Destination guide

Las Vegas

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Las Vegas is a desert city built around entertainment. Giant casino hotels, light shows, fountains and replicas of famous cities line the Strip, and shows, restaurants and nightlife run all night.

It is a place of spectacle, and it is best enjoyed with a sense of humour. Beyond the Strip, there are red rock canyons, dams and the Grand Canyon within a day trip.

How many days: 3

Three days is the classic length for a Vegas trip. Add a day or two for a trip to a national park.

The Strip is longer than it looks, and walking in the heat is tiring. Plan your days by area.

What to do in Las Vegas

Walk the Strip at night
The big resorts are lit up, and shows such as the fountains and volcano are free. The Strip is long, so pace yourself.
See a show
Las Vegas has headline concerts, magic, comedy and circus shows. Book ahead for the most popular.
Explore a resort
Many casino hotels are attractions in themselves, with gardens, aquariums and replicas of famous places. Many are free to walk through.
Visit Fremont Street
The old downtown has a covered pedestrian street with a light show. It is more casual than the Strip.
Take a trip to Red Rock Canyon
Red sandstone cliffs and desert trails, close to the city. A beautiful break from the lights.
Visit the Hoover Dam
A giant dam on the Colorado River, an hour from the city. Tours explain how it was built.
Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon
The canyon is a long drive or a short flight away. Plan for a full day.
Relax by a pool
Resort pools are a big part of the experience in summer. Some require a day pass.
Ride a giant observation wheel
A tall wheel gives views over the Strip and the desert. Go at dusk, when the lights come on.
See the neon sign collection
A collection of old Las Vegas signs, restored and lit at night. A fun way to see the city's history.

What to eat and drink

Buffets and celebrity restaurants
Las Vegas has some of the biggest buffets and many chef-led restaurants. Book ahead for popular ones.
Steak and seafood
Big steakhouses and fresh seafood flown in daily. A classic Vegas meal.
Cocktails
Bars serve elaborate cocktails, and many resorts offer free drinks to casino players. Drink water too.
Late-night food
Many restaurants stay open late. Diner food is easy to find after a show.
Local flavours
Away from the Strip, you will find Mexican, Asian and Italian restaurants popular with locals.
Brunch and pool-side dining
Many resorts serve long weekend brunches and pool-side food. A relaxed way to start the day.

Getting around

The Strip is walkable, but distances are large and the heat is strong. A monorail and a bus line run along it.

Ride-hailing apps and taxis are cheap and plentiful. Use official queues at hotels.

A hire car is useful for trips to the canyon and the dam.

Good to know

  • Summers are extremely hot, often above 40 degrees. Spring and autumn are more comfortable.
  • Winter nights can be cold. Pack a layer.
  • Gamble only what you can afford to lose. Set a limit in advance.
  • Resort fees are added to many hotel bills. Check before you book.
  • Visitors from some countries need an electronic travel authorisation. Check the official US government site.
  • The desert air is very dry. Drink more water than you think you need, and carry a lip balm.
  • Casinos have no clocks or windows. Keep track of the time, especially if you have a show to catch.
  • Walk on the shady side of the street in the afternoon, and stop for air conditioning often. Distances along the Strip are long.

Where to stay in Las Vegas

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Central Strip

Bellagio, Caesars Palace, The Venetian and the LINQ place fountains, shows, restaurants and casinos at the heart of Las Vegas Boulevard. It suits first-time visitors wanting maximum spectacle; crowds, resort pricing and near-constant noise make genuine downtime difficult.

South Strip

MGM Grand, New York-New York, Mandalay Bay and major arenas cluster on the southern Strip close to the airport. It suits families, shows and sporting events; enormous resorts mean substantial walking and the atmosphere remains relentlessly busy.

North Strip & Convention Center

Wynn, Resorts World, Fontainebleau and the Las Vegas Convention Center anchor the Strip's more modern northern end, with strong dining and entertainment. It suits conferences and upscale stays; major central-Strip landmarks are farther away and hotels skew expensive.

Downtown & Fremont Street

Fremont Street Experience, vintage casinos, Fremont East and the Mob Museum create a more compact alternative to the Strip. It suits nightlife and value-focused stays; evenings are intense, some blocks feel rougher and airport journeys are longer.

18b Arts District

Galleries, vintage shops, murals, breweries and independent restaurants give Main Street a more local creative identity than the casino corridors. It suits food and nightlife travellers wanting something different; hotel choice is thinner and headline Strip sights require a ride.

Summerlin & Red Rock

Master-planned Summerlin places restaurants, resorts and golf beside access to Red Rock Canyon's hiking and desert scenery west of the Strip. It suits families and travellers prioritising space and nature; a car is close to essential and nightlife is subdued.

What it costs

A typical day in Las Vegas, per person, in pounds.

£105

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£279

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

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