24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Las Vegas, NV

This city in the desert is known around the world for fun and excitement. The Strip, Las Vegas' famous resort-lined street, sparkles with lights and recreated glamorous sites from cities across the globe.

Many of the hotels are architectural attractions in and of themselves and feature interesting things to see and do, from the dancing fountains at Bellagio to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. You'll also find interesting museums and always an impressive list of shows.

Las Vegas is a great place to visit year-round but the city has a different vibe in winter than it does during the warmer months. The cooler winter temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing but spring and fall are the perfect times to really enjoy all the city has to offer.

From spring until fall, the hotel pools become an important part of the daytime activities, outdoor dining is packed in the evenings, and the sound of music coming from outdoor bands creates a lively atmosphere as you walk down the Strip. That said, daytime summer temperatures can be oppressive and may make outside activities unpleasant before sunset. However, many of the hotels are connected by walkways and the free trains that connect some of the properties along the Strip can reduce walking outside as well.

Plan your visit and make the most of your time with our list of the top attractions in Las Vegas.

The Strip

The 2.5-mile-long central section of Las Vegas Boulevard, which runs through the city from northeast to southwest, known as the Strip, is where the action is. Lined with huge entertainment palaces, many built with a defining theme, and home to performance venues, luxury hotel rooms, and fine dining, this is what most people think of when they picture Las Vegas.

Generally speaking, the Las Vegas Strip runs from the Mandalay Bay Hotel to Treasure Island Hotel. If you are a first-timer and truly want the Las Vegas experience, it's best to stay on The Strip, preferably at one of the major resorts. Take in a show, wander through the resorts, do some shopping, and see some of the attractions. But, make sure to at least visit nearby downtown Las Vegas to see Fremont Street, preferably at night.

One of the must-dos in Las Vegas is walking along the Strip and soaking up the sights. It's particularly impressive at night when the city is illuminated by an endless succession of glittering neon signs. This area is a never-ending feast for the senses.

Traffic along the Strip is often very busy and slow-moving. If you are planning on seeing a show and catching an Uber to get from one end to the other, or even just a few resorts down from where you are staying, allow extra time. This can take way longer than expected!

Downtown Las Vegas and the Fremont Street Experience

While the Strip is the main tourist hub in Las Vegas, downtown is often a pleasant surprise for visitors, especially if you haven't been to this area in a long time. It's also a favorite with the locals.

In old downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street is a pedestrian-only area with all kinds of interesting sites and a great vibe. A five-block section of Fremont Street is covered overhead with a canopy of LED lights that illuminate the sky in a spectacle of different colors and designs as you walk below.

Known as the Fremont Street Experience, each night a fantastic music and visual show takes place overhead. At the top of the hour, a themed light show set to music plays. Street performers and special entertainment acts often perform outdoors in this area. You almost feel like you are in an indoor space on Fremont Street. With no traffic, and restaurants and venues lining each side of the street, this area has a much simpler feel than the Strip, which can often seem unending and at times exhausting.

Downtown holds other attractions as well. This is where you'll find the Mob Museum and the new Circa Resort, which is home to the sports-themed Stadium Swim, a pool area with a 143-foot screen showing non-stop sporting events from around the world. Just a few blocks away is the Neon Museum.

Downtown Las Vegas is a few kilometers from the Strip. It is best to take a taxi or ride share to reach this area.

Official site: www.vegasexperience.com

Bellagio Resort and Fountain Show

The Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas is a massive, high-end hotel complex, with a wide variety of attractions, including the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, a spa and salon, and some of the finest restaurants in Las Vegas.

Beyond the lobby is a showroom area with changing themes that range from seasonal botanical displays to fascinating shows of art. The most impressive and famous feature is the fountain show.

In front of the Bellagio, along the Strip, the dancing fountains perform a beautiful display of water set to music. From the sidewalk, visitors have a ringside view. This is often described as the best free attraction in Las Vegas.

Each November, Las Vegas hosts the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. This is a huge event for the city and the Bellagio is the official partner, which is why if you are visiting around this time, or in the lead-up to this time, you'll see a grandstand in front of the fountains of Bellagio.

Address: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.bellagio.com/en.html

Venetian Hotel and Gondola Rides

The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas is located on the Strip, across from Treasure Island. It is one of the city's finest resorts and has many interesting tourist attractions. Inside is a themed shopping arcade built to resemble the city of Venice, complete with blue skies, canals, and gondoliers. The hotel also features recreations of the main attractions found in Venice, such as the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, along with many others.

