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Around the World in Las Vegas Landmarks – A Photo Comparison

Home ยป North America ยป United States

Updated: January 17, 2021 by The Planet D

Around the World in Las Vegas Landmarks – A Photo Comparison

When we saw that Vegas was a part of our Road trip itinerary, we weren’t exactly jumping for joy.

So we were surprised to feel the excitement build as we approached Sin City from Death Valley.

We didn’t go crazy like the guys from the Hangover and we didn’t party like it was 1999. But we still had a ton of fun.

I can’t say that our two days in Vegas were very productive but we did notice a thing or two while we were there. Like how you can take an around the world tour in just a few blocks.

Vegas Around the World

vegas landmarks sign
Stopping for the must-have shot of entering Vegas

We’ve had the honor of visiting most of the landmarks of Vegas in real life so we thought it would be fun to do a comparison photo post on Vegas Vs the World.

We noticed that Vegas really does have a love affair with the rest of the world and instead of looking at it as being kitschy, we look at is a an homage to the greatest places on earth.

Rome

vegas landmarks rome
The real Roman Forum at night

We were in Rome for the first time in 2014 and it is one of the most impressive cities on the planet.

It’s ancient and filled with history while its inhabitants are chic and progressive.

The Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and the Roman Forum are intertwined throughout everyday life in the city and each turn takes you to yet another historical monument.

Caesars Palace 

vegas landmarks caesars
The Vegas recreation of Rome

In Vegas, you will see all the monuments of Rome.

The Trevi Fountain sits in front of a restaurant and Ricky Martin can be seen strolling through the halls of the Roman Forum.

While Vegas-style spectacles play at the Colosseum instead of gladiators fighting to the death.

vegas landmarks colosseum
The real Roman Colosseum in Rome, Italy

In Vegas all the structures are almost as massive they are in Rome.

I mean, Caesars Palace goes on forever and it recreates almost every major sight that you will see in the real Rome.

However, I’m pretty sure that Ceasar would give Celine Dion a “thumbs down” for her performance at the Colosseum.

I don’t think he’s the type of guy that would swoon over “My Heart will go On” and “The Power of Love”

vegas landmarks caesars palace
The Vegas Colosseum out front of Caesars Palace

One thing is for sure though, Caesar would definitely love the excess of Vegas. 

As we were walking through the city, Dave said to me “This is how the Romans would have built Vegas.”

So we give Caesars Palace a thumbs up. It’s the Roman Empire of the 21st Century.

Vegas in Venice

vegas landmarks venetian
The Rialto Bridge at the Venetian in Vegas

As we walked further down the strip, we came upon the Venetian.

We had heard that there were gondolas in the Venetian so we had to find them.

They weren’t difficult to spot, they’re right out front, just to the left the Rialto Bridge, only this Rialto Bridge has moving sidewalks!

vegas landmarks venice
Venice Grand Canal

The gondoliers had the same striped shirts as Venice and you can even eat dinner on the Grand Canal – just like Venice.

There are Italian restaurants and wine flowing and even a painted blue sky overhead the climate-controlled environment.

It’s very refreshing. And you know what else? The Venetian is almost as crowded as Venice. Verdict…The Venetian gets a thumbs up as well.

Vegas in Egypt

vegas landmarks egypt
The real pyramids of Giza from the desert

The Pyramids of Egypt are astounding. To see them for the first time takes your breath away.

The Sphinx stands guard in front of the three pyramids of Giza looking over the Sahara Desert.

It is a dream come true to see the great monuments of Egypt.

vegas landmarks luxor
The Sphinx in front of the Luxor

When you see the pyramid and Sphinx in front of the Luxor it doesn’t exactly take your breath away, but their Sphinx does have a proper face and it’s very colourful and pretty.

The pyramid itself is quite large too.

If King Tut were alive today, he may not be proud of the recreation of his homeland. The pyramids were a sacred place of burial and worship. But I’m sure he’d be having a ball with the other high rollers in the VIP Rooms.

I can just picture him and Ramses sitting at the poker table betting their fine gold and jewels.

Verdict – Thumbs up. The royals have always been over the top and if ancient Egypt rulers were alive today, they’d be playing in Vegas.

