Forget the casinos; Las Vegas's real action takes place in its hundreds of nightclubs. We braved the velvet ropes to find the city's best-looking crowd, most decadent cocktail, and most thumping beat—and to gauge how likely it is you'll be moved to sin in the real city that never sleeps

BEST BURLESQUE: Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce at Mandalay Bay
THE SCENE: A taut stiletto-heeled leg snakes through the tinseled drapes. Its owner quickly follows, gliding across the tiny stage in a slinky dress, trailing boa feathers. The band rips into "Fever" as she gyrates, high-kicks, and swings on the poles positioned around (and above) the stage. The audience roars as each piece of clothing falls to the floor. By the end, only tassels remain.
WHO YOU'LL SEE: Bachelorette parties, couples looking to spice things up, and single guys shocked to discover that nudity doesn't have to be sleazy (or cost a fortune).
HOW TO DRESS: Presentably. What you wear pales in comparison to what is removed onstage.
THE WITCHING HOUR: Arrive by midnight to secure an optimum view for the 12:30 A.M. show. Since Ivan Kane's fits only 275, you'll never feel overwhelmed by the crowd. HOUSE SPECIALTY: Amateur burlesquers are encouraged to shake it onstage during the DJ's set.
LUST FACTOR: High. The dancers entice, arouse, and yes, titillate—if you're not stirred, check your pulse to make sure you're still alive (702-632-9442; fortydeuce.com; cover, $20-$25).

BEST BIG SCENE: Pure at Caesars Palace
THE SCENE: The biggest club in Vegas (36,000 square feet!) is all about the VIP. Sure, you could wait in line and revel with the hoi polloi—but you'll have to endure a cattle herd on the dance floor and leers from VIPs perched above on white couches. There are four private rooms, including the ultra-private Red Room and an outdoor terrace with Strip views and staffed cabanas.
WHO YOU'LL SEE: Everyone who's anyone (or thinks they are). Its celeb owners—Celine Dion, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, and Shaquille O-Neal—plus its resident DJ, AM, ensure a constant stream of high-wattage partyers.
HOW TO DRESS: To impress. Seriously.
THE WITCHING HOUR: Arrive Fridays at 11:30 P.M. or Saturdays after 2:30 A.M. to avoid crowds.
HOUSE SPECIALTY: Admission to the club includes access to the adjacent Pussycat Dolls Lounge, where the Vegas contingent of the popular group performs a sexy burlesque-style show (often with surprise celebrity guests) Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30 and 11:30 P.M.
LUST FACTOR: High. After a bottle (or three) of Veuve Clicquot delivered by waitresses in clingy white mini-dresses, you may have trouble behaving. Towering security personnel are on hand to maintain order (702-731-7873; purethenightclub.com; cover, $20-$30).

BEST INSIDER SPOT: Noir Bar at Luxor
THE SCENE: A VIP elevator whisks you from noisy club LAX to an unmarked door, where a fierce-looking security guard checks your credentials. Or you can avoid the club and casino completely and enter through a discreet black-and-white entrance outside the hotel. Inside is a dim bar with crystal sconces and red velvet drapes. The atmosphere is decidedly hush-hush. After all, a personal invite—or hard-won reservation#151;is the only way in.
WHO YOU'LL SEE: Celebrities in secret rendezvous; high-rollers making under-the-table handshake deals.
HOW TO DRESS: Casual for invitees; impressive for hangers-on.
THE WITCHING HOUR: Wednesday at midnight is adjacent LAX's busiest time. But with a maximum of 250 guests, Noir Bar remains calm despite the party next door.
HOUSE SPECIALTY: The customized martinis, from apple pie to peanut butter and jelly.
LUST FACTOR: High. Judging from the handpicked talent at the bar, sinning is mandatory (702-262-5257; luxor.com; no cover).