9 places to re-create your favorite Vegas movies

Las Vegas is far more than just a gaming destination. It’s also the setting for many a motion picture, especially in just the last few decades. Sure, Ocean’s 11 in 1960 immortalized the city for many, but filmmakers didn’t really discover the area’s unique charms until much later, creating some of moviedom’s more memorable cinematic moments. So, while you’re enjoying yourself in Las Vegas, set your camera to record and head to these locations to do some serious geeking out.

1. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

It’s just a perfect movie moment: The members of the gang, gathering together at the Fountains of Bellagio after pulling off the perfect heist, acknowledging one another before going their separate ways, all to “Claire de Lune.” We can’t guarantee that song will be playing when you visit, but will it make the moment any less glorious? We doubt it.

2. The Hangover (2009)

Stupid humor doesn’t get much more profound than when delivered by Alan (Zach Galifianakis) in the lobby of Caesars Palace: “This isn’t the real Caesar’s Palace, is it? Did Caesar live here?” Feel free to check out the lobby, but please … don’t act like Alan while you’re here. Thanks.

3. Knocked Up (2007)

Millions of moviegoers got their introduction to Cirque du Soleil from this movie, where Ben and Pete (Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd) get high and see Mystère at Treasure Island. As far as your Las Vegas behavior goes, see The Hangover, but Las Vegas’ first Cirque show is a must-see.

4. Showgirls (1995)

It’s so bad it achieved cult status. If you want to pretend you’re Nomi (Elizabeth Berkley) looking for Versace (or, as she famously pronounced it, “Ver-sase”), head to The Forum Shops at Caesars. The space has changed some since she walked the aisles, but Versace is, indeed, still there.

5. Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

Sean Connery’s return to the role of James Bond was also a travelogue for Sin City, featuring a number of famous locales. If you only have time to hit one, we suggest Circus Circus, which was just a few years old when this movie came out.

6. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)

In this cult classic, who didn’t feel bad for Steve the Pirate (Alan Tudyk) when he got pelted with a milkshake as he walked the Fremont Street Experience? We’d like to promise that nothing like that will happen to you, but this is Vegas …

7. Casino (1995)

Many directors film on soundstages instead of going into actual casinos, but Martin Scorsese’s brutal account of Vegas in the ’70s was filmed at the Riviera, primarily because it felt so of-the-period. Enjoy that vintage feeling anywhere in the venue. Just stay away from pens and hammers.

8. Vegas Vacation (1997)

It starts innocently enough with a tour of Hoover Dam, but through a series of mishaps, Chevy Chase’s lovable doofus Clark Griswold ends up hanging off the edge. If you do take the dam tour, learn from Clark’s example: Stay with the group. Don’t be a dam idiot.

9. Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)

Most remember this film for the flying Elvi that save the day, but we doubt you’ll see many of those while you’re here. Instead, soak in the atmosphere at Bally’s, where Jack Singer (Nicolas Cage) got taken in a rigged poker game and lost … well, his fiancée (temporarily).