There is much to see and do in Atlantic City, even when you leave the flashing lights of the casinos. The Atlantic City Aquarium and Historical Museum are great family activities, and a visit to Lucy, the 65 ton building shaped like an elephant, is a must. The intersection of Boardwalk and Park Place has a monument to Monopoly, which immortalised the streets in its board game.

No holiday in Atlantic City is complete without a visit to its famous Boardwalk, which is home to an amusement park, art centre, and museum, along with seemingly unending restaurants, shops, and casinos. And once you step off the Boardwalk, you're right on the beach, where you can swim, surf, fish, or just lie in the sun.

English is the most common language but Spanish is often spoken in south-western states.

The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Those looking for a quiet and relaxing weekend will probably want to avoid the large crowds and flashy casinos of Atlantic City. Largely a tourist trap, there is little in the way of nature and culture.

For tourists in Atlantic City, much of the nightlife revolves around the casinos. Trump Taj Mahal, Caesar's, Bally's Wild Wild West Casino, Borgata and Tropicana all stay open 24 hours and have their own nightclubs. There are a number of bars and nightclubs in town that aren't in casinos, however, including relaxed sports bar Ducktown Tavern and slick club Casbah.

There is no end to dining options in Atlantic City. Restaurants offer cuisine from all over the world, ranging from Chinese and sushi to Greek, Mexican, and even Russian fare. The street vendors on the famous Boardwalk offer traditional Atlantic City food like pretzels, hot dogs, salt water taffy, funnel cakes and fudge. Dock's Oyster House offers great steaks and seafood, while Tony Baloney's is popular for pizza and Italian food.

Shopping in Atlantic City offers a wealth of opportunities for avid bargain-hunters, although visitors should expect far more mass-produced tourist tat than local arts and crafts. The Atlantic City Boardwalk has all the tacky t-shirts and snow globes you could want, but don't forget the delicious salt water taffy or other candy at Steel's Fudge. There are several shopping malls in Atlantic City, including Shore Mall, Atlantic City Outlets, and The Pier Shops at Caesar's. These are home to many well-known luxury and chain stores, including Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry and Banana Republic.