Whether you are there to gamble, eat, or "Gaga", do yourself a favour, and never look at the time. Over-the-top fun, neon lights, casinos, lavish hotels, and culinary flair.
The glittering theme park city of Las Vegas has magically transformed a patch of Nevada desert into a glamorous oasis of unadulterated, uninhibited fun. Non-stop celebrations are staged every day in Sin City's gold-lined dance floors, neon-lit resorts, high-roller casinos and gourmet restaurants. Fake and fantasy merge into a visual spectacle, where nothing less than outlandish, opulent and over-the-top makes the cut. From blink-and-miss marriage vows in the drive-in wedding chapel to all-nighters at the blackjack table…here the crazier, the better. No stress - what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
The retro vibe kicks in at the familiar sign that welcomes you to "Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada". Blasé or awestruck, stares are guaranteed all along the Strip dotted with famous replicas of the Empire State Building, Luxor Pyramid, Eiffel Tower and a maze of man-made canals, complete with serenading gondoliers and waterfront cafés. Dive right into vintage charm at downtown Las Vegas, where the pedestrian promenade, Fremont Street Experience, promises all things cheerful. Think classic steakhouses, lively street performances, bright neon lights and iconic imagery like the smoking cowboy marquee.
Thrill-seekers can view sharks at the 200,000-gallon, three-storey aquarium at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino. Artsy-minded can search out colourful graffiti and street murals in the Las Vegas Arts District and the Fremont East Entertainment District.
Reserve a quiet afternoon for the seasonal floral displays at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. At sunset, ride the High Roller observation wheel to swoon at 360-degree views of the glittering Strip and miles of the desert towards the horizon. Dedicate the evening to a Cirque du Soleil show or splash out on an aquatic show. Gawping at the dancing Bellagio fountain show is obligatory. There's no shortage of options for offbeat attractions bordering on the wacky. Treat yourself to some good old fun with a session of vintage arcade games at the Pinball Hall of Fame. Experience a supervised shooting activity at Battlefield Vegas.
Create your own M&Ms imprinted with a custom message. Or push your buttons with some indoor skydiving in a safe, secure, and controlled environment. Active adventurers can give in to hiking temptations at the rolling red rock hills and dramatic canyons of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. History enthusiasts will enjoy the Petroglyph Trail in Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, home to one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in southern Nevada.
Beyond the city lies Seven Magic Mountains, a large-scale art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone featuring brightly coloured stacked boulders. For a touch of nostalgia, strike a pose with vintage cars and an old west gas station at Boulder City. A helicopter tour over the impressive Hoover Dam is another bucket-worthy option for a Vegas itinerary.
Shopping
The Forum Shops at Caesars: The best luxury brands come together in a premium retail destination that mimics an ancient Roman street scene. There's something to satisfy every fashion craving, from popular high-street labels to Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin. Make time for the animatronic Atlantis show at the Atlantis Aquarium for statues that come to life.
The Fashion Show: 250 boutiques plus seven department stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's and Nordstrom equals endless shopping in Nevada's largest mall that covers nearly 2 million square feet. Stock up on all kinds of staples and luxuries from Apple, Ann Taylor and Louis Vuitton. The shopping centre is also home to the only Disney Store on the Strip.
Miracle Mile: With an unbeatable location on the Strip, shoppers at Miracle Mile have a wide choice of 200 stores spread over a 1.2-mile complex. Speciality stores include high-street fashion labels like H&M, GUESS, Steve Madden, Urban Outfitters, Desigual and Bath & Body Works. Shopping lists will expand.
Grand Canal Shoppes: Get transported all the way to Venice as you wander along cobblestone walkways and a quarter-mile-long Grand Canal. Gondolas, street performers and a St Mark's Square notch up the pleasure of shopping in over 160 signature stores with the finest luxury brands, including Tory Burch, Fendi and Burberry.
Museums & the Arts
Nevada State Museum: Dig deep into the state's history and natural history, from the geology of the Great Basin to original artefacts from the USS Nevada. Two of the most remarkable exhibits are a 14-foot-tall Columbian Mammoth skeleton and a 225-million-year-old fossil of the Ichthyosaur.
Mob Museum: Take a capsule course on the history of organized crime in America. Three floors of high-tech presentations, memorabilia and interactive exhibits are located in a former federal courthouse and United States Post Office. From Al Capone to Donnie Brasco, this is your gateway to knowing it all.
National Atomic Testing Museum: The 10,000 square-foot museum helps you unravel the story of atomic weapons testing in the U.S, starting from the days of the Cold War and the bombing at Hiroshima. You can even see a simulated atomic test in the Ground Zero Theater and the drill bits used in creating the underground detonation tunnels.
