Compare Las Vegas city breaks

And while all-you-can-eat buffets may be what you imagine in Las Vegas, its dining scene is thriving. Culinary chefs whips up masterpieces for lovers of fine dining, and restaurants in its Chinatown dish up tasty morsels for locals and tourists.

After dinner, book to watch a show in the city that calls itself the entertainment capital of the world. Attracting big names such as Elton John and Cirque du Soleil, performances here are extravagant and will be a highlight of your Las Vegas city break.

For a break from the razzle-dazzle, you can hike or take a scenic drive around Red Rock Canyon west of Las Vegas, while if you’re an adrenaline junkie, there are plenty of ways to get your pulse racing, such as a SkyJump from The Strat Hotel.

If you’re a keen runner, you may want to visit to take part in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon in November where bands play along the route.

Calling itself “a tribute to the Italian opulence, warmth and lust-for-life that informs each and every day”, The Venetian knows how to wow. Take a gondola ride down a replica of the Grand Canal (complete with crooning gondolier) and, if you fancy learning the art of piloting the boats, you can even book into Gondola University.

Other attractions at this five-star resort include the minus5 Ice Experience, a bar where even the glasses are made of ice, and its luxury shopping mall.

Neon Museum

To learn more about the history of Las Vegas, visit its Neon Museum to see iconic signs from the city’s past. The visitors’ centre is located inside the striking, shell-shaped 1960s gem, the former La Concha Motel, and you can book a walking tour of its Neon Boneyard.

There are more than 200 signs in its main collection, and you can make your trip extra special by visiting at night.

Bellagio

The luxurious Bellagio hotel has glorious interiors – think chandeliers and lashings of marble – as well as one of the world’s most famous dancing fountains. In its daily fountain show, expect a spectacular display with water, music and light. There are also daily performances by Cirque du Soleil, an enormous casino, a conservatory and botanical gardens, and a fine art gallery.

If that wasn’t enough, you can dine with a backdrop of Picasso’s paintings and sculptures in its Picasso restaurant.

The Strat

Do you have a head for heights and love high-adrenaline attractions? Then put The Strat on your Las Vegas agenda. Here you can test your nerves on thrill rides that shoot and dangle you in the air.

On Big Shot, you’ll hurtle 160ft up the SkyPod’s mast at 45 miles per hour, and on its open-air SkyJump, you’ll plummet downwards from 829ft above Vegas. Fancy something more sedate? Try its Top of the World Revolving restaurant.

Red Rock Canyon

For an alternative day out on your Las Vegas city break, plan a visit to Red Rock Canyon. Around a half-hour drive west of the city, here you can take a 13-mile scenic drive or bike ride with photo opportunities galore.

If you’d rather stretch your legs, choose a hiking trail to tackle or even go rock climbing. Spring is a lovely time to visit with pleasant temperatures and spring wildflowers.

Boulder City is another quieter option around a half-hour drive from Las Vegas. From here, you can visit the Hoover Dam, feed the fish in Lake Mead and stroll around parks as a break from the city’s bright lights.

For travellers on a budget

For the best chance of finding a cheap Las Vegas city break, look for hotels Downtown, the original city centre. While you’re around 20 minutes from The Strip by car, there’s plenty to do in the recently revamped area, from whizzing down a waterslide through a shark tank to looking around the Neon Museum. You’ll also find many great options for a fun night out.

If you’re savvy, you’ll also find some hotel deals on The Strip and, as you’re in the heart of the pulsing action, you won’t need to spend much on transport.

For food and drink

Whatever cuisine you’re craving, you can probably find it on The Strip, where big-name chefs create multi-course tasting menus and hotels have extremely tempting buffet tables. Do your research before a stay to book a table in a unique dining setting – think eating surrounded by a famous artists’ work or nabbing a seat at a coveted chef’s table.

For more laid-back, and lower-priced options – but still a fantastic range – consider a stay Downtown. From comfort food and vegetarian dishes to sushi, you can dine around the globe in this area.

For nightlife

Nights to remember are created on The Strip in Las Vegas. Try your luck in a mega-casino, watch a star-spangled show, boogie in a super-club or enjoy rooftop drinks – whatever you fancy, all the stops are pulled in this city that knows how to party.

Downtown has a slightly different vibe and attracts locals as well as tourists with its excellent cocktail bars, good value drinking spots and kitsch classics. After a drink or two you’ll also be able to watch live music or a spectacular light show.

For culture

To learn more about Las Vegas’ past, look for hotels Downtown. Here you’ll be close to a number of interesting attractions such as the Neon Museum, the Mob Museum and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. You can also visit the city’s oldest casino, look at street art and wander around galleries.

While the bright lights and elaborate casinos might grab your attention on The Strip, you’ll also be able to find cultural attractions here. The Bellagio has a fine art gallery and, in the evening, you can enjoy world-renowned shows.