The international resort town of Las Vegas is a legendary holiday resort destination and is renowned for its gambling, fine dining and entertainment. Vegas will forever be associated with Frank Sinatra and the high-rolling days of the 1960s and today people come from all over the world to experience the thrill and decadence of this desert city. ‘Sin City’ has for a long time been a top entertainment destination and you will find world class magicians, theatre pieces, Broadway shows and musical performances at every turn. The city has billed itself The Entertainment Capital of the World and people of all ages can be found crowding the sides of the legendary ‘Strip’. Wimdu has a great selection of accommodation of all sorts available in Las Vegas, whether you want a bustling apartment building or a villa where you can relax by your own pool while counting your winnings!
Fun Facts about Las Vegas
- Las Vegas’s first casino was licensed in 1931
- 60,000 pounds of shrimp are consumed in Las Vegas every day
- 150 couples get married each day – it costs just $50 to obtain a license
- Las Vegas means ‘the meadows’ in Spanish
- Of the top twenty largest hotels in the world, seventeen are based in Las Vegas
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
If you really want to experience the beating heart of Las Vegas, look for an apartment on The Strip - Las Vegas Boulevard. You’ll be right in the middle of the action, just be sure to have a sleep mask so the neon lights don’t keep you awake! For a slightly more budget option, look for accommodation either east or west of the Strip. For the most relaxing holiday of all, check out the selection of Wimdu villas available for rent - most with swimming pools and barbecue facilities so you can kick back and chill out after the craziness of a night out in Las Vegas!
Las Vegas – the Entertainment Capital of the World
Most tourists are drawn towards the casinos around the strip, but there is a lot more to the city than just gambling! However, the Las Vegas ‘Strip’ is where most of the action happens in the city and it is where the largest casinos are based. If you’d like to dip your toes into the world of Vegas gambling, we recommend you make it short and snappy. Go to one of the huge casinos such as Caesars Palace or the MGM Grand, play the slot machines, have a game of blackjack and roulette and enjoy the free drinks – then get out of there!
Visit the famous Bellagio Hotel and check out the Bellagio Fountains – an 8.5 acre lake which bursts into life – a kind of water-based fireworks display - every half an hour after 3pm. A true Vegas spectacle! For more water-based hotel antics, take a look at the Shark Reef Aquarium, located at the Mandalay Bay. Featuring both indoor and outdoor areas packed with sharks, crocodiles and sting rays, this is a Vegas must-see! The Bellagio also houses Vegas’ Gallery of Fine Art.
For something a little different, try ‘Dig This’, a ‘heavy equipment playground’ that gives you the chance to drive some heavy machinery, dig up the ground and generally act like a big kid! There’s lots of funs things to do here and if you’ve never had the chance to operate a JCB then now’s your chance!
We also recommend you visit ‘Battlefield’ Vegas, another of Las Vegas’ attractions that takes full advantage of the open space. Spread over 5 acres, Battlefield Vegas has a collection of 350 guns from modern history. Fire a gun and see you how feel after!
There are also ample opportunities for day-trips from Vegas. Forty minutes from the city lies the Hoover Dam. If you’re tiring of the pace of Vegas life, head for this impressive feat of human engineering. You can admire the sheer scale of the dam and there’s the opportunity to water ski and sail on Lake Mead, the reservoir behind the dam. If you’re out in the desert for the day, you can also go to the Red Rock Canyon, 15 miles from The Strip. It’s a beautiful place to visit and there are some decent hiking routes through the canyon – don’t forget to bring lots of water!
Getting Around
McCarran International Airport is situated 15 miles outside of Las Vegas. The airport shuttle bus costs less than $10 and will take you directly to the strip. Car rental is affordable, popular and the best way to experience the American way of life. Prices start from $30 per day for a basic car, and is especially useful if you decide to take an apartment or villa away from Las Vegas main strip. All transportation in Las Vegas revolves around The Strip and its where you will find the buses and taxis. Much of Vegas can be covered on foot and you’ll discover lots of interesting smaller casinos and bars if you take a walk through town. Your accommodation hosts will also be able to give you some “locals tips”. Las Vegas is within driving distance of Los Angeles and San Francisco and many take an apartment in Las Vegas for a few days before heading onto these cities. The journey to San Francisco involves going through the Yosemite National Park, one of the USA’s most beautiful national parks.