The Finder app is here! 🥳

Get your savings sorted.

Install
finder.com.au

9 buzzing places like Las Vegas

Sin City is not the only place to party, eat and gamble your night away.

Alex Keshen
Alex Keshen

Last updated:

The Strip is a place of excess and luxury,proudly wearing the tagline, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” But there are many other destinations that offer unique gaming and entertainment getaways. Whether it’s letting your hair down on a man-made island in Dubai or taking in the beauty of Niagara Falls, here are nine alternatives to Vegas that cater to everyone from couples to families with children.

Gold Coastlikelasvegas

Image: Tourism Australia

1. Gold Coast

Australia’s Gold Coast is home to the world-renowned beaches that make up Surfers Paradise. It also features international theme parks, lush rainforests and award winning restaurants and bars.

  • Top casino: Jupiters Hotel & Casino
  • Must do and see: Theme parks, Surf, Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, Nightlife
  • Stay at: Q1 Resort and Spa. This luxury hotel is located inside Australia's tallest building and feature stellar views of the coastline, multiple restaurants, two pools and a full-service spa. Room prices start at $235.

See all travel deals to the Gold Coast

2. Atlantic City

The seaside gaming and resort capital of America’s New Jersey coast, Atlantic City is also known as the “Las Vegas of the East”. The main boardwalk provides easy access to resorts, casinos, fine dining spots and shopping.

  • Top casinos: Caesars, Golden Nugget, Bally’s, Borgata, Resorts Casino Hotel
  • Must do and see: Lighthouse tours, amusement parks, dolphin watching, Atlantic City Boardwalk
  • Stay at: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. This upscale casino resort overlooks the marina and features fine dining options and live shows. Rooms start at $599 per night.

See all travel deals to the USA

3. Macau

Just a short ferry ride from Hong Kong, Macau is a paradox of old and new. On this small peninsula you will find giant casinos, extravagant malls and luxurious villas, as well as signs of its former Portuguese colonisation in the buildings and cuisine.

  • Top casinos: Venetian, Grand Lisboa, Sands, MGM Grand, Babylon Casino
  • Must do and see: See the House of Dancing Water show, eat Portuguese cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes, and explore the Ruins of St. Paul
  • Stay at: Hard Rock Hotel Macau. Live like a rockstar in premium rooms furnished with contemporary decor and see the on-site House of Dancing Water show. Rooms start at $323.

Search flights to Macau

Image: Niagara Falls Tourism

4. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most photographed waterfalls. Get up close and personal with this magnificent natural landmark, sitting about 90 minutes from Toronto on the American and Canadian border. Then make the most of your vacation by visiting the surrounding attractions.

  • Top casinos: Casino Niagara, Fallsview Casino Resort, Seneca Niagara
  • Must do and see: Skylon Tower, Niagara Falls helicopter ride, Niagara Skywheel, Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region
  • Stay at: Embassy Suites by Hilton. The closest hotel to Niagara Falls offers panoramic views of the Falls from each guest room. Rooms start at $350.

See all travel deals to Toronto

5. Monaco

The second-smallest independent state in the world, Monaco is where the wealthy come to play. While some people choose to stay and play in the iconic Monte Carlo Casino, others flock to the Mediterranean city, which is an easy train ride from Nice, France, to see the Grand Prix raced on city streets.

  • Top casinos: Casino de Monte-Carlo, Casino Cafe de Paris, Sun Casino, Monte-Carlo Bay Casino
  • Must do and see: Monaco Grand Prix, Ballet and Theatre, Monaco-Ville, Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium
  • Stay at: Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. This luxury resort hotel in the heart of Monaco gives travellers a choice of city or courtyard views. Prices start at $1,005.

See all flight travel deals to Europe

6. Dubai

Dubai draws in tourists with its ultramodern architecture and happening nightlife. Here, you can stay on man made islands in the shape of palm trees or world maps and while gambling is illegal here, there’s enough to see and do that you’ll hardly miss it.

  • Top 5 beaches: Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach, JBR Beach, Sunset Beach, Al Mamzar Beach
  • Must do and see: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Palm Jumeirah, Dinner in the desert.
  • Stay at: Jumeirah Beach Hotel. This 5-star luxury hotel is built in the unique shape of a wave and overlooks the Arabian Gulf. With more than 16 dining options to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice. Rooms start at $511.

See all travel deals to Dubai

Amsterdamlikelasvegas

Image: IAmsterdam

7. Amsterdam

The capital of Netherlands is a rich tapestry of culture, history, art and architecture. Experience the city as a local by bicycle, or catch a boat along their picturesque network of canals that have earned this city its nickname as the ‘Venice of the North’.

