tower in late 2022, it was not on our radar at all. After the 700 rooms received their much-needed facelift, MGM Grand shot up on our list of budget-friendly hotels to stay in on the Strip.
Since then, we’ve stayed at MGM Grand a few times and had the pleasure of discovering all that this hotel holds within its walls. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot of stuff!
Need some guidance when it comes to making the most of your time at MGM Grand Las Vegas? With so much to see and do at this iconic Las Vegas Strip resort, we’ve curated a list of the best experiences that you won’t want to miss.
Get ready to watch top-notch shows like KÀ by Cirque du Soleil, explore attractions like the Hunger Games: The Exhibition, sip on speakeasy cocktails at Chez Bippy, indulge in a fine slab of steak at Craftsteak, dayclub away at Wet Republic, and so much more.
Uncover the rest of the must-see highlights that will make your visit to MGM Grand worth it.
What’s Around MGM Grand?
To the west: New York-New York Hotel & Casino — To the north: Showcase Mall — Diagonally to the southwest: Excalibur Hotel & Casino — Across the street: Park MGM
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil
If you think of Las Vegas shows as having levels of premium-ness, Cirque du Soleil shows are those top tier premium shows in Vegas! At any given time, a handful of Cirque du Soleil shows grace the stages of various casino hotels along the Strip, each promising an immersive experience that’s hard to find in any other type of show out there.
Laugh all night at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club
Get ready to laugh till your sides hurt at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club. Situated inside the MGM Grand, this comedy club hosts some of the funniest comedians in the business. With a cozy atmosphere and a lineup that’s guaranteed to keep you entertained, it’s the perfect spot to unwind (and laugh!) after a day of exploring the Strip.
This stand-up comedy venue features a rotating lineup of comedians delivering live performances, so be sure to check out their events calendar for the latest acts.
Be amazed by magic at David Copperfield
David Copperfield is a living legend, and he graces magic lovers with his presence nightly at MGM Grand.
As one of the most renowned illusionists in the world, Copperfield’s show is a must-see for anyone visiting Vegas. From disappearing acts to mind-reading tricks, his performances will leave you questioning reality.
With decades of accolades, worldwide tours, and a critically acclaimed Broadway show, Copperfield captivates audiences with his cutting-edge magic, theatrical storytelling, and a touch of charm. The man made the Statue of Liberty vanish, for crying out loud!
This show welcomes all ages, making it an ideal choice for a magical night out with loved ones.
Watch the Jabbawockeez
Experience the high-energy dance skills of the Jabbawockeez at their longstanding residency at the MGM Grand.
Known as the world’s most influential dance crew, these guys will take you on a journey of amazing dance choreography, pulse-pounding music, and mind-blowing special effects. With their signature white masks and intricate dance moves, the group brings a high-tech spectacle that’s both visually and technically impressive.
Voted “Best Family Show” and “Best All Ages Show” for four consecutive years, this performance is suitable for all ages, making it a perfect choice for families!
Dance all night at Hakkasan
If you want to experience some of the biggest EDM DJs performing at a nightclub, we invite you to step into the world of luxury nightlife at Hakkasan.
Throughout the year, Hakkasan sees all kinds of artists and special guest performances including the likes of Steve Aoki, Calvin Harris, Nelly, Lil Jon, Loud Luxury, Tyga, Sofi Tukker, 4B, and more.
Whether you’re dancing the night away on the dance floor or sipping cocktails at one of the exclusive VIP tables, you will have a ton of fun at Hakkasan with your group.
During the evening, Hakkasan is actually open as a restaurant! You’ll find a combination of modern Cantonese cuisine with exquisite mixology-crafted drinks.
Go to a pool party at Wet Republic
Grooving and partying to live DJs while pool lounging (or splurging on a VIP bungalow) sounds great, right? You can do all of that at Wet Republic, the dayclub located at MGM Grand.
Some call this dayclub the “OG of dayclubs”. It’s been a thing for more than a decade. At one point it lost its cool, but now it’s definitely cool again.
