Las Vegas Holidays & City Breaks

Best hotels in Las Vegas

Holidays to Las Vegas are all about once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Where else in the world can you tie the knot at the top of the Eiffel Tower, enjoy a three-course meal next to an erupting volcano, and whiz around New York on a huge rollercoaster? When the sun goes down, this glittering metropolis pulsates with dazzling shows, world-famous casinos and its famous neon glow.

And alongside its attention-grabbing Strip, Las Vegas holidays are rich in outdoor adventure. Head just two hours east to tick off one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World from your bucket list. The Grand Canyon's West Rim invites thrill-seekers to walk the glass bridge, suspended 4000 feet above the ground. You could try your hand at whitewater rafting down the Colorado River from here. And, if you hire a car for the trip, ‌stop off at Hoover Dam.

Things to do

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! After all, if you can let your hair down anywhere, it’s in Sin City. Whether you want to play poker, hit the shops, or party all night long, nowhere on the planet is as bold, glitzy and outrageous.

By day, if you’re not sightseeing, it’s all about relaxing and preparing yourself for the big night ahead; so why not grab an ice-cold drink and soak up the sun by your hotel pool before the main event? And when you do want to get out and about, here are the sights you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Las Vegas.

Experience the Las Vegas Strip

Neon lights, jumping fountains, and the world's tallest observation wheel. Las Vegas city breaks are full of thrills! Take your pick from spectacular Cirque du Soleil shows, iconic landmarks like Caesars Palace, wow-worthy views from the Stratosphere Tower, and legendary performances by the likes of Elton John.

The Strip is the ultimate playground, and the energy is infectious. Dominated by iconic museums, award-winning restaurants and the best nightclubs in the city - where you can party from happy hour to sunrise. Hotspots include Marquee in Cosmopolitan, renowned for its rooftop pool parties, and XS, the most glamorous club on the Strip.

Rub shoulders with high-rollers

Almost every movie featuring Las Vegas includes shots of Fremont Street. If you haven’t been to this historic gaming spot, can you really say you’ve been to Las Vegas? It’s where it all began, well before the birth of the Strip. Try your hand at blackjack inside the oldest casino in the city, Golden Gate. It first opened its doors in 1906 and holds a legacy that spans the Roaring 20s, Prohibition, and the whole Rat Pack era.

If you want to test your luck on the slot machines, you’ll also need to bring some dollar bills with you! Order your Thomas Cook Travel Money online, and you’ll beat most high street rates. Just make sure you only play with what you can afford to lose - there’s a reason free drinks flow at the gaming table!

Natural wonders

Swap the glitz of the city for some awe-inspiring nature. The Grand Canyon is just a two-hour drive away. You can join a tour, hire a car, or, for the ultimate treat, take an unforgettable Grand Canyon helicopter ride.

And what trip to Las Vegas would be complete without ripping through the red sands of Nevada on the desert dune buggies. It's such an exciting way to get stuck into the city’s natural outback! The best months to give it a go are from March to May and September to November when the weather in Las Vegas is slightly cooler.

Vegas family trips

Thinking of treating the family to the trip of a lifetime? There are so many things to do with the kids in Las Vegas. Become an agent at Marvel Avengers. Come face-to-face with giant rays, rare golden crocodiles and sharks at Mandalay Bay. Along the Strip, you’ll also find spellbinding shows, from Witches and Warlocks to comedy magic.

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Las Vegas is best for...

Clubbers: Dance ‘til dawn at some of the world’s top night clubs, then start all over again at a rooftop pool party. The Strip is the place to be.

Romantics: For the best view of this neon-lit city, how about a helicopter trip? Or visit the grand Venetian to enjoy a gondola ride for two.

Explorers: Take the West Rim Bus Tour out to the Grand Canyon and experience this natural wonder for yourself. It has to be seen to be believed.

Getting around Las Vegas

On foot: Walking is a great way to soak up the Strip’s buzzing atmosphere. But remember, the heat can be tiring so it’s a good idea to carry water with you.

By monorail: It’s a fun way to get around lots of the main attractions, running seven days a week into the early hours of the morning. The monorail makes seven stops between Sahara Avenue and the MGM Grand.

By shuttle bus: You’ll find that a number of hotels run shuttle buses to various Vegas attractions. But for a real taste of extravagance, hire a limo for the evening.

Fast facts for Las Vegas

Language: The most commonly spoken languages in Las Vegas are English and Spanish.

Currency: The currency used in Las Vegas is the American Dollar ($).

Local time: Las Vegas is 8 hours behind GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Las Vegas International Airport. Transfers are 15–30 minutes.

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Las Vegas is 11 hours.

Minimum booking age: For most hotels in Las Vegas, you'll need to be 21 years old or over to be able to check in.

Tourist information: Further information can be found at the Las Vegas tourism website.

Holiday destinations related to Las Vegas:

Events in Las Vegas

Electronic music: Every June, the Electric Daisy Carnival (or EDC as it’s known) comes to the Las Vegas Speedway. It’s the biggest electronic music festival in the world, attracting superstar DJs like Tiësto and David Guetta.

Fourth of July: American Independence Day is one big party here. Hotels compete to hold the biggest and best fireworks displays, so find a spot and watch the sky light up red, white and blue.

New Year: Thousands of revellers from all over the world descend on The Strip to see in the New Year in style, filling up the city’s clubs, bars, and casinos.

Las Vegas safety and security

Before your city break, visit the FCDO website for recommendations and advice on visas.

Las Vegas weather

Temperature: Summers can be extreme, with average temperatures of 41(°C) in July.

Best time to visit: During the spring, when temperatures sit between the mid-20s and low 30s (°C).

The weather in Las Vegas is hot, dry and sunny for most of the year. Winters are usually pleasantly warm. Travel in November if you want to see Las Vegas at its quietest.