Las Vegas is famous around the world for its casinos, nightlife, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
It is a city that is over the top in every way and one where almost anything you can imagine likely exists.
While the Las Vegas Strip gets most of the attention, visitors who venture beyond its glitz and glam will be surprised by the diversity of attractions the region has to offer.
Even if you think Las Vegas isn’t for you, you are bound to find something worth visiting.
But before setting off to Las Vegas, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling to Las Vegas, including:
- What are the costs for travelers?
- Things to know about culture and etiquette
- What are the top attractions?
- How safe is it?
- Local food and drinks
- How good is the WiFi?
- Best times to visit
Ready? Here are the top 7 things you need to know before visiting Las Vegas:
Did you know… More than 42 million people visit Las Vegas each year. The city has over 150,000 hotel rooms to accommodate all those visitors and is home to 12 of the 20 largest hotels in the world. The Venetian is the largest in Las Vegas with 7,092 rooms.
1) Las Vegas Affordability
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Rating: 2 out of 5.
Accommodation
- Average hotel price: The current average rate for one night at a 3-star hotel in Las Vegas is $312, while an average 4-star hotel is about $380.
- Luxury 5-star hotels: On average, a 5-star hotel costs $495 per night. However, there are pricier options if you are looking to splurge. The Four Seasons Las Vegas is one of the most expensive hotels in the area – basic rooms start at $1,185, while the Penthouse Suite is available for just over $6,000 per night.
- If you’re on a budget: If you are willing to stay away from the strip, there are more budget-friendly options. For instance, several hotels along Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas have rooms for less than $150/per night.
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Food
Despite Las Vegas’s reputation for all-you-can-eat buffets, there are plenty of great dining options.
- A 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for two costs around $65.
- For a cheap meal at an inexpensive restaurant, expect to pay around $18.
- A beer costs between $5-$8, depending on where you are drinking, while a cappuccino is about $5.
Transportation
- The Las Vegas strip is connected by a monorail that makes seven stops along the strip. You can buy a day pass for $13 or pay per journey at $5 per trip.
- City Buses are another option and are particularly good for traveling between the Strip and downtown. Two-hour passes are $6, or you can pay $8 for a 24-hour pass.
- The Downtown Loop is a free shuttle that stops at several attractions downtown, including the Arts District, Fremont Street, and Symphony Park. It operates Sunday – Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm and Friday and Saturday from 3 pm – 10 pm.
- Taxi fares start at $3.50 plus an additional $2.76 per mile traveled. Uber and Lyft both operate in Las Vegas and are typically cheaper options.
2) Culture And Etiquette In Las Vegas
Las Vegas is not a city known for its etiquette, but that being said, there are some things to be aware of when visiting the famous Sin City.
Check this list before your trip! Here are some of the major Dos and Don’ts in Las Vegas.
- DO book ahead: restaurants and venues fill up fast, especially on weekends and during peak travel weeks. Make sure to make reservations or buy tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- DON’T forget to tip: A minimum of 20% is expected at restaurants, and tip at least $1 per drink at the bar. If you are gambling, don’t forget to tip the dealer if you win or when you leave the table. Also include tips for hotel staff and pool attendants.
- DO check the dress code: Casual dress is typically fine during the day, but many of the casinos and clubs have dress codes in the evening, so make sure you check ahead.
- DO drink responsibly: It can be easy to go overboard in a city known for its party atmosphere. Keep your drinking in check to avoid unnecessary trouble like getting married to a stranger or blowing all your money at the casino.
- DON’T spend your whole time on the strip: Las Vegas is so much more than the glitz of the strip. Take the time to explore other parts of the city and beyond – you’ll be surprised by what you find.
3) Top Attractions in Las Vegas
While you’ll find all the glamour you’d expect along the strip, there is much more to explore in Las Vegas. Here are a few of the top things to see and do while exploring and around Las Vegas:
- Fremont Street Experience – four pedestrianized blocks covered by a video screen canopy (the world’s largest screen, made with 49 million LED lights) located in downtown Las Vegas. Fremont street is home to a zipline that runs down the entire street, the oldest casino in the city, and the largest solid gold nugget in the world, amongst many other oddities.
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area – 196,000 acres of protected land just 20 minutes from the Strip. It is a popular spot for rock climbing, scenic hikes, and stunning landscapes.
- Las Vegas Arts District – a thriving neighborhood full of galleries, thrift stores, funky bars, and restaurants dotted with street art, performance spaces, and unique attractions
4) How Safe Is It For Tourists?
