Why Everyone Flocks to Las Vegas: 25 Things That Make Sin City Legendary
What is Vegas Known For?
Welcome to Sin City! Las Vegas is a city that needs no introduction. Known for its bright lights, 24-hour entertainment, and as the gambling capital of the world, Las Vegas is the epitome of glitz and glamour. Its vibrant nightlife, dazzling casinos, and endless amusement options make it a Mecca for those seeking thrills and excitement.
During my vanlife years, Las Vegas is where I called my second home. At its peak, I came to this city, five times in a one-year span, for co-worker trips to EDM festivals or just picking up people from the airport. Every time, I made sure to get at least a little bit of sightseeing in.
So, what is Las Vegas famous for? In this article, we will delve into the history of this city and explore its top attractions, nightlife, food scene, and other notable destinations.
History of Las Vegas
The city’s origins can be traced back to the 1900s when it was just a small railroad town in the middle of the southern Nevada desert. It wasn’t until the legalization of gambling in 1931 that Las Vegas began to transform into the world-famous destination it is today.
The Mob’s influence on Las Vegas was prominent during the 1940s and 1950s. The rise of organized crime led to the development of large resorts such as The Flamingo Las Vegas. The decades after saw the rise of the mega-resorts, such as Caesars Palace, The Mirage, and The Bellagio. These hotels offer unparalleled luxury and extravagance, featuring everything from celebrity chef restaurants and spas to extravagant shopping centers and concert venues.
👉 Live in the lap of luxury yourself! Book a stay at a Vegas mega-resort on Booking.com here
Famous Las Vegas Attractions
1. The Las Vegas Strip
Sip your Fat Tuesday’s way too big frozen margarita as you crane your neck to take in the Las Vegas Strip. This famed street has some of the world’s most spectacular casinos and hotel facades, offering everything from fine dining and entertainment to shopping, spas, and nightlife.
See replicas of famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty, visit aquariums, and even ride roller coasters. For first-timers, this 4.2 mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard is most likely where you’ll spend most of your time.
2. The Fremont Street Experience
If The Strip’s hustle and bustle has you feeling worn out, take a trip to Fremont Street for an evening of neon lights, street performers, and laughter. Enjoy as magicians pop a coin out of your ear and graffiti artists spray unbelievable moonscapes, all the while watching people get stuck on the zipline.
Remember to look up as you walk through. This pedestrian-only street is entirely covered by a massive 1,375 feet long LED canopy, the largest video screen in the world. Ever-changing light shows happen every hour starting at 6 pm, a bright display dancing to an accompanying soundtrack!
Every day of the year, Fremont Street Experience presents free concerts on three stages. Check out their events calendar here to find out whose playing when.
👉 Learn more about Vegas’s downtown history by booking this Fremont Street History Walking Tour
3. Bellagio Fountains
The Bellagio Fountains choreograph a water show set to a soundtrack that changes regularly, featuring anything from classical music to modern pop hits. Set against the backdrop of the Strip’s most iconic hotel, these water and light displays are not to be missed.
The spraying water dances to music every half hour from 3 pm to 6 pm on weekdays (12pm – 6pm on weekends) and every 15 minutes from 7 pm to midnight. You don’t have to stay at the Bellagio to get a front-row view of the show. Spectators can gather along the sidewalk for an up-close look at the beautiful waterworks or sit at one of the nearby restaurants and bars.
4. The High Roller Ferris Wheel: A Bird’s Eye View of Las Vegas
Lift off on the High Roller, the 2nd tallest observation wheel in the world (taken over by Ain Dubai), giving a bird’s eye view of The Strip and an amazing Vegas Instagram post. Located at the LINQ Promenade, the High Roller is 550 feet tall and takes about 30 minutes to complete a full rotation.
In true Vegas fashion, where you should never be without a drink in hand, the High Roller even sells Happy Half Hour tickets. You can get these tickets Happy Hour tix here or the regular tickets here!
