So, the other day I was watching an old playlist by my favourite YouTube vlogger, the British roller coaster enthusiast Shawn Sanbrooke and his wife Charlotte (shoutout to Sanbrooke Adventures), featuring videos about Las Vegas. To be honest, I’d never really been interested in that city. I’m not into gambling or casinos, so it always felt a bit like the infamous Pleasure Island from Pinocchio. You can probably imagine my surprise when Shawn’s vlogs got me genuinely excited about the idea of visiting it myself one day. What was it that got me so excited? What to do in Las Vegas? I’ll show you here.
Why would you want to visit Las Vegas?
So, why have I suddenly become so obsessed with Las Vegas? Honestly, I have no idea. What I can tell you is that, if it weren’t such an expensive trip and if a certain person in power weren’t quite so unfriendly towards Europeans these days (although perhaps the Dutch Lionesses’ performance at the World Cup has helped with that), I’d have booked a flight to Las Vegas in a heartbeat.
Fun fact: Did you know that “Las Vegas” is Spanish for “The Meadows”?
Las Vegas is often called the city that never sleeps in the American state of Nevada (just to avoid confusing it with the other city that never sleeps on the East Coast). How can a city be so vibrant when it’s located right in the middle of a freaking desert?!
In this videos Shawn and Charlotte will take you with them through the highlights of Las Vegas.
Most people immediately think of the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign and, of course, The Strip, the iconic boulevard lined with world-famous hotels, many of which feature their own attractions, themed areas, and casinos. But vlogger Shawn showed me in his Las Vegas travel vlogs that there’s so much more to discover. From a gigantic observation wheel to a viewing platform offering breathtaking 360-degree views, complete with three thrill rides on the roof, because in Vegas everything has to be just a little bit over the top.
What attractions are near Las Vegas?
The fun doesn’t stop once you leave the city. Whether you rent a car or join an organised tour, you can visit the world-famous Hoover Dam or head to the Grand Canyon West Rim to experience the spectacular Grand Canyon Skywalk. The Grand Canyon, in particular, really captured my imagination. To me, it felt like the “real” America, the kind of place where you half expect to bump into a cowboy riding across the landscape at any moment.
So yes… since an actual trip to Las Vegas isn’t on the cards for me just yet, writing this travel blog is the next best thing. Hopefully, by the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll be just as excited about this city of dazzling casinos and wonderfully over-the-top attractions as I am.
What to do in Las Vegas? 18 famous sights worth visiting
So, enough of the small talk; what can you actually do in Las Vegas? You’ll probably say, without hesitation, The Strip, and I have to agree with you. It is, and always will be, the main attraction of Las Vegas. Calling this enormous 6.8-kilometre street just one attraction doesn’t really do it justice in this article. That’s why I’ll list the highlights of The Strip in Las Vegas separately as individual attractions, especially since every casino and hotel can be visited free of charge as an attraction in its own right. You could honestly spend days exploring these hotels alone.
That being said, I’ve come up with 18 must-see attractions in Las Vegas:
- Bellagio Hotel
- New York-New York Hotel
- The Mirage
- The STRAT
- Paris Las Vegas Hotel
- Caesars Palace
- Circus Circus
- Fremont Street
- Excalibur
- Luxor
- The Venetian
- MGM Grand Hotel
- High Roller
- Silverton Aquarium
- Neon Museum
- Treasure Island
- The Sphere
- North and South Las Vegas Premium Outlets
And I’m sure this still isn’t a complete list. I think I’ll have to visit Las Vegas myself first, and perhaps even more than once, before this list can truly be considered complete. #travelgoals
1. Back in Italy
When you think of Las Vegas, you probably first think of the Bellagio hotel and casino because of the impressive fountains in front of the hotel. The hotel opened in 1998 and when you walk inside, you suddenly feel as though you are in Italy.
Fun fact: an Italian would probably have guessed it already, but the Bellagio is also named after the town of Bellagio, which is located on Lake Como in Italy.
The interior of the hotel is very Renaissance-inspired, relaxing and elegant: with large soft carpets and colourful umbrellas at the reception, with many romantic angel fountains, little waterfalls, trees, glass domes and large chandeliers. And if you need some designer clothing? You do not even have to leave the building! Shops such as Chanel and Tiffany & Co are located right inside the hotel!