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Las Vegas is generally safe for tourists. However, there are still some things that visitors should keep in mind to stay safe during their visit:
- Beware of thieves: bag snatching, petty crime, and tourist scams are common, so be sure to take extra caution with your valuables. Place wallets in front pockets and wear purses diagonally across your chest.
- Choose your neighborhood wisely: Hotels and casinos along the Strip and Fremont street are typically safe, but if you plan on staying outside of those areas, make sure you check the neighborhood’s reputation and take taxis to get around. The west side of the city and some areas in North Las Vegas are known to have higher crime rates.
- Watch your drink: don’t lose track of your drink at the bar, and never accept a beverage from someone you don’t know. Take a taxi back to your hotel at night if you’ve had too much to drink or if you are traveling alone.
- DO get travel insurance: Travel insurance can help in health emergencies as well as with covering the costs of any travel mishaps during your Las Vegas trip. For 5 great options, read more here.
5) Local Eats And Drinks
Las Vegas goes over the top with everything it does, and food is no exception. Be adventurous, and don’t let yourself leave without trying at least one of the following:
Food
Here are a few dishes to try at some of Las Vegas’s most popular restaurants:
- Belly of the beast burger – a 10-pound burger served on an entire French boule loaf topped with cheese, pork belly, barbecue sauce, tater tots, and jalapenos served up at Truffles N Bacon.
- Trash can nachos – Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen and Bar serves a mountain of loaded nachos in a small metal trash can.
- Beef Wellington – At Hell’s Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay’s signature dish is a tender cut of filet mignon smeared in a mushroom paste and wrapped in puff pastry.
- Spicy Korean BBQ wings – a popular order at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, these spicy wings are served with a creamy buttermilk-dill dip
- #Housedog – a bacon-wrapped hot dog covered in cream cheese and cheddar topped with peppers, onions, and thousand island dressing from the insanely popular Dirt Dog
Drinks
- Bloody Mary- Sometimes a bloody Mary is just what the doctor ordered, and nowhere does it better in Las Vegas than Lavo. Their giant bloody Marys are served in a glass made of ice and are topped with an entire lobster, shrimp, and pork belly skewers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and bacon-wrapped jalapenos.
- Watermelon kiwi lemonade – served with or without vodka at Hash House A Go Go, a must for beating the mid-day heat in Vegas
- Twisted grapefruit – fresh grapefruit juice and vodka served in a hollowed-out grapefruit at Park on Fremont
6) How’s The WiFi?
Using Ookla, an internet speed testing service, the average internet speeds in Las Vegas for February 2023 were 113.14mbps download and 11.60mbps upload.
7) Best Time To Visit
There are two high seasons in Las Vegas – spring and fall. From March – May and September – November, the weather is pleasant, but the crowds and prices are at their peak.
June, July, and August are the cheapest time to visit, but the heat can sometimes be unbearable. Visiting during the winter months is also a good option – the weather isn’t very warm, but there is still plenty to do.
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FAQs
Las Vegas: 7 Things Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting? ›
How much money will you need for your trip to Las Vegas? You should plan to spend around $310 per day on your vacation in Las Vegas, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $80 on meals for one day and $53 on local transportation.
How much money do I need for 7 days in Vegas? ›How much money will you need for your trip to Las Vegas? You should plan to spend around $310 per day on your vacation in Las Vegas, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $80 on meals for one day and $53 on local transportation.
How many days in Vegas is enough? ›Five days is ideal for a first-time Vegas itinerary. This way, you can see the best attractions on and off the Strip and have plenty of time to take in all the sights. Start with a tour on the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus, which will take you down the Boulevard and through downtown.
How do I prepare for Vegas? ›- Pack the right clothes. This may seem like the most obvious tip in the world, but you'd be surprised how many people head to Vegas with all the wrong things. ...
- Be formal. ...
- Get out of the casino. ...
- Prepare your trips. ...
- Drinking outside. ...
- Pace yourself. ...
- Budget.
It's possible to have a great time in Las Vegas without spending a ton of cash. Of course, if you don't have $500 to spend, don't put this on your credit card, that's silly. Save up if you really want to visit Vegas, but don't think it's impossible to have a good time for under $1000.
Are drinks free in Vegas? ›While some properties are better than others when it comes to frequency, all casinos in Las Vegas still offer complimentary beverages to gamblers. What is this? It's customary to tip at least $1-$2 per drink, however, mixing in a few larger tips can help ensure better drink service.
