By: HowStuffWorks.com Contributors
2 min
Image: Bryan Mullennix/Getty Images
About This Quiz
There's something compelling about Las Vegas, the city dubbed the "Entertainment Capital of the World." Once a small watering hole, it's now a jewel amid an arid desert. Take our quiz and find out more about Las Vegas, from its history to its climate to its main attractions.
In what year was the city of Las Vegas founded?
1898
1902
1905
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Las Vegas was officially founded as a city on May 15, 1905. Its first settlers were Mormons from Salt Lake City in the mid 1800s.
Who opened the first hotel in Las Vegas?
Bugsy Siegel
Al Capone
Frank Costello
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
When gangster Bugsy Siegel opened the Flamingo hotel in 1946, Las Vegas as we know it today was born.
How many people visited Las Vegas in 2005?
2 million
28 million
38.6 million
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
About 38.6 million people visited Las Vegas in 2005. Quite impressive for a city that started off with 5,000 residents at the beginning of last century.
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How long is the Las Vegas Strip?
four miles
10 miles
20 miles
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
The world famous Las Vegas Strip is only four miles long, but is home to the luxury hotels, casinos, restaurants and entertainment centers that make Las Vegas such an alluring destination.
How many feet high does the XScream Thrill ride rise?
100 feet
400 feet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
The Scream Thrill Ride hurtles riders 800 feet (244 meters) into the air over the Strip on the north end of the boulevard.
Which of these celebrity chefs has a restaurant in Las Vegas?
Jamie Oliver
Emeril Lagasse
Paula Deen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay, Tom Colicchio and Wolfgang Puck have restaurants in Vegas. Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill is a popular hangout for celebrities.
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What does Las Vegas mean?
"The Meadows"
"Place of Entertainment"
"Pit Stop"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Las Vegas means "The Meadows" in Spanish. It is an oasis of buildings and greenery amongst a rocky, mountainous and arid desert.
What is the safety situation in Vegas?
dangerous
generally safe
extremely safe; no need to lock your doors
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Las Vegas prides itself on its security measures and as a result, it is considered to be a generally safe city. There is a strong police presence along The Strip, less so in the rest of the city, so exercise caution there.
How many people live in Las Vegas?
250000
1.2 million
1.8 million
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Las Vegas has about 1.8 million residents, because of its great weather, abundant job supply and lack of sales tax.
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On average, how many days a year are sunny in Las Vegas?
180
294
310
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Las Vegas averages 310 sunny days a year, with average temperatures in the 60s and low humidity levels. So make sure to bring along your shades.
During what months are flash floods common?
June and July
August and September
December and January
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Although rainfall is generally at a low of 4.19 inches (10 cm) a year, flash flooding is common during June and July. If there are warnings, be careful when trekking in the surrounding desert.
From the airport, how much could you expect to pay a taxi to get to the Stratosphere Hotel?
$8
$13
$18
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
From the airport, you could expect to pay $8 to $9.50 to the southern end of the strip, $9.50 to $12 to the center, $13 to the Stratosphere Hotel and $15 to $17 to get downtown.
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What is the rule unique to Vegas about turning right?
You can turn right only when the traffic light is orange.
You can turn right from any lane.
You can turn right on a red.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Lest you get honked at by an impatient local, remember that turning right on a red is permitted unless otherwise stated,.
What is the best way to get into the city from the airport?
taxi
bus
shuttle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
There is an excellent shuttle service located close to the baggage claim area, which includes tourist friendly and informative drivers. The cost is about $4 per person.
How much does the monorail cost?
$1 per ticket
$2.50 per ticket
$5 per ticket
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
The monorail, located on the west side of the boulevard, costs $5 per ride.
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At which hotel is Tutankhamen's tomb and museum located?
Luxor Hotel
Four Seasons
Bellagio
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
The Luxor Hotel, at 3900 Las Vegas Boulevard, houses an authentic replication of Tutankhamen's tomb to exact measurement.
How many gallons is the salt water aquarium at the Silverton Hotel?
5000
18000
117000
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
The Silverton Hotel hosts a 117,000 gallon salt water aquarium, complete with 5,000 exotic fish and three species of sting ray and shark. Best of all, it's free!
Where is the best place to stand to view the erupting volcano at the Mirage hotel?
on the west side of the strip
on the north end of the boulevard
on the Strip side of the pond
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
The volcano at the Mirage hotel spews fire every hour from 8p.m. to midnight. The best way to get a good view is to arrive ten minutes early and stand on the Strip side of the pond.
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Which hotel was featured at the end of Oceans Eleven?
Sahara Hotel
Bellagio
MGM Grand
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
The Bellagio's hotel water shooting fountains, with their 1,200 nozzles and 4,500 lights features at the end of Oceans Eleven.
What creature would you be surprised to find at the Wildlife Habitat?
tufted puffin
parakeets
penguins
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
The Flamingo Las Vegas' Wildlife Habitat has penguins, yes penguins, amongst its 300 imported birds, trees and flowers.
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