Las Vegas Travel Guide

America's Playground is the only place in the world where travellers can gamble in Ancient Egypt, float along the canals of Venice, and party in Ancient Rome in one night. Bright, brash and lavish, this city in the Mojave Desert exists only for the pursuit of pleasure and entertainment. Those who visit Las Vegas will discover a destination of fun and fantasy, filled with mega-resort casinos. Vegas has been dubbed the entertainment capital of the world, and its 'wow factor' continues to grow along with its building budgets.

No longer is a holiday in Las Vegas just for gamblers, though. The city is now a well-rounded destination that offers everything from wildlife viewing and theme park thrills to world-class shows and spectacular night clubs. This is truly a place for anyone and everyone who is out to have fun. Even if one never enters a casino, the shopping, lavish resorts, restaurants, theme parks, and famous nightlife will keep the excitement at boiling point for the duration of a stay in Las Vegas.

Best time to visit Las Vegas

Anytime is a great time to holiday in Las Vegas, which is situated in a desert and therefore bathed in sunshine all year round. Summers, between June and August, can be blindingly hot, but everything indoors is air-conditioned.

What to see in Las Vegas

-Watch the spectacular fountain show outside the iconic Bellagio Hotel and Casino.

-Admire the famous neon lights at the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Vegas.

-Enjoy the many swimming pools of Mandalay Bay Resort, voted the best in the city.

-Get a taste of Venice at Venetian Hotel, and a taste of Egypt at The Luxor.

What to do in Las Vegas

-Try driving massive bulldozers and excavators at Dig This.

-Get an adrenalin fix on one of the many roller coasters that compete in the city.

-Gamble in the famous MGM Grand.

-Treat the kids to thrills and spills at Adventuredome.

Beyond Las Vegas

Although primarily known for its man-made glitz, many wonderful natural attractions lure visitors out of Las Vegas. Popular excursions out of the city include visits to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, the engineering marvel of Hoover Dam, and the beautiful desert landscapes of Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park.

Getting there

Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, located five miles (8km) south of central Las Vegas, is the busiest air hub in the state and the entry point for the vast majority of foreign visitors.

Did you know?

-On average, there are more than 300 weddings in Las Vegas every day.

-Las Vegas is said to be the brightest place on Earth when viewed from space.

-There are no clocks and no windows in Las Vegas casinos to prevent gamblers noticing time passing.