Holidays to Las Vegas

Las Vegas travel guide

• When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?

  Apart from a slightly quieter period the week right before Christmas, any time of the year is pretty great for a visit to Vegas. November to February there might be a bit of rain (what’s new for us Brits?), and from June to August is when that desert sun soars in the sky so expect some super high temps. Have a gander at our handy chart below for a good idea of temps throughout the year.

  Oh, and don’t forget that Labour Day hits at the beginning of September, so it’ll be pretty busy and hotel rates will get whacked up too! On a budget? Head out to Sin City between January and April or from September to November, when prices are historically on the lower side.

• What are the best Las Vegas attractions for kids?

  Go for a splash

  If you’ve headed out in summer, then defo make time for a visit to The Tank at the Golden Nugget, smack bang in Downtown Vegas. A family-friendly pool, our fave thing about it is the slide that takes you right through the middle of an aquarium - with 5 different species of shark in it!

  It’s showtime

  You can still do a dinner and show, even with kids in tow! With Excalibur’s Tournament of Kings, you can eat with your actual hands as this live-action production in a 900-seat in-the-round theatre immerses you in the tale of King Arthur. We’ve always been Lancelot fans, ourselves…

  Then there’s Mystère by Cirque du Soleil at Treasure Island, which we reckon is mesmerising at any age. For more mega choreography, try Jabbawockeez at the MGM Grand. Voted ‘Best Family Show’ and ‘Best All Ages Show’ three years on the trot, it’s pretty good. They say Jabbawockeez is the most influential dance group in the world, but we’re sure they just haven’t seen Diversity perform yet.

  Forget Coral Island...

  The Fun Dungeon at Excalibur is a world-famous arcade full of classic favourites and brand-spanking new games. There’s over 200 of ‘em altogether, so we think an afternoon here will go quite quickly!

  Thrills

  You can start your thrill seeking off with a trip 550 feet above the Strip on the largest observation wheel in North America, the suitably Vegas-sounding High Roller. It takes a leisurely 30 mins to complete a cycle, so lap up those 360 degree views!

  You've also got the AdventureDome at Circus Circus – this indoor theme park is mega, with all sorts going on, from a classic pirate ship, to bumper cars, to indoor coasters like the Canyon Blaster and El Loco. The newest member of the group? That’d be NebulaZ. You’ll be sent spinning through the air on this one, with amazing views of the AdventureDome and all the goodies inside.

• What are the best Las Vegas attractions for adults?

  When it comes to adults, it's more of a case of what isn’t there to do?! Quite frankly, we could have you scrolling all day with all the things that Vegas serves up on a shiny gold plate, but we’ll keep it briefer than that. Consider these the high rollers of things to do in Las Vegas, the best of the best.

  Iconic attractions you HAVE to do

  First up, get thee in front of the Las Vegas welcome sign ASAP. You’ve not done Vegas til’ you’ve done the sign! Then you’ve gotta do the Bellagio Fountains – they’re on from 3pm to midnight on weekdays, and start even earlier at the weekend, so they’re dead easy to catch.

  The Fremont Street Experience in another classic. This pedestrian-friendly entertainment hub is constantly adding new entertainment zones and there’s always some sort of live entertainment going on. You can stroll at a leisurely place, or you can whizz right through on the SlotZilla zipline course. Dealer's choice.

  White knuckle thrills

  And because this is Vegas, the hotels here have rollercoasters strapped to ‘em. Like the famous STRAT, for example. For more height shenanigans, they’ve got the SkyPod, the tallest freestanding observation tower in the States. But for even more (seriously) white knuckle thrills, they’ve also got the Big Shot, where you’re, well, shot 160 feet into the air at 45mph, right over the Las Vegas Valley. The X-Scream, meanwhile, will teeter you 27 feet over the edge of the SkyPod.

  For something a little different

  For the blokes, on the north end of the Strip there’s Dig This, a ‘heavy equipment playground’, where you can choose some big toys to play with, from Caterpillar D5G bulldozers to 315CL hydraulic excavators – oo-er.