Like tombs similar to the Pyramids? Check out our tour of the Catacombs of Paris

Vegas Vs New York

statue of liberty  new york

During our first visit to New York City we were blown away by it. And each time we’ve visited since, it just keeps getting better and better.

Everything about NYC lived up to the hype. It truly is one of the greatest cities in the world.

We loved checking out all the monumental sights that we had seen in the movies and on TV and we could go back again and again.

If we had all the money in the world, we’d choose to live in New York.

vegas landmarks around the world

Well, in Vegas they have their very own New York City as well.

You can marvel at the replicas of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.

You can even witness the New York Skyline.

The New York, New York Hotel in Vegas wasn’t as exciting as New York City itself, but it does have a roller coaster zipping through the buildings.

vegas landmarks new york
The NYC skyline in Vegas

If you want a thrill, you can take a ride on the roller coaster, go for a drink at the Bar at Times Square and then party all night long.

DUMBO - Where to stay in New York City

Vegas is just like NYC only different.

Verdict – Thumbs up for a fabulous external recreation.

Vegas in Paris

The Eiffel Tower stands tall over the city as lights sparkle and shines in the night. That can be said for the Eiffel Tower in both Paris and Vegas!

exact scene in vegas as paris

While walking through both cities, the Eiffel Tower is the centre of attention and when lit up, they are both beautiful. However, the one in Vegas offers a thrill ride and dinner at the top.

Why go to Paris when you can do it all here? Okay, that’s an overstatement, but you have to admit Vegas captured the look of Paris quite well. 

vegas landmarks night
A little bit of Paris in Sin City

See the real Paris in our Paris at Night Photo Story. As for the feeling of being in Paris, well that’s another story.

Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe Paris Itinerary
Arc de Triomphe in Paris

The Arc de Triomphe is impressive at both Vegas and Paris, except in Vegas you get to look at Gordon Ramsay’s face.

I think Gordon Ramsay took things a little too far, but then again, this is coming from a guy who has an out of this world ego.

He couldn’t give one hoot to my opinion.

vegas landmarks arc de triomphe
Arc de Triomphe in Vegas

Verdict – We’re Sitting on the fence. I love my Paris and Gordon Ramsay should not be on the Arc.

Vegas is a spectacle.

vegas in the day time

You will get a taste of the places on display around the world in Vegas.  

The architects did a wonderful job replicating all of the monuments, and you have to give them credit for putting together a city that truly amazes.

things to do in florence cathedral david statue
The famous statue of David

Even the statue of David can be seen at Caesar’s Palace. While David is located in Florence, not Rome in real life. It is still impressive to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece on display.

You really can see it all tere!

Vegas doesn’t inspire awe and wonder that one gets from visiting all of the above cities around the world.

But it does excite the senses and it is worth seeing once.

Just make sure you don’t lose all your hard-earned money while visiting.

We’ll stick to visiting the world, but it was cool to stop at this little city in the heart of the Nevada Dessert.

Read More:

Discovering Egypt: A Photo Story
12 Amazing Ruins of the World: A Visual Memory
The World in Black and White: A Photostory
It’s A New York City Christmas
6 Tips to Make the Most of your New York City Photography

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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Comments

  1. Las Vegas Hotels says

    January 16, 2014 at 7:55 pm

    I love the comparisons of all those great landmarks and how we display them in Vegas. SO cool with your comparisons! It’s amazing how many of our Las Vegas hotels have been modeled after other world treasures.

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      January 25, 2014 at 1:30 pm

      Thanks! We loved taking the photos of them:)

      Reply
  2. Quirky Little Planet says

    January 6, 2013 at 11:36 am

    What a great idea for a post! I’ve been to all of these places, apart from Rome, I do love Vegas though just because it is so over the top!

    Reply
    • debndave says

      January 7, 2013 at 8:30 am

      Thanks! It dawned on us as we walked through Vegas. We noticed that you can take a tour of the world in just a few city blocks. It’s quite a cool experience.

      Reply
  3. [email protected] says

    October 14, 2012 at 10:57 pm

    Vegas is the place of gambling and full of excitement. I was there at Vegas last 2 years ago for one week. I had sleepless nights! We walked around and explore the clubs and casinos. True enough, the place is filled with lights and vibrant!

