Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the largest city in the U.S. state of Nevada. Las Vegas is the Entertainment Capital of the World. It is located in the Mojave Desert of Southern Nevada. The city features many mega-hotel/casino complexes decorated with lavish care and attention to detail creating a fantasy-like environment. The casinos often have names and themes that evoke romance, mystery, and exotic destinations.

Understand

History

Compared with other cities in the western U.S., Las Vegas (literally, “the meadows” in Spanish) is a relatively recent arrival. It was founded in 1905, and for many years it was merely a small settlement in the middle of the desert. However, several pivotal events would come together in less than twenty years that would help Las Vegas grow into what it is today:

The construction of Hoover Dam in 1928 brought thousands of workers to the area. What is now known as Boulder City was established for the workers.

Nevada legalized gambling in 1931, and downtown Las Vegas became an entertainment center for the dam workers, with casinos and speakeasies. Business became so good that it surpassed Reno as the gambling capital of the world in less than 10 years. During the same period in the 1930s, Los Angeles was also growing rapidly from a mid-sized city to a global center for the entertainment and manufacturing industries. but because gambling was banned in California at the time, Southern California workers began traveling to Las Vegas for vacation, recreation, and entertainment.

In 1941, the luxurious El Rancho Vegas resort opened on what would later become the Las Vegas Strip. Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel later opened the Flamingo Hotel in 1946. The opening of these two resorts started a building boom and established a tradition of one-upmanship with each new hotel/casino trying to outdo another. That tradition continues today. It also initiated a long tradition of organized crime involvement in Nevada’s gambling industry. By the 1990s, the enactment and enforcement of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (the RICO Act) as well as investments by established corporations and the installment of professional management virtually eliminated any remaining organized crime involvement in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas has an arid climate with sunny, dry, and extremely hot summers. The July average high is 40°C (104°F), but with low humidity. This low humidity does help keep the temperature from feeling as hot as it would otherwise at these levels, but nevertheless, it is still hot. Nighttime lows are usually in the high 20s Celsius (80s Fahrenheit).

Winter is much cooler with daytime highs averaging around 15°C (60°F), and nighttime lows averaging about 4°C (40°F). During winter, a cold spell may set in for several days. Snowfall is quite rare in the metropolitan area itself, but the mountains surrounding the valley are topped with snow during the winter. This allows for skiing and snowboarding. These activities are available in winter with a short drive to the northwest at Mount Charleston.

Spring and fall are very enjoyable months with daytime highs ranging from 15°C-25°C (60°F-80°F). Some of the best months to visit Las Vegas are March, April, May, October, and November. Temperatures are not too hot nor too chilly at those times, although a good time can be had in Las Vegas at any time.

Summer monsoons occur from late July to early September. There could be increases in rainfall during this time, however, taken as a whole, Las Vegas receives little rainfall annually. Take caution during heavy rainfalls as flash flooding can occur in certain parts of the valley. The Strip and Downtown are mostly fine. However, The Linq and Harrah’s parking garages do have a tendency to flood. Rainfall is rare, but when it shows up, be aware that it may show up with a vengeance.

Geography

The city is laid out as follows: Main Street as well as the numbered streets run north-south, starting with Main Street in the west. The bus station is on Main Street. Downtown has several hotel-casinos, as well as the “Fremont Street Experience”, a pedestrian mall lined with casinos, near the western end of Fremont Street. A couple miles south of downtown starts the “Strip” (Las Vegas Boulevard South), a north-south street lined with large casino-hotels, shopping malls, and other attractions. (There are also numerous hotels and resorts located to the east and west of the strip – many within walking distance of the Strip, others not – and they are referred to as “off-Strip.”

The northern end of the Strip is marked by the tall Stratosphere tower. The Regional Transportation Commission runs buses up and down the Strip that connect the Strip resorts to downtown. The Las Vegas monorail and the convention center sit just east of the Strip, and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) is located slightly more east of the Strip on Maryland Parkway. The airport is at the southern end of the Strip.

Importantly, the City of Las Vegas only controls the Strip as far south as Sahara Avenue. All of the Strip south of Sahara, is located in the unincorporated townships of Winchester, Paradise, and Enterprise, which are all governed directly by Clark County. These unincorporated townships, however, use the name “Las Vegas” for postal purposes. Technically, the Stratosphere is the only Strip resort actually located within Las Vegas proper.

Both the city and the unincorporated county areas share a single law enforcement agency, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Incorporated cities such as Henderson and North Las Vegas have their own police departments.

Get in

By car

Southern Californians crowd Interstate 15 every weekend going back and forth to Vegas. Expect this drive to be congested with frustrating stop-and-go traffic going northbound (towards Las Vegas) on Friday evenings and southbound (towards Southern California) on Sunday afternoons.

Note that the drive can be extremely dangerous. The long straight stretches which encourage speeding, the frequency of sudden emergency braking, and the massive volume of vehicles together result in wild multi-car pileups, and that issue, combined with the sheer remoteness of the area, means that the stretch of I-15 between Barstow and the California/Nevada state border at Primm was the single most deadly stretch of highway in the United States from 1994 to 2008. If you are involved in a vehicle accident in that area and are badly injured, you should be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes before first responders arrive and one hour before reaching a hospital emergency room (as paramedics will have to evaluate you and then summon a helicopter if it appears you will live long enough to make it to an ER). Therefore, the journey should not be attempted by road unless you are well-rested and in excellent health; are driving a well-maintained vehicle; and are carrying a first aid kit, a fully charged cell phone, and a car charger for that phone.

Despite these dangers, many find the roughly four-hour drive from the Los Angeles area 280-mile (450km) drive along I-15 restful and scenic (when attempted during off-peak hours and on off-peak days). Attractions along Interstate 15 include the California towns of Barstow and Baker; the Mojave Desert; and small hotel-casinos in Nevada at Primm (at the California border) and Jean, respectively. Those who traverse I-15 should remember that they are crossing a desert, and should carry (and drink) ample amounts of water, especially on hot summer days where temperatures can reach 110°F (43°C).

From east of Las Vegas, travellers typically drive on I-40 through Arizona, and then head north toward Vegas on US-93 in Kingman, before finally picking up I-15. This route will take you along the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and directly through Boulder City, near the Hoover Dam. Traffic there can be extremely congested and slow-going; although less so than in past decades since US-93 was rerouted to bypass Hoover Dam, using a new bridge. Still, this stretch is usually the slowest part of an otherwise sparsely populated desert area.

From the North I-15 meets the Arizona border at the more relaxed town of Mesquite, NV and shortly goes into Utah. The junction of I-70 and I-15 is where most people driving from the east will take. Those from further north may meet I-15 from I-80 in Salt Lake City.

Those travelling from the north drive on US-95 from Reno and Tonopah. US-95 is a two-lane highway for much of the route until it reaches the community of Mercury, where it widens into a four-lane highway. The route is sparsely populated, with few gas stations. Travellers should ensure that their fuel tank is full before setting out and consider refueling well before their tank hits empty.

By bus

• Greyhound Lines operates buses between Salt Lake City (Utah), Kingman (Arizona), Los Angeles (California), and Phoenix (Arizona) and Las Vegas.
• LuxBus operates four daily trips to and from Los Angeles, Anaheim, and San Diego.
• Starline Tours operates tour bus service to the Grand Canyon.
• TUFESA Bus Lines offers bus service to various points in Mexico.
• Megabus.com operates to/from Riverside and Los Angeles.
• FlixBus operates service to destinations throughout Southern California and Arizona, with connections to Northern California via Los Angeles.

By plane

McCarran International Airport (IATA: LAS) is the main airport serving the Las Vegas area. It is the 24th busiest airport in the world in terms of passengers and 8th in terms of takeoffs and landings. The airport is physically adjacent to the south end of the Strip, though none of the hotels are within walking distance. There are 2 passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 services Allegiant, American, Delta, Omni, Southwest, and Spirit Airlines. Terminal 3 services International carriers such as Aeromexico, Air Canada, British Airways, Condor, Copa, Edelweiss, El Al, Interjet, Korean Air, KLM, MagniCharters, Sunwing, Thomas Cook, Virgin Atlantic, VivaAerobus, Volaris and WestJet and domestic carriers such as Alaska, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Sun Country, and United.

Henderson Executive Airport (ICAO: KHND) has two runways, 17R-35L which is 6,500 feet X 100 feet and 17L-35R which is 5,000 feet X 100 feet and a 26,000 sqft terminal. HND is an alternative to LAS for private, air taxi and private air travel. Charter companies such as Jet Charter Vegas offer access to charter planes at KHND for private flights to/from the area.

North Las Vegas Airport (ICAO: KVGT) services a lot of air tour operations along with other forms of general aviation. It’s the second busiest airport in Vegas, and the third busiest airport in the state of Nevada. Several helicopters are based at KVGT, including the L.V. Metropolitan Police Department, scenic tour companies, and a handful of charter helicopters. Charter companies that offer flights to Las Vegas such as Lido Jets and others offer access to the city for private flights to/from the area. KVGT is also certificated under 14 CFR Part 139, serving as a base for local airports.

Transportation from the Airport to Casino Hotels

Public transportation

McCarran International Airport is served by four bus lines operated by RTC. City bus service is available on the zero level of both Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 3 (T3).

The bus stop as well as the zero level are very difficult to find in T1 as there is little signage pointing out the correct route. In the middle of the baggage claim there are two banks of escalators and elevators, but only the escalators and elevators on one side go to the zero level. When you go outside on the zero level, it is not immediately obvious where to go next, especially at night. You have to proceed straight across the open parking lot towards the huge parking garage in the distance, then halfway there, turn right and walk towards the bus stop shelter in the distance with the sign on top saying “The Bus Stops Here.”

Fares are $2.00 for a single ride and $3.00 for 2 hours on residential routes. All routes except the Deuce and SDX (explained further below) are residential routes, and fare for those routes must be bought on board the bus. The ticket machine at the airport bus stop sells Strip fares, $6 for two hours, $8 for 24 hours, and $20 for 72 hours. These fares *are valid* aboard residential routes as well.

The airport bus lines are as follows:

• The Westcliff Airport Express (WAX) departs at least every hour from the zero level at both T1 and T3 from around 6 am to 11 pm. The WAX travels down Tropicana Avenue and stops at the MGM Grand. This stop is an easy walk to Tropicana, Hooters Casino, and MGM Grand. Next, the WAX stops in front of New York, New York. Use this stop to transfer to the Deuce or walk north along the Strip towards Monte Carlo and the tram to Bellagio and City Center. The total travel time to the New York, New York stop is around 10-15 minutes. The WAX then takes I-15 north, makes several stops downtown and ends at Suncoast Casino.
• The Centennial Express (CX) runs about every hour from around 6:45 am to 10:45 pm, T3 only. The CX makes stops at UNLV Transit Center, Spring Mountain Road and Las Vegas Boulevard near Fashion Show Mall and Wynn Las Vegas. Use this stop to transfer to the Deuce for central and north strip hotels. The CX then goes downtown and terminates in a suburban area.
• [RTC Bus Route 108 departs every 30 minutes from around 5 am to 1:25a m and stops at T1 only. The 108 travels along Paradise Road to the Convention Center and the LVH (formerly Las Vegas Hilton). The 109 stops at Paradise and Las Vegas Blvd (The Strip), giving access to the north end of the strip via The Deuce.
• [RTC Bus Route 109 departs every 15 minutes and stops at T1 only. Route 109 runs north to Downtown along Maryland Parkway, bypassing the entire Strip. The 109 also runs south from the airport to the South Strip Transfer Center where one can transfer to the Deuce. The 109 runs 24 hours a day.

Shuttle Buses

Several shuttle bus companies take passengers to any hotel on the Strip for $7.50 or downtown for $9 one way. Follow the signs in the baggage claim area on level 1. Many hotels (but not all – be sure to ask) also have shuttles for guests, and sometimes non guests too if there’s room just get on the bus, casinos are happy to get people in the door. Hotel shuttles pick up on the zero level. Note: If you use a shuttle service, be sure to confirm how to arrange a return trip. Some services require 24-hour advance booking. While hotel concierge services should help with this, this is not guaranteed. Make sure ahead of time before you find yourself stuck with a more-expensive taxi/Uber option when the time comes to return to the airport.

Limousines

Limo service from the airport costs between $100 and $200, plus tip and sometimes a fuel surcharge. Limo rentals are 90 minutes to 2 hour minimums though, so make use of the car and go to the grocery store, liquor store, ATM, taco stand, etc, off the strip where prices are reasonable. For large groups 21 passenger buses can be rented for $125-$200 for 2 hours.

Taxi

Taxis cost $18-30 (12/2014) plus tip from the airport to a Strip location, $35+ (12/2014) to downtown or Boulder highway hotels. The taxi line is well organized and the city taxi dispatcher will direct passengers to a numbered space along the curb. You need not tip the taxi dispatcher. There is some debate on whether the taxi driver should or should not be taking any Strip-destination passengers through the Paradise Road airport connector tunnel when exiting the airport (and then going the long way around on I-515 and I-15 to the Strip). Most taxi drivers prefer to take the Paradise Road tunnel because it produces a higher bill. The consensus seems to be that taking the tunnel is 5-10 minutes shorter, but will cost you $5-10 more; and not taking the tunnel is 5-10 minutes longer, but will cost $5-10 less. Some people prefer to save the money as the time savings isn’t that huge. You have the right to tell the driver if you do not want to take the tunnel. And do not let them tell you they need to take the tunnel to avoid the “big accident” if that is not your preference. If you feel you have been taken advantage of by the taxi driver, take down the driver’s license number and call the Nevada Taxi Cab Authority.

