Whatever it is that brings you to Las Vegas, the high stakes gambling, the incredible shows, the great restaurants or just for the sheer and utter thrill of it – one thing is certain – you will be glad you came. A glittering world that’s unlike anywhere else on the planet, Las Vegas is a destination that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. And whether you’re tacking on an extra half day on the tail end of your business itinerary or making the most of a dedicated vacation, there is a massive amount to do and see. First, get your bearings with this interactive map.
It should be said that the casinos Vegas is famous for account for just one facet of this diverse and vibrant city, which also hosts a buzzing nightlife, over the top incredible resorts along with fine dining, fashion-forward shopping, amazing art galleries and incredible entertainment.
Spanish for ‘the meadows’, Las Vegas has come a long way from its roots as a sleepy western cowboy town. Today the city is famous for having been a mobster hideaway, a magnet for Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack, and a playground for iconic figures such as Marilyn Monroe, JFK and Elvis. And it’s a city that literally never sleeps: casinos have no clocks, nightlife has no limits, and Sin City keeps on ticking well past dawn.
Cirque du Soleil
No words really can describe a venture to Cirque du Soleil. You have to experience the show firsthand. With eight resident shows in Vegas, Cirque du Soleil performances offer a little bit of everything and a huge helping of entertainment—from music-themed performances to innovative, theatrical wonderlands. Each show transports you to another world altogether, where you get lost in the vibrant colors and sounds or become mystified by the captivating vignettes throughout each themed show. Not to mention the incredible athletic feats, which can leave you both amazed and slightly frightened at the same time. Don’t be surprised if your heart misses a beat or two throughout whichever performance you see.
One night you may be in the mood for Cirque’s exhilarating “The Beatles LOVE” show at The Mirage; another night you could take in the innovative, surreal Cirque du Soleil “O” show at the Bellagio. This water-themed spectacle features lump-in-your-throat high dives into a pool and other aquatic acrobatics. Or perhaps a visit to Treasure Island for the Mystère performance. High-energy drama meets thrilling, imaginative acrobatics. Each show is unique and worth seeing. Diehard fans could plan an entire Vegas trip solely for the Cirque du Soleil experience.
Terry Fator
While at the Mirage, don’t miss Terry Fator. You’ll love him and his sidekicks: dummies brought to life by Fator with incredible impressions—all through the art of ventriloquism. Try to catch Fator’s lips moving. You won’t…even as he throws his voice to sing Elvis, Cher, Ella Fitzgerald, and more. He can do over 100 impersonations. Fator achieved his Vegas residency by winning the hit-show “America’s Got Talent” in 2007. He’s been onsite at the Mirage since 2008. He’s a great attraction whether you’re visiting Vegas with or without the children.
Take note that “America’s Got Talent” just announced another winning ventriloquist: Paul Zerdin. Look for Zerdin to take to a Vegas venue stage soon. His own blend of comedy, storytelling, and ventriloquism is equally appealing. Once Zerdin is settled into The Strip somewhere, both he and Fator are must-sees. His debut Vegas performances were at The Planet Hollywood in October.
Celine Dion
Music acts come and go throughout Vegas venues. Recent shows, for example, include Elton John and Britney Spears. Celine Dion, however, is a Vegas mainstay. You’ll find her onstage nightly at Caesars Palace. Dion captivates audiences with her own songs and her signature spin on hits songs by Billy Joel, Ella Fitzgerald, and more. Over 30 onstage musicians and artistic lighting and video displays make Dion’s performance a truly must see. She’ll win you over whether or not you’re a fan beforehand. You will not be disappointed.
The Blue Man Group
As of November 18, the Blue Man Group will be performing at Luxor. There are a myriad of reasons why Blue Man Group continues to dazzle audiences of all ages. You never know what this inventive group will dazzle you with—from their improvised antics, to mesmerizing percussion performances, to fascinating technological displays and animations. Oh…and watch out! Audience participation is a signature part of the show. Got great seats upfront? Be warned. You might get wet or splattered with paint—it’s all washable and in great fun. If you’re lucky, you may even get to take home a souvenir created on the spot or, better yet, join the azure trio onstage for an interactive segment.
Mat Franco
Last, but most definitely not least: Mat Franco at The LINQ. Another winning graduate of “America’s Got Talent,” this compelling magician is as skilled at storytelling as he is magic. Entertaining on all levels, Franco draws you in as soon as he opens his mouth, fixating the audience with his unique and stunning tricks from start to long after the reveal. It’s impossible to figure out how he does it – from card tricks to making wine bottles appear countlessly before your eyes. A stellar performer, Franco can be summed up in one word. Delightful. His Vegas debut was this fall, so plan ahead to get tickets to his popular show “Mat Franco—Magic Reinvented Nightly. Here’s a Preview of the show, and get a glimpse of some of Mat’s trademark up-close magic.
The resident Vegas shows also include comedians such as Carrot Top and adult-themed options. Browse this Guide to Permanent Vegas shows, and book your tickets ahead of time!
Don’t Miss Dining:
Sushi Roku
Sushi · S Las Vegas Blvd
Buzzy, cool spot for sushi, sashimi & more Japanese eats in a dark, dramatic dining room with Strip views.
Opens at 12:00 pm
Joel Robuchon Restaurant
French · S Las Vegas Blvd
Joël Robuchon’s sophisticated New French tasting menus presented in a luxe space at the MGM Grand.
Opens at 5:30 pm
SW Steakhouse (pictured)
Steakhouse · S Las Vegas Blvd
Elegant Wynn steakhouse offering entrees for both carnivores & vegans, plus open view of water show.
Opens at 5:30 pm
Delmonico Steakhouse
Steak · The Venetian, S Las Vegas Blvd
Spacious Venetian restaurant by Emeril Lagasse offering steakhouse fare with a New Orleans twist.
Opens at 11:30 am
Bartolotta Ristorante Di Mare
Italian · S Las Vegas Blvd
Fresh Mediterranean seafood & Italian pasta served in a posh interior or outdoor cabana at the Wynn.
Opens at 5:30 pm
Botero
Steak · S Las Vegas Blvd
Luxe Encore restaurant featuring art of Fernando Botero alongside creative takes on steak & seafood.
Opens at 6:00 pm
Le Cirque
French · S Las Vegas Blvd
Offshoot of NYC landmark presents innovative New French cuisine in a whimsical, opulent space.
Opens at 5:30 pm
Mastro’s Ocean Club
Seafood · S Las Vegas Blvd
Fine steaks & seafood served inside elegant, treehouse-like structure inside Crystals at CityCenter.
Opens at 4:00 pm
Nobu
Japanese · S Las Vegas Blvd
Inside Caesars, a glamorous destination presenting chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s high-end Japanese cuisine.
Opens at 5:00 pm
Las Vegas header image courtesy of the Las Vegas News Bureau. Cirque Du Soleil “O” Show Contortion image courtesy of Cirque Du Soleil, photo by Tomasz Rossa, costumes by Dominique Lemieux. Terry Fator image courtesy of Terry Fator. Celine Dion image courtesy of Caesars Entertainment, photo by Denise Truscello. Blue Man Group image courtesy of Blue Man Group, photo by Lindsey Best. Mat Franco image courtesy of Mat Franco, photo by Denise Truscello.
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