20 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 around the world.
Many of the hotels are attractions in and of themselves and feature 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 just a short helicopter ride away, and the hills and mountains surrounding 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 year-round. The cooler winter temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing, and in summer, when the temperature can rise above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the hotel pools become an important part of the daytime activities.
Plan your visit and make the most of your time with our list of the top attractions in Las Vegas.

1. The Strip
The Strip
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.
One of the must-do's 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.
Generally speaking, the Las Vegas Strip runs from the Mandalay Bay Hotel to Treasure Island Hotel. To truly experience Las Vegas, stay on The Strip, preferably at one of the major resorts. For a look at some of the best accommodation options in a variety of price ranges, see our recommended hotels.

2. Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street Experience

In old downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street is a pedestrian-only area with all kinds of unique sites. A five-block section of Fremont Street is covered over 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. Street performers and special entertainment acts often perform outdoors in this area. Fremont Street is in downtown Las Vegas, a few kilometers from the Strip.
It is best to take a taxi to reach this area. Or, if you want to truly experience the city at night, take a Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Night Flight ride above the city. Note that hotel pickup is optional on this tour.
Official site: www.vegasexperience.com

3. Helicopter Rides over Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon
Helicopter at 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.
If you have a full day for exploring, try a Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour. The tour takes approximately 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
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

5. Paris Hotel and the Eiffel Tower
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 posh and romantic Eiffel Tower Restaurant, with fine views out over the Strip and across to the dancing fountains of Bellagio. Also on the property is a mock hot air balloon festooned with neon and flashing lights.
Address: 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

6. Bellagio Resort and Fountain Show
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 spring 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.
Address: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

7. Mirage Hotel: Erupting Volcano and Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden
Mirage Hotel: Erupting Volcano and Secret Garden

The Mirage Hotel is easy to identify while walking along the Strip. In front of the resort is a volcano, which erupts at regular intervals. At night, the glowing red fire and explosions shooting out of the volcano are some of the most unique sites visible from the sidewalk.
Inside the Mirage is Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. You can see a wide variety of exotic animals, including white lions and tigers. The Dolphin Habitat contains a large number of trained dolphins in its 2.5-million-gallon pools.
Address: 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

8. High Roller Ferris Wheel on the Linq
High Roller Ferris Wheel on the Linq

The High Roller Ferris wheel is the largest observation wheel in the world, 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!

9. New York-New York 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.
Address: 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

10. Caesar's Palace and The Colosseum
Shops at Ceasar's Palace

Perhaps one of the best known of all the Las Vegas hotel resorts, Caesar's Palace continues to evolve. Currently 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

11. The Mob Museum
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
12. Mandalay Bay and the Shark Reef Aquarium
Mandalay Bay and the Shark Reef Aquarium
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. 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.
Address: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
13. Neon Museum
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.
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
14. Luxor Hotel
Luxor Hotel
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 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.
Address: 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
15. Stratosphere Tower
Stratosphere Tower
Stratosphere Tower
The Stratosphere 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 Stratosphere Tower claims the "tallest freestanding observation tower in the USA."
Address: 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
16. MGM Grand Hotel and CSI: The Experience
MGM Grand Hotel and CSI: The Experience
MGM Grand Hotel and CSI: The Experience
The MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas is across the street from the New York-New York Hotel and kitty corner to the Excalibur Resort Hotel. The MGM Grand Hotel has all the amenities visitors would expect to find at 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
17. Vegas Indoor Skydiving
Indoor Skydiving
Indoor Skydiving | Photo Source: 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.
Address: 200 Convention Center Dr, Las Vegas
18. Madame Tussaud's
Madame Tussaud's
Madame Tussaud's | Photo Copyright: Lana Law
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 though 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
19. Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas Motor Speedway | Maverick Helicopters / photo modified
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/
20. Excalibur Hotel
Excalibur Hotel
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.
Address: 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Where to Stay in Las Vegas for Sightseeing

Since most of the action in Las Vegas is focused around a portion of South Las Vegas Boulevard knowns as The Strip, staying on or close to this area is the best option. This is also where most of the huge, themed resort hotels are found. The price of hotels can vary greatly from one week to the next, with rates skyrocketing around big conventions and great discounts available at slower times. Below is a selection of highly rated 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 Venetian, a recreated Venice-themed complex complete with a canal and gondolas, are both luxury resort hotels in prime locations along the Strip.

Caesars Palace, also with a great location along the Strip, is a long time classic in Vegas, and home to the famous Colosseum entertainment venue. All of these resorts have wonderful pools, shopping, and entertainment on site.
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 the 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 also frequently offers reasonable rates.

The Hilton Grand Vacations Suites on the Las Vegas Strip is another quality hotel but it lies a little too far north to walk to the main section of The Strip.
Budget Hotels: The Excalibur is a formerly grand but now somewhat dated resort hotel that often offers good deals. It has a nice pool area and a great location at the south end of the Strip, near the New York, New York.

Across the street from the Excalibur, but just off the Strip on Tropicana Avenue, is the Motel 6. This is a basic motel with a pool and an excellent location. The Travelodge Las Vegas Center Strip is another decent budget option, with a good central location slightly off The Strip