Those who have followed the career of Zach Galifianakis could be forgiven for thinking that every trip to Las Vegas involves Mike Tyson, roofies and a shotgun marriage. Rightly or wrongly, Sin City has a reputation for being crazy, wild and carefree, but your trip to Vegas needn’t end up like The Hangover at all.
In fact, Vegas is a terrific holiday destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway, with tens of thousands of holidaymakers heading there every year on their honeymoon. If you’re considering Vegas as your next overseas trip, you’ve come to the right place.
Read on for our ultimate guide to couples’ activities in one of America’s most exciting cities.
- Sample Vegas’ greatest pastime
Footage of Las Vegas’ 1950s boom
Okay, so technically this may not be specifically a couple’s activity, but gambling is a must for anybody visiting Las Vegas. The city owes its current prosperity and longevity to its famous strip filled with glamorous hotels and casinos.
According to KTNV news channel, gambling was legalized in Las Vegas almost 88 years ago, leading to a dramatic boom in the construction of purpose-built casinos. The Golden Era of gambling in Vegas came during the 50s and 60s when glitzy casinos played host to some of the biggest names in popular American culture at the time.
Frank Sinatra, Elvis and a whole host of A-listers made Vegas their temporary home, helping to thrust the city into the public eye. Since then, Vegas has staked its reputation on up-market, world-famous casinos which you absolutely must visit.
To get you in the mood for your trip to a Vegas super-casino, why not try out a few online games before? The perfect way to get you and your partner in the right frame of mind for a trip to Sin City. Evoke traditional memories of the legendary Golden Era gambling in Vegas at this uniquely designed one of a kind online casino.
- Hover over famous landmarks
Vegas from the air is a stunning sight
Walking down Fremont Street in Las Vegas is an amazing experience, but the best way to fully take in the amazing cityscape is taking a helicopter tour.
Most ‘chopper tours’ depart from the roof of a Vegas casino and take anywhere between two to four hours. On a short trip you can view the skyline of Vegas and begin to truly appreciate the sheer scale and size of the city.
Opt for a longer tour to visit the Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon and the iconic, world-famous Grand Canyon. Leaving Las Vegas without taking in these sights would be like visiting Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower (which you can also see a replica of in Vegas!)
Tour prices range from $140 to $350 depending on the package that you choose, but the views and memories you’ll be left with are priceless.
- Experience world-class entertainment
Elton John on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour in Las Vegas
Vegas’ Golden Era wasn’t just based on the success of casinos, it also relied on regular shows from world-famous musicians and performers. Unfortunately, the real Elvis Presley has left the building, and the closest you’ll get to seeing him in Vegas is an over-the-hill impersonator.
Yet fear not, there are many more modern alternatives ready to enjoy at one of Vegas’ many purpose-built entertainment theatres. The amazing Cirque Du Soleil cabaret show and Zumanity are regularly featured on the Vegas strip, along with some other top-notch touring acts.
There’s also plenty of action for music fans with Bruno Mars, Aerosmith, Robbie Williams, Drake, Lady Gaga, Elton John and others having Vegas residencies in 2019 so far. Keep an eye out for upcoming gigs and tours to make sure your trip coincides with a great concert or show.
- Watch a majestic water show
This view shows off the scale and beauty of the Bellagio Fountain display
The Bellagio is perhaps the most famous casino in the world, having featured in some of the highest-grossing films ever produced. It’s dancing fountains are equally as well-know for the stunning nightly audio-visual shows.
During the day the jets of the fountain whizz into action every 15 minutes treating passers-by to a dazzling display of water choreography. At night, however, the lights and the jets of water come together to form a mesmerizing show that draws in tourists from all over the city.
It can get crowded in front of the fountain, so your best bet is to grab a window table at Hexx Kitchen & Bar that looks right out onto the water display. You can enjoy some traditional American food and cocktails whilst drinking in the view from the Bellagio fountains at the same time.
- Reconnect with nature at Lake Mead
Thrill-seeking couples can even explore the abandoned buildings below the surface of Lake Mead.
Most people claim to need a holiday after visiting Las Vegas just to get over the excitement of their trip. Instead, why not take some time out at the end of your trip to recharge your batteries and work off the cocktails and ribs at the nearby Lake Mead?
This 247 square mile, man-made lake is the perfect idyllic retreat and it’s only 24 miles from the Vegas strip. Purpose-built hiking trails give visitors the ideal chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Those looking for something a little more adventurous can hire a canoe or a kayak for the day and explore some of the hidden coves and treasure trails around the lake. After the blazing heat in Las Vegas, with temperatures reaching well over 30 degrees, a cooling day on Lake Mead is the perfect retreat for a sun-drained couple.
Summary
Whatever type of couple you are, thrill seeking adventurers or lovers looking for a laidback break, Las Vegas has something for everyone to enjoy, from exhilarating concerts, to stylish casinos and gorgeous natural scenery.