Las Vegas is a dazzling sea of neon lights that beckons visitors with luxurious hotels, unbelievable shows, exquisite restaurants, world-class gambling, and decadence on a grandiose scale: it is ancient Rome, romantic Paris, exotic Egypt, exciting New York City, and the Canals of Venice all together rolled into a single vacation destination. Millions of people fulfill their dream of visiting Las Vegas every year, attracted by the well-earned city's reputation as the world's Entertainment Capital.
Shortly after gambling was legalized in Nevada in 1931, construction of the first hotel/casinos began, but who could have known that it was the beginning of the phenomenon known simply as Vegas: a glamorous, fantasy oasis in the middle of the desert.
Although the city's image seems to be dominated by casinos, there is much more to Las Vegas than "just" gambling, eating, and shopping — it is a vibrant, fast-growing city that attracts some of the largest conventions and business meetings in the world. Each year, over 50,000 people relocate permanently to this city, thanks to the abundance of jobs, low taxes, healthy climate, and beautiful surroundings. With 320 days of sunshine annually, Las Vegas can also boast some of the country's best-golfing facilities.
Las Vegas is a growing city that gets bigger every year, with more spectacular hotels and casinos being designed and built to amaze and entertain people from all over the world.
Beyond the famous five-mile Las Vegas Strip, there is also the historically exciting Fremont Street, the home of the original casinos that started this very Vegas craze back in the 1930s. Millions of tourists come to see the Freemont Experience every year, where an incredible light and sound show projected onto a domed structure covers several blocks in the downtown area.
Casinos, awesome hikes, pro sports and the most exquisite restaurants — all these can be a part of your Las Vegas experience. This free guide will give you a quick impression of the wealth of excitement that Sin City has to offer. Explore world-class museums, wine and dine with a view in some of the best restaurants in the world, and bask in the sun by a trendy pool. Vegas is great for solo travelers, as well as couples, friend groups and families with kids.
The Strip
Caesars Palace
Fremont Street Experience
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
The Volcano at The Mirage
It is impossible to see and do everything that Las Vegas has to offer during only one trip, and this is what keeps visitors returning over and over again — the choices can be truly overwhelming.
Good planning is key to any great vacation, but especially for Las Vegas, it is highly recommended to set up a bucket list.
To save you some time, our team of travel experts have curated the top Vegas experiences so you can make the most out of your time in Sin City.
Neon Museum
Mandalay Bay Beach
Pinball Hall of Fame
Grand Canyon National Park
Gambling
High Roller
Stratosphere Tower
Hoover Dam
Eiffel Tower Experience
The Fountains of Bellagio
Seven Magic Mountains
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Death Valley National Park
"O" Cirque du Soleil
Valley of Fire State Park
The Mob Museum
Fall of Atlantis Fountain Show
Mount Charleston
Beyond Las Vegas
Shelby Heritage Center
Next to gambling, the most engaging activity in Las Vegas is indulging one's taste buds with amazing flavors. And nearly every type and style of food known to man can be found here. From European to Asian to North and South American cuisine, Vegas offers them all.
The same can be said about affordability. Acclaimed chefs, such as Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck, Giada De Laurentiis, Guy Fieri, and Nobu Matsuhisa, all have restaurants here. And as you can expect, dining in one of their establishments might not be on everyone's budget. But Vegas is home to a variety of eateries serving tasty food that suits most travelers' pockets.
For those with an especially strong appetite, it might be worth considering getting an all-day or 24-hour buffet pass, which grants one unlimited access to multiple buffets belonging to Caesar's Entertainment Group. Doing this on a weekday can be very good value. Mind that certain sections of the higher-end buffets may require a surcharge, and always double-check whether there are any limitations on your particular pass.
Mississippi Mary’s (M&M) Soul Food Cafe
Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen
Peppermill Las Vegas
Spago by Wolfgang Puck
Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen & Bar
KoMex Fusion Express
Outback Steakhouse
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
Eiffel Tower Restaurant
Nora's Italian Cuisine
Top of the World Restaurant
Copper Whisk Café
Mon Ami Gabi
Estiatorio Milos
Delmonico Steakhouse
Clear your head and start your day with a cup of coffee or a strong espresso at one of Las Vegas' many cafes: whether you want to be in France, Italy, or just right there in the country of the US of A, you have virtually endless options.
