What to See in Las Vegas

Overview

An overview of the city and its attractions beyond its casinos.

Neighborhoods and Tourist Areas

Downtown ★★★
This is where the city's first major casinos were located. After being neglected for a few decades, this "old Las Vegas" has regained some favor with visitors, particularly thanks to the famous sound and light show ("Fremont Street Experience") that takes place every evening.

The Strip ★★★★
Officially Las Vegas Boulevard. For nearly 7 kilometres, the Strip is home to the city's largest and most famous casino-hotels. Since the 1990s, this thoroughfare has overtaken Downtown in terms of casinos, entertainment, and tourist reputation.

Landmarks and Architectural Complexes

CityCenter Las Vegas ★
Hotels, residences, upscale shopping malls, and boutiques—little of interest except perhaps architecturally.

Casinos

Among the multitude of establishments, a few—primarily on the Strip—have their own unique features that make them popular with visitors beyond just gambling.

On the Strip

Bellagio ★★
Built in the Italian style, it is part of the luxury category with its shopping arcade, indoor botanical garden, and art gallery known for its exhibitions. However, it is primarily its outdoor fountains with their near-constant sound and light show that capture tourists' attention.

Caesars Palace ★★★
With Ancient Rome as its theme (and the rather kitsch decor that comes with it), it’s one of the oldest casinos on the Strip. It has long been known for its events and shows, especially musical performances, and, incidentally, its "shopping mall.".

Circus Circus ★★★★
This "old" casino was one of the first to offer family-friendly attractions. Under its massive big top, you’ll still find a carnival atmosphere, circus shows, and since 1993, an indoor amusement park ("Adventuredome") with activities for all ages, including a roller coaster, bungee jumping, and a drop tower. The casino also has a dedicated RV parking lot.

Excalibur ★★
Once the world’s largest hotel, Excalibur has, as one might expect, chosen a medieval (and family-friendly) theme. In a somewhat kitsch setting, it offers various activities and entertainment, including jousting tournaments.

Flamingo ★
Built by the Mafia in 1946, it helped shape the Vegas legend in its day. Today, as a tourist attraction, it’s just one casino among many, though it still keeps flamingos around its pools to maintain the "image.".

Luxor ★★
It’s one of the casinos with the least original decor. Built around the theme of ancient Egypt, it takes the form of a massive pyramid, which you enter through a replica of the Sphinx of Giza located next to an obelisk. The Luxor is also known for some of its shows and exhibitions (such as one on the Titanic).

Mandalay Bay ★★
One of the world's largest casino-hotels. Upscale, it stands out for its aquatic complex featuring wave pools, a sandy beach, and giant aquariums (the "Shark Reef") with all kinds of fish, as well as sharks, turtles, reptiles, and crocodiles.

MGM Grand Las Vegas ★
With over 5,000 rooms, it's one of the world's largest casino-hotels. Like others, it offers a range of events and shows (including a 17,000-seat venue), plus various sports facilities.

New York New York ★★★★
Like the Paris, the New York-New York draws inspiration from the city it’s named after in its atmosphere and a dozen replicas of landmarks (Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, etc.). This unique feature is complemented by The Roller Coaster, a massive roller coaster.

Paris Las Vegas ★★★
The venue is inspired by Paris and its famous landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre, etc.). While it may not feel exotic for French visitors, the overall design is well-executed and popular with guests.

Stratosphere ★★
It stands out with its 350-meter-high observation tower and the stunning panorama it offers. Several thrill rides are on the program, including a "drop tower," a walkway above the void, and a sky jump from the 108th floor.

The Linq ★★
The world’s tallest observation wheel (167 metres high), a zip line, virtual reality, and an "open-air shopping promenade" are the main attractions of this recently renovated casino, which has changed names several times.

The Mirage ★★
In the 1990s, it was one of the casinos that gave the city a more mainstream appeal. Known for its shows (Cirque du Soleil and others), its nightly volcano eruption display (a fountain-cascade by day), and also its dolphins and "menagerie.".

The Venetian ★★★
C'est un des casinos les plus connus de Vegas et des plus visités. Dans un décor sur le thème de Venise, avec répliques de la place Saint-Marc et de son campanile, du Rialto, etc, on peut se promener en gondole dans son centre commercial. Le Venitian est aussi un des grands hôtels du monde avec plus de 7 000 chambres.

Treasure Island ★
This casino, once known for its show recreating a pirate ship attack, now hosts "Mystère", one of Cirque du Soleil’s performances.

Wynn Las Vegas ★
Luxury and refinement built around an artificial lake with a waterfall, plus an 18-hole golf course, an art gallery, a stunning aquatic show ("Le Rêve"), and a Ferrari dealership.

Downtown and Elsewhere in the City

Museums

Mob Museum ★
Often called the "Museum of Crime and the Law." Housed in a former 1930s courthouse in Downtown, it tells the story of crime in the United States (and in Vegas) and its impact on American society.

Clark County Museum ★
On the outskirts of Las Vegas, the Clark County Museum is dedicated to the history of southern Nevada and Vegas, featuring reconstructed buildings as well as exhibits and collections on various local themes.

Parks, Gardens, and Natural Areas

Las Vegas Springs Preserve ★★
On the outskirts of the city, the Springs Preserve features botanical gardens, educational hiking trails, a museum, and various exhibition galleries.

Additional Information