Located deep in Nevada's Mojave Desert, Las Vegas with its casinos, clubs and cabarets is often nicknamed the 'Entertainment Capital of the World'. Many hotels are tourist attractions in themselves with canals, fountains and dramatic architecture inspired by cities around the globe. Brash by day, Las Vegas becomes mysterious, exotic and even romantic after sunset. So romantic, it is one of United States's top wedding destinations!
Founded only in 1905, the city is relatively new. Its Spanish name 'Las Vegas' literally translates as the meadows and for many years, it was just a small fertile settlement in the desert. This changed with the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1920s. Thousands of construction workers were needed and Boulder City was built to house them. With the legalization of gambling in Nevada, the small town of Las Vegas became an entertainment hub of casinos and speakeasies for these dam workers. Within 10 years it was the gambling capital of the world.
The El Rancho Vegas Resort, now The Strip, opened in 1941 but was shortly outshone by the Flamingo Hotel. These kickstarted a serious building boom with each new hotel trying to outdo its neighbour in sheer showmanship. Topping the list of outrageous hotels that should be on your sightseeing itinerary is the Italian chic Bellagio followed by the swish and stylish Cosmopolitan and the unusual Egyptian theme of the Luxor.
While Las Vegas is about casinos there is a lot more to see and do. Walking The Strip after dark is an entertainment in itself but there are also aquariums, theme parks, museums and star-studded cabarets as well as stunning countryside on the doorstep.
Visit the Venetian: If you spend time admiring one hotel in Las Vegas, make it the Venetian. It takes you on a journey to Venice with its carnival atmosphere, gondola rides and Streetmosphere programme of stilt walkers, musicians and living statues. There are even Venetian-style shops lining the Grand Canal.
Cirque du Soleil: The amazing Cirque du Soleil has taken up permanent residence in Las Vegas so enjoy its acrobats performing incredible feats of agility and artistry. The theme of LOVE at the Mirage pays tribute to the legendary Beatles while O at the Bellagio revolves around water.
The Neon Museum: This is iconic of Las Vegas glitz and something to be enjoyed once the sun goes down. Neon has been luring clients to businesses across the States for generations and this museum is a 'boneyard' of that neon. Thousands of bulbs lead you through an outdoor exhibition of over 200 pieces of neon from old Las Vegas. Knowledgeable local historians provide a fascinating commentary.
From the sporty Super Bowls finals and Chinese New Year in February, through a Jazz Festival in April and Independence Day spectaculars on the Fourth of July, there is something happening every month of the year in Las Vegas.
Fourth of July: While events take place throughout the day, celebrations for this National Holiday really hot up after dark in Las Vegas. Live music, world-famous DJs spinning their discs, cocktails and sizzling street food are all finished off with some of the country's most spectacular fireworks.
Las Vegas Bikefest: In early October, Harley-Davidson fans roar into Las Vegas on their motorbikes bringing a carnival atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Hog-roasts, bike-building demos and friendly arm-wrestling tournaments are just some of the attractions to enjoy alongside admiring the bikes.
New Year's Eve: Join in the New Year's Eve celebrations on The Strip. Headliner bands, fireworks and street food stalls stretch along the length of The Strip and spill over onto Las Vegas Boulevard and into the Downtown Fremont Street Experience. This really is the place to see in the coming year.
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The currency of Las Vegas is the US dollar ($) and like everywhere in the States, tipping keeps the wheels of hospitality turning. For good service, tip 15% per round in bars, up to 25% of your bill in restaurants and 15% of your fare when taking a taxi. While Las Vegas is generally a safe city, always be aware of your belongings and your surroundings especially after dark. If you do require emergency assistance, dial 911. Las Vegas is a year-round destination, but go prepared for chilly evenings in the winter months and extremely high temperatures (40 degrees or more) in July and August.
From Canada you have the options to fly from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to Las Vegas.
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