- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Las Vegas
Las Vegas began as a railroad town in 1905, but the Hoover Dam's construction in the 1930s truly fueled its growth. This era birthed Fremont Street's iconic neon glow and the 'Googie' architectural style, defined by futuristic, bold lines. The famous 'Welcome' sign, a gift from its designer Betty Willis, is a prime example of this optimistic mid-century design. Today's Strip is a global architectural gallery, from Venetian canals to Parisian replicas.
Beyond the Strip, the Mojave Desert offers stunning escapes. Just 17 miles west lies Red Rock Canyon, with over 30 miles of hiking trails through ancient petroglyphs. For a cooler climate, Mount Charleston's peak is often 20°F cooler, providing pine-scented air and winter skiing. Another highlight when visiting Las Vegas is Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada's oldest, famed for its brilliant Aztec sandstone and prehistoric rock art.
The city's culinary scene extends far beyond Strip buffets. Explore the authentic global cuisine on Spring Mountain Road, one of the nation's best Chinatowns. The iconic shrimp cocktail originated downtown at the Golden Gate Casino in 1959. Today, the Arts District is a hub for independent eateries and craft breweries, offering a taste of the local culture away from the tourist centers.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Mar-May & Sep-Novmild, comfortable weather, fewer crowds
- Jun-Aughot, peak tourist season
- Dec-Febcool, occasional rain, quieter
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #LightClothing
- #WaterBottle
- #Sunglasses
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days with side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #LasVegasStrip
- #BellagioFountains
- #FremontStreetExperience
- #HighRollerObservationWheel
- #RedRockCanyon
- #TheMobMuseum
- Visit a casino
- See a live show
- Explore the Neon Boneyard
- Dine at a celebrity restaurant
- Take a day trip to Hoover Dam
Recommended Hotels in Las Vegas by Experience
Things to do in Las Vegas
Discover
Exploring Las Vegas reveals more than casinos. See The Mob Museum for crime history, the Neon Museum's boneyard, and panoramic views from the STRAT Tower. Just outside the city, the dramatic landscapes of Red Rock Canyon offer a natural escape.
Experience
Catch a resident superstar's concert or a Cirque du Soleil show. Hike Calico Tanks trail for rewarding views. Experience major sporting events with the Raiders or Golden Knights, or attend annual festivals like the Life Is Beautiful music fest.
The Strip
4.2-mile boulevard of resorts, casinos, and attractions.
Fremont Street Experience
Pedestrian mall with a vast LED canopy light show.
The Mob Museum
Museum detailing the history of organized crime in America.
High Roller Observation Wheel
550-foot tall Ferris wheel offering 360-degree views.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Nature preserve with scenic drives and 26 hiking trails.
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Indoor garden with elaborate seasonal floral displays.
Hoover Dam Tour
Tour of the iconic concrete arch-gravity dam.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Harry Reid Intl. Airport (LAS). To get from the Las Vegas airport to city center, taxis and rideshares are fastest (~15 min, $25). A shared Las Vegas shuttle bus offers a cheaper alternative. Note there is no direct train to Las Vegas.
Getting Around
Public transport in Las Vegas is managed by The Deuce bus, running 24/7 on the Strip, and the elevated Monorail. RTC passes offer value for multiple trips. Free trams connect some resorts. Car rental in Las Vegas is best for off-Strip exploration.
Local Essentials
Here are some Las Vegas travel tips for first-timers: Driving in Las Vegas on the Strip is very slow; use parallel roads. Distances are deceptive, so wear comfortable shoes. Always carry water to stay hydrated, even in casinos, especially during summer.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Las Vegas's culinary scene, where you can taste everything from a classic shrimp cocktail to a celebrity chef steak. The city's 24/7 dining culture means late-night meals are common. Buffets offer traditional food in Las Vegas.
Enjoy
Eat at the best restaurants in Las Vegas like Gordon Ramsay Steak for a posh vibe, reserve ahead. Grab a drink at The Peppermill's Fireside Lounge, a retro spot, go late. Enjoy Mon Ami Gabi's bustling Parisian feel, get a patio view.
Gordon Ramsay Steak
Celebrity chef steakhouse with a modern London vibe.
Bacchanal Buffet
An epic buffet with nine distinct kitchens to explore.
Mon Ami Gabi
Classic French bistro with Bellagio fountain views.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Classic surf and turf, renowned for its stone crabs.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Las Vegas's heritage through events like the Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival. Must-see cultural celebrations include the San Gennaro Feast, an Italian-American tradition held twice a year, honoring the Patron Saint of Naples.
Enjoy
Experience the best things to do in Las Vegas with modern events. Top Las Vegas attractions include Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), a massive electronic dance music festival. Life is Beautiful festival fills downtown with music and art.
Life is Beautiful Festival
Downtown music & art festival in September with live concerts.
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)
Massive electronic music festival in May with carnival rides.
San Gennaro Feast
Biannual Italian heritage event with food, music, and rides.
Age of Chivalry Renaissance Faire
October medieval festival with jousting and artisan vendors.
RiSE Lantern Festival
October lantern release in the Mojave Desert with live music.
Las Vegas Book Festival
Free October literary event with author talks and workshops.
What an experience!
Las Vegas is just pure energy from the moment you arrive. The scale of everything on The Strip is massive, and it's so much fun just to walk around and take it all in. The people-watching is top-notch, and there's always something happening, day or night.
World-Class Entertainment
The live entertainment is on another level. Caught a Cirque du Soleil show and the acrobatics were just mind-blowing. There's such a huge variety of things to see, from massive productions to smaller comedy clubs. Planning your evenings is part of the fun.
So much great food
Came here with high expectations for the food and was not disappointed. The options are endless, from celebrity chef spots to amazing buffets with every food you can imagine. We found some great cocktail bars too, each with its own unique theme and menu.
Downtown is a must-see
Las Vegas has more to offer than just the main strip. We spent an evening on Fremont Street and the light show was fantastic. It's a totally different feel from the newer part of town, with a more classic, old-school party scene. Lots of live music.
Incredible Shopping
The shopping is incredible, with so many high-end stores all in one place. We spent a lot of time just wandering through The Forum Shops. The hotels are like mini-cities, each with amazing architecture and things to see. It's a very glamorous place.
More than just parties
It's more than just a party city. The resorts are so well-designed, you can just enjoy the surroundings. Seeing the Bellagio Fountains show at night was a real highlight. A great place to just walk around, have a nice meal, and soak in the sights.