Las Vegas is internationally known as “Sin City”, thanks to its tolerance of adult forms of entertainment. But despite being famous for its casinos and gambling, this city has much more to offer. The savvy tourist can go about Las Vegas and feel like he or she is traveling around the world. If you’re a fan of the desert, a short drive out of the city will provide you with incredible views of the Mojave.
In this list, you'll find the 10 can’t-miss locations for anyone visiting Las Vegas.
1. Stratosphere Tower
Many of the hotels in Las Vegas have 'a theme' designed to draw in bigger crowds, and the Stratosphere Tower is no different in that regard, but it's still unique and rises above them all. It is the tallest building in Las Vegas, standing 360 meters (1181 ft) tall. The top of the tower features an observation deck, allowing visitors to see the whole city, the surrounding desert and the strip's twinkling lights at night. Braver souls can even jump off (while safely secured, of course).
2. Fremont
Walking around in Fremont is an experience no visitor should miss! Throughout the night, the street becomes the stage for amazing audio-visual displays that are projected on a 30 meter (98 ft) high ceiling. Before the start of each show, all of the casinos in the area switch off their lights, signaling an upcoming show. As the magic begins, over 12 million LED lights begin their dance, making an experience that can only be described as mesmerizing.
3. New York-New York
As soon as you get to this hotel, you’ll notice its main attraction – “The Big Apple” roller coaster (not recommended for the faint-of-heart). This is the first roller coaster to have a 180 degree flip, where your legs are up in the sky and your head is looking down at the ground, while traveling at 107kph (66 mph). This roller coaster ride attracts 1.4 million visitors every year.
4. Valley of Fire State Park
Get in a car and head north-east of Las Vegas. After about an hour, you’ll find the Valley of Fire Park, which owes its name to the natural colors and shape that are the result of processes that began long before humans walked the Earth.
5. The Venetian
Venice, Italy, is famous for its canals, and the singing gondola rides, but you can also experience it in The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. The hotel’s mall is called “The Grand Canal”, thanks to the canal that runs through it. Guests can travel between shops on a gondola, piloted by an authentic Italian singer. Couples seeking some romance in the city will definitely enjoy this experience.
6. The Mob Museum
If you want to see Las Vegas the way it used to be during its mafia heydays, the Mob Museum will provide you with a rare glimpse into the age of organized crime. The museum offers exhibitions and interactive activities about the history of the mafia and other crime cartels, and since Las Vegas grew in tandem with these organizations, you’ll be able to learn a lot about the city’s history.
7. The Mirage
The Mirage Casino’s theme centers around the Polynesian Islands, and includes a volcano that erupts every day at 9pm, with real audio effects and the scents of piña colada. You will also find other attractions that will make you feel like you’re on a deserted island. Behind the reception desk sits a huge aquarium with over 400 fish and an artificial coral reef.
8. Caesar's Palace
This might be the most extravagant hotel in all of Las Vegas. The Palace was planned by Jay Sarno, who, until the 1950s, designed motels. When Sarno came to Las Vegas, he decided to plan the most luxurious hotel the city has ever seen, and so Caesar’s Palace was constructed in 1966 at a cost of $24 million. The hotel features water fountains, pools, and the staff is dressed in ancient Roman garb. Caesar’s set the bar for all of the hotels built afterwards, and is still considered to be the best in town.
9. The Strip
Though you can find casinos all over Las Vegas, you’d be missing out on the best and most famous if you don’t go to The Strip. This long street is surrounded by flashy hotels, whose owners spare no expense to make visitors feel like part of a bright fantasy world. Almost all of the casinos on The Strip are also themed hotels, making you feel like you’re in a different country or era. Even a walk down The Strip is an enjoyable experience during the cool evening hours, but spare yourself from doing so during the day – it’s just too hot outside.
10. The Bellagio
The Bellagio is famous mainly thanks to its two main attractions. Firstly, there's the spectacular botanical gardens - home to so many kinds of plants that the hotel has to employ over 140 gardeners to tend to them all, and to plan special exhibitions during different holidays. Exhibits are changed five times a year, so even if you’ve been there before, your next visit will feel completely different.
The main greenhouse offers curious visitors with a chance to talk to the hotel’s botanical experts, who’ll happily answer all of your plant-related questions. Once the sun goes down, you’ll want to head on down to the Bellagio’s other attraction - The Fountains of Bellagio. The Fountains feature a coordinated show with music and lighting, making it one of the city’s most incredible sights.
Below you can watch Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On being played during the show.
