Lights, Camera, Vegas! Iconic Movie and TV Filming Locations in Sin City

Las Vegas, baby! The land of neon lights, wild nights, and Elvis impersonators has also earned its stripes as a favorite backdrop for Hollywood’s most iconic moments. From heist thrillers to outrageous comedies, Sin City has played host to some unforgettable movie and TV magic. So grab your oversized sunglasses, channel your inner movie star, and let’s dive into the glitz, glamour, and chaos of Vegas’ most famous filming locations.

The iconic Stratosphere Tower lights up the Las Vegas skyline at night.

1. Caesar’s Palace: More Than Just a Hotel—It’s a Legacy

Let’s start with The Hangover, shall we? Caesar’s Palace wasn’t just a setting for Doug’s ill-fated bachelor party; it was basically a supporting character. From the famous question, “Did Caesar actually live here?” to the tiger in the bathroom, Caesar’s has been immortalized in comedy history.

Here’s your chance to relive the Wolfpack’s antics—minus the roofie-laden Jägerbombs. Stroll through the opulent lobby, channel your inner Alan in the grand hallways, or pose for a photo by the iconic front entrance. For full authenticity, consider adopting a baby for the day and naming him Carlos (just kidding… probably).

Pro tip: After snapping your pics, swing by the casino floor to test your luck. Who knows, you might fund your next Vegas trip with a jackpot—just try not to blow it all on blackjack like our favorite Wolfpack.

2. Bellagio Fountains: A Thief’s Paradise

Ah, the Bellagio Fountains—a Vegas staple and the sparkling star of Ocean’s Eleven. Remember the gang standing there, silently soaking in the moment after pulling off the heist of a lifetime? Yeah, that could be you (minus the millions in stolen cash, of course).

While the fountains dance to classics like Sinatra’s “Luck Be a Lady,” you can’t help but feel like Danny Ocean himself. It’s an easy stop on any Vegas itinerary, and hey, it’s free! Just don’t try to replicate the heist—you won’t get past the security guards, and Brad Pitt isn’t showing up to bail you out.

A vibrant night scene at Fremont Street, filled with dazzling neon lights and colorful digital displays.

3. Fremont Street: Vintage Vegas Vibes

Fremont Street is a bit like that eccentric aunt who drinks too much champagne at family gatherings—loud, colorful, and unapologetically fun. This downtown gem has appeared in countless movies and shows, including Casino and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Casino, Martin Scorsese’s love letter to the darker side of Vegas, used Fremont’s neon-soaked streets to showcase the city’s gritty glam. Meanwhile, in Fear and Loathing, Johnny Depp’s gonzo journalist character stumbles through the chaos of the Fremont Street Experience in a hallucinogenic haze.

Today, you can walk under the canopy of LED lights, zipline above the crowds, and sip on a yard-long margarita. It’s like stepping into a movie, minus the mobsters or acid trips (we hope).

4. The Mirage: Volcanoes and Vegas Magic

No list of iconic Vegas filming locations would be complete without Vegas Vacation. The Mirage’s erupting volcano became a memorable backdrop for Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswold as he bumbled his way through yet another chaotic family getaway.

Recreate your own Griswold moment by standing in awe of the fiery spectacle, which erupts nightly to the delight of tourists and pyromaniacs alike. Bonus points if you also lose your wallet at the blackjack table and make questionable life choices at the buffet.

5. The Venetian: Romance and Ridiculousness

For a touch of romance with a side of ridiculous, Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous brought Sandra Bullock’s hilarious antics to The Venetian. Between the gondolas and the faux-Italian architecture, this spot is perfect for pretending you’re in Venice without the 12-hour flight.

Take a gondola ride and belt out some off-key “O Sole Mio” like you’re in the movie. Or just admire the meticulous attention to detail that makes The Venetian a film favorite. Just remember: What happens in Vegas… probably ends up on Instagram.

6. The Riviera (R.I.P.): Gone but Not Forgotten

One of Vegas’ most beloved filming locations, The Riviera, made appearances in Casino and Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. Sadly, this classic casino was demolished in 2016, but its Hollywood legacy lives on.

In Casino, The Riviera stood in for the fictional Tangiers Casino, the setting for much of the film’s action. Meanwhile, Austin Powers used the hotel as a backdrop for groovy spy shenanigans. While you can’t visit The Riviera anymore, you can pay tribute to its memory by snapping a photo at its former location on the Strip.

Vintage neon signs from old Las Vegas, including the iconic Stardust, illuminate the night at the Neon Boneyard.

7. Neon Boneyard: A Cinematic Graveyard

If you’re a fan of the quirky or offbeat, the Neon Boneyard is a must-see. This outdoor museum of retired Vegas signs has been featured in films like The Cooler and TV shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. This one is a filming location and a quick must-see!

Walking through the Boneyard feels like stepping onto a movie set. Each sign tells a story of Vegas’ colorful history, and the retro vibes are off the charts. Whether you’re a film buff, a history nerd, or just someone who loves a good Instagram photo op, the Boneyard is worth the trip.

8. Paris Las Vegas: Heists and Hijinks

Resident Evil: Extinction might not be your typical Vegas movie, but it brought the zombie apocalypse to the Strip, with Paris Las Vegas as a key location. The replica Eiffel Tower provides the perfect juxtaposition of glitz and gore.

You can relive the movie’s dramatic vibes by taking an elevator ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower. No zombies in sight—just stunning views of the Strip. Consider it your chance to enjoy a slice of post-apocalyptic glamour, minus the actual apocalypse.

A wax figure of Allen from "The Hangover" at Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas.

Bonus Tip: Madame Tussauds and the Hangover Experience

If you’re a true movie buff (or just want to feel like a part of The Hangover crew), head to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. Not only can you snap selfies with lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebs, but you can also immerse yourself in the Hangover Experience.

Picture this: You’re in a replica of the famous Caesars suite, complete with a (fake) tiger in the bathroom and (thankfully fake) baby Carlos. There’s even a Vegas wedding chapel to seal the deal if you’re feeling particularly adventurous. It’s the perfect way to cap off your cinematic tour of Vegas—just don’t forget to “remember” this one.

Wrap-Up

From the glitzy casinos to the gritty streets of Fremont, Las Vegas is a movie lover’s dream. Whether you’re recreating your favorite scenes or just soaking up the Hollywood magic, there’s no shortage of iconic spots to explore. So grab your camera, channel your inner Danny Ocean or Alan Garner, and let Vegas roll out the red carpet for your next adventure.

And remember: The real Sin City experience isn’t just about the movies. It’s about living your best (slightly unhinged) life. Lights, camera, Vegas—action!