Las Vegas at a glance
Whether you are a night owl or not, a high roller or a penny pincher, Las Vegas is a place you have to see at least once. It is hard to describe the sheer scale of this neon-soaked city, where the American dream reaches its most surreal heights. Ready to hit the Strip?
Unforgettable nights on the Strip
The largest city in Nevada draws more than 43 million visitors every year. This massive turnout speaks for itself, attracting everyone from party seekers to couples looking to tie the knot at the Graceland Wedding Chapel. Sin City saw its biggest boom in the 1930s, fueled by relaxed laws on gambling and vice. Since then, it has cemented its reputation as the entertainment capital of the world. Your first walk down Las Vegas Boulevard, known as "The Strip", is sensory overload. Neon signs and flashing lights compete for your attention at every turn. Casinos are everywhere, starting with the Flamingo, the first of its kind, built by Benjamin Siegel in 1946. Plenty of people have seen their fortunes shift at the poker tables and slot machines here.
An open-air amusement park
Las Vegas is all about the spectacle. The dancing fountains of the Bellagio create an illusion of a lake right in the middle of the Nevada desert. At the Venetian, gondolas ferry tourists through canals in a kitschy nod to Italy. The Luxor Pyramid and its massive sphinx illuminate the night sky, the Stratosphere Tower offers the highest observation deck in the US, and the Mirage Volcano regularly erupts in a choreographed show. When it comes to entertainment, you have endless options, from the Cirque du Soleil productions to celebrity impersonators, the 4,000-seat Colosseum at Caesars Palace, or the pirate-themed showdowns at Treasure Island. You will not run out of things to do. Even if you are not staying at these resorts, walk through them to see the over-the-top architecture, private beaches, nightclubs, and massive aquariums.
For a grittier, more vintage vibe, head to Downtown, which is packed with street art and murals. If the lights and the crowds start to wear you down, the great national parks of the American West are just a short drive away.
When to go
Las Vegas is a year-round destination. If your schedule allows, aim for the spring or fall. July and August bring intense, dry heat, while winter temperatures from December through February can be surprisingly chilly.
Getting there
If you are flying in from Europe, expect about 12.5 hours of travel time. Round-trip airfare typically runs between 700 and 900 EUR (about $760-$975) depending on the season.
A city that leaves no one indifferent, eccentric, without limits, a unique atmosphere. You either love it or you don't, but one thing is certain, it is a destination you have to visit at least once. And contrary to popular belief, it is suitable for everyone, not just party animals. Families will also find plenty to have a great time, there is a bit of everything and everyone has fun. I think that is the charm of Vegas!