Swap your before-bed brew for an energy drink, because Las Vegas holidays are all about casino nights, world-class shows and hotels big enough to get lost in.

Highlights

• Sizzling hot desert vibes

• The marriage capital of the world - just in case you fancy eloping

• Home to some of the biggest hotels in the world (seriously, you'll need a map!)

• Bucketlist experiences - from canyon trips to helicopter rides

• Casinos on every corner, open 24/7 for non-stop fun and games

What are the best sights to see in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas holidays are packed with iconic things to see and do, with a good mix of long-standing attractions as well as landmarks that are as shiny and new as a penny slot. Here's a cheeky look at what you won't want to miss on your perfect city break:

• The Strip - we know it's an obvious one, but HELLO, this mahoosive, sparkly strip is an absolute must, lined with swanky hotels and clubs, and lit up like a Christmas tree all year round - so you can't miss it

• Bellagio Fountains - found right outside the Bellagio Hotel (who'd have guessed?), these famous fountains dance to the tunes of Sinatra and light up in one big colourful display - it's totally free to stop by and watch, and totally iconic!

• High Roller Observation Wheel - hit new heights on this whopper of a ferris wheel (550-feet tall, to be precise), serving up 360-degree views over the city

• Fremont Street - a taste of vintage Vegas, with an overhead LED-lit canopy, live bands and an atmosphere that's always buzzing and chaotic (in the best way), no matter when you visit

• The Sphere - a futuristic sphere-shaped venue where you can catch everything from sports games to movie screenings and gigs on a huge, panoramic screen

• Red Rock Canyon - a peaceful escape from all the party mayhem, with huge landscapes of beaut scenery for when you need a literal breath of fresh air

What are the best beaches in Las Vegas?

OK fine, you caught us there. Las Vegas holidays aren't exactly known for their beaches just like Ireland isn't known for its sunny spells, but that doesn't mean there aren't any. Well, the Vegas folk took this into their own hands by making their own little beach spots (we admire the dedication). Some are located in hotel grounds, but they're all open to the public, so if you're still craving some of the sandy goodness, check these guys out:

• Mandalay Beach – say hello to 11 whopping acres (that's a lot) of tropical, sandy beachfront right along the Strip - who said you can't mix city and beach vibes?

• VooDoo Beach - you'll find this little slice of beach heaven at Rio Casino Hotel, with multiple pools surrounded by sand, as well as waterfalls and Jacuzzis, which - no, you can't usually find at the beach - but this place did one better

• Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas - a waterpark in the middle of the desert, what could go wrong? The name kind of speaks for itself with this one - if you're looking for some waterslide action to go with your sandy sunbathing sesh, hit this place up

• Lake Las Vegas - venture just a smidge away from the Strip (we know it's hard), and you'll find this public beach surrounding a lake, packed with watersport opportunities and an epic inflatable course that's giving major Total Wipeout vibes. IYKYK.

• Boulder Beach - stretching for a whole mile along Lake Mead, there's plenty of sand to plonk down your towel or deckchair here (you do you), plus watersports like kayaking and canoeing if that's your vibe

Good to know: Vegas is always sizzlin', but when the air con's blasting inside it can be a bit on the chilly side - we recommend keeping a jumper or light jacket handy, even if it's super scorchio outside.

What are the top hotels in Las Vegas?

Trust us when we say that Las Vegas hotels are way more than just somewhere to lay your head after a night on the slots. 9 times out of 10, your hotel is gonna be where ALL the action happens - from chilled pool days to Michelin-star dinners and dance-filled nights. Get a load of these showstoppers:

• Caesars Palace - any hotel with 'palace' in the name is bound to be a good'un, and this one's famous for a reason. With 17 restaurants to pick from, world-class entertainment and seven pools to dip into, there's never a dull here

• Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Hotel - frozen yoghurt, poolside cabanas, adults-only beach clubs and a 24-hour kitchen-bar - that's about all you need to know about this place!

• Excalibur - plonked right along the Strip with four outdoor pools to dunk into, a 24-hour food court kitted out with faves like Krispy Kreme, Starbucks and Pizza Hut, and an on-site spa for when you're craving a cheeky pamper

• The Venetian - you'll probably guess from the name that this hotel's all about those Italian vibes, with gondolas cruising along a canal (both inside and outside!), a HUGE shopping centre and creamy gelato to die for

• Bellagio - your night out (or in) is sorted here - with a casino and multiple night clubs on site, not to mention those iconic dancing fountains with the coloured lights and music!

