WalletHub Calls This Popular Tourist Destination The Most Fun City In America
If you're looking for endless entertainment and plenty of fun on your next getaway, look no further than Las Vegas. According to a 2023 study, it's the most fun city in the United States. WalletHub, a personal finance company, compared more than 180 cities nationwide on factors like nightlife, entertainment, outdoor recreation, and affordability.
The study identified 65 critical metrics to rank each city, such as hours of operation, variety of activities, and availability. Las Vegas ranked number one for entertainment and recreation as well as nightlife. For the cost ranking, Sin City ranked 78 out of 182.
As one of the world's top tourist cities, Las Vegas has it all in terms of entertainment. Travelers can choose between enjoying concerts and performances, dining at world-class restaurants, watching sports games, exploring the desert ecosystem around the city, visiting museums, and partying all night long. In other words, there's something for everyone to enjoy on a trip to Vegas, making it an amazing family vacation spot. That said, pack your bags and get ready for the time of your life.
Planning your trip to Las Vegas
Las Vegas attracts around 40 million travelers annually. Luckily, flying into the city is easy because an impressive 169 airports spanning 11 countries offer direct flights to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), and the tarmac is just a few miles from the Strip. Plus, there are affordable shuttles that will pick up passengers at arrivals and drop them off at major hotels.
You may consider renting a car to explore anything outside the Strip. If you do, car rentals in Vegas are abundant, so you can find economy cars starting at around $25 a day. As for rideshares like Uber and Lyft, they are always available and usually have reasonable rates, but keep in mind fares can sometimes skyrocket. Las Vegas also has a monorail running along the length of the Strip.
Regarding how much you can spend in Las Vegas, the sky's the limit, especially if you plan to test your luck gambling. After all, there are countless upscale experiences around the city where you'll be treated like a VIP. However, you can still have a great time even on a budget. In fact, some casino hotels are surprisingly affordable, considering the quality and amenities offered. You can even find rooms on the Strip for under $25 a night before resort fees. For example, the Flamingo Hotel and Casino has everything from a room with two queen beds for $23 per night before fees to an extravagant 1400-square-foot suite for $518 per night.
Entertainment, nightlife, and outdoor adventures
There's always something exciting to do in Las Vegas. While the city is well known for its nightlife, there are plenty of ways to explore and soak up some Nevada sunlight during the day, including free activities. Many casino hotels have massive pool clubs and parties with live music between March and October. TAO Beach at The Venetian, Marquee Dayclub at the Cosmopolitan, and Drai's Beachclub on the roof of the Cromwell are popular spots.
In Las Vegas, you can catch live music almost any night of the week. Iconic venues like the MGM Grand Garden Arena, located on the strip for 30 years, attract some of the world's biggest stars. Venues range from small intimate spots to giant arenas that fit up to 20,000 people, perfect for catching your favorite bands.
The Neon Museum is also a great way to break up the endless party and get a taste of old Vegas. The museum features an outdoor "Neon Boneyard" with historic signs that have lit up the Strip since the 1930s. It's the perfect activity for history buffs and art lovers alike. Tickets start at $20, depending on the time of day.
If you want to escape the city for a few hours, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers the perfect retreat into nature. It is located just 20 minutes outside of Las Vegas, considered one of the top-ranked U.S. Destinations for rock climbing, and has more than 30 miles of hiking trails.