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The Las Vegas Strip at night

No. 27 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Las Vegas

United States

Desert resort city of casinos, shows and neon, and a gateway to canyons and dams.

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Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Las Vegas is No. 27 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. The city in Nevada's Mojave Desert is famous for the Strip, a boulevard of giant casino resorts with shows, restaurants, nightlife and shopping.

Beyond the Strip, the original downtown around Fremont Street has its own character, and the desert around the city holds spectacular scenery, from Red Rock Canyon to Hoover Dam and, further away, the Grand Canyon.

The Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas
The Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas. Photo: Julian Lupyan, CC0, source

Best time to go

March to May and September to November are the most comfortable months. Summer is extremely hot, often above 40 °C.

Winter days are mild but nights are cold. Hotel prices rise sharply at weekends and during big conventions and events.

Top sights

  • 1

    The Strip

    Walk the boulevard past themed resorts, from the free Fountains of Bellagio shows to the Venetian's canals.

  • 2

    Sphere

    The giant spherical venue opened in 2023, with an LED exterior that lights up the night, immersive films and concerts.

  • 3

    Fremont Street Experience

    Downtown's pedestrian street under a huge LED canopy, with free light shows and live music.

  • 4

    Neon Museum

    A collection of restored and retired neon signs from the city's history. Night tours show them lit.

  • 5

    High Roller

    The giant observation wheel at the LINQ offers views over the Strip.

  • 6

    Red Rock Canyon

    Red sandstone cliffs and hiking trails about 30 minutes' drive west of the Strip. Timed entry may be required.

  • 7

    Hoover Dam

    The 1930s dam on the Colorado River is about 45 minutes' drive south-east, with guided tours.

Getting there

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is next to the southern end of the Strip. The drive from Los Angeles takes about four to five hours.

Getting around

The Las Vegas Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip, and the Deuce bus runs along the Strip to downtown. Ride-hailing apps and taxis are widely used.

Distances between resorts are longer than they look, and walking is tiring in the heat. Rent a car for trips into the desert.

Practical tips

Currency
US dollar (USD). Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is customary: around 18–20% in sit-down restaurants and a dollar or two per drink in bars. Most hotels add a daily resort fee to the room rate.
Language
English. Spanish is also widely spoken.
Age limits
You must be 21 to gamble or drink alcohol.
Safety
Drink plenty of water and avoid hiking in the midday heat. The emergency number is 911.
Visa & entry
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (including the UK, most EU countries, Australia and Japan) need an approved ESTA before they travel; most other visitors need a visa. Canadian citizens generally need neither for a short visit. Apply only on the official site esta.cbp.dhs.gov and check travel.state.gov for the current rules.
Power
120 V, 60 Hz; plug types A and B.

Official information: Visit Las Vegas (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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