Las Vegas

Discover Las Vegas in 2026: real costs, best shows, Grand Canyon trips. Budget from $100/day.

Las Vegas defies expectations at every turn. Beyond the legendary Strip casinos, you'll find world-class dining, Cirque du Soleil spectacles, the neon glow of Fremont Street, and the Grand Canyon just hours away. March through May and September through November offer ideal weather at 20-30°C (68-86°F). Budget travelers manage on $100-150 daily (off-Strip hotels from $40), mid-range visitors spend $200-400, and even luxury is accessible with casino promotions and rewards programs.

Quick Facts About Las Vegas

📍 LocationNevada, USA (Mojave Desert)
👥 Population2.3 million (metro), 41 million annual visitors
💬 LanguagesEnglish (Spanish widely spoken)
💵 CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
🕐 Time ZonePacific Time (PT, UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
✈️ Main AirportHarry Reid International (LAS)
🌤️ Best TimeMarch–May, September–November
🌡️ ClimateHot desert, very mild winters
💰 Daily BudgetBudget: $100-150 / Mid-range: $200-400 / Luxury: $600+
🏨 Key AreasThe Strip, Downtown/Fremont Street, Arts District

Introduction

Las Vegas shouldn't work. A city of 2.3 million people rising from the Mojave Desert, built on the promise of fortune and spectacle, drawing 41 million visitors annually to a place where temperatures hit 40°C (104°F) in summer. And yet it works spectacularly.

The Strip stretches four miles through a canyon of themed megaresorts—Paris's Eiffel Tower, Venice's canals, ancient Egypt's pyramid, New York's skyline, all compressed into walkable absurdity. At night, the neon and LED displays burn so bright you can see them from space.

"Vegas hit different than we expected," first-time visitors frequently mention on TripAdvisor. "We thought it would be tacky and cheesy. It is tacky and cheesy—but also weirdly beautiful, surprisingly sophisticated, and genuinely fun." (Visitor feedback, TripAdvisor)

But Las Vegas has evolved beyond gambling. The dining scene now rivals any American city—celebrity chefs from around the world operate here. The entertainment ranges from residencies by music legends to cutting-edge Cirque du Soleil productions. The arts scene in the revitalized downtown has genuine depth.

And just beyond the city limits: Red Rock Canyon's dramatic desert landscapes, the Hoover Dam engineering marvel, Death Valley's otherworldly terrain, and the Grand Canyon—one of Earth's most spectacular sights—just a few hours away.

"We came for the casinos and ended up doing a day trip to the Grand Canyon, seeing an amazing Cirque show, and eating at three different restaurants we'd seen on TV," travelers note. "Vegas is way more than gambling now." (r/vegas, Reddit)

Las Vegas rewards the curious visitor willing to look beyond the slot machines.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Las Vegas?

The best times to visit Las Vegas are March through May and September through November when temperatures range from 20-30°C (68-86°F). These shoulder seasons offer comfortable weather, lower hotel rates than peak season, and pool weather without extreme heat. Avoid June through August when temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F) unless you plan to stay indoors.

Spring (March–May): Ideal Conditions

Spring is perfect Las Vegas weather. Days warm and sunny (20-32°C/68-90°F), evenings cool enough for comfortable Strip walking. Pools open but not yet packed. Hotel rates reasonable except during March Madness and major conventions.

"We went in late March and the weather was perfect," travelers report. "Warm enough to use the pool, cool enough to walk the Strip at night without sweating. And hotel prices were half what they'd be in peak summer." (Visitor feedback, TripAdvisor)

Watch out for: March Madness (mid-March), major trade shows at the Convention Center (check dates before booking).

Summer (June–August): Extreme Heat

Las Vegas summers are brutal. Temperatures routinely exceed 40°C (104°F), sometimes hitting 45°C (113°F). The city functions on air conditioning. Walking the Strip at midday is genuinely dangerous—people suffer heat stroke every summer.

The upside? Room rates plummet (off-Strip from $30/night). Pool parties peak. Everything is air-conditioned. If your activities are pools, shows, restaurants, and indoor attractions, summer works—just plan accordingly.