The world’s best fountain show
The Bellagio fountains are set in an artificial lake of around three hectares, in which around 1,200 fountains have been installed that send water jets up to 140 metres into the air. The whole forms an impressive spectacle, in which water, music and light are fully synchronised. Each performance is also unique, with varying combinations of music and lighting. One time classical music plays in the background, another time pop songs or even Broadway repertoire.
Note: The show takes place every 10 minutes, so you do not need to worry about missing one. I would recommend making time for it at least twice.
And another P.S.: it is completely free! Also try changing your viewing position for a unique background as well.
2. Riding a rollercoaster through a hotel
Two birds with one stone? If you’re in Las Vegas anyway, you can also tick off the highlights of Manhattan in New York! No, no, I haven’t lost my mind. In Las Vegas there is the famous hotel New York-New York, whose façade recreates the New York skyline! You can spot the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the Justice Building on the exterior, and inside you’ll find various shops designed in a Soho-style with wrought-iron staircases.
Are you a Hershey’s Chocolate World or Reese’s fan? There is an entire store filled with delicious chocolate and fun merchandise from both brands inside the hotel.
But the most famous feature is perhaps the rollercoaster that races through and alongside the hotel… yes, including loops and all. The so-called Apple Coaster (formerly known as the Manhattan Express) by Japanese manufacturer TOGO is, among rollercoaster enthusiasts, known as an intense ride. The aforementioned Shawn wasn’t a fan at first either, until he rode the new taxi-yellow train cars by Premier Rides. Now he recommends the rollercoaster as a true Las Vegas attraction.
Do note: the hotel itself is free to enter, but if you want to ride the Apple Coaster, you’ll need to pay a ticket price (as of 2026) of $25, plus an additional $10 for each extra ride. $65 if you can’t get enough and want to ride all day.
Finding the rollercoaster takes a bit of searching, but just follow the signs. It is located somewhere at the top of the hotel. You even walk through an arcade before reaching the station.
3. A vulcano in Las Vegas
In the evening, outside the hotel The Mirage, you could find a volcano show every hour (from 7–11)! Of course, not a real one, but the hotel had constructed a rocky formation from which an actual fire show took place. With the palm trees and rising music, you felt as if you had been transported into the midst of the Incas in the jungle. The entire lagoon area had been designed to behave like a controlled eruption zone: flames of natural gas shot up through water features, while red lighting made it appear as though molten lava was pushing its way up through the surface.
Arriving in Polynesian culture
The Mirage was designed to feel less like a hotel lobby and more like a holiday on a tropical island that had somehow been placed in the middle of the desert. Inside, the most dominant feature was a large atrium space in rainforest style. You entered beneath a glass dome and were immediately surrounded by dense clusters of palm trees, artificial waterfalls flowing over dark rock formations, and winding pathways that guided you through the space like a gentle maze. The air carried a light, humid coolness, enhanced by constant water movement and carefully controlled lighting that shifted between warm gold and deep green tones.
The overall aesthetic leaned strongly towards a Polynesia-inspired fantasy world rather than realism. There was a secret garden filled with lagoons containing koi carp, small bridges over water features, and occasional glimpses of tropical birds in landscaped green zones. It was intentionally immersive: the casino floor lay just beyond or beneath this lush “indoor jungle”, meaning you constantly moved back and forth between a simulated natural world and the bright energy of the gaming floor.
You will have noticed that I am speaking in the past tense, and that is for a reason, because unfortunately The Mirage closed its doors in 2024. It was replaced by a Hard Rock hotel with a huge guitar at the entrance. A volcano replaced by a guitar? Well… each to their own preference, I guess.
What is an adrenaline rush attraction in Vegas?
The Strat is short for the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino, located at the far end of the Strip. When people talk about the Strat, they are usually referring to the famous observation deck at the top of the tower. The tower stands around 350 metres high and also houses the Top of the World Restaurant. What makes this restaurant special is not necessarily the cuisine (it might be excellent, but I couldn’t say). It is the fact that it slowly rotates around the axis of the tower.
