CTW Explores
Las Vegas
Country: United States Language: English Currency: US Dollar ($)
Las Vegas is home to some of the largest hotels and casinos in the world! The dazzling neon lights, warm sunny days, brilliant entertainment, and the sounds of the slot machines make for the perfect combination of a city/desert vacation. During the day, take a swim at your hotel pool, stay cool in the air-conditioned casinos, shop at the shopping malls, and indulge in some of the famous buffets. Once the sun sets, enjoy the many shows on offer, as Vegas is home to Cirque du Soleil and numerous other entertainment showcases. If you need a break from the city, take a day trip to one of the natural wonders nearby, including Red Rock Canyon, or the Grand Canyon! The Hoover Dam is also a fascinating excursion. Las Vegas is one of the most exciting and intriguing cities in the world, and will leave you eager to return!
CTW Must See
The Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is a 4.2 mile long road lined with hotels and casinos on either side. Approximately 31 casinos line the Strip, all unique and impressive. You cannot fail to be impressed, even if you aren’t a gambler! The first casino was built in 1941 and the Strip has grown exponentially since then! On the strip you will find a plethora of entertainment, from street performers to water shows, like the Fountains of Bellagio. There is never a dull moment on the Vegas Strip. Wait for the desert sun to set and watch an already lively city light up and beam! Bring your camera and be ready to take snaps of some of the most extravagant buildings in the USA.
Luxor
At the south end of the strip, near the airport, sits Luxor Hotel and Casino. The Luxor was built in the early 90s and is themed around ancient Egypt. The Luxor contains 4,407 hotel rooms and over 2,000 slot machines! As the 9th largest hotel in the world, the Luxor hosts shows, exhibits, clubs, and other amenities including a spa and a wedding chapel. One of the Luxor’s most impressive features is the sky beam. It sends the strongest beam of light in the world out of the apex of the pyramid into the night sky.
New York-New York Hotel and Casino
Just up the strip from Luxor is New York-New York Hotel and Casino. The exterior of the building features a replica Statue of Liberty and a mock New York skyline. New York-New York was built in 1997 and has over 2,000 hotel rooms. It is home to Zumanity, a popular Cirque du Soleil show, a handful of bars and clubs, and a rollercoaster! Have a walk through the casino, where everything is named after popular streets and neighborhoods in New York City.
Paris Las Vegas
Paris Las Vegas is another popular and picturesque hotel and casino located on the Strip. It was built in 1999, has nearly 3,000 hotel rooms, and features a half scale replica of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe! Paris Las Vegas has shopping malls inside with a great range of boutiques and shops. It also has plenty of restaurants, including eateries that make traditional French cuisine, like cakes and crepes! One of the best attractions of Paris Las Vegas is the Eiffel Tower Experience, where takes you to the top of the 'Eiffel Tower' where you will experience some of the best views of the Strip!
Bellagio
Across the strip from Paris Las Vegas is the distinguished Bellagio. The Bellagio is inspired by the Italian town, Bellagio, in northern Italy. The hotel, built in 1998, has nearly 4,000 rooms and 14 restaurants, including Jean Philippe Patisserie, which owns the world’s tallest chocolate fountain! There is even a Gallery of Fine Art! The Bellagio is an elegant and chic hotel and casino and home to Cirque’s 'O', the impressive aquatic production. Outside of the Bellagio, you’ll find an eight acre lake that performs the grand Fountains of Bellagio water show every half hour or 15 minutes, depending on the time of day.
Caesars Palace
Caesars Palace, built in 1966, will transport you from the Vegas Strip to ancient Rome. It has nearly 4,000 hotel rooms, many restaurants, and several shopping centers. The Colosseum at Caesars Palace is a popular theater that has hosts numerous famous artists including the likes of Celine Dion and Elton John. The theater cost over $100 million to build, making it the most expensive venue in Las Vegas. Near the Colosseum is the Forum Shops, a shopping mall filled with high-end shops. It is the highest grossing mall in the US!
High Roller
The Vegas High Roller, a ferris wheel located behind the strip, is the tallest ferris wheel in the world! The High Roller provides a great getaway from the busy Vegas Strip. It also provides some incredibly rewarding views of Las Vegas!
The Mirage
This beautiful Polynesian-themed hotel and casino was built in 1989 and has over 3,000 hotel rooms. The Mirage hosts the popular Cirque du Soleil Show Love, inspired by the Beatles. Inside the hotel are many rainforest plants to reinforce the Polynesian theme, a large night club, a huge range of slot machines, and a 53 foot long aquarium behind the hotel's check-in desk. Every night in front of The Mirage, the volcano erupts, performing a pyrotechnic show complementing the Fountains of Bellagio.
The Venetian
The Venetian is a Venice-themed luxury hotel and casino at the north end of the Vegas Strip. It is the second-largest hotel in the world, with rooms ranging from $170 to $10,000 a night. The Venetian was built in 1988, and its design features famous Venetian landmarks like Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. Inside the Venetian are a number of restaurants, night clubs, and the Grand Canal Shoppes. The mall is set indoors, with replica Venetian canals running throughout the interior. Gondola rides are available, taking you from outside the Venetian through the Grand Canal Shoppes.
Fremont Street
Fremont Street is located 15-minutes from the Strip and dates back to 1905. Fremont Street was the first paved street in Vegas and was home to the first traffic light. It is one of the oldest parts of Las Vegas, and still has some of the original slot machines that were used before gambling was legal. Fremont Street has been featured in films over the years, including Viva Las Vegas and Diamonds are Forever, the James Bond film. Fremont Street provides a fun and quite a different experience from what you will find on the Strip. Spend an evening at Fremont Street using the original slot machines, enjoying drinks from the number of bars available, or dancing to the live music played at various points along the street.
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is only a half hour from Vegas, giving you an escape from the constant dinging of slot machines and the bright city lights. Retreat into nature with various activities, including hiking and rock climbing. The large red rock formations reach 910 meters high, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Red Rock Canyon has several hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length. Spend a half day exploring the canyon reserve, or camp out overnight, admiring the night sky overhead as you fall asleep in the desert.
Hoover Dam / Grand Canyon
Las Vegas is a great place to visit as it easily combines city life and nature. Day trips to the iconic Hoover Dam and the remarkable Grand Canyon are available from tour companies on a daily basis.
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