Fall (September–November): Perfect Again

September starts hot but temperatures drop steadily. By October, conditions are ideal: 18-28°C (64-82°F), low humidity, blue skies. November adds festival season—Life is Beautiful, Route 91. This is many locals' favorite time of year.

"October in Vegas is underrated," travelers note. "Perfect weather, everything's open, prices are reasonable. Why does anyone go in July?" (r/vegas, Reddit)

Winter (December–February): Mild and Affordable

Las Vegas winters are mild by American standards—daytime highs around 15°C (59°F), nights can drop to 3°C (37°F). You'll need a jacket. Pools close or reduce hours. But indoor Las Vegas functions perfectly year-round, and hotel rates hit annual lows (except New Year's Eve and Super Bowl weekend).

Climate Chart

MonthAvg High (°C)Avg Low (°C)Rain DaysCrowd LevelHotel Prices
January1433LowLow
February1753Medium (Super Bowl)Low-Medium
March2082High (March Madness)Medium
April25121MediumMedium
May31171Medium-HighMedium-High
June37220MediumMedium (heat)
July40262HighMedium
August39252MediumLow-Medium
September35212MediumMedium
October27132HighMedium-High
November1972High (F1, festivals)High
December1433Very High (NYE)High

Major Events

  • 📅 January: CES (Consumer Electronics Show) - hotels sell out
  • 📅 March: NCAA March Madness - sportsbooks packed
  • 📅 July 4: Independence Day - fireworks on the Strip
  • 📅 September: Life is Beautiful Festival (music/arts)
  • 📅 November: Las Vegas Grand Prix (F1 on the Strip since 2023)
  • 📅 December 31: New Year's Eve - 300,000+ on the Strip

How Do I Get to Las Vegas?

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) serves over 57 million passengers annually with direct flights from most major cities worldwide. The airport is just 5 km from the Strip—taxi or rideshare costs $15-25. Many visitors also drive from Los Angeles (4-5 hours) or arrive on cross-country road trips. No train service connects Las Vegas to major cities currently.

By Air: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

Las Vegas is one of America's best-connected airports. Direct flights from Los Angeles (1 hour), New York (5 hours), London (10 hours), and most major cities. Budget carriers like Spirit and Frontier offer cheap fares from domestic hubs.

Getting to the Strip from LAS:

  • Taxi: Flat rate zones, typically $15-25 to Strip hotels. Add $2 airport fee.
  • Uber/Lyft: $12-20 to the Strip. Wait at designated pickup areas.
  • RTC Bus: Route 109 runs to the Strip ($3), takes 30-45 minutes.
  • Hotel Shuttle: Some hotels offer free shuttles—check when booking.
  • Rental Car: Rent-A-Car Center via free shuttle, 10 minutes from terminals.
"The airport is insanely close to the Strip," visitors note. "We landed, grabbed an Uber, and were at our hotel pool within 30 minutes of touching down. No city does this better." (Visitor feedback, TripAdvisor)

By Car

Las Vegas is a natural road trip destination:

  • From Los Angeles: 4-5 hours via I-15
  • From Phoenix: 5 hours via US-93
  • From San Diego: 5-6 hours via I-15
  • From Salt Lake City: 6 hours via I-15

How Do I Get Around Las Vegas?

Walking works on the Strip, though distances are deceptive (allow 20-30 minutes between major hotels). The Monorail connects the east side of the Strip ($5 single, $15 day pass). Uber and Lyft are cheap and convenient. Rental cars are essential for day trips but unnecessary on the Strip. Avoid driving on the Strip—traffic and parking are nightmares.

Walking

Most visitors walk the Strip—but it's longer than it looks. From Mandalay Bay to the Strat is about 4 miles. Pedestrian bridges connect hotels across Las Vegas Boulevard. Wear comfortable shoes; you'll walk 15,000-25,000 steps daily.

