Las Vegas travel guide
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Las Vegas is situated in the lower part of the state of Nevada and sits in the center of the Mojave Desert. Who would have guessed to find in the desert, a city of lights, and all you can eat buffets, casinos and the ultimate city of entertainment?
Las Vegas (often informally abbreviated to 'Vegas') is the most populous city in the state of Nevada, United States, the seat of Clark County, and an internationally known vacation, shopping, entertainment, and gambling destination. It was established in 1905 and officially became a city in 1911. It is the largest U.S. city founded in the 20th century.
The name Las Vegas is often applied to the unincorporated areas of Clark County that surround the city, especially the resort areas on and near the Las Vegas Strip. This 4½ mi (7.2 km) stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard is mostly outside the Las Vegas city limits, in the unincorporated towns of Paradise and Winchester.
The center of gambling in the United States, Las Vegas is marketed as The Entertainment Capital of the World, also commonly known as Sin City or Vice City, due to the popularity of legalized gambling, availability of alcoholic beverages at any time (as is true throughout Nevada), and various forms and degrees of adult entertainment. The city's glamorous image has made it a popular setting for films and television programs.
The skyline of Vegas is an eclectic array, dreamed up by the moguls of the fabulous theme hotels, you'll see an Ancient Pyramid, the Statue of Liberty, a few blocks down the Eiffel Tower and an exploding volcano.
Downtown Las Vegas is the nostalgic part of Las Vegas with brightly lit and sparkly neon signs that illuminate the night sky. It’s only fit that the first neon sign was lit here in 1929. The famous cowboy neon sign stands here and this stretch is also home to the Binion’s Hotel & Casino that holds the infamous World Series of Poker event.
The casinos in Las Vegas are almost as famous for entertainment as they are for gambling. But we’ve come a long way from cookie-cutter chorus girls on every stage, although you can still enjoy them at nostalgia productions like Jubilee! at Bally’s and Folies Bergere at the Tropicana. Now, every taste can be accommodated. You like amazing acrobats? Try any Cirque du Soleil show. Magic? Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo is the king with Siegfried & Roy on permanent hiatus. Golden-throated vocals? Clint Holmes at Harrah’s is one contender for Wayne Newton’s crown. Musical impressions? Few people alive can match the range and variety of Danny Gans at the Mirage. And that just scratches the surface. If your pocketbook can take the strain, you can reserve seats noon to midnight for an entire long weekend in a place like Vegas, and you’ll still leave several shows unseen.
Just be prepared to rise at noon and feast on endless amounts of food at 3am. Vegas is about fun. As they say, 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. So live it up in Vegas!
Hanging around in Las Vegas? Don't miss the town buzzing gambling life of the town and try 7-card-stud poker game! In the case you're already an expert player you can try Texas Holdem or Omaha and Omaha Hi/Lo Poker. Our Poker strategy guide can help a lot in your way to winning!
Las Vegas travel deals
- Phoenix to Las Vegas flight + 2 nights hotel $297
- From Phoenix: flight + 2 nights hotel to Las Vegas $297
- San Francisco to Las Vegas flight + 2 nights hotel $321
- San Diego to Las Vegas flight + 2 nights hotel $337
- Orange County to Las Vegas flight + 2 nights hotel $337
- From Orange County: flight + 2 nights hotel to Las Vegas $337
- Oakland to Las Vegas flight + 2 nights hotel $339
- rated for 95%
Review added on February 26, 2009 >> by MadSuh
Las Vegas is one of the best places to visit. It's one of the few destinations that offer a little bit of everything as well as a lot of extras. Besides all the gambling that people think of, there are a ton of other things to do. Whether you like magic shows or other entertainment, Vegas is for you. If you want to experience some of the best buffets or a la carte restaurants, Vegas won't let you down either. Also, Las Vegas is a great Family destination with lots of things to do for kids.
Vegas offers many tours to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and you can even go skiing. And for all the ladies out there... shopping is awesome, and so is the wellness and beach program. No wonder that this is a top destination in the US, enjoy!
Read our members' travel tips about Las Vegas
Canvassers on Las Vegas Boulevard >> added on October 13, 2009, by erato
Be careful when you walk around on the Las Vegas Boulevard, you might meet some very perseverent canvassers. They are trying really hard to get some clients for the strip bars of the area. Be careful, they are very sustained even if you don't talk to them, but if you do.... well, you won't be able to get rid of them. I would advise not to start talking with them, unless you want to visit such a bar. ;)
Poker Rates - Room Discounts for Players >> added on October 5, 2009, by MadSuh
When in Vegas and you want to play some cards, make sure that you ask the floorman about the casino's poker rates. You can get huge discounts, up to 70% off. Also, you do not have to gamble for a lot of money, the rates apply also for the smallest limit tables.
I used to take advantage of these great poker rates at the MGM, the Excalibur, and at Luxor.
Most casinos will ask you to play a combined 5 hours, meaning that if you and your friend go there and play a total of 2 1/2 hours, it's usually enough to get the discount.
Rios's Village Seafood Buffet >> added on August 11, 2009, by MadSuh
The Rio Seafood Buffet is truly amazing. It's one of the higher priced buffets in Vegas and was often ranked the #1 buffet in town. There is also a world buffet, but that one is not really that great. At the Village Seafood Buffet, you will have a huge selection of food from all over the world as well as all you can eat Alaska King crabs and lobster tails. Yummy
What our community has to say about Las Vegas
Las Vegas - Overview, by travelgrove-editor
Travel Tips - Las Vegas, by travelgrove-editor
Las Vegas again, by MadSuh
Las Vegas - overview, by lindamura
Las Vegas - History, by mohds2
Las Vegas - Nightlife, by mohds2
Las Vegas - Sights, by mohds2
Browse our members' Las Vegas galleries to get a better impression of the place
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