Is LAS VEGAS worth visiting? Reasons to visit Vegas

Vegas is known for its gambling but is Las Vegas worth visiting? We share the reasons to visit Vegas, so you can decide if it’s the right place for you.

Why Vegas?

Las Vegas, aka Sin City, aka The Entertainment Capital of the World – whatever moniker you give her, there’s no denying that Vegas is the jewel of the Nevada Desert. The city is also a bucket list destination for many travelers worldwide, thanks to its world-class gaming, luxury resorts, and dynamic nightlife.  

Las Vegas is one of those cities that has something to appeal to everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo, hitting the Strip with your closest friends, enjoying a romantic getaway, or even taking a business trip, a vacation in this vibrant city will leave you with some truly unforgettable memories.  

Vegas is truly a destination for all types of travelers, even those on a tight budget.

Just make sure to read up on these things NOT to do in Las Vegas before your trip!   

Fascinating Facts about Las Vegas 

Las Vegas is known the world over for its extravagant take on entertainment and nightlife, but there’s a lot more to this city than first meets the eye. Before we dive into our reasons for visiting Las Vegas, here are some fascinating facts about this fascinating city:  

• Vegas is the world’s brightest city – as seen from space, the bright lights of Las Vegas can be seen from over 100 miles away. It’s even been estimated that around 15,000 miles of neon tubing are used in the city’s signage. 

• The Las Vegas Strip isn’t in Las Vegas – the home of the most iconic casinos and hotel resorts in North America, the Las Vegas Strip, isn’t actually located within the city limits. Instead, it’s located in an unincorporated area called Paradise, situated just outside the city. 

• Home to the Tallest Observation Tower in America – The Stratosphere Tower (now known as The Strat), which stands at a whopping 1,149 feet tall, is currently the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. Visitors can take a ride on the tower’s thrill rides, including the Big Shot, which shoots riders straight up into the air at 45 mph.  

• The Vegas Flag – Las Vegas city has an official flag, which features a red background with two diagonal white stripes and a depiction of the iconic ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign in the center. The flag was designed in 1984 by local graphic designer Robert R. “Bob” Smith and was adopted by the city council in 2001. 

Why is Las Vegas worth visiting?

Las Vegas is affordable

Las Vegas is a highly affordable vacation destination that offers unbeatable value for money. Not only are travel expenses like airfare relatively low, but you can also get some great deals on accommodation in the city, such as the opportunity to stay in luxury hotel rooms for just a fraction of what they would cost in other US cities.  

The city also boasts an array of dining options to suit all budgets and tastes, so you won’t dip into your spending budget too much while eating out. There are even several free shuttle services that you can take advantage of during your stay.  

Vegas is full of luxury

Of course, if you do have the budget to splash out on a dream vacation, Las Vegas is the destination for you! Vegas is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and casino resorts. The city’s hotels offer everything from five-star dining options to world-class spas and pools. You can even stay in hotels that are replicas of famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower.

Not only that but some of the world’s most expensive suites are located here, like the $100,000-a-night Empathy Suite at Palms Casino Resort.  

It’s a Gamer’s Paradise 

Las Vegas’s casinos are as impressive as its hotels, making it a gamer’s paradise. Casinos like the Bellagio and Caesars Palace feature some of the largest and most elaborate gaming floors in the world. It’s no wonder that major events like the World Series of Poker take place here.  

Although Sin City’s casinos are a favorite with global high rollers, they’re open to people of all experience levels – even those who’ve never set foot inside a casino before. Of course, you’ll need to adhere to any dress codes and ensure that you follow the rules set by each casino, but you can participate in as many or few games of the likes of blackjack, poker, or roulette as you like.  

If you are going to hit the roulette tables and you’ve never played this iconic game before, developing an understanding of the fundamentals of the game, such as how many numbers are on the wheel and what the most common bets are, will serve you well. Alternatively, you may just want to try your skills at the slot machines or simply enjoy the atmosphere in these grand, opulent gaming palaces.  

The Las Vegas art scene

The art scene in Las Vegas is thriving, with a diverse range of artists and styles represented throughout the city. Whilst it is known for the neon-drenched casinos and hotels of the Strip, there happens to be a growing appreciation for contemporary art and street art in Las Vegas. 

The city is home to several art galleries, such as the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, which features rotating exhibits of world-class artwork from some of the world’s most famous artists. The Contemporary Arts Center is another popular destination for art lovers, with a focus on modern and contemporary art and performance. 