By rail

There are NO direct rail services into Las Vegas per se. The below are the nearest train routes with an Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach shuttling passengers between Las Vegas and the nearest Amtrak station:

• Amtrak’s Southwest Chief operates daily service from Los Angeles, California and Albuquerque, New Mexico to Kingman, Arizona, 112mi or 179km south of Las Vegas. From Kingman, there is Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach service to Las Vegas, with a stop in Laughlin.
• Amtrak’s San Joaquin Route operates between Stockton and Bakersfield. From Bakersfield, Amtrak operates 2 daily Thruway Motorcoaches to Las Vegas.

Get around



By foot

The hotel-casinos on the Strip are close enough to each other to make walking a reasonable means of travel. The most straightforward option is to walk along Las Vegas Boulevard; however, be aware that during the summer the heat during the daylight hours may make walking uncomfortable for long periods. For this and other reasons, many hotels are connected to each other either by bridge, by underground, or by complimentary rail shuttle, allowing one to travel between them often without stepping outside at all. For example, a small shopping centre connects the Luxor and Mandalay Bay, and pedestrian overpasses directly connect MGM Grand, New York New York, Tropicana and Excalibur.

Keep in mind that the grand scale of most Strip buildings and attractions can easily give the impression that destinations are closer than they actually are. For instance, the faux-Eiffel tower of Paris Las Vegas is visible from Mandalay Bay on the Strip’s south end, but they’re 1.6 miles apart, and it will take at least a half-hour to walk from one to the other. If time is a factor, be sure you know how far away your destination is before you decide whether to walk. Know also that unless you are willing to put in the distance (which involves passing through some sketchy parts of town), it is a very long walk from the “main” Strip and the “old” Strip, i.e. the area around Fremont Street, even from the Stratosphere; transit or taxi/uber is your best bet there.

By monorail and tram

Monorail

The Las Vegas Monorail, ☎ +1 702 699-8200, runs along the east side of the Strip with stops behind several of the hotels and at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Specifically, the southern terminus is behind the MGM Grand, while the northern end is near the SLS Resort (formerly the Sahara). The monorail does not provide access to downtown Las Vegas or the airport (and, technically, doesn’t actually run within Las Vegas at all).

It costs $5 one-way, $9 return and $15 for a one-day pass. Do the math before boarding, it could be cheaper for a small group to take a taxi. Because the monorail stops at the back entrance of the hotels, it takes a long time to wind through the maze of casinos, often taking 30 minutes to an hour to get from one point to another on the Strip – if you’re in a hurry, take a taxi. The monorail’s carrying capacity of 4,000 people per hour is woefully insufficient to handle the evening exodus from the larger conventions which have as many as 150,000 attendees. Nevada residents with a valid Nevada drivers license, State of Nevada government-issued identification card or Nevada Sheriff’s Card qualify for a reduced fare of $1 per ride. Maximum purchase: two (2) single ride tickets per person per day. The discounted fare can be purchased from the customer service booths located at each station.

Due to high prices, inconvenient station locations, low passenger ridership, and the fact that it does not connect to downtown or the airport, the Monorail is widely regarded as a failure. It has been operating under the supervision of a federal bankruptcy court since January 2010 while it tries to reorganize its finances under the protection of Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

Tram

On the west side of the Strip, no less than three trams operate short routes between the major hotels. There is no charge for use, though hours of operation vary. Although they might appear to be redundant – given their short routes between buildings that are generally physically connected to begin with – they can save time and are particularly of use for those with mobility issues.

The three trams currently in operation are:

• The Mandalay Bay Tram which runs two tracks between the Mandalay Bay Hotel and the Excalibur, with a stop at the Luxor in-between (though one of the tracks bypasses the Luxor station).
• The Aria Express (aka. CityCenter Tram) runs between the Park MGM and the Bellagio, with a stop at The Shops at Crystals (serving adjacent hotels such as the Aria and Vdara).
• Mirage-Treasure Island Tram is the shortest of the routes and runs from the Mirage in the south to Treasure Island in the north. It has been closed for much of 2018 for refurbishment.

By bus

Buses can be an inexpensive and convenient option, especially if just traveling up-and-down the Strip, or to-and-from downtown. A bus ride is a good way to recuperate during those hot summer months after a long and tiring walk on the Strip since the buses are air-conditioned.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), +1 702 228-7433, operates 49 bus routes throughout the valley. Most routes operate 5:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m. daily, but some routes operate 24 hours per day. The standard single-ride fare is $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for kids and seniors for all standard routes, which RTC calls “residential routes.” If purchasing a child or senior fare, be prepared to show some form of picture ID to prove age to the driver.

The RTC operates two routes on Las Vegas Boulevard: the Deuce, a London-style double decker bus, and the Strip and Downtown Express (SDX), an extended-length accordion-style bus. As of 2012, the RTC has completely abolished single-ride fares for the Deuce and SDX. The most affordable option for the Strip routes is a two-hour pass which costs $6.00 for all riders above the age of five (children below the age of five accompanied by an adult ride ).

Deuce and SDX buses stop only at marked bus stops on the Strip which all have ticket vending machines where passes must be purchased in advance before boarding. SDX buses also carry a ticket vending machine on board, but passengers must purchase tickets immediately upon boarding. The SDX operates on a pure proof-of-payment system, meaning that passengers can board and disembark SDX buses on the Strip through any bus door, but risk a substantial fine if caught riding without a valid pass. Indeed, SDX bus drivers sit inside a secure compartment, with a sign telling passengers to not bother them. However, Deuce buses have a more traditional layout. You must board through the front door and show your pass to the driver. Valid Deuce and SDX passes can also be used on all residential routes prior to the expiration date and time printed by the vending machine on the pass.

During the larger conventions (such as CES, NAB, and MAGIC) the Deuce also operates on a special one way service from the Las Vegas Convention Center. This service operates only in the afternoon from the convention center to the Strip, and the bus travels southbound and services all regular stops from Circus Circus onward.

Bus drivers do not give change. However, all the ticket vending machines accept credit/debit cards and some (but not all) give change. Transfers require payment of an additional fare. Fares, including the less-expensive Residential fares, can also be purchased on your smartphone via the RideRTC app. Simply scan the app on the scanner to the left of the door when boarding.

Residential fares, nominally valid on all routes except the Strip buses, are significantly less expensive– $3 for two hours, $5 for 24 hours, $20 for 7 days, $34 for 15 days, and $65 for 30 days. Note that Nevada residents may use residential passes aboard Strip buses, and further note that Strip drivers and fare inspectors never check residency when performing fare inspection.

It is important to note however, that if you would like to purchase a child or senior fare pass, you will need to do so from the customer service agent at the terminals. These passes are valid for 30 days following the first use and can be used on all routes.

If the Strip buses are crowded and the Strip is jammed with traffic (as is often the case), a good way to avoid waiting for the next bus is to use buses running on parallel routes. Either walk one block east from the Strip and use route 108 on Paradise Road or walk one block west to Industrial Road and use route 105, Martin Luther King Blvd and Koval Way.

Taxi

One of the easiest ways to get around is by taxi. It is relatively cheap to go from hotel to hotel, but be aware that since traffic is often so congested on the strip, taking a taxi often isn’t much faster than walking. Many taxis will cut off the strip to use a parallel road–this is often faster but can double your taxi fare. The taxi driver is required to use the meter and to take the shortest route to your destination. There is a surcharge for rides originating at the airport, but not for extra passengers. Taxi lines (queues) are typically found at the front of hotels. You would be unwise to attempt to hail one on the street, especially on the Strip, as it is illegal for a taxi to stop traffic to pick up or drop off a passenger. The best way to hail a taxi outside of a cabstand is to use the following method: if you are wanting to go north on the Strip, stand on the east side about 20 feet before a turn off. The taxi you want to wave over will have the yellow lights off. Standing like this allows the taxi to turn off the road and pick you up. It is customary to tip the hotel taxi dispatcher $1 and tip the taxi driver 15% of the meter, and about $1 per piece of luggage.

If you are traveling with a large group, consider hiring a limousine, as you will often forgo a wait and the price per person may even be lower than that using a taxicab. Limousines usually queue in front of the taxicab line and can be approached directly.

By car

Driving Las Vegas Boulevard (the “Strip”), especially on weekends, is an exercise in frustration. Due to extremely severe gridlock at all hours, you could easily spend an hour (or more) sitting in traffic on the Strip just to travel a couple of miles. The Strip’s most critically congested section is the 1.7-mile-long portion between Spring Mountain Road/Sands Avenue to the north and Tropicana Avenue to the south, which happens to be where almost all of the major hotel-casinos are located.

Do what the locals do and avoid driving long distances on the Strip altogether. Instead take I-15, which parallels the Strip, and get off at the exit nearest your hotel and park there. Frank Sinatra Drive (which dead ends into Industrial Road) lies just west of the Strip, runs behind the casinos, and provides another option. Koval Lane and Paradise Road provide similar access on the eastern side of the Strip. If you need to do an east or west traverse of the northern half of the Strip and I-15, consider using the Desert Inn Road superarterial, which was built specifically to provide a fast grade-separated route for east-west traffic.

Parking

Virtually no casinos on the Strip, or downtown, offer parking. The only exceptions are SLS, Treasure Island, Venetian, Wynn, Planet Hollywood and Casino Royale. The rest offer paid self-parking and many also offer valet parking for an additional charge. On Friday and Saturday nights, the self-parking lots fill up fast. Consider splurging on the valet to avoid cumbersome delays and endless circling around. As of 2018, people staying at MGM-owned hotels who pay for self-parking not only get in-and-out privileges in their own hotel’s lot, but they can also park for no additional charge at all other self-parking lots on MGM properties. This could be handy if, for example, you’re staying at New York, New York and its parking garage fills up due to an NHL game happening at the adjacent T-Mobile Arena; if you don’t mind the walk, you can park at MGM Grand’s massive garage down the street instead.

Rental cars

If you mostly plan to hang around one casino and your time in Vegas is short, you might want to forego a rental car altogether and just take taxis or the Strip buses. On the other hand, taxi fares and bus passes add up quickly, and with car rental so cheap, anyone staying a few days or longer would be better suited with the flexibility of a car. Some of the best sights (e.g., Hoover Dam) are located just outside of Las Vegas and require that you drive to those destinations. If you need to or might go farther (e.g., out of state), ensure your rental agreement allows it as well as sharing of driving duties.

The base rental price for a car at McCarran International Airport is quite competitive with other major cities. Unfortunately, agencies at the airport must levy very large fees (e.g., for airport improvements) and taxes on those base prices. These can increase the modest weekly cost of a compact or intermediate size car by nearly 60 percent.

• All airport rental agencies share a single off-airport facility served by frequent shuttle buses. Unfortunately, unlike the old rental car lots, which were located right next to the central terminal, the new centralized rental car facility is located south of the airport, which forces all rental car customers to make a long connection via shuttle bus through the Paradise Road airport connector tunnel. Add at least 30 minutes to your schedule to pick up and/or drop off your vehicle, to ensure you won’t be late for meetings or departure flights.
• There are numerous car rental offices on the Strip, making it very easy to rent a car from your hotel for a day trip. Even you can rent a car online from Sixt or a well known broker for las vegas car rental. Remember to rent ahead of time as it can be busy during weekends and during major conventions. Check to see if those off-airport sites must also charge the above fees and taxes. Off-airport rental car agencies located at hotels may be less susceptible to airport taxes, but are treated by hotels as a profit center and accordingly charge higher rental rates.

By scooter

• Scoot Vegas Moped Rentals(+1 702 275-2379) offers scooter rental, a great way to see the sites. Free delivery to all strip hotels. Must be over 18 with a valid drivers license and major credit card.
• Vegas Scooters (+1 702 624-4326) Offers scooter rental with gas, mileage, taxes, pickup and delivery.

See






Along the Strip

• Aquarium @ The Mirage. There is an impressive aquarium behind the check-in counter and a dolphin habitat.
• The Adventuredome at Circus Circus. America’s largest indoor theme park with 25 rides and attractions for all ages. Individual tickets or all day ride passes are available.
• The Auto Collections @ The Quad (formerly the Imperial Palace), 3535 S Las Vegas Blvd. Originally an auto museum at the Imperial Palace, The Auto Collections became the largest classic car showroom in 2000, selling, buying and trading more than 200 fully restored cars ranging in price from $15,000.00 to several million. The collections spans 125,000 square feet and every car is one-of-a-kind.
• BODIES… the Exhibition @ Luxor, 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd. 10:00am-10:00pm. The Exhibition showcases 13 whole-body specimens and more than 260 organs and partial body specimens. These real human bodies have been meticulously dissected, preserved through an innovative process. The bodies are respectfully presented, giving visitors the opportunity to view the beauty and complexity of their own organs and systems. The Exhibition provides an up-close look inside our skeletal, muscular, respiratory, and circulatory systems. Authentic human specimens illustrate the damage caused to organs by over-eating and lack of exercise encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.
• Botanical Gardens @ Bellagio. Inside of the casino there is a tremendous flower garden, with displays changed every month or two.
• Flamingo Garden, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S. A 15-acre garden with Flamingos and other exotic birds, as well as koi and turtles.
• Fountain Show @ Bellagio. The Fountains of the Bellagio perform a magnificent display (set to music) every 15 minutes in the evenings and also every hour on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Show times can vary on public holidays. Considered one of the more impressive attractions on the Strip, especially at night.
• Gallery of Fine Art @ Bellagio. A fine-art gallery.
• Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, 377 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 862-7800. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is a one-of-a-kind special events venue in which more than 100 of the world’s hottest celebrities, politicians, athletes and legends are in attendance. Featuring seven highly themed rooms ranging from a Hollywood party with guests including Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and Eva Longoria to an exciting sports arena with interactive experiences featuring Shaquille O’Neal and Tiger Woods.
• Shark Reef Aquarium @ Mandalay Bay. The highlight is walking through a transparent tunnel with sharks, sea turtle, fish on all sides.
• Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition @ Luxor, 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd. 10:00am-10:00pm. The 25,000-square-foot exhibit features numerous items from the Titanic, including luggage, the ship’s whistles, floor tiles from the first-class smoking room, a window frame from the Verandah Cafe and an unopened bottle of champagne with a 1900 vintage. In addition, the exhibit features a piece of Titanic’s hull, a full-scale re-creation of the Grand Staircase as well as a newly expanded outer Promenade Deck, complete with the frigid temperatures felt on that fateful April night.
• Volcano @ The Mirage. Sunday – Thursday 7:00 PM & 8:00 PM, Friday – Saturday 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM. Free. The volcano in front of the casino erupts in a terrific light show.

