Set in the middle of the vast Mojave Desert, Las Vegas was created entirely to entertain and has been described as the world's largest theme park. This psychedelic city of sin is home to over a million people and welcomes 35 million more each year to its lavish hotels and casinos. Visitors today are amazed that only 70 years ago this thriving metropolis was a backwater with less than a thousand inhabitants whose only guests were railway passengers stopping off to stretch their legs on the long journey between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.

Things started to change in March 1931 when the State of Nevada legalised gambling; one month later the City issued six licenses. Then in 1946, Mafia don Ben 'Bugsy' Siegel opened the sensationally lavish Flamingo Hilton on Highway 91. Las Vegas Boulevard was born and the city would never be the same again.

Soon stars like Elvis, Liberace and Sinatra were making the pilgrimage to what was fast becoming America's premier entertainment Mecca. In the early days the Mafia dominated the gambling industry but in the 1960s their influence waned and soon all the large hotels and casinos were controlled by big business.

Las Vegas has 18 out of 21 of the largest hotels in the world and walking down 'The Strip' visitors will see the skylines of New York and Paris, discover the canals of Venice and the Pyramids of Egypt and, at Treasure Island, see a full on-sea battle between a Pirate ship and a British Galleon. Despite these excesses, room rates and restaurant bills are the lowest in the western world - all subsidised by gamblers intent on a free holiday.

Although the principal draw card is still gambling, Las Vegas is now marketed as a family destination and there is no shortage of theme parks, shopping malls or golf courses. However, the vast majority of visitors come to gamble and the incredible displays are mostly designed to lure passers-by into the casinos, and once there it's hard to leave; the exits are discreetly hidden.

Venetian Hotel and Casino

Address: 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas

Admission: Hotel and Casino admission is free. Madame Tussauds: $5 (adults), $15 (children 7-12) Hotel and Casino: daily 24 hours. Madame Tussauds: opening hours vary depending on the season, but generally daily 10am to 11pm

Telephone: (702) 414 1000

No expense was spared creating the Venetian Hotel, in fact two billion dollars was spent recreating Venice in the Nevada Desert and the result is fairly spectacular. Guests can travel around the hotel in a gondola - real canals run through the hotel - and a replica of St Mark's Square and the Basilica turns from night to day every three hours; visitors have to look carefully to notice that the sky is actually a vast fresco. The only things missing are the pigeons and the backpackers. The casino itself is massive, featuring 2,500 slot machines and 125 gaming tables. For guests taking a break from the tables, there are five swimming pools, a fitness centre, and 17 restaurants - mostly pizzerias. One of the main attractions is Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, a wax museum presenting some of the world's biggest icons including stars, politicians, record-breaking athletes and legends.

Bellagio Hotel and Casino

Address: 3600 S. Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas

Admission: Free (hotel and casino); $15 (fine art gallery) Daily 24 hours. The art gallery opens daily 10am to 6pm, 7pm on weekends.

Telephone: (702) 693 7111

The Bellagio is one of Las Vegas' most opulent hotels and most popular casinos. With an Italian theme, the great bulk of the Bellagio sits in its own vast garden. It has over 3,000 rooms and hundreds of slot machines and gaming tables, however its best-known attraction is its amazing water show - a breathtaking union of water, music and light. Between 3pm and midnight (from 12pm on weekends) the Bellagio's world-famous fountains 'dance' to opera, classical or whimsical music with carefully choreographed movements. Beyond the Bellagio's gracious lobby lies the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, a magnificent garden abounding in fragrance, texture and colour. The hotel also has a new fine arts gallery that hosts contemporary art exhibits; it is currently exhibiting a series of celebrity portraits by Andy Warhol.

