Las Vegas Destination Guide
Las Vegas Holidays »
What happens in Vegas doesn’t necessarily stay in Vegas. With more than 30 million yearly visitors, the secret is out. Enter the world’s 'Entertainment Capital', where your biggest concerns are choosing red or black, or which show to see next. This is Las Vegas: the place where night becomes day in the brilliance of flashing lights, with a never-ending string of quality casinos, bars and clubs.
Las Vegas tours invariably focus on 'The Strip', but there's more to this desert oasis of dazzling neon than first meets the eye. The Strip may seem most alive at night, but Vegas never sleeps and you won’t want to either when faced with the possibility of careening down mountaintops on a zip line, riding a roller coaster around a hotel, or watching rubber burn at the Vegas Speedway.
Make a splash at...
- Mandalay Beach (Mandalay Bay)
- Rehab (Hard Rock Hotel & Casino)
- The Tank (Golden Nugget)
Top Attractions »
Las Vegas is a gambling town and the city's casinos are its most popular attractions. Most are technically located outside the city limits on the nearly seven-kilometre stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard South known as 'The Strip'. The end of the boulevard is paradoxically where you'll find the famous 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' sign.
Head back in the other direction to experience some of Las Vegas' most popular high-end casinos, including The Venetian and Bellagio resorts. The list of things to do in Las Vegas doesn't begin and end with gambling. Daytime brings about an array of thrilling experiences: helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon, rafting down the Colorado River and climbing Red Rock Canyon.
When the sun sets and the neon lights flicker on, a different world is revealed. Each hotel and casino has its own unique edge, courtesy of attractions including shark aquariums, poolside casinos, spectacular fountain shows and indoor theme parks. A new experience can be had every night, from acrobatic shows and performances to trendy nightclubs and fine-dining.
Be entertained by…
- The acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil
- The water-based exploits in Le Reve
- Jousting in the Tournament of Kings
Eat and Drink »
Finding somewhere to eat in Las Vegas is as simple as heading to the nearest casino. Many of the best restaurants in Las Vegas are located in the palatial surrounds of the city's gambling dens, with buffet-style menus particularly popular along The Strip.
Steakhouses and seafood restaurants are equally popular and both can be found off The Strip in the surrounding downtown areas. Not surprisingly, you'll find a club or bar on virtually every street corner. Nightclubs abound along The Strip and throughout the city centre, so if dive bars aren't your thing, simply throw on your finest threads and dance the night away.
Party until sunrise at…
- The poolside club Moorea
- Ghost Bar – located 55 floors up
- The enormous Bank nightclub
Where to Stay »
Las Vegas hotels are predominantly limited to the city's sprawling casino complexes, which offer a staggering array of accommodation options. Most tourists visit the city to gamble, so you'll find practically every whim catered for in any of the city's well-appointed casinos.
Many are actually themed resorts, including the Venetian Hotel, the Paris Hotel and Casino, and the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. Away from The Strip, the usual array of tourist hotels and mid-range accommodation are in ready supply, though these are predictably less glamorous than those in the heart of the action.
Roll the dice at…
- The MGM Grand: Vegas’ largest casino
- The Roman-inspired Caesars Palace
- The luxurious Bellagio Hotel
Shopping »
Like most activities in the city, Las Vegas shopping is inextricably linked to its casinos. Many are home to sprawling shopping complexes, including the popular Grand Canal Shoppes straddling the Venetian Hotel and The Palazzo.
Take a gondola ride to the nearest cafe at the Venetian-themed complex and keep your eye out for the celebrities who frequent the nearby Forum Shops. Many of the centres boast myriad dining options and elaborate entertainment. More importantly for a desert city, they're air-conditioned! Bargain shoppers can find the best deals at the Las Vegas Outlet Centre, however shopping in Las Vegas is more often than not a high-end experience.
Las Vegas like a Local
For a break from the bright lights of the casinos get away from The Strip to indulge in some outdoor activities. Hiking is popular and there are plenty of trails in the rocky outcrops around the fringes of the city. Rock climbing is another option, while mountain bike expeditions are a fun way way to take in the varied outdoor surrounds.
Skydiving, four-wheel drive tours, and even white water rafting opportunities abound, meaning there's no excuse to spend your entire Las Vegas holiday indoors. So get out of the gaming dens, take advantage of the weather and experience Las Vegas like a local – outdoors! Don't miss the Neon Museum, which preserves the iconic signage of years gone by.
Explore the outdoors with...
- A cruise on nearby Lake Mead
- A drive through the Valley of Fire
- A cycling tour of Red Rock Canyon