It’s no surprise that Las Vegas has been dubbed the Entertainment Capital of the World. A few minutes in the city and you’ll feel the energy pulsing through your veins. It’s the bright lights of the Strip, the iconic Vegas pool parties, world-renowned performers and the people you’ll meet that make this a city unlike any other.
When it comes to making the most of a visit to Las Vegas, you really need to get your priorities in order, because like any trip, planning is key. We recently sent two of our Flight Centre consultants and Las Vegas Experts, Laura and Troy to the entertainment capital, for their take on really doing Las Vegas. Read on for their top tips and tricks and soon you’ll be strutting along the Strip yourself, singing ‘Viva Las Vegas!’
When to visit, how to get there and how to get around
Las Vegas is a perfect year-round destination, as the city receives over 300 days of sunshine annually. So make sure you pack your sunnies. If you’re hunting for a deal, booking in advance and opting to stay midweek can increase your chances of getting a cheaper price. To avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting in November or December when the temperatures are a little lower.
Most of our customers fly into LAX, and from there a popular option is hiring a car and enjoying a scenic drive in. Its roughly four hours of drive time, or there are bus services that run drop offs at multiple hotels along the Strip. If time is of the essence, then we suggest the 70 minute domestic flight to McCarran International Airport, landing just a few kilometers from the famous Strip.
Where to stay in Las Vegas
There are endless hotel options in Las Vegas, from high end luxe to family-friendly, and everything in between. Most are located along the iconic Las Vegas Strip, perfect if you are keen to stay right in the middle of the action. Otherwise, there are plenty of options off the Strip like in Downtown Las Vegas, home to Fremont Street and the original city.
Here are a couple of our favourite hotels:
- Caesars Palace Las Vegas
- The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
- Planet Hollywood Las Vegas
- Park MGM Las Vegas
- The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
- Nomad Las Vegas at Park MGM
- Bellagio Las Vegas
- Palms Casino Resort
- El Cortez Hotel, Downtown Las Vegas
Things to do in Las Vegas
Whether you’re young or just young at heart, there are so many things to do in Las Vegas, after all it is the Entertainment Capital of the World. Our tip is always booking well in advance to make the most of your stay and avoid missing out on top attractions. Some of the popular acts and headliners do sell out months in advance, so be sure to plan ahead.
Some of our favourite attractions include Exotics Racing where you can take a luxury supercar for a spin, and The Strat - home to the world’s highest thrill rides. Great for the adrenaline junkies, or the more cautious, who can take in the view from the Observation Deck. Another fun and very ‘Las Vegas’ attraction is taking the indoor Gondola Ride through the waterways of The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort.
Looking for free things to do? Well you’re in luck! Possibly the most iconic would be the water shows at The Fountains of Bellagio.
Magicians, Shows and All the Entertainment you could imagine
Secure a ticket for one of the many shows such as the iconic Cirque du Soleil or risque cabaret shows like Absinthe in the Spiegeltent at Caesars Palace! See your favourite big name acts, many of whom have residencies in Las Vegas. Names include but are not limited to Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Billy Idol, Aerosmith, Cher, Santana, Shania Twain, Lady Gaga, Sting and more.
Magic more your thing? There’s plenty on offer, even the kids will love it! Be warned though, you might be called up on stage if you score yourself a front row seat.
Things to do in Downtown Las Vegas
Don’t forget to visit Downtown Las Vegas for a step back in time! It’s home to Fremont Street and the original city, so it’s a must-see during your stay.
Some of our favourites include:
- Getting a taste of ‘Vintage Vegas’ by taking a stroll down Fremont Street
- Finding amazing street art, dive bars and nightlife in Fremont East
- Shop ‘til you drop at outdoor shopping centre Container Park
- The Neon Museum, where the original Las Vegas facades are quirky by day and truly come to life by night, during the light show ‘Brilliant’
- History buffs will enjoy The Mob Museum, where you can explore real life stories of Mob history through interactive experiences!
Best bars and restaurants in Las Vegas
You’ve seen the sights, and now it’s time to eat, and let us assure you, Las Vegas has a world class culinary scene. From celebrity chef restaurants, to fine dining, cocktail bars, hidden speakeasies and some incredible burger joints, there is something for every taste bud, keto or vegan appetite out there.
Some of our current favourite spots are:
- Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse, Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
- Mabel’s BBQ, Palms Casino Resort
- Sara’s, Palms Casino Resort
- Damiens Hirst’s “Unknown Bar,” Palms Casino Resort
- The Smashed Pig Gastropub, Downtown Las Vegas
- Estiatorio Milos, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
- NoMad Restaurant, Park MGM Las Vegas
- On The Record Club and Speakeasy, Park MGM Las Vegas
What to do outside Las Vegas
Don’t forget to include some extra time to explore the surrounds of Las Vegas, as there are plenty of state parks and iconic landmarks all within driving distance. As always, our tip is to make sure that you plan ahead to ensure you have adequate time to see the sites and avoid missing out on unique opportunities. We also recommend hiring a car for a day of self driving, you will see so much more at your own leisure.
Our favourite things to do surrounding Las Vegas are:
- Taking a Pink Jeep Tour into the Valley of Fire
- Exploring Red Rock Canyon, in Nevada’s Mojave Desert
- See public artwork, Seven Magic Mountains, a 40 minute drive from the heart of Las Vegas
- And of course… The Grand Canyon! You can do a day trip by bus...
- ...Or take a helicopter shortcut with Maverick Helicopters and fly over the Grand Canyon, Lake Mead and Hoover Dam
For more information and tips, contact your Flight Centre Travel Expert in store, or online today!
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