Las Vegas Travel Guide

About Las Vegas

Originally a quiet desert stop known as 'The Meadows' to Spanish explorers, Las Vegas was officially founded in 1905 as a railroad town. Its trajectory changed forever in 1931 when Nevada legalized gambling, setting the stage for the city to evolve from a dusty outpost into the 'Entertainment Capital of the World.' The mid-20th century saw the rise of iconic, mob-financed resorts like the Flamingo, which established the template for the modern luxury casino-hotel. Throughout the decades, the city transformed from a gritty gambling hub into a polished, mega-resort destination, famously surviving the 'Atomic Age'—when nuclear tests were a local tourist attraction—to become the global icon of excess and spectacle it is today.

The culture of Las Vegas is a unique blend of high-octane energy and surprising sophistication, defined by its 24/7 lifestyle and 'anything goes' spirit. While famous for showgirls, Elvis impersonators, and massive casino floors, the city has matured into a culinary powerhouse, hosting some of the world's most celebrated chefs and diverse dining experiences. Beyond the glitz, there is a thriving local arts scene, including the Neon Museum—which preserves the city's vintage signage—and a growing community of galleries and museums. The city's 'second chance' ethos and liberal marriage laws have also cemented its status as a global destination for weddings and spontaneous celebrations.

Practical info

Quick facts

• During the 1950s, nuclear weapons testing at the nearby Nevada Test Site was so frequent that mushroom clouds were often visible from the Strip, and some hotels even hosted 'atomic viewing' parties.
• The Las Vegas Strip is not actually located within the city limits of Las Vegas; it sits in the unincorporated towns of Paradise and Winchester.
• Las Vegas is often called 'Hawaii's Ninth Island' due to the massive number of residents and tourists from Hawaii who frequent the city.
• The city's name, 'Las Vegas,' translates from Spanish to 'The Meadows,' a nod to the artesian springs that once made the valley a vital oasis for travelers.
• The city is home to some of the largest hotels in the world, with several individual properties containing thousands of rooms and massive casino floors.

Top things to do in Las Vegas

The 0 attractions, museums, viewpoints, and experiences travelers visit most.

Where to eat in Las Vegas

2 restaurants, cafés, and food spots — local picks, not tourist traps.

Steakhouse

Bavette's Steakhouse & Bar

This is a dark, moody, and incredibly fun spot that ditches the stiff, white-tablecloth vibe of traditional steakhouses for a bit of French-inspired flair. It…

$$$Dimly lit, romantic, and lively with a classic jazz soundtrack and plush red leather banquettes.

Pizza

Evel Pie

This is the ultimate downtown dive-bar-meets-pizzeria, plastered in Evel Knievel memorabilia and serving up some of the best New York-style slices in the…

$Loud, punk-rock, dive-bar, retro, energetic

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