Las Vegas Travel Tips
If you are looking for Las Vegas Travel Tips or how to do Las Vegas right, you have come to the right site.
We all know that guys love Vegas, so we consider this a great gift idea for men.
However, the town can be quite expensive, and planning early is the best way to navigate it.
Here we will discuss the best travel tips for Las Vegas.
Best Travel Tips for Las Vegas 2023
The Complete List
Accommodations
Las Vegas Hotel Tips
#1 The $20 Sandwich
This is my favourite Las Vegas Travel Tip! It is called the $20 sandwich.
When you check-in, ask the person at the front desk if there are any complimentary upgrades.
When the clerk at check-in asks for your id and credit card, make sure you put a $20 bill in between. This will work most of the time. If it is a busy time of the year like New Years’ or if there is a convention do not try this trick, as there may be no rooms available for upgrade.
#2 Escaping Resort Fees
Sadly, almost every hotel on the strip charges resort fees. At some hotels, the charge can be up to $40 per night.
Hotels downtown also charge resort fees but charge less.
To my knowledge, the only hotel that does not charge these fees on the strip is Casino Royal by Best Western. It is a less desirable hotel but the location is good.
I have been told Binion’s downtown does not charge resort fees. However, their prices are much higher than the hotels with resort fees, so it doesn’t make much difference in the end.
#3 Hotels to Avoid
Steer clear of these Hotels
- Circus Circus
- Travelodge Near Circus Circus
- Travelodge Center Strip
- The Strat
- Excalibur
Circus Circus was recently sold to Phil Ruffin (who currently owns TI). Ruffin plans on building a 2,000-seat theater in front of the casino and will keep the amusement park at the back of the casino.
There are plans for plans to turn the property’s RV park into a swimming pool complex with a wave machine, sand beaches, and a lazy river ride.
#4 Top 5 High-End Hotels in Las Vegas
This list was ranked using Expedia reviews.
1. Four Seasons Hotels
2. The Cosmopolitan
3. The Palazzo at The Venetian
4. Wynn and Encore
5. NoMad
Hotel within a Hotel
What is interesting is two of these top 5 picks are hotels within a hotel.
The Four Seasons is inside of Mandalay Bay and the NoMad is inside of ParkMGM.
#5 Pools
You will probably want to get to the pool as early as possible, as people snap up the deck chairs fairly quickly.
Sadly, the pools have become a have vs the have nots and some sections are reserved for pay VIP customers.
#6 Free WiFi Las Vegas
- ARIA Resort & Casino
- Mandalay Bay
- Luxor
- New York New York
- MGM Grand
- Mirage
- Park MGM
- Bellagio
- Sahara (formerly SLS)
#7 Late Checkout
Late checkout used to be free, but, is no longer the case.
If you get a player’s card and gamble enough they may wave the late checkout fee.
What to See
#8 Pick out a Show Before You Leave
There are so many shows to choose from and it can be overwhelming deciding which one you want to see.
#9 Pinball Museum
Yes, Vegas has a pinball museum. If you have paid for a monorail pass, go to the MGM Grand and get an Uber or Lyft from there.
Location: 1610 E. Tropicana, Las Vegas NV
Take a walkthrough here.
#10 Container Park
Container Park is exactly what its name suggests: a park built out of containers. It is located downtown and it is a nice break from all the casinos.
You will know you are there when you see a giant grasshopper.
Location: 707 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV
#11 Sign Graveyard
Sign Graveyard
Sadly, a lot of the older casinos have been torn down. Luckily the signs have been preserved at the sign graveyard.
Take a trip away from the casino and visit the signs to capture some of Las Vegas’ history.
Location: 770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101.
#12 Titanic Museum
There is a Titanic Museum located in the Luxor.
The museum boasts real artifacts from the Titanic.
I mention this as I have been to the Titanic Museum in Belfast (where the Titanic was built) and they didn’t have a single artifact from the historic ship.
Location: 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
#13 Mob Museum
The Mob Museum is located in downtown Las Vegas. The Museum opened in February 2012.
Exhibits include
- The brick wall where the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre took place
- Mob violence
- Casino money skimming operations
- Wiretapping by law enforcement
Location: 300 Stewart Ave Las Vegas NV
#14 NHL Game
It is no secret Canadians love hockey and often it is difficult to get tickets to see your favourite team.
If you plan to see an NHL Game I recommend staying at MGM Grand, New York New York, Park MGM, Excalibur, Luxor, or Mandalay Bay as they are close to the stadium.