In addition to a spectacular view over Las Vegas and the surrounding Mojave Desert, the Strat offers something truly unique for thrill-seekers: three nerve-shredding attractions that you can ride for an extra fee, and which quite literally push you over the edge:
- Drop tower: Big Shot
- A breakdance-style ride: Insanity
- A seesaw-like rollercoaster that tips you over the edge of the Strat: X-Scream
Note: as of 2026, both X-Scream and Insanity are closed due to safety issues. But if you want to know more, check out Shawn’s vlog below. Try not to be too afraid.
Live like Remi of Disney’s Ratatouille
Never been to Paris either? You can also catch famous sights of Paris inside the Paris Las Vegas hotel. There are replicas of the Eiffel Tower, which you can also visit as an observation deck, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Paris Opera House and the Musée d’Orsay, along with various shops in a Parisian style. You can even dine at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant or see a show in the theatre, which has space for 1,400 people.
6. Where Las Vegas and the Roman Empire collide
A building with six towers, decorated in Roman style and filled with numerous statues and fountains? Surely I must be talking about a castle or palace, right? Guess again. I am talking about the splendour and grandeur of hotel and casino Caesar’s Palace. This hotel is located between the famous Bellagio and the former Mirage. It covers no less than 85 hectares, contains more than 3,500 rooms and has a 4.5-hectare garden. With such splendour you’re running out of things to say, aren’t you?
During your visit to the hotel, make sure to see:
- The enormous indoor shopping centre
- The animatronic show Fall of Atlantis: a spectacle with fire and water
- Watch a performance in the enormous Colosseum theatre
- Relax in the spa
7. Circus in Vegas
Circus Circus in Las Vegas is one of the oldest and most recognisable hotels on the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip (the one with the red roof). It opened its doors in 1968 and stands out from the other famous hotels because it mainly focuses on families with children.
While most casino hotels radiate luxury and glamour, Circus Circus has a playful circus atmosphere (yes, complete with real, free circus acts) and even has its own indoor amusement park (Adventuredome) covering 20,000 square metres. You can also spend time in the Midway, which is a large arcade hall with games and fairground attractions.
8. Meet Old Vegas: What to do on Fremont street, Las Vegas?
Before the famous Las Vegas Strip grew into the face of the city, everything happened on Fremont Street. This is where the first casinos opened their doors and where Las Vegas became famous. Today, this pedestrian street is still a lively mix of neon lights, live music, street performers and historic casinos, such as the Golden Nugget.
The biggest highlight of Fremont Street is the Fremont Street Experience: a canopy more than 400 metres long that consists entirely of LED screens. Several times each evening, the ceiling transforms into a spectacular light and sound show, accompanied by music. It is worth visiting for that alone.
You’re an adrenaline junky?
For those looking for an extra dose of adrenaline, there is SlotZilla, a zip line that allows you to soar high above the crowds over Fremont Street. You can choose between a lower zip line or the “superhero” version, where you fly lying down across the entire length of the street.
Note: Apart from the zip line, Fremont Street is one of the most fun things to do if you are wondering: (*Sigh*) Las Vegas, what to do for free?
9. A fairytale castle on The Strip
Do you also see a colourful castle standing on the Strip, looking as if it has walked straight out of Disneyland? That is the Excalibur Hotel. It is no coincidence that the hotel looks like a medieval castle; you can attend knight tournaments there (as if you are in Game of Thrones). During this dinner show, you sit in an arena and watch knights on horseback battle it out in a medieval spectacle with sword fights, fire and music. You also get a dinner included, which you eat without cutlery, completely in keeping with the theme.
Excalibur is also known for:
- Its magic shows
- The Fun Dungeon (don’t worry: it is not a torture chamber): the large arcade game hall
- Going to the Tiki bar for a tropical atmosphere and a drink
- Walking via walkways and connections to Luxor Hotel and Casino (the pyramid) and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino (the tropical resort)
10. Egypt represent
You don’t have to go all the way to Egypt to see the pyramids if you’re already planning a visit to the United States. Las Vegas has its own inhabited pyramid: the Luxor Hotel. I think it’s truly the most extraordinary – and even a little bizarre – hotel in the world. Thanks to the enormous black pyramid and the powerful beam of light that shines into the sky from its summit at night, the hotel can be seen from a great distance. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s a lovely place to spend a few hours exploring, if you’re a fan of ancient Egypt.
