The water show in front of the Bellagio; St. Mark's Place and the canals within the Venetian; the Eiffel Tower replica at Paris Las Vegas;  the lion habitat at MGM Grand; nightly volcano eruptions at the Mirage; the Luxor pyramid; the Roman streetscape at the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace; the Mardi Gras-style Show in the Sky at Rio's Masquerade Village; the view from the observation deck at the Stratosphere Tower; the Fremont Street Experience.  This is Las Vegas!

Historically, Fremont Street is where it all began, from a small railroad stop at the turn of the century to one of the brightest streets in the world. For decades, Fremont Street was one of the best places to cruise in a convertible car but now the street has been closed off to traffic and it is a pedestrian paradise lined with kiosks, souvenir shops and, of course, many, many casinos.

Often, visitors to Las Vegas venture no more than a few hundred yards away from the Strip, the 3.5-mile-long stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard that's lined on both sides with casino hotels. Because so much is concentrated on one street, it is easier to understand the layout of the city if you break the Strip into sections. The South Strip begins near McCarran International Airport, extends north to Harmon Avenue and includes the major intersection where the Strip meets Tropicana Avenue. The Central Strip runs from Harmon north to Spring Mountain Road and includes the busy Flamingo Road intersection. The North Strip goes from Spring Mountain to just north of Sahara Avenue.

Downtown is located a few miles north of the northern end of the Strip. There the casinos are smaller, older and less lavish, but the area has its own theme attraction, the outdoor light show known as the Fremont Street Experience.

Population: 478,434.

Metropolitan Population: 1,563,282.

Time Zone: 8 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-8 GMT). Las Vegas is in the Pacific Time Zone. When it is 12:00 noon in New York City; it is 9:00AM in Las Vegas.

Average Temperatures:

Local Seasons
Las Vegas is in the desert, and that can mean hot temperatures. In June, July and August, expect temperatures above 100 F. May can produce highs of 90+ F, as can September. The mercury can drop nearly 30 degrees from daytime highs to nighttime lows, especially in winter. And, of course, the desert creates low humidity, bright sun and hardly any rain (annual rainfall averages 4 inches). Winters are mild (January temperatures are 33-56 F. If snow falls at all, it usually melts soon after it touches the ground.

Holidays:
New Year's Day Jan. 1,Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd on. in Jan. President's Day 3rd Mon. in Feb. Memorial Day last Mon. in May Independence Day July 4.Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.Nevada Day October 31.Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25. New Year's Eve Dec. 3.

Transportation
If you're planning to travel to out-of-town sights or to spend a lot of time in the less-touristed parts of the city, rent a car. Otherwise, use a combination of your feet, the Strip trolleys and taxis to get around. Walking the Strip is one of the quintessential experiences of Las Vegas—the best way to see the astounding sights that line the street. Because of the daytime heat, try to explore the Strip at night when it's cooler and most active.

Connecting Transportation
Shuttles and taxis are available at the airport. Citizens Area Transit (CAT) buses provide service to and from the airport, but if you're headed for the Strip, you'll have to transfer buses (difficult if you have luggage). Major car rental agencies have booths adjacent to the luggage claim.

Car
If you're confining your visit to the Strip and downtown, you won't need a car, and you will probably be better off without one. Traffic is congested along the Strip itself: Those who have to drive should quickly learn to use parallel streets to go north and south.

Public Transportation
The Strip Trolley is perhaps the most useful means of public transit for visitors. The trolleys operate between the Stratosphere (north) and Mandalay Bay (south) and stop at major properties along Las Vegas Boulevard. In addition, several of the major hotel casinos are connected by tram or another form of transit, but these are limited systems that operate only between select properties.

Citizens Area Transit
Better known as CAT, Citizens Area Transit is the city's public bus system. Route 301 and a few others run 24 hours a day; others usually operate 5 am-1 am. Fare is just over a dollar, except for Route 301, which originates on the Strip and costs a little more. All fares require exact change, tokens or passes. Transfers are free. Phone 702-228-7433 for schedule and current fare information.

Fremont Street Downtown Neighborhood Trolley
Serves the downtown area. Daily 7 am-11 pm. Phone 702-229-6024.

Strip Trolley
Runs along the main hotel/casino segment of Las Vegas Boulevard, between the Stratosphere (north) and Mandalay Bay (south). Trolleys run daily 9:30 am-1:30 am at roughly 15 minute intervals.