Location: 3780 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
#15 Intersection where Tupac was shot
Tragically, Tupac Shakur was shot and killed on September 7th, 1996. The shooting occurred at 11:15 p.m. Pacific Time.
Tupac was shot at the intersection of East Flamingo Road and Koval Lane.
If you go east between the Flamingo Hotel and Bally’s and keep walking east for about 10 minutes you should see the intersection.
Location: Intersection of East Flamingo Road and Koval Lane
#16 Free Shows
Mirage
Mirage has a volcano that is quite spectacular. The showtimes are at 8, 9, and 10 PM.
Bellagio
Bellagio has a great fountain show that is quite impressive. It runs frequently.
Circus Circus
Circus Circus has a free circus show. I must admit the hotel is quite run down but I enjoy going there as I consider it part of Vegas history.
Treasure Island
Note: Treasure Island used to have a pirate show but for some reason, it has been canceled.
#17 Berlin Wall
DID YOU KNOW...
You can actually find a piece of the Berlin Wall at Main Street Station Casino.
Oddly enough the piece of the Berlin Wall is located in the men’s washroom
Women can see the Berlin Wall with the assistance of a security guard.
Location: 200 N Main St, Las Vegas
#18 Filming Locations from the movie “Casino”
- Sam “Ace” Rothstein house used in the film (3515 Cochise Ln. Las Vegas, NV).
- Main Street Station is where Frank Rosenthal’s car got blown up near a Tony Roma’s (200 N Main St, Las Vegas, NV).
- The scene where Sam Rothstein and Nicky Santoro are not getting along and they see each other at a restaurant. That restaurant is called Oscars Steak House (1 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV).
- There is a scene where a bar gets shot up. That Bar is Atomic Liquors (917 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101).
- Tower of Jewels is where Frank Marino talks turkey and gets his stolen jewels appraised (896 E Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV).
#19 Take Your Free Photo with One Million Dollars
At Binion’s casino downtown you can take a free photo with one million dollars.
Binion’s $1 Million Display holds exactly one million dollars in a pyramid design filled with cash denominations ranging from ones to one hundred dollar bills.
You can get your photo from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Location: 128 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV
#20 Statue of Elvis at Westgate
Elvis rebuilt his career in the 1970s in Las Vegas. He played many sold-out shows at the International and Las Vegas Hilton. Today, the hotel is called the Westgate and you can check out a tribute of Elvis in the form of a statue.
There are many photos around the lobby that Elvis fans would enjoy.
The hotel is now known as the Westgate has changed several times. Initially, the hotel was called the International, then it was the Las Vegas Hilton, then the LVH, and today it is known as Westgate.
DID YOU KNOW...
Elvis has a suite at the Westgate. He was given the penthouse suite (room “3000”).
Location: 3000 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
#21 Winston Churchill’s Snooker Table at Main Street Casino
You can find Winston Churchill’s snooker table at Main Street Station.
The snooker table is located on the second floor. If you can’t find it just ask.
For those of you who don’t know Winston Churchill was the British Prime Minister from 1940 to 1945 and from 1951 to 1955
Location: 200 N Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
#22 Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
If you have ever watched the history channel then you must have seen the show Pawn Stars. Today, the store is called Rick Harrisons Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.
The shop is open every day from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and they are closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving.
If you don’t plan on visiting the Pawn Shop, odds are you will see the store when you are travelling from the strip to downtown.
Also, there is a container park beside Gold & Silver Pawn Shop is owned by Rick Harrison. It is filled with shops and restaurants.
Location: 713 Las Vegas Blvd. So. Las Vegas, NV 89101
#23 Kiss Themed Mini-Golf
Have you been to Vegas many times and have never been to the Rio?
Are you a fan of mini-golf?
Are you a fan of Kiss?
If yes to all of the above why not try Kiss Themed Mini Golf.
Location: 3700 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103
#24 Las Vegas Premium Outlet Mall
If you want to go shopping there is a premium outlet mall. The mall is outdoors and has a great selection to choose from.
Location: 875 S Grand Central Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89106
#25 Siegfried and Roy Monument
Siegfried & Roy were a duo of German-American magicians and entertainers, best known for their appearances with lions and white tigers.
There is a nice tribute to Sigfried and Roy between Mirage and TI.
#26 World Series of Poker
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is held annually at the Rio Hotel. The event is held for several days between June and July.
