This desert city is known all over the world for its fun and adventure. The Strip, Las Vegas' famous resort-lined street, is lit with lights and has glamorous sites recreated from cities around the world.
Many hotels are attractions in their own right and offer free streetside shows, from dancing fountains to erupting volcanoes. You'll also find interesting museums, an always impressive list of shows, and countless other things to do.
The Grand Canyon is only a short helicopter ride away, and the hills and mountains around Las Vegas are home to all kinds of recreational opportunities, from hiking and camping to boating and skiing.
Las Vegas is a great place to visit throughout the year. The cool winter temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing, and in the summer, when temperatures can soar above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, hotel pools become an important part of the day's activities.
Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions in Las Vegas and make the most of your time.
1. Bandage
The 2.5-mile-long central section of Las Vegas Boulevard, which runs northeast to southwest through the city, known as the Strip, is where the action takes place. Featuring huge entertainment palaces, many built with a defined theme, and home to performance venues, luxury hotel rooms and fine dining, this is what most people think of when they picture Las Vegas.
One of the must-do things to do in Las Vegas is to walk along the Strip and soak up the sights. This is especially impressive at night, when the city is illuminated by an endless succession of glowing neon signs. This region is a never ending feast for the senses.
Typically, the Las Vegas Strip runs from the Mandalay Bay Hotel to the Treasure Island Hotel. To really experience Las Vegas, stop at The Strip, preferably at one of the major resorts.
2. Fremont Street Experience
In Old City Las Vegas, Fremont Street is a pedestrian zone with all kinds of unique sites. A five-block section of Fremont Street is covered with an umbrella of LED lights that illuminate the sky in a spectacle of different colors and designs as you walk down.
Known as the Fremont Street Experience, a spectacular music and visual show takes place overhead each night. Street performers and special entertainment acts often perform outside in the area. Fremont Street is in downtown Las Vegas, a few kilometres from the Strip.
It is best to take a taxi to reach this area. Or, if you really want to experience the city at night, take a ride on the Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Night Flight over the city. Note that hotel pickup is optional on this tour.
3. Helicopter Ride Over Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon
For a spectacular aerial view of Las Vegas, or even the Grand Canyon, visitors may want to take a helicopter ride. There are several companies in Las Vegas that offer helicopter tours that take visitors to Las Vegas and over the Strip, or as far away as the Grand Canyon.
This is a great opportunity for anyone with limited time to see not only Vegas, but the surrounding landscape and one of America's most impressive and famous natural attractions.
If you have a full day to explore, try the Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour. The tour takes about three hours, and you'll see the Strip, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the West Rim area of the Grand Canyon.
4. Venetian Hotel and Gondola Rides
The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas is located on the Strip opposite Treasure Island. It is one of the finest resorts in the city and has many interesting tourist attractions. Inside is a themed shopping arcade designed to resemble the city of Venice, complete with blue skies, canals and gondoliers. The hotel offers many of the main attractions found in Venice, such as the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, as well as many other entertainments.
Venetian gondola rides are a fun way to see the complex. In front of the Venetian Hotel, near the sidewalk, boats await passengers, who are then taken on a ride by their charming gondoliers, who sing as they lead you through the shopping arcades inside the hotel.
Address: 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official Site : https://www.venetian.com/
5. Paris Hotel and the Eiffel Tower
Located on the Strip, Paris Las Vegas is one of the most easily recognizable resorts in the city. To the front is a scale model of the Eiffel Tower, and down the aisle is a recreation of the Paris Opera House. Forty-six stories above the city streets, the Eiffel Tower Experience is an observation deck with incredible 360-degree views.
One story below it is the posh and romantic Eiffel Tower restaurant, with great views of the Strip and the Dancing Fountain of the Bellagio. Also on the property is a fake hot air balloon with neon and flashing lights.
Address: 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official site: https://www.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas
6. Bellagio Resort and Fountain Show
The Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas is a sprawling, high-en hai d hotel complex that includes the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a spa and salon, and some of the best restaurants in Las Vegas.
Beyond the lobby is a showroom area with changing themes that range from spring botanical displays to fascinating shows of art. The most impressive and famous feature is the fountain show.
Along the Strip, in front of the Bellagio, dancing fountains produce a beautiful display of water set to music. From the sidewalk, visitors have a ringside view. It is often described as the best free attraction in Las Vegas.
Address: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official Site: https://www.bellagio.com/en.html
7. Mirage Hotel: Erupting Volcano and Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden
The Miraj Hotel is easily recognizable by walking along the Strip. There is a volcano in front of the resort, which erupts at regular intervals. At night, the glowing red fires and eruptions emanating from the volcano are some of the most unique sights visible from the sidewalk.
Inside the Mirage are Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. You can spot a variety of exotic animals including white lions and tigers. The Dolphin Habitat includes a large number of trained dolphins in a 2.5 million gallon pool.
Address: 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas LA
Official Site: https://www.mirage.com/en.html
8. High Roller Ferris Wheel on the Link
The High Roller Ferris Wheel is the world's largest observation wheel, standing at an impressive 550 feet high. One round takes 30 minutes. This will give you enough time to take in the excellent views over the Strip and the surrounding area, especially at night.
