Las Vegas, NV

Travel Guide

A neon sign with 'WELCOME TO Fabulous LAS VEGAS' and a star above it.
A night view of the Las Vegas Strip with prominent landmarks like Caesars Palace and the Luxor Hotel.
A brightly lit entertainment district with neon signs for stores like Sephora and Planet Hollywood.
A bustling casino area with a large building featuring a prominent 'Treasure Island' sign, a fountain, and a pool with gondolas.
The Eiffel Tower, Planet Hollywood, and the Las Vegas Strip at night.

You’ll feel like you hit the jackpot in Las Vegas, where glitz and glamor meet stunning landscapes and fascinating culture.

An oasis of light, sound and color in the middle of the Mojave Desert, dynamic Las Vegas, Nevada, has established itself as the destination for nightlife and entertainment. The Strip, a four-mile (six-kilometer) portion of Las Vegas Boulevard (technically located outside Las Vegas city limits in adjacent Paradise, Nevada), is the glittering epicenter of Las Vegas nightlife. But the soul of Las Vegas isn’t just found in its performers and roulette wheels. It’s in its eclectic and offbeat art, vibrant culture and the stunning natural beauty of the desert surrounding it.

The best areas for accommodation in Las Vegas

Home to incredible restaurants, shopping and 24-hour entertainment, the Strip is one of the best places for first-timers to stay in Las Vegas. Illuminated by bright lights and brilliant neon signs, the elaborately themed casinos, hotels and resorts clamor for attention, offering a feast for the senses. Stroll the Strip and marvel at the streetside attractions, from a half-scale Eiffel Tower to an ancient Egyptian Sphinx.

Close to some of the best of Las Vegas’ bars and restaurants and boasting a thriving arts scene, the Gateway District and Downtown Las Vegas are great places to stay in Las Vegas for couples. A little quieter than the Strip, both neighborhoods combine historic art deco architecture with vintage Vegas kitsch. Planning an elopement in the Wedding Capital of the World? The Gateway District is home to some of Las Vegas’ most famous chapels.

With plenty of parks and family-friendly resorts and close to stunning Red Rock Canyon, Summerlin is one of the best places to stay in Las Vegas for families looking to take advantage of the city’s proximity to natural beauty and outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking. For a family-friendly stay closer to attractions on the Strip, try Enterprise, a few miles south.

Las Vegas Travel Guide Video

How many days to spend in Las Vegas

Three days is enough time to hit the iconic Las Vegas highlights on the Strip. With four days or more, head to downtown and the Arts District. In a week, add a day trip to Valley of Fire or Lake Mead, or explore other treasures of the National Park System further afield.

The vibe of Las Vegas

Visitors are drawn to Las Vegas for its zest for life and open-hearted spirit. Whether you’re a high roller looking for luxury or an outdoorsy thrill seeker looking for a rock climbing challenge, Las Vegas will bring your dreams to life. This rapidly growing city is constantly changing, with eclectic art installations, exciting new attractions and a constant influx of new residents. At the same time, Las Vegas loves to celebrate its kitschy past. Mascots of Old Vegas, such as the 40-foot (12-meter) neon cowboy, “Vegas Vic,” welcome visitors and new residents alike to enjoy their time in one of the brightest places on Earth.

What is Las Vegas famous for?

Roll the dice and spin the roulette wheel: Las Vegas casinos have been famous since the early 20th century. Las Vegas earned the nickname “Sin City” for illegal gambling and other shady business. Gambling was legalized in Nevada in 1931, and after World War II, Las Vegas blossomed as a glamorous destination, hosting entertainers like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Las Vegas has starred in many Hollywood blockbusters, including Casino (1995) and Ocean’s 11 (1960). Uncover the city’s sordid secrets at the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, also known as The Mob Museum. Vegas today showcases all forms of entertainment, including professional sports teams such as the Golden Knights (NHL), the Raiders (NFL) and the Aces (WNBA).

