Las Vegas, Nevada - Entertainment

From wiki.travel.com

Jump to: navigation, search

Compare Prices at the Top Travel Sites:  TRAVEL.com  CheapTickets  Hotwire  Kayak  Orbitz  Priceline  Travelocity

Las Vegas, Nevada Travel Guide.

 


Contents

Do

Gamble

Opportunities to gamble are found in most places in the Las Vegas metro area, even at McCarran airport and small supermarkets. However, please be advised that it is state law that all gamblers must be at least 21 years of age. Even if you are at least 21 years old, you are required to bring to the casino a valid ID that shows your current age or complete date of birth (e.g. driver's licence, passport) as proof of your age. Photocopies of valid IDs are usually not considered valid. In-house security makes rounds of inspections to check compliance. If you are under age or without a valid ID to prove your age and found in the gambling premises, hotel staff will ask you to leave, and could ask the metro police to issue you a citation. Moreover, underage gamblers cannot collect any jackpot; such bets are void and the casino will at best return your wager before asking you to leave the premises. There is a curfew for anyone under the age of 18 and metro police are comfortable transporting violators to a juvenile center.

If you are going to gamble in Las Vegas, it would be of benefit if you learn and study the games before you arrive. Gambling pros suggest playing the games with the lowest house advantage, such as craps (dice) with full odds, and blackjack (if you are a skilled player), but tables where a blackjack pays only 6:5 or even money instead of the traditional 3:2 give the house a big advantage, and should be avoided. Bets which have the highest house advantage include slot machines, roulette, and some craps bets (hardways and propositions). If a game is unfamiliar to you, do not hesitate to ask the dealer advice on how to play. Most will be happy to explain the game to you, and even slow down the dealing, especially if you arrive during the daytime at a table that is not crowded.

To facilitate gambling in machine-based games, you can use a pre-paid card to make wagers and collect winnings. Obtain one of these from the counter, insert the card into the gambling machine you choose to play and the machine will deduct your wagers as well as add your winnings to it. You can go to another cash dispensing machine to redeem your winnings as well as reload the value. Most casinos offer ATMs and over-the-counter cash\-advance facilities but beware about the charges set by your bank and the machine operator or establishment on collecting credit card cash advances.

One reason to gamble, aside from the hope of winning money, is that by doing so, you could receive complimentary ("comp") rooms, meals, and even airfare depending on your play. Most casinos issue free "player cards." It is generally to your advantage to show or insert your player card every time you play a table game or slot machine. At the end of your trip, you can ask the hotel if you are eligible for any comps, you might be pleasantly surprised. And if you arrive at the casino prepared to lay out $1000 or more, don't be bashful; ask the pit boss to be "rated" for comps before or while you begin playing. Separate from comps, many hotels offer discount packages for travelers who book a Sunday-Thursday night arrival. Most of these packages offer gambling coupons or a matching play -- see the Sleep section for details.

In the 90's, many casinos took their poker rooms out and replaced them with slot machines, but recently poker has made a comeback and more casinos offer it. Texas Hold'em can be found at almost all Las Vegas poker rooms along with 7-card stud, Omaha and others. Not all casinos have a poker room, so call the casino or ask a gaming floor attendant. Casinos with non-smoking poker rooms include:

  • Wynn
  • Bellagio
  • The Palms
  • Mandalay Bay
  • MGM Grand
  • Mirage

Shows

Free Shows

  • Masquerade Show in the Sky (Rio), 3700 West Flamingo Rd, +1 702 777-7776[1]. One of the most popular free shows in Las Vegas, the show is a mix between Mardi Gras floats and Rio Carnival.
  • Sirens of TI, (Treasure Island), 3300 South Las Vegas Blvd, +1 702 894-7111[2]. What was once a free family-oriented pirate show has now changed to a more adult show complete with showgirls and hunky pirates. Shows are in the evening, and visitors should plan to arrive early as it is difficult to get a good viewing spot. All MGM-owned property guests get priority viewing space, if in doubt, ask.
  • I LOST MY "M" in VEGAS, (M&M World), 3785 South Las Vegas Blvd, +1 702 736-7611, [3]. M&M'S WORLD® LAS VEGAS is located in the Showcase Mall, next to the MGM Hotel & Casino. Daily, free 3–D movie, "I lost my "M" in Vegas.