What is ghost town in Vegas? ›St.
Thomas is one of Nevada's most unique ghost towns, as it would normally be 60 feet underwater if not for extreme drought conditions.
The price ranges from $4,500 to $6,000, depending on when you book your trip. Rather than visit the new seven wonders in order of age or architectural splendor or awe factor, we opted for the least travel time. Here's our tour, starting in Denver.
Is the Grand Canyon one of the 7 Wonders? ›One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is an unbelievable spectacle of nature. It is a great, huge slash in the surface of the earth - 217 miles long, 4 to 18 miles wide and a mile deep, with the Colorado River flowing at the bottom.
What day of the week is best to go to Vegas? ›No matter when you decide to visit Vegas, try to plan a midweek trip – because this is a common weekend getaway destination, you'll find more rooms at lower rates between Tuesday and Thursday. Las Vegas is also home to hundreds of conventions each year, which can drive up room rates.
What are the cheapest times to go to Vegas? ›
For the cheapest times, visit during the shoulder season of September–November and January–April. You can even find low rates during the summer when the city is at its hottest. However, avoid major holidays and aim for stays starting on Sundays, when the weekend crowds dissipate.
How far is Grand Canyon from Las Vegas? ›Distance from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
The West Rim is the closest rim to Las Vegas. It is located about 130 miles from the heart of Las Vegas. On average, the drive takes approximately two and a half hours. Both the North Rim and South Rim are located over 270 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.
You should definitely bring comfortable, breathable clothes such as shorts, comfortable cotton skirts, and T-shirts. Jeans and trousers are acceptable, but remember that denim and other heavy fabrics in the desert heat can be uncomfortable.
Should you wear jeans in Vegas? ›Yes. All nightclubs allow both men and women to wear jeans. We suggest not wearing bagging denim. Jeans can have rips and tears in them, but not an excessive amount of rips.
What is a good amount of money to take to Vegas? ›So bring at least $40.00 for each day spent in Vegas just for basic living expenses but remember there are no frills or even beer in this budget. To enjoy Las Vegas at all, $100 or $150 a day would be much better.
Are drinks in Vegas expensive? ›But don't worry, you won't need to break the bank to drink in the clubs. Depending on what you order and where you order it from, Domestic Beers are $7-$10 and Imports are $8-$10. Mixed Drinks range between $10 and $30, Shots around $10 each, Cognacs $12-$15 and Bottled Waters $8-$10.
How much is a meal in Vegas? ›| Budget restaurant (price per 1 person) in Las Vegas is around: | 10 USD | 9.30 EURO |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range restaurant (meal for 2 people) in Las Vegas is around: | 45 USD | 42 EURO |
| Fast Food combo in Las Vegas is around: | 6.20 USD | 5.80 EURO |
| Price of a cheeseburger in Las Vegas is around: | 1.90 USD | 1.80 EURO |
Carrying an open container & consuming it in public is legal in Las Vegas & unincorporated Clark County. (Yes, that includes The Strip.) Walking around with an open container and consuming alcohol can land you in jail in most parts of the country, but definitely not on Vegas's famous Strip.
Do you tip for free drinks in Vegas? ›While you are gambling in Las Vegas, servers in the casinos will come around with free drinks. Regardless of your luck, it's customary to tip them $1-2 per drink.
Can you walk around with your own drinks in Vegas? ›It is legal to have an open container of alcohol if you are walking along the Las Vegas Strip. However, as of 2014, Las Vegas prohibits people from carrying alcohol in glass containers. Individuals cannot carry any beverage, alcoholic or not, in a glass container on the Strip.
What is Vegas called Sin City? ›
At some point in time, Las Vegas earned its notorious “Sin City” nickname from the prevalence of money crimes, prostitution, and violence.
What is the weird street name on the way to Vegas? ›At the end of the 4.5-mile dirt road is where the real story begins. The military used the area in the 1800s as Camp Soda Springs. It was later named Zzyzx by Curtis Howe Springer.
What is the most isolated ghost town? ›Due to a lack of roads, trails, and water, very few people venture into this area. Beveridge, a gold mining town that never had roads to it, boomed in the late 1800s and then shrank and was abandoned in the early 1900s as its only water source dried up.
How much money do you start with in 7 Wonders? ›Coin cost: In this case you actually need to pay using your coins. You start with three coins at the beginning of the game. There are a number of ways to earn money throughout the game but it doesn't come easy, so be careful splashing all your cash too quickly.