Taxi
Order by phone or get a cab at the valet stations at major hotels. It's illegal for any public vehicle to stop in travel lanes in Clark County, so hailing a cab on the street may be difficult (although taxis can pull into the nearest public driveway). Taxis operate 24 hours, are metered and don't accept credit cards.

With more than 40 hotels, casinos and resorts providing lavish shows, you don't have to look hard for diversion in Las Vegas. The events listed below are in addition to Resort/Casino-related offerings.

January- Late January:  Las Vegas Marathon. More than 7,500 runners compete in the full marathon (26.2 mi/42 km), half-marathon (13.1 mi/21 km) and 5K Friendship Run. A post-marathon party and health-and-fitness expo are also part of the festivities. For information, call 702-240-2722.

February- Late February—World Archery Festival. Archers compete in the first leg of the new 3 Star Tour for one of the largest purses offered in indoor archery competitions. Also a trade show with the newest equipment and accessories in the archery industry. Riviera Hotel and Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. S. For information, call 909-794-8512, or toll-free 888-739-4527 or 800-811-2331.

March- Mid March:  St. Patrick's Day Celebration. This two-day celebration of Irish heritage features the Sons of Erin Parade along Fourth Street, Celtic- and Irish-themed music on two stages, green beer, a block party and more. The Fremont Street Experience. For information, call 702-678-5777, or toll-free 800-249-3559.

Late Marc:  Laughlin River Stampede Rodeo. The country's best cowboys compete in various contests in this PRCA-sanctioned event. Laughlin Events Grounds, Laughlin (90 miles south of Las Vegas). For information, call 719-589-9444, or the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce toll-free at 800-227-5245. Continues through early April

Early March:  NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series Racing. More than 100,000 spectators are anticipated at the Nextel Cup UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 and Busch Series Sam's Town 300. Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7000 Las Vegas Blvd. N. For information and tickets, call 702-644-4444 or 702-644-4443.

Early March:  Race Jam Weekend. Five city blocks are filled with a classic car show, a demonstration racetrack, appearances by NASCAR drivers, entertainment on two stages and more. For information, call 702-678-5777, or toll-free 800-249-3559.

April- Early-Late April through early September:  Minor-League Baseball. The Las Vegas 51s, a Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, play regular-season home games at Cashman Field, 850 Las Vegas Blvd. N. For information and tickets, call 702-386-7200. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 702-798-7825 or 702-474-4000.

13-17 April:  World Cup Show Jumping. Show jumping's prestigious World Cup championship comes to Las Vegas with more than 40 top international competitors. Thomas and Mack Center, 4505 Maryland Parkway, UNLV campus. For information, call 702-260-8605. For tickets, call toll-free 866-388-3267.

Late April:   City of Lights Jazz Festival. A lineup of top national jazz musicians performs for 10 hours in Desert Breeze Park with a view of the Las Vegas skyline. Spring Mountain and Durango roads. For information, call 702-228-3780. For tickets, call toll-free 800-969-8342.

Late April:  Laughlin River Run. The West Coast's largest motorcycle show features stunt demonstrations, a trade show and traveling museum, along with casino games and live entertainment. Along the Colorado River, Laughlin  For information and tickets, call 714-694-2800, or toll-free 800-357-8223.

Mid April:  Golf. Top female golfers from around the world compete for US$1.1 million. Las Vegas Country Club, 3000 Joe W. Brown Drive. For information and tickets, call 702-898-4653.

Mid April (date varies each year depending on the liturgical calendar):  Mardi Gras Festival. This free annual festival celebrates Mardis Gras Vegas-style with elaborate parades, sound-and-light shows, live entertainment on three stages and more. The Fremont Street Experience. For information, call 702-260-8605, 702-678-5600, or toll-free 800-249-3559.

May- Early-Late May:  Laughlin Mile Dragon Boat Challenge. This ancient Chinese sport comes to Laughlin as local and international teams of 20 rowers, a steersman and a drummer paddle 44-ft. -long Chinese war canoes down 1 mi/1.5 km of the Colorado River. 90 miles south of Las Vegas. For information, call the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce toll-free at 800-227-5245.

Mid May:  Las Vegas Cruise. This annual event showcases pre-1972 classic cars in the Show and Shine, in addition to a poker run, photo ops with the owners and drivers of vintage cars, and other free entertainment. The Freemont Street Experience. For information, call 702-678-5777, or toll-free 800-249-3559.

