Walking the Las Vegas Strip at Night: A 2024 Tour

Photo Essays, USA Travel

When you think of walking the Las Vegas Strip at night, you can’t help but think of neon, LED, and incandescent lights. They all help bring energy and life to the night. The International Space Station images show Las Vegas as the world’s brightest city.

According to research from Smart Lighting Industries, a firm based in the United Kingdom, the Las Vegas Strip, with over 12,000,000 lights, is the most expensive tourist attraction to light in the world. The light bill on the Strip is about $443,521,846 annually. It all starts when you enter the Strip. One interesting, fun fact is that the 4.2-mile Las Vegas Strip is outside the city limits.

 

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On your next trip to Las Vegas, walk on the Las Vegas Strip at Night to experience the lights. How did the Las Vegas Strip become connected to gambling? Bugsy Siegel was a driving force behind the Strip development in the early 1930’s. When they repealed the Twenty-first Amendment, making alcohol legal again, many who made their money from bootlegging turned to gambling.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada flashes the iconic red, white, and blue sign as you enter Las Vegas via the south end of the Strip. If you want to visit using your GPS tracker, the address is 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard. While working for the Western Neon Company, Betty Willis created the sign in 1959, costing about $4,000 to build and install. Now, the sign is solar powered. The National Historic Register added the sign to their list in May 2009.

There are free parking spots in front of the sign to get out and take a picture. When leaving the Las Vegas side, the sign reads, “Drive Carefully, Come Back Soon.”

The "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Harley-Davidson Nevada" Sign
The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Harley-Davidson Nevada Sign

When you think of the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign, you think there is nothing quite like it. However, since there is no copyright on the sign, so many versions of the sign exist, including one on the Harley-Davidson store across the boulevard, a short distance from the original sign. The neon sign, Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Harley-Davidson Nevada has top billing over the “Harley-Davidson Motorcycles” logo.

Las Vegas Boulevard AKA The Strip
Las Vegas Boulevard AKA The Strip

Continue down the Strip, AKA Las Vegas Boulevard. As you are out exploring, take advantage of the several direct and four-corner pedestrian bridges over Las Vegas Boulevard—the bridges on the Strip separate pedestrians from motor vehicle traffic, increasing pedestrian safety. You can access them via elevators and escalators. 

Walking the Las Vegas Strip at Night

New York New York Sign
The New York New York Sign
05-new-york-new-york
The New York Skyline

Travel the World Walking the Las Vegas Strip at Night

Travel the world via the Strip. Visit Paris, Venice, or even Egypt as you follow the lights. Or stay in the United States, where Vegas’s white lights invite you to visit New York, New York. View the New York City skyline, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building topped with a lighted Christmas tree, or Lady Liberty with her torch held high. You may even burst into a chorus of New York-New York as you stroll down the Strip.

The Paris Hotel in Las Vegas

Paris Las Vegas

The Paris Las Vegaslocated on the Strip, is almost 5 miles from the city center. The Eiffel Tower Experience is the closest landmark to Paris Las Vegas. Visit Paris and the golden-lit Eiffel Tower. After dark, dine in the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the lighted Bellagio fountains.

The Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas
The Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas
The Venetian
The Venetian

Venice

Travel to Venice at the Venetian. Take a gondola ride.

The Luxor
The Luxor

Egypt

The Luxor pyramid represents Egypt — outlined in lights, topped with a shining beacon you could see from outer space. A bearded sphynx guards the front of the building. The beacon’s blue color on the exterior of the building reminds me of the inside show Blue Man Group.

The Excalibur
The Excalibur

Time Travel

Not the world traveler type? Enter the Excalibur time machine and travel back to Mid-Evil times. The Tournament of Kings is a dinner and show adapted from the stories of King Arthur.

Bellagio

The Bellagio reminds me of under stated elegance, beautifully lit, without the screaming neon.

At the Bellagio, explore the different options of the Cirque du Soleil show. The Bellagio features O, a dreamlike adventure show that immerses audiences in an enchanting underwater world featuring aquatic acrobats and world-class divers. 

After topping by at the Bellagio for a free view of the nighttime fountains, you may also want to come back during the day to explore the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

The Bellagio
The Bellagio

Caesar’s Palace

Situated on 85 acres with five towers, Caesar’s Palace is one of the largest hotels in Las Vegas. The hotel offers over 3,900 hotel rooms. Take plenty of time to unwind by the pool. With the Garden of the Gods pool complex, comprised of seven pools, including a swim-up Blackjack table, relaxing by the pool is no problem. I found the pools one of the best ways to relax in Las Vegas. With so many entertainment options, you don’t want to forget the live music at Caesar’s Palace. Caesar’s is one of Las Vegas’s great entertainment venues.

The Linq Hotel and the Linq Promenade are in Caesar’s entertainment district. If you’re a people watcher, I’ve found the Linq Promenade to be a great place to hang out. Also, with 22 restaurants on the property, you won’t have a shortage of dining options. 

The Flamingo while Walking the Las Vegas Strip at Night:
The Flamingo

Flamingo

It has been over 35 years since we visited Vegas and stayed at the Flamingo Hilton. The neon signs remind me of the “old” Vegas.

MGM Grand

Although confusing, the MGM Grand and the Park MGM are different hotels. The sculpted golden lion stands proud at the entrance to The MGM Grand. 

The Lion Guard
The Golden Lion Guard
Harrah's Walking the Las Vegas Strip at Night:
Harrah’s

Harrah’s

A dazzling sign lights up Harrah’s entrance. Harrah’s is a more budget-friendly hotel, as opposed to some of the luxury offerings on the Strip. So, while the rooms are slightly smaller and while they don’t have refrigerators in the rooms, they do have them available upon request. Harrah’s Las Vegas, situated on 17.3 acres across from Caesar’s Palace and adjacent to The LINQ Hotel, the High Roller Observation Wheel, and the Fly LINQ Zipline. Harrah’s Las Vegas offers 2,542 redesigned guest rooms, a remodeled casino floor, and updated LED marquees at the north and south entrances.

The Stratosphere on walking the Las Vegas Strip at Night:
The Stratosphere

While you’ll find roller coasters in Las Vegas, other high-energy experiences include the High Roller Observation Wheel, Stratosphere Tower, and ziplines. 

Stratosphere Tower

The Stratosphere is a 1,148-foot-tall structure. Experience several different thrills. Look closely at the upper right portion of the image. The Stratosphere has a five-prong star-shaped ride called The Insanity that spins you 64 feet over the Tower edge. If you dare open your eyes, you can stare straight down at the Strip during the ride. I was more than a little bit afraid.

Sky Jump 108 stories (829 feet) off the Tower to reach free fall speeds of over 40 miles per hour. A milder X-Scream ride catapults you 27 feet over the Tower’s edge. For the faint of heart, there is always the Observation Deck.

Piper’s Pro Planning

Here are several options to take your own Las Vegas Strip Walking Tour:

The High Roller
The High Roller

High Roller Observation Wheel

The High Roller Observation Wheel peeks from behind another building and shares the spotlight with the Swarovski Crystal sign. This experience requires good weather. They’ll offer you an alternative date or a full refund if they cancel due to high winds or other poor weather conditions.

The Veer Towers
The Veer Towers

Veer Towers

The Veer Towers are twin 37-story leaning towers of luxury condominiums. 

The Circus Circus Sign
The Circus Circus Sign

Circus Circus – Walking the Las Vegas Strip at Night

Circus Circus is a family-friendly hotel where you can visit the Big Top and see a half-hour show. It is one of Las Vegas’ free things to do any day of the week.

The M&M's Store
The M&M’s Store

M&M’s Store

Got a sweet tooth? Make a stop at the M&M’s Store on the Strip. Print some M&M’s with your name. It might prevent others from eating them. After all, they are your M&Ms, aren’t they?

Gold and Silver Pawn Shop at Night
Gold and Silver Pawn Shop

Gold and Silver Pawn Shop

If you enjoy history, then stop at the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, as seen on television. You’ll find art, antiques, coins, sports memorabilia, and jewelry inside. Every piece has a history.

The Praying Mantis in Las Vegas at Night
The Praying Mantis

The Container Park

The 40-foot-long flaming Praying Mantis lives at the Container Park on the corner of Seventh Street and Fremont. Shout, “Wake up, Mantis, wake up,” and fire may appear from his antennae. Admission to the Container Park is free. The insect formerly lived at the Burning Man Festival in northern Nevada.

Walking Fremont Street at Night
Fremont Street at Night

Fremont Street Experience

In the downtown area, Freemont Street at night is an experience in and of itself. Most likely, you’ll find a crowd of people waiting to zip line down the length of Fremont Street on Slotzilla—a sure way to experience an adrenaline rush.

A sign on walking the Las Vegas Strip at night
El Cortez

El Cortez

El Cortez is vintage Vegas. It is the only Las Vegas casino still using coins in their slot machines. The others have given way to dollar bills. This vintage style is how I remember Vegas 35 years ago—the noise of the coins clinging after the big win.

Binion's
Binion’s

Binion’s

At Binion’s, if you are at least 21, you can take a free photo with $1,000,000 stacked pyramid-style. Yes, convince your friends you won BIG! After all, seeing is believing.

The Golden Nugget
The Golden Nugget

The Golden Nugget

At the Golden Nugget, check out the free aquarium with sharks. 

After viewing all these neon lights at night, you might enjoy some historic neon signs that still live on in the Neon Museum. The museum, located in downtown Las Vegas, features signs from old businesses displayed outdoors on 2.62 acres. 

Piper’s Pro Planning

While you won’t often find free shuttles in Las Vegas anymore, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) offers a bus transportation option. Check out the routes and schedules here. You’ll also find free trams connecting some of the hotels and casinos.

Pin this to you favorite travel board for later!

Las Vegas Lights Pinterest Graphic
Amy Piper
Amy Piper

While Piper is a lifelong Michigander, she’s had adventures worldwide. Bomb-sniffing dogs chased her in the middle of the night in Bogota (working late), gate agents refused her boarding to Paraguay (wrong visa), and US Marshals announced her seat number on a plane while looking for a murder suspect (she’d traded seats). It’s always an adventure! She even finds exciting activities in her home state of Michigan, where she lives in Lansing with her husband, Ross Dingman, her daughter, Alexis, and two granddaughters.

BOOK YOUR TRIP

Let’s get something on the calendar! Here are some of Piper’s Pro Planning links to help you book your trip.

Plan your flight and book your airline ticket with these links:

Plan your overnight accommodations anywhere from national chains to private homes with:

Plan to save on all of your activities, from tours to attractions. These links will help:

Visit my resources page for more planning help.

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19 Comments

  1. Katy F

    There is something magical about all the neon in Las Vegas! I especially love Freemont Street

    Reply
    • Piper

      I have to agree!

      Reply
    • Piper

      Me too! I think it is about time for a return visit!

      Reply
  2. Chuck

    Did you ride the coaster at the top of the tower?

    Reply
    • Piper

      No, next time!

      Reply
  3. Alexandra

    I’m Freemont Street Bound! So fun!

    Reply
  4. Megan

    Always love learning new things – such as the fact that the “welCome” sign is on the national HISTORIC Register! Great photo article!

    Reply
    • Piper

      I’m glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  5. Sage Scott

    oNE OF MY ABSOLUTELY FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN lAS VEGAS ALONG THE STRIP IS TO STOP IN AT THE BELLAGIO AND SEE THE SEASONAL DISPLAY IN THE GARDEN. iT’S ALWAYS OVER-THE-TOP GORGEOUS. PLUS THERE IS THE MAGNIFICENT CHIHUILY GLASS AND i LOVE THAT THE BELLAGIO NEVER HAS EVEN THE SLIGHTEST HINT OF STALE CIGARETTE SMELL!

    Reply
    • Piper

      I need to check out the Chihuily Glass display. I love it. They had one at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum.

      Reply
  6. Ada

    This was such a fun round up of all of Las Vegas’s lights. I’ve been twice but somehow have never actually seen the infamous Welcome SIGN! *face palm*

    Reply
    • Piper

      You’ll have to make a trip, just to see it.

      Reply
  7. Erin

    Having visited Vegas myself, I’m not surprised it is the brightest city in the world. The lights along the infamous Strip are quite mesmerizing, and you’ve captured so many of Vegas’s sparkling sights in this photo essay!

    Reply
  8. Michelle

    This is a great list! I especially like the idea of stopping at the m&M store to get some personalized treats!

    Reply
  9. Ivan

    I GUESS HOPPING ON the Vegas night bus tour definitely saves some dollars one would spend on Gambling otherwise. Or did you win on any Slot?

    Reply
    • Piper

      I didn’t gamble this time, but once I gambled all weekend on an initial investment of 50 cents. It was my first trip and beginners luck. 🙂

      Reply
  10. AW

    Vegas looks dizzy, bright, loud and super tacky…sounds awesome to me.

    Reply
  11. James Verman

    Thank you for sharing your experience of the LIGHT night club in Las Vegas on your blog. It sounds like you had an incredible time and enjoyed the fantastic atmosphere and music. Your descriptions of the decor and lighting effects at LIGHT are particularly captivating and make me want to visit the club myself.

    It’s great to hear that you found the staff to be friendly and attentive. Good service is such an important aspect of any club experience, and it sounds like LIGHT delivered on that front.

    Your tips on dress code and making reservations are also helpful for anyone planning a night out in Vegas. It’s always good to know what to expect and how to prepare for a night at a popular club like LIGHT.

    Thank you again for sharing your experience. I look forward to reading more of your blog posts in the future.

    Reply

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Welcome to Follow the Piper! Discover interesting destinations, and practical planning tips for packing more travel into your everyday life.

Our founder and author, Amy Piper, is a freelance travel writer, blogger, photographer, and author specializing in luxury and multi-generational travel. She is a native Michigander who travels through the lens of a food lover and has been to 41 countries and 45 states.

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