Las Vegas is the largest city in Nevada and one of the most famous US cities in the world. Its fame is due to the decision of the state legislature of Nevada to legalize gambling in 1931. Since gambling was (and mostly still is) banned in most US states, tourists began to flock to the state, and Las Vegas (founded 1905) was soon transformed from a sleepy railroad and mining town into a tourist resort with elegant hotels and casinos. After World War II, the city continued to develop, and became famous both in the US and internationally for its extravagant architecture, mostly expensive hotels and casinos imitating various famous buildings from other parts of the world. While many people consider Vegas the most gaudy and tasteless place in America, it continues to draw millions of tourists each year.

The center of the city is the Strip, along which most of the famous hotels and casinos are located, all illuminated in dazzling ways during the night.