Sin City is a place designed for tourism. From the glitz of the Strip to the stunning desert locale there’s something for everyone. Not to mention the dozens of world famous casinos. We’re going to take a look at some of the sights you don’t want to miss out on during your stay.
Hoover Dam
Photo via airwolfhound
Connecting the states of Arizona and Nevada at Black Canyon and the Colorado river respectively, this massive construction has become something of a landmark whilst functioning to control the flow of America’s largest reservoir. Attracting over a million visitors annually, it commands stunning views that shouldn’t be missed.
Cirque Du Soleil
Photo via Focka
Cirque Du Soleil is an iconic performance company, offering unparalleled spectacles in the world of dance choreography and acrobatics. Various casinos across Vegas house different arms of the shows, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them. While expensive, the experience is one that will stay with you for a lifetime.
The Mob Museum
Photo via Jeremy Thompson
Housed in a former federal courthouse, the Mob Museum now sheds a much-needed light on the city’s enduring ties with organised crime. Vegas was, in fact, originally conceived as gambling paradise by the East Coast mob whereby they could launder blood money through gambling revenue. Find out how noted gangsters like Al Capone, John Gotti and more gave birth to the bright lights of Vegas, and about the G-men who were dispatched to take them down.
Red Rock Canyon
Photo via Mark Boening Photography
Closer than the Grand Canyon, the Red Rock Canyon conservation area is a place of outstanding, sand-blown natural beauty in the Mojave Desert. While there’s a 13 mile car route you can follow straight through, consider taking advantage of some of the hiking and bike trails available. Just be sure to bring a map and plenty of water, as the going can get tough in hot temperatures.
The Strip
The Strip will form the core of any visit to Vegas. Save it for the evening when the bright lights will really pop. The best thing is that there’s so much you can see without spending a dime. The sheer scale of the big casinos is impressive in and of themselves, and most of them have some nifty particulars that stand out: New York has a miniature theme park; the Bellagio has a massive water fountain display; the Venetian has a permanently daylit mock-up of Venice, complete with gondola rides; while the Luxor has an agreeably ridiculous mock sphшnx and pyramid construction erected. If you do choose to gamble, set aside a stake at the start of the evening and don’t go over it, unless you fancy yourself a high roller. Just remember, it’s not nicknamed “Lost Wages” for nothing. If you’re at a table or free slot games with bonus features for any kind of duration there’s a good chance servers will offer you free drinks. Try to mix up the casinos you visit to slow down your spending and see the most of what’s on offer. If you’re done with the chips, most casinos have their own buzzing bar and nightclub scenes you can dip into afterward. In the morning, make sure to reward yourself with a champagne brunch buffet, a signature Las Vegas culinary offering. Keep an eye on the shellfish, though (it may not be all that fresh).
