Las Vegas is one of America’s most famous cities, the world capital of the casino industry, and a place of diverse entertainment. Every day, hundreds of people come here hoping to hit the jackpot and add variety to their lives. But it wasn’t always like this. The legalization of forbidden entertainment in 1931 marked the beginning of an active gaming business, and over the years, dozens of prestigious casinos started bringing significant profits to their owners. Today, Las Vegas is a globally recognized city that welcomes about 40 million visitors annually. And it’s no wonder: with over 1,000 gaming houses, hundreds of casinos, and dozens of hotels, there’s plenty to see! But what else makes the “Sin City” notable beyond the flashy signs of luxurious hotels and the alluring lights of gaming establishments?
The Mirage Volcano
A decorative volcano that erupts real fire and envelops spectators in a veil of smoke can be found on the grounds of the Mirage Hotel. The eruption, accompanied by music, can be seen daily from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM (every hour). To get the best spots, arrive 10 minutes before it starts. No payment is required for this entertainment. Just come and enjoy. The hotel is located on the Las Vegas Strip. It’s said that the volcano was created with one goal in mind: to surpass another Las Vegas attraction, the Bellagio Fountains.
Bellagio Fountains
They dance and mesmerize with the bright colors of water jets. The peculiar feature of this unique attraction is that the fountain’s construction is controlled by a computer, specially programmed to create the effect of “dance movements.” The fountain successfully “performs” compositions by Madonna, Frank Sinatra, Elton John, and about 20 other musical pieces by world artists. The construction of Bellagio’s main decoration cost $40 million! But there is no doubt that guests staying in one of the most expensive and famous hotels in Las Vegas have fully recouped these expenses. Address: 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard S., Las Vegas.
Shark Reef Aquarium
Located in the Mandalay Bay Hotel, this enormous aquarium is a true find for lovers of marine fauna, represented by numerous inhabitants of the aquatic world. It is open to visitors daily: Sun-Thu 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, Fri-Sat 10:00 AM-10:00 PM. Built of glass, surrounded by water, it allows visitors to get up close with amazing representatives of the underwater world: dangerous sharks, bloodthirsty piranhas, jellyfish, turtles, mollusks, and many other fascinating creatures await those seeking adrenaline and unforgettable emotions.
If the impressions from the aquarium aren’t enough, the creators have prepared another surprise for tourists: right behind the aquarium glass, divers feed real sharks, tearing their prey apart with their teeth in front of numerous spectators. Address: Las Vegas Blvd. South, 3950.
Eiffel Tower
A piece of France in Las Vegas, this is a replica of the world-famous architectural landmark of Paris. You can find this attraction next to the hotel named after the French capital. The structure is half the size of its prototype but looks no less spectacular, especially for those who haven’t seen the original.
The creators of the Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas approached its construction with the precision of jewelers: the structure is not only externally similar to the French tower but also replicates its entire internal layout. Inside the 140-meter building, there is space for expensive restaurants, elite boutiques, and souvenir shops. Here, visitors have a unique opportunity to enjoy American landscapes of Las Vegas while being in the atmosphere of romance-filled Paris. Address: Las Vegas Boulevard South.
Stratosphere Tower
One of the most noticeable structures in Las Vegas. The size of the tower is impressive: the building rises 350 meters into the sky, offering visitors the chance to enjoy the never-sleeping city’s landscapes. At night, the top of the tower is illuminated by numerous lights, turning the Stratosphere into a bright beacon. The middle and lower parts of the tower house gaming establishments, while the top is home to the most extreme rides, including the world-famous roller coasters. Operating hours: daily, Mon-Thu 11:00 AM-1:00 AM, Fri-Sun 11:00 AM-2:00 AM. Ticket prices: adults $16, children $10. You can buy an unlimited ticket for $32, granting you a full day on the rides and access to the observation deck.
The Stratosphere Tower holds an important place in Las Vegas’s entertainment industry, attracting thousands of visitors eager to have fun and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. Address: Las Vegas Boulevard South, 2000.
Red Rock Canyon
Unlike other Las Vegas attractions, this one is of natural origin. Oceanic and volcanic rocks have created an amazing landscape covered in fiery colors. The canyon’s plant life features desert and tropical companions, including evergreen cacti. As a designated natural reserve, the canyon attracts many tourists. Visitors can take a break from the noisy atmosphere and enjoy the tranquil landscapes created by nature itself. Adventure seekers can also find activities to their liking: the canyon offers opportunities for rock climbing and mountain biking. Located 17 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.
Mob Museum
Located opposite City Hall, in the courthouse building, this museum tells the story of the formation of criminal structures in the city and the emergence of various criminal groups whose financial flows significantly contributed to the development of the entertainment industry and the transformation of Las Vegas into the gambling capital. The museum’s exhibits include items from the 20th-century criminal world. Here you can see firearms and melee weapons used in gang confrontations, their clothing, footwear, and other elements of forbidden life.
Special attention should be paid to the electric chair, which once became the final resting place for many lawbreakers sentenced to death. The Mob Museum is one of Las Vegas’s most famous attractions and is definitely worth a visit to see the history of the criminal world with your own eyes. Address: 300 Stewart Avenue, Las Vegas.