The WSOP began in 1970 when Benny Binion invited 7 of the best poker players to play a single tournament at the Horseshoe Casino.
If you have never been to the Rio this is a good chance to check it out.
#27 Calling all Chocoholics
If you are a Chocoholic check out the following places
- M&M Store
- Hershey Store – New York New York
- Bellagio Chocolate Waterfall
- Ethel M Chocolates – California Hotel
Las Vegas Travel Tips Transportation
#28 Transportation to and from the Airport
I will file this under my Las Vegas vacation tips, tricks, and cautions section.
Las Vegas has Uber and Lyft, and both are available at the airport. The airport has free WiFi, so you should be able to connect without using your data.
There are also shuttle buses that will take you to your hotel. They are not bad and much better value than a cab.
Don’t ever take a cab from the airport! In a state of fatigue, I have taken a cab from the airport several times as and I always regret it. Cabs take you along a convoluted route on the highway called the “tunnel route” and a simple $10 Uber ride cost like $30 to $40.
#29 Uber vs Lyft
There is no clear winner when it comes to which rideshare program to use.
I recommend pricing them out before each trip. Below is a sample from 7:00 p.m. on July 20th, 2019.
Usually, there is about a $1.00 price difference but if you note my Sahara to Golden Nugget there is almost a $5.00 difference.
Sahara to Golden Nugget
- Uber $14.42
- Lyft $9.72
The Linq to Ellis Island
- Uber $10.82
- Lyft $8.70
Airport to Caesars (Centre Strip)
- Uber $17.48
- Lyft $16.42
#30 Paid Monorail
The paid Las Vegas monorail is extremely beneficial to a guest staying at Westgate or Sahara as you have minimal walking to get to the monorail from your hotel.
Most people like to go to downtown Las Vegas at least once during their trip. If you like to go downtown, take the monorail to Sahara and get an Uber/Lyft downtown from there, as this will help keep costs down.
Take the Monorail to MGM (as it is the closest hotel to the airport) and get an Uber/Lyft to the airport when leaving Las Vegas. Make sure to note the date and time your ticket expires.
Line MGM – Sahara
- MGM Grand Station
- Bally’s and Paris Station
- Flamingo and Caesars Station
- Harrah’s and The Linq Station
- Convention Center Station
- Westgate Station
- Sahara Station
#31 Free Monorails
Some of these can be hard to find but below is a list of free Monorails in Vegas
Line: Mandalay Bay – Excalibur
- Mandalay Bay
- Luxor
- Excalibur
Line: Park MGM – Bellagio
- Park MGM
- Waldorf Astoria
- Aria
- Vdara
- Bellagio
Line: Mirage – Treasure Island
- Mirage
- Treasure Island
Food
#32 Ellis Island
Cost: $
If you are looking for tips for Vegas on a budget, then check out the restaurant at Ellis Island.
Some may say gone are the good old days of Vegas where food and drink were priced very cheap with the intent to get you to gamble.
That may be the case but not at Ellis Island.
The restaurant in Ellis Island is so cheap and the portions are massive.
Try and take an Uber or Lyft from the Linq hotel.
Location: 4250 Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV
#33 Ocean One
Cost: $
This restaurant is located in the miracle mile inside Planet Hollywood hotel.
At lunch, every menu item at Ocean One is priced at 5 dollars.
Ocean One serves Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
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Location: 3667 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
#34 In-N-Out Burger
Cost: $
This burger chain is taking the world by storm. In fact, Gordon Ramsay loved In N Out Burger so much, after he finished his burger he went through the drive-thru and ordered the same meal again to take home.
Location: The Linq Promenade
#35 Taco Bell Cantina
Cost: $
Taco Bell Catina is like the Taco Bell you know and love except it has gone upscale. At this restaurant, you can also enjoy an alcoholic beverage. Finally, you can get married at this Taco Bell location
Location: Planet Hollywood
#36 Stake N’ Shake
Cost: $
Stake ‘n Shake has great food at a great price. There are three locations in Las Vegas. I recommend trying these restaurants if you want to check out the South Point Hotel or the OYO hotel (formally Hooters Hotel and Casino).
Location: OYO Hotel
#37 Hash House A GO GO
Cost: $$
Hash House A Go Go is known for its huge breakfasts. The restaurant first opened in San Diego in 2000 but has several locations in Las Vegas.
Many Vegas Junkies have never been to the Rio or Plaza so if you have these hotels on your bucket list why not try Hash Hash A Go Go at these locations.