5. Cirque du Soleil Shows
Cirque du Soleil shows are a Las Vegas staple, mesmerizing audiences with an almost unbelievable experience. Visitors can witness acrobatics, contortionists, and incredible feats of human strength and agility with shows like O, Mystere, and The Beatles Love.
After years, I finally crossed Cirque du Soleil off my bucket list, having gone to see KÀ. The performance featured an entire rotating stage, astounding martial arts sequences, and remarkable technical acts.
SEE WHY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IS SO WELL-KNOWN YOURSELF! Click to get tickets to:
👉 O
👉 Michael Jackson ONE
👉 Mystere
👉 KÀ
6. Neon Museum
If you’re interested in more than the “Fabulous Las Vegas Sign,” walk through the Neon Museum, where old iconic neon signs go to die. This museum is a collection of retired neon signs that once adorned the streets of Sin City, many of which have been preserved to their original glory.
The museum’s main attraction is the Neon Boneyard, which houses over 800 neon signs created between the 1930s and present day. The museum presents guided tours about the stories behind each sign, and how they came to be a part of the museum’s collection.
Las Vegas Nightlife
7. The best clubs and bars on the Strip
Whether you’re here for a bachelor party or a girl’s trip to Vegas, hit the dancefloor until the wee hours of the morn any day of the week. Las Vegas is known for its nightlife and the Strip, a pumping place filled with clubs and bars.
Start your night at a world-famous mega-club like Zouk, Omnia, Drai’s, or Hakkasan. These clubs feature amazing DJs and live music that will keep you dancing until sunrise. For something a bit more intimate, try a speakeasy like The Laundry Room.
For something a bit more laid-back, you can’t beat a unique Vegas bar like the Commonwealth or Frankie’s Tiki Room. Or barhop down any of these amazing breweries in Las Vegas. Enjoy all the vintage charm of these watering holes, featuring signature cocktails and decor you won’t find anywhere else.
Tips for getting into popular nightclubs:
- Dress to impress
- Buy tickets in advance
- Consider bottle service
8. Las Vegas Pool Parties
Cool off by heading to one of the many pool parties in town, which are basically nightclubs but with more water and fewer clothes. So get ready this summer season – grab some drinks and dance to the beats of guest DJs while lounging in a cabana or floating in the pool.
9. Casinos: Where to gamble
Las Vegas is the world’s gambling capital, and trust me when I say you can’t escape the slot machine jingles anywhere. The city definitely has its fair share of some of the most extravagant casinos on the planet, boasting thousands of slot machines and table games for every budget.
Ready to try your luck? One of the most famous casinos is the Bellagio, known for its fountain show that takes place in an 8.5-acre lake in front of the building. Another must-see casino is the Venetian, which brings a piece of Italy to the desert. Finally, head over to the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, home to the largest casino in Las Vegas, which spans 160,334 square feet.
But no matter which casino you choose, remember to gamble responsibly and stay within your budget. Las Vegas may be a city that never sleeps, but you don’t want to go home in a broke nightmare.
10. Live Entertainment
Las Vegas is famous for its live shows, featuring incredible performances from some of the world’s greatest performers. From star-studded shows to classic venues, check who coincides with your visit.
Check out the Colosseum at Caesars Palace to see legendary performers take the stage. Or, experience hardcore EDM festivals like EDC that happen annually at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where over 400,000 attendees come together to dance and headbang.
11. Adult Entertainment
“Girls, Girls, Girls!” Vegas’s adult entertainment industry may well be how the name Sin City came to be. From burlesque clubs to cabaret shows, from VIP gentleman’s clubs to seedy strip clubs, access a world of risqué entertainment for 21+ only.
And with new attractions and events popping up all the time, there’s always something heat up your night in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Food Scene
12. Celebrity chefs and their restaurants
Las Vegas’s food scene is a culinary melting pot that caters to every taste and (a higher than average) budget. Sin City is home to some of the most renowned celebrity chefs in the world, and their restaurants cook up a culinary experience from classic American eats to the strangest intercultural fusions.