Early May:  Cinco de Mayo. This commemoration of the 1862 Battle of Puebla showcases the Banda Festival with well-known bands performing. Organized by the Mexican Patriotic Committee. Freedom Park, Washington and Mojave. For information, call 702-649-1198.

June- Mid June:  National Open Chess Tournament. Dozens of national and international chess masters of all ages compete in nine sections, including a qualifier for the U.S. championship. Riviera Hotel and Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. S. For information and tickets, call 702-734-5110, or toll-free 800-634-6753.

August-5-15 August:  International Police and Fire Games. Las Vegas hosts these biennial games with police, fire and military personnel and their spouses from around the world competing in more than 40 sports events, ranging from baseball, basketball, swimming and cycling to skeet, horseshoes, darts, bench-pressing and arm wrestling. Various venues. For information, call 702-259-6350, 702-259-6351, or toll-free 800-863-9676.

27-29 August:  Harvest Festival. More than 200 exhibitors showcase handmade crafts and specialty foods. Cashman Center, 850 Las Vegas Blvd. N. For information, call 707-778-6300, or toll-free 800-321-1213.

Throughout August and September:  Minor-League Baseball. The Las Vegas 51s, a Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, play regular-season home games at Cashman Field, 850 Las Vegas Blvd. N. For information and tickets, call 702-386-7200. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 702-798-7825 or 702-474-4000.
 
September- Early-Late September—through May:  Performance. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas Performing Arts Center draws national and international ensembles and artists in opera, ballet, classical music, jazz and other performing arts. Corner of Maryland Parkway and Cottage Grove Street, UNLV campus. For information and tickets, call 702-895-2787 or 702-799-3267.

16-19 September:  Las Vegas Bike Fest. Events include a motorcycle show, the world's strongest biker competition, rock concerts on Freemont Street and a custom bike show with more than 100 entries. Fremont Street Experience and other downtown venues. For information, call 702-450-7662, or toll-free 866-245-3337.

18 September:  Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival. This annual one-day festival showcases the sounds of the classic Mexican guitar, accompanied by traditional Latin vocals and performed by some of the world's finest mariachis. Aladdin Resort & Casino Theatre for the Performing Arts, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. S. For information and tickets, call toll-free 800-637-1006.

18, 19 September:  Ho'olaule'a. Festival celebrating the culture of the Pacific Islands, with entertainment, crafts demonstrations and other activities. Lorenzi Park, 3333 W. Washington Ave. For information, call 702-382-6939.

19 September:  Mexican Independence Day Celebration. One of the city's two largest community Hispanic events features a Mariachi Fieston with groups from Arizona, California and Mexico performing, along with Mexican arts and crafts and food booths. Organized by the Mexican Patriotic Committee. Freedom Park, Washington and Mojave. For information, call 702-649-1198.

25 September:  NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The Las Vegas Speedway hosts the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Las Vegas 350. For information and tickets, call 702-644-4444 or 702-644-4443.

Late September—May:  Dance. Nevada Ballet Theatre presents classic and contemporary balles at the Judy Bayley Theatre, UNLV campus, and other venues. For schedule and venue information, call 702-243-2623. For tickets to most performances, call the UNLV Box Office at 702-895-2787

Mid September:  San Gennaro Feast. This popular celebration of Italian-American culture features an ethnic food festival, carnival midway, live entertainment from national names and children's activities. Corner of South Rampart Boulevard and Alta Drive. For information, call 702-286-4944.

Mid September:  Great American Motorcycle Experience.
Motorcyclists, dealers and manufacturers participate in the Motorcross Championship and road, dirt, drag and desert racing, in addition to demonstrations, concerts and fireworks. Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7000 Las Vegas Blvd. N. For information, call toll-free 800-202-8832. For tickets, call 702-644-4444, or Ticketmaster at 702-474-2000.

October- 31 Oct—Nevada Day. Public holiday.

Late September; early October:  Professional Bull Riders World Finals.
The top 45 national bull riders compete in the Pro Bull Riders championship. For information, call 719-471-3008. Mandalay Bay Events Center, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S., and Thomas and Mack Center, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, UNLV campus. For tickets, call the Mandalay Bay box office toll-free at 877-632-7400,

Early-Late October—April:  ECHL Hockey.
The Las Vegas Wranglers play regular-season home games at the Orleans Arena, 400 W. Tropicana Ave. For information, call 702-471-7825. For tickets, call 702-284-7777, or toll-free 888-234-2334.