Because it’s not just the pyramid that’s typically Egyptian, but also the Sphinx at the foot of the pyramid and the entire Luxor interior. Inside, you’ll find one of the largest atriums in the world, allowing you to look all the way from the lobby to the very top of the hotel. What’s more, the lifts are built at an angle and travel upwards along the side of the pyramid, which is a unique experience in itself. I don’t think it’s for those of us, myself included, who get motion sickness easily.
At the Luxor, you can enjoy:
- Exhibitions
- The Blue Man Group show
- HyperX Arena, a modern esports arena where tournaments are regularly held
- The walkways to Excalibur and Mandalay Bay
The Titanic in Egypt?
Although the Luxor is also free to visit, this isn’t its most famous attraction. That honour goes to the Titanic exhibition, where hundreds of artefacts from the famous ship are on display. You can also admire a reconstruction of the Grand Staircase. As of 2026, admission to this exhibition costs $43 for an adult.
There is also ‘Bodies… The Exhibition’, which displays real human bodies and organs. The exhibition provides an impressive insight into how the human body works.
11. Gondola rides in Las Vegas?
Yes, you know what? If you have already visited NYC, Paris and Italy, why not also pay a visit to the Venice of Vegas? This is where you will find The Venetian hotel. You can stroll along canals, Venetian squares and painted ceilings that create the illusion of a blue sky filled with clouds. The gondola rides are the main attraction of The Venetian. You can choose between a ride along the indoor canals inside the hotel or the outdoor canal. During the journey, a gondolier will take you past bridges and squares while regularly singing an Italian song. It is one of the most iconic experiences in Las Vegas. And yes… the prices are just as high as in real Venice.
Which replicas of Venice can you find here? Well… since I have actually visited the Italian Venice, I can tell you: almost everything. Not only the entire canal system (plus gondoliers), but also:
- The Rialto Bridge
- St Mark’s Square
- The Doge’s Palace
- The Campanile Tower
12. The home of David Copperfield
Right, good. That was the me-complaining section of this article. Now back to the fun attractions, such as the MGM Grand Hotel. The MGM Grand is one of the largest hotels in the world and is instantly recognisable thanks to its green exterior. The hotel has been one of Las Vegas’s most important entertainment venues for many years. The most famous show is that of illusionist David Copperfield, who has been performing here for years with impressive magic tricks and illusions. But you can also attend concerts, comedy shows and other live performances.
Wash away the sweat
Las Vegas can become hot early in the year (no surprise, really, with a desert right around the corner), but if you want to wash away that sweat? Then make sure to visit the enormous MGM Grand pool complex. The MGM Grand’s pool complex is one of the largest in Las Vegas. You will find several swimming pools, whirlpools, waterfalls and a relaxing lazy river where you can simply float along.
13. Personal torment
Right, this is where I have to bow out for a moment. Even if I ever make the trip to Vegas, I will never end up on the High Roller. I get incredibly nauseous on a Ferris wheel (just ask my friends who took me on the Ferris wheel in Scheveningen), and when you combine that with the height of the High Roller… no, that is pure torture for me.
That said, I do understand why this is one of the highlights of Las Vegas. The High Roller is the largest observation wheel in North America and one of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas. The Ferris wheel stands at The LINQ Promenade, right in the middle of the Strip, and offers spectacular views over the city and the surrounding desert. Standing at around 168 metres tall (I am already sweating just thinking about it), the High Roller towers above most of the hotels. From the completely glass cabins (are you freaking kidding me?!) you have a 360-degree view. One full rotation takes around 30 minutes (far too long). Thanks to its gentle speed, you have plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the view. The cabins are air-conditioned and offer enough space to walk around (if you dare).
14. Watching fish on the Strip
Are you ready for a break from all those hotels and casinos? Las Vegas also has some great attractions away from the glitter and glamour of the Strip. Well… it is still located inside a hotel and on the Strip, but it has a completely different vibe: the Silverton Aquarium. This is a free aquarium inside the Silverton Casino Lodge, a hotel just south of the Las Vegas Strip.
The aquarium contains around 117,000 gallons (more than 440,000 litres) of salt water and is home to more than 4,000 tropical fish, including:
- Moray eels
- Sharks
- Rays
- Reef fish
The biggest attraction is the mermaid shows though. Professional divers dressed as mermaids swim among the fish and interact with visitors underwater. There are also interactive feeding shows, where a diver feeds the animals and provides explanations through a communication system.