Sunrise Coffee Co.
Zenaida’s Cafe
Makers & Finders
The Bagel Cafe
PublicUs
Mr. Mamas Breakfast and Lunch
Sadelle's Cafe
Cafes at Bellagio
Copper Whisk Café
JJ’s Boulangerie
Sambalatte Boca Park
Canyon Ranch Grill
Vegas is literally "the city that never sleeps," and the Las Vegas Strip is a continuous streak of bars, so it's not unusual to see people walking around with alcoholic beverages.
Every hotel and casino offers superb entertainment, floor shows, bars, and nightclubs, while live entertainment happens indeed everywhere. You can find booming dance parties that last all night long or lounge with an artisanal cocktail in a luxurious atmosphere with rooftop views.
Skybar at the Waldorf Astoria
Fat Tuesday at Planet Hollywood
Encore Beach Club
Frankie's Tiki Room
The Chandelier
Don't Tell Mama
The Garage
Crown & Anchor Pub
Casa Fuente Cigars
Marc Savard Comedy Hypnosis
OMNIA Nightclub
Downtown Cocktail Room
Venus European Pool Lounge
XS Nightclub
TAO Las Vegas
Shopping in Las Vegas is almost as popular as gambling, and this is evidenced by the sheer number of stores that are ready to indulge your every fantasy.
All major hotels and casinos have a shopping area in their establishment, but there are also a few that stand out as premier shopping meccas — it is said that if you cannot buy it here, then you cannot buy it anywhere else.
Bonanza Gift Shop
Town Square Las Vegas
Miracle Mile Shops
Coca-Cola Store
M&M's World
Hershey's Chocolate World
Las Vegas North Premium Outlets
Antique Mall Of America
Bauman Rare Books
The Forum Shops at Caesars
Grand Canal Shoppes
Guinness Store
Silver Post
Fashion Show
The Shops at Crystals
The Shops at Wynn & Encore
The Shoppes at Mandalay Place
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Over 100,000 people pass through the Harry Reid International Airport every day. While numerous Airport Shuttles are available 24 hours a day, taxis also provide their services round the clock, and it takes about 15 minutes to get from the airport to any Strip hotel.
Address: 5757 Wayne Newton Boulevard, Las Vegas
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Phone: +1 702 261 5211
Website: harryreidairport.com
More Information: Between 1968 and 2021, the airport was called McCarran International Airport
Passport / Visa
Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.
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Best Time to Visit
Las Vegas is not only known for its casinos and its entertainment but also for its extremely hot weather — the city is smack in the middle of the desert after all. The best time to visit the city is in autumn, from September to November, and in spring, from March to May, when the temperatures are around 70–77 F (20-25 C). During the winter time, the amount of tourists is great, especially during the holidays, so do try to plan a mid-week trip, as both the plane tickets and hotel prices are significantly lower in comparison to the weekend.
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FAQ
– What's the cheapest month to go to Vegas?
You are most likely to find cheap flights and hotel deals in Las Vegas in January. August and October are also worth checking. To stay within budget avoid travelling during major holidays such as Valentine's Day and New Year’s.
– What is the 20 dollar trick in Vegas?
The so-called 20 dollar trick is an attempt to get a room upgrade by slipping a $20 to the hotel receptionist when you give them your credit card and ID. There is no certainty that this will workout, but being extra nice and tipping may well lead to some perks.
– Does Vegas get cold at night?
Some may find it counterintuitive, but deserts can get pretty cold at night. While from July to August the temperature rarely dips below 70 F (21 C), on about half of winter nights the temperature does drop below 40 F (4 C).
– What should I avoid in Las Vegas?
When in Vegas, avoid wearing uncomfortable shoes. Remember to stay hydrated. ATMs at casinos usually have high withdrawal fees, so get your cash elsewhere. Tip well for better service.
– Are drinks still free in Vegas?