Cirque du Soleil Shows

One of the hottest tickets in town is for the Cirque du Soleil shows. Las Vegas currently features five separate shows, with a sixth show, centered around Elvis, planned for CityCenter (2010). Reserve your tickets well in advance for the best available seating.

  • , MGM Grand, (877) 264-1844, [4] Spectacular show that tells a tale of Imperial Twins on a journey to fulfill their destinies.
  • Mystère, Treasure Island, (800) 392-1999, [5] A classic Cirque show, full of amazing feats, impressive costumes, and humor. Definitely worth the time and money. Although it's family-friendly, it verges on too intense and psychadelic for younger kids, so consider avoiding it if your kids are under eight.
  • Love, Mirage, (800) 963-9634, [6] This recent addition to Cirque du Soleil features fresh mixes of classic Beatles tunes. Unlike other Cirque shows, it uses dance more prominently than incredible physical feats. Still, it's an awe-inspiring feast to the eyes. Beatle fans will obviously enjoy it best.
  • O, Bellagio, (888) 987-7111, [7] The stage at the Bellagio contains a tremendous tank of water from which most performers emerge and retreat to. It's an incredibly impressive show.
  • Zumanity, New York-New York, (866) 774-7117, [8] Note that Zumanity is an adult show, you need to be 18 to attend.

Production Shows

Reserve your tickets well in advance for the best available seating. The most popular shows are sold out on the weekends. Make sure to always book your seats directly from the official hotel website. http://www.smartervegas.com/

  • Blue Man Group, Venetian, 866 641-7469, [9] Nightly 7:30PM and/or 10:30PM $71-132
  • Folies Bergere, Tropicana [10]
  • Forever Plaid, Gold Coast [11]
  • La Cage, Riviera [12]
  • Le Rêve, Wynn[13]
  • Mamma Mia!, Mandalay Bay, [14] Closing 2009-01-04
  • Matsuri, Riviera [15]
  • Menopause: The Musical, Las Vegas Hilton, [16]
  • Monty Pythons Spamalot, Wynn, [17] Closing 2008-07-13/
  • Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, Venetian, (866) 641-7469 [18]
  • Stomp Out Loud, Planet Hollywood [19]
  • Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding, Rio [20]
  • Tournament of Kings, Excalibur [21]
  • V-The Ultimate Variety Show, Planet Hollywood [22]

Headliner Shows

  • Toni Braxton, (Flamingo), 3555 South Las Vegas Blvd, +1 702 733-3333 [23].

Tribute Shows

  • The Musical History of the King (Sahara) [24]. Tribute to Elvis Presley - Starring Trent Carlini "The Dream King".
  • The Rat Pack is Back (Greek Isles) [25]. Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Dean, and Marilyn.
  • Legends In Concert (Imperial Palace) [26]. Tribute to Elvis, Dusty Springfield, John Lennon, Marilyn Monroe, Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, Cher, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Madonna, The Beatles, Liberace, Dolly Parton, The Blues Brothers, Liza Minnelli, Ricky Martin, James Brown and many more.
  • Little Legends (Planet Hollywood) 702 836 0836 [27]. Tribute to Musical Legends by Las Vegas' Biggest Little Performers. Show has a rotating cast of little people singers, dancers, and other performers that pay tribute to great musical legends of our time.

Magic Shows

  • Penn and Teller (Rio), 3700 West Flamingo Rd, +1 702 777-7776 [28].
  • Mac King Comedy Magic Show (Harrah's).
  • Lance Burton (Monte Carlo) (702) 730-7777.
  • Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur (Tropicana), 3801 Las Vegas Blvd South, +1 800 829-9034 [29].
  • Anthony Cools - The Uncensored Hypnotist, (Paris), 3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd[30].

Adult Shows

  • American Storm, (Riviera) [31]. Male Revue.
  • Bite, (Stratosphere) [32]. Topless Female Dancers. A vampire themed topless revue set primarily to popular rock songs from the 70s and 80s.
  • Chippendales, (Rio) +1 702 777-7776 [33]. The original all male revue and still the best.
  • Crazy Girl, (Riviera) [34]. Topless Female Dancers.
  • Crazy Horse Paris, (MGM Grand) [35]. Topless Female Dancers. The show is unlike most other topless revues as it is presented in a more artistic manner through lighting, costumes, and set designs. Most of the females are of the same shape and size. One of the slogans for the show is "celebrating the artistry of the nude." Also features two "breaks" for the women when a male performer takes the stage first performing a magic card act, then a comedic musical number.
  • Fantasy (Luxor) [36]. Topless Female Dancers.
  • Folies Bergere, (Tropicana) [37]. Topless Female Dancers. One of the oldest shows in Las Vegas.
  • Jubilee!, (Ballys)[38]. Topless Female Dancers.
  • Thunder from Down Under, (Excalibur) [39]. Male Revue.
  • X Burlesque, (Flamingo) [40]. Topless Female Dancers.
  • Zumanity, (New York - New York)[41]. The sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil.