The Mirage

Address: 3400 S. Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas

Admission: Free Daily 24 hours

Telephone: (702) 791 7111

Another MGM mega-casino, the showpiece at the Mirage is a Volcano that shoots flames 100ft (30m) into the night sky every 15 minutes (6pm to midnight), spewing smoke and transforming a tranquil waterfall into spectacular streams of molten lava. As you'd expect of Las Vegas, it's all quite naff, but great entertainment. Siegfried & Roy's White Tigers are the other signature attraction at the Mirage (unfortunately the Siegfried & Roy show has been cancelled indefinitely due to the near-fatal attack on Roy Horn by one of the tigers during a performance). Unlike conventional tigers, which have black and gold markings, the white tiger is white with black stripes, pink paws and ice-blue eyes. There are only a few dozen white tigers in the world, which makes them rarer than the panda bear. The open-air Tiger Habitat features a swimming pool with fountains and simulated mountain terrain for the tigers' enjoyment and the public's entertainment. Another popular attraction is the aquarium located behind the Front Desk. This 20,000-gallon saltwater aquarium is home to angelfish, puffer fish, tangs, sharks and other exotic sea creatures.

The Luxor

Address: 3900 South Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas

Admission: Free Daily 24 hours

Telephone: (702) 262 4444

The Luxor is themed on ancient Egypt and is one of the most prominent sights on the Strip. It is a massive black-glass pyramid containing 36 floors of hotel rooms, and shining through it up into the night sky is the world's most powerful light beam, which they claim can be seen by planes circling Los Angeles. The ground floor of the hotel is given over to a massive casino, which stands beneath a recreation of Tutankhamun's Tomb. Other than gambling, entertainment at the hotel includes an IMAX theatre, gyms, swimming pools and exhilarating shows by comedians, dancers and singers.

Liberace Museum

Address: 1775 East Tropicana Avenue Las Vegas

Admission: $15 (adults), children age 10 and under free. Concessions available Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm; Sunday 12pm to 4pm

Telephone: (702) 798 5595

The Liberace Museum was founded in 1979 by the late entertainer and features 'Mr Showmanship's' dazzling jewellery, outfits and other memorabilia. Liberace was a massively popular musician in America and best known for his outrageous outfits and stage sets. He was a regular visitor to Las Vegas. The museum houses his vast collection of pianos and cars, which include a custom-made Rolls Royce, covered with tiny mirrors. His costumes, stage props and jewellery can also be seen. His 'crown jewels' include a spectacular piano-shaped watch with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds, and a piano-shaped ring containing 260 diamonds in a white and yellow gold 18-carat setting with ivory and black jade keys. Proceeds from the not-for-profit museum support scholarships for the performing arts.

Imperial Palace Auto Collection

Address: Imperial Palace Casino, 3535 South Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas

Admission: Free entrance vouchers are easily available at the Imperial Palace casino, otherwise tickets are $6.95 Daily 9.30am to 9.30pm

Telephone: (702) 794 3174

With over 250 classic antique cars on display (all available for purchase), the Imperial Palace Auto Collection is an absolute must for car enthusiasts. It is actually part of a larger collection and cars are rotated in and out of the showroom on a regular basis; once a car is sold it is replaced by another. Exhibited are rare models, racecars, muscle cars, touring roadsters and dozens of vehicles once owned by the rich and famous.

Fremont Street Experience

Address: 425 Fremont Street, Downtown Las Vegas Las Vegas

The downtown area of Las Vegas is where it all began and is known as the Fremont Street Experience or 'Glitter Gulch' for the bright neon signs and thousands of flashing lights that line the streets - this is where you'll find Vegas Vic and Sassy Sal, two of the nations best-known neon icons. Some of the city's most famous vintage casinos are found here, including the Golden Nugget and the Gold Spike, as are most of its strip clubs and stage shows. Most entertainment is on, or just off, the Freemont Street Experience Mall.

Roller Coasters

Address: Las Vegas

There are four roller coasters on The Strip: the Manhattan Express at New York NY, the Canyon Blaster at the Adventuredome, the roller coaster at MGM Grand Adventures and the High Roller at the Stratosphere. The MGM theme park is probably the best, although for sheer terror factor head for the High Roller. At 1,149ft (350m), the Stratosphere Tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States and the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, and thrill seekers can enjoy excitement over 100 stories above the ground on the Big Shot thrill ride and the High Roller roller coaster. There is also a revolving restaurant at the top of the Stratosphere, which offers great views but pretty average food.