Each cabin can seat 40 people and is climate controlled. The High Roller Link is located at the lower end of the lane – if you're not sure where it is, just look up!
Official Site: https://www.caesars.com/linq/high-roller
9. New York-New York Hotel
The New York-New York Hotel in Las Vegas is across the street from both the MGM Grand Hotel and the Excalibur Resort Hotel. Stunning in appearance, the hotel is designed to look like the New York skyline, complete with the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. A giant roller coaster, called the Big Apple Coaster, circles in and around the hotel.
Address: 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official Site: https://www.newyorknewyork.com/en.html
10. Caesar's Palace and Colosseum
Perhaps one of the best of all Las Vegas hotel resorts, Caesar's Palace continues to grow. Currently Caesar's Palace is a sprawling complex in the middle of the Strip, complete with every entertainment option imaginable.
The hotel is closely associated with the shows held at "The Colosseum", its huge concert venue. Top performers (which include Celine Dion and Elton John) perform here for extended periods, and shows are often booked in advance. Visitors planning a trip and hoping to see performances here will want to check dates and ticket availability as soon as possible.
Address: 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official Site: https://www.caesars.com/caesars-palace
11. Mob Museum
The Mob Museum, or National Organized Crime and Law Enforcement Museum, as it is officially named, is a truly unique and extraordinary museum in Nevada.
The museum is housed in a 1933 Neoclassical building, formerly the US Post Office and Courthouse, which has a history of its own. It was one of the locations of the famous Kefauver Committee hearings in 1950, which revealed some grim truths about organized crime in Las Vegas and across America.
The museum tells the history of crowds in America through engaging, interactive exhibits and video clips. Exhibits deal with everything from individual characters and events to the culture and fashion associated with the time.
Address: 300 Stewart Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada
Official Site : https://themobmuseum.org/
12. Mandalay Bay and Shark Reef Aquarium
Mandalay Bay Resort is at the southwest end of the Strip, near the Luxor Hotel. One of the main attractions in this complex is the Shark Reef Aquarium. The massive 1,300,000-gallon tank houses a wide variety of sharks, fish, rays, reptiles, marine invertebrates, green sea turtles and even a Komodo dragon.
Over 100 sharks from 15 different species and over 2,000 animals in total are on display. The most impressive feature is the shark tunnel. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Shark Reef works with wildlife biologists to protect endangered lake and marine populations as well as rehabilitate injured animals.
Address: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas
Official Site : http://www.sharkreef.com/
13. Neon Museum
The bright and colorful neon signs of Las Vegas have been one of the city's most memorable landmarks for countless visitors throughout the years. These multi-storey advertising beacons became one of the city's claims to fame.
Today, the Neon Museum is working hard to restore some of the city's history by purchasing, storing, and in some cases, refurbishing historic neon signs that have been lost as business faded or new signs replaced old icons. has taken its place.
You can see many of these signs by taking a guided tour at the Neon Museum, where old neon signs are stored in a large complex outside. The guides provide a history of the signs and designs, which have evolved over the years.
Efforts are on at the museum, and the signs stand under varying circumstances. In some cases, only a portion was saved or found, while others were restored to their former glory. This contrast makes the museum more interesting and gives visitors an idea of how much work and maintenance is required with these giant signs.
Address: 770 Las Vegas Blvd North, Las Vegas, Nevada
Official Site : http://www.neonmuseum.org/
14. Luxor Hotel
Another distinctive theme hotel is the Luxor Hotel, at the far southwest end of the Strip. Designed in an ancient Egyptian theme, the hotel is shaped like a pyramid, with the Sphinx proudly looking out onto the street. Luxor, like all major resorts, offers a wide variety of restaurants and shopping opportunities.
One of the distinguishing features of this hotel is the beam of light that projects from the highest point of the pyramid and shoots into the night sky. It can be seen from almost anywhere in Las Vegas.
Address: 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official Site: https://www.luxor.com/en.html
15. Stratosphere Tower
Stratosphere Tower is an unmistakable sight on the Las Vegas skyline. The tower rises 1,149 feet, and is topped by the SkyPod, which is the real attraction for visitors.
From the different levels in Skype, you'll find tons of things to do. These include a variety of heart-wrenching thrill rides including SkyJump, Big Shot, X Scream and Insanity.
For those looking for a little less drama, check out the indoor and outdoor observation decks with great city views. The Top of the World restaurant is a great place to grab an excellent meal while soaking up the views of the Las Vegas Strip from afar.
Considering getting married? A fully outfitted chapel is available for you to tie the knot in the sky.
Stratosphere Tower boasts the "tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States".
Address: 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official Site : http://www.stratospherehotel.com/
16. MGM Grand Hotel & CSI: The Experience
The MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas is across the street from the New York-New York Hotel and from Kitty Corner to the Excalibur Resort Hotel. The MGM Grand Hotel has all the amenities visitors would expect to find in a luxury hotel, including above-average accommodations, an exceptional pool area, a multitude of restaurants, and plenty of entertainment options.