• Las Vegas shopping

  There’s bloody loads of shops on great big Las Vegas Boulevard, as well as the 1.2 mile retail and entertainment complex known as the Miracle Mile, smack bang in the heart of town. You’ll get familiar names from home, but you’ll also have your pick of some American giants like Sephora and Bloomingdales to play with.
  
  The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian & Pallazo hotels

  And then there’s The Shoppes, which you’ll find in the super elegant Venetian and Palazzo hotels. We’re talking big name designer stuff! And that’s not all, also in the Venetian you’ll find the Grand Canal Shoppes, chocka with even more of those swanky designer names and – here’s the kicker – it’s linked to the hotel via the beautiful Venetian Canal Network.

• Las Vegas dining

  If there’s any particular cuisine you’ve got a craving for, then you can probs get it in Vegas, and – even better – in most cases you can get it around the clock! Downtown is the place you wanna go for Italian diners, cheap breakfast joints, and fast food galore, but make your way to one of the lavish hotels and you’ll find out just how much of a hotspot Las Vegas has become for some seriously snazzy dining.
  
  Here’s some of our absolute faves:

  The Peppermill

  They say they’re ‘as Vegas as Vegas gets’ and this really is a Vegas icon! Since way back in the 70s the Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge has been serving up hearty dishes and oversized portions, and you can still get some of the original menu items like fresh fruit salad, French toast ambrosia and the famous Peppermill burger. Not only is its menu iconic, it’s a bit of a big screen icon too, having featured in loads of movies over the years – Casino and Showgirls, just to name a couple.

  Bacchanal Buffet

  Another Vegas icon is the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, and it’s as indulgent as it sounds. It’s had a fresh lick of paint recently, so it’s better than ever. The biggest buffet in Vegas, you can chow down on dozens of cuisines and literally hundreds of dishes – and watch them be prepared right in front of you. As they say, it’s like having nine high-end Vegas restaurants all in one place. Now, this is the way to round off a hard day’s walking on the Strip!

  Gordon Ramsay Steak

  This place opened in 2012 and has been mega popular ever since. Unsurprisingly, steak is the big thing here, and they do it really, really well. It’s a big and buzzing place, great for group meals if you’ve flown out with a bunch of friends. Our fave bit? You enter the restaurant through a replica London tube station.

• Las Vegas nightlife

  We all know that Sin City by day is well and good, but night is when your Las Vegas holiday really comes to life. Most of the big name attractions and shows on the Strip will be found in the fancy hotels and their casinos, but there a few gems to be found elsewhere too!

  Hakkasan @ MGM Grand

  Go big or go home, baby! This club is MASSIVE, like five floors covering 80,000 feet massive. There’s loads of VIP and top-end options here, making it one of the most expensive out there but the general entrance free isn’t too steep. You can expect a modern décor with some sumptuous Far East influences thrown in too, and there’s even a restaurant with some Cantonese classics too. Steve Aoki, the Chainsmokers and Tiesto have all played here. Come for the music, stay for the very rich people watching!

  Omnia @ Caesars Palace

  Owned by the same folks as Hakkasan, you can expect the same level of extravagance and luxury here. It packs cutting-edge technology, some super stylish décor, and big name guests like Martin Garrix and Steve Aoki into another mega big space. Make sure to check out the rooftop terrace, and then once you’ve caught some fresh air head back down for the world-class light show.

  XS in Encore @ Wynn Las Vegas

  Another big hitter, this place has been awarded ‘best club in the USA’ a whole bunch of times. Inspired by the curves of the human body – oo-er! – it’s a sensual sorta place. Think gold statues, chandeliers, and a lovely poolside patio. Diplo, the Chainsmokers, and Marshmellow are all regular performers here.