Downtown

• Discovery Children’s Museum, 360 Promenade Place, Las Vegas, NV 89106 (Take the SDX bus, or head north on I-15 to Charleston Blvd.), ☎ (702) 382-3445. 09:00 am – 04:00 pm. This is one place that you’d be happy for your kids to spend hours at. Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas is a one of a kind of museum that encourages interaction, curiosity to enhance knowledge and learning $14.50, NV residents $12.50.
• Fremont Street Experience – Viva Vision, ☎ +1 702 678-5600. dusk to mid night. A pedestrian mall just outside the downtown casinos. Multimedia shows are displayed on a giant canopy over the street nightly.
• World’s Largest Golden Nugget @ Golden Nugget Hotel, 129 East Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101. The world’s largest gold nugget is on display in the back of the casino. about 100m behind reception where you can also hold it .
• The Mob Museum, 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101. 10:00am-7:00pm: Sunday-Thursday, 10:00am-8:00pm: Friday-Saturday. Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, The Mob Museum showcases both sides of the notorious battle between organized crime and law enforcement. With high-tech theater presentations, iconic one-of-a-kind artifacts, and interactive exhibits, you can finally discover the whole truth and nothing but the truth. $19.95 General Admission, $15.95 Seniors (65+), Military, Law Enforcement, Teachers, $13.95 Children (5-17 years) & Students (18-23 years), NV residents half price.
• Main Street Station antiques, (200 N Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101). 24/7. The Main Street Station, in the northwest corner of Downtown, holds a large collection of historical antiques, including chandeliers from the Paris Opera House, a fully-intact Pullman parlor car, and, most famously, a piece of the Berlin Wall mounted to the urinals in the men’s room. Ask at the front desk for a brochure describing their collections, and, if you’re a woman, for security to let you see the men’s room. (Note that they will only do this if they’re not otherwise busy.)
• The Tank @ Golden Nugget Hotel, 129 East Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101. a $30 million complex complete with a shark tank, a 3-story waterslide and seven private cabanas. x

Elsewhere in Las Vegas

• Chinatown Plaza, (about 1 mile west of Treasure Island, Take a westbound RTC Route 203 bus from the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Spring Mountain Road between TI and the Fashion Show Mall). A place to experience Asian culture and cuisine.
• National Atomic Testing Museum, 755 E. Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89119 (Take Flamingo Rd. about 2 miles east, or use RTC route 202), ☎ (702) 794-5151. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. Las Vegas was the closest city to America’s nuclear testing program, to the point that tests were a tourist attraction– people used to sit on the rooftop of Atomic Liquors downtown and watch the mushroom clouds. Accordingly, there is a museum here dedicated to the story of those tests and the people who were involved with them. $22, children $16, senior/student/military/NV resident.
• The Neon Museum Las Vegas, 821 N Las Vegas Blvd (Take Las Vegas Blvd. north, or use RTC Route 113 from the Bonneville Transit Center), ☎ +1 702 387-6366. An outdoor lot loaded with huge signs that once twinkled in front of the Silver Slipper, Stardust, and El Cortez. See the giant horseshoe made of thousands of gold-colored light bulbs! $15.
• Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Park, 500 E Washington Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (Take Las Vegas Blvd. north, or use RTC Route 113 from the Bonneville Transit Center). Tues-Sat 8am-4:30pm. The first attempt at Anglo-American settlement in the Las Vegas Valley, this fort was originally built by Mormon missionaries in 1855. They abandoned it a year later, but it has since been owned by a long line of Las Vegas luminaries, including the “First Lady of Las Vegas,” Helene Stewart. A great look into the city’s Wild West past
• Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame (Pinball Museum), 1610 E. Tropicana, Las Vegas NV 89119 (Take Tropicana east about 1.5 miles off the Strip, or use RTC Route 201 from alongside the Tropicana hotel). 11am-11pm Sun-Thurs, 11am-midnight Fri & Sat. The world’s largest publicly-accessible collection of pinball machines, and a number of other vintage arcade classics as well! Admission is , but bring cash to feed the change machine. admission , games .
• Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (Red Rock), 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161 (Take I-15 N to US-95 N, 95 to Summerlin Pkwy W, Summerlin Pkwy to CC-215 S, exit Charleston Blvd. and head west. Sorry, no transit), ☎ (702) 515-5350. opens daily at 6am; closing depends on season. Red Rock, as it is affectionately known among locals, is the most accessible natural area in the Las Vegas Valley. A 21-mile scenic loop drive allows you to wind your way past stunning geologic formations in a natural setting that almost entirely obscures the city from view. There’s also hiking opportunities and world-class rock climbing, as well as a fantastic visitor’s center, home to the official turtle mascot of Las Vegas, Mojave Max. You may also see wild burros and other wildlife in the area. $15/car, $10/motorcycle, America the Beautiful accepted.
• Springs Preserve & Nevada State Museum, 333 S Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107 (Take I-15 N to US-95 N, exit V alley View, or use RTC routes 208, 207, or 206 and 103), ☎ (702) 822-7700. 9am-5pm daily. A large preserve on the site of the original Las Vegas Springs, which watered the city until the construction of the Hoover Dam. Includes the Origen Museum, which focuses on the natural history of Las Vegas; the Nevada State Museum-Las Vegas, which focuses on the cultural history of the area; Boomtown 1905, a recreation of early Las Vegas including a few original cottages; the Las Vegas Botanical Gardens, one of the best collections of desert flora in the world; and the Waterworks, a museum built into an active pumping station that tells the story of bringing water to the desert. Also included are a few miles of trails and a preserved spring-fed cienega. Adults $19, student/senior $17, children $11, military $8, discounts for NV residents.
• U.S. Route 95 At Night. This route climbs gradually northwest of Las Vegas so that the Strip’s neon lights remain visible for a remarkably long distance, appearing as a luminous cloud from the furthest point.

Attraction Passes

In 2015 two new attraction sightseeing passes were released for purchase. Both offer admission to a number of different tourist attractions in and around the Las Vegas area. Remember to check carefully to make sure that the passes save money compared to normal admission fees at your desired attractions.

• Las Vegas Power Pass – The Pass includes admission to over 30 attractions. This All-Inclusive pass is available in 1, 2, 3 or 5 day.
• Las Vegas Explorer Pass – The Pass includes admission to either 3, 5, or 7 attractions. The customer can choose from over 30 attractions.
  

  Walk The Strip

  In addition to the -of-charge Fountains and Bellagio shows, the Strip itself counts as an attraction, especially at night with its spectacular lights and billboards. People-watching is one of the main sports, and along the way you’ll encounter people in costumes ranging from nearly topless showgirls to superheroes to, of course, Elvis (but expect to pay a fee if you want to have a photograph taken with most of them). The Strip is deceptively longer on foot than it may appear on a map, so be sure to stay well hydrated, take rests, and during hot days take advantage of any air-conditioned port in a storm. Women are advised not to wear high heeled shoes because of amount of walking involved.

  Do

  • Battle zombies @ Adventure Combat Ops, 4375 S. Valley View Blvd, Ste. G Las Vegas, NV, ☎ 844-END-NEAR. Exciting combat simulation led by actual special ops warriors.
  • Indoor Skydiving @ Vegas Indoor Skydiving, 200 Convention Center Dr, ☎ +1 877-545-8093. 10am-8pm. Fly your body in a vertical wind tunnel. No experience necessary, all training and equipment provided. Safe for all ages.
  • Drive A Race Car On A Real Race Track, 7000 Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 702-605-3000. 9am-5pm. Drive some of the most exclusive race cars in the world on a real race track also choose fomr the world largest selection of exotic cars to race.
  • Shoot an Automatic Weapon @ The Gun Store, 2900 E Tropicana Ave, ☎ +1 702 454-1110. 9AM-6:30PM daily. Photo ID required. International travelers welcome. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are recommended. Packages including transportation, Glocks, Beretta, AK-47, M249 SAW, Thompson, Barrett 50 Caliber and M2HB. Coupons and monthly specials available online.
  • Play Pinball Games @ The Pinball Hall of Fame, 1610 E. Tropicana Ave. Old-style machines and newest ones from Stern are there, all in very good condition. Definitely worth a look. From $0.25 per game.
  • Kayak Trips from Kayak Las Vegas, 1647A Nevada Highway, Boulder City, ☎ +1 702 293-5026. Paddle the Colorado River from the base of Hoover Dam to Willow Beach Arizona, hike to hot springs from the river. Paddle to island beaches for a swim at Lake Mead.
  • Helicopter Tours From Fly Maverick, 6075 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 888 261-4414. Helicopter tours that will take you deep into the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon or soaring above the neon lights and mega resorts of the Las Vegas Strip, as well as helicopter tours that include rafting down the Colorado River.
  • The Hunt Las Vegas, (Las Vegas Blvd & Flamingo), ☎ +1 702 751-4868. Limo Scavenger Hunt throughout the City of Las Vegas. Thrills and visits to the cities Hotspots, both on the Strip and Downtown are included in The Hunt.
  • Stripper 101, 3663 Las Vegas Blvd South, ☎ (702)260-7200. Learn sexy dance moves from real Las Vegas strippers and at the end of the class receive your own Stripper diploma! “Stripper 101” is perfect for bachelorette parties or just a fun night out with the girls.For ladies aged 18 and over. Advanced scheduling required. Tickets and packages available.
  • Sun Buggy & ATV Fun Rentals, 6925 Speedway Blvd Bldg #C106 (I-15 N to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 3rd Right behind Shelby’s corner cafe), ☎ +1 702 644-2855. 7AM-7PM daily. Chase, tour, or explore on an ATV, UTV, or Dune Buggy at the Vegas Dunes, Valley Of Fire, or Amargosa. The Largest Off Road Adventure Firm in Las Vegas has been featured on over 30 TV shows internationally.
  • Exotics Racing School. After a training session, get behind the wheel of a Ferrari F430 F1 or other race car and go up to 130mph with an instructor in the passenger seat. From $249 depending on the car and number of laps.
  • Vegas Horseback Tours, 2470 Chandler Ave Ste 11, ☎ +1 888 584-9059. Daily. Horseback Tours include a Sunset Dinner, Lunch or Breakfast horseback ride, an authentic cowboy meal and a visit to cowboy town and petting zoo. Free hotel pick-up. $109-139
  • Red Rock Canyon, on the western edge of the Las Vegas city limits. Features hundreds of traditional/gear and sport routes. Climbing is possible year-round, though Spring and Fall tend to be most comfortable. There are a couple of guide books that detail the routes. Though the area does not receive much precipitation, it is worth remembering that if the sandstone becomes wet (from rain or snow) it becomes brittle and you’d be wise to avoid it for at least two day before checking if it dried out. There is also a scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon, which will take you about 30 minutes to complete, though there are opportunities to park up and get out of the car. Entry is $7 per car unless you have a National Park pass.
  • Strip Gun Club, 2233 Las Vegas Blvd. South ((Sahara and Las Vegas Boulevard)), ☎ 702-777-GUNS. 10am to 8pm. This 4500 sq ft range located on the Strip at Sahara & Las Vegas blvd, offers rentals of automatics, rifles, handguns and shotguns. Packages start at $99 for the Deuces Wild Free which includes a t-shirt, 1 rifle/1pistol 1 target, eye and ear protection and can run as high as the let yourself go wild package; The Buffet $1,999 which includes eleven guns, tee, hat, two targets, eye and ear protection.
  • Red Rock Electric Bikes (Red E Bike Tours), 1000 Scenic Loop Dr 89161 (Red Rock Canyon NCA), ☎ 7025444261. Get away from the Strip and enjoy the best outdoor activity Las Vegas has to offer. Red Rock Canyon is only 30 minutes from the Strip and Red E Bike Tours has the best way to experience this natural wonder. Enjoy a 16 mile effortless ELECTRIC bike ride thru the Park.
  • Sin City Smash (Sin City Smash Rage Room), 2907 Meade Ave (3004 S. Rancho Drive), ☎ 7029121344. 1:30pm-10pm. Sometimes it feels great to work out one’s frustration on a dinner plate or mug. Sin City Smash makes this possible without ruining the flatware as their rage rooms allow customers to take their anger out on a bevy of breakable objects. This tension-relieving environment features small- to giant-sized objects to destroy along with an option for customers to bring in something to break using one of Sin City Smash’s clobbering weapons. Safety remains a top priority at our destruction therapy facility. They provide everything from hard hats to face shields so no one gets hurt while busting up some objects and easing stress. The premier Las Vegas attraction can also custom theme their anger rooms for specials event bookings such as: birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate events, team building events and much more.
  • SPEEDVEGAS (exotic car racing experience in vegas), 14200 South Las Vegas Boulevard (14200 South Las Vegas Boulevard), ☎ 8775976403. 8am. Drive exotic cars on a real, award-winning racetrack in Vegas. Choose Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Mercedes, Corvette and more. Located on the strip in Las Vegas. 195.