Get Married

Las Vegas is the wedding capital of the world. To get married, first go to the County Clerk's Office and apply for a marriage license. Both parties must have valid ID, such as a driver's license or passport. The cost is $55 per couple. The Las Vegas Wedding Bureau is open from 9AM-midnight seven days a week, including holidays. No blood test or waiting period is required.

Once you have a marriage license, the wedding ceremony can be performed by any priest, minister, or Justice of the Peace authorized to perform weddings with in the Las Vegas area. Numerous wedding chapels are located around the Wedding Bureau and on the Strip. You can choose an elaborate theme wedding, such as an Elvis impersonator as officiant, or a simple ceremony and reception celebration.

Most major hotels and Vegas Wedding Chapel offer wedding packages for those who wish to plan a larger wedding ceremony. But don't let a lack of planning stop your nuptials; all Vegas wedding chapels can perform immediate weddings with no prior appointment, although it is recommended to make a reservation for your wedding. If you make a reservation most chapels will provide courtesy limousine transportation from your hotel to the chapel and back. Lastly, making a reservation decreases the likelihood of having to wait.

Remember your wedding is a special event and want the best regardless of how much you plan to spend. You can receive a quality service at very affordable prices in Las Vegas. It is advised to check with the Las Vegas Better Business Bureau before making any arrangements. You may check the local BBB reports online [42].

Mountain Activities

  • Rock Climbing

Would you believe that Las Vegas has some of the best climbing in America? Red Rock Canyon, [43] is located on the western edge of the Las Vegas city limits and features hundreds of traditional/gear and sport routes. Climbing is possible year-round, though Spring and Fall tend to be most comfortable. There are a couple of guide books that detail the routes. Though the area does not receive much precipitation, it is worth remember that if the sandstone becomes wet (from rain or snow) it becomes brittle and you'd be wise to avoid it for at least two day before checking if it dried out.

There is also a scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon, which will take you about 30 minutes to complete, though there are opportunities to park up and get out of the car. Entry is five dollars per car unless you have a National Park pass and includes access to the visitor centre.

  • Dayhiking and Backpacking. North of Red Rock Canyon, the Spring Mountains have five peaks over 11,000' which is Bristlecone Pine County. At 11,918 ft (3,362 m), Mt. Charleston reaches the treeless alpine zone and is Nevada's fourth highest peak. The geology is mainly limestone which soaks up rainfall and snowmelt up high and releases it in lower canyons. Carry plenty of water for hikes along the crest. Expect snow at higher elevations October through May or June.
  • Skiing. The Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort in the Spring Mountains is reached by State Highway 156, 45 minutes from Las Vegas. Brian Head Resort in southern Utah offers more vertical feet but is about a three hour drive via I-15.
  • Mountain Biking. Bootleg Canyon in nearby Boulder City provides excellent technical cross-country and downhill trails, 30 minutes south of "The Strip" by Highway 93. Blue Diamond just south of Red Rock Canyon is the location of less technical riding, but with amazing views.

Tennis

Las Vegas is a great place for tennis fans. Not only do many of the hotels offer excellent courts but public courts abound as well. Vegas is also home to many amateur tournaments, UNLV tournaments, as well as The Tennis Channel Open [44].

Other activities

  • Ride a gondola (inside or outside for $15/person for 4 minutes) and visit St. Mark's Square at The Venetian.
  • Ride the Manhattan Express roller coaster at New-York New-York.
  • The Stratosphere has a lot of fun stuff to do in the top, you can see the whole city from there. A trip to the top costs about $10, with rides costing extra.
  • Indoor sky diving at Fly-a-way, 200 Convention Center Drive, +1 877 545-8093 [45]. $50 and up.
  • Shoot a machine gun at The Gun Store, 2900 E Tropicana Ave, +1 702 454-1110 [46]. Photo ID required. 9am–6:30pm 7 days. $25–$40.
Personal tools