  • Top casino: Holland Casino Amsterdam
  • Must do and see: Museums, sculpture parks, Canal cruise, Eat raw herring, Tulip Museum
  • Stay at: Amsterdam Marriott Hotel. This luxury hotel is set in the heart of the city, providing easy access to dining options and museums. Rooms start at $261.

See all travel deals to Amsterdam

New Orleanslikelasvegas

Image: New Orleans Tourism

8. New Orleans

New Orleans is a melting pot of food, culture and music with French, African and American influences. Whether you are visiting for a taste of the Mardi Gras parade or exploring history in museums, there is something for everyone in this southern US city.

  • Top 5 places: Harrah’s Casino, Treme, Jackson Square, Audubon Zoo, French Quarter
  • Must do and see: Mardi Gras World, Nightlife, Museums and Cultural Arts, Nightlife
  • Stay at: Loews New Orleans Hotel. Just across the street from Harrah’s Casino, this luxury hotel has picture windows and original local artwork in every room. Rooms start at $425.

See all travel deals to the USA

9. Cruises

Cruises offer a wide range of things to see and do, with pools, health clubs, bars, restaurants and entertainment shows. These floating resorts go all around the world and have something for everyone whether you are 3 or 93.

  • Top 5 cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International
  • Must do and see: All-you-can-eat buffets, nightly entertainment, casinos, health club and spas, children-friendly programs
  • We recommend: The Carnival Cruise Line is the world’s largest and most popular cruise line with destinations all over the world. It offers a Las Vegas-style experience and more.

See all cruise deals

Ready to fly? Book using these travel coupons and deals:

Wotif Wotif

Up to 75% off Australia-wide stays + Extra 8% with code

Available on select dates, with bonus 8% discount available on select properties. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns, Byron Bay, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
Hotels.com Hotels.com

Extra 8% off on hotel bookings

Save on hotel stays before 31 December 2020 in Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Fiji, Thailand, Singapore, USA and more. Available at select hotels.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

Expedia.com.au Expedia.com.au

Extra 11% off hotels

Available on select travel dates until 30 September 2020 for Westpac customers. Minimum spend of $200 required. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

RedBalloon RedBalloon
Exclusive

Extra $10 off sitewide with code

Valid on all dates, including over Christmas, on activities like skydiving, quad biking, bridge climbing, canyoning, hot air ballooning, helicopter scenic flights, abseiling, scuba diving, cruises, ghost tours and more. Minimum spend of $80. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
Uniworld Uniworld

Free Europe flights or save up to $1,000 + extra 10% off cruises

Available when you book a 2021 European voyage. Get 10% off when you pay full within 3 days. Destinations include France, Danube, Rhine, Milan, Holland, Belgium and much more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Wotif Wotif

Up to 30% off Europe hotels + extra 8% off with code

Valid for use on select dates across Europe with participating hotels. Destinations include Amsterdam, Berlin and Istanbul. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
Contiki Contiki

Up to 25% off last-minute tours worldwide

Available for travel on select dates in May 2020. Book a range of last-minute Contiki tours, from week-long jaunts to month-long journeys, to destinations including Italy, France, Germany, Iceland, Greece, Vietnam, Thailand, USA, Canada and more.

Last verified

Get deal
Topdeck Topdeck

Up to 30% off last-minute tours

Valid for travel on select dates in May 2020. Destinations include Europe, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and North America. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Trafalgar Tours Trafalgar Tours

Up to 15% off worldwide tours

Valid for travel on select dates in May 2020. Destinations include Europe, UK, the Middle East, Argentina, India, Asia, New Zealand, Australia and Africa and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
DiDi DiDi
Exclusive

Get $20 credit

Get $5 off each of your first four rides in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Geelong, Perth and Newcastle. Valid on all dates for new users. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Related Posts

Fixed rate home loans are now the lowest rates on the market

The coronavirus, financial forecasts and RBA decisions have made fixed mortgage rates incredibly competitive. For now.

Instagram made me buy it: FOREO LUNA fofo facial cleansing brush

I finally caved and tried the FOREO fofo cleansing brush that's all over my Instagram and it's the best thing I've ever done for my skin.

Day trips from Amsterdam you can make by rail

From Brussels to Zaanse Schans, here are 10 destinations you can make a day trip to from Amsterdam.

Where to buy computer keyboards online

Need a new keyboard for your PC or tablet? Here are the best online stores in Australia for wireless, mechanical and corded keyboards.

Best remote destinations in Australia to explore

Take a trip unlike any other to one of Australia's most beautiful remote destinations for an unforgettable experience.

Latest travel offers

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Ask a question
Go to site