Taste award-winning cuisines like Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, an upscale restaurant that serves contemporary American cuisine in a theatrical atmosphere, while Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar offers classic American comfort food with a Southwestern twist. Even some Las Vegas food tours will let you taste-test celebrity bites.
👉 For the best overall sampler: Book this Las Vegas Tasting Food Tour with Celebrity Chef signature dishes
13. Endless Buffets in Las Vegas
Ready to stuff yourself until you can’t move? Well, then you should try one of Las Vegas’ all-you-can-eat buffets. Some of them are so endless, it’s even hard to try everything before getting stuffed.
Some popular buffets include the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace and the Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan. But the cheapest one has to be Garden Buffet at South Point, where weekday breakfasts start at 14.95$.
Tips for dining on a budget:
- Check for happy hour specials
- Look for restaurant deals on Groupon
- Visit during lunch instead of dinner
- Get there at the end of lunch and wait for the swap to dinner to try both courses
Famous Destinations in Las Vegas Beyond the Strip
Las Vegas is known for its iconic Strip, but there’s much more to the city than just casinos and shows. Here are a few must-see attractions beyond the Strip.
14. Downtown Las Vegas: A historic district
Downtown Las Vegas is great for those wanting to explore and learn about its storied history. An array of old-timey casinos, like the Golden Nugget and El Cortez, line these streets, while visitors can also visit The Mob Museum to understand organized crime’s role in shaping this city. Also, check out the Container Park, an outdoor mall entirely made of shipping containers.
15. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
A sharp distinction is unmistakable at the border of Las Vegas – dazzling city lights give way to nothing but the Mojave Desert and low-lying shrubs. Just beyond this artificial metropolis lies Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, breathing life into its rock formations with waving shapes and colorful streaks.
After you pass the visitor center, experience thirteen miles of breathtaking panoramas as you drive through this red-rock wonderland. Stop at Calico 1 for probably one of the best views in the park – you can even spot Las Vegas from there! Then hit one of many hiking trails in the desert or test your limits with some rock climbing routes.
👉 If you’re looking for something different, opt to take a Sunset Horseback ride through Red Rock Canyon
16. Hoover Dam: A Marvel of Engineering
The Hoover Dam still stands as a remarkable engineering accomplishment, deserving its place among the twentieth century’s most extraordinary feats. This grand structure draws in 7 million visitors each year, making it the world’s most visited dam.
Constructed during the trying times of the Great Depression, this monumental dam brings electricity and water to a large part of southwest America. Tourists can take a guided tour around the dam that teaches them about its rich history and engineering.
Tip: Because the Hoover Dam is on federal land, strict security and K9 units carefully examine your car for marijuana or guns – both of which are prohibited.
17. Valley of Fire State Park
Although 57 miles outside Las Vegas proper on the way to Page, Valley of Fire State Park is a natural wonder worth visiting. This geological marvel features spectacular sandstone formations sculpted by wind and water over millions of years, resulting in iconic pillars soaring alongside the roadways.
Some of the best hikes near Las Vegas are in this park. Join a tour to hike through hoodoos and discover ancient petroglyphs on various trails!
18. Grand Canyon National Park
This Las Vegas to Page route is starting to get pretty far out from downtown Vegas. Still, Grand Canyon in is the apple of Arizona and the American National Park system, and there is no better city to start from than Las Vegas.
Rent a car and go on a scenic drive, get on a helicopter ride, or take a bus tour to the Grand Canyon to visit the sweeping sceneries of Northern Arizona, one of the deepest canyons in the world.
There are three sections of the park, north rim, west rim, and south rim. The South Rim offers breathtaking views and is the most popular destination. The West Rim is known for its Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass observation deck that allows visitors to hover over the canyon.
👉 Renting a car is definitely the cheapest and most flexible way to see everything on the outskirts of Vegas. Check for the latest prices & availability on RentalCars here!