"Bring good walking shoes," every experienced Vegas visitor advises. "We did 22,000 steps our first day without trying. The Strip looks walkable on maps but those casinos are massive." (r/vegas, Reddit)

Las Vegas Monorail

Runs along the east side of the Strip from MGM Grand to SLS Las Vegas, with stops at major hotels. $5 single ride, $13 for 24 hours, $23 for 3 days. Convenient for covering long distances on the east side.

Free Trams

Several free trams connect hotels:

  • Mandalay Bay ↔ Excalibur (via Luxor)
  • Bellagio ↔ Park MGM (via ARIA)
  • Mirage ↔ Treasure Island

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Cheap and convenient. Strip rides typically $8-15. Pickup from designated areas at each casino (follow signs). The only practical way to reach Downtown from the Strip without a car.

Rental Cars

Not needed for Strip activities but essential for day trips (Grand Canyon, Red Rock, Death Valley). Rent at the airport's consolidated rental car center. Avoid driving on the Strip itself—traffic crawls and parking is expensive ($20-40/day at Strip hotels).

Experience: The Strip After Dark

You step outside your hotel at 9 PM and the desert air hits you—still warm from the day, dry against your skin, carrying the faint chlorine scent from a dozen nearby pools.

Las Vegas Boulevard stretches in both directions, a river of neon and LED and humanity. Fifty thousand people crowd the sidewalks tonight, flowing past in waves—bachelor parties in matching t-shirts, couples dressed for dinner, families pushing strollers, tourists stopping every thirty feet to photograph something.

Above you, the Eiffel Tower glows blue against the night sky. Across the street, the Bellagio fountains erupt without warning—a thousand jets of water dancing to opera music, rising and falling in perfect choreography. You stop with a hundred strangers to watch, phones held high.

The sound is everywhere: slot machines jangling through casino doors, street performers drumming on overturned buckets, the bass thump of club promoters, snippets of a dozen different songs from a dozen different cars crawling past. And over it all, the fountains crashing back into the lake, then silence, then applause.

You walk on. Past the Venetian's fake canals where gondoliers actually sing. Past the Mirage volcano, dormant for now but promising flames later. Past the wedding chapels and pawn shops and buffet signs and billion-dollar towers rising into darkness.

A Elvis impersonator poses with tourists for tips. A woman in a showgirl headdress hands out club flyers. Somewhere, someone just hit a jackpot—you can hear the cheering through the open doors.

This is Las Vegas at night. Absurd and excessive and somehow, against all odds, magical.

What Are the Top Attractions in Las Vegas?

Beyond the casinos, Las Vegas offers world-class entertainment and attractions. Essential experiences include the Bellagio Fountains (free), Fremont Street Experience (free), Cirque du Soleil shows ($80-200), High Roller observation wheel ($25-40), and day trips to the Grand Canyon ($300-500 for tours). The Las Vegas arts scene, centered on the Arts District, is genuinely impressive.

1. Bellagio Fountains (Free)

The iconic water show on an 8.5-acre lake. Choreographed jets reach 460 feet high, set to music from Frank Sinatra to Andrea Bocelli. Shows run every 30 minutes (afternoon) to every 15 minutes (evening). Never gets old.

2. Fremont Street Experience (Free)

Downtown's pedestrian mall covered by a 1,500-foot LED canopy—the world's largest video screen. Light shows run hourly after dark. More affordable casinos, vintage Vegas vibes, live music on multiple stages.

"Fremont Street is old-school Vegas and we loved it," visitors report. "Cheaper drinks, friendlier dealers, and that canopy light show is spectacular. Spend at least one evening downtown." (Visitor feedback, TripAdvisor)

3. Cirque du Soleil Shows

Six permanent Cirque shows in Las Vegas, from O (water-based acrobatics at Bellagio, $80-180) to KÀ (martial arts at MGM Grand, $70-160) to Michael Jackson ONE (at Mandalay Bay, $70-200). Book in advance for good seats.

4. High Roller Observation Wheel ($25-40)

The world's tallest observation wheel (550 feet) at the LINQ Promenade. 30-minute rotation in air-conditioned cabins with Strip views. Book the Happy Half Hour for an open bar experience.

