- Direct flights from London take around 10.5 hours and you need an ESTA
- Check for nightly resort fees when comparing hotel prices
- Summer regularly tops 40°C, so plan outdoor trips for early morning
- Use Las Vegas as a base for the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon
- Airports
- Harry Reid International (LAS), about 10-20 minutes to the Strip
- Best time to go
- March-May and October-November
- Type
- City
Las Vegas is unapologetically over the top: themed mega-resorts, fountains, rollercoasters, celebrity chefs and some of the biggest shows on earth, all set in the middle of the Mojave Desert. You do not need to gamble to enjoy it; many visitors come for the entertainment, the pools and the food.
It is also an excellent launch pad for the national parks of the American Southwest. For the wider picture, see our Nevada guide, and for the most popular day trip, our Grand Canyon guide.
Things to do in Las Vegas
- Walk the Strip – the Bellagio fountains, the Venetian's canals and the Paris replica Eiffel Tower are free to enjoy.
- See a show – Cirque du Soleil productions, magic, comedy and residencies by big-name musicians.
- The Sphere – the giant LED venue near the Venetian hosts immersive films and concerts.
- Fremont Street – old Las Vegas downtown, with a light-show canopy and vintage casinos.
- The Neon Museum – a 'boneyard' of historic casino signs, best on an evening tour.
- Red Rock Canyon – red sandstone cliffs and hiking trails about half an hour west.
- Hoover Dam – the 1930s dam on the Colorado River, under an hour away.
- Grand Canyon – a long day by road, or by helicopter or small plane to the West Rim.
Where to stay
- Centre Strip – Bellagio, Caesars Palace and the Cosmopolitan put you in the heart of the action.
- South Strip – MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and New York-New York, handy for the airport and big arenas.
- North Strip – the Venetian, Wynn and Resorts World, quieter and upmarket.
- Downtown – cheaper rooms and an old-school atmosphere around Fremont Street.
- Off-Strip – non-gaming hotels and good-value suites a short ride away.
Getting there
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly direct from Heathrow, and there have been direct flights from Manchester at times, taking around 10 to 11 hours. You need an approved ESTA. The airport is very close to the Strip; taxis, ride-hailing and shuttles take minutes. The Strip is longer than it looks, so use the monorail, buses or ride-hailing between hotels. Hire a car for Red Rock, Valley of Fire or a Southwest road trip.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are ideal, with warm days for pools and comfortable conditions for hiking. Summer is extremely hot, often over 40°C, though hotel deals can be good. Winter days are mild and nights cold. Weekends and big conventions push prices up sharply, so midweek stays are better value.
Always compare the total price including resort fees and parking, which can add a significant amount per night at Strip hotels.
Top attractions in Las Vegas
NatureCentral Park
Manhattan's 843-acre green heart, with lakes, meadows, bridges and woodland stretching for 51 blocks between Midtown…
LandmarkStatue of Liberty
The copper colossus in New York Harbor, a gift from France in 1886, visited by ferry with Ellis Island on the same trip.
Las Vegas on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Las Vegas?
Three nights is enough for the Strip, a show and one day trip. Add more if you want the Grand Canyon, Zion or Death Valley.
Can you do the Grand Canyon as a day trip from Las Vegas?
Yes. The West Rim (with the Skywalk) is about two and a half hours' drive; the more scenic South Rim is around four and a half hours each way, so consider an overnight stay.
What is the drinking and gambling age?
You must be 21 to gamble or drink alcohol, and casinos do check ID.
Is Las Vegas good for families?
It can be, with pools, shows and attractions, but much of the Strip is aimed at adults and children cannot linger on casino floors.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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