Heading to Las Vegas? Here’s What You Need to Know
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Las Vegas in Southern Nevada sees more than 42.9 million people pass through almost every year. From the most famous casinos to star-studded music residencies, there are so many reasons to take a trip through Sin City (Image by Bishnu Sarangi from Pixabay)
Here are the top eight things to do, see and experience in Las Vegas this year.
Visit the Strip
Every trip to Las Vegas should start with a wander, and a few photographs, down the Strip. Sin City’s iconic epicentre is located just past the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign along Las Vegas Boulevard South. Here you’ll find some of Vegas’s best-known attractions, including the Eiffel Tower at Paris, Las Vegas, the sphinx at The Luxor, the Bellagio Fountains and The Venetian’s Grand Canal.
The Strip runs for approximately 6.8km — making for a substantial walk, especially at a leisurely pace. Both sides of it are filled with restaurants, hotels, casinos and attractions to enjoy. If you’re not keen on the workout, the Deuce bus offers 24/7 rides from downtown Las Vegas to the Southern End of Las Vegas Boulevard. Other options include the monorail, guided tours and even helicopter rides!
Enjoy the Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower Experience Las Vegas
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While on the Strip, make sure to stop and take in the sights of one of the most well-known buildings in the world (at least, a version of it): the Eiffel Tower. A 46 story, half-size replica, the Eiffel Tower is just one of many attractions at Las Vegas’s – somewhat kitschy – reproduction of Paris.
Other highlights include the Arc de Triumph and the Paris Opera and Louvre-themed decor. While you’re there enjoy French restaurants and the casino. Staying late into the evening? Try the Chateau rooftop nightclub for panoramic skyline and views of the Bellagio Fountain.
Take in a show with Cirque du Soleil
For an awe-inspiring show in Las Vegas, book yourself a ticket to Cirque du Soleil. The world-famous acrobatic theatre production currently offers seven different shows in Vegas.
This includes Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay Resort, Mystere at Treasure Island, KA at MGM Grand, R.U.N. at Luxor Hotel and Casino, O at the Bellagio, The Beatles LOVE at The Mirage and Zumanity at the New York New York Hotel and Casino.
Live a bit of neon history at the Neon Museum
The city that never sleeps is certainly famous for its neon lighting. But where does it all go once it’s INSERT d by newer, flashier models? That’s the Neon Museum — otherwise known as the “boneyard” for Vegas’s disused neon lighting.
The outdoor exhibition features more than 200 pieces of Vegas signage to be viewed over 2-acres. If you’re visiting, it’s recommended to book a guided tour — which is led by historians who take you on a one-hour journey through the history of iconic Vegas signs from landmarks like Caesar’s Palace, the Golden Nugget and Stardust. For the full experience, it’s recommended you visit at night.
Take a trip on the High Roller
View Vegas from the sky on the city’s popular observation wheel, the High Roller. This is not your regular Ferris wheel; trips take 30 minutes and each of the High Roller’s 28 pods can hold up to 40 people.
If you’re looking to enhance your experience, try out the Happy Hour pod, which includes a complimentary open bar (this option of course, is available for adults only). At 550 feet tall and 520 feet in diameter, the High Roller beats out the London Eye and Singapore Flyer for tallest observation tower in the world.
Enter a poker tournament
Vegas is one of the casino capitals of the world, with millions of players at every travelling the world every year to experience the city’s famous gambling offering.
To get the full casino experience, go ahead and enter one of Vegas’s many poker tournaments where you can play alongside poker fans of every experience level, including high rollers and novices. And it’s not just about the entertainment; with a bit of luck and skill, poker tournaments are a fantastic opportunity to win lots of money.
Go on a gondola ride
Romantic Gondola ride at The Venetian Hotel Las Vegas
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The Venetian-themed hotel and casino has become something of a landmark in the city, replicating many of Venice’s sights and attractions — including the incredible Grand Canal.
Enjoy entertainment like stilt walkers, living statues and singers before taking a leisurely gondola ride on the hotel’s miniature version of the canal. You can even finish your visit with some Italian food at one of the hotel’s many restaurants.
Visit the Grand Canyon
Take a day’s break from the buzz of the city to visit the Grand Canyon. An incredible natural wonder, the viewing experience is definitely worth the four-hour drive from central Vegas.
You can upgrade, and quicken, your journey with one of the many helicopter or airplane tours on offer.
Here’s when to visit
There’s always something to do in Las Vegas; many of the shows, casinos and tourist attractions are open to visitors all year round. If you want to avoid the sweltering summer heat – and the New Year’s crowds – book your trip between March and May or September to November.
For lower room rates, book mid-week when the Las Vegas party-goers are less likely to have filled up the city’s top hotels.