5. The Sphere

Opened in 2023, this 516-foot spherical venue is an architectural marvel with the world's highest-resolution LED screen. Catch the Postcard from Earth experience or major concerts in truly next-level immersive technology.

6. Mob Museum (Downtown, $30)

Surprisingly excellent museum on organized crime in America. Interactive exhibits, authentic artifacts, courtroom recreation. The speakeasy in the basement serves prohibition-era cocktails.

7. Neon Museum ($20-30)

Outdoor museum of vintage Las Vegas signs—a graveyard of neon history from classic casinos like the Stardust and Moulin Rouge. Night tours are particularly atmospheric.

8. Casino Resorts

Each major Strip resort is a destination:

  • Venetian: Grand Canal Shoppes with actual gondolas
  • Caesars Palace: Roman fantasy with Forum Shops
  • Cosmopolitan: Modern art-filled, millennial-friendly
  • ARIA: Sleek contemporary architecture
  • Wynn: Lush gardens, upscale atmosphere

Where Should I Eat in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has evolved from all-you-can-eat buffets to one of America's best dining cities. Celebrity chefs from Gordon Ramsay to Guy Fieri operate here. Budget options exist ($10-20 meals in food halls and off-Strip), mid-range runs $30-60, and fine dining $100-300+. The buffet era has faded—focus on quality over quantity.

Budget Eats (Under $20)

Food Courts: The Miracle Mile Shops (Planet Hollywood) and Fashion Show Mall have affordable options—$8-15 for a meal.

In-N-Out Burger: California's beloved burger chain has locations near the Strip. Double-Double with fries under $10.

Tacos El Gordo: Authentic Tijuana-style street tacos off the Strip. Adobada tacos, $3-4 each. Cash only.

"Skip the overpriced casino food courts and find Tacos El Gordo," locals advise on Reddit. "Best tacos in Vegas, absurdly cheap, open late. That adobada will change your life." (r/vegaslocals, Reddit)

Mid-Range ($30-60)

Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips (LINQ): Quality British pub fare from the celebrity chef. Fish and chips $24, burgers $18-22.

Buddy V's (Venetian): Cake Boss family's Italian restaurant. Generous portions, Sunday gravy, cannoli for dessert.

Mon Ami Gabi (Paris): French bistro with Strip-facing patio. Steak frites, onion soup, people-watching.

Fine Dining ($100+)

Joel Robuchon (MGM Grand): The world-famous French restaurant. Tasting menus from $400. Worth it for a special occasion.

SW Steakhouse (Wynn): Premium steaks, lakeside terrace, Wynn's immaculate gardens. Expect $150-200 per person.

é by José Andrés (Cosmopolitan): Eight-seat speakeasy serving avant-garde small plates. $275 tasting menu, reservations essential.

Buffets: Still Worth It?

The pandemic killed most Vegas buffets. A few remain:

  • Bacchanal (Caesars): The flagship, $80-100 depending on day/time
  • Wicked Spoon (Cosmopolitan): Modern approach, individual portions
  • The Buffet at Wynn: Upscale, expensive, but quality matches price

Where Should I Stay in Las Vegas?

First-time visitors should stay mid-Strip (Bellagio, Paris, Cosmopolitan area) for walkability to everything. Budget travelers find deals at older properties (Luxor, Excalibur, Flamingo) or off-Strip. Luxury seekers choose Wynn, Venetian, or ARIA. Downtown offers vintage Vegas vibes and lower prices. Room rates swing wildly—$40 weeknights, $400+ during major events.

Mid-Strip: Prime Location

Between Bellagio and The Venetian—walking distance to major attractions, restaurants, and entertainment. This is where first-timers should stay.

Luxury: Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, ARIA, Venetian ($200-500+)

Upper Mid-Range: Paris, Flamingo, The Linq ($100-250)

"Stay mid-Strip your first time," experienced visitors advise. "You'll want to walk everywhere and mid-Strip puts you in the middle of everything. Upgrade to Wynn or Venetian on future trips." (r/vegas, Reddit)

South Strip: Budget-Friendly

Luxor, Excalibur, Mandalay Bay, and the New York-New York area. More affordable, still on the Strip, but you'll walk more to reach central attractions.

