Las Vegas is the destination for adventurers seeking the American Dream, those pursuing happiness, and more recently, families heading out with their children.
The city of sin lies next to the legendary Route 66, and for decades, it was the destination for adventurers seeking the American Dream, fortune hunters, and those yearning for unrestrained entertainment. Once an oasis for railway workers in Nevada, it transformed after the legalization of gambling. Starting in the 1930s, casinos began opening, and today, it has grown into the entertainment capital of the world.
During the day, it's worth exploring the area, as it's at night that you get to experience the true face of Las Vegas. Just an hour's drive away is the Hoover Dam, which is considered one of the modern wonders of the world. The massive hydroelectric power station was built on the border between Nevada and Arizona and was once the largest in the world. This gigantic structure plays an essential role in providing freshwater to 20 million residents across three states – Nevada, Arizona, and California – as well as supplying electricity to nearly one and a half million households.
But what is the city like that never sleeps? Among the many iconic buildings in Las Vegas, it's worth visiting the famous Stratosphere Tower, which at 350 meters is the tallest of all the structures, and at its top, there is even an amusement park. While walking the streets, the city's distinctive monorail might zoom overhead, with its driverless cars transporting passengers between stations.
The Gangster Museum showcases relics of gambling and the associated organized crime, featuring items from the infamous "golden age" between 1930 and 1980, when the mafia ruled. Interestingly, the idea for the museum came from Las Vegas' former mayor, who, as a lawyer, defended notorious criminals in court. Visitors can stroll among the wax figures of famous personalities at the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, visit the city's Natural History Museum, or explore the unique experience offered by the Neon Museum, where they have curated an intriguing exhibit featuring the neon signs and billboards that once defined the city's streetscape.
The city's main street, The Strip, is lined with the most famous hotels. Each hotel is built in a different style: you can see the Eiffel Tower in front of the Paris Hotel, and there are also giant replicas familiar from films. Caesars Palace evokes the world of ancient Rome, while in the evenings, the volcano at The Mirage's street front shoots massive flames and water curtains, and in front of the Bellagio, the fountains perform a choreographed dance to music, with water jets soaring high from its 1,200 nozzles.
The legendary The Mirage Hotel welcomed its last guests on July 17, 2024. Like many other hotels built earlier, it will be demolished to make way for a brand-new attraction.
As the desert heat subsides, Las Vegas comes to life, showering us with a burst of lights and colors. Everywhere, advertising lights flash, announcing the current nighttime entertainment: we can choose from boxing matches, circus acts, dance and music performances – the only limit to our choices is our wallet, but this is true for everything in Las Vegas. Superstars pass through the city’s largest hotel performance halls. Each day, there are several world-renowned stars across all genres. All we need to do is pick: Lady Gaga, Sting, Gwen Stefani, Shania Twain, Kiss, Maroon 5, The Rolling Stones, Usher, David Copperfield, and many other celebrities have shows for which we can buy tickets this year.
As you walk through the city, you’ll come across numerous chapels offering the opportunity for quick and hassle-free weddings. All you need to do is be at least 18 years old, purchase a license, and within a few hours, you could be richer with a husband or wife.
In the city of lights, life constantly pulses, and it's something you can never get bored of...
