Las Vegas holidays: the Strip, the shows and the desert beyond
Neon, shows and casinos in the middle of the Mojave, with some of America's greatest national parks a few hours away. Las Vegas is more than gambling if you know where to look.
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The Las Vegas Strip
Photo: Julian Paefgen / Unsplash
Las Vegas, a city built for the night
Ten at night outside the Bellagio fountains, a few hundred strangers around you. The music starts, the water leaps, and for three minutes the Strip falls silent. The next morning you drive into the desert, and within half an hour there is nothing but red rock and blue sky. Las Vegas works because of its extremes.
The city lies in Nevada in the American south-west. Most of the action is along Las Vegas Boulevard, the Strip, and in the old downtown around Fremont Street. For the rest of the country, see our USA travel guide.
What to see
The Strip
Around four miles of mega-resorts, casinos, shows and restaurants. Distances are longer than they look, so wear proper shoes.
Fremont Street
Old Vegas, with a light show on the canopy above the street and smaller, older casinos.
Shows
Cirque du Soleil, magicians and resident headliners. Our pick is in Las Vegas shows.
The Arts District
Breweries, vintage shops and murals south of downtown. A breather from the casinos.
Day trips
Red Rock Canyon: red sandstone and hiking trails half an hour from the Strip.
Valley of Fire: Nevada's oldest state park, with fiery red rock formations.
The Grand Canyon: the South Rim is a long drive, the West Rim and its glass Skywalk closer. See our Grand Canyon guide.
Good to know
Almost every hotel adds a nightly resort fee that is not always in the first price you see. Check the total.
Summers are extremely hot. Drink plenty of water and avoid hiking at midday.
Most international visitors need an ESTA or a visa to enter the USA.
Tipping is expected in restaurants, bars and taxis.
Bellagio
Photo: Hotels.com
Where to stay
Our Las Vegas hotel guide picks hotels on the Strip and downtown.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Bellagio
Frequently asked questions about Las Vegas
When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
March to May and October to November, when it is warm but not too hot for desert day trips.
How many days do you need in Las Vegas?
Three or four days covers the Strip, a couple of shows and a day trip to Red Rock or the Grand Canyon.
What is a resort fee in Las Vegas?
A fixed nightly charge added to the room rate, covering things like the pool and Wi-Fi, payable whether you use them or not.
Can you do a day trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?
Yes. The West Rim is about two and a half hours away, the South Rim four to five hours each way.