  Rides

  

  • The Roller Coaster @ New York New York Hotel, 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd. 11:00am – 11:00pm Sunday-Thursday, 10:30am – Midnight Friday & Saturday. The Roller Coaster will lift you up 203 feet, drop you down 144 feet and leave your pulse trying to catch up to 67 mph. Simulating a jet fighter’s barrel roll, you’ll turn 180°, hang 86 feet in the air, take the famous “heartline” twist and dive. Individual Tickets: $14.00; Scream Pass: $25.00 (includes: all day ride pass, $2.00 off 5×7 photo); Family Fun Flight for Four: $60.00 (Includes Four individual ride tickets and 2 5×7 close up photos).
  • Rides @ The Stratosphere Hotel, 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd. There are 3 intense rides on the top of the tallest hotel on the strip: Big Shot – Shoots passengers straight up 160 feet at 45 mph (over 4 Gs) until they are 1,081 feet above the Strip. X-Scream – A giant teeter-totter that propels you 27 feet over the edge of the Tower, 866 feet above the ground. Insanity, the Ride – A massive mechanical arm extends 64 feet over the edge of the

  Tower and spins you at a force of 3 Gs for a truly mind-bending experience. For the people who do not like rides but still want to do something at the top, there are shops and a great view. Tower Admission: $18.00 Adult, $10.00 Groups/Parties over 20; Rides: $15.00 each, $34.00 Tower Admission + All Day Unlimited Rides, $33.00 Tower Admission + 3 Rides, $28.00 Tower Admission + 2 Rides, $23.00 Tower Admission +1 ride, additional $10.00 Express Pass.

• SkyJump @ The Stratosphere Hotel, 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd. 10:00am – 1:00am Sunday–Thursday, 10:00am – 2:00am Friday–Saturday. SkyJump is a controlled fall, similar to a vertical zip line. The launching pad is located on the 108th floor, 855 feet above the Las Vegas Strip. Jumpers are harnessed in and attached to a cable that is connected to a descender machine. Guide wires keep the skyjumper on course and on target. Just before reaching the rapidly approaching ground, the skyjumper is slowed down for a controlled and safe landing. $109.99 Per Jump, $119.99 Jump/Photos, $139.99 Jump/Wristcam Video/Photos.
• The Adventuredome Theme Park @ Circus Circus, 2880 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 794-3939. 11:00am – 6:00pm Monday-Thursday, 10:00am to 12:00am Friday-Saturday, 10:00am – 9:00pm Sunday. America’s 2nd largest indoor theme park with 25 rides and attractions for all ages. $16.95 Day pass (under 48 inches tall), $27.95 Day Pass (over 48 inches tall), Premium Rides – $8.00 each : FX Theatre featuring SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, Disk’O (Spinning Ride), Canyon Blaster (Roller Coaster), El Loco (Roller Coaster), Sling Shot (Tower Ride), Chaos (Spinning & Tilting Ride), Inverter (360° Counter-Rotation Ride), SimEx Extreme Ride Theater, Happy Feet: Mumble’s Wild Ride, Lazer Blast (Laser Tag Adventure); Large Rides – $5.00 each: Canyon Cars (Bumper Cars), Sand Pirate (Swinging Ship); Junior Rides – $5.00 each: Frog Hopper (Jr. Tower Ride), Miner Mike (Jr. Roller Coaster), Thunderbirds (Jr. Plane Ride); Family Rides – $5.00 each: B.C. Bus (Bus Ride), Circus Carousel (Merry-Go-Round), Drifters (Ferris Wheel), Road Runner (Mini-Himalaya Ride).

Concerts & Special Events

Shows
For savings, check online for deals and at kiosks along the Strip that offer discounted last-minute tickets.

Free shows

World-Class Circus Acts @ Circus Circus, 2880 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 702 734-0410. From 11am, every half-hour. Aerialists, jugglers, acrobats and trapeze artists take the stage at the world’s largest permanent circus daily.
I Lost My M in Vegas @ M&M World, 3785 S Las Vegas Blvd (in the Showcase Mall, next to the MGM Hotel & Casino). Daily. 3–D movie.

Cirque du Soleil shows

Las Vegas hosts 7 very popular Cirque du Soleil shows. To secure the best seats, reservations well in advance is recommended. In order of opening date, the shows are;

• Mystère @ Treasure Island, 3300 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 800 392-1999. A classic Cirque show, full of amazing feats, impressive costumes, and humor. Definitely worth the time and money. Although it’s family-friendly, it verges on too intense and psychedelic for younger children, so consider avoiding for children are under eight.
• ‘O’ @ Bellagio, 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 888 987-7111. The stage at the Bellagio contains a 1.5 million gallon swimming pool, from which most performers emerge and retreat to. It’s an incredibly impressive show.
• Zumanity @ New York-New York, 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 866 774-7117. An adult show. You must be 18 or older to attend.
• KÀ @ MGM Grand, ☎ 877 264-1844. Spectacular show that tells a tale of Imperial Twins on a journey to fulfill their destinies.
• Love @ Mirage, 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 800 963-9634. This recent addition to Cirque du Soleil is a show based on the music of The Beatles. The show explores the content of the songs as interpreted by performances from a cast of 60.
• Criss Angel Believe @ Luxor, 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 800 557-7428. Based on the magic of Criss Angel.

Production Shows

Reserve your tickets well in advance for the best available seating. The most popular shows are sold out on the weekends.

• Absinthe @ Caesars Palace, 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd., ☎ 702 731-7110. 8:00pm: Sunday & Wednesday, 8:00 & 10:00pm: Tuesday & Thursday-Saturday. What is perhaps the world’s sexiest adult-themed circus makes its way to the strip. Be mesmerized as exotic burlesque, vaudeville and circus acts unfolds before your eyes.
• Blue Man Group @ The Monte Carlo, 3770 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 866 641-7469. Nightly 7:30pm and/or 10:30pm. Blue Man Group is unlike any other show on the Las Vegas Strip. There are no elaborate costumes, no death-defying acrobatics and no scantily clad dancers. There are simply three blue-hued men dressed in black who make music, make you laugh and make you think. Now at the Monte Carlo, the group is presenting their first new show in more than 20 years to audiences in Vegas. $71.00 – $130.00 plus tax and fee.
• Frankie Moreno @ Stratosphere, 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 380-7777. 8:00pm Wednesday-Saturday. A fan favorite of the Las Vegas entertainment industry and local celebs, Frankie’s unique style and sophisticated swagger highlight a fun and entertaining performance that everyone should experience. Frankie Moreno was named “Best All-Around Performer” by Las Vegas Review – Journal’s Best of Las Vegas 2012 and “Best Strip Headliner” – Las Vegas Weekly. $39.99, $49.99 (half price for hotel guests and locals).
• Jabbawockeez @ Luxor, 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 262-4400. The Jabbawockeez is an eight-member, all male, hip-hop dance crew best known for being the winners of the first season of America’s Best Dance Crew.
• Jersey Boys @ Le Theatre Des Arts – Paris Hotel & Casino, 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 777-7776. 5:00pm & 8:15pm: Tuesday-Sunday. How did four blue-collar kids become one of the greatest successes in pop music history? Find out at the runaway smash-hit, Jersey Boys. Winner of Best Musical accolades on Broadway, in London and Australia, this blockbuster phenomenon takes you up the charts, across the country and behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. $52.80, $67.10, $90.20, $135.30, $184.80 plus tax and fee.
• Le Rêve @ Wynn Las Vegas, 3131 S Las Vegas Blvd. F-Sun 7:00PM & 9:30PM. Held in a domed stage with no seat further than 40 feet from the stage. Le Rêve takes you through a young woman’s dream, and features acrobats, synchronized swimming and diving.
• Marriage Can Be Murder @ The D Las Vegas, 301 Fremont St, ☎ 702 388-2400. 9:30am – 9:30pm Monday-Wednesday, 9:30am – 11:00pm Thursday-Sunday. The award-winning comedy show is an interactive, murder mystery, dinner show experience, where the actors are planted among the unsuspecting guests. You’ll be thoroughly entertained during your three course meal while you try to figure out “who dun-it?” Marriage Can Be Murder is the longest running dinner show in Vegas. $64.40 (Includes 3-Course Dinner, One Beverage and Tip) & $80.90 (Includes Premium Seating, 3-Course Dinner, One Alcoholic Beverage, Tip and a Souvenir T-Shirt).
• Menopause – The Musical @ Luxor Hotel & Casino, 3900 S Las Vegas Boulevard, (fax: “”url=”http://www.menopausethemusical.com/main.php?page=show.details&getshow=45”). 5:30pm: Wednesday-Monday, 8:00pm: Tuesday. Four women at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black-lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! Menopause The Musical® is a 90-minute production which includes 25 re-lyricized tunes from the ’60s and ’70s and culminates with a salute to women who are experiencing The Change. Come see what nearly 11 million fans all over the world are laughing about! $54.95 & $70.00 plus tax and fee. <
• Rock Of Ages @ Rock of Ages Theater at The Venetian, 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 414-9000. 8:00pm Tuesday-Friday, Sunday; 7:00pm & 10:00 Saturday. Set in L.A.’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, Rock of Ages tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small-town girl, both in L.A. to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. Rock Of Ages takes you back to the times of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair! Starts December 18 $50.00-$122.99 plus tax and fee.
• Tony ‘N’ Tina’s Wedding @ Windows at Bally’s Hotel & Casino, 3645 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 967-4111. 7:00pm nightly. The exciting interactive show concept gives audiences a chance to attend an actual wedding in which there is a ceremony, reception, guests and lots of improvisation. $87.99 & $119.12 plus tax and fee.
• Tournament of Kings @ Excalibur Hotel & Casino, 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd. 6:00pm: Monday & Wednesday, 6:00pm & 8:30pm: Thursday-Sunday. Travel back to the Middle Ages and experience a celebration of Medieval proportions at Excalibur’s Tournament of Kings. This dinner and show features jousting, dancing, singing and a feast fit for a king. The show is a fun way to combine getting dinner with experiencing the excitement that ensues when knights in shining armor on horses duel to determine a champion. $59:00 (includes three-course dinner), $44.35 (dinner-less admission) plus tax and fee.
• V – The Ultimate Variety Show @ V Theater at Miracle Mile Shops Planet Hollywood, 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 260-7200 Nightly 7:00pm & 8:30pm. Comedy, magic, aerial acrobatics, dancing and some of the wildest modern-day Vaudeville acts you will ever see. V truly is the Ultimate Variety Show. All ages. $79.99, $99.99 plus tax and fee.
• Vegas! The Show @ Saxe Theater at Miracle Mile Shops Planet Hollywood, 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 260-7200,. 7:00pm & 9:00pm: Monday-Saturday. VEGAS! The Show recreates the greatest moments in Vegas’ history. This is the story of the most influential and exciting entertainers who made Vegas… Vegas! From vintage Vegas icons like The Rat Pack and Elvis to today’s hottest performers… this award- winning cast, big band orchestra and beautiful showgirls make VEGAS! The Show the biggest stage production on the Strip in almost 20 years. $99.99 & $119.99 plus tax and fee.

Headliner shows

• Celine Dion @ Caesars Palace Colosseum, 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd. February 19-20, 22, 26-27; March 2-3, 5-6, 9-10, 12-13, 15-16. $130.00 – $1455.00 plus tax & fee.
• Rod Stewart @ Caesars Palace Colosseum, 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd. February 1-2, 6, 8-9. $88.00 – $644.00 plus tax & fee.
• Shania Twain – Still The One @ Caesars Palace Colosseum, 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd. 7:30pm – March 19-20, 23-24, 26-27, 29-30; April 2-3, 5-6, 9-10. $90.00-$1131.00 plus tax & fee.
• Soul2Soul: Tim McGraw & Faith Hill @ The Venetian (3355 S Las Vegas Blvd). 10:30pm -February 1-2; March 1-2; April 12-13, 26-27. $183.00 – $302.50 plus & tax.

Comedy shows

There are always different comedians coming to Las Vegas. Some comedians that have recently performed in Las Vegas include Robin Williams, Howie Mandel, and Carrot Top. Always a great way to get a laugh and end the night.

