Get your bearings
The famous Las Vegas Strip is a mere four-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard, which runs largely north to south parallel to Interstate 15. In the short run between Tropicana and Sands Avenues, New York, Paris, Rome, Venice and other themed mega hotels and casinos have been packed in. Follow the Strip north past Sahara Avenue to the older establishments in
Downtown and the bright lights of
Fremont Street.
McCarran International Airport is located just west of the southern end of the Strip.
Blackjack and baccarat
With few exceptions, the entrance to a Las Vegas hotel is through casinos with blinking slot machines, blackjack tables and craps games. First-timers can take complimentary gaming lessons in most casinos to learn the rules of baccarat, roulette, craps, pai gow poker or blackjack. When gambling at a table or slot machine, cocktail servers will bring complimentary drinks as long as you keep tipping.
Buffets, burgers and fine dining
Previously known for cheap prime ribs and all-you-can-eat buffets, Vegas has grown to be an epicurean paradise. Big-name American chefs like Thomas Keller and Mario Batali have restaurants here. Fill yourself up on crab legs and prime rib at the Wynn or Bellagio buffets. Budget travelers can grab a late-night sandwich at
Canter's Deli, or a burger and fries from
In-N-Out.
Showgirls and musicals
For popular shows, book tickets in advance of your Las Vegas vacation. There are plenty of options for procrastinators at numerous half-priced ticket vendors and directly from box offices. Splurge on
Cirque du Soleil's Beatles-inspired show
Love or their ever-popular water-themed
O. Enjoy the magical comedy of
Penn and Teller, the music of the
Jersey Boys or the longest running adult show,
Jubilee at Bally's.
Bargains to boutiques
Shopping in Vegas, like everything else, is a study in contrasts. At one end there are bargain outlets like the
Las Vegas Outlet Center. At the other, designer stores line the
Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace and
Via Bellagio. Quintessentially Vegas are the
Gambler's General Store, where you can stock up on dice and World Series of Poker cards, and
Serge's Showgirl Wigs, where the glittering showgirls get their best coiffures.
Drinking and dancing
There's no shortage of late-night clubs and 24-hour venues to party in Las Vegas. For dancing and a view of the city lights, take the express elevator to the 55th floor of the Palms. Here, you'll find party-goers spilling out of
Ghostbar, a trendy club with space-age décor. Getting bottle service – purchasing an entire bottle of liquor -- although a hit on your wallet, is the best way to snag a table at some of the hottest night spots.
