entertainment
15 Must-See Attractions in Las Vegas
Sin City, The Entertainment Capital of the World, or simply Vegas, this city in the desert goes by many names. But whatever you call it, Las Vegas is known around the world for fun, excitement, and must-see attractions.
From the glittering lights of the Strip to the world-class resorts that are attractions in and of themselves, there’s no shortage of sites to see while in Las Vegas. That’s good news of course, but how do you decide what to see—especially if you’re only visiting for a few days?
You could waste hours scouring the internet, but we think it’d be much easier just to check out our list of the top 15 must-see attractions in Las Vegas.
Our list includes unmissable sites like the Welcome To Las Vegas sign and the Strip, as well as intriguing museums and larger-than-life attractions like the Stratosphere Tower.
So if you’re ready to plan your visit and make the most of your time, check out our definitive list of must-see attractions in Las Vegas.
1. The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
Did you know that the famous Las Vegas sign marks the unofficial start of the Strip?
This one is easy to knock off your list of must-see attractions in Las Vegas. Not only because of its iconic design, but also because it’s considered the official start of the Strip. So snap a selfie then start exploring the heart of Sin City.
Address: 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South
2. The Strip
The Strip is an absolute must-see attraction in Las Vegas (especially at night).
No list of must-see attractions in Las Vegas would be complete without mentioning the Strip. You simply can’t experience the real Las Vegas without spending at least a day exploring this 4.2-mile boulevard.
The Strip (officially known as Las Vegas Boulevard), cuts through the city from northeast to southwest. Most people consider Mandalay Bay Hotel and Treasure Island Hotel as the Strip’s boundaries.
Both sides of this iconic street are lined with huge entertainment venues, massive casinos, themed hotels, and some of the country’s finest dining. The best way to enjoy everything the
Strip has to offer is by simply walking around and soaking up the sights. You can explore during the day (weather-permitting), but you should also spend at least one night out on the town. When the sun goes down, the city is illuminated by an endless array of glittering lights and neon signs.
3. Bellagio Resort
The Bellagio Resort might be pricey, but luckily the famous dancing fountain show is free.
The Bellagio Resort is one of those hotels whose reputation precedes it. It’s the kind of place where luxury amenities are the norm and where nothing is too extravagant. In addition to it’s fantastic rooms, the resort is also famous for the Bellagio Fountains outside. These dancing fountains perform beautiful routines choreographed to music for onlookers to enjoy. We might be a little biased, but it’s probably one of the best free attractions in Las Vegas.
Many visitors are content to experience just this little sliver of the Bellagio, but there are so many other attractions worth visiting right inside the hotel. For starters, there’s the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, a cross section of 20th century and contemporary art. Then there’s the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, which feature seasonal floral displays. And let’s not forget the spa, shops, and restaurants!
Address: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official site: https://www.bellagio.com/en.html
4. The High Roller Observation Wheel
The High Roller is the world’s tallest observation wheel.
Located in the heart of the Strip is the world’s largest observation wheel, the High Roller. Topping out at an impressive 550 feet high, a single rotation takes 30 minutes. That’s more than enough time to marvel at the impressive 360-degree views of the Strip and surrounding areas.
If you opt for the traditional ticket, you can expect up to 40 people to join you (don’t worry—there’s air conditioning). However, if you’re looking for something more intimate, try the Happy Half-Hour package. It comes complete with a bartender and an open bar for one full rotation of the wheel and is limited to 10 guests at a time.
Address: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official Site: https://www.caesars.com/linq/things-to-do/attractions/high-roller
5. Venetian Hotel
Traveling by gondola is the best way to experience everything the Venetian Hotel has to offer.
The Venetian Hotel is yet another Strip attraction that’s well-worth a visit while in Las Vegas. Not only is it one of the city’s most luxurious resorts, but it also has a ton of fantastic tourist attractions.
Inside, you’ll find a shopping arcade built to resemble the city of Venice, complete with blue skies, ornate paintings, and marble columns. Outside are models of Venetian sites like the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Signs.
The best way to experience the complex is by gondola. Once inside the boat, a dapper gondolier will take you on a tour of the hotel’s canals while charming you with traditional Italian songs.
Address: 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official site: https://www.venetian.com/
6. Caesars Palace
Caesars Palace takes lots of design influences from Rome.
Just like the Venetian, Caesars Palace takes its inspiration from Italy. This well-known and highly-regarded resort comes complete with Roman baths, mythological statues, and Corinthian columns. And that’s all without mentioning the replica Colosseum.
The Colosseum is a huge concert venue that has hosted resident performers like Celine Dion and Elton John. Shows here sell out pretty quickly, so be sure to book ahead. However, if you’re not able to get a spot, plenty of other attractions await you—think top-tier spas, shopping, and restaurants.
Address: 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official site: https://www.caesars.com/caesars-palace
7. Minus 5° Ice Experience
Everything at Minus 5° is made of ice—even the glasses.
At this attraction the walls, the chairs, and even the glasses you sip from are made entirely out of ice. When you arrive at Minus 5°, you’ll receive gloves, a parka, and a hat so you stay comfortable while you’re chilling out inside. Once inside, sip signature cocktails from ice glasses while you watch the LED light show. Even better, professional photographers will capture the memory for you.
Locations at Mandalay Bay, the Venetian, and the LINQ Promenade
Official site: https://www.minus5experience.com/
8. Paris Hotel
The Paris Hotel features a model Eiffel Tower, Opera House, and hot air balloon.
