Weekend in Sin City: Five Las Vegas Sights You Must Not Miss Out On

A weekend in Vegas is like nowhere else, and even for New Yorkers, it’s a bit of a bucket list destination, particularly the gambling fans among us. It’s a mecca for high-rollers, but a hotspot for those who like to keep things low key too, and each year the bright lights mesmerise so many of us.

Today, it’s as popular as ever, particularly as many of us are enjoying the casino slots online and the top 10 social casino games, inspiring us to go and seek out the real thing, packing out the luxury hotels and unforgettable attractions.

There’s just one problem, with so much to see and do in the city, on top of the amazing shows and casino floors to spend hours on, what exactly should you see and do. Well, there is something for all, but what is important is that you don’t miss out on these five star attractions… 

The Las Vegas Strip

Of course, we are going to start with the obvious. No visit to Las Vegas would be complete without exploring the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Stretching four miles, this world-famous boulevard is home to many of the city’s most recognisable hotels, casinos and entertainment venues. Walking along the Strip is an attraction in itself, with each resort offering its own unique theme, from ancient Rome and Parisian boulevards to Venetian canals and Egyptian pyramids. You can go round the world in just a few hours’ walk!

What’s important to note is that it’s completely different between day and night. A stroll in the sunshine is perfect in the day, while at night it truly comes alive after sunset when millions of lights illuminate the skyline. Street performers, live music and spectacular displays create an electric ambience that perfectly captures the spirit of Las Vegas. When landing at Harry Reid Airport, it’s the first thing you should do to get a real sense of Vegas.

The Bellagio Fountains

Naturally, that stroll can pass one of the city’s most beloved attractions, the magnificent fountain show outside the Bellagio Hotel. Made infamous by Ocean’s Eleven, these choreographed water displays combine soaring jets, carefully selected music and dramatic lighting to create a breathtaking performance that is completely free to enjoy.

Shows take place regularly throughout the day and evening, with each performance featuring different musical selections ranging from classical compositions to modern pop classics. The fountains can send water soaring hundreds of feet into the air, making them one of the most photographed attractions in the city. Arriving a little early will help you secure a good viewing spot, particularly during weekends and holidays.

The High Roller Observation Wheel

For an entirely different perspective of Las Vegas, take a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel. Standing at over 550 feet tall, it ranks among the tallest observation wheels in the world and offers spectacular panoramic views across the city and the surrounding Nevada desert.

Each spacious cabin provides a comfortable, air-conditioned environment as the wheel completes its gentle 30-minute rotation. Visiting around sunset offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to witness the desert landscape by daylight before watching the city’s famous lights sparkle into life as darkness falls.

Fremont Street Experience

Located in downtown Las Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience offers a fascinating contrast to the glamour of the Strip. This pedestrian-friendly entertainment district celebrates the city’s historic roots while embracing cutting-edge technology.

The enormous LED canopy stretches overhead for several blocks, hosting impressive light and sound shows throughout the evening. Visitors can also enjoy free live concerts, street entertainers, zip-lining and classic neon signs that pay tribute to Las Vegas’s colourful past. The lively atmosphere makes Fremont Street an excellent destination for those looking to experience both old and new Las Vegas in one location.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Finally, you can’t go to Las Vegas without getting out of Las Vegas. There’s the Grand Canyon, which is well worth a trip out, but a shorter drive from the city centre lies Red Rock Canyon, a stunning natural landscape that’s known for its dramatic red sandstone formations. 

Great for hiking, where you’ll find an abundance of wildlife, the area showcases a completely different side to the state of Nevada.

Just 13 miles away from the Strip, there are so many great viewpoints, trails and natural wonders to explore, so whether you’re interested in hiking, rock climbing, photography or just want to escape the jingles, jangles and chaos of Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is a great addition to any short stay in Sin City.