Locations
- The Linq – 3535 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas
- Plaza Hotel and Casino – 1 S Main St, Las Vegas
- Rio Hotel – 3700 W. Flamingo Rd Las Vegas
#38 Peppermill Fireside Lounge
Cost: $$
The restaurant opened in 1972 and quickly became a Las Vegas Landmark.
The menu features many original items such as the fresh fruit salad, French toast ambrosia, and famous Peppermill burger.
Peppermill is known for its extremely large portions.
Location: 2985 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
#39 Secret Pizza
Cost: $
The cosmopolitan has a secret pizza restaurant. I have never been there myself but it gets great reviews.
Secret Pizza is on the 3rd floor of the Cosmo. The restaurant is not advertised anywhere, look for a hidden entryway and there are no signs.
Location: 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
#40 Heart Attack Grill
Cost: $$
Heart Attack Grill is a restaurant that is known to serve gigantic hamburgers. This hospital themed restaurant has waitresses dressed as nurses, and waiters dressed as doctors. Customers are dressed as patients which includes wearing a gown and a wrist band.
Location: 450 Fremont St #130, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States
#41 Border Grill Mandalay Bay
Cost: $$
Border Grill was founded by Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. This Mexican Restaurant is possibly the best Mexican Restaurant in Las Vegas.
Although this is a great restaurant for dinner, we recommend you try it for brunch.
Border Brunch features unlimited small plates and bottomless mimosas. Brunch is available every Saturday & Sunday.
The restaurant can be tricky to find, however, it is located near the convention center at Mandalay Bay.
If you can’t find it, just ask.
#42 A $5000.00 Dollar Hamburger
The burger is made with Wagyu beef, foie gras, and truffles. The burger also comes with a bottle of 1995 Petrus
Location: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
#43 Gordan Ramsay Restaurants
You may love him or hate him but one thing that is true about Gordon Ramsay is he is an amazing chef. In fact, as of 2020 Gordon Ramsay restaurants boast a total of 16 Michelin Stars (which is considered, Oscars for restaurants)
Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips
The Linq Promenade
Cost: $$
Gordon Ramsay Burger
Planet Hollywood
Cost: $$
Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill
Caesars Palace
Cost: $$$
Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen
Caesars Palace
Cost: $$$
Paris Hotel
Cost: $$$$
#44 Buffets
There are good and bad buffets in Las Vegas. Personally, my favourite is the Buffet at the Wynn.
The best buffet is supposedly the Sterling Buffet at Bally’s and it is only open on Sundays. It is also considered one of the most expensive.
Sadly, most buffets are closed due to covid but we are all hoping they will reopen soon.
Cost: $$$
- Sterling
- Wynn
- Bacchanal Buffet
- The Buffet at Bellagio
Cost: $$
- Cravings Buffet at Mirage
- Bayside Buffet at Mandalay Bay
- Flavours Buffet at Harrah’s
- The Buffett at Excalibur
Cost: $
- Feast Buffet at Palace Station
- Garden Court Buffet at Main Street Station
Other Las Vegas Travel Tips
#45 Cheap Booze
Alcohol can get expensive in Vegas and you will probably have a fridge in your hotel so why not use it.
- If you gamble then alcohol is free but you need to tip when the server.
- The Stage Door casino boasts cheap booze and a hot dog. The liquor store is close to Cromwell and Bally’s.
- Across the street from the Aira, there is a beer mini-mart.
- There is also a liquor store across the street from Mandalay Bay (close to McDonald’s)
- There is a Target on the strip and a Target that is no too far off the strip. You can buy your booze there and bring it to your room.
#46 Las Vegas Travel Tip for the Best Sportsbook
The most impressive sportsbook in Las Vegas is Westgate. If you like to gamble on Sports or even make it to Westgate check out its sportsbook.
VegasInsider.com should tell you what sportsbook has the best odds. If you have the monorail pass it should be easy to get to the hotel with the best odds.
Location: 3000 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
#47 What is the cheapest time to go to Las Vegas?
The cheapest time to go to Las Vegas is in the summer months of July and August, as people want to avoid the heat, and the week leading up to Christmas.
Personally, I don’t mind the summer months in Las Vegas at all as the weather is very dry.
The only problem with going at Christmas is it is too cold to use the pool.
#48 What should I do on my first trip to Las Vegas?
