If you are looking for the perfect escape from reality, look no further than Las Vegas. With a knick name like Sin City, tourism slogans like, "What happens here, stays here," and a 24 hour party scene that includes non-stop gaming, ultra-hip nightclubs, and sexy shows, you won't find a better place to indulge your fantasies anywhere.
But Las Vegas is more than just a place to blow off steam or sow wild oats. It is also one of the world's top business destinations with more facilities for conventions and tradeshows than anywhere else; a desert oasis with world-class spas and dozens of championship golf courses; and a fantastic family adventure with amazing attractions and natural wonders.
Las Vegas has something for everybody. But you have to know where to look. Here's a quick guide to the various areas that make up Fabulous Las Vegas.
The Strip - Las Vegas Boulevard
Nowhere shines brighter than the three-mile section of Las Vegas Boulevard known as The Strip. Running North to South from downtown, The Strip boasts more hotel rooms than any city in the world. From the towering Stratosphere with its skyscraping amusement rides to the serenity of Mandalay Bay's tropical beach, visitors cruising this palm-lined boulevard can find it all.
For a taste of Europe right here at home, try a gondola ride on the canals of Venetian, catch the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris, feel the mist of the fountains of Bellagio, or break the bank at Monte Carlo. History buffs can set sail with the pirate ships of Treasure Island, stroll down the Apian Way at Caesars Palace, cheer knights in shining armor at Excalibur, or walk like an Egyptian at Luxor.
You can also stand in awe of the volcano at Mirage, stroll through a Middle Eastern bizarre at Planet Hollywood, ride the roller coaster at New York, New York, or get lost in the massive MGM Grand.
Downtown - Fremont Street
Those looking for a bit of nostalgia need look no further than Downtown. Famous hotels such as Golden Nugget, Horseshoe, and Fremont grace Fremont Street, the focal point of Las Vegas' urban renewal. A state-of-the-art video canopy called the Fremont Street Experience connects the classic neon facades of the hotels, providing shade by day and dazzling visuals by night. The smaller scale of these older properties makes walking between them a breeze. A multimedia complex called Neonopolis offers shopping, entertainment, and cinema. There's even a Neon Museum celebrating the glorious, glittering past of Las Vegas. Best of all, prices at most of Downtown's hotels are lower than their Strip competition.
Off-Strip
In addition to traditional locations along The Strip and Downtown, several hotel casinos have sprung up just off The Strip. While not within walking distance of The Strip, these properties are just a short cab or bus ride away. They are also close enough to offer fantastic views of The Strip. Rio, Gold Coast, and Orleans are just to the west of The Strip. The Las Vegas Hilton is to the east, close to the convention center. Two favorites among the hip crowd are Palms, located to the west on Flamingo Avenue, and Hard Rock, located close to the airport.
Farther south on Las Vegas Boulevard, you will find South Point and the new M Hotel and Casino. For the outdoor enthusiast, the Silverton (and the connected Bass Pro Shop) is located just off Interstate 15 at Blue Diamond Road.