Just like it’s French counterpart, the Paris Hotel’s Eiffel Tower is unmistakable. Scale the 46 stories to the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck and enjoy 360-degree views of the Strip and beyond. One story below is the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, a fine dining establishment perfect for a romantic date with that special someone.
While the Eiffel Tower is certainly the highlight of the property, the Paris Opera House replica and the mock hot air balloon are also well-worth checking out. We recommend visiting at night so you can witness the Eiffel Tower light show.
Address: 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official site: https://www.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas
9. Stratosphere Tower
It may not look like much from the outside, but the Stratosphere has all kinds of must-see attractions inside.
Standing at 1,149 feet, the Stratosphere Tower is an unmistakable part of the Las Vegas skyline. In fact, it’s the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. SkyPod is located at the top of the tower and is the main attraction.
Once you reach the top, your entertainment options are endless. Admire Las Vegas from above or take a spectacular selfie on one of the observation decks. Afterwards, grab a drink at the 107 SkyLounge or enjoy fine dining at the Top of the World restaurant. If you’re feeling brave, try one of the gravity-defying thrill rides (aptly named Big Shot, X-Scream, and Insanity). There’s even a chapel if you want to get hitched in the sky!
Address: 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official site: http://www.stratospherehotel.com/
10. Mirage Hotel
The Mirage Hotel has an erupting volcano. How many hotels can say that?
If you’re not sure where the Mirage is, it won’t take you long to find it. Right in front of the resort is a model volcano that erupts at regular intervals. Of course an erupting volcano is spectacular at any time of the day, but night time is when it really shines.
Inside the Mirage, you’ll find Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Here you can observe a wide variety of exotic animals, including white lions and tigers. The Dolphin Habitat is home to a large number of trained dolphins ready to amuse and enchant you.
Address: 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official site: https://www.mirage.com/en.html
11. Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street is a great place to get a break from the hustle and bustle of the Strip without missing out on a thing.
Located in Downtown Las Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience is another must-see attraction in Las Vegas. Long before the Strip was built, this area welcomed locals and tourists to gamble, dine, and shop. Today, it’s a fantastic place to get a break from the chaos of the Strip without missing out on anything.
Fremont Street is a pedestrian-only zone and includes a five-block section covered with a canopy of LED lights. Every night the canopy transforms into a light show complete with high-resolution graphics and concert-quality sound.
Thankfully there’s more than enough to keep you occupied while you’re waiting for the show to start. You can admire street performers, take your picture with a million dollars at Binion’s Casino, play some penny slots, grab a drink, or say “howdy” to Las Vegas’s original cowboy mascot, Vegas Vic. if you’re feeling particularly daring, take a ride on SlotZilla, a 12-story, slot machine-inspired zipline that runs over Fremont Street.
Fremont Street is located a few miles from the Strip and takes about 15 minutes to reach by taxi.
Official Site: http://www.vegasexperience.com/
12. The Neon Museum
History and art fans will love exploring the neon relics at the Neon Boneyard.
Perfect for art lovers and nostalgics alike, the Neon Museum is an absolute must-see attraction in Las Vegas. In addition to the painstakingly curated visitor center, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the outdoor exhibition space lovingly dubbed ‘The Neon Boneyard’.
Since 1996, The Neon Boneyard has been the final resting place for over 200 beloved neon signs from bygone eras. You can opt to explore the Boneyard at your own pace or take the one-hour guided tour covering the history of the signs and their significance in Las Vegas history.
Address: 770 Las Vegas Boulevard North, Las Vegas
Official Site: https://www.neonmuseum.org/
13. The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum is another good bet for history lovers visiting Las Vegas.
The Mob Museum is the place to go for anyone interested in organized crime in America. Here, even the building is steeped in history (it’s located in Las Vegas’s former federal courthouse). Through thousands of archival photos and interactive displays, you’ll learn about notorious gangsters Al Capone and John Gotti, as well as the G-men and FBI agents who worked tirelessly to bring them down.
There are also one-of-a-kind immersive experiences like the Firearm Training Simulator and The Speakeasy, a 20s-style bar complete with Prohibition-era cocktails and snacks.
Address: 300 Stewart Avenue, Las Vegas
Official Site: https://themobmuseum.org/
14. New York-New York Hotel
The Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and a roller coaster—The New York-New York Hotel has it all.
For a little taste of the Big Apple right in the heart of Las Vegas, look no further than the New York-New York Hotel. Located across the street from the MGM Grand, this visually stunning hotel is a replica of New York's skyline, complete with the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. Plus, did we mention there’s a roller coaster?
Address: 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Official site: https://www.newyorknewyork.com/en.html
15. Seven Magic Mountains Art Exhibition
The Seven Magic Mountains exhibit won’t be around for much longer—get there as soon as you can.
This one is a bit of a cheat seeing as it’s not located in Las Vegas proper, but we think it deserves a place on the list for two reasons. The first is because these colorful boulder towers are a spectacular site to take a break from Las Vegas’ chaos. The second is because this exhibition won’t be around for much longer. It’s slated to close at the end of 2021, so make sure you get there soon!
Address: S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV (located approximately 10 miles south of the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway in Henderson, Nevada).
Official Site: https://sevenmagicmountains.com/
Travel Gay Vegas Can Help You Plan Your Next Trip
We hope this list inspires you and helps you organize your next trip to Las Vegas. If you want additional tips or advice, including information about how to help the LGBTQ community while you travel, please contact us!
