The contrasts that greet you when you visit Las Vegas are just the very beginning of the surprises and memories that you will take away from this glitzy showbiz town. Built right in the heart of the Nevada Desert, Las Vegas is still relatively new as far as US states go, having only been around for about a century, though it has since expanded faster than any other city in the country.

Earning the nickname ‘Sin City’ after its famously liberal attitude towards various forms of adult entertainment, Las Vegas has always been a draw to the world’s rich, famous and successful - offering the perfect playground for a fun-loving getaway and 24-hour parties. Ironically, it’s a little known fact that the city also has more churches than any other U.S. city. However, it’s the love of one particular vice that it has since become synonymous with: gambling.

Vast illuminations, neon-signs and sky-scanning spotlights make Las Vegas the brightest city in the world, particularly thanks to The Strip - a 3.8 mile stretch of elaborate and striking restaurants, casinos and hotels, making it the must-see attraction in the city. Of all the epic casinos vying for your dollars, perhaps the most visually stunning is The Bellagio, whose choreographed ‘dancing fountains’ of water can be enjoyed for free every half hour each day. In fact, most of the city’s most famous attractions can be enjoyed for free or cheap, like the Bellagio’s Gallery of Fine Art or the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower Replica further along the strip. For $5 you can ride the Deuce Bus, which goes back and forth up and down The Strip – perfect for hoping on and off.

A few more 'Strip' essentials to look out for when you're downtown are The Volcanic Eruption at The Mirage Hotel, which takes place every 15 minutes from 6pm. Or make like an Egyptian at The Luxor's famed glass pyramid, before taking to the recreated waterways and canals at The Venetian. Finally, have your timbers fully shivered at the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino's 'Treasure Island Battleship Show'. Many Las Vegas hotels feature free attractions like this, so it’s worth grabbing a local guide for some top tips.

As much fun as The Strip is, it is always worth your time to head off and see some of Las Vegas' other delights too, as there's more to the city that just glamour and make-believe. For thrill-seekers, follow the Las Vegas Boulevard north until you reach Stratosphere, the tallest building in the city, where the views are exceptional. If this isn’t white-knuckle enough though, on the skyscraper's roof are three different rollercoaster rides!