• Comedy Pet Theater @ V Theater – Planet Hollywood, 3663 Las Vegas Blvd #360, ☎ 7022607200 (tickets@vtheaterboxoffice.com). The most beloved family show in the world, featuring an amazing cast of housecats, dogs, parrots… even geese and mice! Critics describe the show as a unique blend of physical comedy, world-champion juggling and the extraordinary talents of more than 30 performing pets. Gregory Popovich has rescued these animals from shelters all over the country and has transformed them into Las Vegas stars. Popovich is a fifth generation circus performer who learned early on how to develop strong bonds with animals. He released his first book “You CAN Train Your Cat” in late 2009 and has been featured on The Tonight Show, David Letterman, in USA Today and People Magazine.
• Big Al’s Comedy Club @ The Orleans Hotel & Casino, 4500 West Tropicana Ave., ☎ 702 365-7111. 8:00pm Wednesday – Sunday. $199.95 ”includes one drink”.
• Anthony Cools presents Strip Comedy @ Palms Resort & Casino, 4321 West Flamingo Rd. 8:00pm Wednesday-Sunday. This wild, down and dirty show follows two teams of improv actors going head-to-head in comedic games where everyone wins and nothing is off limits. The audience gets in on a big piece of the action, participating throughout the night in this fully improvised show created from their suggestions. The audience also judges the scenes, deciding which team takes each round and live human “scorecards” keep tally on the wins. Similar to strip poker, each win allows the “scorecard” to remove an item of clothing – eventually leaving one lovely lady almost baring all and thus winning the game for her team.
• Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club @ MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 866 740-7711. Nightly at 8:00 PM.
• Carrot Top @ Atrium Theater – Luxor Hotel & Casino, 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702-822-6262. 8:30pm: Wednesday-Monday. Luxor Las Vegas Hotel and Casino features Carrot Top, “Best Male Stand-Up Comedian!” The wackiest red-headed comedian since Lucy! The award-winning comedy of Scott “Carrot Top” Thompson, also titled “Entertainer of the Year!” and “Comedian of the Year,” keeps his audience in stitches as he unpacks trunk loads of crazy props and wacky inventions. Carrot Top describes himself as a culmination of George Carlin (“observational humor”), Steven Wright (“dark, sick humor”) and Gallagher (“the props”). Whatever his style, Carrot Top – with his trademark mop of red hair – is rocking Luxor Las Vegas right now! Don’t miss the best comedic entertainment in Las Vegas! $54.95 & $64.95 plus tax and fee.
• Comedy After Dark starring Anthony Padilla @ Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Rd, ☎ 800 222-5361. 10:00pm Thursday-Saturday. This edgy comedy review showcases a rotating lineup of comedians along with host Jeremy Wieand and comedian Anthony Padilla. Many of the headliners, including Padilla, have been on television or in movies. Padilla has been featured in a number of TV shows, including the History channel’s “Pawn Stars” and “American Restoration.”
• Defending The Caveman @ Harrah’s Hotel & Casino, 3475 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 369-5000. 4:00 & 7:00pm Sunday – Monday, 7:00pm Tuesday – Saturday. Defending the Caveman starring Kevin Burke delivers a healthy dose of insight to the ways of modern man. Men and women will relish this hilarious one-man encounter with the Neanderthal. $39.95 – $64.95, $34.95 – $54.95 plus taxes and fees.
• Eddie Griffin @ King’s Room – Rio All Suites, 3700 W. Flamingo Rd. 7:00pm Monday-Wednesday. Eddie Griffin doesn’t hold anything back in his R-rated comedy show at the Rio. He brings his signature brand of “Comedy without a Condom” to audiences for a night of non-stop laughs. A comedy veteran, Griffin has no problem working the crowd and cracking jokes with his off-the-cuff comedy.
• George Wallace @ The Flamingo, 3555 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 777-7776. 10:00pm Tuesday – Saturday. Wallace derives his comedy from everyday moments of life. Today he is considered one of the funniest stand-ups in the business. $49.95 – $75.00 plus taxes and fees.
• Guidos of Comedy @ Royal House Lounge at Royal Resort, 99 Convention Center Dr, ☎ 800 634-6118. 7:00pm Friday-Sunday. Mikey V and Tommy T turn the Royal House lounge into Sunday dinner at mama’s with lots of laughs and songs. If you’re not Italian you just might think you are by the end of the show!
• The Improv @ Harrah’s Hotel & Casino, 3475 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 369-5000. $29.05, VIP:$44.95 plus taxes & fees.
• Jeff Civillico – Comedy In Action @ The Quad (formerly The Imperial Palace), 3535 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 731-3311. 2:00pm Wednesday – Monday. $34.00 – $44.00 plus taxes & fees.
• The Joe Show @ Tuscany Suites & Casino, 255 East Flamingo Rd, ☎ 702 629-0715. 8:00pm Thursday-Saturday. This 75-minute performance features comedian, Joe Lowers, who’s been doing comedy for two decades and headlining Las Vegas for the past five years.
• Laugh Factory @ The Tropicana Hotel & Casino, 3801 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 739-2222. Daily 8:30pm & 10:30pm. General $29, VIP $44.95.
• Las Vegas Live Comedy Club, ☎ 7022607200 (tickets@vtheaterboxoffice.com). Las Vegas has a new home for the Best Comedy in the Country. “Las Vegas Live” Comedy Club will bring together a cross section of best comedians from NY, Chicago, Boston, L.A., and Las Vegas. Make this Vegas show one of the top things to do on your Vegas trip, and come see comedy aces from HBO, SHOWTIME, and COMEDY CENTRAL “live” on our stage. Daily at 9pm. 702.260.7200.
• Louie Anderson – Big Baby Boomer @ Palace Station Hotel & Casino, 2411 W Sahara Ave, ☎ 702 367-2411. 7:00pm Wednesday – Saturday. $59.95 plus tax/fees for general admission.
• The Riviera Comedy Club @ The Riviera Hotel & Casino, 2901 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 855 468-6748. 9:00 PM daily. $24.95, $34.95 VIP.
• Sammy Shores’s Legends of Comedy @ Wolf Theater at Clarion Hotel & Casino, 305 Convention Center Dr. 8:00pm Saturday. Comedy legend Sammy Shore returns to Las Vegas with a new stand-up show. Shore gained notoriety as “the man who made Elvis laugh” and was invited to open for Presley during his famed Vegas run from 1969 to 1972. Shore then opened the venerable Comedy Store in Los Angeles in 1972, which helped launch the careers of dozens of renowned comics including Bob Saget, Richard Lewis, David Letterman and Jay Leno. Join Sammy and Pete Barbuti with special guests for an evening of laughter.
• Sin City Comedy Show @ Sin City Theater at Theater Planet Hollywood, 3667 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 260-7200. 9:00pm: nightly. Two time winner of the coveted “Best of Las Vegas Award”; Sin City Comedy features a rotating lineup of nationally known comics performing each night, that you might have seen before on Comedy Central, VH1, HBO, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, Jimmy Kimmel, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Each week features a different well-known comedian, so you’ll never see the same Sin City Comedy show twice.
• Vinnie Favorito @ Bugsy’s Cabaret – Flamingo Hotel & Casino, 3555 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 733-3111. Nightly at 8:00 PM. $54.95; VIP $59.95; Fun Zone $100 + tax/fees.
• Wolf’s Den Comedy @ Wolf Theater at Clarion Hotel & Casino, 305 Convention Center Dr. 8:00pm Friday. An eclectic combination of national touring and local comedians, joined by performers from TV shows like Last Comic Standing and The Howard Stern Show radio program, Wolf’s Comedy Den will bring a rotating cast of funny folks to Las Vegas with the goal to leave you in stitches. From the who’s-who to the rising stars of comedy, the laughs will come flying from all directions.

Impressionist/Impersonation shows

• Terry Fator @ Mirage, 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 792-7777. Monday – Thursday 7:30pm. Backed by a live band, Fator wows audiences nightly with singing, comedy and unparalleled celebrity impressions.. The “America’s Got Talent” winner brings to life a hilarious range of characters.
• Jimmy Stewart & Friends starring Rich Little @ Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Rd., ☎ 702 732-5111. through April 3rd. 8:30pm Saturday – Wednesday. $53.90 – $73.90 plus taxes & fees.
• Gordie Brown @ Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, 129 Fremont St., ☎ 702 385-7111. 7:30pm Tuesday – Saturday, Dark December 2-17. $25.00 – $65.00 plus taxes & fees.

Tribute shows

• VEGAS! the Show @ Saxe Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops, 3663 Las Vegas Blvd S., ☎ (702)260-7200. 7:00pm & 9:00pm. Voted “Best Show in Las Vegas!” VEGAS! the Show is the best of Las Vegas all in one show and tells the story of the most exciting entertainers to ever set foot on The Strip. A cast of more than 40 singers, dancers, showgirls and a live big band orchestra make it the “must see” show of Las Vegas.
• The Australian Bee Gees Show: A Tribute to The Bee Gees @ The Excalibur Hotel & Casino, 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 597-7600. 7:00pm daily. Performing since 1996, the tribute band brings the sound of the legendary Bee Gees to live with superb sound, graphics and lighting. The multimedia concert revisits the sounds of the famous Gibb Brothers. $44.95 – 54.95 plus taxes & fees.
• Beatleshow @ Saxe Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops, 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ (702)260-7200. B – A TRIBUTE to The Beatles is as close as you can get to a real Beatles concert. Hear their greatest hits performed live. Starting at $59.99.
• Barbra and Frank: The Concert That Never Was @ Boulevard Theater, 3765G S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 473-9300. 3:00pm daily. In “Barbra & Frank: The Concert That Never Was…,” tribute artists Sharon Owens and Sebastian Anzaldo take audiences on a trip down memory lane as Streisand and Sinatra.
• Hitzville The Show Motown Revue @ V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops, 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ (702)260-7200. Tues-Sat at 6:00pm. Hitzville – The Show is the most authentic Motown show ever to hit Las Vegas. See the performance that earned standing ovations from legendary producer Berry Gordy and the “King of Pop” himself, Michael Jackson.
• Brian Hoffman’s Remembering Red – A Tribute To Red Skelton @ The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, 160 East Flamingo Rd. 2:00pm Monday-Tuesday, Saturday. A Tribute to Red Skelton is a heartfelt trip down memory lane. Reminisce with Brian Hoffman as he performs the jokes and routines that made Red Skelton famous. Brian’s portrayal of Red Skelton will have you in stitches as he re-creates some of Red’s most well known characters. Laugh with Clem Kadiddlehopper, that dim-witted country bumpkin. Giggle along with Gertrude and Heathcliffe, the two seagulls. Feel the love of Freddy the Freeloader, the hobo who lived in the city dump. $34.95, $39.95 (VIP seating and autographed photo), children (12 and under) .
• Dancing Queen @ New York – New York Hotel & Casino, 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 740-6969. 8:30pm Tuesday – Sunday. This ABBA tribute is a high-energy extravaganza, with singers and dancers performing ABBA’s greatest hits! starting at $49.95 plus taxes & fees.
• Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas @ The Quad, 3535 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 731-3311. Frank Marino emcees and stars as Joan Rivers in this superstar female impersonator show where all the gals are really guys. Stars include uncanny likenesses of Britney Spears, Cher, Diana Ross, Lady Gaga, Madonna and many more! $39.00 -$79.00 plus taxes & fees.
• The King starring Trent Carlini @ Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Rd, ☎ 702 732-5111. 6:30pm Wednesday – Monday. Elvis tribute astist and winner of ABC’s The Next Big Thing, Carlini combines an uncanny resemblance, incredible vocal ability and remarkable charisma in an electric tribute to the King. $49.95 – $70.85 plus taxes & fees.
• Legends in Concert @ Harrah’s Hotel & Casino, 3475 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 369-5000. 7:00 & 9:30pm Sunday – Friday. No one takes themselves too seriously in this hit show because each performer plays the role of well known entertainer. The show stays fresh by shuffling the lineup. At any given time you can catch performers such as Steven Tyler, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Bobby Darin and Elvis.
• MJ Live @ Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, 3700 West Flamingo Rd, ☎ 866 746-7671. 8:30pm Sunday – Friday. This tribute to the King of Pop captures the essence of Michael Jackson’s voice while talented dancers re-create some of his hottest dance moves. $29.72, $36.99 VIP and $46.99 Golden Circle plus taxes & fees.
• Purple Reign: The Prince Tribute Show @ Hooters Hotel & Casino, 115 East Tropicana Ave., ☎ 866 584-6687. Thursday-Sunday 9:30p. This tribute show covers all the hits from the Purple One’s Hall of Fame career, including “When Doves Cry”, “Raspberry Beret” and of course “Purple Rain”. Also featuring a tribute to Morris Day and The Time, this show is a must-see for Prince fans and live music fans alike!
• The Rat Pack Is Back @ Crown Theater – Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, 3700 West Flamingo Rd, ☎ 866 746-7671. 7:00pm daily. What happens in Vegas may have all started with the Rat Pack. Relive the days when Las Vegas’ most famous entertainers put the town on the map with their music, comedy, style and pure cool. $62.10 – $95.10 plus taxes & fees.
• Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show @ Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Rd, ☎ 702 732-5111. 6:30pm Tuesdays. You’ll swear you’re back in the Golden Age of Las Vegas watching Frank, Sammy, Dean and Joey when you experience Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show. The legacy of the Rat Pack endures because it encompasses the music, laughter and camaraderie of four extraordinary show business legends. The interpretations by the performers of the Rat Pack Show capture the true essences of the Pack members, making for an extremely entertaining and even surreal show.
• Shades of Sinatra @ The Clarion, 305 Convention Center Dr, ☎ 702 990-1524. 9:00pm Monday-Wednesday. This production pays tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes. These 4 dynamic performers lend their vocal abilities to over 30 of his biggest hits, from touching, heartfelt solos to rousing group numbers. This non-stop, high energy show is loaded with humor and off-the-cuff, Good-natured ribbing, as well as poignant stories about the man and his music.