Fun fact: can’t get enough? At Bass Pro Shops, a gigantic outdoor store, you can not only buy outdoor equipment (such as fishing gear), but also taxidermy animals. Just keep customs regulations in mind.
15. The Neon Boneyard in Old Vegas
The Neon Museum in Las Vegas is an open-air museum that tells the story of the city through old neon signs. It is also known as the Neon Boneyard, as it houses dozens of historic neon signs from defunct casinos, hotels and businesses in Las Vegas.
Tip: A guided tour is highly recommended, as you’ll hear the stories behind the signs.
In the evening, some of the signs come to life during special light shows, such as ‘Brilliant! Jackpot’, where old neon signs are illuminated using modern techniques and combined with music and storytelling. So be sure to stay until the sun goes down.
16. Pirates and Avengers
Treasure Island is a hotel in Las Vegas themed around… you guessed it: pirates. It opened in 1993 and was originally designed as an adventurous family hotel with a grand pirate theme. For years, the main attraction was the free show ‘Sirens of TI’, featuring pirate ships, naval battles, fireworks and dancing pirates in front of the hotel. This spectacular show has since ended, but the pirate themes are still evident throughout the hotel.
And no… I’m not starting to ramble. The link to Marvel comes from Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N., an interactive exhibition that was based at Treasure Island for a while. This wasn’t part of the hotel itself, but a separate Marvel attraction. Visitors could:
- View costumes and props from the Marvel films
- Discover the world of the Avengers
- Take part in interactive challenges as if they were members of S.H.I.E.L.D. themselves
- Learn more about characters such as Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and the Hulk
17. The Sphere
I’ve been talking all this time about hotels that have already closed permanently or exhibitions that were moved ages ago, but there’s also something new on the Strip: Las Vegas The Sphere. It’s a gigantic spherical entertainment arena with a futuristic look, completely covered in LED screens. It’s impressive even in daylight, but as soon as the thousands of lights come on, the Sphere transforms into a massive digital globe that’s visible from kilometres away.
It serves as a state-of-the-art events venue for concerts, films and interactive shows. The building is approximately 111 metres high and features a massive LED screen on the outside, the Exosphere, on which anything can appear: from a gigantic eye or a lunar landscape to colourful animations. Inside is a gigantic curved screen that almost completely surrounds the space. This makes it seem as though you’re not just looking at a screen, but sitting right in the middle of the images. The technology combines high-resolution images, specialised sound and effects that engage multiple senses.
18. North/South Las Vegas Premium Outlet Malls
If you fancy a spot of shopping but find the designer shops in the hotels a bit too pricey, why not splash out at Simon’s North or South Las Vegas Premium Outlet Malls? Both centres offer cheaper goods, but with different ranges:
- Las Vegas North Premium Outlets: north of the Strip, towards Downtown Las Vegas. Here you’ll find more shops than at the South outlet, whilst still focusing on designer clothing, such as Michael Kors and Burberry. Bear in mind that this outlet is open-air.
- Las Vegas South Premium Outlets: close to the airport and the ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign. This outlet has over 140 shops and is largely covered and air-conditioned. Here you’ll find more shops such as Nike, Coach and Adidas.
Conclusion: so, what is there to do in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas may have started out as a gambling paradise in the desert, but if you look beyond the neon lights and casinos, you’ll discover a city full of surprises. It’s a place where, in the space of a single day, you can stroll from Ancient Egypt to Venice, take a rollercoaster ride through a miniature version of New York and, in the evening, find yourself surrounded by millions of lights and spectacular shows.
What makes Las Vegas so special is that almost nothing there is ordinary. Hotels are no longer just hotels, but entire worlds in their own right. You can admire the fountains at the Bellagio, climb an Eiffel Tower in Paris, take a gondola ride through Venice and stand face to face with a massive pyramid at the Luxor. Even a stroll along the Strip feels like a trip around the world, without having to catch a plane.
But don’t forget what you can do just outside the city either. With a hire car or an organised tour, you can reach impressive sights such as the Hoover Dam or the Grand Canyon in no time. There, the artificial glitz of Vegas gives way to the rugged landscape of the real American West. And honestly? If you’re travelling to the Wild West, you’ll naturally want to get a taste of that culture too.
Natasja Bartholomé,
Travel blogger & author