The Venetian Gondola Rides are a fun way to see the complex. Situated out in front of the Venetian Hotel, near the sidewalk, boats await passengers who are then taken on a ride by their personable gondolier who sings as they take you through the shopping arcade inside the hotel.

Address: 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.venetian.com/

Paris Hotel and the Eiffel Tower

Located on the Strip, Paris Las Vegas is one of the most easily recognized resorts in the city. Out front is a scale model of the Eiffel Tower, and down the way 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 this is the posh and romantic Eiffel Tower Restaurant, with fine views out over the Strip and across to the dancing fountains of Bellagio. In the warmer months, the Mon Ami Gabi is a pleasant place to eat outside. It puts you just above the action of the street without actually having to deal with the crowds.

Also on the property is the iconic Paris Las Vegas mock hot air balloon festooned with neon and flashing lights.

Address: 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas

High Roller Las Vegas Strip Observation Wheel

The High Roller Las Vegas Strip Observation Wheel is the largest observation wheel in North America, topping out at an impressive 550 feet high. A single rotation takes 30 minutes. This will give you plenty of time to soak up the outstanding views over the Strip and surrounding area, especially at night.

Each cabin holds up to 40 people and is climate-controlled. The High Roller is located at the bottom end of the Linq Lane - if you aren't sure where that is, just look up!

Official site: https://www.caesars.com/linq/high-roller

Sphere

If you happen to arrive in Las Vegas at night, you'll be treated to not only the flashing lights of The Strip but also the wild and weirdly entrancing light show of the Sphere. This 2.3 billion-dollar attraction opened in late 2023 and is a one-of-a-kind experience with over 64,000 curved 16K resolution LED screens on the inside of the building, leading-edge audio, and other special effects. On the outside of the building, over half a million square feet of LED screens draw visitors like moths to a flame.

An all-star line-up of acts at Sphere plays regularly, and during a show, nonstop images assail you and just under 20,000 other patrons as your favorite musical acts perform on stage. Sphere is located behind The Venetian Hotel.

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. Visually stunning, the hotel is designed to appear like New York's skyline, complete with the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. A huge roller coaster, called the Big Apple Coaster, circles in and around the hotel.

During the warmer months, the area out front of New York is a lively and fun place to be. Bands often set up below the Brooklyn Bridge and you can relax and enjoy the entertainment at the outdoor tables.

One of the big attractions at New York-New York is Cirque du Soleil's Mad Apple. This is a fantastic show with dancers, acrobatics, comedians, and more.

Should you work up an appetite while staying at the hotel, seven different restaurants offer up everything from sushi to steaks.

Address: 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.newyorknewyork.com/en.html

Caesar's Palace and The Colosseum

Perhaps one of the best-known of all the Las Vegas hotel resorts, Caesar's Palace continues to evolve. Caesar's Palace is a massive complex in the middle of the Strip, complete with every imaginable entertainment option.

The hotel is closely associated with shows held in its huge concert venue known as "The Colosseum." Top performers (which have included Celine Dion and Elton John) perform here for extended periods, and shows are often booked out well in advance. Visitors planning a trip and hoping to see a performance here will want to check out dates and ticket availability as early as possible.

Address: 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.caesars.com/caesars-palace

The Mob Museum

The Mob Museum, or the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement as it is officially named, is a truly unique and standout museum in Nevada.

The museum is housed in a 1933 Neoclassical building, formerly the US Post Office and Courthouse, that has its own history. It was one of the locations for the famous Kefauver Committee hearings in 1950, which revealed some ugly truths about organized crime in Las Vegas and across the US.

The museum tells the unvarnished history of the Mob in America through engaging, interactive displays and video clips. Exhibits deal with everything from the individual characters and events to the culture and fashion associated with the times.

Address: 300 Stewart Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: https://themobmuseum.org/

Mandalay Bay and the Shark Reef Aquarium

Mandalay Bay Resort is at the southwest end of the Strip, near the Luxor Hotel. One of the key highlights at this complex is the Shark Reef Aquarium. The massive 1,300,000-gallon tank holds a wide variety of sharks, fish, rays, reptiles, marine invertebrates, green sea turtles, and even a Komodo dragon.

Just over 100 sharks from 15 different species and more than 2,000 animals in all are on display. The Shark Tunnel is the most impressive feature but kids are also often impressed by the stingray touch tank. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Shark Reef works with wildlife biologists to preserve endangered lake and marine populations as well as rehabilitate injured animals.

Another highlight here is the restaurants. Orla and Strip Steak are owned by the same chef. The former is the place in Vegas to go for fine Mediterranean food and Strip Steak is the place for a hearty feed of steak.

