Are you visiting Las Vegas for the first time? You will experience a whirlwind of lights, excitement, and unforgettable memories. You have many Las Vegas attractions to choose from, so it can be hard to know where to start. That is why we pulled together this guide to 10 must-see attractions in Las Vegas that first-time visitors love.
Whether you are looking for breathtaking views, world-class entertainment, intriguing history, or want to experience the pulse of the Strip, these attractions will give you the full taste of Las Vegas.
Grab your camera and sense of adventure, and let’s jump right into the Las Vegas highlights you cannot miss.
Your trip to Vegas wouldn't be complete without the stunning Bellagio Fountains in front of the Bellagio Hotel. These amazing fountains put on a beautiful show of water, music, and lights with 1,200 dancing fountains shooting water up to 460 feet high. The shows run every 30 minutes in the afternoon and every 15 minutes in the evening, making it one of the easiest and most incredible things to check off your list in Las Vegas. It's free, romantic, and magical—especially at night.
Why It’s a Must-Visit:
It's one of the most iconic Las Vegas attractions, and it's fantastic for beautiful photos, proposals, or just soaking in the glamour of the Strip.
The High Roller at The LINQ Promenade stands 550 feet tall, making it the tallest observation wheel in North America. Each roomy pod has a panoramic view of the entire city, which is especially magical at sunset or after dark when the neon landscape comes alive.
The ride highlights all of the sights of the Las Vegas Strip and provides perspective. You can even pay extra to have a pod with an open bar for an elevated happy hour experience.
Why It’s a Must-Visit:
For first-time tourists, it is one of the best ways to understand how big and beautiful the Las Vegas skyline truly is.
The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, an iconic symbol of Sin City, is a bucket-list photo opportunity for newcomers. It was erected in 1959 at the southern end of the Strip and embodies all the glamour and excitement of Las Vegas.
You can walk right up to the sign at any time of day or night. A parking lot makes the experience accessible, and a designated line keeps the crowd orderly.
Why It’s a Must-Visit:
This photo is a formal document that you have arrived—don't leave without it.
Step back in time at the Fremont Street Experience, where the neon of Old Vegas meets modern light and sound shows. It’s home to vintage Las Vegas attractions, like old-school casinos, live music, zip lines, and the Viva Vision canopy—the world’s largest LED screen.
Catch hourly light shows overhead or dare to soar over the crowd on the SlotZilla Zipline.
Why It’s a Must-Visit:
This is where the city got its start. It’s raw, honest, and ridiculously fun.
Who says you need to travel to Italy for a gondola ride? At The Venetian Resort, you can glide along the Grand Canal beneath arched bridges, serenaded by singing gondoliers. Indoors or out, it’s an ultra-romantic experience.
Beyond the canals, explore the Grand Canal Shoppes, art-filled hallways, and massive casino floor—all drenched in Renaissance elegance.
Why It’s a Must-Visit:
It’s one of the most immersive Vegas highlights, offering Old World charm in the middle of the desert.
If you’re not afraid of heights, head to The STRAT SkyPod, where adventure meets adrenaline. It’s the tallest freestanding observation tower in the U.S. and home to some of the most thrilling rides in Vegas.
Try Insanity, Big Shot, or X-Scream for heart-pounding drops. Prefer a chill vibe? Grab a drink at the rotating Top of the World restaurant and enjoy 360-degree views.
Why It’s a Must-Visit:
It's a vertical playground with views, thrills, and food rolled into one epic experience.
Las Vegas is the world's entertainment capital, and Cirque du Soleil shows are its crown jewels. First-timers should catch either “O” at the Bellagio (a water-based acrobatic masterpiece) or “Mystère” at Treasure Island for classic Cirque energy.
Each show combines athleticism, storytelling, and artistry into performances that defy logic and gravity.
Why It’s a Must-Visit:
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll talk about long after leaving.
Looking for something a bit off the beaten path? The Neon Museum showcases retired signs from historic Vegas attractions in a glowing “boneyard” that’s as haunting as beautiful.
Book a night tour to see the signs illuminated and hear tales of the city’s wild past. It's one of the most memorable sightseeing experiences for those who appreciate retro Americana.
Why It’s a Must-Visit:
It gives you a deeper look at Vegas beyond the flash—a nostalgic and cultural treat.
Before it closes permanently in 2027, witness the iconic Mirage Volcano, one of Vegas’s original Strip-side spectacles. It erupts nightly with music, fireballs, and booming effects, all choreographed to a thrilling soundtrack.
It’s free to watch, lasts about five minutes, and draws big crowds—get there early for a good spot.
Why It’s a Must-Visit:
It's one of the classic Las Vegas attractions that perfectly captures the city’s love for drama.
You don’t have to fly to France to climb the Eiffel Tower. The Paris Las Vegas hotel offers a half-scale replica complete with an observation deck 460 feet above the Strip.
Inside, stroll cobblestone pathways lined with quaint cafés, patisseries, and must-visit boutiques. It’s romantic, charming, and surprisingly relaxing.
Why It’s a Must-Visit:
This little piece of Paris is one of the most photogenic places on the Strip.
While you’ll want to prioritize sightseeing, don’t overbook yourself. Leave room for spontaneous discoveries.
The desert climate can sneak up on you—water is your best friend.
Walking the Strip seems easy, but distances are deceptive. Rideshares and the monorail save time and your feet.
Book major shows like Cirque du Soleil or concerts early—they often sell out.
Many venues have dress codes, especially for nightclubs and upscale restaurants.
Choosing the right hotel is part of the fun. Here are suggestions for a range of budgets:
Staying on or near the Strip makes accessing these Vegas highlights a breeze.
Las Vegas isn’t just about shows and slots—it’s also a food lover’s paradise. First-timers should check out
Don’t forget to grab a late-night snack at Secret Pizza (hidden inside The Cosmopolitan).
Vegas truly comes alive after dark. For a taste of its famous nightlife, check out:
Prefer something quieter? Try the piano bar at Harrah’s or a cocktail at the Chandelier Bar inside The Cosmopolitan.
There’s a reason it’s said, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”—those memories are wild, wonderful, and unlike anything else. These 10 great attractions for first-time visitors are a small sampling of the many things to do in Las Vegas.
So whether you’re just taking in the sights, seeing the shows, or merely soaking in the spectacle, Las Vegas has something for everyone. Now get ready to explore, enjoy, and fall in love with one of the most famous places on the planet.
This content was created by AI