Las Vegas lays claim to being America’s most entertaining city. One of its biggest fans is seasoned traveller Gregor Swiderek, who explains why he keeps going back to the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Las Vegas – A US destination I keep going back to. Why? Well, it’s a convenient base for quite a few attractions. Relatively close by are gems like the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Zion National Park and Death Valley. But more importantly, Las Vegas is fun. Yes, it’s a cliche, but a cliche for a reason. While some pseudo-sophisticated artsy types may complain about kitsch, a lack of history and culture, it’s not something that bothers me.
I fell in love with Las Vegas ever since my first brief visit in 2001. Together with a few friends, I was driving across America – all the way from Florida to San Francisco. After spending some time at the Grand Canyon we were heading towards Yosemite National Park, and Las Vegas happened to be on our way.
Arriving in Las Vegas
It’s amazing from how far you can see Vegas’ famous lights. We were crossing the dark Arizona desert, still probably more than 100 miles away, when we spotted brightness on the horizon that grew bigger and shinier every minute. Initially, we weren’t sure what it was but then realised they were the lights of the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Las Vegas itself was hidden behind the mountains and invisible until crossing the Railroad Pass on the outskirts of its suburbs. It was an absolutely stunning view from there. In fact, driving from Arizona via US Highway 95 is probably the most spectacular approach to Sin City. From the pass you see the sea of lights filling most of the Las Vegas Valley, the brightest spot being the infamous Las Vegas Boulevard, aka The Strip.
To properly appreciate Las Vegas, arrive after sunset. I once drove into the city during the day and it didn’t have the same appeal – just another collection of malls, gas stations and fast food restaurants. But come night it’s completely transformed – countless neon lights, big bright screens, dancing fountains, music, even fireworks here and there; your senses will be overwhelmed.
The Las Vegas Strip
The best way of getting good first impression is a leisurely drive along The Strip. Here you will see all the major casinos, bars and shows. You’ll also see all the flashy cars you can imagine: sports cars, muscle cars, stretch limousines and big pick-up trucks.
We arrived there around 11 pm and left by 3 am – the busiest time in this city which never sleeps – and visited famous casinos like New York New York, Excalibur, Bellagio and Ceasars Palace. We had a great time, and I knew I’d be back.
One thing you won’t be able to miss is the Luxor hotel and casino complex – a 111 metre-high, 30-storey dark glass pyramid located on the southern end of the Strip. The pyramid’s tip has a spotlight that points directly upward – it claims to be the brightest beam in the world.
Around the building is the usual Las Vegas kitsch – in this case the Egypt-themed 43 metre-high obelisk and a replica Great Sphinx of Giza, but it doesn’t change the fact that the Luxor is a superb example of 90s Postmodernist architecture.
The Strip is like no other place on Earth. Home to some of the biggest hotels in the world, the brightest lights and some of the weirdest shows, it’s definitely one of the America’s must-sees. Where else can you see dancing fountains, mock volcanic eruptions and sirens battling pirates on the same street?
America’s most entertaining city?
Las Vegas is one of my favourite cities because it’s essentially a theme park for adults – and often, those complaining miss the point. It’s oasis of fun stuck right in the middle of desert. If you treat it as such, you’re bound to have a whale of a time.
- If you’ve been inspired by Gregor’s love of Las Vegas, take a look at one of these handy Las Vegas travel guides and maps:
- > Las Vegas Eyewitness Top 10
- > Laminated Las Vegas street plan
- > Las Vegas PopOut Map