Arising in the middle of the desert in Nevada, Las Vegas is an international destination for gambling, luxury at bargain prices and the most exciting live shows anywhere in the world.
With thousands of things to see and do, it's easy to get caught up in Sin City. Las Vegas is most famously known for its neon lights, casinos and entertainment culture, but there are plenty of adventures to be had that steer away from the stereotypical weekend trips you see in movies. The well-known phrase, "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", can also be used to keep the best of Las Vegas' attractions as well-kept secrets. From world-class casinos, fine dining and extravagant entertainment, to theme parks, botanical gardens and fine art, Las Vegas has it all.
Stay for a week or a weekend; with the world's best and most exciting experiences gathered together in one unique city, you'll never run out if things to do in Vegas.
Getting in and around Las Vegas
Las Vegas Airport
It's incredibly easy to get into Las Vegas through Harry Reid International Airport. Just about every city in the USA seems to have a direct flight to Las Vegas, and the airport also serves as an international hub for airlines out of Canada, Mexico, the UK and other countries.
It can be confusing to make your way around town without map - which, fortunately, are widely available. Before you leave the airport, grab a map of the Las Vegas Strip, which is where pretty much everything takes place.
Las Vegas Transport
The most common ways to get around Las Vegas are walking (do-able if your hotel is on the Strip and your interests are as well), car rentals and taxis, and the city's monorail system.
Walking can become a hot activity during the daytime in Summer. When fatigue sets in, the city's bus line offers very affordable travel that you'll find can offer you both relief from the heat and time off your feet. The monorail is a little more expensive but does the same thing, only faster. You can also hire a limo to take the obligatory ride down the Strip, luxury style.
Las Vegas Car Hire
All the major car hire companies can be found in Las Vegas.
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Las Vegas accommodation
When it comes to Las Vegas hotels, the world is at your feet. Amidst flashing lights and bright bustling casinos, you can stumble into Venice, Egypt, New York and even Paris in Las Vegas. Hotels in Las Vegas are attractions in and of themselves with casinos and even wedding chapels at your disposal.
Luxury
Wynn Las Vegas is the ultimate in luxury, providing award-winning dining and spa services and the finest rooms and suites in the city.
The Palazzo is an all-suite luxury resort that's connected to The Venetian. This resort amazes with fine dining, the Canyon Ranch spa and much more.Wynn Hotel Las Vegas is the ultimate in luxury, providing award-winning dining and spa services and the finest rooms and suites in the city.
Wynn Hotel Las Vegas is the ultimate in luxury, providing award-winning dining and spa services and the finest rooms and suites in the city.
Palazzo Las Vegas is a new all-suite luxury resort that’s connected to the Venetian. This resort amazes with upscale shopping, fine dining, Canyon Ranch spa, and much more.
Mid-range
Hilton Grand Vacations Club on the Las Vegas Strip is just one of the many Hilton hotels in Las Vegas. This Hilton is located on the Strip and offers a heated pool and whirlpool spa, fitness centre, a pool bar and grill and gift shop, as well as luxurious rooms accustomed to the Hilton brand.
Paris Las Vegas brings the City of Lights to Vegas. The hotel features fabulous rooms, 15 restaurants, seven bars and lounges and replicas of famous Parisian landmarks.Paris Hotel Las Vegas brings the City of Lights to Vegas. The hotel features fabulous rooms, 10 restaurants, and replicas of famous Parisian landmarks.
Las Vegas Hilton is located one block off the Strip, giving it a slightly quieter feel. Luxurious amenities include indoor tennis courts, heated pool, 1,600-seat theatre, and a great collection of restaurants.
Budget
Treasure Island Las Vegas includes a spa, shopping, fantastic entertainment options and hip restaurants.
Flamingo Las Vegas is a classic hotel on the Strip. This hotel has a steakhouse among other restaurants, a 15-acre pool, Flamingo wildlife habitat and a range of room options to suit every traveller.Tropicana Las Vegas is a classic hotel on the Strip. Its more than 1,800 rooms include themed suites, a health spa, and casual and fine dining.
Treasure Island Las Vegas includes a spa, shopping, fantastic entertainment options, and hip restaurants.
Backpackers
Sin City Hostel is located on the Strip and offers free breakfast along with a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Treasure Island Las Vegas includes a spa, shopping, fantastic entertainment options, and hip restaurants.
Sin City Hostel, for international travelers only, is located on the Strip and offers TV, games, movie nights, and outings to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and more.
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Things to do in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Casinos are legendary. Since it's the gambling capital of America, you can scarcely turn around without bumping into a slot machine or poker table. So for the ultimate Vegas experience, do try some of its hallmark casinos.
The Bellagio boasts Five Diamond award-winning action, including private poker rooms.
Caesars Palace is the quintessential Vegas hotel and casino, with 129,000 square feet of gaming space.
Le Rêve. French for "The Dream", is a water-oriented show that evokes every possible human emotion through acrobatics, aquatics and flight. Staged in an intimate theatre at the Wynn Las Vegas.
Get married. Las Vegas is known for its "quickie" weddings and eccentric little wedding chapels. If you want a wedding to remember, nothing beats getting hitched by Elvis. Las Vegas weddings can also be very elegant affairs. The larger, upscale hotels offer complete wedding packages and luxurious surroundings for your special day.
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Day trips in and around Las Vegas
You can spend days touring the Strip, but don't end your adventures there. Las Vegas is also home to tour operators hosting treks to many nearby spectacular sites, both natural and man-made.
Death Valley National Park is the hottest, driest and lowest national park in the USA. Contrary to its name, Death Valley is by no means dead; a diverse oasis of plant and wildlife awaits you just two hours from Las Vegas.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Lake Mead (the largest man-made reservoir in the USA) and Lake Mohave offer blue waters and scenic landscapes in this national recreation area. Swim, fish, hike, cycle and camp in this beautiful location, under an hours' drive from Las Vegas.
The Valley of Fire State Park is known for its bright red sandstone cliffs and canyons and is a natural wonderland full of petrified trees and ancient petroglyphs. Not even an hours' drive away from Las Vegas, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Nevada.
Grand Canyon. A bit further out, the Grand Canyon is 4 hours' drive west and is an attraction not to be missed. Bit far? No problem. Helicopter tours from Vegas are frequent and can set you down at the top and/or bottom of the Canyon (check details with tour operators).
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