Where can you see Paris, Venice, New York and even ancient Egypt, in one day? Only
in Las Vegas! No other city offers a rollercoaster ride across the New York skyline,
high-stakes blackjack, a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower, a live pirate show,
tigers, and all-you-can-eat Kobe beef in a single day. Las Vegas hotels competing
for visitors are in a constant battle to outdo one another with bigger shows, swankier
bars, and the most memorable surroundings.
To keep up with the city’s diverse clientele, dining and shopping scenes have become
increasingly sophisticated. Vegas was once derided by restaurant critics, but the
city is now awash in fantastic restaurants featuring all types of cuisine. Naturally,
the ubiquitous cheap buffet is still found in every hotel, but top chefs also offer
signature dishes at upscale spots in Las Vegas. The best places for shopping boast
a huge array of designer names as well as plenty of shops offering requisite hats,
t-shirts and Elvis memorabilia.
Las Vegas, at just 100 years old, may not be known for its history, but visit once
and you’ll understand that this unique American place has created its own
version of history. It was built for tourists, a whirl of entertainment that’s
an ode to capitalism, excess and the possibility of striking it rich – or at the
very least, having a blast while trying to break even.
If nonstop neon isn’t your thing, don’t forget about the world beyond the casino
walls. The Las Vegas area is home to impressive feats of engineering and great natural
beauty. Hoover Dam is a short drive away, and Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire
State Park are just a few of the rugged landscapes that offer an outdoorsy respite
from the glitz of Vegas. You can even book a helicopter day tour to visit the Grand
Canyon.
Las Vegas Fun Facts:
- When Paul Anka first played Vegas he was too young to be allowed in the casino.
- Bugsy Siegel named his casino the Flamingo after the long legs of his showgirl girlfriend.
- In Nevada it is mandatory that video slot machines pay a minimum of 75 percent on
average.
- Vegas Vic, the enormous neon cowboy that towers over Fremont Street, is the world’s
largest mechanical neon sign.
- Howard Hughes stayed at the Desert Inn for so long that he was asked to leave. He
bought the hotel.
- Camels were used as pack animals in Nevada as late as 1870.
- Over 38.9 million people visit Las Vegas each year.
- Seventeen of the 20 biggest hotels in the U.S. are in Las Vegas.