The city of lights or the city of sin, depending on who you’re talking to; Las Vegas has something for everybody. The city has hidden treasures, from glamorous environments to surprisingly stunning natural sites.
Welcome to Las Vegas
An iconic backdrop for movies like The Hangover, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and 21, Las Vegas has a reputation for a good time. Yet a hundred years ago, the city wasn’t what it was today. Like the rest of Nevada, Las Vegas was home to some breathtaking natural sites, including mountains, canyons, and deserts. It wasn’t until the early 1930s, when casino games grew in popularity, that Las Vegas became the decadent, over-the-top place it is now.
Of course, casino games are the desert city’s main attraction, but it’s also been the cradle where stars were born. Las Vegas was the favorite of celebrities like Wayne Newton and Elvis Presley, who played concerts there more than anywhere else.
Throughout the decades, tourists flooded to Las Vegas, so much so that the city began building mega-resorts. Some of the city’s most esteemed hotels, like the Venetian, Caesar’s Palace, and the Bellagio, came from this era.
Building on this legacy, Las Vegas hotels also grew famous for providing an unforgettable accommodation experience with their buffets and lounges.
As one might assume, Las Vegas has a rich history, despite being such a young city. Below are a few ideas for things to do while in Sin City.
Must-Sees on the Las Vegas Strip
If you want to experience Las Vegas the way it’s portrayed in the movies, you’ll need to go to the Las Vegas strip and check out the hotels.
Famous for the scene from Ocean’s Eleven, the Bellagio’s gorgeous fountains are probably the most popular attraction in Las Vegas. The fountains are located just outside the hotel and play music as the geysers of water rise and glitter in the light.
Like the Bellagio, the Venetian also has some pretty impressive attractions outside its resort. The Italian-inspired decor, featuring neon gondolas in electric blue lazy rivers, is particularly popular among visitors.
Caesar’s Palace is another fun hotel to check out, especially for fans of The Hangover. Among the towering columns throughout the lobby, the golden figure of Caesar shines in the center. What’s more, you can swim in the Garden of the Gods pool, attend concerts in the Colosseum, and play casino games.
Casino Magic
Of course, who can visit Las Vegas without playing a few rounds of cards? While there are probably more card games in Las Vegas than anywhere else, the unbeatable classic is blackjack.
According to legends, blackjack originated in 17th-century France. Played amongst royalty and nobles alike, vignt-un, or “twenty-one,” crossed the seas with settlers and came to the Americas.
When the settlers arrived in what they considered the New World, they also developed different variations of the title, such as classic, premium, and high-roller blackjack. The main difference between the variations is the number of decks in use. For example, in a classic blackjack game, a dealer would use six to eight decks, whereas a game of premium blackjack calls for only four decks.
Of course, there are several other famous casino games to play in Las Vegas, and poker is a favorite for novices and enthusiasts alike. On the other hand, roulette, baccarat, and craps are great alternatives.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Believe it or not, Las Vegas is more than just the strip. Beyond the glimmering neon lights, Las Vegas has some crazy attractions you can’t find anywhere else.
For adrenaline junkies, there’s Dig This, a proclaimed “heavy equipment playground.” What heavy equipment, you might ask? Bulldozers. Just outside the Venetian, visitors can hop on bulldozers, tractors, and excavators and wreak havoc on the ground.
If digging massive trenches isn’t for you, then Las Vegas also has beautiful sites where nature and architecture intersect, such as the Hoover Dam. Wedged between the Black Canyon, it’s difficult not to stare in amazement at the massive cement wall that stops the Colorado River’s flow. Visitors can learn more about how the Hoover Dam was built in the museum, located at the Boulder Dam Hotel.
Besides the main attractions, Las Vegas offers an array of restaurants, clubs, and diners that are absolutely worth visiting.
