Las Vegas Travel Guide
Contents
- Las Vegas — A Desert City of Spectacle
- Las Vegas and Its Antipode
- The City
- Top Things to Do in Las Vegas
- Do and See
- Dining in Las Vegas
- Coffee & Casual Dining
- Bars & Nightlife
- Shopping
- Tourist Information
Las Vegas — A Desert City of Spectacle
Las Vegas rises from the Mojave Desert as one of the most improbable cities on Earth. What began as a railroad stop and desert outpost transformed rapidly after gambling was legalised in Nevada in 1931, evolving into a global centre for entertainment, hospitality, and spectacle.
While the city is most closely associated with casinos and nightlife, Las Vegas is also a fast-growing metropolitan area with expanding cultural institutions, residential communities, and access to some of the most dramatic desert landscapes in the American Southwest.
Las Vegas and Its Antipode
Every place on Earth has an antipode — the point directly opposite it on the globe, connected by a straight line passing through the Earth’s core.
Las Vegas’ antipode lies in the Indian Ocean, far from any major landmass. This land-to-ocean antipode mirrors the city’s orientation toward fantasy and escape rather than geographic continuity.
The contrast between an illuminated desert city and open ocean on the far side of the planet underscores Las Vegas’ role as a constructed environment — shaped by imagination, engineering, and scale.
The City
Las Vegas is anchored by the famous Las Vegas Strip, a five-mile stretch of resorts, casinos, theatres, and shopping complexes. Beyond the Strip lies Downtown Las Vegas, centred around Fremont Street, where the city’s earliest casinos and hotels first emerged.
The metropolitan area extends far beyond its tourist core, supporting a growing population drawn by climate, employment opportunities, and relative affordability. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, outdoor recreation plays an increasingly important role alongside entertainment.
Top Things to Do in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Strip
The world’s most famous boulevard, lined with themed resorts, casinos, theatres, and attractions. The Strip transforms dramatically at night when neon lights and digital displays dominate the skyline.
Fremont Street Experience
A pedestrian entertainment district in Downtown Las Vegas featuring historic casinos and a massive LED canopy presenting nightly light and sound shows.
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden
A seasonal indoor garden featuring large-scale floral installations that change throughout the year.
Caesars Palace
An iconic resort inspired by classical Rome, known for its architecture, entertainment venues, and luxury shopping.
The Venetian
A large resort recreating elements of Venice, complete with canals, gondola rides, and Italian-inspired architecture.
High Roller Observation Wheel
One of the world’s tallest observation wheels, offering panoramic views over the Strip and surrounding desert.
The Fountains of Bellagio
A choreographed water, music, and light display performed regularly in front of the Bellagio Hotel.
The Neon Museum
An outdoor museum preserving historic Las Vegas signage, offering insight into the city’s visual history.
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
An immersive exhibition featuring recovered artefacts and recreated spaces from the RMS Titanic.
Hoover Dam
A monumental feat of engineering located near Las Vegas, spanning the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
A scenic desert landscape west of the city, known for towering red sandstone formations and hiking trails.
Valley of Fire State Park
Nevada’s oldest state park, featuring ancient petroglyphs and striking red rock formations.
Do and See
Stratosphere Tower
The tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States, offering views and thrill rides.
Seven Magic Mountains
A large-scale public art installation of brightly coloured boulders set against the desert landscape.
The Mob Museum
A museum exploring the history of organised crime and law enforcement in the United States.
Mount Charleston
A mountain retreat north of Las Vegas offering cooler temperatures, hiking trails, and alpine scenery.
Grand Canyon National Park
One of the United States’ most iconic natural wonders, accessible as a long day trip from Las Vegas.
Dining in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is one of the world’s most diverse dining cities, hosting restaurants from internationally renowned chefs alongside casual eateries and classic buffets.
- Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen
- Spago by Wolfgang Puck
- Delmonico Steakhouse
- Mon Ami Gabi
- Estiatorio Milos
- Top of the World Restaurant
- Nora’s Italian Cuisine
- Mississippi Mary’s Soul Food Café
Coffee & Casual Dining
- Sunrise Coffee Co.
- Zenaida’s Café
- Makers & Finders
- PublicUs
- Peppermill Las Vegas
- Sadelle’s Café
Bars & Nightlife
Las Vegas is internationally known for its nightlife, with venues ranging from classic cocktail lounges to high-energy nightclubs.
- XS Nightclub
- OMNIA Nightclub
- TAO Las Vegas
- Frankie’s Tiki Room
- The Chandelier
- Downtown Cocktail Room
- Encore Beach Club
Shopping
Shopping in Las Vegas is extensive, with luxury malls, themed retail spaces, and large outlet centres.
- The Forum Shops at Caesars
- Grand Canal Shoppes
- The Shops at Crystals
- Fashion Show Mall
- Miracle Mile Shops
- Las Vegas North Premium Outlets
Tourist Information
Las Vegas is served by Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran International Airport), located close to the Strip.
Public transport options include buses, taxis, rideshare services, and the Las Vegas Monorail.
The best time to visit Las Vegas is spring and autumn, when temperatures are milder and outdoor exploration is more comfortable.
Electricity in the United States is 120 volts / 60 Hz using type A and B plugs.