The Grand Canyon

Address: Las Vegas

Admission: $25 per vehicle, $12 for pedestrians and cyclists, valid for both rims for 7 days South Rim is open 24 hours daily, all year round. The Information Plaza is open from 8am to 5pm. The North Rim is open from 15 May to 14 October 8am to 6pm

Telephone: (928) 638 7888

A mile deep, 277 miles (446km) long and up to 18 miles (29km) wide the breathtaking grandeur of the Grand Canyon is so impressive that pictures or words simply cannot do it justice. One of the great natural wonders of the world, it was formed by the cutting action of the Colorado River over millions of years, the harder rock formations remaining as great cliffs, pinnacles and buttes, and the different layers of rock possessing colours that range from purple, fiery red and pastel pink, to yellow, brown, grey and soft tones of blue. Whether by foot or on horseback, from a plane or helicopter, aboard a raft down the mighty Colorado River or by merely gazing in awe from the rim, the canyon's seemingly infinite depths can be experienced in a variety of ways and is a landscape not to be missed, however one chooses to see it. The park receives hoards of visitors from around the world, who cannot fail to be transfixed by the sculpted rock shapes, the shifting colours that change with the light and a tiny glimpse of the Colorado River far below. The Grand Canyon National Park comprises two separate areas, the South Rim and the more remote North Rim. Separated by the 10-mile (16km) width of the canyon, it is a 215-mile (346km) drive from one visitor centre to the other and the South Rim, being the most accessible and possessing more facilities, sees over 90 percent of the park visitors. The North Rim is higher in elevation and wetter, with thicker surrounding forests; it is further to get to and is usually closed by snow from October to May, but many people prefer the comparative peacefulness of its less crowded lookouts. At both rims there are several drives and walkways along the edge with numerous lookout points for views from different angles, as well as a few hikes down into the canyon where one can overnight at Phantom Ranch on the canyon floor. The impact of over four million visitors a year to the South Rim, especially during the busy summer months, has its negative influences on the park, with overcrowding and traffic congestion, but despite the hoards it is a positively memorable experience to have visited one of the most spectacular examples of erosion in the world.

Hoover Dam

Address: Las Vegas

Admission: Hoover Dam Discovery Tour: $11; Lake Mead Recreational Area: $5 per vehicle, or $3 per individual, for 5 days Daily 8.30am to 4.30pm (visitor centre)

Telephone: (702) 293 8906

Stretching 1,247ft (380m) across the Colorado River, the Hoover Dam holds back the waters of Lake Mead and is a fine example of the engineering of its time. One of the world's most famous dams, the Hoover Dam was built during the Great Depression in the 1930s - one of many vast public projects commissioned by the US Government to get people back to work. The dam employed thousands of men from all over the country, and its hydroelectric power generator supplies Nevada and its neighbouring states with electricity. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is popular with water sports enthusiasts as well as those just after a bit of sun and relaxation.

Red Rock Canyon

Address: Las Vegas

Admission: $5 per vehicle Visitor Center: 8am to 4.30pm. Scenic drive: 6am to 5pm (November to February), 6am to 7pm (March and October), 6am to 8pm (April to September)

Telephone: (702) 515 5350

Red Rock Canyon is a dramatic valley ten miles (16km) west of Las Vegas and is a good excursion to escape the neon lights and jangle of the slot machines. Its defining feature is the steep Red Rock escarpment, which rises 3,000ft (914m) on its western edge. Today the dramatic landscape is peppered with cacti and Joshua trees and is a good spot for walking, rock climbing, cycling or simply a scenic drive. The Mojave Desert is not barren as you might think; it teems with life and beauty that is rare and unique - waterfalls cascade into the canyons and high above red tailed hawks search for their next meal.

