Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS - JUNE 17: A general view from Tao Nightclub at the In Film We Trust bash during the 2008 CineVegas film festival held at Tao Nightclub at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino on June 17, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for CineVegas) An enchanting oasis in the Nevada Desert, Las Vegas is larger than life in every way. Five-star hotels, casinos and golf courses abound and there are sights and sounds to dazzle the senses.

The array of wonders offered by Las Vegas is far too great to cover here, but you can find out more about the world's gambling capital on the official Las Vegas website.

An increasingly popular attraction in the city is the World Series of Poker, which lasts over a month and is now attracting over 50 000 participants to the 13-day Main Event alone.

Following developments in technology and the rising popularity of online poker, televised coverage of the World Series of Poker has taken the sport to a wider audience, and it seems this tournament will keep going from strength to strength.

The Strip in the heart of Vegas is a focal point for hotels and casinos, including the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, the venue for the 2008 World Series of Poker, while entertainment also thrives in downtown Vegas.

It is pretty easy to navigate around the city and the attractions are packed relatively close together. The Las Vegas Monorail is an extremely modern mode of transportation running along The Strip's east side, behind the hotels and casinos.

The Monorail stops at a number of the high-profile hotels, including Bally's, Paris Las Vegas, The Flamingo and Caesar's Palace. It runs every day, closing at 2 a.m. and reopening at 7 a.m. on weekdays, and on weekends it stays open until 3 a.m.

On top of the numerous transport options available in the city, most of Las Vegas can be covered on foot; it is advisable to walk along the Strip to experience is many attractions to their full.

Getting to Las Vegas

Las Vegas welcomes approximately 40 million visitors annually and the McCarren International Airport is one of the 12 busiest airports worldwide, with direct flights to and from more than 125 cities across America.

For more detailed flight information, you can visit the McCarren International Airport website.

There are buses from many of the major centers, although there is no rail service to Las Vegas.

Local Las Vegas Publications

Local Las Vegas publications are an excellent source of city news and trends, as well as listings and critiques of current shows and events.

Las Vegas Review-Journal

The largest newspaper in Nevada, a morning paper available daily throughout the city.

www.reviewjournal.com

Las Vegas Sun

Another daily (afternoon) paper, the Sun offers local news, business information, classifieds and sports.
www.lasvegassun.com

Las Vegas City Life

Las Vegas City Life is a weekly news and culture publication, and can be found at local businesses for free.
www.lasvegascitylife.com

Las Vegas Weekly

Another of the city's weekly "alternative" publications, available at businesses for free.
www.lasvegasweekly.com

Vegas Golfer

Vegas Golfer features some good analysis of the local links scene. See if your hotel has a copy.
www.vegasgolfer.com

Vegas Web Sites

The following Web sites provide information that might assist you in planning your trip to Las Vegas.

Citizens Area Transit
For public transportation route and schedule information.

Clark County Marriage License Bureau
For legal requirements and information on getting married in Clark County.

LVCVA.com
The official Web site of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

McCarran International Airport
The Web site for the Las Vegas airport.

Nevada Department of Transportation
For current road conditions in Nevada.

VisitLaughlin.com
Entertainment and excitement in a small-town atmosphere near Las Vegas.

VisitMesquite.com
A growing resort destination just 80 miles (130 km) north of Las Vegas.

Boulder City, Nevada
Quaint atmosphere and beautiful historic charm.