Early-Late October - Continues through early May:
The Las Vegas Philharmonic, one of the newest and largest arts organizations in Nevada, performs classical-music concerts at Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, UNLV campus. For information and tickets, call 702-258-5438 or 702-895-2787.

November-Mid November:  Aviation Nation.
The largest free public event in Nevada features the USAF Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron and the second-largest air-racing event in the U.S. Flying demonstrations by U.S. military and civilian performers. Ground displays showcase more than 100 vintage and new-model aircraft. Nevis Air Force Base. For information, call 402-652-7556, 702-652-5697 or 702-497-9885.

28-30 November - early December:  Miss Rodeo America.
Preceeding the National Finals Rodeo, Miss Rodeo America Inc. crowns its scholarship winner in this annual rodeo competition. Orleans Hotel and Arena, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. For information and tickets, call 719-948-9206.  

December-Early-Late December—Holiday Festival.
This festival kicks off with a tree-lighting ceremony and includes appearances by Santa Claus and live entertainment. Live theatrical shows on two stages continue throughout the monthlong festival. The Freemont Street Experience. For information, call toll-free 800-249-3559.

2 December:  Downtown Hoedown.
The 17th Annual Downtown Hoedown kicks off the National Finals Rodeo with music from top country singers on stages along five blocks. The Freemont Street Experience. For information, call 702-678-5777, or toll-free 800-249-3559.

2-11 December:  Cowboy Christmas Gift Show.
At the National Finals Rodeo's crafts show, approximately 400 exhibitors display a variety of western-themed gifts. North Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road. For information, call 702-260-8605.

3-12 December:  National Finals Rodeo.
Top national rodeo contestants compete for big prize money in the world's premier rodeo. Also fashion and awards shows, country-music concerts, bronco and bull sales, a golf tournament and more. Thomas and Mack Center, UNLV campus, and other venues. Tickets may be hard to come by. For tickets, call 702-260-8605, or toll-free 866-388-3267.


31 December:  America's Party New Year's Eve. This large New Year's Eve celebration features a spectacular fireworks show over a 5-mi/8-km stretch of the Strip and live concerts by international superstars. For information, call 702-206-8605.

Aladdin
3667 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Central Strip,Las Vegas. 702-785-5555. Toll-free 877-333-9474Apropos of the ever-changing world that is Las Vegas.

Bally's
3645 Las Vegas Blvd. S.Central Strip, Las Vegas.702-739-4111. Toll-free 800-722-5597.
Shows include Donn Arden's Jubilee, with a Bob Mackie-gowned showgirl extravaganza and spectacular effects such as the sinking of the Titanic.

Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Central Strip, Las Vegas. 702-693-7111. Toll-free 888-987-3456. An 8-acre lake provides a choreographed display of fountains, lights and rousing music every half-hour 3-8 pm, and every 15 minutes 8 pm-midnight. The Via Bellagio shopping avenue features such famous names as Gucci, Prada,  and Chanel.

Caesars Palace
3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Central Strip, Las Vegas. 702-731-7110. Toll-free 877-427-7243.The city's first themed casino, it opened in 1966. Two outstanding additions include the 4,100-seat Colosseum, home to resident performer Celine Dion, along with "part-timers" such as Elton John and Jerry Seinfeld; and the Forum Shops, a series of Roman streetscapes with ever-changing "skies" that move from dawn to dusk to night, filled with haute couture, restaurants, the unusual and the ornate.

Circus Circus
2880 Las Vegas Blvd. S.North Strip, Las Vegas. 702-734-0410. Toll-free 877-224-7287.
The free attraction is the varied daily circus shows, and that's why it's a must for families. Trapeze artists, tightrope walkers, acrobats and jugglers from around the world perform every 30 to 45 minutes on the Midway Stage: 11 am-10:30 pm. The non-free attraction is the Adventuredome Theme Park, the largest indoor theme park in the U.S., with a variety of thrill rides, IMAX movies, laser tag and more. The three casinos feature table games, slot machines, poker and more.

