Las Vegas (Sin City) home to Casinos, Broadway shows, Adult entertainment and replicas of World landmarks. This city is incorrigibly awesome! The strip as it is commonly called is approximately 4.2 miles (6.8 km) long and boasts all the big name hotels and entertainment properties of the world.
South Las Vegas Blvd. at West Tropicana Ave.
You can spend time gambling at the various casinos with their wide variety of gaming machines, card and roulette tables or take in some fantastic performances by world renowned entertainers whether it be in the music, comedy or magic industry. You could also watch broadway musicals at one of the many venues in town.
Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas advertising the J Lo Show.
On the strip, there are two FREE shows I would highly recommend as they are very entertaining. The musical water fountains of the Bellagio Hotel, every show is different as a variety of songs and music is used so length varies but it is definitely breath-taking. Another must-see is The Volcano at The Mirage Hotel (both MGM properties). For show-times, click the links. To see more pictures, click here.
Musical water fountains of the Bellagio, Las Vegas.
Walking up and down the “strip” is an absolute delight. Visit the World of Coca-Cola store and taste various flavors or buy “Coke” souvenirs and knick-knacks, truly enchanting. At the southern end of the strip you will come upon one of the most photographed and iconic signs in the world which is the featured image of this page. However, few people click the back of the sign. Here it is and it is so caring!
Rear of the famous Las Vegas Welcome sign.
You will find replicas of many world landmarks on the strip and they are truly authentic. You will also come upon The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino which features architectural replicas of various Venetian landmarks, including the Palazzo Ducale, Piazza San Marco, Piazzetta di San Marco, the Lion of Venice Column and the Column of Saint Theodore, St Mark’s Campanile, and the Rialto Bridge. You can take a “gondola” ride and have the gondolier sing you a song if you coax him with a tip! To see more pictures, click here.
A Gondola ride at The Venetian, Las Vegas.
The world’s tallest Ferris wheel “High Roller” is located in town and takes about 30 mins to complete a full rotation. Swarovski has its “Starburst” performance every night and it is worth watching.
The Fremont Street Experience:
Located in Downtown Las Vegas, north of the strip “Glitter Gulch” as it was known in the 80’s and 90’s is the most vibrant and lively part of downtown Las Vegas that offers fun, entertainment and of course, gambling. You could bus here (recommended) or walk. It is 4.5 miles (7.3 kms.) from the centre of The Strip. Fremont street boasts the largest video screen in the world and yes, it is indeed awesome. Zip-lining under the video canopy is an experience unto itself.
View of ceiling Video screen in Fremont street, Las Vegas.
There is free live music here often. We were fortunate to hear this awesome band perform, Zowie Bowie featuring Nieve Malandra. They were truly dynamic, good tunes and amazing sound! You will also find buskers and street performers all over the place and they are good at what they do. To see more pictures, click here.
Zowie Bowie featuring Nieve Malandra performing in Fremont street.
Between Fremont street and ‘The Strip’, is the Stratosphere Tower. The view from the observation deck is awesome. You can see fabulous sights of Las Vegas in all directions. If you are brave enough, you can take a ride on “Insanity”. To me it is insane but for many, a real thrill. You could also ride X-Scream which is an adrenalin rush of its own!
Insanity thrill ride at The Stratosphere, Las Vegas.
Click here to see more pictures of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Tips:
- Transit bus services are frequent and dependable in the city. Express and regular service available on the strip and also to and from the airport to the strip or to Fremont street.
- If you catch a taxi from the airport, make sure you have the right fare as they neglect to return change.
- If you need to buy water, beer or anything, look for a Walgreens or the small stores as prices are cheaper here.
- We found many ethnic restaurants that served fresh, tasty food at much lesser prices than the big hotels and chain-restaurants.
- Las Vegas was pretty safe, we did not encounter any hostility and Police presence is noticeable.
