Endless rows of flashing machines; free drinks galore; and arguably more ways to be entertained than almost any other city on earth: Welcome to Las Vegas.
I consider Las Vegas to be like Disneyland for adults: pretty lights dazzle every guest, visitors are inundated with seemingly endless entertainment options, (and the workers are all probably on low wages from giant corporations).
I have been to Las Vegas 4 times now, which I consider quite impressive for someone that lives in Australia. There’s a few reasons for this: I love the energy of the place, it’s always buzzing, and there’s always a sense of excitement. I love the grandeur of the casinos, rising out of the desert, completely out of place.
But most of all it’s just fun.
Even though I don’t let the “what happens in Vegas” mantra be an excuse to do dumb shit, there is a definite sense of freedom to do things you wouldn’t normally do. For me this involves things like walking down a busy main street (none other than Las Vegas Boulevard) with at least two drinks in hand; or sitting at a blackjack table smoking a cigar like a boss; or even just spending $50 on a poker game.
Love it or hate it it’s a magical place, so I’ve put together this epic Las Vegas travel guide packed full of things to do, places to eat, drink, and gamble to help you get the most out of your next visit.
Contents: Las Vegas Travel Guide
Click to view:
- Non-gambling entertainment
- Where to Drink in Las Vegas
- Places to Eat in Las Vegas
- Free Entertainment in Las Vegas
- Cheap Places to Gamble in Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Shows
- Sweet Views of Las Vegas
- Downtown Las Vegas
- Where to Stay in Las Vegas
- Getting Around Las Vegas
- Day Trips from Las Vegas
Don’t have time to read the lot? Download your free Las Vegas travel guide PDF today so you can read this later.
Non-gambling entertainment
Las Vegas Neon Museum
For such a cool experience, I’m surprised the Neon museum isn’t talked about more. Housed in what feels like someone’s backyard are hundred of antique signs and their thousands of (mostly blown) light globes from a Vegas of old. Many are from the 1950s and 60s, some even older.
But more than just a yard of fading signs, the museum is a treasure trove of history from one of the most fascinating cities in the world and stands as a time capsule preserving the memory of casinos and motels past and present.
Eiffel Tower Experience
If you’re looking for the best vantage point of the Las Vegas strip, look no further than the Eiffel Tower Experience. Located at the central Paris Casino, the monument is a one third replica of the original Parisian materpiece and gives a stunning 360 degree view of the Strip and surrounds. It is the perfect height because you are high enough to see everything, but low enough that there is plenty of detail in what you are seeing.
Best time to go is at night because of all the lights Vegas puts on, but you do pay a bit extra for the privilege. I actually got my ticket for about 40% off from Groupon so keep an eye for sales there.
Pinball hall of fame
If you have a penchant for retro and have ever enjoyed playing pinball, the Pinball Hall of Fame is a must stop. Covering over 10,000 square feet of history, the hall of fame offers visitors flashing game machines that are actually fun, and won’t cost near as much as those that fill casino floors. Most machines are either 25 or 50 cents to play.
NYNY coaster
Nothing in Vegas seems to come cheaply and the NYNY coaster is no exception. But thrill seekers will be treated to a truly unique roller coaster experience as gravity takes you on a grand tour of the New York New York skyline, with fleeting views of the Strip as you slide past high points.
Linq high roller
Hidden from most street views, yet starkly visible from any high view is the Linq high roller. The ferris wheel has 28 cabins holding up to 40 people each that circulate around a wheel to a height of 170 metres, about 35 metres higher than the London Eye!
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
I was really looking forward to going to see the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. In true Vegas style I pictured an epic shark tank, with Great Whites swimming inside, with a perfect view of the high roller tables.
What I found instead was some sort of acquarium zoo quite a walk away from all playing areas with quite a hefty entry fee. I can’t actually tell you what it’s like because I was hoping it was free and I could just do a drive by.
Wrong.
Adventuredome, Circus Circus
Not many people make it as far north as Circus Circus unless you are staying there, but the Adventuredome is actually a great way to have an afternoon of fun without being stuck at a gaming table. The indoor, air-conditioned theme park has roller coasters, mini golf, a rock climbing wall, bungee jumping, video games, arcade games, and even free clown shows.
Gondola Ride in the Venetian
Just like in Venice, you can take a gondola ride through the canals under a partly-clouded blue sky. Except in Vegas, the blue sky is realistically painted atop Italian style indoor buildings.
Below are some tours from Viator you may wish to check out.