Excalibur
3850 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (at Tropicana Avenue), South Strip, Las Vegas. 702-597-7777. Toll-free 877-750-5464. The medieval theme is clear from the exterior. It's an imitation castle. Inside, there are strolling Renaissance entertainers and a stairway descending to the Fantasy Faire Midway, which includes carnival games and a Magic Motion Film Ride. Children are entertained at the Court Jester's stage, which features puppet shows, magicians, storytellers and more. The casino has slot machines, electronic games, poker, table games and keno.

Flamingo Las Vegas
3555 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Central Strip, Las Vegas. 702-733-3111. Toll-free 800-732-2111.
Though it no longer resembles the original palm-tree studded low-rise that Bugsy Siegel built in 1946, the Flamingo is one of the few remaining Strip properties with a name relating to those days.

Hard Rock Casino
4455 Paradise Road at Harmon (two blocks east of the Strip), Las Vegas. 702-693-5000. Toll-free 800-693-7625. This casino is filled with sound! It features rock memorabilia and attracts the world's hottest music stars to perform in The Joint, which seats 1,400 people. The outdoor hotspot is the lagoon pool, replete with floating craps table and a waterslide; it also doubles as an outdoor nightclub in warm weather.

Las Vegas Hilton
3000 Paradise Road (two blocks east of the Strip), Las Vegas.702-732-5111. Toll-free 800-732-7117. Barbra Streisand opened the hotel in the late '60s, when it was known as the International and was one of the first major off-Strip properties. Then came Elvis Presley, who dominated the hotel's entertainment roster in the '70s.

Luxor
3900 Las Vegas Blvd. S. South Strip, Las Vegas. 702-262-4000. Toll-free 888-777-0188. Named after the ancient city of the same name in northern Egypt, Luxor's black-glass pyramid is one of the most striking big-casinos from the outside. At night, the world's brightest beacon shoots straight up, so that even high-flying planes can see where they are. Inside, Egyptian artifacts and hieroglyphics line the walls of the 30-story pyramid. The replica of King Tut's Tomb is interesting and a more thorough re-creation than most theme attractions in Las Vegas. The Pharaoh's Pavilion has IMAX theaters that show a variety of features, including some in 3-D.

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S., South Strip, Las Vegas. 702-632-7777. Toll-free 877-632-7000.
Mandalay Bay has an understated South Seas/Far East feel. The main floor of the casino has lots of wide walkways and tropical greenery inside and out. Behind the complex, there's a lagoon, an enormous sandy beach, a man-made river and a water complex that includes a wave pool. The main sightseeing activity is the Shark Reef aquarium, which features creatures sharks, moray eels, stone fish, crocodiles, pythons and piranhas. One of its key entertainment venues is the legendary House of Blues, playing an eclectic mix of live music in its 1,800-seat facility.

MGM Grand Hotel and Casino
3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., South Strip, Las Vegas. 702-891-1111. Toll-free 877-880-0880.
Features the Lion Habitat, with lions trucked in each morning from a nearby ranch (like other Vegas stars, they're primped and groomed prior to making an appearance). Other activities center on nightlife (two large theaters for limited engagements and a smaller showroom that hosts a revue and the Studio 54 nightclub) and shopping (the Studio Walk shops).

The Mirage
3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Central Strip, Las Vegas. 702-791-7111. Toll-free 800-374-9000. One of the forerunners of the shift to themes and big spectacles, the Mirage's tropical motif centers on the South Seas. Outside is a gigantic waterfall topped by a volcano that "erupts" every 15 minutes after dusk, with elaborate lighting effects simulating the lava flow. The resort also houses two natural habitats, including a network of dolphin pools and the Secret Garden, a misted, lush sanctuary with rare white tigers and other animals that have performed with famed illusionists Siegfried and Roy.

Monte Carlo Resort & Casino
3770 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-730-7777. Toll-free 800-311-8999. Extremely glamorous, the Monte Carlo is styled after the opulent Place du Casino in Monte Carlo, Monaco, with domed ceilings, arches, crystal chandeliers, fountains and marble floors. But underneath all the glamour.

New York New York Hotel and Casino
3790 Las Vegas Blvd. S., South Strip, Las Vegas. 702-740-6969. Toll-free 800-693-6763. The facade is striking, to say the least—the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building, all standing along Las Vegas Boulevard. The New York theme is reflected in the interior, if on a less ambitious scale, with art-deco styling and some simulated settings such as Times Square and Central Park. Shops and eateries are styled after neighborhoods in New York, too. The Manhattan Express roller coaster, with its inverted roll, is the main non-gambling activity. There is also a large game room.

