From luxurious resorts modeled after international locations to five-star restaurants serving up creative dishes, the city is no stranger to innovation. Of course, you can't talk about Las Vegas without mentioning its vibrant nightlife scene — you'll find world-class entertainment everywhere you turn. In this guide, we'll take you through some of the iconic locations that make this city so special.
The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
No visit to Las Vegas is complete without a stop by the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Located at the southern end of The Strip, this iconic Las Vegas landmark welcomes visitors with its neon lights, vibrant design, and retro charm. The only thing as rich and compelling as this landmark’s design is its history.
The sign, erected in 1959, was designed by Betty Willis — one of the first female artists to create neon signage. A must-visit for any traveler, this Las Vegas landmark is a timeless symbol of the city's allure and offers the perfect photo opportunity to commemorate your Las Vegas adventure. Dawn or dusk, you’re bound to find visitors striking poses by the sign’s post.
Treasure Island
People from across the globe visit Las Vegas to witness its theaters and the array of talent and performances that happen inside of them. Treasure Island Hotel and Casino is unmistakable on The Strip and home to Mystère by Cirque du Soleil. Hosted at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, Mystère is one of the longest running productions on The Strip (with performances happening for over three decades). The show combines electric lights and music with expressive dance and acrobatic numbers. Admire the colorful costumes, take in the stunning sounds, and gasp as you witness acrobats take flight. The show welcomes people of all ages, running 5 nights a week and lasting for about 90 minutes. Learn more about this fan favorite, and purchase your Mystère tickets before they sell out.
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The Fountains of Bellagio
The Fountains of Bellagio are an enchanting spectacle that capture the essence of Las Vegas: elegance, beauty, and a wondrous sense of adventure. Situated in front of the renowned Bellagio Hotel and Casino, this Las Vegas landmark features choreographed water displays set to stunning music and lights. The result is a mesmerizing show that has now become a quintessential Las Vegas experience.
Visitors can catch a new waterworks display every 30 minutes between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and every 15 minutes between 7 p.m. and midnight. After the show, many viewers find themselves wandering to the Bellagio Hotel. In addition to 5-star rooms, the hotel hosts a variety of entertainment acts. An absolute must-see is "O",an aquatic-themed show that transports audiences to a wonderland of acrobats, swimmers, and divers.
The High Roller at The LINQ
When discussing famous landmarks in Las Vegas, you can’t forget about its observation wheel: the High Roller, the largest of its kind in the world. The name is a clever reference to Las Vegas’ gambling reputation, as well as the attraction’s immense 550-foot height.
If you decide to take a ride, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip. You’ll want to look down because the landmark, which is located at The LINQ Promenade, provides a unique bird’s-eye view of the city’s dazzling lights and unique architecture.
The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas
Put on your best beret and pretend you’re in France with a visit to Paris Las Vegas. This French-themed casino and hotel features a stunning replica of one of the most iconic Parisian landmarks: the Eiffel Tower. Standing over 500 ft. tall, it's about half the size of the real thing. As it rises above The Strip, this Eiffel Tower replica dazzles the city with a touch of French charm. For an even better view, make your way to the landmark's 360-degree observation deck. Day or night, you'll witness breathtaking city sights. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the moment.
The Pyramid at Luxor Las Vegas
The Pyramid at Luxor Las Vegas is a striking architectural marvel that gives the city a taste of Egypt. At 350 ft. tall, this structure is one of the tallest modern pyramids in the U.S. and nearly stands as tall as the massive ancient pyramids! Inside, you’ll find a hotel and casino, along with a myriad of entertainment venues.
The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York
For adventure seekers, visit the Big Apple Coaster, located at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino. Filled with twists, turns, and loop-de-loops, this coaster is definitely one for thrill-seekers. It offers a New York City-inspired backdrop as it races through the skyline, providing an adrenaline-pumping adventure you won’t soon forget.
If you’d prefer entertainment that's on the ground, step inside the hotel for Mad Apple. . Inspired by New York nightlife culture, the show features acrobatics, dance, and comedy.
The Venetian's Grand Canal
The Venetian’s Grand Canal proves you don’t need to travel overseas for a beautiful tour of river canals. Modeled after the one-and-only Venice, The Venetian is a luxurious hotel and casino complete with an indoor canal. The canal passages weave their way throughout the hotel, passing by an assortment of luxury shops and fine-dining restaurants.
You can choose to admire the canal from afar or experience it up close with a gondola ride. Sit back and relax as the gondolier takes you on a tour of The Venetian. During the ride, you'll spot many architectural details reminiscent of the famed Italian city. And you'll certainly draw the attention of fellow visitors.
The Pool Inside The Mirage
The Mirage is a famous Las Vegas hotel landmark, and its pool resembles something you might find in Milton’s Paradise Lost. It’s heavenly. Located in the hotel, it offers a serene escape into a tropical oasis. When you enter, you’ll find three pools surrounded by rock walls, palm trees, and flowing waterfalls. Dive into the crystal-clear water for a refreshing swim, or lounge by the poolside with a good book and cocktail.
If you’re not a hotel guest, you can rent a daybed or cabana, or you can pay for access to the hotel’s Private Oasis Pool.
The Strat
The Strat is a towering presence on the Las Vegas skyline. Over 1,000 feet tall, the tower provides breathtaking, panoramic views of downtown Las Vegas, including the Las Vegas Strip and Valley. Take in fresh air from the outdoor observation deck, or admire stunning sights from the comfort of the indoor deck. It’s a landmark that’ll take your breath away.
Hoover Dam
History buffs may already be familiar with the Hoover Dam, but here’s a brief summary. Constructed during the Great Depression, this dam helps control flooding from the Colorado River and provides water to over 16 million people.
A visit to the Hoover Dam provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating history and engineering brilliance that have shaped the American Southwest. Traveling less than an hour from Las Vegas, you can see the dam for yourself. To get there, you’ll have to travel to Boulder City, which sits by the border between Nevada and Arizona. Whether you’re already familiar with the dam’s rich history or know nothing about it, you’ll definitely enjoy this educational experience.
MGM Grand Lion
Before you leave Las Vegas, make sure you pay a visit to the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. Outside, you’ll encounter a majestic golden lion statue guarding the door. This Las Vegas landmark is an iconic symbol of MGM Grand and a timeless landmark of Las Vegas.
If you make your way inside the hotel, you’ll discover world-class entertainment. One popular attraction is KÀ by Cirque du Soleil. Praised as a “masterpiece in storytelling,” this performance follows twins as they take a tumultuous journey filled with acrobatic adventures, mesmerizing martial arts, and fiery pyrotechnics.
Plan your Las Vegas vacation and explore these famous landmarks
Explore these famous landmarks, sights, and destinations during your visit to Las Vegas and fill your vacation with plenty of excitement.
And while you’re here, come to a Cirque du Soleil performance. Our shows will wow you and leave you asking, simply, “How?”
Cover image by David Vives via Unsplash.