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Rough Guides
Las Vegas attractions
Top Las Vegas sights
Billed as the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’, Las Vegas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the American West, if not the US. This Nevadan city has recreated swathes of iconic landmarks from around the world – from the Eiffel Tower to Brooklyn Bridge, and even a replica Venice, gondolas and canals galore – as well as dancing fountains, sprawling casino resorts and luxurious hotel rooms where you’ll feel like royalty.- The Stratosphere
- High Roller
- Bellagio
- The Fremont Street Experience
- Excursions: Hoover Dam and Lake Mead
- CityCenter
- The Chandelier
And with such popular demand, the dizzying heights of buildings and wide stretches of land it covers means that there’s plenty of attractions worth checking out, whether it’s scream-inducing rollercoasters or chill-out vibes at the pool complexes.Her are our top picks of Las Vegas attractions
1. The Stratosphere
Located between the Strip and Downtown Las Vegas, the Strat boasts a casino, hotel and tower. Its centrepiece, the 350m-high tower, includes four thrill rides; one of the best is the Big Shot. There’s also an observation deck (109 floors up) and a revolving restaurant on the 83rd floor; while it’s not for those afraid of heights, it will certainly suit anyone looking for some pretty awesome views – and an increased heart rate.
Best for: Thrill-seekers
Don’t miss: X-Scream is a terrifyingly good ride.
2. High Roller
At the north end of the Strip, the blue-neon tinted pagoda that is LINQ is a sprawling expanse of hotel rooms, restaurants and casinos. One of the most popular Las Vegas attractions also shares this space. The High Roller is the world’s tallest observation wheel, and is as much a spectacle from the outside as it is on the inside. Situated along the pedestrian Linq Promenade, it consists of 28 glass-enclosed pods (more like cabins), slap-bang in the middle of the dining, retail and entertainment district.
Best for: Views of the Strip
Don’t miss: Marilyn Monroe’s convertible at the nearby Auto Collections - billing itself as the world’s largest classic car museum.
3. Bellagio
The Center Strip is prime Las Vegas sightseeing territory. Make a lavish start with the Bellagio resort, a replicated Italian villa with elegant gaming rooms, changing exhibitions at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art and luxury accommodation. To really sum up how opulent this resort is, check out the glass sculpture over the lobby – it cost over $10million. In the conservatory, take in the lavish display of seasonal flowers. Shopping is another popular pastime – although with brands like Tiffany and Prada having stores here, you’ll find window shopping just as aesthetically pleasing as the real thing. If you’re considering Las Vegas holiday packages, there are loads of accommodation options to choose from along the Center Strip area.
Best for: Big spenders, or those who can act like it
Don’t miss: The famous fountains, with a choreographed water show in the small lake at the front of the resort.
4. The Fremont Street Experience
Las Vegas tourist attractions don’t come better than the Fremont Street Experience, a great draw to the Downtown area. Located between Las Vegas Boulevard and Main Street, this ginormous pedestrian mall is home to a range of impressive features. There’s the 90ft high vaulted canopy that displays Viva Vision, an audio-visual show; free live music spread across two stages; and the non-gaming Neonopolis complex. But in terms of actual things to do, well, it packs a punch. Go zip-lining over Fremont Street, wander around the Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Art and simply marvel at the vintage neon signs that surround you.
Best for: A variety of things to do.
Don’t miss: Viva Vision – expect to see jet fighters, exotic birds and dancers taking to the canopy-curved screen above Fremont Street.
5. Excursions: Hoover Dam and Lake Mead
One of the most breathtaking excursions from Las Vegas is a tour of Hoover Dam, an awe-inspiring sight with plenty of things to see and do. Head to the Hoover Dam Visitor Centre to read up on the dam’s construction, head out to the viewing platform or take an informative guided tour. This excursion ties in with Lake Mead National Recreational Area, a man-made body of water that allows you to swim, hike, camp or simply enjoy a picnic in its space. If you want to stay out on the water, hire a boat at Lake Mead Marina or take a relaxing Lake Mead cruise.
Best for: Taking a break from the buzz
Don’t miss: Check out the striking bronze sculptures by Oskar JW Hansen, which stand at 526m high.
6. CityCenter
Creating a CityCenter inside a, well, city centre, is so Las Vegas. This modern complex boasts a range of impressive hotels, casinos and shopping complexes, as well as some fab views to be enjoyed. You can enjoy floor-to-ceiling rooms at Aria Resort and Casino, sip a tasty cocktail from the 23rd-floor Mandarin Bar and walk around in awe inside the glittering Crystals shopping mall.
Best for: Impressive architecture
Don’t miss: Keep your eyes peeled for the impressive public art installations spread across CityCenter.
7. The Chandelier
Also situated in the Center Strip is The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, a unique resort that hipsters would die for, with its high-end restaurants, nightclubs and ‘dayclubs’ and the opportunity to ‘see and be seen’ at the Cosmo pool. Hipsters aside, the Cosmopolitan’s standout feature is The Chandelier, a cocktail bar which spans three storeys. It’s designed to make punters feel as if they are sitting inside a chandelier; the place is draped in walls of delicate crystal beads, with a luxurious purple glow over the sleek white- and marble-topped interior design.
Best for: Feeling sleek and chic
Don’t miss: The minibars in rooms at The Cosmopolitan are stocked with Yoo-Hoo, a chocolate milk that reminds many Americans of their primary school days.
