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Las Vegas, Nevada, is a hub of activity.
I don't think any other cities in the United States have so many catchphrases associated
with it:
-Viva Las Vegas -What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas
-The city that never sleeps -The house always wins
-Sin City
There is so much to do; you can't possibly fit everything into one visit, or even several.
And, like any place you visit, there are things you should avoid to make sure you have a more
enjoyable and safer trip.
So let's start with the fun things - the stuff you should absolutely do when you visit this
iconic city.
Stay on the Strip for the best sightseeing.
It might be a bit more costly to stay on the Strip, but there are great deals to be found,
and some hotels offer lower rates, such as the Luxor.
There are undeniable benefits to staying on the Strip.
It places you within walking distance of the most well-known restaurants, casinos, and
shows like the Bellagio fountains or Cirque du Soleil.
The level of service and available amenities are also higher for locations on the Strip.
Walk when possible, especially on the Strip.
The Strip is very pedestrian-friendly.
So if you don't have children in tow or a tight timeline to make a reservation or show,
walking should be your preferred way to get around the Strip.
Multiple elevated walkways across the street, allowing safer access for pedestrians that
don't further impact vehicle traffic.
It can take a while to get a taxi or rideshare, so if you can handle the steps, bring your
walking shoes!
Pay attention to directional signage.
I can't emphasize this enough.
As someone who has traveled to Vegas more than once, I've rambled through a casino to
get outside and call an Uber, only to find out that the exit I found is for drop-offs
instead of pick-ups or airport transportation only.
Las Vegas is quite organized, but it's still chaotic.
Don't be afraid to ask someone for help - more than once -while you try to navigate somewhere.
Enjoy the food scene, especially the buffets.
Las Vegas is famous for its buffets.
Originally designed to keep gamblers inside the resorts with endless amounts of cheap
food, they've transformed into competitions to provide the most luxurious, unique foods
to set themselves apart from other offerings.
In a post-COVID world, buffets aren't relatively as abundant as they once were but are still
a great option.
Celebrity chefs have restaurants everywhere - Gordon Ramsay has several establishments
alone.
Check out the Grand Canyon or Red Rock scenic drive.
It might sound surprising, but there is more to see than the casinos.
It's a desert with some interesting geological features.
Just a 30-minute drive outside the city will land you on the Red Rock scenic drive - bright
red rocks meet clear blue skies and are a local haven for rock climbing.
And if you have time for a full-day trip or overnight outside the area, the two-and-a-half-hour
drive to the Grand Canyon is well worth it.
Photos don't do this epic World Wonder justice.
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Embrace the weirdness that makes Vegas Vegas.
Vegas is a unique place.
Elaborate costumes, larger-than-life personalities, spectacular shows, and plenty of Elvis impersonators
fill the city.
And that's what's beautiful about it.
Enjoy it, and approach the city with an open mind!
Set a gambling budget.
I can't stress this enough.
Gambling in Vegas is full of neon lights, flashing animations on slot machines, and
plenty of opportunities for you to say "just one more round."
And there are ATMs all over to encourage you to pull out more money - often dispensing
$100 bills, making it disappear even faster.
Set a firm budget and stick to it.
Better yet, if you find yourself winning, set aside your original budget so you at least
break even.
Get above the city.
The view of Las Vegas from the air is not to be missed.
It's made for endless B-rolls for films, television, and YouTube, and you can see it for yourself
from various venues.
Rooftop bars are everywhere; still, keep your feet on the ground.
The High Roller observation wheel will let you see the Strip and the surrounding desert
landscape, or you can stand at the top of the Eiffel Tower on the viewing deck for a
panoramic view of the Strip.
And perhaps the most exciting way to take in the sights is on the Big Apple Coaster
on top of the New York-New York Hotel and Casino.
Now let's get into what you shouldn't do or assume about Vegas to make sure you leave
Vegas wanting to make a return trip.
Don't be afraid to venture off the Strip.
I suggest booking your accommodations on the Strip, but that doesn't mean you should feel
contained to it.
There's plenty to see in the surrounding areas of Las Vegas.
If you want to stick with the casino atmosphere, taking a trip over to Fremont Street - also
known as Glitter Gulch will make you feel like you've stepped back in time to old Las
Vegas.
Except for the giant electronic display ceiling and a zip line traverses the pedestrian thoroughfare's
length.
You can find even more history at the Neon Museum, where vintage neon signs are displayed
both indoors and outdoors.
Don't pay for your drinks.
In most casinos, you can drink for free - kind of.
If you spend time gambling, a cocktail waiter or waitress will circulate and offer drinks
free of charge.
You may have to bet a minimum amount - usually around $20 for each free drink.
Considering you'll likely gamble anyways, you'll still save on the cost of the drink.
Just don't forget to tip your drink deliverer; more important tips might earn you more regular
visits.
Don't lose track of time.
Billed as the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas is designed to keep you entertained
and lose track of time.
When you're underground at the Venetian shops or miracle mile, you'll see ceilings decorated
with sunny skies and artificial light - regardless of the time of day.
You'll also be hard-pressed to find any time-keeping inside casinos, shopping areas, clubs, or
shows.
You'll be surprised how quickly time flies, so make sure to keep a watch or phone handy
to help you remember your circadian rhythm.
Don't use the hotel minibars.
You should sit down if you think there are crazy up-charges for movie theaters and sporting
events.
Minibar prices at Las Vegas hotels are next level.
You might pay $5 for an 8-ounce can of soda and double digits for snacks that might typically
cost less than three dollars - at the most - elsewhere.
And think twice before bringing snacks from the store to replace the minibar items you
consumed - often, mini bar items are on sensitive pressure pads, so you could be charged even
if you move them without consuming them.
And some hotels warn you that storing personal items incur additional charges up to $75.
Are those couple of leftover pizza slices worth it?
Don't take photos with characters on the Strip.
It might seem tempting to take a photo with a pair of young ladies in sparkly white leotards
and three-foot-tall feathered headdresses, but be prepared to pay the price.
They'll be welcoming and kind, but they may not tell you there's a price attached until
after you've snapped the photo.
They may cost as little as $5 each but will likely be closer to $20 for a quick photo.
Don't pay face value for show tickets.
Shows of all sorts are synonymous with Las Vegas.
There's a show for everyone: magic shows, acrobatics, famous musical artists with residencies,
comedy, and talent.
But ticket prices can be extremely expensive, especially for the most well-known shows.
Even convenient online platforms like Ticketmaster experience surge pricing, depending on the
demand for a particular show.
But you don't need to pay full price - ever.
Tix4Tonight has ticket kiosks throughout the Strip and, at one time, was the most significant
discount ticket seller in the city.
And if you frequent the city or live relatively close, it might be worth becoming a member
of a seat-filling service.
No show wants empty seats, so you can be on standby to attend various shows for a nominal
fee.
The membership price quickly pays for itself if you score a couple of event tickets.
That's it for today's list!
What's your favorite Las Vegas activity or travel tip that didn't make my list?
What is your favorite hotel to stay in when you visit Sin City?
Do you have any hidden gems off the Strip that we should know about?
Let me know in the comments below!
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Until next time!