Situated in a sprawling outdoor complex, Wet Republic boasts multiple pools, daybeds, cabanas, and a central stage where world-renowned DJs keep the energy pumping all day long. Their bungalows are some of the largest and most impressive among the dayclub options.
Can you picture yourself dancing under the sun to the beats of DJs such as Tiesto, Calvin Harris, and Steve Aoki yet?
Enjoy the massive pool complex
If dayclubbing is not your style or you happen to be traveling with the kiddos, all you really need is the MGM Grand pool complex for a great time under the sun!
Once you step out into the pool area, you’ll feel like you’re on tropical island here at the MGM Grand. The pool complex will sweep you off your feet with 6.6 acres of pool fun. MASSIVE!
Personally speaking, we think MGM Grand has one of the best pool complexes in all of Las Vegas, no lie! You will have the options of a lazy river, several pools to relax in, and waterfall views, all of which are surrounded by picturesque palm trees oozing island vibes.
You can also bring (or buy) inflatable rafts for the lazy river! We love this pool for everyone, but it’s especially great for the kids because they are never going to want to leave.
Discover mime comedy at Tape Face
We’ll admit, Tape Face looks kind of scary at first. But once you get to know what he and his show are about, there’s actually nothing scary about him! It’s actually quite funny.
Reviving and reinvigorating the silent art of mime, America’s Got Talent finalist Tape Face creates a fun show that combines mime, music, clever humor, and audience interaction.
There’s nothing else like this in Vegas at the moment, so you’ll want to snag tickets to Tape Face if what you’re after is a one-of-a-kind performance that’s equal parts hilarious and heartwarming!
Sip on speakeasy cocktails at Chez Bippy
Hidden within the MGM Grand’s Luchini, you’ll find this speakeasy concealed behind a hidden door disguised as candy vending machines. Unlike what it suggests from the outside, Chez Bippy is the textbook definition of exclusive, moody, and glamourous — all at the same time!
Once you find your way inside, you’ll be greeted by intimate seating arrangements, low lighting, and opulent and lush decor, setting the stage for a sophisticated evening of imbibing.
The focus here is on specialty cocktails, with each drink presenting a unique twist on classic favorites while incorporating Italian-inspired flavors (and looking quite cute too).
Everything, from the ethereal Fellini to the Italian-infused Martini Classico to the indulgent Bella Notte, is crafted with care and imagination. True cocktail lovers won’t want to leave!
Geek out at The Hunger Games: The Exhibition
Originally a touring exhibition that visited New York, San Francisco, Sydney, Louisville, and Australia, The Hunger Games: The Exhibition now makes its home in Las Vegas with brand new and exclusive additions, including a Guinness World Record setting archery experience.
Hunger Games: The Exhibition at MGM Grand offers fans a chance to immerse themselves in the crazy (can we say, apocalyptic?) world of Panem.
You can explore 11 recreated sets, get up close to nearly 30 original costumes from the films, sharpen your archery skills in Beetee’s Lab with a unique digital training experience, or try your hand at creating your own propaganda film like Katniss.
Check out the Stranger Things store
The Stranger Things Store at the Showcase Mall (just next to the MGM) is an incredibly fun addition to the Strip. If you are a Stranger Things fan like we are, this is a must-visit!
The Stranger Things Store is technically a merch store, but they have far more entertainment than a normal store would have.
You can do so much here for FREE! You can explore iconic show locations such as the Palace Arcade, Hawkins High, Starcourt Mall, and Vecna’s attic, and even interact with some of the displays. The store also provides some super cool photo opps (like Will Beyers’ living room).
True fans can easily spend an hour going through all the different displays, some of which are very Vecna-heavy.
If you want to bring home a memorabilia or two, you can choose from so many products from the show, down to little containers of ice cream from Scoops Ahoy.
Try the tomahawk ribeye at Craftsteak
If you’re in search of a really good steakhouse in Vegas, Craftsteak should be in the running for your time and attention.
Renowned chef and head judge on Top Chef, Tom Colicchio, brings his signature blend of craftsmanship and innovation to this upscale steakhouse, offering a menu that showcases the finest cuts of meat and locally sourced ingredients.
