Las Vegas Travel Guide
Rising out of the Mojave Desert in a blaze of neon and fountains, Las Vegas is a 24-hour playground of casinos, world-class shows and replica landmarks packed onto a single dazzling boulevard. Beyond the Strip's glitter lies a gateway to red-rock canyons, the Hoover Dam and the vast desert Southwest.
Las Vegas — Highlights in photos
Top things to do
The Strip at Night
Las Vegas Boulevard is the main event, a 4-mile parade of themed mega-resorts glowing after dark. Walk it in the evening when the heat drops and every casino facade lights up; it is free and endlessly people-watchable.
Fountains of Bellagio
A choreographed water ballet dances to music across an eight-acre lake in front of the Bellagio. Shows are free and run every 15-30 minutes in the evening; the view from across the street is the best vantage.
Fremont Street Experience
Downtown's original neon canyon is now a pedestrian mall under a giant LED canopy with free live music and a zipline overhead. This is old-school Vegas; drinks are cheaper and the crowd more raucous than the Strip.
High Roller Observation Wheel
At 550 feet, this is one of the world's tallest observation wheels, offering a 30-minute rotation over the valley. Tickets run about 25 USD by day and more at night; sunset cabins offer the best light.
The Sphere
A colossal LED-wrapped venue whose exterior alone is a spectacle, hosting immersive shows and concerts. Even just viewing the animated exterior is free; show tickets vary widely, so book early.
Red Rock Canyon
Just 20 minutes west, a 13-mile scenic loop winds through dramatic red sandstone cliffs and hiking trails. Timed entry reservations are required in peak season, with a vehicle fee around 20 USD.
Museums & entry info
The Mob Museum
Set in a former courthouse downtown, this slick museum tells the story of organized crime and law enforcement in America. Admission runs about 30 USD; add-ons include a speakeasy and a distillery experience.
Neon Museum
An outdoor boneyard of rescued vintage casino signs that glow back to life on guided night tours. Daytime tickets are around 20 USD and night tours cost more; reserve ahead as slots sell out.
Atomic Museum
A national museum documenting the nearby Nevada nuclear test era and the Atomic Age. Admission is about 29 USD; check official hours before visiting.
Titanic and Bodies Exhibitions
At the Luxor, these two long-running exhibitions display real Titanic artifacts and preserved human specimens. Tickets run about 32 USD each or less as a combo; both are indoors and fully air-conditioned.
Signature experiences
A Headline Show or Cirque du Soleil
Vegas is the world capital of live spectacle, from Cirque du Soleil acrobatics to A-list residencies. Tickets typically run 80-200 USD; matinees and mid-week shows are usually cheaper.
Grand Canyon Day Trip
The West Rim and the glass Skywalk are within a few hours' drive or a short flight from the city. Bus tours run about 100-150 USD and helicopter tours climb well above that, both requiring an early start.
Helicopter Strip Night Flight
Soar over the glittering boulevard for a bucket-list aerial view of the neon at night. Flights run about 100-150 USD for roughly 12-15 minutes over the Strip.
Poolside Dayclub
In the warmer months, resort pool parties with DJs are a signature Vegas scene. General admission runs 30-75 USD, more for headline DJs, and dress codes apply.
What to eat
Once a cheap-buffet town, Las Vegas is now a genuine culinary destination where celebrity chefs from around the world open flagship restaurants. You can eat brilliantly at any budget, from midnight food courts to tasting menus.
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer warm, pleasant days ideal for walking the Strip; summer heat regularly tops 100 F, while winter evenings can be surprisingly chilly.
The Strip is walkable but deceptively long, so use the monorail, buses (the Deuce runs 24 hours) or rideshares to cover distance, and expect resort walks between casinos to add up. A car is useful only for day trips out to the canyons and Hoover Dam.
Traveler tips
- Stay hydrated and carry water; the dry desert heat dehydrates you far faster than you expect
- Watch for resort fees added nightly on top of the room rate, which can be 30-50 USD per night
- Distances between casinos are longer than they look, so wear comfortable shoes for the Strip
- Set a gambling budget in advance and treat any winnings as a bonus, not a plan
- Free casino drinks come with an expectation of tipping the server one to two dollars per round