    Reply
  4. Thomas S. Moore says

    October 14, 2012 at 6:44 pm

    Of course when you compare the real thing to Vegas its makes Sin City seem like 2nd fiddle. Almost like comparing a Lambo to a kit Fiero, lol. But I enjoy going to Vegas with my friends when we can get out of the country it makes for a fun short trip. I guess it different for people who have actually had the chance to see the world.

    Reply
  5. Elle of Solo Female Nomad says

    October 14, 2012 at 4:58 am

    I visited Las Vegas a few years ago, and really wanted to like it – like so many others do. Whilst I enjoyed the excitment and buzz of the place, I felt I was not doing too much more than eating and drinking! Your photos do a great job in putting LV in a very good light though!

    Reply
    • debndave says

      October 14, 2012 at 11:39 am

      I think you are right Elle. Many people tend to just walk around, look at the gigantic hotels and eat and drink too much while losing all their money.

      Reply
  6. Laurence says

    October 13, 2012 at 11:36 pm

    My wife and I love Vegas because of all this as good as it gets. Its the vibe of this place. Pictures don’t have an vibe.
    but because it holds this โ€œanything can happenโ€ vibe. Winners are grinners in vegas

    Reply
    • debndave says

      October 14, 2012 at 4:04 am

      Well said, it’s a vibe indeed there.

      Reply
  7. arizona rentals says

    October 11, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    Love your post! Did you have the chance to go to a show?

    Reply
  8. [email protected] says

    October 11, 2012 at 3:47 am

    What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas! Vegas has almost all things that other countries can offer! In Vegas, no diving spot as beautiful as in the Philippines! HAHA

    Reply
  9. Jeannie says

    October 10, 2012 at 5:15 pm

    This is such a cool post! When I’ve traveled to Vegas, I’ve always just relied on my memory of Rome, Venice, Paris, and New York (where I lived for 9 years). I’m always blown away by the accuracy and scale of the Vegas resorts, but now to see a split screen comparison is fantastic! So interesting–thanks for doing this!

    Reply
  10. Turtle says

    September 16, 2012 at 6:30 am

    Gee, I don’t know why you’re bothering to continue travelling the world. Surely now that you’ve seen Vegas you can tick off most of the best landmarks any country can offer! Although no Taj Mahal in Vegas yet, I notice. When will they make going to India irrelevant?

    Reply
    • debndave says

      September 16, 2012 at 6:51 am

      Haha! I was thinking the same thing! Where is the Taj Mahal, that would be a great landmark to add to Vegas. And the Kremlin and the Forbidden City. Russia and China are huge tourist markets, they’d totally be into adding those. ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  11. Ryan says

    September 12, 2012 at 12:07 am

    I think the Venetian Hotel in Vegas is one of the most accurate comparisons of all the examples above. Great post!

    Reply
    • debndave says

      September 16, 2012 at 7:15 am

      Thanks Ryan. I agree, the Venetian does do an amazing job. Throughout the entire hotel, you get an Italian vibe. It was a lot of fun.

      Reply
  12. Natasha von Geldern says

    September 7, 2012 at 12:43 am

    Very entertaining! The Vegas landmarks don’t compare very well to the real thing do they (at least not compared to Dave’s fab photos)? I think I would go if the opportunity came up, just out of curiousity ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  13. dtravelsround says

    September 5, 2012 at 4:37 am

    Vegas has always been awe-inspiring to me, but not because of its recreation of landmarks from around the world, but because it holds this “anything can happen” vibe. These pics were wonderful — made me feel like I was back home!

    Reply
  14. Abby says

    September 5, 2012 at 12:33 am

    LOL. I guess you knew I’d write in… I will try not to go into the fact that Celine’s voice would have packed the real Colosseum in its heyday or the fact that when the sun hits the Luxor at a certain time every afternoon, the fireball it turns into that makes my eyes water from my office 20 miles away WOULD take your breath away…. I very obviously would never consider any of this a substitute for the real places! This was hilarious. Strangely, I sort of miss the theme hotels — the new ones, Wynn, Cosmopolitan, etc are modern and fun, but they lack the sort of ridiculousness of the older hotels.

