Parcours audioguidé pour visiter Las Vegas

The best time to visit Las Vegas is in spring, between March and May, and in autumn, from October to November. During these seasons, temperatures are pleasant, generally between 20 and 30°C, ideal for exploring the city on foot. Summer is best avoided if possible, as temperatures often exceed 40°C, making outdoor walks very gruelling. Winter remains an interesting option, with mild days around 15-20°C, even if the evenings can be chilly. These shoulder seasons will allow you to make the most of the outdoor attractions and to stroll comfortably along the Strip without suffering the desert's overwhelming heat.

For a first visit to Las Vegas, ideally allow between 3 and 4 days. Two full days will let you discover the essentials of the Strip with its iconic hotels, shows and main attractions. An extra day will give you the chance to explore Downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street, which offer a different, more authentic atmosphere. If you'd like to add excursions in the surrounding area such as Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire, plan for one more day. Las Vegas can easily keep you busy for a whole week if you want to make the most of the shows, restaurants, spas and various activities, but three days remains enough to get an excellent overview of the city.

Getting around Las Vegas without a car is entirely possible and even convenient. The Strip is perfectly suited to walking, even if distances can be deceptive. The monorail serves several major hotels and is a quick option for travelling along the Strip. The RTC public buses offer a regular and economical service, notably the Deuce line that runs the length of the Strip to Downtown. Many hotels offer free shuttles to certain attractions. Taxis and ride-hailing services are everywhere and relatively affordable for short distances. Between the Strip and Downtown, the SDX bus is particularly handy. With most major attractions concentrated along the Strip, you'll easily be able to explore the city on foot, alternating with these means of transport.

The Strip is of course still the main attraction of Las Vegas, with its monumental hotel-casinos, its spectacular shows and its electric atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world. This is where you'll find icons like the Bellagio, the Venetian or Caesars Palace. Downtown Las Vegas is absolutely worth the detour to discover the city's original soul. The Fremont Street Experience offers a more laid-back vibe with its free concerts, its spectacular LED canopy and its historic casinos. The Arts District is also starting to attract visitors with its galleries and trendy restaurants. The Ryo audioguide guides you through the detailed discovery of these emblematic neighbourhoods, revealing the fascinating stories behind each legendary place while leading you to the best viewpoints.

Contrary to popular belief, Las Vegas offers many family activities. The Strip hotels are home to child-friendly attractions such as the Mandalay Bay aquarium, the Bellagio gardens or the Venetian gondolas. The Cirque du Soleil show generally delights the whole family. The Discovery Children's Museum offers hours of educational fun. The hotels' spectacular pools are also excellent entertainment. Nearby, Red Rock Canyon offers a nature getaway with accessible hikes. Container Park downtown has a giant playground and original shops. Even though Las Vegas remains above all an adult destination, you'll find enough activities to keep your children pleasantly occupied during your stay, simply by avoiding the casino areas and favouring daytime hours.

Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is just a few kilometres from the Strip. Taxis are available directly outside the terminals and will drop you at your hotel, generally in about fifteen minutes. Ride-hailing services also work very well, with dedicated pick-up zones. For a more economical option, shared shuttles serve most of the hotels on the Strip and in Downtown, even if the journey will be longer with the multiple stops. The RTC public buses also offer direct lines to the Strip at a very affordable price. Some hotels offer their own free shuttles, so ask when you book. Renting a car remains an option if you're planning excursions, but it isn't necessary for a stay focused on the city.

Las Vegas remains the world capital of entertainment, with an incomparable offering. The Cirque du Soleil productions are a safe bet, with each hotel offering its own unique show. Residency concerts draw the biggest international stars. Magic shows continue to amaze, as do the Broadway musicals. When it comes to attractions, the Bellagio fountains remain a free must-see, as does the Fremont Street light show. The observation deck of the Eiffel Tower or the High Roller offers spectacular views. Don't miss a night-time stroll along the Strip when all the neon lights up. The Ryo audioguide reveals the best times and spots to enjoy these free shows while telling you the fascinating history of this city of entertainment.

The budget for Las Vegas varies considerably depending on your choices. Accommodation can range from very affordable during the week to luxurious at the weekend. Generally plan for more on meals than in other American cities, especially in the hotel restaurants. Buffets remain an interesting option for value for money. Shows are often the biggest expense, with prices varying widely according to popularity. Fortunately, many free attractions exist, such as street performances, hotel décors or the fountains. Drinks in the casinos can quickly push up the bill. Allow a medium to high daily budget to enjoy the city comfortably, keeping in mind that Las Vegas offers experiences for every budget if you plan wisely.

Behind the gaming tables, the city cultivates another side. The Neon Museum lines up in its boneyard the giant letters of vanished hotels, a concentrate of American graphic history that is especially striking after dark. The arts district, south of the centre, strings together galleries, murals, vintage shops and coffee roasters, with a big monthly evening when the studios open their doors. Further out, a botanical garden and a discovery centre tell the story of the Mojave desert and of the water without which the city would not exist. To the south, columns of boulders painted in bright colours form a contemporary art installation that has become a photography classic. The Ryo audio guide offers a dedicated Las Vegas route.

The desert begins at the edge of the city and lends itself to easy escapes. Red Rock Canyon, very close by, is explored along a scenic loop road and on trails that suit most walkers. A little further on, the Valley of Fire unfolds red rocks sculpted by erosion and petroglyphs left by native peoples. To the east, the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead tell the story of how the Colorado River was harnessed. Longer days lead to the Grand Canyon, Death Valley or the parks of Utah, by car or on an organised outing. Set off early, carry plenty of water and avoid the middle of the day in summer, when the heat becomes punishing.