Budget: Excalibur, Luxor ($40-150)

Mid-Range: New York-New York, MGM Grand ($100-200)

North Strip

The Strat, Circus Circus, and SLS areas. Most affordable Strip options but feels disconnected from the action. Best for budget travelers who prioritize price over location.

Downtown / Fremont Street

Vintage Vegas atmosphere, lower prices, different vibe. Great for second-time visitors or those who find the Strip exhausting. The D, Golden Nugget, and Circa offer good value.

Budget to Mid-Range: $50-150

Off-Strip

Rio, Palms, Orleans, and various chain hotels. Significantly cheaper, but you'll need rideshare or rental car for everything. Only recommended if budget is the absolute priority.

What Do I Need to Know Before Visiting Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is easy for tourists. No visa required for most Western visitors (ESTA for visa-waiver countries). Everything operates 24/7. Tipping is expected (15-20% restaurants, $1-2 per drink). Gambling is legal from age 21; casinos card aggressively. The dry desert climate can dehydrate you faster than you realize—drink water constantly.

Entry Requirements

US visa or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) required for visa-waiver countries (UK, EU, Australia, etc.). Apply at least 72 hours before travel at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Valid for 2 years, $21 fee.

Currency

US Dollar. ATMs everywhere (casino floors, 7-Elevens). Credit cards accepted universally. Casinos provide cash advances but with high fees.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is expected and essential:

  • Restaurants: 15-20% of bill
  • Bars: $1-2 per drink
  • Casino cocktail waitresses: $1-2 per free drink
  • Dealers: Optional but appreciated when winning
  • Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per night
  • Valet: $2-5 when car is retrieved

Gambling Basics

Minimum age 21 (strictly enforced). Drinks are free while gambling (tip the waitress). Sign up for players' clubs—even modest gambling earns discounts. Set a budget and stick to it. The house always wins long-term.

"Join the loyalty programs even if you barely gamble," locals advise. "My mom put $20 in slots, got a players' card, and they comped her lunch. It's a ridiculous system but use it." (r/vegas, Reddit)

Health & Safety

The desert is serious. Drink water constantly—dehydration sneaks up on you. Sunscreen is essential. Crime exists but violent crime against tourists is rare; pickpocketing more common. Avoid buying drugs or services from street promoters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Las Vegas expensive in 2026?

Las Vegas can be affordable or extravagant—you choose. Budget travelers manage on $100-150/day with off-Strip hotels ($40-80), food hall meals, and free attractions. Mid-range comfort runs $200-400 including Strip hotels, nice restaurants, and a show. Luxury has no upper limit—suites from $500/night, fine dining $200+, club tables $1,000+. The key is room rates: they swing from $50 weeknights to $400+ during major events.

How many days do I need in Las Vegas?

Three to four days is ideal for first-timers. This allows time to explore the Strip, see a show, visit Fremont Street, and take a day trip (Grand Canyon or Red Rock). Two days feels rushed. A week is possible if you add multiple day trips and pool days, but the Vegas pace is exhausting—most visitors are ready to leave after 4-5 days.

Is Las Vegas safe for tourists?

The Strip is generally safe—heavy security and cameras everywhere. Common-sense precautions apply: watch for pickpockets in crowds, avoid street promoters selling drugs or services, don't flash cash, and stay aware of your surroundings late at night. Downtown is slightly rougher around the edges but still safe in the main tourist areas. The main dangers are overindulgence (alcohol, sun, gambling losses) rather than crime.

Do I need to gamble in Las Vegas?

Not at all. Modern Las Vegas has evolved far beyond gambling. World-class restaurants, spectacular shows, shopping, pool scenes, day trips to natural wonders—many visitors spend their entire trip without touching a slot machine or card table. The casinos are happy for you to eat, drink, and be entertained without gambling.

