Who has not heard of Vegas and would not like to visit this city that never sleeps? We suppose nobody. The world's gambling capital, the town of weddings, noise, and fun, is deserving of its nickname, "Sin City". Here you can smoke in the casinos, walk the streets, and indulge in all sorts of kitschy alcoholic beverages. Clubs and bars are open almost 24 hours a day, which is not typical in the United States.
If you want to know how to get from the airport to Las Vegas, where to go, and what secrets this city keeps, you've come to the right place! Information about all of this you can find in our article. Let's go!
A Little Bit about Las Vegas: the Name's Origin, the Role of the Mafia in the Appearance History, and Its Main Motto
The name "Las Vegas" means "Fertile Valleys" in Spanish. Once upon a time, lost travelers found a source of water in this area. And soon, the city grew out of the desert and became the tourist capital of the world. It all began with Fremont Street, where wealthy mobsters decided to build a casino. The local mafia completely controlled the first gambling establishments, but in time faded into history. Then, the city grew, and the Strip and its many hotels appeared. To this day, Vegas is still one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.
The city's main motto is "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas". Many people come here to play casino games or just to unwind, to party hard all night long, to do silly things, and to get drunk. As many as 40 million tourists a year come up with the idea of "Why not go to Vegas?".
How to Get from the Airport to the City?
You can do it by bus or shuttle, which picks up 6-10 people before departure. The more expensive options are cabs. Their disadvantage is the $3 added in advance on the meter as well as the frequent traffic jams in the city that increase your bill by the minute.
You might also be interested in how to get to the airport. In this case, you also have several options: by public transportation, by cab, or by car, if you have one.
Again, the most budget option will be public transport, the most expensive - cab. As for the car, the situation is as follows: it is probably the most convenient option because you do not depend on anyone or anything.
If you do not know where and how long you can leave your car for a trip, we will give you the answer - almost every airport has its own parking lot, and McCarran International Airport is no exception, as it has a special McCarran Airport parking. But here is a small problem - parking of this type is often quite expensive. So then, how can you save money?
We recommend you pay attention to economy parking near McCarran airport. The significant advantage of this type of parking is its low price, although it is usually a few miles from the airport. The airport is generally located a couple of miles away from the airport. Don't worry about it - you can always take a shuttle, which will bring you directly to the airport.
More about McCarran International Airport parking fees and McCarran Airport parking rates, you can always find out on our website.
What to See in Las Vegas?
Vegas Pyramids
In Las Vegas, copies of various monuments from around the world are being built. Here you can find not only the pyramids, the Triumphal Arch, and the Eiffel Tower built on the same street but also something of the States themselves.
An interesting story is related to the restored Statue of Liberty. In 2010, the U.S. Post Office made a mistake by placing a photo on a New York City stamp. As it turned out, the severe design error not only did not expose the post office to losses but, even on the contrary - it dramatically boosted its sales and made it one of the most sought-after and valuable copies, becoming a philatelists' dream.
Historic copies are being created at the initiative of hotels and casinos that are decorated in this style. For example, Hotel Venetian built a canal in front of the entrance that imitates a waterway in Venice with authentic gondolas floating there.
In addition, hotel Bellagio has invested in fountains that are known throughout the city. However, these are not the only Las Vegas attractions that await hotel guests - inside are the beautiful botanical gardens and the Museum of Fine Arts.
You Won't See It Anywhere Else: Unusual Museums in Vegas
There are also many different themed museums in Vegas. The most interesting are the Neon Museum, the Atomic Testing Museum, and the Erotic Heritage Museum.
The Neon Museum attracts special attention. Contrary to what you might expect, the exhibits are not in a dark, enclosed space but are displayed outside. Compared to the classic neon lights, they also have a great look during the day - thanks to the particular shape of the housing on which they are placed. Unfortunately, they are omitted, and only some of them work. Here you can admire exhibits from 5 different sources: restaurants, stores, motels, workshops, and, of course, the casino.
Since 2005, the museum has been located in the La Concha Motel. Its distinctive and unique outlines are recognizable from afar. However, most neon signs were displayed behind the facility because they wouldn't fit inside. Inside the building, you'll be treated to a unique exhibit that uses multiple projectors to show various periods of light advertising in Vegas. During the tour, you'll hear the greatest hits of the artists for whom the city has become home - Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin.
The Mafia, Jazz, and Prohibition, or a Visit to the Mafia Museum
The mafia has left its mark on the history of the United States and cities like Vegas. Indeed many have heard of the legendary gangsters and the days of Prohibition. The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement is a natural pearl on the subject. On four floors, in a building reminiscent of a post from the Al Capone era, there is a veritable treasure trove of artifacts from dozens of countries in the world of crime and a host of interactive activities. It has all been thematically divided to see the phenomenon from many angles of nightclubs, the mafia's daily life, and the police in pursuit of it. The exhibits here are quite a lot - many of them belonged to real crime luminaries. Firearms, club equipment, and even a chair from the gas chamber - all of this you can find right here.
Cult Cars from the Big Screen
One of the indispensable elements of American cinema are, of course, American cars. The Hollywood Car Museum has collected more than 100 unique cars that appeared in iconic Hollywood productions. For example, the actual DeLorean from "Back to the Future" is a childhood dream of many. Likewise, the Batmobile from the Tim Burton movies is also an iconic item.
There are also several cars known from the James Bond series and one micro-plane he used. In addition, there are many crazy things made for celebrities - for example, a 10-wheel pink limousine with a built-in jacuzzi. We think it's a must-see for movie and car lovers.
Las Vegas - the Gambling Capital
When you visit a casino, you don't need to get rid of all your savings right away. Visiting such places is an attraction because you can feel like you are in a palace inside. It's stylish, elegant, and glamorous. But remember that, just like with alcohol, you have to be over 21 to get in. By the way, did you know that the average tourist leaves about $447 at the casino?
While here, be sure to stroll down the city's most famous Sin City street, the Strip. The street and neon lights of the casinos make the Las Vegas Strip the brightest spot on Earth visible from outer space! At least that's what NASA says.
Don't Try to Cheat at the Casino because...
Any form of cheating in a casino is almost impossible because each one is recorded by staff and cameras, just like any other form of crime. Some tricks to make the game easier, such as counting cards in Black Jack, are considered chiefly on one level. It is better not to try doing this. Even famous figures who have broken the ban have failed miserably. For example, Ben Affleck was caught red-handed at HardRockCasino, leading to a lifetime ban from playing here.