Mandalay Bay is connected by a free train to the Excalibur and Luxor hotels. So, despite being at the far end of the Strip, it's easy to get around from here.

Address: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: http://www.sharkreef.com/

Neon Museum

The bright and colorful neon signs of Las Vegas have been one of the city's most memorable sights for countless visitors throughout the years. These multi-story advertising beacons became one of the city's claims to fame.

Today, the Neon Museum is working hard to preserve some of the city's history by purchasing, storing, and in some cases, refurbishing the historic neon signs that have gone by the wayside as businesses have faded or new signs have taken the place of older icons.

You can see many of these signs by taking a guided tour at the Neon Museum, where old neon signs are stored outside in a large compound. Guides provide the history of the signs and designs, which have evolved over the years or you can simply wander around on your own. The best time to visit is in the evening after dark when the lights are lit.

Efforts at the museum are ongoing, and signs stand in varying conditions. In some cases, only a portion was saved or found, while others have been restored to their former glory. This contrast makes the museum that much more interesting and gives visitors insight into how much work and upkeep is required with these giant signs.

Address: 770 Las Vegas Boulevard North, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: http://www.neonmuseum.org/

Luxor Hotel

Another distinctive theme hotel, at the far southwest end of the Strip, is the Luxor Hotel. Designed in an ancient Egyptian theme, the hotel is shaped like a pyramid, with a sphinx proudly gazing out over the street. The Luxor, like all the major resorts, offers a wide variety of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

One of the more unique Las Vegas attractions is the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. Over 250 items recovered from one of the most famous maritime disasters are on display.

Also in Luxor is the HyperX Arena. If you are into eSports, this is the best place in the United States and an absolute must-see. This facility has state-of-the-art equipment and hosts some of the industry's top events.

One of the standout features of this hotel is the beam of light that projects from the highest point of the pyramid and shoots up into the night sky. It can be seen from almost anywhere in Las Vegas.

From the Luxor, you can take a free train to either Mandalay Bay or Excalibur.

Address: 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.luxor.com/en.html

The STRAT Tower

The STRAT Tower is an unmistakable sight on the Las Vegas skyline. The tower rises up 1,149 feet, and at the very top is the Skypod, the real attraction for visitors.

From the various levels of the Skypod, you'll find a whole host of things to do. These include a variety of heart-pounding thrill rides, including the 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 views over the city. 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 off in the distance.

Considering getting married? A fully outfitted chapel is available for you to tie the knot in the sky.

The STRAT Tower claims the "tallest freestanding observation tower in the USA."

Address: 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: http://www.stratospherehotel.com/

Park MGM, ARIA Resorts, and the T-Mobile Arena

Las Vegas, as always, continues to reinvent itself. One of the major initiatives in the past few years has been to make the city a sports event destination and the T-Mobile Arena is a big part of the scene. This venue is a hotspot for basketball, hockey, rodeo, major performing artists, and more. The stadium is modern and comfortable and seats up to 20,000 people.

The arena is tucked in behind New York-New York and the Park MGM. Also in the vicinity, if you are looking for a place to stay or eat are the ARIA Resort and Vdara All Suites Hotel. These new hotels, including Park MGM, fronting the Strip, seem to form a mini city of their own. It's easy to get around from place to place and to the arena as they are all interlinked and have their own tram service.

The Park MGM is home to The Chef Truck, which is the actual Ele Jefe truck used in the movie Chef. They serve breakfast lunch and dinner, and it's a good place to grab something quick on your way to a game.

Vegas Indoor Skydiving

Vegas Indoor Skydiving offers a truly unique experience. Here, visitors will get to experience what actual skydiving is like, without an airplane or parachute. Qualified instructors escort participants to a vertical wind tunnel where they are suited up in special gear. Once the fan is turned on, anyone can float effortlessly in the air. No experience is necessary.

It's a perfect thing to do as a group or family; no matter your age or fitness, you'll be flying high in no time.

Address: 200 Convention Center Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: http://www.vegasindoorskydiving.com/

Madame Tussaud's

Madame Tussaud's in Las Vegas is near the escalators leading up to the Venetian Hotel on the Strip. Here, visitors can see their favorite stars preserved forever in wax. In many cases, the figures are so lifelike it is almost eerie.

Figures range from Elvis to Bradley Cooper and Sofia Vergara right through to musical acts like Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus. The overall focus or theme of Madame Tussaud's is on people who are associated with Las Vegas or in show business.

