Las Vegas is considered the world capital of gambling and a natural setting for a coveted holiday destination. Located in the southeastern part of Nevada next to the border with Arizona, Las Vegas is among the most attractive cities in the world, thanks to its brand image in the world of games, trade, and especially thanks to the good international reputation of its hotels. It is also in a good location to deserve the label of commercial centre of Nevada and a tourist destination par excellence. Las Vegas experiences a staggering population growth rate, with an average of about 5,000 persons a year, with a total of 603,093 inhabitants in 2008. It is renowned for its fast formalities for marriage and divorce proceedings.
Las Vegas has a total area of 340 km² and it extends over the southern part of Nevada. Its landscape is dominated by desert where water is strongly lacking, representing only 0.04% of its territory. It is cut by an arid bowl, mountains and valleys, with a peak located at a height of 512 m on the top of Spring Mountain. The city was founded by white Mormon settlers between 1855 and 1857, and was originally an agricultural city. The modernization of the city began in 1905, following the construction of the railway. In 1946, the Flamengo Hotel was the first casino located in the city of Las Vegas, following the legalization of gambling in 1930.
Las Vegas is also known as Sin City, or the city of sin, where the most famous entertainments in the world are concentrated, played in a real atmosphere of an American-style show. It attracts more than 30 million tourists every year, mostly from California. The landscape is characterised by the presence of nearby national parks, mountains and the Grand Canyon, promoting the sensational development of Las Vegas.
A gambling and entertainment paradise
The flagship of Las Vegas is gambling, which you can try in every casino. Casino-hotels offer varieties of games and performances by internationally renowned artists. Casino-hotels are concentrated mainly around downtown and along the Strip or Las Vegas Boulevard. Other strengths are the possibility of visiting the Red Rock Canyon, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley and Zion National Parks, Lake Made and the Boulder Dam by airplane, helicopter, car or bus. Also, amateur hikers can arrange to meet at the Valley of Fire, to go climbing.
Every day, casino-hotels are open for night owls, displaying various board games, thousands of slot machines and banquets. The early evening seems to be the best time for a good friendly family atmosphere where you can admire the magic tricks and shows. Evenings at certain restaurants and casinos include strip shows.
Ranked as the largest hotel-city in the world, Las Vegas is full of luxury hotels with nearly 130,000 rooms available. Ten of the best hotels in the world are in Las Vegas. Each one offers more than 3,000 rooms; the most famous ones are: The Venetian Palazzo (7,128 rooms), First World Hotel (6,118 rooms), MGM (5,044 rooms), Madalay Bay, Wynn Las Vegas, Luxor, Ambassador City Jomtien, etc. In general, these hotels have their own casinos, concert halls and theatres.
You will arrive at McCarran International Airport when traveling to Las Vegas, which is also suitable for private aircrafts. Public transport in the city is assured by Citizens Area Transit, and the double-decker bus "The Deuce" will take you to discover Las Vegas Boulevard, along the Strip until Downtown where you can shop. The access road to the outside world is Interstate 15 near Salt Lake City and San Diego.
Budget for one week: About 1.100 €
Taxes and tips: Tipping is common practice. There may be federal, state or local taxes.
Local currency: US Dollar
Spoken and/or official language: English
Dialing code: +1 (702)
Population: over 600,000
Area: 340 Km2
Main Attractions: Casino-hotels, strip clubs, Grand Canyon ...
Electricity: 110-120 V / 60 Hz:
- Type A (U.S. plug with 2 flat pins) NEMA 1-15.
- Type B (U.S. plug with 2 flat pins + 1 round ground pin) NEMA 5-15 / CS22.2, Nº42. 15A.
Visas: As legal regulations change frequently, it is best to check directly with the consulates and embassies (over the phone or on the internet).
Sanitary/Medical requirements: Tap water is drinkable in Las Vegas. No special recommendations regarding vaccinations.
