Find the Best Things to Do in Las Vegas
By Terrisa Meeks
Las Vegas Local Expert
About Las Vegas
The actual city of Las Vegas occupies only a small portion of the Las Vegas Valley, but the entire geographic area is collectively referred to as Las Vegas. Population growth has erased the boundaries between Las Vegas and many surrounding towns. The resident population of the area is around 2 million, but 37 million visitors make their way here each year to enjoy the gambling, attractions, and sight-seeing in the area.
See & Do
Gambling is the major attraction in Las Vegas, but an increasing number of visitors skip the casino to do other things. Natural beauty abounds around Las Vegas at places like Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Red Rock Canyon. The historic Hoover Dam provides a day-trip destination that's family friendly. The New York-New York's rollercoaster and the Stratosphere Tower's thrill rides will give you something daring to try that doesn't involve a wager.
Eat
Las Vegas is a dining bonanza for foodies and celebrity chef fans. On the Strip, ultra-fine dining at acclaimed restaurants like Joel Robuchon and Guy Savoy offer diners a memorable (and expensive) culinary experience. A number of well-known chefs have outposts in Las Vegas: Wolfgang Puck, Rick Moonen, Hubert Keller, Bobby Flay, Pierre Gagnaire, and Jean-Georges, to name but a few. Even "Top Chef" judge Tom Colicchio has a steakhouse, Craftsteak, at the MGM Grand.
Party
Las Vegas is known for its adults-only vibe, in no small part because of the city's vibrant nightlife. Bars throughout town are open 24/7. Along the Strip, the swanky nightclub scene attracts crowds and celebrities. Clubs like XS, Tao, and Pure are known for their exclusivity–expect long lines, cover charges, a dress code, and the options of VIP or bottle service.
Stay
With so many visitors coming to Las Vegas every year, it's no surprise that the city is filled with hotels. The most well-known are the hotel casinos along the Strip, although you'll find hotels throughout all portions of the city. On the Strip, many of the newest hotels emphasize luxury accommodations. Encore, Trump International, Aria, and the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas are examples of the sleek, sophisticated style of the newer hotels in Las Vegas.
Shop
Serious shoppers will find plenty to keep them busy in Las Vegas. The Strip has several shopping areas attached to hotel casinos. Caesars Forum Shops, Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile, and the Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes are full of stores, galleries, and restaurants. High-end luxury can be found throughout Crystals Shopping Mall, located at City Center. Bargain-loving shoppers may want to check out the Premium Outlet Malls, with locations downtown and south of the Strip.