Where to drink in Las Vegas
A note about Las Vegas bars. I love my craft beer so I tend to gravitate towards places that satisfy this particular thirst. Just know that not being a beer snob doesn’t exclude you from enjoying them as well, I wouldn’t include them otherwise.
Chandelier Bar, Cosmopolitan
If you walk through the Cosmopolitan the Chandelier will be hard to miss. It’s a multi-level bar in an atrium, in the middle of the complex. It is named such as it is draped in thousands of sparkly beads or crystals giving the impression of a chandelier.
Beer Park, Paris Hotel
As an outdoor beer garden, Beer Park beckons with the promise of the warm sun beating down on your back while you and your pals sip the nectar of the gods while playing pool. Beer Park has an extensive craft beer range, as well as an impressive cocktail list and a casual eats menu that will have you going back for more.
Look for the signs on the Planet Hollywood side of the Paris Hotel from the Strip.
Omnia, Caesars Palace
Omnia is the huge dome that sits just in the foreground of Caesars Palace. On a Saturday night you can actually hear Calvin Harris pumping out the tunes from the other side of the Boulevard. That’s right, Calvin Harris is the resident DJ at Omnia and people travel all the way from LA just to party here. I know because I saw the billboards all over Hollywood.
That said, there are many other famous DJs with residencies in Vegas, you can see them all here.
Sin City Brewing Co
There are a few of these around, but the one I went to was in the Planet Hollywood Miracle Mile loop mall. It’s just a small thing, but they had a decent range of their beers on tap. They had a few stools to sit on or you could just take one for the road.
Beerhaus, The Park
The Park is a small precinct behind the NYNY and in the front yard of the Monte Carlo. Visiting the Park is worthwhile just to enjoy the extensive tap list offered by Beerhaus. Despite the German sounding name, the beers are anything but Bavarian; they are appropriately diverse.
Places to eat in Las Vegas
BurGR
I ate at Gordon Ramsey’s BurGR last time I was in Vegas in 2014, and it was good enough to visit again in 2016. The burgers are simple but sublime and the tap list extensive. For the second time out of two I was blown away by the incredible creations of Mr Ramsey and could eat here every meal if given the option.
Holsteins Shakes and buns
Holsteins is actually known for their epic milk shakes (and they are epic!) but if milk isn’t going to get your where need to be later in the night then peruse the long list of beers on offer and if you can’t find something you love, you’re not looking hard enough.
Oh and they also make damn fine burgers.
Mon Ami Gabi
While Mon Ami Gabi is very definition of on the beaten path, they do serve good French food. And since it is centrally located on the Strip, if you don’t want to think too hard about where to eat it’s a good option. I’ve only had breakfast there, but I’ve had breakfast there the last 2 times I’ve been in Vegas. I had some delicious (and what seemed like authentic) thin, French crepes with soft pear.
Shake Shack
While not exclusive to Las Vegas, Shake Shack is somewhat of a rarity in the western United States. Shake Shack is another quick burger joint; a giant chain out of New York that pits their fanatical fans against those of In’N’Out Buger. The burgers are great, but they are most known for their shakes.
Border Grill
After a big night out, if you’re looking a good morning after brunch option, Border Grill offers a less traditional type of brunch – Mexican style. There are two locations on the Strip but the Mandalay Bay location has a lovely outdoor patio to relax on. Brunch is served as small plates that you can order in unlimited quantities for $35 and you can add unlimited mimosas for an extra $10.
For the more sweet toothed diner, there is also a good selection including churro tots with cinnamon sugar and passion fruit puree. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. (By Michele Robson www.turningleftforless.com)
Pin up Pizza, Planet Hollywood (giant ass pizza)
Pin up Pizza is best enjoyed at 2am after a good few hours at the tables with many a free drink inside you. Don’t plan to eat here for a meal, it will be wasted. The pizzas are delicious, excellent value, and at 15 inches, might even be the biggest slice I’ve ever had.
Sambalatte, Monte Carlo
I stayed at the Monte Carlo and having this place at my doorstop was a godsend. One of the few places I found in America that does decent coffee. Not many come close to our pretentiously high Australian standards, but this place was close. They also have quite a few good and quick breakfast options as well so it was a great place to start our day.
Bruxie, The Park
Located between the New York New York and the Monte Carlo is a string of eats and drinks, including this small place serving delicious waffle sandwiches. I had breakfast there on my last morning in Las Vegas and had a pesto, eggs and ham waffle and a Nutella waffle because, you know, who can make decisions that early in the morning?
