Best Time to Travel
As a general rule, the central casino areas of Las Vegas are busy any time of year, so if you're here to throw yourself into the lights of the Strip, prepare for a constant thrum of activity. Even the height of summer - where temperatures soar – won’t see the city getting much quieter. If you don’t deal well with the heat, spring or fall will be the best time to travel.
Not to Miss
Whether or not you’re a casino-goer, you need to check out these city spectacles. The Bellagio is the perfect example of a Vegas casino - grand, opulent, and over-the-top - while Paris Las Vegas presents a fantastical, kitschy wonderland. It's tacky or terrific, depending on your point of view. Arty folk should visit the Bellagio Gallery or the Contemporary Arts Center, while families can check out the thrill rides atop Stratosphere. Meanwhile, shoppers can splurge on the Strip or head to the upscale Boulevard Mall, while nature-lovers explore the green-space of Springs Preserve.
Getting around
Las Vegas has its own airport - McCarren International – just a short drive from Downtown. It serves plenty of domestic flights and international links to and from London, Paris, Seoul, and Montreal. From the airport, take a cheap taxi cab or shuttle bus to central Vegas. Once there, explore the Strip on foot, but take an inexpensive air-conditioned public bus for longer city ventures. For complete freedom to explore - maybe you want to do the big drive to the Grand Canyon - then hire a car, but avoid driving along the notoriously gridlocked Strip.
Cuisine
Although there is a plethora of cuisine styles in Las Vegas, first and foremost you’ll find American fare, from huge burgers and sizzling steaks to sub-style sandwiches and all-day buffet breakfasts. Mexican food is very popular, and you’ll find many higher-end Chinese restaurants and Pan-Asian eateries too. In recent years Vegas has been making a name for itself as a real fine dining hotspot, so you can always treat yourself to some exquisite European and artisan cooking.
Customs and etiquette
Remember that a lot of people come to Vegas to party, and in certain hotels, this can mean round-the-clock excitement, energy, and - unfortunately - noise. On weekends you may find it difficult to get a good night's sleep in certain hotels, particularly if you have a room facing the pool. Because of its gambling scene the city inevitably attracts a few unfavorable characters. When walking down the Strip, if anyone tries to offer you tickets with free entry to a club, ignore them - they often demand a tip. Fast Facts
• Population: 603500
• Spoken languages: English
• Electrical: The USA runs on 120V, 60 Hz current
• Phone Calling Code: +1 702911
