Often cited as one of the greatest tourist attractions in the world, the Fountains of Bellagio are a dazzling spectacle of water, light and music, all contained in the eight-acre lake at the front of the Bellagio hotel-casino. Multiple times every day, the fountains come to life for choreographed shows set to a range of music.
Parking and public transportation at the Fountains of Bellagio
Parking is generally plentiful and free on Las Vegas Boulevard, and the Bellagio itself has a large parking garage, although it's a bit of a trek from the garage to the street in front of the hotel. Buses run regularly up and down Las Vegas Boulevard, although taking a cab might be quicker if you're at another hotel and don't have a car.
Best and worst time to go to the Fountains of Bellagio
As with any outdoor attraction in Las Vegas, the best time to go is during the spring (mid-March to early May) or fall (mid-September to early November), when temperatures are moderate. The height of the summer (June through late August) is the worst time to be standing outside in Las Vegas. For the fountains, although performances do occur during the day, the show is much more impressive at night.
Admission to the Fountains of Bellagio
There's no charge to watch the fountain show, and it's easy to get a good vantage point right from the sidewalk.
Must-do at the Fountains of Bellagio
If you don't mind spending a little money and you are in town on a Sunday, check out the Fountains Brunch at Jasmine inside the Bellagio. You can eat a luxurious meal while enjoying the best view of the fountains (the restaurant is right on the lake), and the show runs more often during brunch hours, so you can see several performances.
Other places to visit near the Fountains of Bellagio
After seeing the fountain show, head inside the Bellagio for gourmet restaurants, the water-based Cirque du Soleil show "O," the impressive hand-blown glass sculpture "Fiori di Como" by Dale Chihuly in the lobby, the themed exhibits in the arboretum and the Gallery of Fine Art. Or walk over to one of the closest other hotel-casinos, including Caesars Palace, the Cosmopolitan and the Paris.
Insider tip for visitors to the Fountains of Bellagio
There are many different shows that rotate, with different music and different choreography for each piece, so seeing the fountain show once is never enough. Chances are each time you come back you will be able to see a new show.
Author's bio: Josh Bell is a Las Vegas-based writer (and 20-year resident) and the film and TV critic for Las Vegas Weekly. Find him on Twitter and Facebook.