Restaurant Guy Savoy
For those wanting that touch of luxury, gourmet Restaurant Guy Savoy in Augustus Towers at Caesars is a class above. Fellow blogger Enzo treated himself to a meal and wrote the expense off as a once in a lifetime opportunity and said it was well worth it. In fact this is the only place outside of Paris that you can appreciate the typical dishes of Guy Savoy such as the black truffle soup and Fois gras. (by Enzo Ferarri)
Free entertainment in Las Vegas
Fall of Atlantis, Caesars
While perhaps a little cheesy, the Roman-themed show in the Forum shops is completely free and is worth stopping by if you’re planning on being there anyway. It features animatronic action and actors, and is played every hour on the hour. There are plenty of places to eat in the area so your best bet is to find a table with a view of the set so you can wait and watch while you eat.
Linq Promenade
The Linq Promenade is more of a precinct than a specific attraction, but as you are walking down the Strip exploring casinos, take a walk between the Linq Hotel and the Flamingo towards the High Roller ferris wheel. There’s plenty of lunch and nightlife spots like Gordon Ramsey’s Fish and Chips, or shops to poke your head in including a random hat store, a novelty souvenir store, and a cupcake ATM.
The Las Vegas sign
Iconic to this city of sin is the flashy “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign at the south end of the strip. It’s a 15 minute walk from the Mandalay Bay, which we walked, but then getting back you’ll get need to get a Lyft/Uber for a few dollars as it’s a good few kilometres from the main part of the Strip.
Flamingos at the Flamingo
As the name suggests, the hotel does actually boast its own flock of flamingos out the back in their 15-acre wildlife habitat. They aren’t very active, but having never seen a real flamingo before, I got a bit of a buzz out of seeing them.
I was also interested to learn that the habitat is also home to swans, ibis, pelicans, Ring Tealed ducks, koi fish and turtles, though “The Flamingo, Swan, Ibis, Pelican, Ring Tealed Duck, Koi Fish, and Turtle” is probably too long a name for a hotel so I’m glad they just picked the one animal to name it after.
Watch: my 4 days in Las Vegas in moving pictures.
Cheap places to Gamble
If you’re like me you’re not a big gambler, but when you’re in Vegas playing the tables is the thing to do. You want to have go at the tables, but you aren’t there to win big money, and you certainly aren’t there to lose big money; you’re just there to have a good time and a long time without losing too much cash. The cheap places to play generally coincide with cheap places to sleep so these are the places I found to have the cheapest tables.
Just note that when the tables are so cheap, the odds are generally worse than the more expensive tables. For example, standard on a $5 blackjack table is blackjack pays 6:5 instead of 3:2.
Circus Circus
The cheapest hotel on the strip also has some of the cheapest tables on the strip. Many $5 tables.
Linq
Another good value hotel that has good value tables. 6 of us played on a $5 blackjack table for close to 3 hours.
Flamingo
Just next door, everything about the Flamingo screams budget, right down to the girls dancing on the tables. Quite a few $5 tables here as well.
Luxor
We learnt to play craps on a $5 tables in the Luxor but we also saw $5 blackjack as well. They aren’t hidden so look in the main section not far from Dick’s Last Resort.
Hooters
Now I didn’t quite make it to Hooters, unfortunately, one more day in Vegas and I probably would have, but the casino does boast quite a few $3 blackjack tables. Keep an eye out for cheap wing night as well, as this could potentially be your cheapest night out after you take into consideration the free drinks you’ll get for playing. Located on Tropicana Avenue, it’s only a $5 Lyft/Uber away.
Monte Carlo
The Monte Carlo is where I stayed last time, and it has a single $5 blackjack table, right near the food court. That’s it though.
Las Vegas Shows
Vegas is full of shows and if you can afford it, I recommend you try and see at least one while in town. A show is a great night and if you’re there wih your partner, a memorable Vegas experience as a couple. I’ve seen David Copperfield’s show and it is phenomenal. Even you aren’t into magic or illusions, you’ll be gobsmacked with his illusions and wit.
At last count I believe there are 7 Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas, each with a different story, performance, and hook. I’ve seen Ka at the MGM Grand and despite falling asleep due to having a massive night the night before, the stunts they pull off are mind bending.
Although I haven’t seen them perform, I’d love to see the Jabawockeez. I’m not much into dancing, but I have been a genuine fan of the dance group ever since they burst into fame from one of the Step Up movies. I’m not embarrassed to admit it. Click here to find discount tickets to Jabbawockeez in Las Vegas.