In recent years, the street art scene in Las Vegas has also gained attention, with many local and international artists creating murals and installations throughout the city. The Life is Beautiful festival, held annually in downtown Las Vegas, features large-scale murals and installations that transform the city’s urban landscape. 

In addition to traditional art forms, Las Vegas also has a growing diverse community of performers and entertainers, with many shows featuring elements of performance art and immersive theater. The city’s rich and dynamic art scene is a reflection of its larger-than-life personality and is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.  

You can learn in Vegas too!

Ok, so Las Vegas may not be a hallowed center of learning featuring streets lined with prestigious museums and institutions, but it’s highly enlightening and educational in its own idiosyncratic way.  

Las Vegas has a vibrant museum culture that reflects the city’s eclectic personality and diverse interests. The museums in Las Vegas cover a wide range of topics, from the city’s history and its ties to the mafia, to the art and the culture of the region. 

A must-visit museum in Las Vegas is the Neon Museum, which houses an impressive collection of vintage neon signs from the city’s past. The museum offers guided tours that provide insight into the history of Las Vegas and the role that neon signage played in the city’s development. 

Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for something new and interesting to explore, Las Vegas’s museums offer a unique and exciting way to experience the city. 

The hotels

Las Vegas has plenty of hotels to choose from, whether you want to stay on the strip or further afield. Many of the hotels along the strip are themed and fun, offering casinos, pools, spas and restaurants. We personally love the Cosmopolitan and the Flamingo hotels but the Bellagio and The Venetian have incredible theming and are unique hotels in the US while the Luxor and New York New York hotels offer great deals. 

The price

For first-time visitors, you may be shocked to know that Vegas is actually more affordable than you may think. With so many hotel rooms to fill, rates can be lower than many other top destinations in the US, especially on weekdays and during the hot summer. 

Also, because of the competition, hotel buffets, restaurants, and even attractions, are priced fairly, in order to attract visitors. 

On top of that, there are plenty of free things to do in Vegas, like the Bellagio Fountain or The Mirage volcano. 

The gambling

Of course, we can’t talk about Las Vegas without talking about gambling. There are casinos everywhere in Vegas with many offering electronic roulette and table games, ideal for newbies. Head to Fremont Street for low stakes or visit the luxury hotel casinos for a high-end experience. 

The shopping

Most casinos have shops attached to them but it’s best to avoid these if possible. Instead, get some great deals at the Las Vegas Premium Outlets and the Fashion Outlets, both full of designer brands offering huge discounts. 

The food

Las Vegas is the place to go for all types of food and all budgets. You can certainly get budget-friendly options from the many chains along the strip but we recommend enjoying at least one of the best buffets in Vegas. There are plenty of celebrity restaurants and 5-star options along the strip too, from Guy Savoy’s popular restaurant in Caesars Palace to Gordon Ramsay’s many restaurants for all tastes and budgets. 

The attractions

There is so much to see and do in Vegas, you will never be bored, even if you aren’t a gambler. Head to the many museums in the area, like the Neon Museum or the Mob Museum, walk along Fremont Street, take a ride on the High Roller.

Explore the Bellagio Conservatory, take a helicopter tour from above, visit Madame Tussauds, and explore the whole strip on the Hop-on, Hop-off Big Bus Tour. Many of these attractions are included on the Go City Las Vegas pass, we will leave the link in the description below. 

The nightlife

Las Vegas can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Spend evenings hopping between the casinos and enjoy free drinks as you gamble at most spots around the strip but also check out the restaurants and bars in the area too.

Dance the night away at one of the nightclubs, see Vegas lit up from above from either The Strat, the Eiffel Tower, or the High Roller, and spend an evening seeing one of the best shows in Vegas too, we will talk about that next. 

The shows

There are so many shows to choose from whilst in Las Vegas. Cirque De Soleil’s shows are truly spectacular, with a variety to choose from in Vegas; we personally love the show LOVE, a performance accompanied by The Beatles music.

There are some great magic shows to be enjoyed here, including David Copperfield, whilst hen and stag parties have plenty of adult shows to choose from. There are comedy shows that can be found here too, as well as residencies to check out. 

At the time of recording this, Las Vegas residencies include Adele, Carrie Underwood and Maroon 5, with U2 joining this list shortly in the impressive new MSG Sphere. 

The day trips

Escape the bright lights at least once to enjoy one of the many day trips available from Las Vegas. The Grand Canyon is a popular option, with plenty of day tours available, we will leave the links below, but you can also visit Bryce Canyon, Death Valley, Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock Canyon, and the Seven Magic Mountains. 

Things to know before you go to Las Vegas