Las Vegas Strip Hotels, Casinos and Attractions

Although it's not actually within the Las Vegas city limits (that's just north of here), this is the area most people think of when they think of modern day Las Vegas: the world's biggest concentration of gambling establishments and hotel rooms. Billions (and billions) of dollars worth of mega-hotel casinos as far as the eye can see (as long as your eyes are looking north/south along Las Vegas Boulevard).

In the span of just a couple of miles you can visit the circus, meet some pirates, go to Venice, hobnob with Caesar, explore Paris and Italy, gaze at some Hollywood stars, relax in a tropical Pacific resort, be seen in Monte Carlo and New York, and stand beside a pyramid (which will seem even more realistic if you're visiting in the heat of mid-summer). And all of that without venturing to any of the many hotel-casinos in the blocks just east and west of Las Vegas Boulevard.

Savings note: Wherever you choose to stay and do most of your gambling, make sure the first thing you do is sign up for one of the casino's "comp cards". That lets the casino keep track of your play. Even relatively "low rollers" will soon be receiving enticing offers (such as free and discounted room rates) to get you to return.

Las Vegas Strip Attractions

Bellagio Fountains - Everybody has to stop by this fantabulous hotel and casino if for no other reason than to see the show put on by the Bellagio fountains! Water shows are every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night. And you can't beat the price: Free!

Cirque du Soleil - You can hardly walk 50 feet in Las Vegas without stumbling across another show by Cirque du Soleil. Far from free, these spectacles are nonetheless a big part of the modern-day Vegas experience. Varieties include O, Mystere, KA, Love, and Zumanity (an adults-only version - ooh la la!)

Golf - The Wynn golf course and the Bali Hai golf course are at opposite ends of the Strip and on opposite sides of Las Vegas Boulevard. Both are within a block of the strip so they may be the most valuable plots of land in the world currently used for golf.

Las Vegas Monorail - Not the easiest thing to find, the Las Vegas monorail runs along the "back side" (east side) of some of the largest hotels on the east side of Las Vegas Boulevard. Strangely, it ends just a couple of blocks north of...

McCarran International Airport - okay, so it's not really an "attraction", but it certainly is convenient to have the primary Las Vegas airport located adjacent to the southern end of the Strip.

UNLV - yep, just a mile or two east of The Strip lies the campus of the University of Nevada - Las Vegas. How'd you like to try concentrating on your studies when the Hard Rock Casino is just across the street?

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters - want to see what this all looks like from above? How about a helicopter tour of the strip? Or take a day trip for a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon!

Best Restaurants On The Vegas Strip

THE Steak House - the name might be a bit presumptuous, but many who visit THE Steak House at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino have no problem with it. Specializing in mesquite-grilled steaks that have been, as they say, "aged to perfection". Highly-rated for 20 years.

Mon Ami Gabi - this steakhouse with a French twist is a transplant from the Chicago area. The Vegas version of Mon Ami Gabi is located in the Paris Casino Resort. Get the real "bistro" experience by sitting outdoors (if the weather is cooperating).

808 - Specializing in menu items with a Hawaiian/Pacific flair, 808 is one of the better restaurants to be found at Caesars Palace. Lots of "fusion" going on here, great for the reasonably adventurous.

More Vegas restaurant reviews from TripAdvisor

Best Nightclubs, Bars and Lounges On The Vegas Strip

Mix Lounge - You'll find the Mix Lounge on the top of THEhotel at Mandalay Bay - great views from indoors or from the balcony area up on the 64th floor.

Ghostbar - The Palms Hotel and Casino brings us Ghostbar, their version of the "hip and trendy" nightspot. It's where all the beautiful people hang out. But dress appropriately and they'll let you in, too.

VooDoo Lounge - Another popular Vegas club, the VooDoo Lounge sits up on the 51st floor of the Rio. Lots of fun and great views of The Strip, but, like many others like it, not for the budget-conscious.

Rain - It doesn't have the views you get at Ghostbar, but Rain is the bigger, louder night club at The Palms. Super-popular, plan ahead if you want to stop by on your visit to Vegas.

More Vegas nightlife info at TripAdvisor