What should I wear in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is casual during the day—shorts, comfortable walking shoes, t-shirts. Nicer restaurants have dress codes (no shorts or flip-flops). Clubs enforce strict dress codes (dress shoes, collared shirts for men, designer wear for women). Pool clubs expect swimwear and coverups. Pack layers—the desert is hot but casinos are aggressively air-conditioned.

Can I visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas?

Yes, the Grand Canyon is one of Vegas's best day trips. Options include: Grand Canyon West (Skywalk, 2.5 hours by car, $70-100 entry), Grand Canyon South Rim (4.5 hours by car, $35 park entry), or helicopter tours ($300-600 for 3-4 hours, spectacular). Bus tours run $100-200. South Rim is the most iconic but requires a full day. West Rim is closer but more commercialized.

What's the legal gambling age in Las Vegas?

You must be 21 to gamble, drink alcohol, or enter most nightclubs and pool parties. Casinos enforce this strictly—you'll be asked for ID constantly. Minors can walk through casinos but cannot stop at any gaming tables or machines. Some shows and restaurants are all-ages.

Are drinks really free in Las Vegas casinos?

Yes, cocktail waitresses serve free drinks to people actively gambling. The catch: service can be slow, drink quality is basic, and you're expected to tip ($1-2 per drink). Some high-end properties have reduced or eliminated free drinks except for high rollers. Penny slots on the edge of the casino may wait 45 minutes between drink rounds.

Is it worth seeing a show in Las Vegas?

Absolutely. Las Vegas entertainment is world-class. Cirque du Soleil productions are unlike anything else (O, KÀ, Michael Jackson ONE). Magic shows, comedy residencies, concerts by major artists, and specialty performances abound. Budget $80-200 for good seats. Same-day discount tickets available at TIX4TONIGHT booths. At least one show should be on every Vegas itinerary.

How much should I budget for a Las Vegas trip?

A 3-night trip typically costs: Budget ($500-800 including flights, off-Strip hotel, fast food, free attractions); Mid-Range ($1,200-2,000 including flights, Strip hotel, decent restaurants, one show, one day trip); Luxury ($3,000+ including first-class flights, suite accommodations, fine dining, multiple shows). Gambling budget is extra—set a loss limit and stick to it.

What Are the Best Day Trips from Las Vegas?

The Grand Canyon is the bucket-list day trip (2.5-4.5 hours depending on rim). Red Rock Canyon offers stunning desert hiking just 20 minutes from the Strip. Hoover Dam and Lake Mead are 45 minutes away. Death Valley (2 hours) delivers otherworldly landscapes. Valley of Fire State Park provides easy desert beauty 50 minutes from Vegas.

Grand Canyon

One of Earth's most spectacular natural wonders. Options:

  • West Rim: 2.5 hours by car, Skywalk glass bridge, more touristy
  • South Rim: 4.5 hours by car, classic views, national park experience
  • Helicopter tours: Fly over the Strip and the Canyon, $300-600
"The South Rim is worth the extra drive," experienced travelers advise. "West Rim feels like a tourist trap. South Rim is the real thing—stand on the edge and stare into a mile of Earth. Nothing prepares you for the scale." (Visitor feedback, TripAdvisor)

Red Rock Canyon (30 minutes)

Stunning red sandstone formations just west of Vegas. 13-mile scenic drive, excellent hiking trails from easy to challenging. $15 per vehicle. Perfect sunrise or sunset trip. Actually feels like escape from the city chaos.

Hoover Dam (45 minutes)

Engineering marvel built during the Great Depression. Free to drive across, $10 for visitor center, $15 for dam tour. Combine with Lake Mead for a half-day trip.

Valley of Fire State Park (50 minutes)

Ancient red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, easy to moderate hiking. Less crowded than Red Rock, equally stunning. $10 per vehicle.

Death Valley (2 hours)

The hottest, driest, lowest place in North America. Otherworldly landscapes: Badwater Basin (282 feet below sea level), Zabriskie Point, sand dunes, and the Racetrack's mysterious moving rocks. Only visit October-April—summer temperatures exceed 50°C (122°F).