Address: 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official Site: https://www.mgmggrand.com/en.html
17. Vegas Indoor Skydiving
Vegas Indoor Skydiving offers a truly unique experience. Here, visitors will get to experience what real skydiving is like without an airplane or a parachute. Qualified instructors escort participants into a vertical wind tunnel where they are adapted into special gear. Once the fan is on, one can easily float in the air. No experience required.
Address: 200 Convention Center Dr., Las Vegas
Official Site : http://www.vegasindoorskydiving.com/
18. Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas is near the escalator leading up to the Venetian Hotel on the Strip. Here visitors can see their favorite stars preserved in wax forever. In many cases, the figures are so alive it's almost terrifying.
Figures range from Elvis to Bradley Cooper and Sofia Vergara though to musical acts like Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus. The overall focus or theme of Madame Tussauds is on people who are involved in Las Vegas or show business.
Address: 3377 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official site : https://www.madametussauds.com/las-vegas/en/
19. Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Fans of fast cars will want to head to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Located 15 miles northeast of the Strip in Clark County, Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a 1,200-acre complex with several automobile racing tracks that are perfect for the speed-freak in you.
Ever wondered what it would be like to drive a Lamborghini or a Ferrari? No longer a dream If you have extra cash then these cars are available to drive fast around the race track.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway is home to NASCAR races as well as many other racing events. Several speed records have been set on the track. The speedway has several restaurants, and RV camping is available for those wishing to stay overnight. Check the website for the latest upcoming events and pricing.
Address: 700 North Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas
Official Site : http://www.lvms.com/
20. Excalibur Hote
The Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas is another theme hotel on the Strip. Ornate in medieval character, the hotel has some rustic architecture, complete with turrets. The hotel has all the amenities a visitor could possibly imagine, with varied entertainment, a huge pool area, and a good assortment of restaurants.
Address: 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official Site: https://www.excalibur.com/en.html
Where to Stay in Las Vegas for Sightseeing
Since most of the action in Las Vegas is centered around a section of South Las Vegas Boulevard known as The Strip, the best option is to stay on or close to this area. This is also where most of the spacious, themed resort hotels are found. Hotel prices can vary greatly from one week to the next, with rates skyrocketing around large conventions and big discounts available at slower times. Below is a selection of top-class hotels in good locations.
Luxury Hotels: The Italian-themed Bellagio, easily recognizable by the lake and dancing fountain show in front of the resort, and The Venice, a renovated Venice-themed complex with a canal and gondolas, are both luxury resort hotels in prime locations. the strip.
Caesars Palace, with a great location along the Strip, is a longtime classic in Vegas, and is home to the famous Colosseum entertainment venue. All of these resorts have amazing on-site pools, shopping, and entertainment.
Mid-Range Hotels: At the north end of the Strip is Treasure Island, with a nice pool area and a good location within walking distance of major sites. This is an upper mid-range option that often has reasonable prices.
Also in this category is the Park MGM Las Vegas, a quality hotel in a great location that often offers reasonable rates.
The Hilton Grand Vacation Suites is another quality hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, but it's a bit too far north to walk to the main part of the Strip.
Budget Hotels: Excalibur is a formerly opulent but now somewhat dated resort hotel that often offers good deals. It has a nice pool area and is in a good location near New York, New York, at the southern end of the Strip.
Across the street from Excalibur, but just off the Strip on Tropicana Avenue, is Motel 6. This is a basic motel with a pool and an excellent location. The Travelodge Las Vegas Center Strip is another good budget option, with a nice central location just off The Strip.
Day Trips and Tours from Las Vegas
Beyond the vibe of the lights and lightning of Las Vegas, lies a spectacular landscape of canyons, red rocks, mountains, and desert scenery. If you have time, be sure to get out and see the sites beyond the city limits.
• Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam: Two of the biggest attractions in the vicinity of Las Vegas are these two spectacular sites: one natural, and the other man-made. The Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Day Trip from Las Vegas takes visitors, by coach, to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon for three hours of free time. This allows plenty of time to walk along the rim and look out of the viewing areas. The route also includes a short stop at Hoover Dam. Take a helicopter and boat ride or stroll the Grand Canyon Skywalk as optional extras.
• Red Rock Canyon: Take a four- or six-hour guided Red Rock Canyon tour and take in some spectacular Red Rock scenery and views of the desert and mountains. This tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, a canyon tour along the 13-mile scenic loop road, stops at lookout points for the best views, and a boxed lunch.
• Hiking and Camping:You can find some great hiking trails in the surrounding desert and mountains. Check out our articles on the Best Hiking Trails in Valley of Fire State Park and the best hiking near Las Vegas for some unique experiences. If you're interested in spending a night or two under the stars, and you haven't brought your own camping equipment, you can take a spectacular 3-day 2-night camping tour from Las Vegas to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument can consider. Canyon, and Grand Canyon. This fully escorted camping trip takes you through the major attractions of the Southwest and includes jeep tours and the option of a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. If you have your own camping equipment and are trying to figure out the best places to set up camp, check out our list of the best campgrounds near Las Vegas.
• Self-Drive Tours: Explore nearby towns and incredible natural areas with our Top-Rated Day Trip from Las Vegas article.