Things to See in Las Vegas

You can't miss this 30-storey pyramid fronted by a 10-storey high crouching sphinx. Inside is the world's biggest atrium, which is topped off by a beacon of light so strong it can be seen by astronauts. For a taste of Egyptian history, the King Tut Museum features exquisite reproductions of ancient artifacts.

The world's highest thrill rides await, a whopping 110 stories above the Strip. Big Shot straps riders into completely exposed seats that zip up the tower's pinnacle, while Insanity spins riders out over the tower's edge. Views from X Scream are good, but the ride itself is a dud - save your dough for Romance at Top of the World lounge.

The Speedway's Indy car simulators are so real that they excite real Formula One drivers. The artificial racers are bolted to hydraulic platforms fronting 20ft (7m) wraparound screens that are scary in their realism. Speed, an electromagnetic roller-coaster, slingshots to a top speed of 70mph.

A partnership with Russia's State Hermitage Museum of St Petersburg ensures the masterpieces keep on coming at this austere gallery designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Rem Koolhaas. Look up at the natural skylight, the underside of which flaunts a homage to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.

This casino hotel was the first of the ridiculously theatrical palaces that define modern Las Vegas. A fake volcano erupts hourly after dusk, with flames rising out of orange-coloured water and a deep rumble threatening to break windows.

The 1400ft (427m) canopy over downtown's Fremont St, between Main St and Las Vegas Blvd, is steroid-enhanced by 550,000 watts of concert-hall sound and a super-big Viva Vision screen. When the 12.5 million synchronized LEDs come on, cheesy sound-and-light shows are awesome enough to hypnotize every spectator (especially if you're drunk).

The Little White Wedding Chapel has welcomed thousands of couples since opening in 1946, and is a favorite spot for celebs to say 'I do.' You can have an Elvis impersonator officiate or have the affair broadcast over the internet. They'll marry you in a helicopter, an air balloon - you name it. Drive-through rates start at around 40, with full ceremony packages averaging 800.

The Bellagio's lobby features an 18ft ceiling adorned with 2000 hand-blown glass flowers in vibrant colors. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art showcases temporary exhibits by fantastic artists, and the massive artificial lake in front of this glam palace comes alive nightly with more than 1000 choreographed water jets.

Behind the Flamingo is this kitschy Old Vegas hideaway. For more than 30 years, the Battista family has been dishing up the likes of steak Caruso, manicotti and veal parmegiana all with complimentary sides, including house wine and cappuccinos. It's just a block from the Strip, but decades away in feel, thanks to a strolling accordion player.

Indulge at the best - and most expensive - Sunday champagne brunch in town. Ice sculptures and lavish flower arrangements abound at Bally's Sterling Brunch, as do food stations featuring roast duckling, broiled lobster, caviar on ice - you get the idea.

Housemade breads and seafood prepared with Venetian techniques are the highlights. Maestro di cucina Gian Paulo Belloni imports the most authentic ingredients straight from Italy, and his executive chef is Sardinian-born. Handcrafted furnishings accent the elegant dining room, with porch seating overlooking the canal.

This homey roadhouse (burgers, salads, BBQ) is a good pit stop before a show and a pre-show dinner receipt may whisk you past the show door line. The swampy bayou atmosphere and down home southern cuisine is enhanced by eccentric outsider folk art. Skip church: the uplifting Sunday Gospel Brunch includes unlimited champagne.

This 24-hour hostel is so popular (despite its location in a crappy part of town) that the management is strict about who it's willing to let stay. American guests must have out-of-state college ID and may be asked to show proof of international travel.

All guest rooms feature Art Deco Egyptian furnishings and marble bathrooms. If you're staying in the slant-walled pyramid rooms (which lack bathtubs), you get to ride the Luxor's unusual high-speed elevators, called 'inclinators' because they travel at a 39-degree angle. Newer tower rooms have better views and fully outfitted bathrooms.

Fronted by canals and graceful bridges, the five-star Venetian offers 'standard' suites that are anything but. In fact, they're the largest and almost the most luxurious in town. The newest Venezia Tower has a private pool and its own exclusive check-in and concierge level.

Longtime owner Edna Luckman (no joke) stocks thousands of gaming strategy books, including out-of-print titles. The staff, some of whom look as if they might have been around since the Rat Pack era, can dispense valuable edge-beating advice.

A wine shop extraordinaire. Bottles at the front are stacked in white mod fiberglass pods above handmade glassware and accessories. Knowledgeable staff handle the winetasting bar by the refrigerated wine cellar that stocks 2000 truly international wines. Prices are high, but every bottle gets its own pillowed bag for safe take-out.

Mr Leighton is the proud owner of the world's most prestigious collection of estate and antique jewellery. Many Academy Awards night adornments are on loan from Fred. And they'll let anyone try on finery, even pieces that once belonged to royalty. Prices run from about 100.00 for a tiny but exquisite pin to well over the million dollar mark.

A sophisticated tri-environment club, Jet has broken the sound barrier racing to the creamy top of Vegas' nightlife. Follow the flickering candles and tiny staircase made for strutting onto the mainstream dance floor, or sidle into more intimate lounges where the beats run to deep house and hip-hop.

Capitalising on Rat Pack nostalgia, the Greek Isles tries to return the old Sands hotel's Copa Room to what it was in the 60s. The show faithfully replicates the gang's routines, with the same songs, politically incorrect jokes and some embarrassing behaviour by Marilyn Monroe.

Cirque du Soleil director Franco Dragone's evocative celebration of life begins with a pair of babies making their way in a world filled with strange creatures. A misguided clown's humorous antics are interspersed with agile feats of acrobats, aerialists and dancers. And it's still the cheapest Cirque ticket in town.

It's all about sensual sophistication at the MGM's groundbreaking ultra lounge. DJs spin Euro house music to an interactive backdrop while stunning hostesses who also happen to be models mix cocktails tableside.

A gaudy tribute to the Parisian Music Hall, Vegas' longest-running production still has some of the most beautiful showgirls in town. Sticking to a formulaic Francophile theme, over-the-top song-and-dance numbers include the inevitable can-can routine, plus a comedic juggler to lighten it up.