City Breaks in Las Vegas

Set in Nevada’s Mojave Desert, Las Vegas quite aptly calls itself the Entertainment Capital of the World. And it really is a place filled with lively venues that are open all hours of the day.

Now a major tourist hotspot, it’s interesting to note that Vegas only really grew as a casino city in the 1930s. Since then, a huge variety of extravagant hotels and casinos have sprung up, so you can hop from one place to the other without even braving the desert air for longer than a few moments if you like.

Beyond the bright lights, there’s lots more to see and do for the perfect city break in Las Vegas. It’s surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful National Parks like Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and scrubby desert, so you really can get out into the wild if you want to. 

The city that never sleeps

Vegas really is a city that’s on the go 24/7. And The Strip is at the heart of the action with its extravagant hotels, each themed around iconic sights like the Luxor Pyramid making it both an awe-inspiring and surreal place to visit.

Top casinos include The Bellagio, The Palazzo, The Mirage and The Venetian, but there are so many to choose from, it really is worth doing a bit of homework to make the most of your trip before you go.  At the Bellagio you can also see their stunning fountains. It’s easily one of the city’s best known sights and with good reason. It’s a genuinely spectacular display.  

Downtown has a slightly different, more laid-back vibe and it’s worth checking out for a change of tempo. Here you also have the oldest hotel in Vegas, The Golden Gate Hotel & Casino.

 

Art and culture

The average tourist might not associate Vegas with the arts. But there’s a thriving scene here, and it’s even the setting of the award-winning Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts.

Museums include the quirky Neon Museum with a huge collection of historical signs. And the Downtown Arts District is where you’ll find lots of lots of galleries, or even drop in at various art events there too, like First Friday which sees a whole melting pot of local talent in music, art and food

 

Dining out

Typical of Las Vegas’ energetic and elaborate atmosphere, the restaurants in the city offer delicious food, and plenty of it. Some places are even known for hosting eating competitions.

Some top picks include Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse, Viva Las Arepas for Venezuelan cuisine, The Cheesecake Factory which is legendary for its gorgeously indulgent food, and the Veggie House, appropriately serving vegetarian dishes.