Adventuredome

Address: Circus Circus Hotel, 2880 South Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas

Admission: Per ride, $4-7; Day pass $24.95 (adult), $14.95 (child) Monday to Thursday, 11am to 6pm; Friday to Saturday, 11am to 12am; Sunday, 10am to 9pm

Telephone: (702) 794 3939

The glass-encased theme park of Adventuredome is the perfect attraction for thrill-seeking kids on holiday in Las Vegas - its loop roller-coaster and other gut-wrenching rides are not to be missed! If this adrenalin rush is a bit too excessive, there are also shows by the likes of magicians and jugglers on offer, as well as plenty of decadent treats like ice-cream, popcorn, candy...

Doolittle Pool

Address: 1950 North J Street Las Vegas

Admission: $2 (adult), $1 (child) Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 5pm. Closed Sundays

Telephone: (702) 229 6398

When the Las Vegas summer heat gets too much for the kids head to the Doolittle Pool complex, which has a great swimming pool and pool toys for kids to enjoy. Other features of this attraction include a water slide and playground, as well as sports fields and a picnic area.

Buffalo Bill's

Address: 31900 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas

Admission: Monday and Thursday, 12pm to 6 pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am to 12am; Sunday, 10am to 6pm; closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Telephone: (702) 679 7433

The Buffalo Bill's amusement park is an excellent holiday attraction for children, offering everything from earth-plunging rides that defy gravity or end with a huge splash, to log rides on a fantasy lake. Kids also love the Frog Hopper experience, bouncing around the park on the back of Buffalo Bill's life-like amphibian.

Blue Man Theater

Address: Blue Man Theater, Venetian Casino Resort, 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas

Admission: Balcony $106; Orchestra $133.50 Tuesdays and Saturdays, 7pm and 10pm; Friday, 7pm

Telephone: (702) 414 1000 or (702) 414 9000

An entertaining attraction for children (and their parents!) in Las Vegas is a show by the Blue Man Theater Group. Three 'mute' performers, painted blue and wearing bald caps, keep kids on the edge of their seats with a combination of humorous theatrics, music and comedy.

Grand Canyon Helicopter and Ranch Adventure

Address: 3750 E. Diamond Bar Ranch Rd, Meadview, Arizona Las Vegas

Admission: 7am, 8.45am, 10.30am and 12.45pm daily

Telephone: Grand Canyon West Ranch, (702) 736 8787; Heli USA, (702) 736 8727

Kids will revel in the exciting experience of flying through the Grand Canyon in a helicopter and landing at the Grand Canyon West Ranch. Once at the ranch, children are enthralled by horse-drawn wagon rides and the cowboys putting on a show. The western-style meal served at the Ranch House also goes down a treat.

National Finals Rodeo

Where: Thomas & Mack Center,Las Vegas

When: 3 - 12 December 2009

Referred to as the 'Superbowl of Rodeos', cowboys and cowgirls from across America and Canada work hard all year in the hope of being one of the top 15 to qualify for the NFR and to compete for the prize money. Events include bull riding, calf roping, team roping, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing.

Burning Man

Where: Black Rock Desert,Las Vegas

When: August to September 2010 TBA

The Festival of the Burning Man is one of the most unique festivals. Drawing crowds of over 20,000 each year from all over the world, the celebration is of art, creativity and humanity. Unlike most other festivals in the world, this one has no commerce; no shops, no rock stars, no rollercoasters. It is simply a gathering, albeit a very large one. The Black Rock Desert, two or three hours north of Reno is the setting. The serenity of the place allows festival goers the environment to feel uninhibited and expressive. The emphasis is on community and people helping one another and all who attend do so in friendship. And on the last day, the bonfire of the Burning Man takes place setting the skies alight in fire while the community dances around. Due to the non-commercial nature of the festival, those attending are advised to bring everything they might need for themselves with them, as little or nothing will be available. The art theme for 2008 is 'American Dream'.

Cirque du Soleil

Where: Various,Las Vegas

When: Various dates throughout the year.

