14 Best Alternatives & Places Like Las Vegas
Are you looking for a change of scenery? Do you want to experience Las Vegas’s excitement without traveling too far? Look no further—we’ve rounded up some of the best places like Las Vegas. From gambling hotspots to world-class entertainment, these cities offer a unique experience that will leave you wanting more.
Best Places Like Las Vegas
1. Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atop the list of places similar to Las Vegas is Atlantic City, New Jersey. Just a few hours’ drive from New York City, Atlantic City has been a seaside gaming and resort capital for decades right on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its iconic boardwalk, amusement parks, and glitzy casinos, and it offers an experience rivaled only by New York and Vegas itself.
The city’s most famous casino is the Borgata, which features an atmosphere comparable to the Bellagio]. There are plenty of other casinos in the area, including Harrah’s Resort & Casino, which is part of Caesar’s family of luxury hotels and resorts, as well as the Golden Nugget.
In addition to the many gaming options, Atlantic City also boasts wonderful shopping and dining opportunities in The Quarter, a lively Old-Havana-themed shopping mall, and along the Atlantic City Boardwalk. With its beautiful beaches and bustling atmosphere, Atlantic City is sure to provide an unforgettable experience on the east coast.
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2. Miami, Florida
If you’re looking for a destination that offers a bit of everything, Miami, Florida is the perfect place to visit. With its tropical climate and world-famous nightlife, Miami is often compared to Las Vegas. Miami is well known for its beaches, clubs, and restaurants. The city also boasts a vibrant art scene and lively live entertainment options.
Casinos such as Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Hard Rock Casino, and Resorts Casino Hotel offer a world-class gaming experience spiced with a Latin flair. Additionally, many parts of the city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian-friendly, making it perfect for exploring on foot. Although the two cities have their similarities, the atmosphere of Miami is more relaxed than Las Vegas’s high-energy scene.
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3. Macau: A Hybrid of Las Vegas and China
If you are looking for an entirely unique hybrid of Las Vegas and China, then look no further than Macau. This former Portuguese colony in China is now a Special Administrative Region of China. Macau boasts a vibrant culture of both Chinese and Portuguese influences, making it an interesting and captivating place to visit. With its world-famous casinos, Macau is often referred to as the ‘Las Vegas of the East’.
The city is known for its many beautiful attractions, including its stunning Venetian-style hotel and casino, its breathtaking views of the South China Sea from the top of the Grand Lisboa Hotel, and its popular Macau Tower. Whether you are looking for a luxurious vacation or just a fun night out on the town, Macau has something for everyone!
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4. Reno, Nevada
If you’re looking for a great place to get away from it all without leaving the United States, Reno is the perfect spot. Often thought of as a smaller version of Sin City, Reno is known as “The Biggest Little City in the World.” Even though it doesn’t have a strip like Las Vegas, Reno’s downtown area is full of major casinos, hotels, and restaurants.
Plus, it’s close to Lake Tahoe, which offers some of the best skiing in the country during the winter. Reno has all the excitement of Vegas but with a more relaxed and genuine atmosphere.
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5. Monte Carlo, Monaco
If you’re looking for a destination that feels like the glamour of Vegas but with a bit more refinement, Monte Carlo, Monaco is the place to go. The main attraction is the Monte Carlo Casino, which feels like a museum and has a small café that plays up its connection to James Bond.
MGM Resorts dropped a cool half-billion dollars to transform the outdated Monte Carlo into the sleek, modern Park MGM, partnering with a New York-based boutique.
If you stay at a hotel in downtown Monte Carlo, nearby attractions like Casino Square can be your first stop. Unlike Las Vegas, Monte Carlo has strict dress and behavior codes, so make sure you’re dressed to impress. It’s also known to be one of the most expensive casino destinations in the entire world.
6. The Netherlands: Amsterdam
The Netherlands is home to one of the most remarkable cities in Europe, Amsterdam. With its iconic canals, ancient architecture, and bustling nightlife, Amsterdam is a great alternative to Vegas. From the coastal port towns to medieval canal towns, five towns near Amsterdam offer charm, character, and tranquility.
Utrecht City, Haarlem, Amsterdam Centrum, Sloterplas, and Kalverstraat are all great places to explore while visiting Amsterdam. At the Holland Casino Amsterdam Centrum, you can experience the thrill of Sin City without the long flight to Nevada.
The Kalverstraat is a busy shopping street where you can easily spend a whole day. You can also take a boat tour of the famous Amsterdam canals to see the city’s famous narrow houses from a unique perspective.
If you’re looking for an alternative to gambling, Choux is part of a wave of casual restaurants redefining dining in Amsterdam and a true ambassador for modern Dutch cuisine and vegetarian options.
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7. New Orleans, Louisiana
If you’re looking for a place similar to Vegas, then consider New Orleans, Louisiana. This vibrant city may not be as flashy as Vegas, but it certainly has its own flair. From the Charismatic French Quarter to the plethora of dive bars, New Orleans offers plenty of live music performances and better quality restaurants and services than Las Vegas.
The city also has more parks and recreation facilities than Vegas, making it a great destination for nature excursions.
New Orleans is the better option for travelers who want to experience live music and authentic Creole cuisine. Vegas is a better choice for travelers looking for a more upscale vacation with world-class dining and entertainment. If you’re looking for an alternative to the Vegas weekend, a trip to New Orleans may be just what you need.
