Las Vegas - is it a sin? Only if you never visit! This man-made adult paradise not only pays homage to all the greatest historical sites in the world but recreates them, maybe even improves them, all within a 7km stretch of concrete, neon, fountains and flames. The Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, The Sphinx and the Statue of Liberty all sparkle and glitter in hopes of luring the unwary into a lair of visceral pleasures.Do you feel like being a member of King Arthurs court? How about touring the Canals of Venice? Perhaps explore the pyramids of Luxor? In Las Vegas, all this is possible and more - much, much more!Las Vegas is a garish, lurid, but (almost) sophisticated city constantly ablaze in an explosion of neon tubes and xenon searchlights, a place where the most opulent accommodation is the norm, the flashiest cars and extravagant fashions 'the every day'.No matter where you go, it will seem like the world has been put on hold for a while. That the only thing that matters is your enjoyment, your pleasure. And no matter what your pleasure the hotels, casinos and clubs are there to cater to your every whim in a mountain of endless buffets, a sea of free drinks and non-stop entertainment, 24/7.
A Brief History
The Las Vegas of today is a far cry from its humble, pious beginnings back in 1855, when Mormons first built a fort here. The mining industry moved in to the area in the 1880s when minerals were found, followed by farmers taking advantage of cheap government farmland in their droves . The Los Angeles / Salt Lake City train line was completed in 1902 and Las Vegas became a way-station along the route. This allowed for expansion of the town and further development and Las Vegas was inaugurated as a city in 1905.Along with Nellis Air Force base, there was a substantial defence industry in Las Vegas during World War Two. Following the war, gambling and casinos led the way and Las Vegas burgeoned with money, mostly from organised crime, causing hotel construction and land development to grow at an accelerated pace. The earning potential of gambling was not lost on big business and during the 1960s corporate America moved in on the scene. Suddenly, the city had an air of legitimacy and tourists streamed in from all over the U.S to enjoy the newly named 'gaming industry'. Over the next few decades, Las Vegas continued to expand from a population of around 160,000 residents and 12 million visitors in 1980, to 600,000 residents and almost 40 million visitors by 2010, contributing almost nine billion dollars in revenue.
Things to see and do
The scope of adventure in Vegas is virtually limitless. This is truly an adults playground, with all the hotels vying to have the biggest, most extravagant, and sometimes craziest attractions to lure you inside.The Mirage Hotel has a 16m (54ft) high volcano that spews smoke and lava every fifteen minutes, as well as the 'Secret Garden' inside the hotel where many exotic animals including panthers, elephants and tigers prowl. The island inside the Flamingo Hotel is a tropical paradise of waterfalls and streams, complete with birds and wildlife. Don't miss the Light and Water Fountain Show at the Bellagio, where balls of water hover mysteriously in the air and jets of water dance through a spectacular light show. Inside the hotel is an amazing indoor garden with different botanical displays, changing to match each season.The MGM Grand Hotel has a Lion Habitat in the main casino - a 465 sq m (5,000 sq ft) glass-enclosed habitat where you can watch lions feed, laze and play. Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay Resort is an almost four million litre salt water aquarium, showcasing marine and estuarine creatures. Circus Circus Hotel has a continuous show of circus acts including high wire, trapeze, jugglers and all manner of big top fun. The ten minute shows repeat every half hour. The Venetian Hotel offers gondola rides along the canals of the hotel and past the Grand Canal Shoppes inside. In downtown Las Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience is a marvellous overhead light and projection show that changes themes throughout the year.Perhaps the most amazing (and terrifying) of all Las Vegas attractions is at the Stratosphere Hotel and Tower. At the top of this massive 350m (1,150ft) high observation tower - taller than any other free standing observation tower in the U.S! - there is a roller coaster, a sky jump where you'll leap from the 108th floor, a sling shot to shoot you 50m (160 ft) up into the sky to an altitude of 340m (1,081 ft), and 'Insanity' - where you'll spin at up to 3 Gs, at 275m (900 ft) above the Vegas strip.If you're looking to blow off some steam away from the strip and speed is your thing, why not visit the Las Vegas Motor Speedway where you can see NASCAR and Las Vegas Indy Car events at different times throughout the year. There is also the Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix, where adults can drive full size Grand Prix cars and there are go karts for the kids.There's more to see outside of the strip too. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is just a few kilometres outside the city and has spectacular vistas of rugged sandstone cliffs and scrabbly desert wasteland. Floyd Lamb State Park has more than 2,000 acres of picnic and parklands to enjoy, as well as four fully stocked ponds where you can go fishing (you'll need a Nevada Fishing License though).