Neon Museum: The museum is dedicated to iconic neon signage, the most unique artistry that the city is famous for creating. 120 quirky and retro-modern disused neon signs lie in a boneyard next to the museum, and seven of the signs have been fully restored and lit up for display. Backtrack to lost charm.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum: Interactive exhibits showcase dinosaurs, marine creatures and native animals in this family-friendly museum. The Marine Life Gallery with sharks, stingrays and fish; and a Prehistoric Life Gallery featuring large dinosaur exhibits.
Sports
Football: It is sacrilege for football fans to miss the Raiders action at the Allegiant Stadium while in Vegas. A tour of the state-of-the-art, 65,000-seater home of the Silver and Black will give you access to private suites and club spaces, the broadcast booth, the press conference room, locker rooms, the Al Davis Memorial Torch and on-field access.
Hockey: Get your sporting fix at T-Mobile Arena, the home of the Vegas Golden Knights. High octane energy is guaranteed, starting with a parade starring a drumline, cheerleaders, and mascots. Choose from 20,000 seats, including 44 luxury suites, two party suites, two-dozen private loge boxes and premium balconies on the VIP seating levels.
Baseball: Baseball fans can make a beeline for Summerlin, a $150-million ballpark with a huge LED scoreboard, mesh seats and an entertainment area with gourmet food options. The 10,000-seater facility is home to the Las Vegas Aviators, the city's professional Triple-A baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and Oakland Athletics affiliate. Stop by the Las Vegas Aviators Team Store for a collectible before leaving.
Restaurants & Bars
Joel Robuchon: This 3-star Michelin restaurant, named after its influential chef, serves up traditional French cuisine in a gracious Parisian setting. Pick one of the fabulous tasting menus or order à la carte while enjoying refined Art Deco townhouse ambience with a lush garden terrace. Order the ossetra caviar served over king crab in a crustacean gelee and the “le crabe royale” with Alaskan King crab with a salad of avocado and tomato.
Restaurant Guy Savoy: Sophisticated French dining at the 2-star Michelin starred restaurant in the Caesars Palace features Chef Guy Savoy’s signature dishes like the octopus terrine and the artichoke and black truffle soup with toasted mushroom brioche. If you are seated at the Krug Chef’s Table, you will have the chance to watch chefs with their innovative creations.
Picasso: Embark on a culinary journey of French and Spanish food while looking onto the Fountains of Bellagio in this 2-star Michelin restaurant adorned with Pablo Picasso’s artwork. The main course has inventive dishes like butter-poached Maine lobster, sautéed filet of black bass, roasted pigeon, and sauteed medallions of fallow deer.
Twist by Pierre Gagnaire: Superlative cuisine is matched by breathtaking views in this fine dining establishment located on the 23rd floor of Waldorf Astoria. The highlight of the classic French cuisine and contemporary dining experience is the Lucky Number 7 tasting menu. Don’t miss the glass staircase leading to the wine loft.
Mizumi: If you’re impressed by the elegant interiors made up of wood and lacquer, a serene Japanese garden and a koi pond, wait till you get to the floating pagoda table outside next to a waterfall. The flawlessly crafted menu includes a selection of delectable sushi and sashimi along with signature cocktails. Surprise yourself with the snow beef.
Must-buy souvenir
Aesthetic appeal meets Native American design and exquisite workmanship in Navajo jewellery. Shop for rings, bracelets, cuffs, necklaces and earrings with turquoise stone inlay exclusively made by local artists in Nevada. The brilliant contrast of light with darker blue colour makes Southwest jewellery a unique addition to any accessory collection. You can even get a piece customised on a prior request.
Side trip
Reserve a full day for a trip to two stunning national parks of Utah, Zion and Bryce Canyon. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive along the canyon floor offers gorgeous views of the imposing cliffs from below. You can even opt for hiking trails in the park or go kayaking in the Virgin River. Later, walk the rim of the natural amphitheatre of Bryce Canyon for unparalleled views of the unique hoodoos.
Nightlife
Party wild at the 80,000 square-foot Hakkasan Nightclub, located within the MGM Grand complex. The massive dance floor sports LED displays, scintillating light shows and a world-class sound system. Rock the night away with celebrity DJs. For a touch of class, reserve a VIP table with bottle service.
Hotels
Vegas is home to spectacular hotels - behemoths of luxury Expect casinos, fancy restaurants and facilities that will blow your mind … and wallet!
The First-Class.com guide to the Best Hotels in Las Vegas
Getting around
McCarran International Airport (LAS) is just about 10 minutes east of the Strip, and getting to Downtown is easy with taxis and ride-shares. You can rent a car from the airport if you prefer the flexibility of moving in and around the city by your own transport, but beware of traffic snarls and expensive parking. For those staying in a hotel on the Strip, the Monorail is an efficient mode of transportation.
First-Class.com searches hundreds of travel sites simultaneously to help you find the best premium flight offers to and from Las Vegas. First-Class.com also compares all the major hotel suppliers to give you the very best prices in the finest hotels.