Other Fun Las Vegas Claims to Fame
Las Vegas is famous for its over-the-top attractions and unique quirks. Here are a few other fun facts about the city:
- Shotgun Weddings: Las Vegas is known for its quick and easy weddings. Couples can even get married at a drive-thru chapel if they’re in a hurry.
- A No-Lottery State: Nevada is one of only five states in the US that doesn’t allow selling lottery tickets.
- Sin City: Las Vegas has earned the nickname “Sin City” thanks to its reputation for excess and indulgence.
- “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”: This famous quote perfectly encapsulates the city’s anything-goes attitude.
- The Mob: Las Vegas has a long history of organized crime, with the Mafia playing a prominent role in the city’s early years.
- Desert Climate: Las Vegas is located in the Mojave Desert in the great expanse of the Southwest, which means it has hot, dry weather year-round.
- Shopping: Las Vegas is home to some of the best shopping in the world. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood are popular destinations for shoppers.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is a great starting point for a tour to California’s Death Valley National Park or to the rest of the Southwest, whether you’re looking for something luxurious or a decent place to rest your head before hitting the road.
MOST ICONIC RESORT ON THE STRIP – The Bellagio Resort and Casino
Located right in the heart of Vegas on the iconic Strip, booking the Bellagio means staying at some of the most luxurious accommodations around. And that’s saying a lot for Las Vegas. Its lavish rooms have everything you could want or need. Plus, the hotel boasts excellent facilities like an outdoor pool with its own fountain show, gourmet restaurants and bars, and easy access to the best shopping malls in the city.
MID-RANGE WITH GLORIOUS POOL – Hilton Grand Vacations Club Elara Center Strip
The Hilton Grand Vacations Club Elara Center Strip offers visitors access to the world-class entertainment, dining, nightlife, and more all without having to go far. The hotel itself has stylish guest rooms with comfortable amenities. But the biggest eyecatcher? It’s huge outdoor pool!
Frequently Asked Questions about Las Vegas
Las Vegas is best known for its casinos, gambling, and entertainment industry. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking an all-around entertainment experience.
Las Vegas is commonly known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” “Gambling Capital of the World,” “Brightest City in the World,” and “Sin City.”
Three interesting facts about Las Vegas are:
1. Vegas has the largest neon sign in the world (the Vegas Vic sign at 40 feet tall)
2. Home to the world’s largest chocolate fountain at the Bellagio, standing over 27 feet tall
3. There are more than 150,000 hotel rooms in Vegas
The most famous part of Las Vegas is the Las Vegas Strip, a 4.2-mile-long section of Las Vegas Boulevard home to iconic resorts, casinos, and attractions.
The Las Vegas Strip is so famous because it is the epicenter of the city’s entertainment industry. Brimming with the world’s most renowned resorts and attractions, this magical destination captivates visitors through an exquisite display of shining lights, detailed architecture, and fun activities.
A shady LA cop named Guy McAfee is credited with naming the Strip, the Strip. When LAPD started cracking down on crime, McAfee relocated to this dusty stretch of land between LA and Vegas. He referred to this land as The Strip so often that the nomenclature eventually caught on.
Las Vegas is renowned for its extravagant buffets, yet the city’s true culinary fame lies in its boundless selection of exquisite international dishes available at any time. Whether it be a late-night snack or an exclusive five-star dinner – you can find your heart’s desires here!
Las Vegas is called Sin City because of its reputation for adult entertainment and activities such as gambling, drinking, and partying.
People are attracted to Las Vegas because it is a place where anything goes. It is a city that never sleeps and is full of energy, excitement, and entertainment. I mean why else would The Hangover be filmed here. Visitors can experience everything from world-class shows and shopping to incredible dining and epic nights out.
Final Thoughts: What is Las Vegas Famous For
Las Vegas is famous for its glitz, glamour, and endless entertainment options, but there’s more to the city than meets the eye. From the historic downtown to the natural wonders of Red Rock Canyon, this exciting city also caters to families and adventurers. And with its reputation for excess and indulgence, Las Vegas has cemented itself as one of the most (in)famous cities in the world.
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.