What is the cheapest wonder of the world to see? ›However, for those wanting to see a modern wonder of the world on a budget, the Colosseum in Rome is your best bet.
How long does 7 Wonders take? ›7 Wonders is a card game for 2-7 players that plays in about 45 minutes. 7 Wonders will play great with any amount of the 3-7 player range.
Is Victoria Falls one of the wonders of the world? ›With scale, drama, power and beauty it is easy to see why The Victoria Falls has been accredited as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. Such an awe-inspiring experience, a once in a lifetime opportunity to observe one of our world's most precious areas of natural magnificence.
Is Niagara Falls one of the wonders of the world? ›While there is no 'official' seven wonders of the world list, Niagara Falls is commonly listed amongst various lists as a seventh wonder, as a candidate for the 'natural wonders of the world', or as an honorary 8th wonder of the world.
What is No 1 of the Seven Wonders? ›1. The Great Pyramid of Giza. Of all the ancient seven wonders of the world, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the one and only wonder that has survived to stand tall through thick and thin.
What month is cheapest for Vegas? ›People looking to visit Las Vegas on a budget and save a big chunk of their money ought to do that between January and April or between September and November. Many reasons make these the cheapest times to visit the city, including the airfare.
What is the busiest month to visit Vegas? ›
High season (March to May and September to November) has the best weather. Las Vegas is balmy by day and pleasantly cool at night in the spring and fall. March is probably the busiest month, but April to June and September to November are nearly perfect. High season does mean hotel and ticket prices soar, though.
What is the slowest month in Las Vegas? ›The slowest times of year are parts of January and February; late June through August; the week before Christmas; and the week after New Year's. If a major convention is to be held during your trip, you might want to change your date. Contact the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (tel.
What day are hotels cheapest in Vegas? ›First of all, it is cheaper to come during the week opposed to the weekend. You can usually get a cheaper rate Sunday to Thursday than from Friday to Sunday. If the weekend is your only option, book early as the rates shoot up as people start to book. There are a few periods of time that are always cheaper.
What day of the week is cheapest to stay in Vegas? ›Which Are The Cheapest Days Of The Week To Stay In Vegas? Due to many visitors vacating on weekends, weekdays are the cheapest time to stay in Vegas. Sundays to Thursdays are the best bet for tourists looking to stay in the city on a budget as the things are a bit slower during these days.
What day is it cheaper to book a hotel in Vegas? ›Hotel room prices vary depending on many factors but you'll most likely find the best hotel deals in Las Vegas if you stay on a Saturday. The opposite is true for, Friday, which is usually the most expensive day. Book more than 90 days before your stay begins to get the best price for your Las Vegas hotel.
How far is the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas in hours? ›Directions to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas
Hoover Dam is located in Boulder City, NV, about 45 minutes to an hour southeast of Sin City. There are a few ways to get to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas.
The iconic Grand Canyon Railway is the highlight of traveling by train from Las Vegas to the South Rim. If you can embrace the 12+ hour round-trip by rail, you'll be presented with majestic scenery -- particularly on the last leg of the journey -- from the comfort of a vintage rail car.
How much does it cost to go to the Grand Canyon in Las Vegas? ›| Price from | Duration | |
|---|---|---|
| Full West Rim Tour | $114 | 15 hours |
| South Rim National Park Tour | $104 | 15 hours |
| West Rim Highlights Tour | $199 | 4 hours |
| BEST GRAND CANYON TOURS FROM LAS VEGAS | ||
When it comes to fine dining though, you gotta dress for the occasion! Most of the swanky places in Vegas will have a dress code of some sort – mostly you'll find these to be business-casual, so shirts, trousers, dresses and smart shoes or heels are what you're after.
Can I wear sneakers in Vegas? ›A question we get frequently is can you wear flats to Vegas clubs? Flats are frowned upon while sneakers and flip flops are never acceptable. The dress code in Vegas casinos is miles away from the dress code at the nightclubs located within them.
Should I bring a backpack to Las Vegas? ›
Day Bag or Backpack
Avoid unnecessary trips back to your room by adding a day bag to your Las Vegas packing list. From sunscreen and water to medication and chapstick, a backpack comes in handy for just about everything.
Stay away from flip-flops or sandals when going to a casino, nightclub, restaurant, or bar. 2. Forget about jerseys, shorts, tank tops, shorts, and baseball caps when attending formal events.
