YOUR LAS VEGAS BUCKET LIST

Las Vegas is a city that needs no introduction. Known around the world as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas is a neon-lit paradise filled with larger-than-life hotels, world-class entertainment, incredible restaurants, and so much more.

With so many things to see and do in Las Vegas, it can be hard to figure out how to spend your time. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the 18 top tourist attractions in Las Vegas that you simply must visit.

From the iconic Vegas Strip to themed hotels like The Venetian, these are the absolute best things to see and do in Las Vegas. Keep reading to discover the ultimate Las Vegas bucket list!

1. The Las Vegas Strip

No trip to Las Vegas is complete without a stroll along the legendary Las Vegas Strip. This 4.2 mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard contains some of the most iconic resorts, hotels, casinos, restaurants, and attractions that the city has to offer.

The Strip is always buzzing with activity day and night. Be sure to check out the amazing themed hotels like The Venetian, Luxor, and Excalibur, which transport you to different worlds once you step inside. Make sure your camera is charged, because you’ll want to get photos in front of the incredible hotel facades and neon signs.

In addition to sightseeing, the Strip is home to world-famous live shows and residencies by artists like Celine Dion, Bruno Mars, and more. Not to mention, it’s lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and of course – casinos!

You can easily spend an entire day exploring the Strip, taking in the sights and sounds of this legendary boulevard. It’s one of the most iconic streets in the entire world, making it an absolute must on any Las Vegas itinerary.

2. Fremont Street Experience

For a taste of old Vegas, head downtown to the Fremont Street Experience. This was the hub of Vegas casinos and nightlife back in the 1950s, before the Strip took center stage.

Today, Fremont Street is a lively pedestrian mall covered by an incredible LED canopy that puts on spectacularly trippy light shows each night. With classic neon signs, street performers, and some of Downtown’s best casinos and bars, it’s got a funky retro vibe that’s worlds away from the Strip.

Be sure to check out the nearby Fremont East district while you’re downtown. It’s filled with hip bars, lounges, and clubs that attract a younger crowd than the tourist-heavy Strip. If you want a behind-the-scenes look at the “real” Vegas frequented by locals, spending an evening bar hopping in Downtown is an absolute must.

3. Bellagio Fountains

No matter how many times you’ve seen it on TV and movies, nothing prepares you for seeing the Bellagio Fountains in person. Located right on the Strip in front of the Bellagio Resort & Casino, these incredible fountains perform a choreographed water ballet right on Lake Bellagio.

The show takes place every 30 minutes in the afternoons and early evenings, with more frequent shows on weekends. Watch in awe as the fountains shoot water hundreds of feet in the air, perfectly synchronized to opera, classical and popular music.

With thousands of individual sprays and lights, it’s an engineering marvel as much as an artistic one. Make sure to arrive early to grab a front row spot for the best views, and have your camera ready – this is one Vegas spectacle you’ll want to remember forever.

4. Red Rock Canyon

For a break from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, head out to the stunning Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Located just 25 minutes west of the Strip, the park is known for its distinctive red sandstone landscapes set against the beautiful backdrop of the Spring Mountains.

Go for a scenic drive along the 13-mile park loop, stopping at viewpoints to take in the towering rock formations and desert flora. There are also hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, so you can choose one based on your fitness level and time constraints.

Make sure to visit the Red Spring Boardwalk Trail to see the park’s vibrant red sandstone up close. For a special experience, join a guided horseback ride through the canyon’s iconic landscapes. With beautiful desert scenery and breathtaking geology around every turn, Red Rock Canyon is a perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Las Vegas.

5. The Mob Museum

Discover the real stories behind the mafia’s rise to power at the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas. Housed inside a former 1933 courthouse, it takes a deep dive into the origins of organized crime in America and its connection to Las Vegas.

Through interactive exhibits and over 300 artifacts, you can learn all about mob history, famous mobsters and gangsters, and how the mafia helped shape modern-day Las Vegas. Highlights include the actual brick wall from the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and the blood-stained wall from the assassination of gangster Bugsy Siegel.

There are also special exhibits that change over time, keeping the content fresh. Whether you’re fascinated by mafia lore or just want to learn some lurid bits of Vegas history, the Mob Museum is one of the most unique and intriguing attractions in the city.

6. High Roller Observation Wheel

See the Las Vegas skyline from a whole new perspective on the High Roller. This giant observation wheel towers 550 feet above the Strip – making it the tallest in North America!

Each fully-enclosed glass cabin provides 360-degree panoramic views as you complete one full 30-minute revolution. You’ll be in awe as you watch the Strip light up after sunset or gaze out across the sweeping desert landscapes surrounding the city.

