Las Vegas is not just for high rollers and bachelor parties any more. While gambling is still huge, visitors also flock to Vegas for fine dining, luxury shopping and world-class entertainment. Forget the buffets and make reservations at gastronomic temples like BarMASA or Twist.
Skip the feather-clad showgirls in favor of a Cirque de Soleil spectacular or a smash Broadway musical like “The Book of Mormon.” Music-wise, you’re as likely to see Lady Gaga as an Elvis impersonator (though never fear, Elvis can still be found). In contrast to the slick Strip, Downtown offers a vintage vibe, including the famed neon cowboy and museums dedicated to the mob and burlesque. Downtown is also packed with art galleries, independent stores and Rat Pack-era cocktail bars.
And Vegas is not just for adults – kids love the Adventuredome theme park, Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay and the High Roller, the world’s highest Ferris wheel. For a romantic escape, family vacation or wild weekend with friends, there’s nowhere else like Las Vegas.
Hailed as the quintessential Las Vegas show, Folies Bergere at the Tropicana captures the essence of sexy, classic Las Vegas with its scantily-clad showgirls and spectacular dance routines. Also unmissable is Cirque du Soleil's Mystère, an extraordinary show which explores the origins of life through an unforgettable mixture of dance, acrobatics, music, opera, and comedy, and plays to sell-out audiences at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino.
Win big in Sin City
No trip to Las Vegas would be complete without a visit to one of the many iconic casinos which have served as the backdrop to many a Hollywood film, including 'Ocean's Eleven' and 'Diamonds are Forever.' Visitors can play a game of roulette under the magnificent frescos of the Venetian, and then enjoy a drink at Coyote Ugly in New York-New York. However, the casinos aren't just about the gambling. The striking architecture and unique design of the buildings mean that you can enjoy a day of sightseeing without setting foot inside.
Gambling is the key to the Sin City's economy and attracts people from all over the world, all of whom are seeking their fortune. The central strip never sleeps, with most of the casinos open 24 hours a day, and most venues offer live entertainment and free drinks to those brave enough to play throughout the night. Different casinos offer different stakes, so it's advisable to start small before heading to the high-stakes tables of the Bellagio and the Riviera.
Feats of man and nature
For a fresh-air break from the gambling, true thrill-seekers should be sure to check out the Stratosphere, which includes the tallest thrill ride in the world. The ride ascends past the peak of a skyscraper over 329 meters high, offering magnificent views of the city, before plummeting down to the roof of the casino. It's definitely not one for the faint-hearted.
For those seeking an escape from the non-stop chaos of the casinos and shows at the main strip, the Hoover Dam is located 30 miles south-east of Las Vegas. It towers a staggering 700 feet above the Colorado River and represents one of the finest achievements in modern engineering.
Across the border in Arizona lies the Grand Canyon, which is an impressive 277 miles long and almost a mile deep. This national park is a feat of nature and holds a variety of museums and information centers, as well as caves, forests, and grasslands. Hide