Another Las Vegas institution is the Blue Man Group, which just sounds like it would be a truly unique show. I haven’t seen it but it intrigues me because I have no idea what to expect. Maybe next time.
Expect to pay up to around $100 for a show ticket. But you if you don’t really have a strong preference for what you see, rock up to one of the many Tix4Tonight locations along the strip and see what shows have last minute discounted tickets.
Sweet views of Las Vegas
Although completely manufactured, Vegas is a beautiful city. The grandeur of the city lights up at night into a specacle that can only truly be captured from heights. Thankfully there are plenty of places along the strip to take this in.
Eiffel Tower Experience
I mentioned above the Eiffel Tower Experience as a fun thing to do. I also think it has one of the best vantage points in the city, and is perfect for watching the Bellagio fountains from above. I truly felt like I was getting exactly how the artist planned it by seeing the shows from above.
Stratosphere
This one might be an obvious inclusion but nonetheless, for some of the best top-down views of the entire strip (and surrounds) from the northern end of town, the Statosphere is your answer. Admission to the 869 foot observation deck is $20 and an extra $20 if you want to experience the adrenaline-fueled rides that hang off the side.
With three spine-chilling rides, the Stratosphere is a great stop for thrill seekers to be launched even higher than the tower already stands. And when you’ve tried them all there is even a quick way down again via the electrifying Skyjump – it saves queuing for elevators! (by Matt Hulland)
Lago by Julian Serrano
…Or in fact any of the restaurants dotted around the Bellagio fountains, there’s about 5 or 6. They don’t offer you a high view, but you do get a front row seat of the fountains every 15 minutes with the Paris in the background.
Lago offers a relaxed but elegant dining atmosphere with an unpretentious menu. Prebook your table to ensure a window seat and front row of the Bellagio fountain show.
Nove Italiano, The Palms
Located a few blocked west of Las Vegas Boulevard, The Palms offers a unique view of the Las Vegas area with the Strip in the foreground. Albeit, not as high or as close as some of the on-strip locations but a good view nonetheless.
Downtown Las Vegas
Visitors to Las Vegas often come for a few days and just like it was for me the first 3 times I visited, there was more than plenty on-strip to keep me satisfactorily entertained.
But with 4 days this most recent trip I ventured off and visited Downtown, the heart of which is the completely undercover Freemont Street Experience.
You will most likely arrive at one end and walk through as a leisurely pace, but in case you want some direction, here are a few things to look out for.
Slotzilla Zipline
As you wander you will see people zip lining overhead down the Fremont Street. These people are being spat out of a giant slot machine, called Slotzilla.
Pizza Rock
Without doubt the best pizza I had in Las Vegas (perhaps even the USA). Set just outside of Fremont Street, the pizza mecca also boasts one of the best craft beer menus in the city as well.
Shark Tank at the Golden Nugget
I am absolutely crushed I didn’t get to see this on my visit to Downtown Las Vegas. Inside the pool area at the Golden Nugget is an honest to goodness aquarium tank filled with fish and sharks. To top it off, there is a water slide that goes through the entire tank. Typical Las Vegas taking everything to next level. Here’s a video I found of it on YouTube.
Take a photo with a million dollars at Binions
This was pretty tacky, but if you’re in the casino you at least walk past. In front of a stationary camera is a million dollars worth of Benjamins, secured under thick Perspex, with an employee barking at you to put your camera away.
Commonwealth
Throwback to the good old days at the Commonwealth, an excessively large cocktail bar whose presence, decor, and beverages are an homage to prohibition – a time when people drank as much as they did prior to, just in secret. Cocktail bar out front, rooftop bar up top, hidden speakeasy out back, it’s the opposite of the traditional Vegas experience.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
There are plenty of options along the strip with something to suit all budgets. Most of the hotels are either owned by MGM Resorts or Caesars and signing up for their rewards program before you go can get you discounts of up to 15%.
Also, if you can arrange it, staying midweek is much cheaper than on a weekend and this applies across the board. Sometimes a room can be 50% cheaper on a Thursday than on a Friday so it’s definitely worth looking into.
Linq
I stayed here when it was still the Imperial Palace in 2011. It is a little nicer now that it has had a transformative face lift, but it is still a very good budget option. It’s located in the middle of the strip so is close to everything.
Monte Carlo
I stayed here on my most recent trip to Las Vegas in 2016. I found a great price on a new aggregator website called Prestigia. While looking a little dated in places, the rooms were clean, spacious, and reasonably modern with reasonably priced tables downstairs. Monte Carlo even gave us a cot for our toddler (who had only just started walking), not that he ever slept in it.
