Las Vegas
Las Vegas shines bright, but it's more than lights that make Sin City stand out.
Bright neon signs, flashy casinos and getting hitched in front of Elvis. Mention Las Vegas and these are probably the first things that spring to mind. And yes, it is all of these things; the city really does dazzle. According to NASA, if you're looking down at Earth from space, it's the brightest location on the planet. Because of its reputation, most people either love or hate the idea of visiting, but it should definitely be on your bucket list because, whoever you are, this surprising ray of light has something for you.
Vegas really is unlike anywhere else. The sixkilometre (four-mile) stretch down Las Vegas Boulevard, known as the 'Strip, is lined with some of the biggest hotels in the world; it's as if you've landed in a glamorous theme park that takes you around the globe. Take a trip to Venice at The Venetian, gliding down the canal on a gondola past old Italian villas, or see the Statue of Liberty at New York, New York. The 30-storey pyramid at the Luxor will transport you to Ancient Egypt, while at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel (a few steps down the road) you can sit at a café with a view of the Eiffel Tower. From the dancing fountains at the Bellagio to the iconic Vegas sign, the sights and attractions are jaw-dropping.
Vegas truly is a world of glitz and glamour. With more than 40 million visitors a year, the city has earned its title as the entertainment and gambling capital of the world. It has some of the biggest casinos and nightclubs. The largest of these, Sunset Station Hotel and Casino, is located off the strip, but other popular hotels for gambling include the Wynn and the Venetian. If you like slot machines, head to the ARIA; for table games the Golden Nugget has the most choice; and if you're not a gambler try LEVEL UP, the gaming lounge at the MGM Grand.
If you'd rather dance the night away, there's more than enough choice. See world-famous DJs at Hakkasan, one of the world's biggest nightclubs, or indulge in opulence at the Wynn's XS Nightclub.
If you want to enjoy a drink in a more intimate and classy setting, the bars are just as exceptional. For sheer luxury, visit Chandelier at the Cosmopolitan where you can order a cocktail under a giant chandelier made from two million crystals, or relax at the lavish Vesper Bar, which is decked out in chrome and mirror tiles. For breathtaking views of the city, check out the bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
The city is also known for its wild pool parties. The Rehab Beach Club at the Hard Rock Hotel is where it all started, but again the choice is huge with epic pool parties like Wet Republic at the MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay. But you don't have to party to get a wild water experience simply visit the Golden Nugget's pool, where you can waterslide through a shark tank.
But entertainment doesn't stop there. Some of the world's best musical artists hold regular shows, and don't miss Cirque du Soleil's 'Othe water-based spectacular at the Mirage.
Despite its reputation. Vegas actually has a great deal of history. Downtown is the historic heart of the city where you'll find the Golden Nugget, one of the city's oldest casinos, the Neon Museum and the Mob Museum, which takes you back to a time when gangsters ran the casinos. These are highly recommended as they highlight just how far Las Vegas has come: from the desert home of Native Americans to the fastest growing city in the US.
Visitors can take a short drive to one of the seven wonders of the engineering world Hoover Dam and see Lake Mead, the nation's largest reservoir. Hoover Dam is steeped in history. It was built in 1935 after gambling was legalised, giving the city the power to light up the casinos, which were run by the mob.
If you want to explore other areas of natural beauty, Red Rock Canyon is only 20 minutes away, and the south rim of the Grand Canyon is a five-hour drive.
You wouldn't think to mention Vegas as a top food destination, but it is. You can find food from every culture, from pizza and sushi to tacos and steak. You can't go to Vegas without having a steak. Try SW Steakhouse, one of only three restaurants in the US that serves authentic Kobe beef. Vegas is known for its huge buffets. as this was a way to keep gamblers in the casinos by providing large quantities of cheap food. With more than 70 buffets it'll be hard to choose one, but the Baccanal Buffet at Caesar's Palace is highly ranked. The city is also famous for its brunches - make sure you go to Hash House a Go Go. If you've got cash to splash, the city has the highest volume of restaurants run by celebrated chefs, and is becoming known for its fine-dining. If you can only treat yourself once, taste Chef of the Century' Joel Robuchon's food at MGM Grand.
Adrenaline junkies will have lots to keep them busy. Jump off the 108th floor of the Stratosphere hotel at SkyJump or, if rollercoasters are more your thing, the Canyon Blaster at Circus Circus is the world's only indoor double loop, double corkscrew. There's also the Manhattan Express at New York, New York and Desperado at Buffalo Bill's. Adventurers can go indoor skydiving, mountain biking and much more along the Strip and further afield. Sports fanatics can bet at Caesar's Palace or play golf at championship golf courses including Bali Hai Golf Club.
Shop in style at some stunning shopping venues, from the Forum shops at Greco-Roman themed Caesar's Palace to the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian. For luxury shopping take a trip to Crystals at City Centre; for popular brands there are more than 200 stores at the Fashion Show Mall: and if you're after a discount try the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets.
Vegas also has some of the best spas in the world. Be pampered like a queen with a euphoric synchronised massage at Encore, a gemstone facial at ARIA or skin treatment using 24-carat gold at Qua Baths & Spa.
They say that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and whether you get up to mischief or not, there's at least one reason that you should stay in Vegas and just see what happens.