Best places to visit in Las Vegas: 16 attractions you shouldn't miss

With countless places to visit and sights to see, there’s never a dull moment in Las Vegas. Sin City is not only for high rollers and partygoers. It offers the vacation of a lifetime for families, romantic moments for couples celebrating a special occasion, and nature lovers, too.

With its world-class shows, cultural experiences, and some of the best food in the world, Las Vegas is one of those destinations that makes you want to return year after year. And if you can tear yourself away from the dazzling lights of the Las Vegas Strip, adventure awaits in the desert landscape and breathtaking Grand Canyon. Plan an amazing trip with this guide to the best places to visit in Las Vegas including various sights, attractions, and other places to visit in Vegas.

Best places to visit in Las Vegas for history

1. Hoover Dam

Get to know the legacy of the Hoover Dam, one of the state’s most prominent tourist attractions and a National Historic Landmark. The massive, 726-foot-high concrete dam straddles the border of Nevado and Arizona and holds back water from the Colorado River to create Lake Mead. A visit to the Hoover Dam offers a journey through history that lets you into the secrets of this emblematic structure which stands as one of Las Vegas’s best attractions.

Highlights:

Walk across the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, aslo referred to as the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, which is the second-highest bridge in the US. Be sure to have your camera ready for amazing panoramic shots.

2. Nelson Ghost Town

Unlock the mysteries of the Old Wild West with a trip to Nelson Ghost Town. Learn how the Gold Rush shaped the history of Nevada and the entire country and left ghost towns behind.

Highlights:

Take part in a fun off-road ATV adventure, or visit Eldorado Canyon to peek into Nelson Ghost Town’s history.

3. Mob Museum

The Las Vegas Mob Museum showcases the rise and fall of notorious mobsters and documents their impact on US history. Go on a journey to the dark side of mid-century Vegas in one of the city’s best museums.

Highlights:

Explore the world of Mexico’s drug cartels, Japan’s Yakuza, and the Russian mafia with the interactive international global touch wall located on the first floor of the museum.

Address and opening hours:

300 Stewart Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Open Wednesday to Monday 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, Tuesdays 9:00 AM-6:30 PM.

4. The Mother Road: Route 66

The Mother Road is closely linked to the history of the American West. Go vintage shopping and discover the historical charm of mining towns along the historic Route 66.

Highlights:

About an hour away, you can visit the historic ghost town of Goodsprings where you can see the old mining town preserved to what it looked like in the 1900s.

5. Titanic Exhibition

Travel back to 1912 with a visit to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. Explore this exceptionally realistic recreation of the ill-fated ship, see more than 200 artifacts recovered from the RMS Titanic, and hear stories that have fascinated people for more than a century.

Highlights:

The exhibition features full-scale recreations of the Titanic’s rooms, so you’ll truly understand what it was like to sail on the ship.

Address and opening hours:

3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119. Open daily from 11:00 AM-8:00

Best places to visit in Las Vegas for something unique

6. Bellagio Fountains

The magnificent Bellagio Fountains put on daily dancing water and light show in front of the Bellagio Hotel. Relive the closing scene from “Ocean’s Eleven” with your friends or have a romantic moment as the powerful jets fill the sky with water and light.

Highlights:

Every show is unique, with different music and dancing formations, so you could watch the fountains 10 times a day and never see the same show twice.

Address and opening hours:

3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109. Fountain shows start at 3:00 PM every day (noon on weekends) and are every 30 minutes until 7:00 PM and every 15 minutes between 7:00 PM and the last show at midnight.

7. Count’s Kustoms

Missed the F1? See the other best cars in Las Vegas at Count’s Kustoms, where car restoration is elevated to an art. Visit the car showrooms and restoration shops while exploring Nevada’s largest private car collection. Take in the exceptional craftmanship involved in restoring classic vehicles to their former glory.

Highlights:

Danny “The Count” Koker may be known for his cars, but he is also the frontman of the rock band Count’s 77. Check out the band’s schedule, and you may get to hear them play while visiting the showroom.

Address and opening hours:

2714 S Highland Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States. Open daily, 10 AM to 4 PM.

8. Fremont Street

Explore some of the best street art in the world-famous Fremont Street, where talented artists from all over the world have converged to create inspiring murals.

Highlights:

Visit the location used to film the famous TV show Pawn Stars and snap a few pictures to show off while you’re there.

Address and opening hours:

Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV, USA.

9. Las Vegas Strip

There are many ways to see the famous Las Vegas Strip, whether it’s by foot, road, or air. The Strip serves as one of the top places to go in Vegas. This area introduces you to all the landmarks that have made Sin City an American icon, from famous movie locations to the famous Golden Nugget on Fremont Street.

