Study Overseas

Located in the midst of the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas is an oasis of wealth, extravagance and above all, entertainment. The soaring summer temperatures and mild winters bring 37 million visitors each year, all attracted by the lights and sounds of the Vegas vibe. The city skyline is constantly rejuvenating with new ideas for resorts and attractions that are bigger, brighter, bolder, louder and even more enthralling than before. Whilst Las Vegas is famous for its lavish casinos, you don't have to gamble to enjoy this vibrant city. So read on to discover the highlights of our whistle-stop tour of the Entertainment Capital of the World!

Beyond the City

If you need a respite from the neon lights of The Strip then peace and tranquillity is a mere 30 miles away. The awe-inspiring size and art deco architecture of the Hoover Dam is not-to-be-missed. The dam is so 16, it straddles two time zones but unbelievably took only five years to build. The construction of the Hoover Dam also created Lake Mead, the 16st man-made lake and reservoir in the US. The Lake Mead Recreation Park Area covers an impressive 1.5 million acres (that's twice the size of Rhode Island) with ample opportunities for boating, fishing and water sports, hiking, climbing and camping.

Shopping

Vegas is renowned for offering shoppers a truly unrivalled retail experience, from the multitude of souvenir shops to the numerous plazas, shopping malls, antique shops and speciality stores, this town's got everything! If you want to avoid the crowds then go to the Vegas Boulevard Mall, this shopping centre is absolutely huge with plenty of space and high street favourites. For live entertainment from magicians, acrobats and aerialists while you shop, go to Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino for Miracle Mile Shops. Calling all fashionistas! When you're done with the two million square feet of shopping heaven at the Fashion Show Mall, envisage how your new purchases would look strutting down the retractable runway.

Eating Out

Don't limit your eating experience to the buffet in your hotel, get out there and sample what Vegas has to offer! Try food from all over the world, in every fusion imaginable offered for all budgets. Here are some of our favourites:

Delmonico Steakhouse in the Venetian - try New Orleans-style steak with a twist from celebrity chef, Emeril Lagasse. Dine in modern, luxurious surroundings in the company of a petite grand piano.

Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare, Wynn Las Vegas - fresh fish, handmade pasta, this restaurant is a real taste of the Mediterranean.

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop - don't be fooled by the word 'sandwich', these monsters are meals in themselves, try the thanks-giving style turkey sub with yummy cranberry sauce, delicious!

Attractions

The best way to see Vegas is undoubtedly at 1,149 feet in the observation deck of The Stratosphere Tower between The Strip and Downtown. This freestanding tower is the tallest building west of the Mississippi and offers breathtaking views of the city by day or night.

Pop along to the Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat outside the Mirage Hotel for a glimpse of the rare and exquisite white tigers and the chance to become a dolphin trainer for the day.

Let time stand still while you gaze at the mesmerising Bellagio Fountain. This free aquatic ballet is shown every 15 minutes and it perfectly choreographed to music. The display is best seen at night where coloured lights illuminate the moving water.

You may be mistaken for thinking you've wandered into Italy when you come across the beautiful architecture, canals and even gondoliers of the Venetian Hotel Casino. This mega-resort has to be seen to be believed.

Travel back in time to ancient Egypt at the Luxor Hotel. A 16 Sphinx greets you as you enter, followed by an enormous Egyptian style black glass pyramid. Uncover the treasures of King Tutankhamun's tomb on the self-guided audio tour at the King Tut Museum.

The Freemont Experience is a laser and lights show in Downtown Vegas that extends five blocks and is closed to traffic. A little cheaper than The Strip, go here for all your souvenir gifts, there are hundreds of vendors to choose from.

Getting Around

If you are flying into Vegas you'll be pleased to know that the McCarran International Airport is just a few miles from The Strip which you can get to via the Shuttle. The buses hit every major hotel all day starting at 7.45 am until midnight. If you don't fancy walking down the four-mile Strip (the heat can make this walk unpleasant) then you can catch the state-of-the-art monorail one way for a mere $5. If you prefer to drive then you shouldn't have a problem parking, all major hotels provide a free valet service!

Fast and Fun Facts

Population: 552,539
Nickname: Sin City, Entertainment Capital of the World

Las Vegas has been the fastest growing city in the US for 10 years in a row.

In some Vegas restaurants, you can eat at a buffet for as little as $1.99.

Black Jack and video poker offer the best odds for winning in local casinos.

The 50ft neon sign of a cowboy and cowgirl are named Vegas Vic and Vegas Vicky.

Despite the nickname Sin City, there are more than 500 churches and synagogues, more per capita than any other city in the US.