Unique things to see and do in Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world

What do you think of when you think about Las Vegas? Glitz and glamour? Undoubtedly. High rollers in extravagant casinos? Sure. What about incredible and breathtaking shows? Of course! But is there more to the entertainment capital of the world if you’re seeking something a little bit different? You betcha! Come with me…

In an ever-evolving metropolis, change is inevitable – buildings come and buildings go, and once demolished, their stories disappear with them. But thanks to a dedicated non-profit organisation founded in 1996, more than 250 decommissioned iconic neon signs synonymous with Las Vegas have been rescued and lovingly preserved and can be seen on display at The Neon Museum.

This 2.23 acre outdoor ‘boneyard’ offers visitors a unique insight into the stories behind the signs and the buildings that once housed them, with friendly museum staff on hand to guide you through the distinctive and dazzling history of Las Vegas. Open until 10pm, the museum comes alive at night when many of the signs can be viewed in their fully illuminated glory.

In the week when another legendary Vegas institution, the Tropicana Hotel and Resort, was imploded to make way for a new baseball stadium, The Neon Museum unveiled the newly restored and re-lit ‘Debbie’ sign, which resided for many years above the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel owned by the iconic actress.

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The 24ft-long sign, designed to replicate the star’s signature, had remained hidden in The Neon Museum’s boneyard until a few short months ago when restoration began, and is now the newest and arguably brightest sign to light up the Vegas sky above the boneyard.

In the 1940s and 50s, as law enforcement across the nation cracked down on illegal gambling, attention turned to Las Vegas where casinos could operate legally. It wasn’t long until Mob-connected individuals starting getting involved and resorts on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip developed.

The Mob Museum in downtown Vegas explores the age-old morality tale of good guys versus bad guys in an enthralling immersive space occupying four expertly curated floors, with hundreds of artefacts and exhibits such as the original garage wall against which the infamous St Valentine’s Massacre took place in 1929, bullet holes still very much visible.

The museum is housed in an immaculately restored former US Post Office and Courthouse, where latterly many famous hearings were held. Forget the stuffy traditional museum experience, The Mob Museum offers visitors the chance to use forensic evidence to solve real-life crime in the Crime Lab, test their instincts in the Firearm Training Simulator and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of prohibition-era living in the fully functioning Speakeasy… but only if you know the password.

486170676 — The Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas is well worth a visit

Fill your pockets with quarters and head to the Pinball Hall of Fame for some guaranteed fun, safe in the knowledge that your loose change is going to a good cause while you revisit your childhood playing these timeless games.

The life’s work of self-proclaimed pinball obsessive and collector Tim Arnold, this purpose built 25,000sq ft museum houses the world’s largest pinball collection with nearly 700 fully working machines, ranging from rare 1950s models to more modern examples.

With the emphasis on nostalgia, fun and philanthropy (all profits go directly to the Las Vegas Salvation Army and other local charities), this is one place in Vegas where wall to wall machines always deliver joy.

Where the Las Vegas Strip ends, the desert begins and the distinctive red-hued rocks can be seen from many vantage points in the city, providing a stunning natural backdrop to the man-made metropolis.

This spectacular scenery belies the secret of a dark past however, as just 65 miles north-east of the city lies the former Nevada Test Site, where the US government conducted nuclear weapons testing from 1951 until 1994 – with over 900 tests taking place during this time.

ETATS UNIS - NON DATE: Yucca dans l'aire nationale de conservation de Red Rock Canyon, dans le — There's plenty to see elsewhere in the state of the Nevada too

Located a short distance from the Strip, The National Atomic Testing Museum tells the story of America’s atomic weapons testing programme with rare and fascinating exhibits, including a nuclear reactor used in the development of the nuclear rocket and first air-to-air missile.

Whilst a first-hand experience of an above-ground test is out of the question now thankfully (although spectators were able to observe real tests from a ‘safe’ distance during the testing era...), visitors can still feel the impact of such tests thanks to a ’Ground Zero’ theatre simulation.

With the atomic age fuelling the imaginations of comic book writers, fashion designers, music and art, there are also many examples of atomic pop culture in between the more scientific exhibits for levity.

Las Vegas has always embraced the offbeat and unusual but is often regarded as a one-dimensional destination, serving only hardcore gamblers and pleasure seekers wanting to escape from everyday life, but dig just a little deeper and you’ll quickly discover a city full of quirky and esoteric offerings which will undoubtedly enhance any trip to this most vibrant and dazzling city.