For an even more memorable experience, opt for a happy hour or open bar cabin so you can sip on cocktails as you take in the views. Or enjoy a romantic private cabin ride with chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne. However you choose to ride, the views from the top of the High Roller are unforgettable!

7. Hoover Dam

Just a 45-minute drive from the Strip lies the mighty Hoover Dam – one of the most impressive engineering feats in the world. Constructed during the Great Depression in the 1930s, the concrete arch-gravity dam is 726 feet tall and impounds the incredible Lake Mead reservoir.

Guided tours take you inside the dam itself to see the massive generators and learn how the dam provides power to multiple states. You can also walk across the top of the dam for stunning views looking over Black Canyon and the Colorado River below.

Make sure to visit the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge overlooking the dam for incredible photo opportunities. The sheer size and magnitude of the Hoover Dam makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any Las Vegas visitor.

8. The Neon Museum

For your neon fix off the Strip, pay a visit to the Neon Museum. Dedicated to preserving Las Vegas’ iconic neon signage, the Neon Museum is part outdoor exhibition and part museum.

The outdoor Neon Boneyard houses over 200 rescued and restored neon signs, letting you glimpse the classic designs that once lit up the Strip. Highlights include signs from Caesars Palace, the Golden Nugget, and the Stardust, which closed in 2006.

The on-site Neon Museum Gallery features even more eye-catching signs in a climate-controlled space. Through these beautiful vintage pieces, you can gain insight into the evolution of Las Vegas’ most distinctive art form – neon! Visit after dark when the displays are all aglow for the most magical experience.

9. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace

Even if you don’t fancy gambling, you can still feel like royalty with a visit to The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Connected to the iconic Caesars Palace hotel on the Strip, the Forum Shops form a sprawling 630,000 square foot luxury mall filled with 160 designer stores.

With names like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, it’s the ultimate place to splash out on some Vegas souvenirs. The Roman architecture and staggering size add to the opulence, with the high painted ceilings giving the illusion of being outside.

Every hour, the Fall of Atlantis animatronic show wows crowds with fire, laser lights, and larger-than-life sculptures depicting the myth of Atlantis. Between the exceptional people watching, window shopping, and free entertainment, it’s a can’t-miss Las Vegas experience.

10. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

No trip to Vegas is complete without a photo opp at the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. Located in the median of Las Vegas Boulevard, this colorful neon sign has been greeting visitors since 1959.

It’s probably the most photographed sign in the world! The 25-foot tall sign features flashing silver dollars and bright neon lettering backed by a starburst design. Las Vegas wouldn’t be the same without this retro roadside emblem.

Be sure to visit both during the day and again after dark to appreciate the neon colors lighting up against the night sky. For extra photo fun, bring and hold props like oversized dice, a glittery showgirl feather headdress, or old-school novelty souvenirs. Your visit may be fleeting, but the memories will last a lifetime!

11. Fountains of Bellagio

Already mentioned above, the Fountains of Bellagio show on the Strip truly deserves its own dedicated section. Why? Because it remains one of the most beloved, iconic free attractions that first-time visitors should absolutely make seeing one of their top priorities.

The show takes place in front of the luxurious Bellagio Resort every 30 minutes in the afternoons and early evenings. You’ll want to arrive at least 15 minutes early to get a good viewing spot along the 8-acre manmade Lake Bellagio, which provides the stage.

Once it begins, prepare to be dazzled as the fountains launch choreographed streams of water hundreds of feet into the air. The streams “dance” and sway in perfect time to beloved opera, classical and Broadway show tunes.

Each performance is different and the fountain’s nearly 1,200 individual jets allow for amazing displays. With thousands of lights illuminating the streams after dark, it’s one of the most photo-worthy sights in all of Las Vegas. Don’t leave without seeing it at least once!

12. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Get up close and personal with your favorite celebrities at the lively Madame Tussauds Las Vegas wax museum. Located on the Strip, it’s home to stunningly lifelike wax figures of celebrities, world leaders, cultural icons, and more.

You can pose on the red carpet with Lady Gaga, practice karate kicks with Jackie Chan, or re-enact the Beatles crossing Abbey Road. There are also interactive sets like the Oval Office desk or the driver’s seat of a race car to provide fun photo ops.

Madame Tussauds keeps things fresh by constantly introducing new waxworks of current stars, from Dwayne Johnson to Miley Cyrus. For pop culture fans, it’s a chance to see famous faces and take memorable pictures. The Las Vegas location is one of the largest, best Madame Tussauds museums in the world!

13. The Venetian Gondola Rides

For a taste of Venice without leaving the Strip, hop aboard a gondola at The Venetian. Nestled along the Grand Canal that flows through the hotel and casino complex, you can soar under arched bridges as your gondolier serenades you with Italian love songs.

