Las Vegas Attractions: A Complete Guide

Casinos and Hotels in Las Vegas

Las Vegas isn't just a city; it's a whole world of bright lights, wild entertainment, and unforgettable experiences. A city that never sleeps and offers its visitors everything they could dream of. Let's find out what to see in Las Vegas to make your trip truly unforgettable.

Bellagio

Bellagio is a symbol of elegance and luxury. Famous for its dancing fountains, this hotel offers an unforgettable experience, including not just gambling, but also fine dining, art, and entertainment.

• Bellagio Fountains: One of the most famous shows in Las Vegas. The dancing fountains to music attract thousands of spectators daily.
• Gallery of Fine Art: Here you can see works by famous artists.
• Cirque du Soleil's "O": A breathtaking water show that is a must-see.

MGM Grand

MGM Grand is a city within a city. One of the largest hotels in the world, it offers a variety of entertainment and amenities for its guests.

• KÀ by Cirque du Soleil: One of the grandest shows, telling the story of a warrior and his adventures.
• Hakkasan Nightclub: One of the most popular nightclubs in Las Vegas.
• Pool Complex: A huge pool area with a lazy river and waterfalls.

Circus Circus

This hotel is ideal for family vacations thanks to its amusement park and circus shows.

• Adventuredome: An indoor amusement park with roller coasters and rides.
• Circus Acts: Free circus shows are held daily.
• Midway: A huge arcade area with games and attractions.

The Venetian

The Venetian offers its guests the atmosphere of Venice. Here you will find canals with gondolas, magnificent marble floors, and luxurious rooms.

• Gondola Rides: Take a ride on a gondola through the artificial canals.
• The Grand Canal Shoppes: A shopping center with boutiques of world brands.
• Shows and Entertainment: Various shows and concerts are held in the hotel.

Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn Las Vegas embodies luxury and style. The hotel is known for its sophisticated design and first-class service.

• Lake of Dreams: An evening show with light and water effects.
• Wynn Golf Club: A unique golf course right in the heart of Las Vegas.
• Le Rêve – The Dream: An unforgettable acrobatic performance.

Attractions and Entertainment

Stratosphere Observation Deck

Ascend to the Stratosphere Observation Deck, rising 1,149 feet. It's the tallest freestanding observation tower in America, offering panoramic views. But that's not all. The Stratosphere is also a resort with a casino and bar. It boasts some of the scariest rides.

• SkyJump: A controlled jump from 829 feet, offering an unforgettable freefall experience.
• Big Shot: A 160-foot ride above the tower at 45 mph.
• X-Scream: A giant seesaw that propels you over the edge of the tower at 866 feet.
• Insanity: A mechanical arm that spins you over the edge of the tower at 900 feet.

The High Roller

The High Roller at the LINQ is 550 feet tall with a 520-foot diameter. When it comes to things to do in Las Vegas during the day, you can't beat it. For about half an hour, you and your family will relax in a spherical cabin, rising to see the horizon.

• Panoramic Capsules: Each capsule is air-conditioned and holds up to 40 people.
• Observation Tours: The nighttime tour allows you to see all of Las Vegas lit up.
• Happy Half Hour: A tour with an open bar inside the capsule.

Shark Reef Aquarium

The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay offers a unique opportunity to see a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and rare fish.

• Underwater Tunnel: Walk through a tunnel that goes through a giant aquarium.
• Touch Pools: The chance to touch rays and small sharks.
• Educational Programs: Tours and lectures about marine life and conservation.

Natural Attractions

Hoover Dam

You don't have to stay downtown to find things to do. Sin City boasts some of the best natural attractions in the world, the best being Hoover Dam. Built during the Great Depression, the dam is a monument to human will and ingenuity. The concrete structure stands 726 feet high. During peak electricity demand, up to 20,000 gallons of water flow through the pipes. The list of facts is endless, but to truly appreciate this breathtaking attraction, you must see it for yourself.

Grand Canyon

Surprisingly, a day trip to the Grand Canyon is possible from Las Vegas! While driving takes about four hours, you can tour the Grand Canyon in one day by helicopter. If you've never seen this incredible natural wonder and want a break from the noise, it's worth a visit.

Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

What is a trip to Vegas without Siegfried and Roy? Located at the Mirage, the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat give you the chance to get up close with some of the most exotic creatures in the world. Be a trainer for a day and play with dolphins or bring the kids for painting sessions. Additionally, you can go backstage with experts on a VIP tour. Learn how caretakers look after the animals and get more information about them. In the end, you'll even get a free photo.