Magic shows

• The Mentalist @ V Theater at Miracle Mile Shops Planet Hollywood, 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 260-7200. 7:30pm Thursday-Tuesday. Reality show Phenomenon, Gerry McCambridge performs comedy, magic and mindreading live on stage for astounded audiences. Gerry thrills audiences with incredible mentalism skills and his ability to get inside the minds of others $59.99 & $69.99 plus tax and fee.
• Nathan Burton Comedy Magic @ Saxe Theater at Miracle Mile Shops Planet Hollywood, 3667 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 785-5555. 4:00pm Tuesday – Sunday. Burton intertwines original illusions, comedy, street magic and showgirls to create a fast-paced, contemporary and riveting performance amid his mischievous and masterful magic. $59:99 – $69.99 VIP plus tax and fee.
• Amazing Johnathon @ Windows at Ballys (Cancelled as of December 2012), 3645 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 777-7776. 10:00pm: Tuesday-Saturday. Recognized as one the best comic magicians worldwide, Amazing Johnathan is known for his twisted sense of humor, bizarre unscripted antics and wacky magic. This off the wall production blends his edgy comedic style and sinister banter to keep audiences rolling on the floor.
• David Copperfield @ MGM Grand, 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd. 7:00pm & 9:30pm Sunday-Saturday, 4:00pm matinee shows on Saturdays. One of the world’s most famous magicians. Some of his best known illusions are making the Statue of Liberty disappear, walking through the Great Wall of China and flying over the audience (which he does nightly). David Copperfield has been hailed by audiences and critics alike as the greatest illusionist of our time. In addition to decades of network television events, worldwide tours, and “Dreams and Nightmares,” the critically acclaimed Broadway show that set box-office records, he has been featured on the covers of Forbes, Architectural Digest and Esquire.
• ILLUSIONS starring Jan Rouven @ Starlite Theatre – Riviera Hotel & Casino, 2901 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 855 468-6748. 7:00pm nightly. Some of the most dangerous and thrilling acts and gives the audience a front-row seat into the imagination of a master illusionist. ILLUSIONS brings heart thumping music and five dancers to help Rouven cross many boundaries. Magic, mystery and imagination will transport the audience on an unforgettable journey into his world of Illusions.
• Mac King Comedy Magic Show @ Harrah’s, 3475 S Las Vegas Blvd. 1:00pm & 3:00pm Tuesday – Saturday. At an early age, this Kentucky native read his grandfather’s magic books and developed a passion for illusions. King’s dream led him to Vegas, and today he’s doing what he always wanted – mystifying people and making them laugh at the same time. $32.95 plus tax and fees.
• Mike Hammer Comedy Magic @ Four Queens Hotel & Casino, 202 Fremont St, ☎ 877-935-2844. 7:00pm Tuesday – Saturday. Enjoy fast-paced card tricks, outrageous comedy and impressive magic with this sleight-of-hand master. $20.00 – $32.50 plus tax and fees.
• Penn and Teller @ Rio, 3700 W Flamingo Rd, ☎ 702 777-7776. 9:00pm Saturday – Wednesday. The duo offers up some slightly inhumane humor, a few spirited practical jokes and a lot of awesome feats of trickery with a little fire-swallowing thrown in. Many of their illusions are done in a way as to allow audiences to see the inner workings of the tricks from beginning to culmination. $75:00 – $95.00 plus tax and fees.
• Seth Grabel Variety Magic @ Wolf Theater – Clarion Hotel & Casino, 305 Convention Center Dr, ☎ 702 990-1524. 6:00pm Thursday – Saturday. “America’s Got Talent” finalist Seth Grabel brings his variety magic show to Vegas. Be amazed and experience Seth’s new twists of illusions and acrobatics. $39.95 ($10.00 off if booked online) plus tax and fee.
• Tommy Wind: Music, Magic, and More @ Boulevard Theater, 3765G S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 473-9300. 5:00 & $7:00pm nightly. Tommy Wind is a magician from Staten Island in New York City. He has performed in many of his own original shows, combining illusion with rock and roll music, in New York and Atlantic City. Tommy began his career when he was only 7 after his grandfather introduced him to magic by showing him the disappearing hanky trick. He has also appeared in TV shows including Criss Angel’s “Mindfreak” and NBC’s “I Do!”. He is now the youngest magician to perform in Las Vegas up to date.

Hypnotists

• Marc Savard Comedy Hypnosis @ V Theater – Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, 3667 South Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 260-7200. 10:00pm: Saturday-Thursday. An energetic mix of comedy, hypnosis and chaos. You can see the show or BE the show! Come to watch hilarious audience volunteers live onstage as Marc Savard whips the crowd into a frenzy.
• Anthony Cools – The Uncensored Hypnotist @ Paris, 3655 South Las Vegas Blvd. 9:00om Tuesday & Thursday-Sunday. World-famous hypnotist Anthony Cools performs at Paris Las Vegas, using his skills for decidedly evil purposes, tapping into the carnal desires and subconscious naughtiness of his audience, shearing off all inhibitions. Not only is Cools the only hypnotist playing in a casino on the Las Vegas Strip, his show is the longest-running hypnotist show in Las Vegas history, and the longest-running show at Paris Las Vegas.
• Hypnosis Unleashed @ Binion’s Casino, 128 E Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101, ☎ 702-366-7302 (info@vegashypnosisshow.com). 7:30pm : Tuesday-Sunday. A raunchy, anything goes adult hypnosis show by award winning hypnotist Kevin Lepine that provides the perfect comedic escape from your normal routine. $39.55 – $48.35 plus tax and fee.

Adult shows

• Stripper 101 @V Theater at Miracle Mile Shops Planet Hollywood, 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 260-7200. classes Daily: Monday-Sunday. Looking for something fun to do in Las Vegas? Want to let loose and learn something a little bit… different? Come sign up for “Stripper 101” the number one pole dancing class in Las Vegas. You have seen it featured in numerous magazines and on television, now experience it for yourself! “Stripper 101” is not your typical pole dancing class. This is not a workout class either. This is about relaxing, having fun and learning something new. You will learn sexy dance moves from real Las Vegas strippers and at the end of the class you will receive your diploma! “Stripper 101” is perfect for bachelorette parties or just a fun night out with the girls. We offer classes for small and large groups. Don’t miss out on a one-of-a-kind experience that you can only get in Las Vegas. Pick up your tickets for “Stripper 101”.
• V Card: The Vegas Nightclub Pass @V Theater at Miracle Mile Shops Planet Hollywood, 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 260-7200. You and your friends are in Vegas for a week. You want to hit all the clubs and bars and really experience the best of Las Vegas nightlife. Here is the problem: you don’t want to spend a ton of money and you don’t want to wait on all of those long lines. There is a solution. Say hello to the V Card: The Vegas Nightlife Pass. With the V Card: Vegas Nightlife Pass, you get the best of everything. All the bars, nightclubs, dayclubs, pools, lounges and strip clubs; all for one low price. You get to live like a true VIP and not have to worry about all the hassle or spending a lot of money. One card gets you everything you need to have a truly unforgettable Vegas experience. A deal like this could not have been made possible without a multitude of venues allowing for such unprecedented access. You will not be able to find deals like this anywhere else in Las Vegas. V Card: The Vegas Nightclub Pass really is the all-access pass to the best nightlife in town. Here is the best part: the card does not expire. That’s right. You can use the V Card whenever you are in town. Here are just some of the deals that you will be able to experience with the V Card”.
• Zombie Burlesque @V Theater at Miracle Mile Shops Planet Hollywood, 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 260-7200. 8:30pm & 10:00pm: Monday-Saturday. With comedy, variety acts, a live big band and an award-winning cast of characters, Zombie Burlesque takes place in Las Vegas during the Atomic Era, circa 1958. Be the first living audience to experience classic burlesque, zany musical numbers and top-notch singing all performed by the sexiest zombies at the hottest, formerly zombie-only, nightclub in town.

Topless female dancers

• Crazy Horse Paris @ MGM Grand, 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd. The show is unlike most other topless revues as it is presented in a more artistic manner through lighting, costumes, and set designs. Most of the females are of the same shape and size. One of the slogans for the show is ‘celebrating the artistry of the nude’. Also features two breaks for the women when a male performer takes the stage first performing a magic card act, then a comedic musical number.
• Fantasy @ Luxor, 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd. Nightly: 10:30 pm. Vocalist Lorena Peril takes center stage. Steamy choreography and striking vocals fused with a touch of comedy. The high-energy production show features a variety of performances including salsa, belly dancing routine and celebrity impersonations by comedian Sean E. Cooper.
• Peepshow! @ Planet Hollywood, 3667 S Las Vegas Blvd. Th-Tu @ 9PM. Starring Angel Parrino of E’s ‘Holly’s World’ and ‘Absinthe’ through Dec. 2. Starring Coco of E’s ‘Ice Loves Coco’ starting Dec.
• Shades of Temptation @ New York – New York, 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 866 815-4365. 10:30pm Tuesday-Sunday. Inspired by the E.L. James bestseller, “Fifty Shades of Grey,” Shades of Temptation is a sinfully sexy show that explores the forbidden and ignites excitement.
• X Burlesque @ Flamingo, 3555 S Las Vegas Blvd. Nightly @ 10PM, 90 minutes. Showcases a variety of performances by six gorgeous dancers set to contemporary music. Combines high-energy performance with the use of props such as bathtubs, guitars, lollipops and feather boas.
• Zumanity @ New York – New York, 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd. The sensual side of Cirque du Soleil.

Topless male dancers

• Aussie Heat @ V Theater – Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd. 10:30pm Thursday – Sunday. There is nothing sexier than a man who can dance, so come see why everyone is talking about the sexiest & newest show to hit the strip! Featuring a cast of gorgeous dancers straight from down under, this show is guaranteed to leave you wanting more. Grab a stack of heat bucks and bring the attention straight to your lap, these men are here to please, and please they do. As seen on Australia’s Got Talent and So You Think You Can Dance, these guys take your fantasy to the next level and dance their way into your heart (and maybe your panties!). $54.99, $64.99, $94.99 which includes front row seat, pre-show meet and greet and cocktail plus tax and fee.
• Chippendales @ Rio, ☎ +1 702 777-7776. The original all male revue.
• American Storm.
• Thunder from Down Under @ Excalibur. Sunday-Thursday: 9 pm; Friday & Saturday: 8 & 10:30 pm.

Gamble

Opportunities to gamble are found in most places in the Las Vegas metro area, even at McCarran Airport and small supermarkets.

Age restrictions

It is Federal law that all gamblers must be at least 21 years of age. Even if you are at least 21 years old, you are required to bring to the casino a valid ID that shows your current age or complete date of birth (e.g. driver’s license, passport) as proof of your age. Photocopies of valid IDs are usually not considered valid. In-house security makes rounds of inspections to check compliance. If you are under-age or without a valid ID to prove your age and found in the gambling premises, hotel staff will ask you to leave, and could ask the metro police to issue you a citation. Moreover, under-age gamblers cannot collect any jackpot; such bets are void and the casino will at best return your wager before asking you to leave the premises. There is a curfew for anyone under the age of 18 and metro police regularly transport violators to a juvenile center.

The odds

It is beneficial to understand the rules, strategies, and odds of each game before you arrive. The games with the lowest house advantage if you know how to play are craps (dice) with full odds and blackjack; however, tables where a 21-blackjack pays only 6:5 or even-money instead of the traditional 3:2 give the house a big advantage, and should be avoided. Games in which the casino has the best house advantage include slot machines, roulette, and some craps bets (hardways and propositions). If a game is unfamiliar to you, just ask the dealer for advice on how to play. If you are playing during the daytime at a table that is not crowded, most dealers will be happy to explain the game to you, and even slow down the dealing. Some other players at the same table may get irritated if you ask the dealer a question; ignore them.

Pre-paid gambling cards

To facilitate gambling in machine-based games, you can use a pre-paid card to make wagers and collect winnings. Obtain one of these from the counter, insert the card into the gambling machine you choose to play and the machine will deduct your wagers as well as add your winnings to it. You can go to another cash dispensing machine to redeem your winnings as well as reload the value.

ATMs

Most casinos offer ATMs and over-the-counter cash facilities, but beware about the charges set by your bank and the machine operator or establishment. ATMs in casinos may charge exorbitant fees for withdrawals.

Comps

One reason to gamble, aside from the hope of winning money, is that by doing so, you could receive complimentary (“comp”) rooms, meals, and even airfare depending on your play. Most casinos issue “player cards.” It is generally to your advantage to show or insert your player card every time you play a table game or slot machine. At the end of your trip, you can ask the hotel if you are eligible for any comps, you might be pleasantly surprised. And if you arrive at the casino prepared to lay out $1,000 or more, don’t be bashful; ask the pit boss to be “rated” for comps before or while you begin playing. Separate from comps, many hotels offer discount packages for travelers who book a Sunday-Thursday night arrival. Most of these packages offer gambling coupons or a matching play — see the Sleep section for details.

Poker

Texas Hold’em, 7-card stud, and Omaha can be found at almost all Las Vegas poker rooms. However, not all casinos have a poker room, so call the casino or ask a gaming floor attendant. Casinos with non-smoking poker rooms include Wynn, Bellagio, The Palms, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, and Mirage.

During June and July, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) is held in Las Vegas. If you are interested in poker, this is a must see and all top poker players are present. And if you are a skilled player, you can play the sidegames taking place during the WSOP.

In 2013, Nevada became the first state to legalize online poker in the US. According to regulators, anyone over 21 years of age who is physically inside the state may play for real money at one of Nevada’s Internet poker rooms[298]. Ultimate Poker was the first site to launch, but shut down operations in late 2014 after revenue fell well short of expectations. The Caesars-owned WSOP.com was the second site to open and currently competes with Real Gaming, the only other online poker site available, for a piece of the state’s iGaming pie.