The Palms
4321 W. Flamingo Road (one block west of the Strip), Las Vegas. 702-942-7777. Toll-free 866-942-7777.
This casino resort is the new symbol of good times for the 20-30 crowd, with attractions such as Ghostbar on the 55th floor and Rain dance club. Young Hollywood jet-setters appear on a regular basis. TV shows film inside the resort too. If you need a relaxing break from the game floor, then head to the resort's 14-screen movie theater.

Paris Las Vegas
3655 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Central Strip, Las Vegas. 702-946-7000. Toll-free 888-266-5687.
A scaled-down (though still quite tall) replica of the Eiffel Tower is eye-catching. You can take an elevator to the top, but it's not a free ride (in fact, it costs almost as much as if you were ascending the real tower). Back on the ground, push past the casino area inside the main entrance to find the indoor Parisian streetscape. The cobblestone lane is lined with boutiques, restaurants and clubs. You'll hear accordion music and perhaps see a man in a striped shirt and beret bicycling by, a baguette under his arm. Parisian landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and facades of the Paris Opera House and the Louvre line the streets. The Eiffel Tower is open Monday-Friday 10 am-midnight, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-1 am. Admission charged.

The Rio
3700 W. Flamingo Road (at Valley View), Las Vegas. 702-252-7777. Toll-free 800-752-9746. You have to venture a short way off the Strip to get to the Rio. The attraction (aside from the usual array of gaming, restaurants and bars) is the Show in the Sky—Mardi Gras floats move along a track attached to the ceiling, while costumed revelers throw beads to the casino players and onlookers below. The Bevertainers, a new addition to the casino, serve cocktails one minute and perform the next. The free 12-minute Mardi Gras shows take place daily at 3, 4, 5, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 pm.

The Sahara
2535 Las Vegas Blvd. S., North Strip, Las Vegas. 702-737-2111. Toll-free 888-696-2121.
When the Sahara opened in 1952, it was crowned the "Jewel of the Desert." Over the years, its legendary performers included Johnny Carson, George Burns and the Beatles. Now the Sahara's lounges boast names such as the Coasters, the Drifters and the Platters, plus Lena Prima, the daughter of late, great Louis Prima. Even the steak house is a Vegas classic: the venerable House of Lords. Its more modern-day attractions include the NASCAR Cafe, the Las Vegas Cyber Speedway and a roller coaster called Speed: The Ride, which hurtles passengers forwards and backwards at speeds up to 70 mph.

Stardust
3000 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Central Strip, Las Vegas. 702-732-6111. Toll-free 800-634-6757.
If you want to get a feel for what Las Vegas used to be, visit the Stardust, whose light-shower marquee has been a symbol of Sin City since its opening in the mid-'50s. The casino has been enlarged innumerable times and now feels as though it stretches on forever, but that's not a bad thing, especially given the endangered species that still exist there in the form of US$2 craps, US$5 blackjack and low-limit poker. Another oldie-but-goodie: performances by Mr. Vegas himself, Wayne Newton, in his own showroom.

Stratosphere Las Vegas
2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S., North Strip, Las Vegas. Phone 702-380-7777. Toll-free 800-998-6937.
At 1,149 ft. high, the Stratosphere Tower is America's tallest freestanding observation tower and the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Take a 100-story trip to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views. You can add to your high-altitude experience on three thrill rides: The High Roller/roller coaster makes several rotations around the top of the tower, the Big Shot is a 160-ft. free-fall experience, and the new X Scream is a teeter-totter ride that hangs 29 ft. over the edge of the building and 866 ft. above the Strip. Various price packages are available that combine the ride and tower admission fees, including an all-day unlimited pass.

TI-(formerly Treasure Island)
3300 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Central Strip, Las Vegas. 702-894-7111. Toll-free 800-944-7444.
Adjacent to the Mirage, this resort started off using Robert Louis Stevenson's novel of the same name as its jumping-off point. Now, however, it has adopted the name "TI" in an attempt to revamp itself. The overall theme is changing from pirates to a hip and trendy resort. The highlight for those on a walking tour of the Strip is the free new “pirates and sexy ladies” show that takes place in Siren's Cove,, at 7, 8:30, 10 and 11:30 pm. Inside is the original Cirque du Soleil production of Mystere, with clowns who mingle with the audience, roving devils, compelling music and,mind-boggling acrobatic performances.

