Las Vegas Attractions
Look, they don’t call it the “Entertainment Capital of the World” for no good reason. If you can imagine it, Las Vegas can speak it into existence. If you can dream it, Vegas can make it a reality (even if your dreams are a little out there). From the Rat Pack and mob days to Las Vegas’ more recent turn as an adult Disneyland, this town has always gone over the top, setting the bar for entertainment destinations everywhere. More than just a desert oasis, this sleepless city serves up urban thrills, outdoor adventures, and quite a few things you’d never expect.
One does not simply visit Las Vegas in a single day. Take a few days to hit the Fremont Street Experience for throwback neon, tour a botanical garden, go on a desert-bound day trip to a ghost town, see the Blue Man Group, or hop in the car for a drive across Hoover Dam.
What Makes Attractions in Las Vegas So Spectacular?
Is it dazzling? Oh, yeah. Is it grand? Most definitely. In fact, it’s anything you want it to be, which is what makes Las Vegas so alluring to so many. From the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip to the solitude of the surrounding desert, Las Vegas offers more variety than you could ever find in any of its famous casino buffets. This surprisingly diverse set of offerings helps explain why nearly 40 million people come to visit each year.
So, which attractions in Las Vegas are a must-see? Glad you asked, because we compiled a list of the top sights to see, whether you’re a seasoned Vegas veteran or a wide-eyed first-timer. Let’s take a look at what made the cut.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Adventuring beyond Las Vegas? The Silver State has plenty of sights to see. Find more iconic attractions here.
Las Vegas Strip
Technically it’s situated on Las Vegas Boulevard, but you can go right ahead and call it The Strip for short (or the Las Vegas Strip National Scenic Byway if you’re into formalities). This just-over-four-mile stretch of road is unlike any other in America, serving up views of the Manhattan skyline, the Eiffel Tower, an Egyptian pyramid, and a medieval castle. Millions of casino lightbulbs dot The Strip, making it a must-see at night.
Fremont Street Experience
If you’re familiar with U2’s video for “Where the Streets Have No Name,” you already know Fremont Street. Even if that was a little before your time, this area is a highly recognizable landmark in the heart of the city. Home to OG Las Vegas casinos such as Binion’s Horseshoe (now Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel), the Golden Nugget, and many more, this famous six-block stretch was the spot to be during the heyday of the Rat Pack. Also known as “Glitter Gulch,” the Fremont Street Experience is now open to pedestrians only, making it an incredible walking experience day and night.
High Roller
Where is the nation’s tallest Ferris wheel? If you said Las Vegas, then you’ve been paying attention. Once you get to the top of the 550-foot High Roller Wheel at The LINQ, you’ll definitely be captivated by 360-degree views of the city and desert beyond. This joy ride is found on Las Vegas Boulevard right across from Caesars Palace and is a can’t-miss for those with a sense of adventure.
Fountains and Conservatory at Bellagio
The 14,000-square-foot botanical gardens at the Bellagio are as magical as they are masterful, offering gazebos, bridges, ponds, and, of course, a gorgeous assemblage of flowers, plants, and trees from around the world. The indoor feature is open 365 days a year, and the themes change with each season and Lunar New Year. While there, head out front for the spectacular Fountains of Bellagio show, where more than 1,000 fountains move and sway to strains of Sinatra and Pavarotti daily.
The Neon Museum
Only Las Vegas could play host to such an extensive collection of neon signs—and what a collection it is. With more than 250 rescued neon signs from historic casinos and bars, The Neon Museum will take you on a nostalgic stroll through the valley’s past. With a visitors’ center located in the former lobby of the La Concha Motel, this museum is one of the best places to explore the city’s era of bygone glitz.
Gondola Ride at the Venetian
Visit Venice without all those pesky passport lines. At the Venetian, you’ll discover indoor and outdoor gondola rides led by singing gondoliers. It’s one of Las Vegas’ most popular attractions, and for good reason: It conjures the idyllic scenes of Venice right on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Las Vegas Sign
The original Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign was erected in the late 1950s and has stood on a traffic island at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South ever since. Millions of Las Vegas visitors queue up to have their picture taken in front of the iconic Las Vegas sign that stands 25 feet tall. Go ahead and snap your selfie as a Vegas rite of passage. There’s a reason it’s so popular!
Seven Magic Mountains
The brainchild of Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, these seven brilliantly colored boulder towers call to travelers along Interstate 15 about 25 miles from downtown Las Vegas. Definitely plan to take a few shots here as Seven Magic Mountains is one of the most photographed spots in the valley.
Hoover Dam
You may find yourself in Las Vegas saying, “It’s about dam time to see one of the greatest feats of engineering this side of the Mississippi.” And you’d be well advised to listen to that inner voice, because Hoover Dam is worth the price of admission. Sure, you can actually drive over a portion of it for free, but pay a few bucks more and you’ll get a full-access tour of the facilities, getting up close with the dam’s massive powerplant that makes it possible for millions of residents in the Southwest to enjoy clean drinking water.
Tour a Ghost Town
Save the best for last? You know we did. Ghost towns are so embedded in Nevada’s landscape that you could spend days and only see a fraction of them. When in southern Nevada, hit up Eldorado Canyon and the Techatticup Mine, the richest, oldest, and most famous of them all. Just 45 minutes from Las Vegas, this area is home to a virtual goldmine of history and scenic beauty. Peek inside mining operations and old shacks that are brimming with photogenic possibilities, and check out the crashed airplane on site. Don’t worry, it’s not actual wreckage—just a movie prop that was left behind after filming.
Las Vegas Attractions You Can Taste
Downtown Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Strip are home to eateries that run the gamut from down-home diners to Michelin-star culinary masterpieces.
One of the better ways to experience the food scene here—especially if you’re short on time—is to do a food tour. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Taste Buzz Food Tours: Part city tour, part food tour, Taste Buzz takes you to places considered off the beaten path and loved by locals.
- Finger Licking Foodie Tour: Self-guided tours take you to three top restaurants to enjoy 10 signature dishes.
- Lip-Smacking Foodie Tours: A variety of tours offer curated experiences with the best seats in the house at renowned Vegas restaurants.
Hungry now? Explore more on our Food & Drink page.
Plan Your Trip to Visit the Top Las Vegas, Nevada Attractions
If these top Las Vegas attractions sound like your cup of tea, then let’s put on some hot water, because it’s time to start planning. Knowing which attractions best suit you will help you figure out the best places to stay in town so you can minimize traffic and maximize Silver State fun. From kid-friendly hotels to ritzy, upscale resorts, we run down the top hotels in Las Vegas.
Where Should I Stay While in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas serves up top resort accommodations for every style of traveler. After all, life’s too short to be stressed out about a vacation.
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