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Fabulous Las Vegas! Often a stopping-off point on a tour of the American West, this city is well worth a visit. From spectacular casinos to excursions in the surrounding area, this Nevada state capital is unforgettable in so many ways. Here are just a few of the highlights of a week’s stay.
Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas
As soon as you arrive, you’ll be drawn in by the unique atmosphere of this city like no other. We recommend that you take your time to discover it. If you’ve just landed in the U.S., jet lag will force you to limit your excursions on your first day. Settle into your place of residence, whether it’s on the main thoroughfare or on an out-of-the-way street, and mosey around. Immerse yourself in the American atmosphere, and sample its culinary specialties.
By road, arriving in the evening is much more spectacular when it’s already dark. The lights come on, the neon lights flash. After crossing the desert, it’s magical!
Day 2: A visit to the casinos on the south side of the Strip
Start with the Strip, the city’s most legendary avenue. Meet at the foot of the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, designed in 1959 by Betty Willis. This symbol is located to the south, on Las Vegas Boulevard. Then walk up the boulevard back to The Strip. Before reaching the first of the casinos, motorcycle lovers can visit the Harley-Davidson boutique. It’s a must for renting or admiring the legendary bikes.
A few steps away is the Little Church of the West, a small wooden chapel where the weddings of a number of celebrities were celebrated. Elvis Presley shot his wedding scene in the film Viva Las Vegas. Who knows, you might be tempted to put a ring on your finger…
Then stroll along the boulevard to contemplate the incredible architecture of the casinos. From the pyramid-shaped Luxor to Planet Hollywood and the Excalibur, the buildings compete in eccentricity to attract tourists and gamblers from all over the world. Don’t hesitate to step inside: they all offer restaurants, attractions and stores. Some gigantic buffets are all-you-can-eat, like the Cosmopolitan Hotel’s delicious buffet!
The settings are generally grandiose. The New York-New York, with its unique recreation of Manhattan, features arcades and attractions including the looping Apple Coaster. Try out the slot machines and you’ll lose track of time.
In the evening, book a show or watch a sports match. Between Cirque du Soleil, magic shows and concerts by world-famous stars, the choice is enormous.
Day 3: North of the Strip
One day isn’t enough to cover the entire length of the Strip. Continue your tour of the city the following day. Among the casinos to visit, the Venetian Hotel is a recreation of Venice, complete with gondolas, while the Paris has built a replica of the Eiffel Tower. At the Linq, you can ride the world’s largest Ferris wheel, the High Roller Observation Wheel. The view of the city and desert is breathtaking.
To move between casinos, monorail shuttles are available between some hotels. A bus also runs along the Strip, dropping you off at the foot of the buildings. Linger after dark to admire the Bellagio’s musical fountains.
Day 4: Authentic Downtown Las Vegas
After the glitz and glamour of the luxury hotels, discover downtown with its oldest casinos. Enjoy the unusual cultural centers. Among the most interesting, the Mob Museum traces the history of organized crime. As for the Neon Museum, it features a collection of vintage signs. In the same district, you’ll find not only the Graceland Wedding Chapel, where weddings with an Elvis look-alike are celebrated, but also the Clark County Registry Office, where you can officially validate your union. Don’t we say that Las Vegas is the city of all follies?
At the end of the day, sound and light shows are held on Fremont Street. You can try your hand at zip-lining for an aerial glide under the canopy of lights. If you have more time, we suggest you to visit Area 15, here’s a video for you :
Day 5: A trip to the American West
For a change of scenery, explore the surrounding countryside. Around Las Vegas, incredible landscapes are less than an hour’s drive away. Rent a car or take a bus to explore the sumptuous canyons of Valley of Fire State Park. This natural park of red rock offers breathtaking vistas. Hikes and horseback rides are also available.
Before returning to Las Vegas, stop off at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This impressive protected body of water offers swimming, fishing, boating and water skiing. Depending on your time of return, you can then take advantage of the end of the day to relax in a hotel pool.
Day 6: Contemplate the Grand Canyon or head back to Fremont
For the last full day of your stay, let yourself be tempted by the Grand Canyon. It’s a three-hour drive away, but it would be a shame not to go. This immense park, with its impressive rift carved out by the Colorado River, is well worth the detour. Depending on your budget, a helicopter flight is a memorable experience.
If the prospect of driving for so long puts you off, you can choose to browse at Gold & Silver Pawn, a pawnshop famous since the reality show Auction Kings, located in the Fremont neighborhood. Not far away is Rogue Toys, a vintage toy store. Returning to the Strip, you’ll discover the street art that fills the Arts District. Art galleries, antique shops, restaurants and thrift stores line the route.
Or head back south to visit the Pinball Hall of Fame. For just a few cents, you can play for hours on vintage and modern machines.
Day 7: Final visits and departure from Las Vegas
If you have time before boarding, spend your last few moments in Las Vegas trying to hit the jackpot at the casinos. It’s also a good time to spend your last dollars in the outlet stores south of town, where there are often great bargains to be had.
It’s often said that what happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas, allowing for the most insane acts. We can assure you that a stay in Sin City is unforgettable. But contrary to the old adage, it’s just waiting to be shared, and told!