The Venetian
3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Central Strip, Las Vegas.vPhone 702-414-4100. Toll-free 877-857-1861.
Billing itself as one of the more upscale Vegas properties, the Venetian immerses visitors in a luxurious European ambience. Gracefully arched bridges, flowing canals, vibrant piazzas and stone walkways faithfully re-create Venice's Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge and Campanile. St. Mark's Square, lined with restaurants and shops, is the scene of street-style entertainment. You can take a gondola ride through the canals while being serenaded by a singing boatman.

Other Attractions

Guinness World of Records Museum
2780 Las Vegas Blvd S, 702-792-3766, Hours: Daily 9-6
Featuring colorful displays, video footage, and computer data banks of various Guinness world records, this is a great stop for families. The Las Vegas display includes information on celebrities married in Vegas, the Stratosphere and the Hoover Dam.

Imperial Palace Automobile Museum 3535 Las Vegas Blvd S
702-731-3311, Hours: Daily 9:30 am-11:30 pm.
This museum's collection includes more than 200 antique, classic and special interest vehicles. Among the cars, trucks, and motorcycles on view is a 1939 Mercedes touring sedan once owned by Adolph Hitler and the world's largest Deusenberg collection.

Nevada State Museum and Historical Society
700 E. Twin Lakes Dr, 702-486-5205, Hours: Daily 9-5.
From the Spanish exploration to the building of Las Vegas in the late 1940's, this museum has the skinny on Nevada. Exhibits touch on the history, archaeology and anthropology of southern Nevada. The surrounding parks and ponds make for a wonderful oasis.

Magic & Movie Hall of Fame
3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, 702-737-3846. Experience the history of magic first hand with over 20,000 sf of magic, movie and ventriloquist memorabilia.

Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix
1401 N Rainbow Blvd, 702-259-7000.
This 7-acre park has the only banked oval Super Stock Car track in the West. Racing includes adult Gran Prix cars and go-karts along with kiddie karts.

Madame Tussaud's Celebrity Encounter Wax Museum
Venetian Hotel, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, 702-367-184.
In "Madame Tussaud's Story" guests will discover the intensive process and artistry involved in the creation of the world famous wax portraits by Madame Tussaud.

Red Rock Canyon
14 miles west of Las Vegas via W Charleston Blvd, 702-363-1921;
Featuring blazing red rock formations, spectacular views, great hiking trails and a 13-mile scenic loop. A great place to experience the beauty of the desert.

Mt Charleston Recreation Area
35 miles NW of Las Vegas off Hwy 95, 702-872-5486.
Part of the Toiyabe National Forest at 12,000 feet high the area is popular year round for hiking, skiing, horseback riding, camping and even sleigh rides

Star Trek The Experience
3000 Paradise Rd at the Las Vegas Hilton, 702-732-5111.
The experience includes a complete re-creation of the promenade from Deep Space Nine: Quark's Bar and Restaurant, Zek's Grand Emporium and Moogie's Trading Post. Also is The Voyage, an interactive ride where visitors are beamed through time and space to the Transporter Room. A must for every Trekie.

Titanic: The Exhibition
Rio Suites Hotel, 3700 W Flamingo Rd, 702-252-0315. This exhibit features artifacts recovered from the Titanic wreck site.

Fremont Street Experience
A pedestrian promenade in downtown Las Vegas with free entertainment including a one-of-a-kind light and sound show with more than 2 million lights and 540,000 watts of sound. This show begins at dusk daily and ends at midnight. Also along the street are retail carks, kiosks and entertainers.

Gohres-Hohmann Foundation
6150 W Palmyra Ave
702-217-3655
Imagine touring through an 8,500 European castle filled with angelic murals, life-size mythical statues, fine art and exquisite designs that are one of a kind.

Liberace Museum
1775 E Tropicana Ave 702-798-5595
The museum features exhibits of Mr. Showmanship's jewelry, priceless antiques, his wardrobe and rare cars.

Hoover Dam
25 miles south of Las Vegas on Hwy 93
Considered one of the great wonders of the modern world. Built in the early 1930's it now offers visitors tours and an audiovisual show