ARIA Resort & Casino
Modern glass architecture at the heart of CityCenter.
HOTEL OVERVIEW
ARIA is the centrepiece of CityCenter, a dense modern district set back from the Strip between Bellagio and Park MGM. Design here is contemporary rather than themed, with a public fine-art collection spread across the complex.
ARIA RESORT & CASINO AT A GLANCE
- LOCATION
- Center Strip, west side, set back from the Boulevard inside CityCenter
- OPENED
- 2009, as the centrepiece of CityCenter
- BEST KNOWN FOR
- Contemporary architecture and the CityCenter Fine Art Collection
- GOOD FOR
- Design and architecture interest, art walkers, business travellers, modern-hotel preferences
- FREE HIGHLIGHTS
- The CityCenter public art walk, the Shops at Crystals interior, the CityCenter walkways
- REASONABLE SIGHTSEEING TIME
- About an hour to walk the art pieces and Crystals
IS ARIA RESORT & CASINO WORTH VISITING?
ARIA appeals to a different visitor than the themed resorts around it. There is no replica landmark or fountain show; the draw is a dense modern district — angular glass towers, the faceted Crystals structure and a collection of large-scale public artworks placed along walkways that anyone can use for free. It suits travellers who find the older Strip resorts visually exhausting, and anyone interested in architecture or contemporary art. Practically, its CityCenter position also makes it a useful pivot point: covered walkways and the tram link it to Bellagio on one side and Park MGM on the other, so you can cross a long stretch of Center Strip without walking the Boulevard.
WHY THIS HOTEL IS FAMOUS
Its contemporary architecture, the CityCenter Fine Art Collection and the connected Shops at Crystals.
THE STORY BEHIND THE HOTEL
ARIA opened in 2009 as part of CityCenter, one of the largest privately funded construction projects in United States history. It arrived as Las Vegas was moving away from replica-landmark theming toward architecture-led luxury.
WHAT TO SEE
- Large-scale public artworks throughout CityCenter
- The Shops at Crystals and its faceted architecture
- The Vdara and Waldorf Astoria walkways within CityCenter
FREE THINGS TO SEE
- CityCenter public art walk
- Crystals architecture
BEST FREE THINGS TO DO AT ARIA RESORT & CASINO
The CityCenter Fine Art Collection
Large-scale works by internationally known artists are installed through ARIA's public areas, the Crystals interior and the CityCenter walkways — sculpture, installation and site-specific pieces rather than gallery hangings. They sit in circulation space, so seeing them costs nothing and you can walk the collection as a self-guided route.
The Shops at Crystals
The retail building's angular, faceted roofline and multi-storey atrium are worth walking into for the architecture alone. Entry is free; only the boutiques and dining inside are paid.
The CityCenter walkways and tram
Elevated and covered walkways link ARIA with Crystals, Vdara and neighbouring properties, giving air-conditioned routes and elevated views back toward the Strip. The connecting tram between Bellagio, Crystals and Park MGM has traditionally been free to ride — confirm current operating hours on site.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- CityCenter is set back from the Strip sidewalk; tram and covered walkways help between Bellagio and Park MGM.
FIRST TIME AT ARIA RESORT & CASINO?
- ARIA sits back from the Las Vegas Boulevard sidewalk inside CityCenter, so it is less obvious from the Strip than its neighbours — look for the CityCenter entrances or approach through Crystals.
- Use the covered CityCenter walkways and the tram rather than the Boulevard when moving between Bellagio and Park MGM, especially in summer.
- The property is modern and vertical; allow time for lifts and long interior corridors between the casino, convention space and towers.
- The Cosmopolitan is immediately next door, which makes an easy pairing with ARIA in one visit.
- If you want the classic Strip spectacle, combine ARIA's art walk with the Bellagio fountains a few minutes north.
WHAT'S NEARBY
ARIA RESORT & CASINO FAQ
What is there to do at ARIA Las Vegas for free?
Walk the CityCenter Fine Art Collection installed through the public areas and walkways, see the Crystals atrium architecture, and use the elevated CityCenter walkways for views back toward the Strip.
Where is ARIA on the Las Vegas Strip?
On the west side of the Center Strip inside CityCenter, between Bellagio to the north and Park MGM to the south, set back from Las Vegas Boulevard itself.
What is CityCenter?
A dense mixed-use district of hotels, residences and retail built around ARIA and opened in 2009, including Crystals, Vdara and the Waldorf Astoria, connected by its own walkways and tram.
Is ARIA worth visiting if I'm not staying there?
Yes if you like modern architecture or contemporary art, since the art collection and Crystals are public and free. If you are looking for themed Las Vegas spectacle, neighbouring resorts deliver more of that.
Can I walk from ARIA to Bellagio?
Yes. They are neighbouring Center Strip properties linked by walkways and the CityCenter tram, and the walk takes roughly 10 minutes depending on your route through the buildings.
How much time should I allow at ARIA?
About an hour to walk the public art, Crystals and the CityCenter walkways at an easy pace.
What hotels are near ARIA Las Vegas?
The Cosmopolitan is directly adjacent, Bellagio is just north, and Park MGM and Planet Hollywood are a short walk south and east.
Is the CityCenter tram free?
The tram connecting Bellagio, Crystals and Park MGM has traditionally run without charge, but hours can change — check on-site signage on the day rather than relying on published timings.
ASK ABOUT ARIA RESORT & CASINO
Not sure where to stay, what to see, or how to plan your trip? Ask us anything about Las Vegas.
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If you would like a private introduction to Las Vegas beyond ARIA Resort & Casino, our Las Vegas City Tour covers the Strip's highlights with a local guide — a relaxed way to get oriented on your first visit.
LAS VEGAS CITY TOUR
DAY TOUR · PRIVATE
VIEW TOUR