Las Vegas - NV NightLife

Las Vegas - NV NightLife information

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Typically, the largest hotels also offer the grandest entertainment, whether it be musical, magical, or pure spectacle. Thanks again to the fierce competition, prices rarely stray too high. Spectacular Vegas Entertainment doesn't come any louder or brighter than the five-block area of downtown called the Fremont Street Experience. Aside from its ten casinos, and its many retail and entertainment kiosks, it is famed for its nightly sound and light shows, which utilise over two million lights and 540,000 watts of sound. The area also hosts many of the city's festivals and celebrations, such as Mardi Gras, St Patrick's Day and June's Jazz Festival. Tel: +1 (1)702-892-0711. Simply walking through the casinos brings opportunities to enjoy completely free entertainment, including some amazing shows such as the Sirens of TI at Treasure Island (The Mirage, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd S, Tel: +1 (1)702-894-7111). The updated show, which replaced the Buccaneer Bay Sea Battle, pits beautiful sea sirens against a team of all singing, all dancing pirates in an energetic battle featuring a full sized pirate ship, pyrotechnics and some fantastic stunts and dance numbers. Although guests get VIP views, the spectacle is free to passers-by. Musical Revue Musical revue shows are popular, as are tribute acts. Elvis remains the most acknowledged star, and you'll find numerous places along the strip tracing various stages of the King's career. Magic Magic and illusion still command a high billing in Las Vegas. Siegfried and Roy have long been the biggest names in this area, and have entertained millions of people at The Mirage (Tel: +1 (1)702-791-7111 ) over the years, in what Time magazine called the "show of the century". However, when one of their Siberian Tigers became a biting critic on stage in the summer of 2003 (in what was quite literally a show stopper) Roy was mauled and the show cancelled indefinitely - in true Vegas style the crowd apparently loved it, thinking it was all part of the entertainment. No doubt the two will return sometime in the future sans tiger, so phone ahead for info. Circus In the adjacent Treasure Island venue, Cirque du Soleil's Mystere is performed Wednesdays to Saturdays at 19h30 and 22h30, and on Sundays at 16h30 and 19h30. An athletic display of physical skills performed by 72 gymnasts, clowns and singers. Tickets cost USD95 plus tax, and can be bought at Bellagio, Treasure Island or the Mirage, or on Tel: +1 (1)702-894-7722.

Gaming

If the main reason why people visit Las Vegas is to gamble, (referred to as "gaming" in Vegas) then it's easy to see why. If it's possible to bet on something, you can do it here. Almost every hotel has a casino, and almost all are open 24 hours a day. For the full-blown gaming experience, try the Luxor (3900 Las Vegas Blvd, Tel: +1 (1)702-262-4000), the MGM Grand (3799 Las Vegas Blvd S, Tel: +1 (1) 702-891-7777 ) or the Bellagio (3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Tel: +1 (1)702-693-7111), all of which are within a short walk of each other. Increasingly popular, the Station chain of neighbourhood casinos is convenient, if less attractive to the seasoned gambler. Everyone from small time gamblers to high rollers can play the tables, and if you want to know the intricacies of the games you can even attend beginners gaming classes. The most popular games are of course the Blackjack tables, craps, roulette and the slot machines. You must be over 21 to gamble or drink alcohol in Nevada and take notice of the house rules. A rule of thumb that applies in all casinos is never hide your cards or dice in your hands, even for a short time. The hawk-eyed dealer (and most likely the other players) will assume you're up to some sleight of hand trickery. In blackjack you shouldn't even touch your cards if they're dealt face up.

Sports

When the neon lights get too much, a round of golf may help you unwind. There are more than 40 courses in the greater Las Vegas area, the majority of which allow members of the public to simply turn up and play. Angel Park Golf Club (100 S. Rampart Blvd, Tel: +1 (1)888-629-3929) is one of the biggest and best. The Las Vegas National Golf Club (1911 E. Desert Inn Rd, Tel: +1 (1)702-734-1796) is also recommended. Prices range between USD75 and USD150, depending on times and dates; some insist on a dress code.

Cinema

As you can imagine Vegas has more than its fair share of cinemas. The larger hotel complexes all comprise a multi-screen cinema, open to all. The city also has its own film festival each summer when film makers descend on the city. Although the event is yet to grow to the magnitude of Cannes or the Sundance festival it is slowly establishing itself on the movie calendar as a a serious event. The United Artists Showcase cinema is a massive multiplex on the Strip. It mostly shows mainstream American movies and, although undeniably modern and comfortable, is slightly lacking in character. Nevertheless it is the most obvious choice if you're looking for a movie theatre in the city. If you're looking for arthouse films and specialist movies the best place to head for is the 18 screen Regal Village Square 18 (9400 West Sahara Avenue at Fort Apache Tel: +1 (1)702-838-0490).

Nightclubs

Most hotel complexes in Vegas have their own nightclubs, and most of these are open to visitors every night. You'll find that the classiest venues do impose a smart casual dress code but music is generally up-to-date and facilities excellent. In all honesty there is little to choose between them. While there is an entrance charge for men a lot of clubs allow free entry for women. Along the strip and outside the main complexes there are independent clubs to be found, and some of these may offer more robust entertainment than dancing - the strip isn't just the name of the street outside. Enter at your peril and be prepared for large bills should you order a drink in one of these sort of establishments. If your interests extend simply to a bit of dancing you should head for one of the following favourites: The Beach (365 Convention Center Drive, Tel: +1 (1)702-731-1925) is a sprawling entertainment centre, with various opportunities to dance the night away Wednesday through to Sunday. The four-floor Studio 54 (MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd S, Tel: +1 (1)702-891-7254) pays more than a passing nod to the legendary New York disco of the same name. Dancing runs from 22h00 to 05h00 Tuesday to Saturday, but smart, stylish dress is necessary; over 21's only. Baby's (Hard Rock Hotel, 4455 S. Paradise Rd, Tel: +1 (1)702 693-5555) is one of Las Vegas's better clubs in terms of music with dance and hip-hop on the decks. Smart dress only, although skimpy seems to apply just as well for women (who get in free).

Special Events

Let's face it, Vegas is the number one party destination on the planet and special events never stop happening here. It is like a 24/7 carnival no matter when you arrive, with glitz and glam everywhere you turn. Nevertheless there are a few times when Vegas tries that tiny bit harder: January If you want to see in the New Year in style, then Las Vegas is the place to party. Join the New Year revellers along the strip where you are sure to catch a glimpse of one of over 14 spectacular firework displays or perhaps you prefer to gamble the New Year in, in one of Vegas's glitzy casinos. Whatever your tastes, there will be shows and entertainers to suit everyone during this citywide party. February In the middle of February wedding bells ring out Elvis tunes for the Valentine's Day weekend. The honeymoon suites are much in demand and the crooners work overtime as couples descend on Vegas to get hitched by "the King" in the city of sin. July Celebrate Independence Day on July 4 with a citywide spectacle of fireworks shows. August In late August, visitors will be bedazzled with the annual Magic Show that runs until the beginning of September. October In late October, the Auto Show displays state-of-the-art cars from all the major car manufacturers. November In the middle of November, Comdex, the largest worldwide computer show is held, displaying the latest technology in electronics. Towards the end of the month America's national celebration of Thanksgiving is celebrated with typical Vegas enthusiasm. For more information on these and other events, contact the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (3150 Paradise Rd, Tel: +1 (1)702-892-7575).