The Venetian’s recreation of St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace gives the experience an immersive, romantic feel. The singing gondoliers are always entertaining as well.

You can choose between an indoor ride along the Grand Canal Shoppes or an outdoor ride on the hotel’s stunning pool deck. Either way, for under $30 it’s a fun and unique way to spend a Vegas afternoon. Perfect for couples, these gondola rides are classic Vegas at its best.

14. Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens

Satisfy your sweet tooth just a short drive from the Strip at Ethel M Chocolates. This popular factory and retail store offers free self-guided factory tours along the viewing aisle.

Watch as Ethel M’s signature chocolates and confections are crafted right before your eyes! Of course, the main event is the complimentary chocolate sample you receive at the end of the tour.

The adjacent three-acre Botanical Cactus Gardens showcase more than 350 botanical species in stunning desert landscaping. It’s especially beautiful around the holidays when the gardens transform with thousands of lights.

Between the free chocolate samples, informal factory tour, and strolling the picturesque gardens, this is one of the best ways to experience Vegas’ surrounds. It’s also a popular spot for locals to buy quality chocolates and gifts.

15. Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas

Dance the night away at the high-energy Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas. Located just off the Strip in the buzzing LINQ entertainment district, it’s part lively nightclub, part bowling alley, and part concert venue hosting top names in music.

With its vintage bowling lanes, exposed brick, and industrial Brooklyn vibe, it’s an artsy retro spot for bowling a few frames while listening to live bands or DJs. There’s always a fun party atmosphere, especially during the popular late-night hours.

Beyond bowling, they have an extensive craft beer selection, farm fresh food menu, and plenty of laneside seating to just hang out and take in the scene. For a uniquely Vegas good time, Brooklyn Bowl’s blend of music, drinks, bowling, and non-stop energy is right up your alley!

16. Stratosphere Thrill Rides

Channel your inner daredevil at the Stratosphere observation tower’s extreme thrill rides. Towering 1,149 feet over the Strip, the Stratosphere gives you 360-degree panoramic views from indoor and outdoor observation decks.

But the real adventure happens once you strap in to the exhilarating thrill rides on the exterior decks. Test your bravery on the Big Shot ride, which launches you 160 feet at 45 miles per hour. Or step out over the edge in the ironically named Insanity ride, suspended 900 feet above the ground.

For a real adrenaline rush, try the X-Scream ride that dangles you 27 feet over the tower’s edge before whipping you in hair-raising circles at speeds up to 70 miles per hour. With gorgeous views by day and an electrifying skyline after dark, the thrill rides at the Stratosphere are not for the faint of heart!

17. Adult Entertainment Experiences

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, which is why you may want to live out your wildest dreams during an adult entertainment experience. From scantily clad showgirls to exotic pole dancing classes, Las Vegas has endless options.

For sexy stage shows, check out topless revues like Fantasy at Luxor or the provocative Magic Mike Live at the Sahara. Or for an immersive nightclub experience, Marquee at The Cosmopolitan offers dancers, aerialists, and special VIP packages.

If you’d rather try your own moves, places like Pole Position Raceway let you book private pole dancing lessons with an instructor. With its daring spirit and anything-goes attitude, Vegas is the perfect spot to check risque adventures off your bucket list!

18. Golfing Top Las Vegas Courses

With nearly perfect weather year round, the Vegas valley is a golfer’s paradise. You can tee off at acclaimed championship courses designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Rees Jones.

Some standout courses include Wynn Golf Club, an elegant course tucked right behind the Strip with scenic waterfalls and greenery. Bali Hai Golf Club has stunning views of the Strip skyline and an exotic tropical theme.

For a resort course, Cascata Golf has unbelievable cliff-hanging fairways and a 128-foot waterfall you can golf behind! With gorgeous scenery and meticulously maintained courses, Las Vegas is a hole-in-one destination for avid golfers.

Conclusion

From the legendary Las Vegas Strip to the surrounding desert landscapes, Las Vegas offers endless possibilities for adventure, entertainment, sightseeing and just letting loose.

Make your trip unforgettable by experiencing the most iconic attractions like the Bellagio Fountains, High Roller, and of course world-famous casinos and shows. Discover hidden gems like the Neon Museum illuminating Vegas’ past, or venture beyond the city to natural wonders like Red Rock Canyon.

With all these incredible options for things to do, your biggest challenge will be fitting it all into one visit! Use this guide to plan your perfect Las Vegas itinerary full of must-see sights, shows, restaurants and unique-to-Vegas experiences.

The mix of glitz, excess, nature and nonstop excitement you’ll only find here makes Las Vegas a bucket list destination like no other. So get ready to embrace your inner tourist and see a whole new side of Sin City!