Las Vegas
The South - Nevada
Hard Rock Café: 3771 Las Vegas Blvd S #120, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Our visits: So far 8 visits in August 1992, August 1994, April 1997, September 1999, November 2009, May 2013 February 2016 and June 2023
Accommodation Tip: During our June 2023 visit, we stayed at the Plaza Hotel in Downtown Las Vegas. We liked it very much. Our more detailed review can be found on our Hotel page.
Las Vegas - Strip
Description: The founding of Las Vegas took place at the beginning of the 20th century. Because of existing springs, the army had built Fort Baker at this place. After the railroad from Salt Lake City was also finished, the properties around the fort became more and more popular. The construction of Hoover Dam and legalized gambling in Nevada led to growth in the city. However, legalized gambling also brought a lot of crime to the city, and so Las Vegas had a very bad reputation in the 70s and 80s of the last century. The turnaround came in 1989 with the opening of the Mirage Hotel. Shows like Siegfried and Roy tried to attract a different audience. Also from the official side it was now tried to transform Sin City into an Entertainment City . Even though Las Vegas is much more family-friendly today, the Sin City aspect of the city has not disappeared.
Las Vegas is the largest city in Nevada and is best known for its casinos, shows, wedding chapels and for its uncomplicated marriage and divorce laws.
Our rating: You simply have to see Las Vegas once as a visitor to the USA. We would really recommend this to every first-time visitor. How often you have to come back after that, everybody can decide for himself. We were in Las Vegas for the first time in 1992 and if you compare it with today, it is a very big difference. At every new visit the city showed a new face. Not without reason Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing cities in the USA.
We are not necessarily the biggest fans of Las Vegas. For us, it's all too busy, but we would definitely come back once or twice to see a great show, for example. Besides, Las Vegas is quite a good starting point for a round trip through the Southwest.
Las Vegas Strip by day...
... and at night
Downtown - Fremont Street
Description: Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas has long been the center of gambling in the city. The most famous hotels like the Golden Nugget are located here. It was only with the construction of the mega hotels on the Strip that Fremont Street lost more and more of its importance. In order to revalue the street and attract more visitors again, the Fremont Street Experience was established in 1995. The street was almost completely covered and the roof forms the screen for various projections and shows.
Our rating: Quite nice to look at. But even more interesting than the projections on the ceiling, are the shows that take place on the street. Here you can watch the most bizarre people. Here, too, you should come at least once and see the hustle and bustle.
NEW !!!
Neon Sign Museum
Description: Established in 1996, the museum is dedicated to the preservation of retired giant neon signs from Las Vegas hotels and restaurants. The impetus for collecting signs was the loss of The Sands' iconic sign after it was replaced with a new sign in the 1980s. There was no place to store the huge sign and it was scrapped.
In order to finance the expensive sign restorations, admission became mandatory starting in October 2012. In the first year, more than 60000 visitors wanted to see the colorful, glittering signs. The museum has three areas, with the Main Boneyard probably being the most interesting for most visitors. Here you can find all the restored and famous signs. You can explore the museum on your own with a timed admission ticket or join a guided tour. All information can be found on the museum's homepage.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 20$/Person (General Admission)
- Daily from 3 pm to 11 pm
Everything you need to know about a visit to the Neon Museum can be found on the official webpage.
For the GPS: 770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Our rating: We visited the museum as part of a Photo Tour in June 2023. This usually takes place once a month, after the official opening hours. In contrast to the visits during the regular opening hours, you can take your entire photo equipment including tripods with you and explore the Main Boneyard on your own. We really enjoyed wandering around among the huge neon signs and looking at some of the iconic ones. Some signs, like the huge guitar of the Hard Rock Café, we still know from the time when it stood in front of the Hard Rock Hotel. Nice to see that it was not scrapped and now continues to delight visitors here. Especially in the evening when the signs are partially lit and illuminated worth a visit.
NEW !!!
Art District
Description: The Arts District is a relatively newly revitalized neighborhood full of art galleries and venues in converted warehouses. The Arts Factory, with galleries, stores and a bistro, and the expansive Art Square are central to the district. You'll also find great murals on many of the buildings. The Art District is located south of downtown and north of the Stratosphere Hotel. Most of the stores and restaurants are located along Main Street.
Our rating: Around an area where normally not so many tourists get lost, the Art District was created as an oasis where you can find a little peace and quiet if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Strip and Fremont Street for a few hours. There are nice little restaurants and stores and the prices are also a little more moderate than at the hot spots. We enjoyed walking along a little bit and especially looking at the great murals.
... and finally Las Vegas from above...