Spectator sports

• Vegas Golden Knights, T-Mobile Arena. The Golden Knights began play in the 2017-18 National Hockey League season, becoming the first Las Vegas sports franchise in a major North American league.
• Las Vegas 51s, Cashman Field. Triple-A baseball club affiliate of the New York Mets, the 51s have been in Las Vegas longer than any other professional sports team. The 51s began as the Las Vegas Stars in 1983 and were affiliated with the San Diego Padres. In 2000, the Stars cut ties with San Diego and became the affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers and changed their name to the 51s, a reference to Area 51. The 51s have won two Pacific Coast League crowns and eight division titles.
• Las Vegas Lights FC, Cashman Field. New soccer club that began play in 2018.
• Las Vegas Aces, Mandalay Bay Events Center,. New women’s basketball club that begins play in 2018.
• Combat sports, various locations. Las Vegas is the location of many high-profile boxing and mixed martial arts (ex. UFC) events.
• National Finals Rodeo. Arguably the city’s most prominent sporting event is the finals of the annual Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit, held over 10 days in December just off the Strip at the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus.
• PBR World Finals . Another major rodeo event is the finals of the Professional Bull Riders series, a separate circuit dedicated to bull riding. The PBR finals, held in late October at the Thomas & Mack Center, have more of an international flavor than the NFR—while the NFR is exclusive to the US and Canada, PBR runs national series in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Australia, and all of these countries, especially Brazil, are represented on the U.S. circuit.
• UNLV Rebels . The athletic teams of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, better known as UNLV, are also popular in the area. The Rebels are members of the Mountain West Conference along with 10 other schools in the western third of the country, plus one in Honolulu that is a member only for football. The most famous UNLV team is the men’s basketball team, known as the “Runnin’ Rebels”; though not as strong as in their heyday from the late 1970s through the early 1990s, they remain solidly competitive and very popular. Most of the school’s sports venues are on campus, but the football team plays at Sam Boyd Stadium in the suburb of Whitney, well to the east of campus.
• USA Sevens . From an international perspective, however, this may be the city’s most prominent sporting event—at least among those who do not consider poker to be a sport. The “Sevens” refers to rugby sevens, a variant of rugby union played on a full-sized field but with seven players a side instead of 15. The USA Sevens is part of the IRB Sevens World Series, an annual circuit of nine events for national rugby sevens teams. Games are very fast-paced—each half lasts only 7 or 10 minutes, as opposed to 40 minutes in the full version of rugby union. This allows many games to be played in a day, and a full tournament to be completed in a weekend. The event, held at Sam Boyd Stadium in the second weekend of February, features 15 other national teams beside that of the U.S., and encourages a festival atmosphere. If you’re so inclined, it can be a great opportunity to meet people from other parts of the world.

Get married

Las Vegas is the wedding capital of the world. To get married, first go to the County Clerk’s Office and apply for a marriage license. Both parties must have valid ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. The cost is $60 per couple. The Las Vegas Wedding Bureau is open from 9AM-midnight seven days a week, including holidays. No blood test or waiting period is required. The marriage license itself is valid for one year. The minimum age to marry is 18; a 16 or 17 year old may marry if one parent is present or has given notarized permission.

Once you have a marriage license, the wedding ceremony can be performed by any priest, minister, rabbi or Justice of the Peace authorized to perform weddings with in the Las Vegas area. Numerous wedding chapels are located around the Wedding Bureau and on the Strip. You can choose an elaborate theme wedding, such as an Elvis impersonator as officiant, or a simple ceremony and reception celebration.

Most major hotels and Vegas wedding chapels offer wedding packages for those who wish to plan a larger wedding ceremony. But don’t let a lack of planning stop your nuptials; all Vegas wedding chapels can perform immediate weddings with no prior appointment, although it is recommended to make a reservation for your wedding. If you make a reservation most chapels will provide courtesy limousine transportation from your hotel to the chapel and back. Making a reservation also decreases the likelihood of having to wait.

Finally, you can check with the Las Vegas Better Business Bureau before making any arrangements with any wedding chapel or service provider. You may check the local BBB reports online .

Tennis

Las Vegas is a great place for tennis fans. Not only do many of the hotels offer excellent courts but public courts abound as well. Vegas is also home to many amateur tournaments, UNLV tournaments.

Ice skating

Given the very high temperatures during the summer it maybe a surprise that ice skating is popular, but at inside rinks!

• Las Vegas Ice Center, 9295 W Flamingo Rd (west of the Bellagio), ☎ +1 702 320-7777 (fax: +1 702 255-9356), . A twin-rink facility.
• SOBE Ice Arena, 2400 N Rancho Dr (at the Fiesta Rancho), ☎ +1 702 631-7000. Vegas’ only ice rink integrated into a casino/hotel complex.

Chinese New Year

Catering to a large contingent of tourists from China, and delighting everyone else as well, many Vegas casino resorts stage elaborate celebrations of the Chinese New Year, each year from January to March.

Traditional lion and dragon dances take place in hotel lobbies and even march through the casino floor. Live music performances abound, and many restaurants prepare specialty menus for the holiday. Look especially to Monte Carlo’s Dragon Noodle Co. & Sushi Bar, Fleur by Hubert Keller at Mandalay Bay, Rice & Company at Luxor, China Poblano by Jose Andres at The Cosmopolitan, Beijing Noodle No. 9 at Caesars Palace, Mozen Bistro at Mandarin Oriental, and Wing Lei at the Wynn.

Downtown, Chinese New Year in the Desert hosts a series of Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean cultural celebrations throughout five blocks of Fremont Street.

Sales tax

The combined state and local sales tax in all of Clark County (meaning the entire Las Vegas metro area) is 8.15%. Only groceries and prescription drugs are exempt.

Like most U.S. states, Nevada has not implemented a tax refund mechanism for international travelers. The only retailers that can sell tax-free items to international travelers are the duty free shops at McCarran International Airport.

Basics

Most hotel/casino resort complexes in Las Vegas have a gift shop open 24/7 that offers basic traveler supplies and sundries. Hotel gift shops are outrageously expensive and should be avoided except for emergencies.

If you are planning to not rent a car and to simply go up and down the Strip on foot or bus, the pharmacies are your best bet for basic supplies. They are all open 24/7 and accustomed to dealing with tourists from all over the world.

Like most U.S. pharmacies, they carry a very large variety of products besides pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, including snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, bottled water, cosmetics, toiletries, hats, sunscreen, maps, postcards, and so on. CVS/pharmacy has two branches on the Strip, one located on South Strip between CityCenter and Monte Carlo, and the other located on North Strip between Circus Circus and Sahara Avenue. Walgreens has one branch on Central Strip at Palazzo and another on South Strip in front of Planet Hollywood. One sign of their popularity is that they routinely rank among the top three locations by annual sales for their respective chains.

There are also multiple 7-Eleven convenience stores open 24/7 throughout the Strip, as well as several am/pm convenience stores. However, convenience stores tend to have higher prices than the pharmacies and their product selection is not as broad.

Another option is ABC Stores, Hawaii’s leading discount convenience store chain, which was specifically founded to target tourists fed up with getting ripped off by gift shops at Honolulu hotels. ABC Stores eventually realized that the Las Vegas Strip had the same problem and now has eight stores covering the length of the Strip, as well as one on Fremont Street downtown. ABC Stores are larger than 7-Eleven and am/pm stores, to compete against the nearby pharmacies (which because of their popularity are also much larger than the average U.S. pharmacy).

Importantly, there are no major supermarkets on the Las Vegas Strip near the resorts. The closest one that sits on Las Vegas Boulevard is the Whole Foods Market at Town Square (see below). Other than that, one has to travel as far west as Valley View Boulevard or as far east as Maryland Parkway to find supermarkets such as Vons, Albertsons, Food4Less, and Smith’s. You can also have groceries delivered directly to your resort with a grocery delivery service such as Quick n Easy Couriers.

Shopping malls

There are a handful of shopping malls that are not affiliated with casinos:

• Fashion Show Mall, 3200 S Las Vegas Blvd. Offers nearly every major and deluxe U.S. retail chain store. Also offers numerous others often associated with major designers, plus a large food court and several excellent restaurants, all in a fully-enclosed, air-conditioned facility. The mall’s plaza on the side facing the Strip is covered by a giant silver oval shade called the “Cloud” so it’s hard to miss. Features extensive, free covered parking that often gets very busy by midday.
• Town Square, 6611 S Las Vegas Blvd. About half a mile south of Mandalay is an outdoor mall in the shape of a small Mediterranean town and stands out as such amidst all the other, air-conditioned indoor malls. The idea of open-air shopping in the summer in the desert might seem crazy at first, but an extensive network of trees, shadow alleys and water sprayers let you actually enjoy sunny afternoons outside. And as such, Las Vegas’ temperatures are not as heat prone in the seasons of fall, winter, and spring. All shops and restaurants here have their own distinctive one- or two-story structures. The “town” actually centers around a real town square featuring trees, ice cream and coffee stands and benches to rest.

Many of the larger casinos include high-end shopping areas with designer stores, including:

• Forum Shops, 3500 S. Las Vegas Boulevard (in Caesars). A huge high-end shopping area that also offers free animatronics shows at Fountain of the Gods and Atlantis located at either end of the mall.
• Grand Canal Shoppes, 3377 South Las Vegas Boulevard (in the Venetian). Another massive shopping area that features the tacky objets d’art shop featured in Martin Bashir’s interview with Michael Jackson.
• Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, 3663 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 10:00am – 11:00pm: Sunday – Thursday, 10:00am – midnight: Friday – Saturday. Open all year, including holidays. Restaurant and bar hours vary. In addition to 170 specialty stores, 15 restaurants and three live entertainment venues, the Miracle Mile Shops also features a multi-million dollar fountain show and an indoor rainstorm.

Outlet malls

Las Vegas is a hub for factory outlet malls.

The two largest and most prestigious are the Las Vegas Premium Outlets centers. Both are owned by the Premium Outlets chain, which is part of Simon Property Group. The southern one was originally independently developed by another company as Las Vegas Outlet Center and is still described by that name in older travel guidebooks. Both share many of the same tenants. The northern one features a few designer brands not found in its southern sibling, like Armani Exchange, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Elie Tahari, Kate Spade, Salvatore Ferragamo, St. John, Tory Burch, and Tumi, while the southern one features a Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th store.

• Las Vegas Premium Outlets – North, 875 South Grand Central Parkway. At the gateway of Downtown – 150 designer and name-brand outlets in an outdoor setting.
• Las Vegas Premium Outlets – South, 7400 Las Vegas Boulevard South (a few miles S of Mandalay Bay). 140 outlet stores in an indoor setting complete with two food courts.

Other

• Gamblers Book Club, 5473 S Eastern Ave, ☎ 702-382-7555. 9am-7pm M-F; 10am-6pm Sat. This store is stacked with books that can teach you how to count cards and bet on sports. Try to visit when former owner Howard Schwartz is around for some interesting Vegas lore. This is the oldest gambling book store in the nation; if you need to learn how to play a game, this is where you go.
• Sin City Gallery, 107 E. Charleston Boulevard, Suite 100 (Located inside The Arts Factory, Downtown Las Vegas), ☎ +1 702-608-2461. 1PM – 7PM Wednesday – Saturday and opened until 10PM every first Preview Thursday and First Friday of the month for First Fridays Arts Festival. Contemporary art gallery presenting sophisticated and edgy emerging artists from around the corner and around the world. Named Best Gallery in Nevada. Offers new exhibitions/murals every month. Sin City Gallery produces Las Vegas’ only international annual juried erotic art exhibition. Free to visit.

Large casinos will invariably offer a variety of dining options, ranging from the omni-present buffet to simple cafes to gourmet restaurants.

Buffets

Buffets are extremely popular in Las Vegas and the city has a plethora of them. They are popular with locals and tourists alike. The best buffets typically run about $30 a person for a weekend dinner. Lunch is a better value at most buffets as it is typically half-price but serves some of the same types of food that can be found at dinner hours. Breakfast is the least expensive and often has a good spread too. Don’t forget that tipping your buffet waiter 10-15% is customary. You can leave cash on the table at the end of your meal or tip the cashier at the counter on a credit card.

• Le Village Buffet, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S (Paris Las Vegas), ☎ +1 702 946-7000,. Featuring dishes from five French provinces, the Village Buffet offers exquisite classic French foods, some made to order, and seasonal specialties under a faux sky in a village-like setting. Patrons may, for example, choose to sit in a town square or French country home. Lines can be long. For an extra $10 per person, patrons can go to the head of the line.
• Spice Market, 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd (Planet Hollywood), ☎ +1 702 785-5555. The casino changed names, but the buffet is the same. All styles of food including good seafood. Line moves fast.
• Village Seafood Buffet@Rio, 3700 W Flamingo Rd, ☎ +1 702 777-7777, . Su-Th 4PM-10PM, F Sa 3PM-11PM. This buffet is one of the better buffets in Las Vegas, with an extensive seafood collection (as well as other items). Lines can be long. Note that the Rio also offers the Carnivale World Buffet, which is cheaper but does not offer a total seafood oriented buffet, but features a changing variety of dishes featuring seafood. Tables are close together, and can be noisy. $34.99 (dinner only).
• The Buffet@Wynn, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 702 770-7100. 8AM-10PM, Sa Su brunch 8AM-3PM. 16 exhibition cooking stations and a luxurious selection of extraordinary dishes. Dress is casual. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served, with champagne brunch on weekends.
• The Buffet@Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd S (Bellagio), ☎ +1 702 693-7111, . 7AM-10PM daily, Sa Su brunch 7AM-4PM. Arguably the best buffet on the Strip, with the dinner menu including pre-split crab legs, venison, Kobe beef, and wild boar. Gourmet Friday dinner includes Beef Wellington, Rack of Lamb, Veal Ossobuco, Grilled Swordfish, and Curried Duck Legs. The Buffet has spectacular selections from Italy, China, and Japan as well as fresh seafood and traditional American food. Wait to enter can be 90 minutes or more. no charge 4 and under.