    Reply
    • debndave says

      September 16, 2012 at 2:19 pm

      You are right Abby and as proud Canadians we are proud that Celine Dion and Shania Twain now share the spotlight at the Colosseum. I do think that in Caesars time, they would be Goddesses, but I thought it was fun to say that he wouldn’t be happy with their performances. The Colosseum was more of a blood and guts sort of place:) I do agree with you, theme hotels rock, isn’t that what Vegas is all about? And how cool is it that you met Celine Dion anyway!?

      Reply
  15. Andrea says

    September 4, 2012 at 4:07 am

    Nice idea – I’ve always thought that they have all these there for people who never leave the US. Not a good substitute

    Reply
    • debndave says

      September 4, 2012 at 12:49 pm

      I think that you might be right. We were wondering as people posed in front of the Trevi Fountain and the Rialto Bridge if they knew that these actually exist in Italy or if they think they were designed for Vegas. You just never know.

      Reply
  16. NovumT says

    September 1, 2012 at 11:23 pm

    I love vegas because of all this extravageance!!

    Pat de
    Novumtechno

    Reply
    • debndave says

      September 4, 2012 at 5:42 pm

      You said it, that is exactly what Vegas is all about. If you had a lot of money, the sky is the limit. I can’t imagine how much fun people like Chis Angel and Celine Dion have. They run that place!

      Reply
  17. Laurence says

    September 1, 2012 at 7:22 am

    I’ve never quite made it to Vegas, but love the idea of this post. It’s somewhere I must visit I guess.. just to see it for real ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply
    • debndave says

      September 4, 2012 at 6:07 pm

      I think it is a good stop when on a road trip. When we had several days in National Parks and seeing the incredible American Landscape, it was a great pit stop. I’m not sure I’d go to Vegas on a full on vacation. But for a couple of days, it was fun.

      Reply
  18. Jade- OurOyster.com says

    August 31, 2012 at 8:53 pm

    hahh i like the concept of comparing vegas with the real world – i would still not be too fussed about actually visiting vegas though

    Reply
    • debndave says

      September 4, 2012 at 6:08 pm

      I understand Jade. We avoided Vegas for years but it’s not bad at all. It’s pretty cool to see and experience and as a part of our road trip it was perfect. We were ready for a bit of excitement and fun.

      Reply
  19. Caanan @ No Vacation Required says

    August 31, 2012 at 8:09 pm

    We are shameless Vegas fans. Although we are partial to Wynn / Encore, which is like a world unto itself.

    Reply
    • debndave says

      September 4, 2012 at 6:09 pm

      Ooh, You can tell I’m not a Vegas expert. What is Wynn/Encore? We must check it out. If it is a world unto itself above and beyond the spectacle of Vegas, well, it’s something we gotta see!

      Reply
  20. Angela says

    August 30, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    Good post idea, so much different feeling between the real and the fake ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  21. [email protected] says

    August 30, 2012 at 1:05 pm

    Love this, you guys! Having last been in Vegas in 2005 (which should speak volumes about my attitude towards Vegas), I had no idea that Gordon Ramsay was using the local version of the Arc de Triomphe as a billboard…and can’t help but feel a little queasy about the whole concept. Glad you got to see America in all its glory!

    Reply
    • debndave says

      September 4, 2012 at 6:18 pm

      Haha, leave it to Gordon. We did enjoy seeing Vegas though. You have an amazing country that has something for everyone. That’s what we love about travel. Vegas may not be for everyone, but it is for some people. Other’s may not be into Yosemite or Zion either even though that is more our style. America has destinations to suit anyone. I love it and we’re so happy that we had the chance to end our road trip with a visit to see you!

      Reply
  22. Amanda says

    August 29, 2012 at 7:31 pm

    Such a fun post! I loved this about Vegas, too – it’s like going on a RTW trip while staying in one place!

    Reply
    • debndave says

      August 29, 2012 at 9:32 pm

      You said it. Not everyone is as fortunate as us to be able to see all of these places in real life, Vegas offers them the chance to get a taste of each country without the expense of flying.