Museum Tours

The Mob Museum

The Mob Museum, or the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, as it's officially called, is truly unique and remarkable. It's located in the former U.S. Post Office and Courthouse, which has its own history. It was one of the sites of the famous Kefauver Committee hearings in the 1950s, which revealed some truths about organized crime across America.

The museum tells the story of the mob in America through engaging interactive displays and video clips. Exhibits cover everything from individual characters and events to the culture and fashion associated with the time.

The Neon Museum

If you want to see the colorful past, visit the Neon Museum. "But wait, how can lighting be one of the things to do in Las Vegas?" you might ask. Good question. While some signs light up during evening tours, daytime tours are no less fun. You'll see history written in the signs and billboards of the past. The tour will give you an idea of what used to shape the look of Las Vegas.

CSI: The Experience

Have you ever wanted to test your skills in a real-life case? If you answered "yes," then CSI: The Experience is one of the most interesting things to do in Las Vegas during the day. You'll get hands-on experience in two state-of-the-art crime labs, where you can conduct real tests like hair analysis, bullet casing analysis, and DNA.

Based on the TV show, you'll interact with videos shot with the actors as well as real-life forensic experts.

A Brief History of Las Vegas

Before Las Vegas became the land of hotels and gambling, its desert lands were inhabited by the indigenous peoples of Southern Nevada. But how did a city situated far from civilization flourish? At one point, Las Vegas was a marshy area with abundant plant life. However, when the marshes began to dry up and the water disappeared, the region transformed into an arid desert.

In the 19th century, a traveler named Antonio Armijo was paving a route from New Mexico to California. His group was headed to Los Angeles but deviated from the traditional path, settling about a hundred miles northeast of present-day Las Vegas. The scouting party headed west to find water for the travelers. The discovered land was named Las Vegas, meaning "the meadows," after the lush green grasses growing in the valley. For the next century, settlers from Mexico trickled into Las Vegas. Mormons traveled to the city to protect the mail route, building structures, farming, and mining metal.

In the 1890s, developers decided that Las Vegas would connect the Pacific Coast metropolises. By 1905, a railroad was built, sparking a boom in Vegas: saloons, shops, and hotels sprang up everywhere. That year marked the founding of the city.

The Growth of the World’s Gambling Capital

Las Vegas was steeped in the spirit of the Wild West. Along with this came the desire to indulge in life's pleasures — a penchant for gambling, drinking, and prostitution became foundational among residents. This widespread disregard for laws created fertile ground for crime, with many gangsters quickly establishing roots in the city.

By 1931, gambling was once again legalized in Nevada, and with the start of the Hoover Dam's construction, workers flocked to Las Vegas. Along Fremont Street, the only paved road at the time, new casinos and cabarets opened to attract these workers. In 1941, the first hotel, El Rancho Vegas, opened its doors.

Tourists flocked to the burgeoning Las Vegas casino scene to witness performances by legendary artists like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. Entertainment and casinos remain the largest sources of revenue in Las Vegas. After billions of dollars in renovations, the construction of new restaurants, and the addition of prestigious event venues, it continues to thrive. Annually, Las Vegas hosts around 40 million visitors.

Interesting Facts

Las Vegas is designed to entertain, satisfy, and distract you from the real world beyond its dazzling borders. It is a truly American city, full of restaurants, shopping streets, nightlife, and entertainment. If you decide to take a tour in Las Vegas, here are some facts you should know:

• Originally founded as an outpost, Las Vegas grew into a vital railroad settlement in the early 1900s, serving as a transfer point for mining in the surrounding areas.
• Much of Las Vegas' early major developments occurred in the 1940s after gambling was legalized in 1931. Legalization led to the development of major casino hotels, many of which were initially managed by the mafia and linked to organized crime.
• By the late 1960s, businessman Howard Hughes acquired many of the city's casinos, driving out organized crime. Tourism from across the United States grew significantly during this time.
• The primary sectors of Las Vegas's economy are tourism and gambling. This has also led to the growth of related service sectors within the economy. The city is home to two of the world's largest Fortune 500 companies, MGM Mirage and Harrah’s Entertainment.
• Unlike many major American cities, Las Vegas does not have a single professional sports team in a major league. This is mainly due to concerns about sports betting and competition for the city's other attractions.