Best Las Vegas Attractions to Visit
I find it ironic that many people choose to travel to faraway places, while the closest tourist destinations to them, often get overlooked. I did just that with Las Vegas. There are so many exceptional Las Vegas Attractions these days, and I haven’t visited in years. When I lived on the East Coast, I spent a lot of time in Vegas working and playing, but then once I moved to LA, and I just stopped going.
Exceptional Las Vegas Attractions
Finally, I decided it was time to head back to Las Vegas. Now be aware, when I visited Vegas in the early 90s, it was not so nice. Prostitutes were everywhere. You couldn’t walk down the street without being handed a card with a pair of boobs on it. However a few years later, the Bellagio was built, then the Venetian, next Paris, and I noticed a lot more families. Soon the dark side of Vegas vanished from the strip, and it became a whole new town.
I eventually moved to Los Angeles and after living in LA for many years, I realized “OMG, It’s been fifteen years since I have been to Vegas…How did that happen?” Needless to say Las Vegas has literally exploded with new properties, and has imploded some of the old hotels as well. My husband, who was born and raised in LA, had previously visited, and had neutral feelings about Vegas. However, he is usually open for anything. As a professional photographer, all he wants to do is shoot great images, so I was sure he would be mesmerized by the “new” Vegas.
All New Shows in Vegas
Now you can see any number of shows featuring the most celebrated recording artists as well as comedians, magicians, Cirque du Soleil shows, and more. Tourist attractions such as the Strip, Fremont Street Experience, the Sphere, Bellagio Fountains, and of course the gambling are a huge draw. The cuisine has changed from tacky buffets, to incredible ones with every possible food you could want. The restaurants of celebrity chefs don every corner, therefore the quality of the food is exquisite.
So here I was on the strip again after fifteen years not visiting Las Vegas. There are so many fantastic attractions now drawing people from all over the world. We had a great time.
Cirque du Soleil
We saw Cirque du Soleil’s O which is magnificent (see photo above). CLICK HERE to read my review of O – the best Cirque du Soleil show in my opinion. There is also a whole new visual arts (paintings, sculpture, etc) side of Vegas. In addition Meow Wolf, the beloved artist collective opened its second location called Omega Mart in 2021. CLICK HERE to read my review.
We even stopped by the Punk Rock Museum. we had a great time here – CLICK HERE to read that review.
Whether you come for a short time or an extended, it has become a family centered fun town. If you drive, remember the parking can be pricey. You can get around to most casinos via the monorail. Then if needed take a Lyft or Uber the rest of the way. We did that to visit Fremont Street – see below. In addition to what I mentioned above, here is a list of our staff favorite attractions.
The LINQ Promenade (FREE) is very much like an outdoor mall. It featured retail shops, Restaurants The promenade is also a great place to hang, meet up with friends, shop or dine. Here the restaurants are a bit less expensive. But be aware, everything in Vegas is relatively expensive.
For amazing views take a ride on the LINQ Promenade’s 550-foot-tall High Roller Observation Wheel, OR do a zip-line right over the promenade below. The LINQ Promenade, 3545 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, NV 89109; https://www.caesars.com/linq/things-to-do/shopping
The Bellagio Fountains
Everyone loves the famed Bellagio’s Fountains (FREE). Created in collaboration with WET Design, there are over a thousand fountains dancing to well known compositions. These fountains which are lit up by its own light show leap from 1,000 feet to up to 460 feet in the air. It never gets old. The water show runs every 30 minutes from 3–7:30pm during the week, then every 15 minutes from 8pm–12am. On weekends the schedule is pretty much the same, except that it starts at noon. CLICK HERE for more info about the Free Bellagio Water Show. Bellagio Hotel & Casino, 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109; https://bellagio.mgmresorts.com
The Sphere
The Sphere, one of the newest Vegas attractions is 875,000 square feet (366 feet tall, and its width is 516 feet). The massive theater seats over 18,000 people, and offers standing room for about 20,000. In addition to big name bands that perform at the Sphere such as U2, the Eagles, etc., it also screens films which change, so check the website.
Be aware the theater is raked at a pretty steep incline. Two of our staff did NOT enjoy the experience. So if you have any sort of vertigo or issues with severe inclines, this may not be the right attraction for you. The Sphere, 255 Sands Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89169; https://www.thesphere.com/
Big Apple Coaster at New York New York
Stop by New York New York Hotel & Casino which is 51,765 square ft and has a food hall as well as amazing dining options. See the Stature of Liberty and also the Empire State Building, and the incredible Big Apple Coaster. It offers a scary but super fun ride. It feels like you are headed right onto the strip.
Also the food at New York New York is great, grab a pretzel, or some other typical NYC type food. I loved it, and I was born and raised in NYC. New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada is 3790 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109; https://newyorknewyork.mgmresorts.com
Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Soak up some romance at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas. This is a beautifully designed hotel. A canal runs from the outside through the hotel. You can even take a gondola ride – so romantic. Of course there are some excellent high end retail shops here, and some tasty Italian restaurants. There is also a food hall with a variety of less expensive options. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109; https://www.venetianlasvegas.com
Paris’ Eiffel Tower
Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is also fantastic, just look up, and walk to the Eiffel Tower. Here you will also find a replica of the Arc de Triumph, great shopping in addition to Chateau Rooftop & Nightclub located in the Eiffel Tower. Or stop into the Le Cabaret Lounge situated next to the casino floor, Le Cabaret is a French-inspired lounge featuring live cabaret performances on the weekends. See first image of this article.
There is a viewing deck at Paris’ Eiffel Tower, however it is sometimes open only on the weekends (depends on what season you are visiting – check website). This is true also of the night club as well as some of its lounges. However whatever day you arrive, Paris is so romantic…so just enjoy walking around. Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, 3; 655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109; https://www.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas
Fremont Street
Of course off the strip, you HAVE to visit Fremont Street. It is just fantastic. No need to pay money to visit the Neon Museum, you will find more than enough neon here. Plus there is a projected light show above. You can buy a drink and just walk down the six block attraction, and enjoy so many happenings all around you. In addition to the random talented performers, there is also an organized stage show put on by the Fremont Street Experience. This company runs the show here, so visit the website for more info. Fremont Street Experience, 425 Fremont St, Suite 250, Las Vegas, NV 89101; https://vegasexperience.com
CLICK HERE to read our other articles about Vegas. Be sure to check out the Las Vegas Tourism website – VisitLasVegas.com