  But if you’re not into hardcore clubbing, then there’s still loads of iconic Vegas nightlife action to get in on, like the Bellagio Fountains, erupting volcano at The Mirage and the pirate show at Treasure Island…

• Las Vegas weddings

  Elvis is always on hand (or any number of celebrity lookalikes) should you wish to tie the knot during your trip to Las Vegas. The city has plenty of wedding venues, ranging from the dramatic (atop the Eiffel Tower) to the Romantic (the glorious wedding chapel at Bellagio) and the most notorious; The Little White Chapel drive-in wedding chapel. Weddings are big business in Las Vegas with 100,000 wedding licenses issued every year.

• Lifestyle and culture in Las Vegas

  Beyond the hotels and casinos, there’s some real culture to be explored and discovered in Vegas. After all, you can only sit at the slot machines for so long! But this is Vegas, so what’s on offer is a little different from your usual museums and art galleries…

  The Neon Museum

  The place where neon signs go to die, this ‘cemetery’ is where you can find Vegas icons of old, like the original Aladdin’s lamp from Aladdin casino, the Silver Slipper, and the Golden Nugget. Our advice? Take the tour after the sun sets, so you can catch some of those bad boys in all their neon glory, just like they should be!

  The National Atomic Testing Museum

  It’s not all glitz and glamour in this neck of the woods. There’s a more ominous history behind Vegas, where back in the 50s they realised that Vegas wasn’t just a great place for acting out your fantasies, it was also a neat place for doing a whole load of nuclear testing – about 65 miles northwest of the centre of the city. This museum, just east of the Strip, tells the story of the nuclear testing program with more than 12,000 objects.

  Art-o-Mat

  Long since banned, there’s a bunch of cigarette vending machines that now sell pocket-sized pieces of art for just $5! Go looking for them at The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino, and then spend a good while trying to decide exactly what you want.

  Atomic Liquors

  Back in the 50s, patrons of this joint would sip ‘atomic’ cocktails on the roof whilst watching the blasts 65 miles to the north. Barbra Streisand even used to come here, back in the day! More than 60 years later, it’s still here, and still serving atomic-themed cocktails. Find them on Fremont Street.

• Day trips from Las Vegas

  One thing people overlook about Vegas is just how bloomin' well situated it is for day trips! Here's a few that are easily do-able with some car hire (we can help with that!), but non-drivers can enjoy them as part of a tour too.
  
  The Valley of Fire
  
  Nevada's largest state park, smack bang in the Mojave desert. It's full of these mega mysterious petroglyphs, as well as gorgeous - and iconic - vistas. You'll probs feel like you've been here before because they've been featured in so many TV ads and films!
  
  Red Rock Canyon
  
  Super close to the Strip, this place is just 20 miles away from downtown Vegas. It's famous for its massive (we're talking 3,000ft high!) rock formation formed by a geological fault - where the Earth’s Crust has been ripped apart. Enjoy it from your car, or get out and hop on a bike, climb or even camp in certain areas. The canyon is your oyster!
  
  Death Valley
  
  This one's a bit more of a trek to get to, but totally worth it just to say "I've been to Death Valley." It's in the Mojave desert, but you'll have to go to Eastern California to actually reach it. The hottest, direst and lowest of the USA's national parks, it can reach a blistering 50°C during the summer. That'll be the 'death' part, then! Spend some time here (with LOTS of water), and you'll feel like you're on another planet. Cheaper than SpaceX!
  
  The Grand Canyon

  Nothing will prepare you for the absolute buzz of seeing this world wonder for the first time. The Grand Canyon, whether you visit morning, afternoon or evening, will leave you bloomin' well speechless. The sheer vastness of this place is hard to comprehend and with three different rims to visit - south, north and west – you’ll find endless spectacular views. If you tick one thing off your Las Vegas bucket list, make it this one.

  More trips from Las Vegas

  Lake Mead is a tropical oasis in the middle of the Nevada Desert - you can take a stately and elegant cruise of the waters, and take afternoon tea on board. Then right next door is the mega impressive Hoover Dam. Originally completed in 1935, it's got a fascinating visitor centre with great views of the Black Canyon below.

• Las Vegas events - what's on when?

  With casinos and shows running constantly throughout the year, there’s always something to keep you entertained during holidays to Vegas. But aside from all the nightclubs and excessive shopping, there are various other events held throughout the year.