Getting Around
The only ways to reach Las Vegas are by air or road. The closest airport is McCarran International Airport and is only a few minutes from the The Strip. The easiest way to get downtown is by airport shuttles which are located near the airport taxi ranks. The shuttles are quick and cheap and operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Las Vegas is a compact city but still there will be times when you'll want to ride instead of walk. There is an efficient public transport system served by the Citizens Area Transit (CAT) public bus system that covers most of the city. Fares are a little more expensive on the Strip than the rest of the city, but are still reasonable. Taxis are abundant and fares are usually inexpensive if travelling within the city. There is a modern monorail that runs from the MGM Grand Hotel to the Sahara Hotel, stopping at many of the big hotels in between on the east side of the Strip.Car hire in Las Vegas is plentiful, with reasonable rates and cheap parking this can be an economical way to see the city. If you're able to spend a little more there is always the option to go for something more exotic - like a Ferrari or a Hummer. However the prices will be more exotic to match!But the best way to see the Strip is on foot. Walking between the mega-hotels is an experience in itself and it's easy to spend hours just watching the incredible displays at the top hotels. The Strip is longer than many people think, so wear comfortable shoes and remember to keep your fluids up as it's easy to get dehydrated in the dry climate.
Weather
The weather in Las Vegas is known as 'subtropical arid climate' and is generally warm and sunny, with around 300 days of sunshine per year. The temperatures in winter are mild with average highs of 16°C (60°F) and chilly nights of around 4°C (40°F). Summer can be very hot, averaging around 40°C (104°F) in July and August with night time temperatures of around 25°C (77°F). As most visitors spend the majority of their time in the casinos and hotels, they find the temperature depends more on whether they're on a winning or losing streak!
Good to Know
Around 5.5% of all marriages in the US occur in Las Vegas.Room service in hotels can be expensive, so consider visiting the cafe or coffee shop in your hotel foyer instead. They're usually open 24 hours a day and are quick and cheap - after all they want you to stay as close to the casino as possible!Most taxis in Las Vegas won’t accept travellers cheques, so be sure to have enough cash to pay for the fare.Las Vegas has a very dry climate so be sure to drink plenty of fluids and carry moisturiser and lip balm. If you're out in the heat of the day don't forget sunscreen.Many of the hotels are huge and rooms can be hundreds of metres from the lifts. If you are elderly or travelling with young children, request a room close to the lifts to avoid a long walk.Tipping is Las Vegas the norm, so expect to add between 15 and 20 percent to most bills and services.It is illegal for minors under 21 years to be on the gaming floors at any time.
Staying here
As you'd expect, Las Vegas has some of the most incredible accommodation experiences in the world. But there's more than just the mega-hotels. Las Vegas accommodation is generally across four areas of the city. The Strip is where the majority of the international themed hotels and casinos are located. This is the place to stay if you want the true Vegas experience, you'll pay a premium to stay here but everything is catered for and all attractions are close by. Off the Strip are the more traditional hotels that are still well known but don't have the mega-theming aspect. They are usually cheaper but no less comfortable. Downtown is the older part of the city somewhat less upscale than the Strip, but there are still many accommodation options available. There are many hotels and motels in the suburbs of Las Vegas as well, that are cheaper than those closer in. As there are casinos in the suburbs as well, this could be a cheaper option if gambling is your focus.