See Prices for the Monte Carlo.
Bellagio
The Bellagio has the ultimate location, being plotted right in the middle of the Strip. At times, it can be only marginally more to stay here than a more mid-priced hotel like the Paris or MGM so if you squeeze a little more out of your budget, the Bellagio is the place to stay.
Aria
Now that I’m thinking about, I’d probably put Aria on par with Bellagio in terms of experience. It’s more modern in design and age (opened in 2009), the rooms are plush with technological touches (such as automatic blinds), and it has a great selection of restaurants.
Wynn/Encore
When money is no issue, the Wynn takes luxury to the next level. It is still on the strip – a little past Caesars Palace, but it is a little further away from the action.
Super 8 Las Vegas
The Super 8 is the only one on this list I haven’t actually stayed at, but my friend did and said it was a great budget option. It’s just off the strip and has simple dorm or private rooms for around $20 a night (depending, of course, the time of week and year you go). It’s a great option for the budget minded traveller.
Watch: my 4 days in Las Vegas in moving pictures.
Getting Around Las Vegas
Compared to most cities, the attrations of Las Vegas are fairly compact. They are mostly located up or down the 5.6km Strip (I calculate the Strip as being from Mandalay Bay to Circus Circus) withing a short walking distance of each other. Therefore walking will be your main mode of transport.
Granted, you can walk a lot just going in an out of the casinos, as these are the main attractions, so be prepared for that and bring good walking shoes.
Many of the hotels are actually connected by a monorail. However, there is no one monorail that goes up and down the Strip; the monorails generally service 2-3 casinos each. These are all free and can save a lot of walking.
There is a bus that goes around, and this can get you to places off the Strip. I didn’t actually use it because I didn’t need to, and you probably won’t either. But the option is there if you do.
And lastly, it goes without saying that taxis/Ubers/Lyfts abound. When I visited there were many people giving out Lyft cards with a welcome code that gave me 10 $5 vouchers. Most of the trips around Vegas are short so you could potentially get many rides for like $2-3. This is what I did.
Day trips from Las Vegas
Red rock canyon
If you have a day to spare in Vegas, or if you just really love epic nature, a visit to Red Rock Canyon is a must. Located just a half hours drive from Las Vegas Boulevard, Red Rock will feel miles away. Distinct rock formations explode from the earth, beckoning the eager hiker to get closer and higher.
There are likely tours that will take you there (click here to browse tours), but your best bet might be to hire a car and drive yourself so you can go at your own pace.
Make a beeline for the visitors Centre to grab a map and ask the staff for a recommendation on what hike(s) would be the most suitable. They all vary in length, difficulty and beauty but they are knowledgeable enough to get you onto the right one. We hiked along the Calico Tanks trail which was a gorgeous walk through a canyon and up to a panoramic view of the plateau with Las Vegas Boulevard in the distance.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon needs no introduction; it is famous for being the worlds largest hole in the ground. A red rainbow of rock formations extend to the horizon as you gaze in awe of the vast geological sea.
As far as day trips go, with a 4 hour journey each way, this is pushing the limit. However, plenty of tour companies can help you achieve it because if you want to only take a day, you won’t want to drive it yourself. After 8 hours of driving you’ll have no mental capacity left to lose shit tons of money at roulette.
If you would like to go at a more leisurely pace, do what I did and stay the night at or near Grand Canyon village and self drive (for me it was Kingman). The hotel prices will surprise you.
There are a number of different parts of the Grand Canyon to visit. The most common is the South Rim, but for more information on which to visit, read my guest post on Mapping Megan.
If you want to book a tour: click here for West Rim tours, and here for South Rim tours.
* Please note that all of the above is my own opinion. Since writing, I have added some links to tours, which, if you book through me I will get a small commission and helps to support the site but doesn’t cost you anything more. I just want you to have a grand old time.
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Monorail is free? Last time I checked it was 11 or 12 bucks.
Nope. Monorail was definitely free. At least, it was at the Monte Carlo end. Thanks for reading ?
Man I think you’d just need to live in Las Vegas for about a decade to hit all these places! That’s the beauty of Vegas – it’s always changing. Thanks!
It’s a bit like that isn’t! I feel like I need to go back a fifth time to see all the new places I’ve found
Great summary! We are also big Vegas fans and have been several times :) Would also highly recommend the rooftop bars at the top of Mandalay Bay and the voodoo lounge bar/club at the top of the Rio as THE best views over the whole strip!
Great tips! I will definitely check these out next time I’m there!