You can order almost any type of drink for free when gambling on the casino floor in Las Vegas. Most casinos have a limit of two drinks per person per order — be that fruit juice or shots. Drinks may be free, but remember to leave a tip. $1-2 per drink is customary.
– Is Las Vegas safe for a single woman?
Las Vegas is as safe as any other big city where people consume alcohol. As a solo traveler, it’s a good idea to stick to the well-lit tourist areas. Use the same common-sense safety practices as anywhere else in the world: mind your drinks, don't go to private places with new friends, and if you do — make sure someone you trust knows where you are and with whom.
– How to get around in Las Vegas?
Obviously, the car is king, but renting your own vehicle might not be the most practical option. The best way to get around Las Vegas is by taxi, a ride-hailing option like Uber or Lyft. The cheapest option is to take a municipal bus, but it’s also the slowest option.
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Taxi
Taxis are one of the most used means of transportation in Las Vegas, and every hotel and casino has a taxi stand at the front door. Keep in mind that there is a small charge for the amount of time that the taxi has to wait for its passengers.
One of the many taxi companies is Kabit. You can book a cab through their website.
Of course, Uber and Lyft have a big presence in the transportation market, too.
Address: 5010 South Valley View Boulevard, Las Vegas
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Phone: +1 702 551 5151
Website: www.kabit.vegas/booknow
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Public Transport
Sidewalks are always packed, during both day and night, but the well-lit streets and elevated crossovers make it safe and easy to traverse the busy Las Vegas Boulevard. The Strip is divided into three sections, and if you want to visit another casino in the same area, walking is certainly the best option. If you wish to navigate from the South Strip to the North Strip, however, you will need to take a taxi, private car or bus.
RTC Buses are run by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC). The Bonneville Transit Center is the transfer point for many routes. While most routes cost around $2 or $1, you can also buy a 24-hours pass for $8.
Launched July 2004, the Monorail has stations at Sahara’s, Las Vegas Hilton, Harrah's/Imperial Palace, Bally’s, Paris and the MGM Grand. The first station of the Monorail is the SLS station, where also tickets can be purchased.
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Pharmacy
Chain pharmacies — CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Walgreens etc. — as well as smaller neighborhood stores operate in whole Las Vegas, and while working hours may greatly vary, a few are open 24/7. Pharmacy signs are often in red and white, and they are often located inside department stores. Most of the pharmacies sell both prescription as well as over the counter medicine.
Address: CVS, 3758 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas
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Phone: +1 702 262 9284
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Telephone
Country Code: +1
Area Code: 702
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Electricity
All power sockets in the United States provide a standard voltage of 120V with a standard frequency of 60Hz. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins.
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What to Pack
Except for a special evening of dining and dancing, visitors to Las Vegas dress very casually. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and swimsuits, and also carry proper identification with you, especially when gambling. Avoid carrying big bags, backpacks or large purses.
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Player’s Cards
Every casino will offer a Player's Card, that can be purchased free of charge after a short application of about 5 minutes, but you will need a driver's license or another form of identification.
Every time you play a slot machine, insert the card into the appropriate slot so that it will track the amount of play: the longer you play, the more credits you will receive. You can also get credit on your card for table games, so do simply hand the card to the dealers, and they will add credits depending on the amount of your play.
Your credits accumulate and they can be used for small gifts, free meals and even free nights at a hotel — even penny slots gather quite a few credits. Some cards cover multiple casinos, and you can use it at any venue listed on the card. Do not worry about losing your card, as all the information is stored centrally and the staff will gladly issue you a new card free of charge.
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Website: www.vegascasinoinfo.com/comps-guide
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Buying half-price show tickets
Tix4tonight sells same-day show tickets for half price. There are several small shops on the Strip, so you are never far from a great deal. The shops accept both credit cards and cash, and all purchases must be made in person, as phone orders are not accepted. The chances of finding headlining performers, such as Bette Midler or Elton John, are not very good, but there are many terrific shows that may be available, such as Cirque du Soleil and the Blue Man Group.
Address: 3615 Las Vegas Boulevard South #100, Las Vegas
Email: questions@tix4tonight.com
Phone: +1 877 849 4868
Website: www.tix4tonight.com/locations
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