8. Folksy Alternative: Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tennessee
If you’re looking for a folksy and outdoorsy alternative to Vegas, then look no further than Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This entertainment-centric and tourist-heavy city is full of attractions like the Titanic Museum Attraction, which is better than Las Vegas! There’s also the Outdoor Gravity Park, where business owners can find a complete marketing overhaul and the Apple Barn Hotel.
If you’re looking for a more family-friendly atmosphere, then head over to 32 Millers’ 80th Anniversary Celebration in Pigeon Forge for a truly unique experience. Sin City may be the entertainment capital of the world, but Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg is definitely worth checking out, especially if you love the great outdoors.
9. Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is an amazing location for anyone looking for a place similar to Vegas. It features a magnificent boardwalk reminiscent of the Las Vegas Strip and has plenty of casinos such as Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. Plus, the way to get between NYC and Niagara Falls is made even easier with low fares on JetBlue between BUF and JFK.
It’s the perfect way to experience some of the best attractions in the US. Great Wolf Lodge is also a great spot to stay with multiple on-site dining options, family rooms, and a good fitness center. All in all, Niagara Falls is a beautiful city nestled along the Canadian border that offers much more than just amazing falls.
10. Nashville, Tennessee
When it comes to cities that are similar to Vegas, Nashville, Tennessee is a great option. This vibrant city is full of energy and excitement, and it has plenty of activities and attractions to offer visitors. From the iconic Grand Ole Opry to the delicious Southern-style cooking, Nashville has something for everyone.
There are plenty of music venues, museums, and historic sites to check out, and lots of restaurants and bars where you can spend an enjoyable evening. Whether you’re looking for a fun getaway or a more relaxed experience, Nashville has something for everyone.
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11. St. Louis, Missouri
If you’re looking for a place that’s as exciting and adventurous as Las Vegas, St. Louis is the perfect destination. From incredible restaurants and bars to state-of-art gaming experiences, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Tourists can explore the iconic Gateway Arch, visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum, or stay at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles for a Vegas-style gambling experience but simply done on riverboat casinos instead. Those who are looking to make the southwest road trip to St. Louis will have plenty of stops along the way, including Springfield, Oklahoma City, and Denver.
12. Biloxi, Mississippi
If Vegas-style gaming is what you’re after, then Biloxi, Mississippi is the perfect place for you. Biloxi sits on Mississippi and combines with Gulfport to form a large region attracting tourists to sunbathe and visit Gulf coast beaches. The interior of Eight75 is stunning, and the booths provide visitors with a romantic feeling. Level Night Club has live DJs playing various music genres like HipHop or Country.
The city is also home to premier casinos, such as Beau Rivage Resort Casino and Boomtown Casino, which offer guests high-quality dining and entertainment experiences. This coastal city offers a unique blend of sun and fun, with its stunning beaches and casinos.
At the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, you’ll feel like you’ve checked into an exquisite hotel on the French Riviera.
13. Branson, Missouri
For folks looking for a more family-friendly version of Las Vegas, Branson, Missouri is the perfect destination. Located in the Ozark mountains, this charming tourist town is known for the Silver Dollar City amusement park, a great lineup of live shows, and a plethora of outdoor activities.
It’s no wonder people compare Branson to Las Vegas – both destinations offer great entertainment, amusement parks, and fun activities. If you’re looking for an exciting family-friendly getaway that won’t break the bank, then check out the “Las Vegas of the Midwest”: Branson, Missouri!
14. Puerto Rico
If you’re looking for a place that combines the gambling and entertainment of Vegas with a Caribbean atmosphere, Puerto Rico is the perfect choice for you. From Old San Juan to Culebrita Island, you can pick from some of the most popular destinations in Puerto Rico.
With its vibrant energy, delicious Cuban food on a budget, and famous beaches and water sports, Puerto Rico offers a unique experience that’s close to home. And if you’re looking for a truly local experience, visit Río de las Vegas, Las Marías, or Condado for some of the best things to do in the area. With flights from San Juan as low as $78, it’s never been easier to make the trip.
FAQs
Which city is similar to Las Vegas?
While Las Vegas, Nevada, is renowned for its gambling and nightlife, several other cities in the United States offer similar experiences. Atlantic City, New Jersey, is well known for its casinos, while Reno, Nevada, offers a more relaxed atmosphere. For those looking for a unique experience, Palm Springs, California, offers a unique combination of history and modern amenities. Further afield, Macau is an interesting blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures and is an excellent destination for those looking for something different.
Where can you gamble besides Vegas?
Aside from the iconic Las Vegas, there are several great gambling destinations across the United States. Mohegan Sun is one of the two destination resorts in Connecticut, offering three casinos. In New Jersey, Atlantic City is a popular destination for gamblers. Reno is another great gambling destination in Nevada, and Laughlin is a quieter alternative. In Texas, Winstar World Casino is a popular choice. Finally, Henderson, Nevada, located just 15 minutes east of the Las Vegas Strip, offers many casinos, hotels, restaurants, and shopping opportunities.
What is the Vegas of Canada?
Niagara Falls is often called the Vegas of Canada due to its bustling tourist industry and casino town. Located just 75 miles southeast of Toronto, Niagara Falls is a popular destination for weddings, wedding parties, and other special occasions. The city is home to two “destination” style casino resorts, the biggest being the Fallsview Casino. This casino boasts 2,700 slot machines, 150 table games, off-track betting, and various entertainment options. Niagara Falls also offers a variety of attractions such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, Gardiner Museum, boat rides, zip-line, and border crossing information.
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