A trip to Vegas usually consists of gambling, seeing a show, time in the pool, going to restaurants, going downtown at least once, and a buffet.
Gamble – many people don’t like to gamble but dropping $10.00 on the slots is not a bad thing as you will probably get a free drink and who knows you may actually win.
Shows – There are so many shows to choose from. Download the vegas.com app to narrow down the list of shows as it can get overwhelming.
Pools – Get to the pool early. If you are coming in from eastern Canada this should be easy as you have a 3-hour time advantage as the pool usually opens at 9 a.m.
Restaurants – Do your homework on what restaurants to go to. I personally believe Las Vegas has the best food in the world and there is nothing worse than wasting it at terrible restaurants.
Downtown – is where Las Vegas was born. The original hotel and casinos are located here.
Try a Buffet – There are very cheap and expensive Buffets to choose from. Do your research before you go and find the buffet for you.
#49 Best Odds in Gambling
Gambling is everywhere you go in Las Vegas.
Just remember the long-term odds are never in your favour and odds are better downtown.
Slots give you terrible odds. Games with better odds include blackjack, video poker, and craps.
If you don’t know how to play, simply download an app, learn the rules, and play for free.
#50 Walk to the Strip from the Airport
You may be asking, can you walk from Las Vegas airport to the strip?
The answer is yes you can. However, remember to take into consideration the weather.
I would aim to walk to MGM Grand as it is one of the closer hotels. You can then take a rideshare or the monorail from there.
#51 How much do you tip in Las Vegas?
Tipping can be overwhelming in Las Vegas as you can tip dealers, servers, bell boys, restaurants, buffets, and bars.
The one person you want to tip is the server who brings you the free drink when playing a casino game. You will want to tip at least 1 to 2 dollars per drink.
Tripsavvy.com provides an excellent guide to tipping in Las Vegas.
#52 Can you visit other Hotels in Las Vegas
You can absolutely visit other hotels in Las Vegas. Hotels are owned by two major companies so they are quite happy for you to visit another one of their hotels.
In fact, the hotels operated by MGM resorts make free Monorails for you to travel between its resorts.
#53 What should I avoid in Las Vegas?
- Don’t take a taxi to and from the airport – if you do get in a taxi tell them not to take the tunnel route.
- Jaywalking – it can be frustrating trying to get to the casino across the street but don’t jaywalk. The last thing you want is a heavy fine for Jaywalking.
- Casino ATMs charge huge withdrawal fees. Try and use your phone and find a reputable bank.
- Don’t cheap out on your hotel – room rates are dropping due to Covid-19 which is great. However, it is bringing a less desirable crowd.
- Don’t play branded slots – Branded slots are slots that have your favourite movie or shows on them. These branded slots have to pay royalty fees for the rights so odds are the return to player will be less than a non-branded slot
- There is a bus called the Deuce that will take you back and forth from the strip to downtown. It can get very crowded and a 10-minute uber ride can take 90 minutes.
- Finally whatever you do…Don’t get married at Taco Bell.
#54 Silver Strike Slots Games
Several of the casinos in downtown Las Vegas offer Silver Strike Slot Games. These slots offer commemorative coins with the logo of the casino you are in.
The default one is worth $10 at the cage but you may have a different colour one with different values and resale amongst collectors.
Casino’s with Silver Strike Slot Games
- El Cortez Casino
- Plaza
- 4 Queens
Please note casinos with these machines are becoming harder and harder to find and we will do our best to keep the list up to date.
#55 How do I get the most out of Vegas?
- Shows – There are plenty of shows and buffets in Las Vegas and it is easy to get overwhelmed. Pick out a show ahead of time with a price range you are comfortable with.
- Gambling – in the long term the house always wins. However, some games have better odds than others. Blackjack, Roulette (betting on black or white), Video Poker, and Craps have some of the best odds at the casino.
- Distance – on the Las Vegas Strip hotels are much farther apart than they appear. Make sure you bring a pair of good walking shoes for your Las Vegas Trip.
- Buffets – There are plenty of good buffets but there are also a lot of bad ones. Pick out a buffet ahead of time that offers good food and a price range you are comfortable with.
#56 What is the best month to go to Las Vegas?
The best month to go to Las Vegas in April and early May. The weather is not too cold and you escape the desert heat. Make sure you go on a weekday and don’t go if any large conventions are on.
Las Vegas Travel Tips Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our travel tips to Las Vegas List. However, if you think we have missed a tip please let us know by commenting below.