The decadent party capital of the USA

Extravagant, over-the-top and frequently outrageous, Las Vegas is a city which simply cannot be ignored. Surrounded by the Mojave Desert in southern Nevada, North America’s “Sin City” is synonymous with gambling, partying and excess. Vegas is quite simply the entertainment capital of the world, an adult playground second to none, with more casinos than anywhere else on the planet. People go there to kick back and have a good time, whatever the occasion, knowing that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
The world-famous Las Vegas Boulevard, better known as The Strip, boasts many of the world’s largest and most flamboyant hotels, featuring everything from replicas of the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty to erupting volcanoes and Venetian gondolas. Everything in Las Vegas is designed to grab your attention, and while hedonism rules and spending is the name of the game, there’s enough choice to keep everyone busy, whatever the budget.

Why go?
While most of the 35 million tourists who flock to Vegas each year are in town to gamble and party, many others are attracted by the unparalleled shopping, dining and entertainment on offer. The city has an almost inexhaustible supply of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, while its choice of shows guarantees something to suit everyone’s tastes. The Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon are also easily accessible from the city.

When to go?
Some of the best Las Vegas hotel deals can be found through June, July and August, but summer days can be blisteringly hot, with temperatures regularly over 40°C. Winter months can be chilly, especially in the evenings, but because of its desert location, Las Vegas has very little rainfall all year round.

How to get there
The runway at Las Vegas’ McCarran International airport is adjacent the southern end of The Strip. Direct flights are available from London with Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, while several other US and European airlines offer flights with one stop.

Must see
It’s always worth checking the free local entertainment guides to see which headline acts are in town, but some of Las Vegas’ most spectacular attractions are free, including the Bellagio’s dancing water fountains, the Mirage’s erupting volcano and Downtown’s spectacular Freemont Street Experience. For the really adventurous, take a trip up to the top of the Stratosphere, where thrill rides 1,000 feet above The Strip will test the nerves of even the most hardened adrenaline junkies.