Las Vegas, the city of neon lights, glittering casinos, and over-the-top shows. But beyond the Strip’s razzle-dazzle, there’s a treasure trove of surprising secrets and quirky stories waiting to be discovered.
Let’s unveil some of Sin City’s hidden gems:
- Atomic Attraction: During the Cold War, tourists could watch atomic bomb tests in the desert from Las Vegas rooftops!
- Not So Ancient: The pyramids and sphinxes aren’t thousands of years old. The Luxor was built in 1993 and is one of the Strip’s newer additions.
- Welcome to…Fabulous…Boulder City?: Gambling is actually illegal in Boulder City, just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip. It was built to house workers constructing the Hoover Dam.
- Shrimp City USA?: Las Vegas buffets fuel an astonishing appetite for shrimp, making it the biggest consumer of the little crustaceans in the US.
- It’s Morphin’ Time: The original Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers costumes were stored for a while in a Vegas warehouse after filming!
- Eiffel Tower with a View: You can ride a glass elevator all the way to an observation deck at the top of the Vegas Eiffel Tower replica for stunning views of the city.
- Liberace’s Bling: The Liberace Museum (now closed) once housed a dazzling treasury of the flamboyant performer’s extravagant costumes, cars, and even a crystal piano.
- “Married in Vegas” Marathon: Vegas is the wedding capital of the world, with thousands of couples tying the knot in quickie ceremonies or Elvis-themed extravaganzas each year.
- Fountains Galore: The Bellagio fountains aren’t just pretty, they dance to a choreographed mix of music and light in spectacular style.
- Buried Treasure?: Legend has it that a mobster stashed millions in cash somewhere in the Vegas desert, never to be found again.
- More Hotel Rooms Than Residents: With massive resorts catering to tourists, Las Vegas has an incredible number of hotel rooms compared to its population.
- Artificial Wonderland: Many of the waterfalls and lush gardens in Vegas hotels aren’t fueled by natural water sources – it’s all recycled!
- Airport Slot Machines: You can gamble the moment you land in Vegas – there are slot machines even in the airport terminals!
- Neon Graveyard: Discarded and retired vintage neon signs find a final resting place in the Neon Museum, offering a nostalgic trip through Vegas history.
- Welcome to…Fabulous… Paradise?: While known as Las Vegas, the Strip and most attractions are technically in the unincorporated town of Paradise, Nevada.