Las Vegas Travel Guide

Shining like one big neon light in the middle of the state of Nevada, Las Vegas is the epitome of round the clock entertainment. Once a peaceful border town, Sin City became the definitive escape city in 1931 following the legalisation of gambling. As the have passed the amount of casinos have rapidly increased, thus paving the way for the flourishing tourism trade and the fastest growing city in the USA.

Las Vegas is all about the Strip, a 4.2-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard that serves to fulfill every burning desire. This is the place where millions of dollars are won and lost in an instant and where the likes of Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley made their names. Strolling, or driving, along the Strip is like stepping into a whirlwind as it is difficult to know which way to look. From the Stratosphere at the north end to the Four Season at the far south it is interspersed with big names such as The Venetian, Bellagio and Caesars Palace.

Yet, as much as it plays a bug role in life here, Vegas does not have to be all about the Strip. Las Vegas also serves as the ideal base for visiting the majestic Grand Canyon National Park and equally impressive Hoover Dam. Furthermore, if you are in need of some relaxation and recreation then the picturesque Lake Mead is only a 30-minute drive away.

Today, with direct flights arriving from most major cities in Europe as well as popular US locations such as Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco, Las Vegas is accessible from all corners of the globe. In addition, if traveling overland then Greyhound buses will get you to your chosen destination on time.

There is nowhere in the world that matches the excess, glamour and elaborateness Las Vegas and never a bad time to visit. With not a single clock in sight Sin City is well and truly open 24 hours ad day and 365 days a year.

Las Vegas Casinos - Casinos are what gave Las Vegas its name and today they flourish as they always have done. Whether spending a few cents on the slot machines, throwing caution to the wind at the roulette table or entering a million dollar poker tournament there is something for everyone. Almost every hotel resort has its own casino, however, definitely worth checking out are The Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, Caesars Palace and The Luxor.

Las Vegas Wedding Chapels - Over the years Vegas has become as synonymous with quick fire weddings as with its casinos and nightlife. Even if you are not here to get married yourself it can still be fun to see some of the places that saw Elvis and Priscilla Presley, Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow and Richard Gere and Dennis Rodman and Carmen Electra tie the knot. Famed chapels include Little White Chapel, The Elvis Wedding Chapel and Graceland Chapel.

Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam - Away from the bright lights and non stop entertainment, Las Vegas is the ideal base for trips into the Grand Canyon, the stunning mass of rock formations carved by the Colorado River. By far the best way to see the delights are by helicopter tour and, although it may hurt the budget it will be money well spent. Tours generally take in the Canyon, Hoover Dam and Skywalk.

All Grand Canyon Tours - Deluxe tours from $299 per person, including limo pick up, 45-minute helicopter ride and lunch.

Papillon - Range of helicopter, plane and bus tours at competitive prices.

Las Vegas Adventure Sports

Stratosphere Tower - The highest extreme rides in the world are perched 110 stories above the strip. Test your nerves on the Sky Jump, Big Shot, Insanity and X-Scream.

Bootleg Canyon Flight Line - Launch yourself off Red Mountain on a zip-line ride to the base of Bootleg Canyon Park. Experience speeds of up to 50mph whilst whizzing along lines varying from 345 to 765 metres in length.

White Water Rafting - See the Grand Canyon from another perspective whilst tackling the rapids of the Colorado River.

Las Vegas Nightlife

Las Vegas Bars

Circle Bar - Slap in the middle of the Hard Rock Casino, this is a great place to start your night. 2 for 1 drink offers run daily from 4-8pm.

Chandelier Bar - Swanky bar at the Cosmopolitan Resort in which you could be forgiven for acting out James bond fantasies.

Double Down Saloon - Drinking and drinking more takes main billing at this 24-hour bar. With live music, pool tables and the famous Ass Juice, Double Down is a nice change from resort bars.

JC Wooloughans - Vegas wouldn’t be complete without a sprinkling of Irish bars and the version at the Marriott Resort is one of the best.

Las Vegas Nightclubs

Pure - Inside Caesars Palace is arguably the swankiest joint on the Strip. Split your time between the superb open-air terrace and the eye-opening Pussycat Dolls Lounge.

House of Blues - Aka Foundation Room, this nightspot at the Mandalay Bay is the place for exclusive after hours parties. Call ahead for VIP access.

Seamless After Hours - By day a strip joint, come 4am the club becomes the king of after hours parties until the last man standing calls it a night, or day.

Las Vegas Theatre

Broadway and the West End are well represented along the Strip and the shows provide an alternative to the casinos and nightclubs. Visit www.vegastickets.com for a full list of shows, which include Cirque du Soleil, The Lion King, Rat Pack is Back and Penn and Teller.

Budget Hotels Las Vegas

Desert Rose Resort - Somewhat of a hidden gem, Desert Rose Resort is just 1 block from the Strip yet away from the noise. Rooms from $60. Tel 1 707 739 7000.

The Carriage House - Pleasant non-gaming hotel only a short walk from the Strip action. Suites from $89. Tel 1 702 798 1020.

Sin City Hostel - The best backpackers on the Strip with dorms from just $12. Free breakfast and Thursday BBQ are added perks. Tel 1 702 868 0222.

Midrange Hotels Las Vegas

Hard Rock Hotel - Ever popular hotel offering great room and show packages and the infamous Rehab pool parties. Tel 1 702 693 5000.

Platinum Hotel and Spa - Excellent option for those looking for luxury but not at the prices of famed nearby hotels. Tel 1 702 365 5000.

Tropicana Las Vegas - Great value rooms and suites and abundance of entertainment, including comedy club, casino and Nikki Beach club. Tel 1 702 739 2222.

Luxury Hotels Las Vegas

Four Seasons Hotel - The ultimate in Vegas luxury boasting the famed talents of the Four Seasons chain. Rooms available from $179. Tel 1 702 632 5000

Mandarin Oriental - Elegant 5-star suite hotel in the heart of the Strip. Rooms from $200. Tel 1 702 590 8888.

MGM Grand Hotel - A mini city in itself, once stepping inside you may not make it back outside. Rooms from $100 to $900 and more. Tel 1 702 891 7777. 

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