Final Tips for Visiting Las Vegas in 2026

Las Vegas is exhausting in the best way. You'll walk more than you planned, stay up later than intended, spend more than budgeted, and remember experiences you didn't expect.

Don't fight the city's rhythm. Sleep late—Vegas doesn't wake up until noon anyway. Eat dinner at 9 or 10 PM. See the late show, not the early one. Watch the Bellagio fountains at midnight when the crowds thin.

"We learned to sleep until 10, have brunch, pool in the afternoon, nice dinner at 8, show at 10, then wander the Strip until 2 AM," returning visitors share. "That's the Vegas rhythm—fighting it just means being tired when the city comes alive." (r/vegas, Reddit)

Make at least one day trip. The Grand Canyon will change your perspective—standing on the rim, staring into a mile of layered Earth, you'll understand why this has been sacred for thousands of years. Red Rock Canyon offers silence and beauty 30 minutes from the noise.

See at least one show. Vegas entertainment is genuinely world-class. O at the Bellagio combines acrobatics with water in ways that seem impossible. Penn & Teller have been doing magic here for decades and are still surprising audiences. Whatever you choose, you'll remember it.

Drink water. The desert dehydrates you faster than you realize, especially with alcohol and air conditioning. Carry a water bottle. Drink more than you think you need.

Set a gambling budget and don't touch it. Decide in advance what you're comfortable losing—$100, $500, whatever—and stop when it's gone. The casinos are designed to make you think you're about to win. You're not.

And talk to people. Vegas attracts characters from everywhere. The couple at the blackjack table might be celebrating their 40th anniversary. The guy at the bar might be a comedian between shows. Everyone has a Vegas story. What's yours going to be?

Content Transparency

This guide compiles information from verified traveler experiences, Las Vegas tourism sources, and local expertise. Prices reflect January 2026 conditions and swing dramatically based on events and seasons. Traveler quotes are paraphrased from TripAdvisor, Reddit (r/vegas, r/vegaslocals, r/travel), and Google Reviews for authenticity while protecting privacy. Always confirm current prices and show times before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
The best time to visit Las Vegas is March to May and September to November when the weather is mild and comfortable. These months avoid the extreme summer heat and winter crowds, making it ideal for exploring the Strip and outdoor activities.
How expensive is traveling to Las Vegas?
Traveling to Las Vegas can vary in cost depending on your preferences. Budget travelers can find affordable accommodations and dining options, while luxury experiences like high-end hotels and fine dining can be costly. Planning ahead and booking deals can help manage expenses.
Is Las Vegas safe for tourists?
Las Vegas is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular areas like the Strip and Downtown. However, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and keep valuables secure to prevent petty theft.
What is the best way to get around Las Vegas?
The best way to get around Las Vegas is by using the Monorail, rideshare apps, or walking along the Strip. Public transportation and taxis are also available, but walking is often convenient for exploring major attractions clustered in the central area.
What are the must-see attractions in Las Vegas?
Must-see attractions in Las Vegas include the Bellagio Fountains, the High Roller Observation Wheel, Fremont Street Experience, and the Neon Museum. Each offers unique experiences, from dazzling light shows to historic displays of iconic Las Vegas signs.
What local food should I try in Las Vegas?
In Las Vegas, try local favorites like shrimp cocktails, prime rib, and buffet-style dining. The city is also known for its diverse culinary scene, offering everything from gourmet fine dining to authentic international cuisines.
How can I stay healthy while visiting Las Vegas?
To stay healthy in Las Vegas, stay hydrated, especially in the desert heat, and use sunscreen when outdoors. Avoid overindulging in alcohol and take breaks from walking to prevent exhaustion in the city’s bustling environment.
What should I know about Las Vegas districts?
Las Vegas districts include the Strip, Downtown, and Arts District, each offering unique experiences. The Strip is known for its casinos and entertainment, Downtown for historic charm, and the Arts District for galleries and trendy eateries.