The world famous Cirque du Soleil - a riot of costumes, colours and contortionists - brings its unique magic to Las Vegas with several immensely popular shows, including Mystère, which has been honoured as 'Las Vegas' Best Production Show'. Other shows include the aquatic show 'O' at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, KÁ at the MGM Grand and the latest 'The Beatles - Love' at the Mirage.

Andre's at Monte Carlo

Address: 3770 Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas

Food Type: French

Most of the glitzy Las Vegas hotel resorts feature French restaurants, but Andre Rochat's latest contribution is exceptional. Extreme fine dining here includes fresh seafood, poultry and vegetarian dishes - don't miss the signature dish, Scampi André, or perhaps try the Rack of Colorado Lamb. Andre's is known for its excellent stocks and sauces, as well as its fine pastry. Open daily, reservations essential.

Pamplemousse

Address: 400 East Sahara Avenue Las Vegas

Food Type: French

Just 500 yards from 'The Strip', Pamplemousse provides a quiet dining oasis reminiscent of a cosy French country inn, with soft orchestral music in the background to accompany the gourmet fare. There is no menu. Waiters knowledgably recite the specialities of the day, which usually include the renowned Hobo Steak, Norwegian salmon, roast duckling, veal medallions, filet mignon and spring lamb. The appetisers and desserts are just as mouth-watering including the famous trademark Basket of Crudités. Reservations are essential. Open daily for dinner. Dress smart casual (no jackets required, but appreciated).

Golden Steer Steakhouse

Address: 308 W. Sahara Avenue Las Vegas

Food Type: American

The Steer, about a mile from 'The Strip', is the oldest steak house in Las Vegas having been in business in the same spot since 1958, and still a favourite with thousands of loyal diners. Celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Elvis Presley frequented the Steer to enjoy the large and perfectly grilled traditional steaks, especially the Diamond Jim cut of prime rib. Fish, chicken and some Italian dishes are on offer too, and a selection of interesting appetisers - try the seafood stuffed mushrooms. Lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, dinner Saturdays and Sundays.

Marrakech

Address: 3900 Paradise Road Las Vegas

Food Type: Moroccan

Exotic and exciting dining is offered in a cosy Middle-Eastern tent where diners lounge on cushions on the floor, or on comfy low couches, to enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal. Robed waiters explain the six-course fixed-price menus, while belly dancers gyrate provocatively. The meals are accompanied by homemade Moroccan bread and, if offered, be sure to try the filet mignon (marinated and grilled in Moroccan spices). Algerian wines are available. Open for dinner nightly. Reservations required.

Mon Ami Gabi

Address: 3655 S. Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas

Food Type: French

Few restaurants can claim sidewalk space on the famous Las Vegas Strip, where diners can watch the passing parade. Mon Ami Gabi, emulating a Paris brasserie, does just that with not only an outdoor section, but a glass conservatory and several indoor dining rooms as well. The cuisine on offer is mainly classic French steak frites and fruits de mêr with flavoursome sauces. Their braised pork shank, and the steak with blue cheese sauce, are subliminal. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Rosemary's Restaurant

Address: 8125 West Sahara Avenue Las Vegas

Food Type: American

Husband and wife team, Michael and Wendy Jordan, share their passion for cooking with guests at their award-winning restaurant, named after Michael's mother, on the Las Vegas West Side. The cuisine spans all regions of America but leans heavily to the southern side, with signature dishes being roast lamb, brick chicken and Texas barbecued shrimp. The fish dishes are renowned, the appetisers unusual and the desserts delicious. Lunch Monday to Friday, dinner nightly. Reservations suggested.

Chicago Joe's

Address: 820 South 4th Street Las Vegas

Food Type: Italian

Italian restaurants abound in Las Vegas, both on and off The Strip, but for really good home-cooked food and excellent value, the unimposing brick building housing Chicago Joe's, in the residential downtown area, is a sure bet. The pasta sauces are renowned among locals, all reputedly recipes handed down by the owner's family through generations. Try the pasta with eggplant (aubergine/brinjal) or white clam sauce, or perhaps the Lobster Joe. Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Friday; Saturday dinner only.