• Flamingo Las Vegas - burlesque, magic shows and famous drag acts are on the cards every night at this fab pink hotel - a firm fave with the LGBTQ+ crowd

• Luxor Hotel & Casino - you can't miss this massive pyramid-shaped hotel, stacked with facilities, entertainment you'll be talking about for ages, a fro-yo counter and even an on-site pizzeria

Las Vegas travel guide

🥳 Things to do in Las Vegas for groups

If you and the squad are ready for some Vegas vibes, head to the Strip for non-stop fun, with sizzling pool parties by day and neon-lit club crawls by night. Hit up spots like Chandelier Bar for glam cocktails with cool pink lighting and three-storey views, or take a stroll down Fremont Street for a buzzing vibe while you hit the slots (has to be done).

For something a bit more laidback, why not book a group tour to the Red Rock Canyon for killer views that'll look 10/10 slapped on your Insta feed? It's the perfect way to get some fresh air with your besties and let your outdoorsy side show. If that's still not quite chilled enough for your team though, then what about whisking the whole crew off for a luxe spa day? There are loads to choose from in Vegas, but Canyon Ranch Spa is up there as one of the most boujee and extravagant. Think thermal cabins, a blue-lit 'wave room', and over 100 treatments to pick from.

❤️ Things to do in Las Vegas for couples

Lovebirds, you can totally enjoy a couples' holiday to Las Vegas, and it'll put your usual Netflix nights to shame. For a next-level date night, head to the High Roller Observation Wheel where you can snuggle up in a pod with killer views of the city and your own private champagne bar. Goals. Or, if you fancy channelling some bella Italia vibes, stop by The Venetian hotel and book a ride on one of the gondolas. A boat trip where you're serenaded by a boatman dressed in traditional Italian get-up? It doesn't get much more romantic than that.

For an unforgettable dinner, there are heaps of Michelin-star restaurants to explore, but a meal at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant guarantees delish grub and gorg views of the Bellagio Fountains. Speaking of which, you should totally take a stroll to these after. The music and lights will have you feeling all kinds of loved-up.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do in Las Vegas for families

Las Vegas holidays for families? Yep, you heard us. It might seem like it's all adults-only razzle dazzle, but there are plenty of family-friendly activities to do in Vegas. First up, Circus Circus is a must-visit amusement park right along the Strip for non-stop fun for the kiddos (and you, to be honest). We're talking arcade games, dodgems and full-on rollercoasters, all encased in a cool glass-domed building. It's giving Trafford Centre, but with less shops and more thrills.

Speaking of thrills, the Discovery Children's Museum and Shark Reef Aquarium are both great shouts for keeping the youngsters entertained for a day. The museum's great for the tots, with tons of colourful interactive attractions, while the aquarium is perfect for the slightly older kids who fancy some up-close encounters with all kinds of sea creatures.

And if your fam's all about those classic pool/beach vibes (hey, we get it), then Mandalay Bay Beach has you covered. It's got wave pools, a lazy river and even a stretch of man-made sand to flop down onto. Whatever you get up to, the action-packed, all-inclusive hotels of Las Vegas are sure to keep everyone entertained.

💰 How to do Las Vegas on a budget

Holidays to Las Vegas might be all glitz and glam on the outside, but it doesn't mean you can't still have a whale of a time on a budget. For starters, there are loads of iconic sights that you can see completely FREE of charge, like the iconic Bellagio Fountains with their bright lights and classical tunes, and the volcanic eruption (not a real one, don't worry) at The Mirage which happens every hour between 8PM and 11PM.

Accommodation-wise, you can always save a few bob by opting for a hotel that's off the Strip. You can even enjoy the benefit of being in a quieter location away from the hustle, but still within easy reach of all the late-night fun. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a good example of a chilled hotel that's away from the Strip but still only an 8-minute taxi ride away. We even stayed at this one to check it out for ourselves and can confirm it's a BEAUT, with a pool area that's giving tropical beach vibes, a list of bars and restaurants longer than our arm (shout-out to the Pizza Forte and Dunkin' Donuts shop), and rooms so snazzy you'll think you accidentally booked a honeymoon suite.