  January – Consumer Electronic Show

  As one of the most important technology conventions of the year, this annual event sees the who’s who of technology companies, inventors and gadget makers descend upon Vegas, along with over 140,000 attendees. The event is the perfect opportunity to showcase and share upcoming tech.

  February – Mayor’s Cup International Soccer Tournament

  It’s not just partying and gambling in Las Vegas, there’s also plenty of sporting events and activities around. Every February this youth tournament is co-hosted by the City of Las Vegas and the Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club, showcasing 350 teams from around the world. Coaches and scouts head down to spot the top sporting talent.

  March – NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Weekend

  The Las Vegas Motor Speedway plays home to the NASCAR weekend every year. This popular American sport includes a number of events including Pole Day for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series and the Kobalt Tools 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

  April - Viva Las Vegas

  This rockabilly weekender is held at the Orleans Hotel and Casino and features a whole host of different events including burlesque dancing, vintage clothing and car shows, music, and various special events such as a pin up contest, bowling and a tattoo contest. Experience the true spirit of Las Vegas.

  May - Las Vegas Helldorado Days

  This annual festival has been taking place since 1934, and was originally created to help draw people into Las Vegas. The festival comprises of a rodeo - which is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event - a parade and carnival, all of which honour cowboy culture. It’s fun for the whole family.

  June - Reggae in the Desert

  This annual celebration is the largest reggae festival in Las Vegas, and celebrates the art of the music and the Caribbean lifestyle. Featuring some of the most legendary performers in the reggae world, alongside a wide variety of culinary delights, and with multiple arts and crafts on offer, this is a great celebration for everyone to enjoy.

  July – Red, White & Boom

  Taking place on the 4th of July weekend, celebrate America’s Independence Day at the Mandalay Bay Beach. With a spectacular fireworks display, a monstrous carnival, along with music acts over the course of two days, this is fun filled action for all the family.

  August - Official Star Trek Convention

  You’ve never been to a fan convention quite like a Star Trek convention. With actors and devotees alike descending upon the Rio Suites Hotel, throw on your best Borg outfit and revel in everything intergalactic.

  September - The Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive & Festival

  Held at multiple locations across Vegas, this is four days of non-stop fun. With the festival aiming to promote and celebrate a full spectrum of belly dancing, including tribal, oriental, folkloric and fusion, this diverse and exciting extravaganza will educate, excite and entertain you all at once.

  October – OktoberFrightFest

  Taking place on Fremont Street, you’ll find the ultimate street party as Oktoberfest and Halloween merge to create something spectacular. With free performances from popular stage productions, amazing costumes and a beer festival, this is a Halloween like no other.

  November - Nevada Film Festival

  Every year the city of Las Vegas hosts this amazing and exciting film festival to celebrate the best in American and international cinema. With filmmakers, industry professional and an audience that grows year on year, this is becoming one of the most exciting film festivals in the United States. With multiple screenings of a variety of films, ranging from shorts and documentaries to drama and animations, there’s something for everyone.

  December – America’s Party: Las Vegas New Year

  America’s Party is the official name for the Las Vegas NYE party, and it’s definitely the bash of the year. If you want to celebrate the New Year somewhere a little different, then the party capital of the world is the perfect place; with themed fireworks extravaganzas on the strip, live concerts, and even more fireworks underneath the canopy at the Fremont Street Experience, this will be an NYE you won’t forget.

• Las Vegas travel advice

  Do you need a visa for Las Vegas?

  Everyone travelling into America must have completed the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, or ESTA for short, a US Customs & Passport Control entry requirement. US Immigration may well refuse you entry at border control if you do not complete the online form.

  How much should I tip in Las Vegas?

  There is a 7.5% restaurant tax in Las Vegas for eat-in and takeaway food. The tax is normally added to the bill at the time of payment, although some buffets and fast food chains may incorporate the tax in their prices. Service charges are usually added to the bill for groups of six or more, and it’s considered polite to leave a tip of around 15-20% of the total meal cost if you’ve been looked after well, 10% if not.