Las Vegas

Las Vegas Travel Tips

Vegas, Sin City, the Entertainment Capital of the World: All worthy names for this desert oasis of neon lights, casinos and luxury hotels. Vegas has maintained its glitzy, risqué, anything-goes attitude for decades, and the party is still going strong. This is a city where inhibitions are not welcome: While you may not want to go as far as to reenact The Hangover, you certainly don't want to leave without experiencing a bit of Viva Las Vegas. Whether you're here for a bachelor party, a wedding or just one wild weekend, make sure to live it up. Just remember: What happens here, stays here.
Think of Sin City as a theme park rather than a metropolis, where most of the attractions are packed along the legendary Strip. It can awe as much as it can overwhelm, and that's part of the appeal. But more refined travelers should rest assured: There are plenty of ways to avoid Las Vegas's kitschy glamour. When the razzle-dazzle becomes too much, try some of the renowned cuisine procured by some of the world's greatest chefs, or head out of town to manmade and natural marvels like the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.

How To Save Money in Las Vegas

• Do your research There's no shortage of online deals on flights and hotel rooms, so be diligent about doing your research. Save the spontaneity for after you've checked in.
• Ditch the car Traffic on the Strip can be mind-boggling; you'll be better off relying on taxis and your own two feet. If you're cabbing from the airport, make sure to tell your driver to take Paradise Road into the city -- it's cheaper than taking the airport tunnel.
• Set a cut-off point Although winning feels amazing, there comes a point when the tables start to turn. Before your trip, determine how much money you're willing to spend in the casinos, and make sure to stop yourself before your lucky streak turns sour.

Las Vegas Culture & Customs

To many, the phrase "Las Vegas Culture" is an oxymoron. People tend to travel here to release their inhibitions, win (or, most likely, lose) their money and attend a glamorous, over-the-top concert or performance. This is the Vegas experience one should expect when visiting, and for many people, it's well worth it. From the decadent and colorful casinos to the dazzling, breathtaking stage performances of Cirque du Soleil, Las Vegas promises to overwhelm as much as entertain. So when you travel to Vegas, be prepared for nonstop entertainment and pure, American-style debauchery. But don't come here for the art or culture. After all, this is the city that erected a near life-size replica of Paris' attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe: Cézanne is not included.

Las Vegas Dining

The celebrity chef craze seems to have migrated to Las Vegas, with some of the world's most famous chefs -- including Wolfgang Puck and Emeril Lagasse -- establishing kitchens in Sin City. As a result, the city boasts some of the best dining in the United States.
Travelers enjoy the unconventional Off The Strip -- Just Real Food, which features uncommon combinations and revisions of classic American cuisine. Another popular restaurant among travelers is Rosemary's Restaurant, an eclectic -- and expensive -- American restaurant in the middle of a strip mall off of Las Vegas Boulevard. Not the classiest of locales, but hey, this is Vegas. The food, they say, is well worth it. Many area restaurants also offer excellent buffet-style lunches and dinners. Travelers highly recommend Sterling Brunch for its plentiful buffet.