Compare cheap holidays to Las Vegas

Gambling isn’t the only thrill in town, and there are few places on Earth that can compete with Vegas when it comes to nightlife. See music megastars or magnificent magicians at big-budget stage shows before sipping bubbles to beats from celebrity DJs in classy clubs.

Believe it or not, Vegas isn’t all partying and indulgence. To explore beyond the Strip, you can head to the beautifully stark scenery of Death Valley or jaw-dropping Grand Canyon. Or see one of the country’s great engineering marvels, the immense Hoover Dam.

Vegas is essentially in a desert, so it can be a sweatbox in summer. Average highs soar between June and August to the late 30s, early 40s. In winter, temperatures drop considerably (average highs of 14C to 17C) but it’s still a busy season, especially around Christmas and New Year.

There’s a reason the “Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas” sign is on the Strip. The 6.4km (4 mile)-long boulevard is a Vegas icon, with some of the city’s best-known sights. You’ll find a constant crowd admiring the famous casinos and huge resorts that line the street.

To really experience the Strip’s buzz, return at night to see it illuminated by neon. Take a walk to see the Luxor Hotel’s Egyptian sphinx and pyramids and Paris Las Vegas’s Eiffel Tower replica.

Luxury hotels

Even if you can’t afford to stay the night, Vegas’ hotels have shows and attractions that make them sights in their own right. The Bellagio Resort puts on a popular fountain display of more than 1,000 water fountains ‘dancing’ to music.

At The Venetian, you’ll be transported to the hotel’s version of Venice. Wander the replica St Mark’s Square and buy a gelato. Or, cruise the manmade canals in a gondola while being serenaded in Italian.

Shows and nightlife

Vegas shows are legendary. You can see singers such as Celine Dion and circus favourite Cirque du Soleil. Comedians and magicians also regularly perform. Expect extravagant stages and incredible special effects – this is Vegas, after all.

You can keep the party going in one of the city’s world-class nightclubs, such as famous DJ-magnet Hakkasan or acrobat-filled LIGHT Vegas at Mandalay Bay.

Casinos

The lavish casinos are one of the biggest draws of Las Vegas holidays. Whether or not you’re a gambler, it’s worth checking out the gaudy glamour of casinos like MGM Grand and ancient Rome-inspired Caesars Palace.

If you do like to roll the dice, there are plenty of opportunities to wager a few chips at a blackjack table or have a spin on the roulette wheel. At the Bellagio, you’ll find high rollers staking eye-watering amounts on a hand.

Museums

Discover Vegas’ past through its striking signs at The Neon Museum. The highlight is the neon boneyard, home to more than 200 restored hotel, bar and casino signs. A guided tour explains the role the colourful bulbs played in the city’s history.

Over four floors, the Mob Museum traces the history of organised crime in Las Vegas and globally. It includes a firearm-training simulator, crime lab experience and Prohibition-era speakeasy.

North Las Vegas is another good place for a family-friendly stay, with plenty of museums and parks nearby. If you want to stay on the Strip, take the kids to an indoor theme park and check out the Bellagio’s dancing fountains.

For travellers on a budget

Vegas may not be known as a budget destination, but there are cheap holidays available if you know where to stay. Downtown Las Vegas, which is often referred to as DTLV, is one such spot. The Neon and Mob museums are both here, as well as the dazzling, free Fremont Street Experience light show.

You’ll find a good choice of budget hotels and affordable hostels. There’s also a range of restaurants, including casual burger and pizza places. Stay here and save your dollars for the Strip – you can always upgrade if you strike it lucky in the casino.

For food and drink

Stay on the Strip and you’ll be spoilt for choice, foodwise. Many of the big hotels have celebrity chef-run restaurants, some of which have Michelin stars. If you can’t decide on only one dish, some hotels also put on high-end buffets, where you can load up your plate and sample it all.

Beyond the hotels, you can find sleek Italian trattorias, Korean barbecues and restaurants serving steak and seafood. While there are plenty of pricey picks on the Strip, Vegas isn’t short of places serving good burgers or tacos for a price that won’t break the bank.

For nightlife

If you’re in Vegas to party, the Strip is the best place to stay. The buzzing boulevard is lined with bars and clubs and is one of the world’s hottest nightlife destinations. Rub shoulders with celebrities at swanky cocktail bars, cool off with a few beers at a pool club or dance ‘til dawn at exclusive clubs with renowned DJs.

If you’re going to stay on the Strip, you may as well do it in style. Book a room at one of the legendary hotels to stay in sumptuous surroundings.

For culture

There is more to the city’s culture than glitz and gambling, and the Arts District is a great place to discover it. North of the Strip, the neighbourhood (also known as 18b) is home to indie art galleries, fashion boutiques and antique stores. You can stay in modern motels or larger hotels around here.

Meanwhile, the area known as East of the Strip has a different vibe to the rest of Vegas, partly thanks to its thriving student population. While you’re here, visit the Pinball Hall of Fame and Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art.