Address: 3377 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: https://www.madametussauds.com/las-vegas/en/

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Fans of fast cars will want to head over to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Located in Clark County 15 miles northeast of the Strip, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a 1,200-acre complex of multiple automobile racing tracks just right for the speed-freak in you.

Ever imagined what it would be like to drive a Lamborghini or Ferrari? Dream no longer. These cars are available to be driven at high speeds around the race track if you've got the cash to spare.

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is home to NASCAR races, as well as a number of other racing events. Several speed records have been set at the track. The Speedway features multiple restaurants, and for those wishing to stay overnight, RV camping is available. Check the website for the latest upcoming events and pricing.

Address: 700 North Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: http://www.lvms.com/

Excalibur Hotel

The Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas is another theme hotel on the Strip. Decked out in medieval character, the hotel features some wild 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 serving a variety of food from around the world.

Generally considered one of the cheapest places to stay on the Strip, the Excalibur frequently offers incredible deals on their website.

From Excalibur, you can catch a free train to the Luxor and Mandalay Bay.

Address: 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.excalibur.com/en.html

Helicopter Rides over Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon

For a great aerial view over Las Vegas, or even the Grand Canyon, visitors may want to take a helicopter ride. Las Vegas has a number of companies providing helicopter tours that take visitors over Las Vegas and 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.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

If you are searching for that iconic photo of you and your friends in front of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, just head south down the strip about a block past West Russell Road. A large parking lot is located just to the south of the sign, and a winding walkway with trees and greenery takes you to the sign itself.

The sign is actually quite a bit smaller than you would expect. The best photos are taken from the south, with the palm trees framing the sign with the Mandalay Bay Hotel glittering in the background.

Pinball Hall of Fame

Las Vegas is a place where your wallet can certainly take a beating. One place that's easy on the pocketbook and still a ton of fun is the Pinball Hall of Fame. An unbelievable number of pinball machines are spread out across 25,000 square feet of space. This brand-new facility recently opened in April 2021 and has become one of the top things to do in town for pinball aficionados.

Wander through the Hall of Fame, and find a machine you like. Just pop in a quarter, and away you go. Vintage machines right through to modern and technologically advanced ones are all available. The Pinball Hall of Fame is easy to locate, just look for the enormous sign just north of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

Official site: http://www.pinballmuseum.org/

Shelby Heritage Center

Gearheads from around the world will want to make a beeline to the Shelby America Heritage Center. On display are over 30 classic cars designed and built by Caroll Shelby over the years, along with assorted memorabilia. It's also one of the best free attractions in Las Vegas.

However, the more in-depth behind-the-scenes tour is well worth the modest investment. This guided tour takes you beyond the showroom onto the factory floor to see these muscle cars being hand-made by skilled technicians.

Official site: https://www.shelby.com/en-us/Shelby-Las-Vegas/Shelby-Heritage-Center-Home

Downtown Container Park

For something off the Strip that combines food, fun, and entertainment at a low cost, head to the Downtown Container Park. Here, you'll find nearly 40 shipping containers repurposed into restaurants, shops, and other venues. No matter what you crave, whether it's food, a new outfit, or the latest thing you never knew you needed, there's a good chance you'll find it here.

The Downtown Container Park frequently hosts evening entertainment featuring an ever-changing cast of performers. One of the most exciting things that happens each evening is the awakening of the giant Praying Mantis. Frequently accompanied by a drum circle, this metal insect shoots flames from its antennae as it comes to life.

The Downtown Container Park is located a short distance east of the Fremont Street Experience.

Official site: https://downtowncontainerpark.com/

Map of Tourist Attractions in Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, NV - Climate Chart

Day Trips and Activities from Las Vegas

Just beyond the lights and electric vibe of Las Vegas is a spectacular landscape of gorges, 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: The two biggest attractions in the Las Vegas surrounding area are these two fantastic sites: one natural, and the other, man-made. The Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam are accessible by car, public transportation, and guided tours. See our articles on how to get to the Grand Canyon, and how to get to Hoover Dam, from Las Vegas.
• Red Rock Canyon: Take a four- or six-hour guided Red Rock Canyon tour to see some of the spectacular red rock scenery and views out over the desert and mountains.
• Hiking and Camping: You can find some great hiking trails in the surrounding desert and mountains. For some unique experiences see our articles on the best hiking trails in Valley of Fire State Park and best hikes near Las Vegas. If you have your own camping equipment and are trying to figure out the best places to set up camp, see our list of the best campgrounds near Las Vegas.
• Self Drive Excursions: Explore nearby towns and incredible natural areas with our Top-Rated Day Trips from Las Vegas article.