If you’re not sure what to order, the tomahawk ribeye is a standout option that is expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection. Craftsteak also has a lobster bisque that diners love to order. And for something more decadent, go for the truffle mac & cheese!
Eat sushi at Morimoto Las Vegas
Gift your tastebuds a quick trip to Japan at Morimoto Las Vegas, helmed by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.
This acclaimed restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional Japanese cuisine, featuring innovative dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
The Tuna Pizza is one of Morimoto’s most iconic dishes, featuring thin slices of raw tuna, crispy tortilla, and a spicy aioli sauce. For a twist on traditional chicken dishes, try Morimoto’s Angry Chicken. And for seafood lovers, you can’t go wrong with the Spicy Alaskan King Crab!
And, of course, no visit to Morimoto Las Vegas would be complete without sampling the restaurants amazingly fresh sushi offerings. Be sure to try the Chef’s Omakase for a truly outstanding sushi experience.
Splurge on a Joël Robuchon restaurant
Joël Robuchon’s restaurants in Las Vegas are a very big deal, often regarded as the pinnacle of fine dining on the Strip.
MGM Grand is home to two of the most iconic restaurants in all of Vegas — L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and the Joël Robuchon restaurant.
Joël Robuchon has earned three Michelin stars and is celebrated for its impeccable French cuisine, luxurious atmosphere, and world-class service. The restaurant is famous for its attention to detail in every aspect, from the presentation of dishes to the quality of ingredients used.
Meanwhile, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon offers an even more unique dining experience where guests witness their meals being crafted right in front of them. With its open kitchen concept, this one-of-a-kind culinary workshop invites fine-diners to immerse themselves in the creative process and savor each dish as it comes to life.
Be sure to make reservations ahead of time and come lookin’ cute and classy for these restaurants!
Listen to live country music at Losers Bar
If you like country music, don’t let the disappointing-sounding name of this place stop you from visiting.
Losers Bar is a laid-back country bar brand that has become a local institution in Nashville. You can now enjoy the same relaxed atmosphere with a side of Southern hospitality right here in Vegas!
Spending a few hours here means spending the evening with Nashville country music artists at an intimate, no-frills venue for live performances. You never know which celebrities may pop up on the Losers’ stage!
Losers offers live music from the afternoon until late night (plus a large dance floor to get your groove on) and a selection of classic spirits and beers on tap. They also have some of the best drink deals on the Strip!
For the latest happenings, be sure to check out their calendar to see who’s performing.
Play VR and arcade games at Level Up Arcade
Level Up Arcade is not your average run-down arcade. This gaming venue takes non-gambling gaming to new heights with its state-of-the-art facility and immersive experiences like VR games powered by Zero Latency.
Located next to Hakkasan, this upscale arcade features cutting-edge technology, including virtual reality games, racing simulators, and even a retro gaming lounge.
Not into games? Not a problem. Level Up has everything from happy hour specials, nightly entertainment (a DJ, live band karaoke, or live music), shuffleboard, and live sports on big-screen TV’s — on top of the endless arcade games! Check here for their latest schedule of events.
Hit some balls at Topgolf Las Vegas
If golfing with your guys (or gals!) is your idea of a perfect afternoon out in Vegas, then Topgolf can be a great place to hang out for a few hours at MGM Grand.
At Topgolf, you basically hit high-tech golf balls at giant targets, all tracked by Toptracer technology for real-time feedback and scoring. This technology automatically records and tabulates different game metrics, so you can focus on just swinging and honing your skills.
It’s a fun way to experience golf, even for those who may not be avid golfers.
Beyond golfing, Topgolf often has live entertainment, music, and other activities perfect for lounging around or socializing. There’s a sports bar and a restaurant here too, so you can spend hours on end here without needing to leave to find food or drinks.
Make personalized candies at the M&M’s Store
Before you get to thinking you could just get these at your local grocery store, hear me out! The M&M’s store in Las Vegas is kinda crazy — and totally fun for families.
Located near the MGM Grand at Showcase Mall, this M&M’s Store is four floors of nothing but M&M’s and M&M merchandise. How they were able to fill 28,000 square feet of space with M&M-related things is beyond me, but it sure is a ton of fun if you’ve never seen it before.
