Las Vegas travel guide
Meet Las VegasLas Vegas Weather ReportGetting into Las VegasTop attractions in Las VegasGetting around Las VegasWhere to eat in Las VegasPage 2 : More information on Las Vegas
Meet Las Vegas
" What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas ' . This familiar old advertising slogan gets repeated in everyday life almost as much as in movies . This is the city of escape , decadence and misbehaviour and has become symbolic of reckless abandon . Thrill and be thrilled , forget yourself , lose yourself in more .
The landscape is Tacky and Gimmick , a jungle of color and a skyline of Blinding neon , designed to excite , and seduce a tuple . Here lies the ultimate playground for the rich and famous , countless stag and hen parties , recent divorcées , and those just wanting to let loose and have the time of their lives . The Unparalleled abundance and acceptance of ' adult ' entertainment has earned it the nickname ' Sin City ' , it is a metropolis of wandering loins and open wallets , minus the raised eyebrows one would expect elsewhere .
This is the place of seeming human freedom , but beware : as with everything in Vegas , it is not real . Fake palm trees , fake Eiffel Tower , fake Elvis . It is the hedonistic land of dreams and the illusion makes you feel alive , your pulse quickens , so you party harder , faster and spend leave feeling poor and most likely hung -over . But you will also be taking away some of the wildest of your memories so far Humdrum existence . Las Vegas is the exception . The normal rules do not apply . Do not bring your Inhibitions , you'll only lose them , and always remember " What happens in Vegas ... "
Las Vegas Weather Report
Las Vegas is in the Mojave desert - this means a dry , arid climate with very little rain . June through to September is very hot with average temperatures of 34 ° C in July and August the temperatures OFTEN Exceed 38 ° C. Coldest During the months of December to February , temperatures average at about 16 ° C. A very general statistic is that 300 days of the year are sunny.
For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.
Getting into Las Vegas
Fly to McCarran International Airport Which has connections to most major U.S. cities , and a few European ones . From the airport get the Bell Trans shuttle service to the strip ($ 5) . If you are coming from elsewhere in the U.S. , catching a Greyhound bus Which travels from most major cities May be a cheaper option . A ticket from Los Angeles costs from $ 36 Departs frequently and , arriving in Main Street in downtown Las Vegas .
Top attractions in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is , of course home to the casino , most hotels are too . Here 's our pick of the best:
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The famous Bellagio hotel and casino is a must. Every half hour ( every 15 minutes after 8pm ) , dancing fountains burst out of the 8- acre artificial lake Within the Tuscan inspired surroundings . Over the top but amazing . The Bellagio also has its own art gallery : The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art , Which brings in big name artists for temporary exhibitions . www.bellagio.com
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Caesars Palace - and Greco - Roman inspired inspired building with classical columns and marble statues . Have your photo taken with a Roman soldier - ( Remember Joey in Friends ? ) and white - toga - wearing wait staff . www.caesarspalace.com
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Notorious casino entrepreneur Steve Wynn ( quoted above ) is the big cheese at Wynn Las Vegas - the city 's priciest hotel -casino . Built in 2005 at a whopping $ 2.7 billion , it is most definitely worth a visit if only to see what all the fuss is about ... oh , and to check out the huge mountain replica built by the entrance . Why We may never know . www.wynnlasvegas.com
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The Venetian , as its name suggests , is modeled on the famous Italian city . With mock fresco 's and actual - size replica 's of Venice 's most famous landmarks , you will feel like you are here to sight -see as well as to gamble . The novelty factor does not get much better than being Able to take a gondola ride down the Grand Canal . www.venetian.com
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Las Vegas , as above , has scaled -down replicas of all the city 's famous features . Stroll down the Champs - Elysees mini and visit the mini Eiffel Tower . www.parislasvegas.com
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The Stratosphere is the tallest building west of the Mississippi river at a cloud - kissing 1,149 feet . Highlights include the ' Big Shot ' theme park ride Which whizzes up and down the entire building in only 12 seconds . Incredible views but come prepared to scream . www.stratospherehotel.com
If you've run out of gambling chips and fancy a change , try the following :
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The Red Rock Lanes is no ordinary bowling experience . Its 72 lanes are housed in a palace , bringing an uncharacteristic cache to the sport . www.redrocklanes.com
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Trekkies will love the Star Trek Experience in the Las Vegas Hilton , and museum / fun house of everything to do with the show . Visit the showroom of costumes and props and the " Klingon Encounter " ride .
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For those nostalgic for the old Las Vegas , check out the Liberace Museum , the home of the great performer . Everything is over the top Flamboyant ; indulgent costumes , elaborate pianos and flashy cars . www.liberace.org
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Amazingly Gimmick , but oh , what a laugh . Imperial Dealertainers in the Imperial Palace , a place where celebrities dry as Elvis impersonators and Tina Turner belt out a number on stage then trot off and deal a game of blackjacks .
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The Mandalay Bay casino tropical houses and Shark Reef aquarium . There is a shallow pool where you can pet some of the smaller sharks . www.mandalaybay.com
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Get drunk and get married at the Little White Wedding Chapel - the nuptial place of many a celebrity over the years . Why not ? ... err ... www.littlewhitechapel.com
As addictive as the city is buzzing , if you're here for a few days You may lose your grip on reality . A perfect remedy to this is to take a short trip away from the bright lights and experience the more natural side to Nevada . The Colossal 726 feet Hoover Dam marks the border between Nevada and Arizona next-door . Built in 1935 to Avoid flooding from Lake Mead , the dam is now primarily used as a water supplier to nearby cities , dry as Las Vegas . Water levels in the lake with extremely Decreased have in recent years that there are growing concerns for the future of the surrounding cities . Tours of the dam are $ 11 adults , $ 6 children . Call 702 494 2517th
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The Red Rock Canyon is a mere 20 minute drive from the bright lights of the Vegas strip . Rugged , beautiful and perfect for hiking and camping . Admission $ 5 and $ 10 campsites
Getting around Las Vegas
The Monorail is a speedy and fun way to zip from casino to casino . Running from the Sahara to the MGM Grand , stopping off at many of the large resorts along the way , it runs from 7am to 2am Monday to Thursday and until 3am Fridays and Saturdays . A single ticket costs $ 5 but if you are planning on traveling a lot it May be worthwhile to invest in a 24- hour pass for $ 15
The Deuce is a regular bus service running 24 / 7 from downtown to the Strip for $ 2 www.deucelasvegas.com
Where to eat in Las Vegas
With the staggeringly high numbers of holiday makers looking to spend big , it is no surprise that restaurants are constantly full . For the fancier restaurants it is important that you book ( Especially the ones run by celebrity chefs - good grief does love this place its celebs ) . All of the major casinos have 24 hour cafes and usually a couple of restaurants too .
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Buffet at Bellagio - all you can eat heaven . Treats include smoked salmon , sumptuous Italian dishes and elegant sushi . All-in lunch for $ 22
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Bally 's Steakhouse - ice sculptures and elaborate flower displays form the backdrop for this expensive but oh -so worth it restaurant . The best brunch in town .
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House of Blues - Good ol ' southern food . Think Creole Smothered chicken with barbecue sauce served with home cut chips . Dishes around $ 13-20.
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Witchcraft - cute little sandwich joint . Great for a budget lunch Whilst casino hopping .
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Thai Spice - Reigning champion of the Thai restaurants according to voters . Amazing meals that will not break the bank .