Events in Las Vegas

As well as boasting a dynamic lineup of resort performers and residencies, Las Vegas events draw millions of visitors to the city. Feel the music at festivals such as the iHeartRadio Music Festival in September. Electric Daisy Carnival in May is an EDM blowout, while October’s When We Were Young Music Festival is a pop-punk bash. For racing fans, Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix (November) and NASCAR, then turns festive for the Glittering Lights holiday event from November to January. Life is Beautiful (September) and Las Vegas Pride Weekend (October) show off Downtown Las Vegas at its quirky, big-hearted best.

Top attractions in Las Vegas

The most iconic thing to do in Las Vegas for first-timers is to let yourself be dazzled by the spectacle of the Strip. Make your way north from the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign to The Strat and survey Las Vegas from 1,149 feet (350 meters) up. Visit the historic casinos in Downtown Las Vegas, or explore the city’s history with a tour of The Neon Museum’s collection of vintage signs.

The 18b Arts District is a great place to kick off a romantic vacation, offering plenty of things to do for couples. The area is packed with cozy coffee shops and creative cocktail bars. Sample craft beers along Brewery Row, or celebrate local culture at First Friday. Enjoy drinks at a hip bar, or head underground to one of Vegas’ intimate, atmospheric speakeasies.

A playground for young and old, Las Vegas has plenty of attractions for families to enjoy. Take the crew out on a kayaking tour of Emerald Cave (about an hour from Las Vegas), or enjoy circus acts and arcade games at the Circus Circus Carnival Midway. Explore the Mob Museum, be transported by AREA15’s mind-boggling artworks, or play with the exhibits at the Pinball Museum.

Whether you want to gamble all night or treat the family to great attractions and entertainment, you’ll find your favorite activities here.

Las Vegas, known for gambling and bright lights, also offers family-friendly entertainment and attractions. Stroll along The Strip at night and marvel at dozens of high-end casinos, many with attractive fountains, themed features and street-side entertainment.

Gambling developed in the early days of Las Vegas to attract men constructing the nearby Boulder Dam. Learn about the intertwined history of gambling and crime in Las Vegas and across America at the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, aka the Mob Museum.

Today dozens of casinos offer legal gambling, from penny slot machines to high-stakes tables, but you don’t have to gamble to enjoy Las Vegas. Entertainment ranges from Cirque du Soleil to comedy acts, magic shows and big-name performers, including Celine Dion and Britney Spears.

Gaze at the city’s one-of-a-kind structures. The Stratosphere Tower offers views from 1,149 feet (350 meters) in the air as well as catapults, sky jumps and free-fall rides from the dizzying height. See a half-scale Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas and replicas of the Statue of Liberty and buildings from the Manhattan skyline at New York New York Hotel.

The Bellagio’s fountains provide outstanding water shows with lights and music. Enjoy the conservatory and botanical gardens of this Italian-style hotel. See more than 2,000 marine animals at the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. The Fremont Street Experience has zip-line rides and free nightly light shows. Enjoy 25 rides and attractions at the Adventuredome at Circus Circus. Visit 160 shops and restaurants at the Forum at Caesars Palace.

Experience outdoor adventures in less than a 1-hour drive from the neon lights of Las Vegas. Hike in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and explore the Mojave Desert. See the engineering marvel of Hoover Dam, formerly Boulder Dam, and its man-made Lake Mead.

The city proudly promises, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Make a visit to Las Vegas and you’ll want to stay here too.

Where to stay in Las Vegas

Find the best Las Vegas areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Las Vegas
Learn more about Las Vegas

Las Vegas Strip

Visitors to Las Vegas Strip rave about its fantastic nightlife, great live music, and first-class casinos. You might also want to make some time to see Bellagio Casino or Colosseum at Caesars Palace while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Las Vegas

Visitors to Downtown Las Vegas rave about its fantastic nightlife, great live music, and first-class casinos. You might also want to make some time to see Fremont Street Experience or Golden Nugget Casino while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Arts District

While visiting Arts District, you might make a stop by sights like Arts Factory and Studio West Photography.

Lake Las Vegas

Lake Las Vegas is known for its panoramic lake views, and you can see some sights in the area like Lake Las Vegas and Reflection Bay Golf Club.

