Walking around Las Vegas Boulevard feels like being in a fantasy land, seeing it from above just takes that experience to an entirely higher level. The two observation decks most accessible to all are at the Stratosphere Hotel and Paris Hotel.
At the Stratosphere one has the option of walking around the glass in-closed observation deck or to take the steps up to the open deck. The view from here is open, wide, stretching all across the city and its surroundings. You get a beautiful, distant, serene view of the bustling strip and the contrasting typical residential areas around it, all fenced by rocky desert landscape.
There is also a bar up there if you fancy a drink or an appetizer with the view.
If taking in the landscape doesn’t quite satisfy you, the Stratosphere has quite a few choices for a massive adrenaline rush. Check out some of the rides they have right up on top of the observation deck. Bungee jumping is also available.
At Paris’ Eiffel Tower you find yourself in the epicenter of the whimsical reality of Vegas, the pulse of the city lying underneath will make your heart beat faster too!
Be prepared to ride an old fashioned open view elevator up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I for one enjoyed it immensely, but I can’t say the same for everyone who was in it at the time, one girl in particular was screaming in terror and clutching her boyfriend.
You might expect an amazing view of the Bellagio fountains up from the Eiffel Tower, but it is actually not as great as from the ground or from the restaurant across. You can’t hear the music up there and without it, it looses much of its magic. Also I think the fountain show was designed to look best from the ground.
And here is one of from the ground:
You can stay as long as you want at the top of both observation decks, however at the Eiffel Tower they did try to persuade people to leave after a while. It is a much smaller deck and only a certain number of people are allowed at a time so it is understandable.
There will be lines for the tickets and elevators. I went in early January when tourist were at a minimum and still waited about 30 minutes in line at each. As of the date of this post the ticket for the Stratosphere (not including any rides) is $18 for adults; the Eiffel tower has various options for tickets ranging from $10.50 to $16.50. I highly recommend going after the sun has set on the Eiffel Tower, the city feels more alive in the glitter of the night.
It is cold and windy up there, you will need a jacket, scarf and hat, maybe even gloves. I could not believe two boys were in t-shirts, crying because they were freezing. I wanted to smack those parents out of their warm clothes. Dress your kids appropriately people!
I couldn’t leave The Paris without a crepe of course! I love walking through this resort, it looks like streets from France!
If you have a higher budget there are helicopter tours to take you above the city or hot air balloon flights just outside the city. I haven’t tried them out yet, but I’ll be sure to write about it when I do!
The newest attraction waiting to be opened is The Linq, a huge observation wheel across from Caesar’s Palace. It is supposed to be the biggest one in the world. Can’t wait to ride on it!
