In one sense, Las Vegas doesn’t have an abundance of “attractions” like museums, theme parks, or historic statues, but in another sense the entire city is one attraction after another. Of course the famous Las Vegas Strip is the center of the show, featuring most of the world’s largest hotels bunched together up and down a 4-mile strip of Las Vegas Boulevard South.About two-dozen huge hotels are on the Strip, but not all of them could be considered “attractions.” Below is a list of the highlights on the Las Vegas Strip, from north to south.Stratosphere TowerThe tallest free-standing structure in the state looms over the Stratosphere Casino below. It’s 1,149 ft (350 m) tall and there are three thrill-rides at the top, although the famous roller coaster is closed to make way for the new ones. These claim to be the highest three thrill rides in the world, and no one seems to be arguing.Circus CircusThis older hotel has a big-top theme and circus acts going all day. There are midway booths and arcade games to keep the kids busy, which makes this one of the more popular place for families.Fashion Show MallThis upscale mall isn’t anything terribly special, but it’s nice to know there is a place to spend all that money you just won.Treasure Island HotelThis pirate-themed hotel has a frequent show out front that has been clogging the sidewalk for a decade now. It’s worth a look if you are passing by.MirageThis sister hotel of the Treasure Island has a “volcano,” which erupts on regular intervals out front. It doesn’t look anything like real lava, but it’s a huge production and worth seeing once.Venetian ResortThis new hotel has a Venice theme with gondolas and everything.Caesar’s PalaceThis stalwart hotel and casino is still one of the nicest in town. Its Roman theme is everywhere, including in its impressive Forum Shops, which is a very high-end retail and restaurant district just off the main casinos.BellagioThis art-themed hotel is one of the nicest and most expensive in the city. There is an acclaimed art gallery, but the entire thing is worth a look inside.Paris Las VegasThis hotel with an Eiffel Tower out front is hard to miss, and the Paris theme continues inside so it’s another one to check out when you are passing by.Monte Carlo HotelThis high-end place has a similar appeal to the Bellagio. It’s gorgeous inside and worth a visit on your trip down the Strip.New York, New York HotelThis hotel obviously has a New York theme, with an Empire State Building, Chysler Building, and Statue of Liberty out front, but there is also a roller coaster running through it all, which can be a thrilling way to see it all within a minute or so.MGM Grand HotelThis place is impressive for its size, among other things. It’s currently the largest hotel in the world with almost 7,000 rooms.Excalibur HotelThis King Arthur-themed hotel still manages to stand out on the Las Vegas Strip. It’s a bit kitchy, but many people really get a charge out of the décor.LuxorThe pyramid-shaped hotel can has a Sphinx guarding the front, and what they claim to be the brightest beam of light in the world shooting out the center of the pyramid at night. The beam is interesting, but it’s not really all that special seeing it in person.
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