Summerlin

Travelers come to Summerlin for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Casino at JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Darling Tennis Center while you're in town.

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

5 out of 5
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas NV
$182 nightly
The price is $207 total per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
$207 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Las Vegas. Enjoy 4 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 20 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (17,775 reviews)
"Large and clean room. Very friendly staff. Public restrooms were extremely clean. Walking distance to The Sphere and several in-house dining options."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2026

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Fontainebleau Las Vegas, MICHELIN Key Award Hotel

Fontainebleau Las Vegas, MICHELIN Key Award Hotel

5 out of 5
2777 South Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas NV
$214 nightly
The price is $243 total per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
$243 total
Aug 2 - Aug 3
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Las Vegas. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (16,632 reviews)
"We were really happy with our stay. We were given a beautiful room with a great view. The room was spacious, clean, and very comfortable. The hotel had excellent amenities, friendly and welcoming staff, and great dining options. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and we would happily stay here ..."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2026

Fontainebleau Las Vegas, MICHELIN Key Award Hotel
Treasure Island - TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

Treasure Island - TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

4 out of 5
3300 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas NV
$78 nightly
The price is $88 total per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
$88 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa resort in Las Vegas. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
Treasure Island - TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Grandview at Las Vegas

Grandview at Las Vegas

3 out of 5
9940 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas NV
Stay at this aparthotel in Las Vegas. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 outdoor pools, and 5 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (9,626 reviews)
"Nice spacious rooms. It felt as if you were at home."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2026

Grandview at Las Vegas
Tahiti Village Resort & Spa

Tahiti Village Resort & Spa

3.5 out of 5
7200 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas NV
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Las Vegas. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (9,215 reviews)
"Lazy river was fun but not much else to do here since it’s a little far from the strip…."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2026

Tahiti Village Resort & Spa
Palms Place

Palms Place

4.5 out of 5
4381 W Flamingo Rd Las Vegas NV
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Las Vegas. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (12,774 reviews)
"Everything about the property and the room were excellent! The proximity to the casino, covered parking, great amenities, Ruthy in the registration area was beyond helpful and superb, the location just minutes from Chinatown, the strip and other entertainment and eating venues were at a short driving ..."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2026

Palms Place
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Best Time to Visit Las Vegas

Las Vegas changes character with the desert seasons, from pool days and day trips to Red Rock Canyon to show-packed evenings along the Strip. Deciding the best time to visit Las Vegas comes down to what you want most: comfortable weather, smaller crowds, or lower hotel rates.

Using Expedia Group booking data from 2025, here is how Las Vegas demand, pricing, and travel patterns shift throughout the year.

When to Visit Las Vegas at a Glance

  • Best weather: March to May and October to November
  • Most crowded: July (about 1.4x busier than February)
  • Cheapest months: August, July, and June (about 24% lower than peak)
  • Fewest crowds: February
  • Major travel spikes: Spring and midsummer, with demand peaking in July and also high in March and May
  • Best value balance: July, August, and March (about 19% below peak pricing)

When Is the Best Weather in Las Vegas?

For outdoor time, the shoulder seasons are the sweet spot: March through May in spring, and October into November in fall. These months bring mild, comfortable temperatures for hiking at Red Rock Canyon, strolling the Arts District, or planning a Hoover Dam day trip. If you are comparing Las Vegas weather by month, spring and fall deliver the easiest conditions for being outside.

Summer is the stretch to plan around. June through August is punishingly hot, with highs above 100, so it suits early mornings, evenings, and indoor experiences like the Neon Museum, immersive exhibits, and dining along the Strip corridor.

When Is the Cheapest Time to Visit Las Vegas?

The cheapest time to visit Las Vegas is usually the summer months. August, July, and June tend to offer hotel rates about 24% lower than the most expensive periods. If you are tracking Las Vegas hotel prices, the priciest months are typically January, October, and April.

For a strong overall deal, July, August, and March often deliver the best value at roughly 19% below peak. If you are flexible on dates, arrive on Monday when prices are usually lowest and try to avoid Saturday, which is typically the most expensive check-in day.

When Is Las Vegas Most Crowded?