What do people wear to Vegas night out? ›If you're not comfortable in a dress, jazz up some trendy shorts with a cute top and pumps. When you just can't decide what to wear out in Vegas, an LBD (little black dress) amped up with some accessories is a classic start for a great night out. Keep in mind that the dance floor will get hot and crowded.
Is there a dress code for Hells Kitchen? ›The dress code at Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen is business casual. This is a contemporary bar and restaurant, so you want to look nice. Skip the jeans and athletic wear, and definitely don't wear your flip-flops. When dressing for dinner, it's also wise to consider what you'll be doing after your meal.
Is $2000 enough for Vegas? ›$2000 should be more than enough, even at Venetian. Some must sees that are free include Bellagio conservatory, Freemont street light show downtown. It might be a $12 trip downtown by cab, plus tip, but you can spend a whole afternoon & evening down there and check out Binions, Main Street Station (good brew), etc.
How much cash can you bring back from Vegas? ›You may bring into or take out of the country, including by mail, as much money as you wish. However, if it is more than $10,000, you will need to report it to CBP.
What is a good amount of money to bring to Vegas? ›So bring at least $40.00 for each day spent in Vegas just for basic living expenses but remember there are no frills or even beer in this budget. To enjoy Las Vegas at all, $100 or $150 a day would be much better.
How much money should the average person take to Vegas? ›So, How Much Money Should I Bring to Vegas? The average visitor spent $1,461 per trip when you add up each category above from the 2021 LVCVA profile survey. That total breaks down to about $318 per day, based on the average 4.6-day trip.
How much money goes through a Vegas casino in a day? ›Every 24 hours, a tremendous amount of money is funneled into Las Vegas through the countless casinos and entertainment venues that populate The Strip. According to recent estimates, an incredible $6 million dollars are spent each day in this vibrant city on tourism, entertainment, and gambling alone.
Is Vegas cheaper during the week? ›Which Are The Cheapest Days Of The Week To Stay In Vegas? Due to many visitors vacating on weekends, weekdays are the cheapest time to stay in Vegas. Sundays to Thursdays are the best bet for tourists looking to stay in the city on a budget as the things are a bit slower during these days.
What is the best month to go to Las Vegas? ›
High season (March to May and September to November) has the best weather. Las Vegas is balmy by day and pleasantly cool at night in the spring and fall. March is probably the busiest month, but April to June and September to November are nearly perfect.
How much should I budget for drinks in Vegas? ›Drinks aren't exactly cheap in Las Vegas. A typical cocktail will run anywhere from $15-$20 on average. If you're on a budget, it doesn't hurt to maybe have the first drink or two of the night in your room and save a little bit of money before going out and hitting the city scene.
Is it expensive to eat in Las Vegas? ›Meals can vary in price but it is possible to eat on a budget in Las Vegas. Stick to restaurants off the strip or the chain restaurants to spend as little as $25 a day on food and drink. If you intend to try the buffets and restaurants on the strip, expect to pay around $30 per meal on average.
How much is a trip to Vegas for 3 days? ›Based on my estimate you can expect to spend about $2,185 for three nights in Sin City. Las Vegas is not cheap, but if you use some of the tips above you can find places to save some money. Or, if you prefer to treat yourself, you can do that too.
What is the win rate for slot machines in Vegas? ›A payout rate over 90% is not uncommon in Las Vegas and on the Las Vegas Strip, but there are important caveats to remember. The payouts are across all the machines in a casino and they account for large jackpots.
What is the average Vegas gambler? ›People who came to Las Vegas gambled an average of $717.51 in 2021 — about $126 more than in 2020, according to the Las Vegas visitor profile released last week. They spent an average of three hours a day gambling in casinos, and stayed an average of 3.6 days and 4.6 nights. About 75% of all visitors gambled.
What are the odds of winning Vegas slots? ›Generally the odds of winning any prize on Las Vegas Slot Machines are approximately 1 in 5. However the odds to winning a top prize on a red, white and blue slot machine, for example, are only 1 in 373,248. Some slot games pay smaller prizes more frequently and offer more bonus games (Loose Slots).
What month is Las Vegas cheapest? ›People looking to visit Las Vegas on a budget and save a big chunk of their money ought to do that between January and April or between September and November. Many reasons make these the cheapest times to visit the city, including the airfare.
What month is the cheapest to go to Vegas? ›For the cheapest times, visit during the shoulder season of September–November and January–April. You can even find low rates during the summer when the city is at its hottest. However, avoid major holidays and aim for stays starting on Sundays, when the weekend crowds dissipate.