Grand Canyon Day Trip
See one of the world's great natural wonders.
Overview
Why visit Las Vegas
Las Vegas was founded in 1905 as a railroad town in the Nevada desert. It boomed after Nevada legalised gambling in 1931 and thousands of workers arrived to build the nearby Hoover Dam. Today the famous Strip is lined with themed mega-resorts—from a pyramid and a medieval castle to replicas of Paris and Venice.
Vegas is about far more than casinos. The city is packed with Cirque du Soleil productions, headline concerts and magic shows, while the Sphere's giant LED exterior lights up the skyline. Watch the free Bellagio fountain show, then head downtown to Fremont Street, where the original casinos sit beneath a huge video canopy.
Some of the best experiences are just outside the city. Red Rock Canyon is about 30 minutes away, the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead are under an hour's drive, and day trips run to the Grand Canyon. With around 300 sunny days a year, it is easy to combine city nights with desert adventures.
Things to do
Top things to book in Las Vegas
Popular tours and tickets. Compare prices and book ahead to skip the lines.
Hoover Dam Tour
Explore the engineering marvel on the Arizona–Nevada border.
Cirque du Soleil Show
World-famous acrobatics in a Strip theater.
High Roller Wheel
Views over the Strip from a giant observation wheel.
Plan your trip
Compare prices for Las Vegas
Pick your dates once and search hotels, homes, flights and tours on every major site.
Compare two at a time
Side by side in Las Vegas
Tour prices change by date and group size, so each site opens with your search ready to check today's price.
Starting prices checked on Nov 9 on each company's site. Prices depend on age, country and dates; confirm before you buy.
We may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Fun facts
Things you didn't know about Las Vegas
- 01
Most Of The Strip Isn'T In Las Vegas
Most of the famous Las Vegas Strip actually lies outside the city limits, in the unincorporated towns of Paradise and Winchester.
- 02
Founded In 1905
The city began with a land auction on 15 May 1905, when the railroad arrived in the desert valley.
- 03
Home Of The World'S Largest Sphere
The Sphere, which opened in 2023, is the largest spherical building in the world, and its exterior is covered in programmable LED panels.
- 04
A Beam You Can See From Space
The Luxor Sky Beam, shining from the top of the Luxor's pyramid, is said to be one of the most powerful beams of light in the world.
- 05
The Bellagio Fountains Are Free
More than 1,200 water nozzles shoot water into the air in time to music, and the shows are free to watch.
- 06
The Hoover Dam Is Nearby
Built between 1931 and 1936, the Hoover Dam created Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States by capacity.
- 07
The Wedding Capital Of The World
Tens of thousands of couples get married in Las Vegas every year, from quick chapel ceremonies to drive-through weddings.
- 08
A Museum For Old Neon Signs
The Neon Museum's "Neon Boneyard" preserves giant signs from classic casinos that have since closed.
- 09
A Record-Breaking Wheel
The High Roller observation wheel was the tallest in the world when it opened in 2014.
- 10
The Famous Welcome Sign
The "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign was designed by Betty Willis in 1959—and she never copyrighted it.
Random Las Vegas fact
Tap the button for a random fact about Las Vegas.
FAQ
Quick answers about Las Vegas
Where is Las Vegas located?
Las Vegas is in the United States, in North America.
What is the population of Las Vegas?
The greater Las Vegas area is home to about 2,300,000 people.
What is Las Vegas famous for?
The Entertainment Capital of the World pairs neon-lit casinos, world-class shows and celebrity restaurants with easy trips to desert canyons and the Hoover Dam.
Keep exploring
All North America citiesMore cities in North America
Enjoying Famous Cities?
If these guides helped you plan a trip, or just daydream about one, you can say thanks with a coffee. Every bit keeps the site independent and free.