In just 2 minutes, you can create your very own one-of-a-kind M&M’s with the personal printer, combining customized messages, a variety of images, and 16 different colors of M&M’s candies. Personalized candies make a perfect gift for someone back home.
Taste a flight of whiskeys at Whiskey Down
Whiskey Down at MGM Grand is a haven for whiskey enthusiasts. Located right on the casino floor, it offers a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere where you can unwind with the finest selection of whiskies from around the world.
You can enjoy classic cocktails expertly crafted by skilled bartenders, or opt for a whiskey flight to sample different varieties. With live entertainment adding to the vibes, Whiskey Down is the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy the Las Vegas nightlife.
Have a spa day
Head to the Zen-inspired Grand Spa if a massage is what you’re after!
For those looking to treat themselves to new levels of relaxation and rejuvenation, the Grand Spa has thirty treatment rooms along with saunas, whirlpools and lounges that provide a multitude of treatments to help you recharge and revitalize.
There’s also a salon here, Grand Salon, a favorite among celebs and the elite.
Explore Other Hotels Near MGM Grand Las Vegas
You really can’t get more “Center Strip” than MGM Grand, so while you’re here, be sure to pop in and explore a few neighboring hotels. Trust us, you’re going to need 2-3 hours at the very least to see it all! These nearby hotels are all brimming with really unique things to do.
Discover all the things you could do at these other hotels, all of which are either right next to or directly across the street from MGM Grand:
- Things to do at Park MGM – across the street
- Things to do at New York-New York – across the street
- Things to do at The Excalibur – across the street diagonal to MGM Grand
- Things to do at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas – a few hotels up along The Strip
- Things to do at The Cosmopolitan – across from PH
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MGM Grand a nice hotel to stay at?
If you’re looking into making MGM Grand your home base for your Las Vegas trip, we’d say that’s a really smart decision.
It’s easily one of the largest hotel complexes on the Strip, featuring over 6,800 rooms across 30 floors, the MGM Grand Garden Arena, their Grand Spa, five pools, rivers, and waterfalls that cover 6.6 acres, and their massive convention center.
MGM Grand is super centrally located, meaning you’ll be within walking distance of everything from the Bellagio Fountain Show, The LINQ, The Cosmopolitan, Planet Hollywood, Park MGM, New York-New York, and more.
If you can, opt for a room in the newly renovated Studio Tower. These rooms are inspired by Palm Springs and reflect a retro desert feel with mid-century modern design and décor aesthetic. Despite being a bit smaller, they’re much cuter than the older rooms!
Is there free parking at MGM Grand?
Sadly, MGM Grand does NOT offer free parking. It now costs $18 per day for hotel guests to park at this resort. For non-hotel guests, it can cost anywhere from $18-23 depending on the day (it’s more expensive on weekends).
But it’s not all doom and gloom! Your 24-hour paid parking fee will get you entry into ALL MGM Resorts properties, including Bellagio, ARIA, Vdara, The Cosmo, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Delano Las Vegas, Park MGM, NoMad Las Vegas, New York-New York, Luxor, and Excalibur.
There is free parking for special groups though – Nevada locals, military, MGM Rewards status, and credit card holders get special parking perks. See below.
How can I get free parking at MGM Grand?
Ways to get free parking (for all MGM Resorts International properties)
The first three (3) hours free for Nevada residents with a valid Nevada driver’s license.
MGM Resorts also offers free self-parking to active duty military, veterans, and their spouses through its Military & Veterans Program (MVP). MVP cardholders are automatically upgraded to the Pearl Tier Level, which includes complimentary self-parking at MGM Resorts properties.
Self-parking is complimentary for MGM Rewards Members with a level of Pearl, Gold, Platinum and NOIR. Guests must insert their MGM Rewards card at the exit gate to receive the free parking benefit.
Be a holder of the MGM Rewards credit card (no annual fee). Cardholders receive complimentary Pearl elite status with the MGM Rewards program, which grants you free self-parking at MGM properties. Guests must insert their MGM Rewards Mastercard at the exit gate to receive the free parking benefit.
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