      Reply
  23. Ali says

    August 29, 2012 at 7:30 am

    Great comparison! I’ve been to Vegas a few times because my best friend lives there, though it’s not one of my favorite cities. It’s kind of funny to see all the recreations of famous cities and landmarks, but the originals will always be better in my mind. Maybe seeing the replicas will encourage people to venture out and see the real thing?

    Reply
  24. Victoria says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:18 pm

    What a great idea for a post! I loved seeing the photo comparisons. I went to Vegas about ten years ao, and you’re right, it definitely is a spectacle. Although I much prefer seeing the originals, it was great fun to see one of the crazier manifestations of humankind.

    Reply
    • debndave says

      August 30, 2012 at 1:01 pm

      Hi Victoria, I’m glad you had the chance to visit Vegas too. It’s something definitely worth seeing. Imagine what people will think of this place in the future. Everything is so over the top. I think they did an awesome job recreating the world in their own kitschy way.

      Reply
  25. Priyank says

    August 28, 2012 at 11:34 am

    Dave and Deb, such a creative idea to compare! I have never been to Vegas… the closest I’ve been to is the cheesy commercial zone at Niagara falls… if that even counts. lol ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • debndave says

      August 30, 2012 at 1:03 pm

      You know what, Vegas reminded me a bit of Niagara Falls on a way grander scale. But I think that counts. You definitely get the idea of what Vegas is about. Niagara Falls has a long way to go to catch up but I think it’s working on it:)

      Reply
  26. Edith Levy says

    August 28, 2012 at 9:08 am

    Love this cool post and comparison. Having just been in Italy last year and Vegas quite a few times I know Italy wins hands down but its fun to see what a playground Vegas is.

    Reply
    • debndave says

      August 30, 2012 at 1:07 pm

      Yes, it is fun to be in Vegas. You definitely go there to have fun and not worry about trying to make it something that it’s not. It’s a place to let loose and enjoy the fantasy.

      Reply
    • debndave says

      September 4, 2012 at 6:41 pm

      I agree Edith, Italy comes out on top, but Vegas is fun too.

      Reply
  27. Cat says

    August 27, 2012 at 11:59 pm

    What a fun post to see someone that has actually seen and can show both sides of these famous landmarks. Well done and great idea!

    Reply
    • debndave says

      August 30, 2012 at 1:10 pm

      Thanks Cat, it was fun to take the photos and compare. As we walked around, we were amazed with how well replicated everything was, we made it our mission to start shooting away. I have a better photo of our time at the pyramids with the same angle as Vegas, but it’s on a hard drive at home. I would have loved to include that one. Oh well. I may change it once we’re back in Canada:)

      Reply
  28. Lindsay says

    August 27, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    Cool post! Great comparison ๐Ÿ™‚ And you’re right – there’s something about Vegas. It’s not for everyone, but there’s so much fun to be had.

    Reply
    • debndave says

      August 30, 2012 at 1:14 pm

      Yes there is lots of fun to be had and money to be lost:)

      Reply
  29. Matthew Magellan says

    August 27, 2012 at 10:04 am

    Love the post. Great photo idea!

    Reply
    • debndave says

      August 30, 2012 at 1:16 pm

      Thanks Matthew, it was fun to put together.

      Reply
    • debndave says

      September 4, 2012 at 6:42 pm

      Thanks Matthew, cheers.

      Reply
  30. Kent @ No Vacation Required says

    August 27, 2012 at 9:33 am

    I love this “comparison” take on Vegas!

    Okay… so did you two cut loose for a night?

    Reply
    • debndave says

      August 30, 2012 at 1:17 pm

      I have to admit, we didn’t really cut lose. We went out with the best of intentions and then after a couple of drinks, we just started feeling sick and tired. I guess Vegas isn’t exactly for us. But we loved walking around al day and eating too much. Maybe next time we’ll just go and sit for 4 days and will have an easier time getting into the party of Vegas.

      Reply
    • debndave says

      September 4, 2012 at 6:42 pm

      Thanks Guys, you’re the best.

      Reply

welcome

Hi weโ€™re Dave and Deb, a Canadian adventure couple who left our careers in the film industry 10 years ago to travel the world. Weโ€™ve been to 115 countries on all seven continents and were named one of the top travel influencers on earth by Forbes.

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