Las Vegas is busiest in July, when visitor levels run about 1.4 times higher than in February, the calmest month. Spring also brings heavier demand, especially in March and May. If the least crowded time to visit Las Vegas is your aim, February typically offers thinner lines and more breathing room around headline attractions and shows.

Top properties fill fastest in July, May, and March, so if you want a specific spot near the Strip’s theaters and venues during these Las Vegas peak season dates, it is worth locking in plans earlier.

How Far in Advance Should You Book Las Vegas Hotels?

Booking lead times lengthen when demand rises. October stays are typically reserved around 39 days in advance, compared with about 27 days for January trips. Use that gap as a guide: start your search earlier for October or busy spring and summer dates, and expect less last-minute choice at sought-after properties when demand is high.

Because many trips are short — about 2.5 nights in December versus 2.3 nights in August — it helps to line up your hotel before snagging show tickets and dinner reservations. Flexible rates are common all year, with a slight uptick in October, so you can often keep options open while you compare dates across Las Vegas travel seasons.

Insights based on bookings through Expedia Group between January 1–December 31, 2025. [Last updated: July 14, 2026]

Stay near popular Las Vegas attractions

Food in Las Vegas

Food in Las Vegas echoes the vibes of the city itself: an eclectic mix of luxury, innovation and Americana kitsch. Steakhouses, red-sauce Italian and buffets make for time-honored Las Vegas dining. Many Old Vegas mainstays, such as the city’s oldest steakhouse, The Golden Steer, still dazzle today. Resorts host some of Vegas’ best restaurants. Indulge your senses with luxurious dishes in opulent surroundings, dig into a new concept from a celebrity chef, or try Vegas outposts of New York and Los Angeles favorites. Grab innovative burgers, gourmet pizzas and other twists on casual American classics near Fremont Street, or try Chinatown for award-winning Asian cuisine, modern takes on fine dining and creative cocktails.

Nightlife in Las Vegas

Nightlife in Las Vegas starts early and goes late. But with so much going on, from spectacular live entertainment to sophisticated cocktail lounges, you’ll want to make every moment count. Start with a magic show, Cirque du Soleil performance or live music at one of the city’s many performance spaces. Some beloved acts have been running for years, but new performances debut all the time. Get glam at a nightclub or barhop through the Fremont East Entertainment District. End the night at a late-night restaurant or a retro-cool 24-hour tiki lounge.

Shopping in Las Vegas

Whether you’re looking to splurge on luxury fashion or hunt for vintage treasures, you’re sure to find something you love at one of Las Vegas’ many shopping centers and boutiques. On the Strip, window shop along Venetian canals, or pamper yourself with a luxury shopping spree at The Shops at Crystals. Outdoor shopping malls like Town Square Las Vegas and Container Park combine popular retailers and boutiques with trendy restaurants and entertainment. Hit up the 18b Arts District for antique and vintage shopping, plus unique fine arts and crafts. Browse wares from more than 20 vendors along Antique Alley and hunt for original Vegas kitsch.

Getting around Las Vegas

Walking the Strip and Downtown Las Vegas is a great way to experience Sin City at its neon-washed best. A monorail runs almost the entire length of the Strip, with unlimited ride multiday passes available. The Downtown Loop is a free daytime shuttle with stops at major attractions. Grab a bus or rideshare to travel between neighborhoods. If you’re planning a day trip to Red Rock Canyon or Death Valley, renting a car is recommended.

Las Vegas currency and budget

In Las Vegas, tipping is expected, around 15%-20% for food servers or 10%-15% at a buffet. A few dollars for other entertainment staff is standard, even if the drinks or food are complimentary. Deals on casino hotels can be a great way to cut costs. For a typical Las Vegas trip, budget approximately $300-$400 USD per day for accommodations, food, transportation and attractions. Here’s what you can expect to pay for some common expenses:

  • A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant = $75.00 USD
  • A pint of domestic beer = $5.50 USD
  • A medium cappuccino = $5.50 USD
  • A meal at an inexpensive restaurant = $21.00 USD

* Prices are provided for informational purposes and are subject to change.

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