Las Vegas is the world's largest entertainment city located in the state of Nevada, USA. Its official name is the City of Las Vegas, and it is situated within Clark County. The population of the city itself is about 650,000, but when combined with the surrounding metropolitan areas like Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Paradise, it forms a metropolitan area of approximately 2.3 million people. The city is built at an elevation of about 610 meters (2,001 feet) on a desert plateau and is located in the middle of the Mojave Desert, where summer temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

When you think of Las Vegas, the first place that comes to mind is undoubtedly 'The Strip.' The official road name is Las Vegas Boulevard South, which stretches about 6.8 kilometers (4.2 miles). Along this road, you will find world-famous large hotel casinos such as Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Wynn, The Venetian, and Paris Las Vegas. At night, the neon signs and LED lights illuminate the area, creating a dazzling night view that travelers are encouraged to experience at least once.

Among the tourist attractions, the Bellagio Fountains are undoubtedly the most notable. Water shoots up to a height of 140 meters from about 1,200 fountain nozzles, performing to a variety of music from classical to pop. The show can be enjoyed for free every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes in the evening. Additionally, the Fremont Street Experience is a LED arcade ceiling show located in the downtown area, about 460 meters long, where dazzling light and music shows take place several times every night. It offers a retro vibe of Las Vegas that is different from The Strip.

Approximately 40 million travelers visit Las Vegas each year, which is an overwhelming number compared to any other city in the United States. The city also functions strongly as a convention destination, with the Las Vegas Convention Center being one of the largest convention facilities in the country. Major global events such as CES (Consumer Electronics Show), SHOT Show, and NAB Show are held here every year. If you plan to visit during these times, be aware that accommodation prices can rise to more than three times the usual rate, so it's important to check travel dates in advance.

Las Vegas Airport is Harry Reid International Airport (airport code LAS), which was known as McCarran International Airport until 2021. It is located just about 3 kilometers from The Strip, making it very accessible. In addition to taxis, Uber, and Lyft, there are well-established monorail and shuttle services for convenient transportation to your accommodation. If you choose to rent a car, there is a dedicated rental car center (LVMC) at the airport, connected by shuttle bus.

Las Vegas also boasts world-class dining options. Restaurants by Michelin-star chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Joël Robuchon, and Nobu are located throughout the hotel strip. The buffet culture is also famous; while the number of inexpensive buffets has decreased, premium buffets at Wynn, Bellagio, and Palazzo are still in operation. There are also plenty of Asian restaurants, with a dense concentration of Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese eateries in the Chinatown area (around Spring Mountain Road).

Watching shows is one of the highlights of a trip to Las Vegas. Various permanent performances are held, with Cirque du Soleil shows featuring different themes at several hotels. Individual shows like the Blue Man Group and magician Criss Angel are also very popular. Additionally, residency shows by world-renowned pop stars are a hallmark of Las Vegas, with performances by Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry. Advance reservations are essential, as popular shows often sell out months in advance.

Don't miss the natural attractions surrounding Las Vegas. Hoover Dam is located about 50 kilometers from Las Vegas and is a concrete arch-gravity dam built between 1931 and 1936. It boasts impressive dimensions of 221 meters in height and 379 meters in width, holding back Lake Mead. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located about 25 kilometers west of Las Vegas, is famous for its stunning red sandstone formations, making it a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing. The Grand Canyon can also be visited in a day via tour bus or helicopter from Las Vegas.

Accommodation prices vary greatly depending on the time and day. Weekdays are generally more affordable, while prices can increase by 3 to 5 times during weekends or major event periods for the same hotel. Famous hotels on The Strip typically range from $150 to over $500 per night, but resort fees are often added, which can increase the total cost. If you want to stay affordably, it is wise to consider hotels in the downtown Fremont area or off-Strip hotels.

Finally, it's important to note that Nevada has no state income tax. This has led to a steady increase in the population moving from California and other states to Las Vegas. Additionally, Nevada allows casino gambling and sports betting, and Las Vegas Strip is one of the few cities where drinking is permitted in outdoor public spaces. However, drinking in vehicles is strictly prohibited, and DUI enforcement is very strict. Enjoy your trip, but please travel safely.