Highlights:

Try to visit on the first Friday of the month to catch the lively ambiance at the Arts District. Set up by the First Friday Foundation, this monthly event introduces you to the culture and community of Las Vegas.

Best places to visit in Las Vegas for families

10. Big Apple Coaster

The New York-New York Hotel’s Big Apple Coaster will reveal who’s the bravest person in the family. Great to do with kids and families while in Las Vegas, you can soar high and admire the Las Vegas skyline and replica NYC landmarks before a heart-stopping drop of more than 200 feet.

Highlights:

Follow up with more family fun at the Big Apple arcade, located inside the New York-New York Hotel.

Address and opening hours:

3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109. Open Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM-11:00 PM. Open until midnight on weekends.

11. The STRAT

The STRAT Hotel is home to the popular iLuminate. This award-winning Vegas show will captivate audiences of all ages and transport you into a world of fantasy. You can also visit the STRAT Tower, which offers spectacular views of the city.

Highlights:

Treat the family to ice cream before or after the show at 108 Eats, located at the top of the STRAT Tower.

Address and opening hours:

2000 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89104. Show times vary throughout the year.

12. The High Roller

Enjoy spectacular views of Las Vegas and the Strip from a spin around the High Roller at the LINQ. This 550-foot observation wheel is the second-tallest in the world and takes 30 minutes to complete a full revolution — plenty of time to see the sights.

Highlights:

You can all ride together in the spacious compartments and can see the full length of the Strip from the top.

Address and opening hours:

3535 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109. Open 12 PM to 12 AM, seven days a week.

Best places to visit in Las Vegas for culture and nature

13. Neon Museum

Fabulous Las Vegas wouldn’t be quite the same without the neon lights that illuminate it so brightly that they can be seen from space. The city welcomed its first neon sign in 1929, but when electricity became plentiful after the construction of the Hoover Dam, the town really started to glow. The Neon Museum in Las Vegas offers a chance to learn all about the history of neon lights in Las Vegas and see some of the most famous examples.

Highlights:

See more than 250 signs in the museum’s 'Neon Boneyard’ from the 1930s to now. If you want to see the ones that are still in action, helicopter flights are available over the dazzling Las Vegas Strip

Address and opening hours:

770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Open from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily.

14. Las Vegas Sign

Seeing the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign up close is a must when visiting Las Vegas. On your way to the sign, you can also see the colorful totems that make up the “Seven Magic Mountains” sculpture and enjoy the breathtaking desert landscape that surrounds them.

Highlights:

As well as these three picturesque moments, you can take in the flashing lights of the famous sign.

15. Pawn Plaza

Visit Rick Harrison’s Pawn Plaza for an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the most loved American reality TV shows, “Pawn Stars.” You can also visit featured locations like the Toy Shack and Count's Kustoms (from “Counting Cars”) and possibly meet some of the stars.

Highlights:

Look for a meet-and-greet experience for your chance to meet the cast of the shows that have become a cultural phenomenon.

16. Grand Canyon

While not technically in Las Vegas or Nevada, it would be a missed opportunity not to visit the Grand Canyon. It’s about a 5-hour drive from Las Vegas but can serve as a day trip. You’ll be amazed by the scenery that surrounds you, which really has to be seen to be believed.

Highlights:

Check out the top viewing points, including Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station. These spots offer beautiful views and great photo opportunities.

FAQs

How many days should I spend in Las Vegas?

It depends on your interests, but in most cases, you’ll need a minimum of three days to take in the sights, catch a Vegas show, and visit the best-rated museums and exhibitions. MGM Grand is one of the biggest hotel complexes in the world, and you could easily spend a few days exploring the different entertainment options it offers.

What is the best time of year to visit Las Vegas?

If you plan to stay in Vegas, any time is a good time to book your vacation since the city’s top venues and attractions are air-conditioned and equipped to help visitors cope with the city’s desert climate. If your plans include day trips around Las Vegas, spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons for outdoor adventures.

How do I get around Las Vegas?

Most tourist attractions are located on the Strip, a four-mile stretch of road. If you don’t feel like walking, you can get around using taxis or rideshare services. Alternatively, you can ask your hotel if they run any shuttles along the Strip.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Las Vegas?

The Strip and Downtown are Sin City’s entertainment hubs. Beyond the hotels, casinos, and cultural venues in these areas, you may want to explore the lesser-known side of Vegas, like Summerlin, near some interesting hiking trails. The Arts District is an up-and-coming area with a bustling indie cultural scene with murals around every corner.

What are the best places to go shopping in Las Vegas?

One of the top shopping areas in Vegas is The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, located in the same complex as the Las Vegas: Escape Room Adventure. For a mix of shopping and entertainment in the same place, head to Downtown Container Park or Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood.