Discover the most Instagrammable places in Las Vegas, a city like nowhere else on the planet. This desert city has been built for indulgence, with the bright lights and glamorous sights demanding attention. It’s a great city for photographers as there are just so many famous landmarks to pose in front of, several of which are copies of other places in the world.

This is a rundown of the most interesting and iconic photo opportunities in Vegas. From the replica Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas to the stunning natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon, every corner offers a picture-perfect moment.

  • 1

    The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign

    Just be prepared to wait in line for your turn

    The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign
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    The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign has been a magnet for visitors ever since it was erected in 1959. While the sign standing today is not the original, it still retains its classic Art Deco style, making it a timeless icon and a must-visit spot for a perfect selfie.

    Additionally, don't miss out on the lesser-known message on the opposite side of the sign, which adds an extra layer of charm to this iconic symbol. The sign not only welcomes you to the city but also bids you farewell.

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    Location: 5100 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA

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  • 2

    The Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower

    It’s around half the height of the original, but it’s right on The Strip

    The Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower
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    The Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower is a stunning scaled-down replica of the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, standing at half the height of the original. This iconic structure looks especially gorgeous when lit up in soft lights in the evening, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.

    For a fun twist, if you want to fool your friends that this is actually the original tower, hold the camera low and shoot up, carefully excluding the surrounding high-rise hotels. This clever angle can create the illusion that you’re standing before the original Eiffel Tower.

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    Location: 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

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  • 3

    Backstage meet-and-greet with your favourite performer

    Getting a selfie after a show

    Backstage meet-and-greet with your favourite performer
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    The quality and amount of live entertainment in Las Vegas is mind-blowing, offering a unit chance for a backstage meet-and-greet with your favourite performer. Many of the world’s leading singers, magicians, comedians and quirky artistes can be seen on virtually any night of the week.

    Many of the shows have photo ops following the final curtain call, and more A-list singers have exclusive meet-and-greets for an additional fee. It’s possible to get a photo of yourself arm-in-arm with Celine Dion, Gwen Stefani, Jay Leno or a convincing Michael Jackson lookalike.

  • 4

    The lagoon inside The Venetian

    It’s surprisingly authentic, right down to the singing gondoliers

    The lagoon inside The Venetian
    • Luxury
    • Photo

    Taking a gondola ride at the lagoon inside The Venetian brings the romance of Venice to downtown Vegas. The experience of gliding along the replica canals, which wind in and out of the luxurious resort, is fairly close to the real thing. A photo taken from the central lagoon is often enough to fool most people into thinking you’ve been transported to Italy.

    This enchanting journey offers a perfect blend of elegance and adventure, making it a must-visit spot for capturing unique and memorable Instagram photos.

    Location: 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

    Phone: +1 702-414-1622

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  • 5

    The Foundation Room rooftop bar

    Posing against the railing with The Strip laid out behind you

    The Foundation Room rooftop bar
    • Luxury
    • Photo

    Head up to the Foundation Room rooftop bar on the 63rd floor of the swanky Mandalay Bay for some of the most amazing views of Vegas. This exclusive venue offers a range of experiences to elevate your night out. Enjoy a cocktail from one of the several bars, dance the night away in the energetic club or go all out with a fancy meal.

    The Foundation Room's sophisticated ambiance and panoramic vistas make it a prime location for capturing stunning Instagram photos. Keep in mind, this venue is exclusive and comes with prices to match.

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    Location: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA

    Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 6 pm to 1 am (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +1 702-632-7631

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  • 6

    Seven Magic Mountains

    Rocks... in every colour of the rainbow

    Seven Magic Mountains
    • Photo
    • Unusual

    Seven Magic Mountains is a striking collection of stone sculptures located along the I15 highway. The vibrant, brightly painted stones create a surreal and colourful landscape that contrasts beautifully with the desert backdrop. A popular photo opportunity involves pretending to hold a stack of these vividly coloured stones in your hand, creating a whimsical image for your Instagram feed.

    The mountains are about a 30-minute drive from Downtown Las Vegas. It is in the desert, so it’s best to visit in the morning to avoid the heat.

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    Location: S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054, USA

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  • 7

    The Grand Canyon

    A selfie with a helicopter and the Grand Canyon as backdrop

    The Grand Canyon
    • Adventure
    • Photo

    The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas, drawing countless visitors eager to witness its breathtaking beauty. There are plenty of tour operators offering helicopter tours over this iconic natural wonder, and few can resist a photo standing beside the chopper, with the amazing sandstone landscape in the background.

    Most tours typically will take off from Henderson Executive Airport, located just south of Las Vegas, making it a convenient and unforgettable adventure for travellers.

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    Location: 3500 Executive Terminal Dr, Henderson, NV 89052, USA

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  • 8

    A selfie with a Caesar’s Palace soldier

    Capturing timeless moments

    A selfie with a Caesar’s Palace soldier
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    A selfie with a Caesar’s Palace soldier is a must for any photo enthusiast visiting Las Vegas. You’ve most probably seen Caesar’s Palace in movies or TV shows, so stepping into the casino for the first time is quite thrilling. The Ancient Roman theme is really well done, transporting you to a bygone era with its grand architecture and detailed decor.

    Many staff dress up in period costumes, ready to pose for photos with guests. While they are happy to pose with you, it's customary and much appreciated to offer a small tip as a token of thanks. 

    Location: 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Paradise, NV 89109, USA

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  • 9

    Holding a bucketload of chips in a casino

    A victorious snapshot

    Holding a bucketload of chips in a casino
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    Holding a bucketload of chips in a casino sure does sound like a great photo op to impress your friends. When you’re in Las Vegas, it’s practically a rite of passage to have a gamble (though we don’t condone it), so if you get lucky, remember to immortalise the victorious moment.

    Cashing in your hard-earned dollars usually calls for a photo to share, but don’t take photos on the casino floor, it’s a big no-no. Casinos have strict rules about photography to protect the privacy and security of all guests.

  • 10

    Holding your last gambling chip

    For a dramatic effect, you can pull a sad face and turn your pockets out

    Holding your last gambling chip
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    If your battle with Lady Luck didn’t pay off, take your last chip home and take a photo holding your last gambling chip to capture this moment. It’s always good to have a compelling narrative on your Instagram feed.

    Share your journey, all the highs and all the lows, and let your followers in on the experience. This way, even if you didn’t win big, you’ve got a memorable photo of the night and can share it with your friends online. 

  • 11

    Red Rock Canyon

    Never mind Lady Luck, Mother Nature still loves you

    Red Rock Canyon
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    After you’ve experienced the ups and downs of Vegas, and you’re left broken and poor, head out to the Red Rock Canyon for some cool selfies at dusk. It might be the only thing you can afford. However, if you plan ahead, a couple of days in a hotel nearby Red Rock Canyon may also be a great ending to your visit to Las Vegas.

    This sandstone desert landscape is about 20 minutes east of Vegas. It features a 13-mile (20-km) scenic drive, hiking trails and a visitor centre.

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    Location: Mountain Springs, NV 89161, USA

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Paul Smith | Compulsive Traveller