Unusual Eating Joints

Heart Attack Grill, 450 Fremont St. Mon-Sat 11 am – 2 am. The Heart Attack Grill is an American hamburger restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada (formerly Chandler, Arizona). It has courted controversy by serving high-calorie menu items with deliberately provocative names; main menu items are mostly named after heart related health problems. The establishment is a hospital theme restaurant: waitresses (“nurses”) take orders (“prescriptions”) from the customers (“patients”). A tag is wrapped on the patient’s wrist showing which foods they order and a “doctor” examines the “patients” with a stethoscope. The menu includes “Single”, “Double”, “Triple”, and “Quadruple Bypass” hamburgers, ranging from 8 to 32 ounces (230 to 910 g) of beef (up to about 8,000 calories), all-you-can-eat “Flatliner Fries” (cooked in pure lard), beer and tequila, and soft drinks such as “Jolt” and Mexican-bottled Coca-Cola made with real sugar. Customers over 350 lb (160 kg) in weight eat for free if they weigh in with a doctor or nurse before each burger. Beverages and to-go orders are excluded and sharing food is also not allowed for the free food deal. There are no “healthy” low-fat options, vegetarian items, or substitutions on their menu. You should not eat here if you know you have certain medical conditions or dietary restrictions. Two of their “unofficial spokespersons” have since died of heart related complications. For reasons that are too evident, they accept cash only. All this being said, if you’re still adventurous, eat here at your own risk.

Restaurants

On the Strip

• AJ’s Steakhouse @ Hard Rock Hotel, . Order a martini and a Filet Mignon—medium rare—and hoist one for ‘ol Blue Eyes!
• artolotta Ristorante Di Mare @W ynn,. Chef Paul Bartolotta focuses on the fish, which was pulled out of the Mediterranean 48 hours before serving. Great clams, lobsters, and Sicilian amberjack. Dine al fresco alongside the manmade lagoon behind the restaurant.
• Craftsteak @ MGM Grand, ☎ +1 702 891-7318, Considered to be one of the best steak houses in America. $95.
• Cypress Street Marketplace @ Caesars Palace,. daily from 11am-11pm. Interesting and good for the family, it has every cuisine and is mostly cheap.
• Diablo’s Mexican Cantina @ Monte Carlo,. Popular Mexican eatery with an excellent bar and a great menu.
• Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville @ Flamingo, . A fun tropical-themed restaurant featuring dishes named after many of Jimmy Buffett’s songs (for example: the Cheeseburger in Paradise).
• Kahunaville Tropical Restaurant @ Treasure Island,. Great atmosphere that serves standard fare.
• L’Atelier de Joel Rubuchon @ MGM Grand,. Michelin-starred French restaurant with dim lighting, ruby red furniture, and spectacular food.
• Mesa Grill @ Caesars Palace, ☎ +1 877-346-4642,. With a brightly colored decor and festive atmosphere, chef Bobby Flay serves us some tasty Southwestern food with flair.
• Mr. Lucky’s 24-7 @ Hard Rock Hotel,. Sandwiches, salads, and sundaes are popular at the rock and roll diner, but nothing compares with the people watching! Open 24 hours per day! Offers a popular $7.77 steak-and-shrimp Gambler’s Special (with presentation of a Hard Rock “Backstage Pass” frequent gambler’s card which can be obtained for free at the booth next to registration) which is not on the menu. Prices on the menu may look high at first glance, but portions are generous.
• Mon Ami Gabi @ Paris, ☎ +1 702 944-4224,. Nice restaurant serving mostly steaks and seafood. The outdoor lounge is a prime location for “people watching”.
• Nobu @ Hard Rock Hotel,. A staple for Las Vegas sushi lovers, newcomers will discover a fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine with Latin spices and flavors.
• Olives @ Bellagio, ☎ +1 866-259-7111,. Todd English’s legendary restaurant. Enjoy a Mediterranean-style experience set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Bellagio. House-made pastas, steaks, rotisserie dishes, brick oven pizzas and sommelier-recommended wines complement the dining atmosphere.
• Peppermill Las Vegas, 2985 Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 702 735-4177,. 1970’s space-age decor and waitresses that call you ‘hon’X
• Pink Taco @ Hard Rock Hotel,. Decoration and staff are half pirate ship, half Suicide Girls, but the Mexican food (and the margaritas) are tasty and served in generous portions.
• Range Steakhouse @ Harrah’s, . Grilled to order steaks that will satisfy.
• Shang-hai Lily @ Mandalay Bay,. Gourmet Chinese and an incredible fine dining experience.
• Silk Road @ Vdara, . Pan Asian restaurant. Try the blueberry ricotta pancakes slathered in honeycomb butter.
• Stripburger, (Fashion Show Mall),. Outdoor bar serving sliders. Great for stopping in for a few mini burgers and beers that won’t fill you up on the way to your next destination.
• Tao @ Venetian, ☎ +1 702 388-8338 (fax: +1 702 388-8308),. Su-Th 5PM-midnight, F Sa 5PM-1AM. A beautifully decorated pan-Asian restaurant that doubles as a nightclub offering good food at moderately high prices.
• THE Steak House @ Circus Circus, ☎ +1 702 794-3767, . Su-F 5PM-10PM, Sa 5PM-11PM. Considered to be a hidden gem, THE Steak House at Circus Circus doesn’t seem fit in with its surroundings; indeed, it has been consistently voted one of the best steaks in Las Vegas for over twenty years. Beautiful decor, outstanding food, and impeccable service, as well as an extensive wine list.
• Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill @ Harrah’s, . American cuisine that includes steaks, burgers, sandwiches, and even dishes like meatloaf and fried catfish. During the evening the restaurant features live country music bands.
• Top of the World @ Stratosphere, ☎ +1 702380-7711,. A revolving gourmet restaurant more than 800 feet above the Strip at the top of the Stratosphere Tower.

Off the Strip

• Bahama Breeze, 375 Hughes Center Dr,. Serves great tropical food. Large portions with a great atmosphere. Famous for their Jerk Chicken Pasta, Cinnamon Mashed Sweet Potatoes, and wide variety of hand-crafted tropical drinks such as the Bahamarita. This is a great place to get away and relax from the crowds of people on the Strip.
• Battista’s Hole in the Wall, 4041 Linq Lane (Located one half block east of Bally’s just off of Flamingo – you will see the large neon sign), ☎ +1 702 732 1424, . daily 4:30-10:30pm. Just steps off the strip, Battista’s is a long-standing hidden gem, a small restaurant with eclectic decor serving classic Italian-American dishes since 1970. Every meal includes unlimited house red and white wine.
• Ellis Island Casino Restaurant, (Located one block east of Bally’s at the intersection of Flamingo and Koval),. The $6.95 steak special is consistently voted one of the best deals in Las Vegas. It’s not on the menu, so ask for it specifically. If steak is not your thing the restaurant has plenty of other selections at cheap prices. In addition, Ellis Island has barbecue every night from 4-10PM. Ellis Island also brews its own beer, and serves them in the casino bar in 20 oz glasses for $1.50.
• ENVY, The Steakhouse, 3400 Paradise Rd (Located in the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel),. ENVY is the proud winner of the 2005 Las Vegas Life Magazine Epicurean Award “Best New Restaurant – Off the Strip,” as well as the Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence annually from 2005 to 2009. Originally inspired by Chef Richard Chamberlain, the distinctive ENVY menu includes premium quality, fresh ingredients from select purveyors around the country, featured in innovative dishes that redefine traditional steakhouse cuisine. Enjoy the highest quality Kobe filet, prime rib roast, Black Angus filet and prime bone-in rib eye. The walk-in wine cellar features 1,500 bottles of wine.
• H2(EAU), 2000 Fashion Show Dr (Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas), ☎ +1 702 476-7423, H2(eau) features casual American favorites and offers a vibrant atmosphere in which to dine poolside.
• Lawry’s The Prime Rib, 4043 Howard Hughes Pkwy, ☎ +1 702 893-2223,. Juicy, succulent portions of the company namesake, Prime Rib. All prime rib dinners include original spinning bowl salad, Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes and whipped creamed horseradish. If you don’t want prime rib (why go eat at a place called The Prime Rib if you don’t want it?) there’s always a ribeye steak available and a couple fish dishes.
• Meskerem Restaurant (Ethiopian), 252 Convention Center #8 (Take the SDX bus, located between Las Vegas Blvd and Paradise Rd), ☎ +1 (702) 732-4250. Ethiopian style food. $10.
• Rare 120 @ Hard Rock Hotel, 4455 Paradise Rd, ☎ +1 702 693-5500,. Steakhouse with a great atmosphere.

Downtown

• Hugo’s Cellar, 202 Fremont Street Experience (Four Queens Hotel & Casino), ☎ +1 702 385 401. daily 5-10pm. Located inside the Four Queens Hotel & Casion, Hugo’s Cellar is another hidden gem of old school Vegas. Each female guest is given a rose upon entering. A dark, romantic steakhouse with salads prepared table-side and excellent steaks and chops. Reservations are recommended.
• The Beat Coffee Shop, 6th and Fremont. wk days 7am – 12am, sat 9am -12am, sun 9am – 3pm. FREE WIFI, salads, sandwichs. mostly locals. $10.
• Pasta Pirate, 12 E Ogden Ave (California Hotel & Casino), ☎ +1 702 385-1222,. Closed Tuesday. Delicious steaks, seafood, and pasta. A romantic darkened wharf decor with a view to the chef’s flaming grill. The steak and lobster special is a really great value. All dinners include a glass of house wine. Call ahead for reservations to avoid a long wait.

Desserts

Luv-It Frozen Custard: Hidden some two blocks north of the Stratosphere Tower and just east of South L.V. Blvd on the north side of Oakey. This family operation offers excellent frozen custards with outstanding toppings. Their blue building with white pillars and trim shares a parking lot with a convenience store.

In Las Vegas, free drinks are offered to all gamblers whether playing table games or slots of any denomination. You should tip the waitress at least $1 per drink. Failure to do so will most likely result in the waitress visiting you less often, and visiting those more often who do tip.

Although it is offically NOT allowed per the lawbooks, drinking on public sidewalks and other areas on the Strip and Downtown is rarely if ever enforced. Thus it is entirely common to consume alcohol in public areas, including the public sidewalks within the Las Vegas city limits which includes all of Downtown, The Strip and close-by areas. Again, as previously mentioned, over-intoxication and disorderly conduct is frowned upon, so stay within your own limits. On special occasions (New Years Eve and Independence Day for example) there may be bans on glass bottles and/or aluminum cans for the Strip and the Downtown area. Plastic cups and sports bottles are allowed at these times and either provided at purchase or often available at hotel/casino exit doors. When inside a casino or hotel there is seldom any restrictions on carrying drinks from one bar, restaurant or playing location to another with the exception of some showrooms and theaters where it will be clearly posted. Individual shops may also have rules about carrying in food and drink of any kind.

The cities of North Las Vegas, Henderson and other outlying areas have very DIFFERENT regulations forbidding removal of alcohol from bars, etc. so check with your host or doorman if in doubt. Many bars and liquor stores are open 24 hours a day. There are also special posted laws for convenience stores, grocery stores and other retail liquor outlets restricting consumption in the immediate vacinity. Most of all, always remember to drink responsibly and realize that the hot, dry desert air in the summer months can have very adverse health affects on people consuming alcohol such as rapid dehydration and deadly heat stroke, even after dark. Drink plenty of water as well!

Bars

• Bunkhouse, Downtown (One block from the USA Hostel), Cheap downtown bar with live music. Friendly with travelers and frequented often by the staff and guests of the nearby hostel.
• Centrifuge @ MGM Grand,. Circular shaped bar/lounge; every hour the bar staff dances on the bartop or lounge tables.
• Casa Fuente @ Caesar’s Palace. Cuban-themed lounge offering more than 100 different cigars and a good selection of whiskeys. Try the $40 Opus X cigar.
• Cleopatra’s Barge @ Caesars Palace,. A luxurious floating lounge in a ornate replica of the barge that transported Cleopatra down the Nile.
• Double Down Saloon, 4640 Paradise Rd, ☎ +1 702 791-5775, . The finest dive bar in Vegas! A bit out of the way, but plenty of atmosphere.
• Freakin Frog, 4700 S Maryland Pkwy, ☎ +1 702 597-9702,. Nice bar off the Strip with a very large beer selection and live music on weekends.
• minus5° @ Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino, 3770 South Las Vegas Blvd, . 11:00am – 2:00am: Sunday-Thursday, 11:00am – 3:00am: Friday-Saturday:. minus5° is an ice bar where you can touch, feel, and explore handcrafted ice sculptures and ice architecture made from 100% pure Canadian ice. Everything inside minus5° is made of ice; the walls, the bar, the sculptures, the seats and even the glasses that you enjoy our famous vodka-based cocktails in. Walking into minus5°, guests are given insulated jackets, gloves and boots. Once inside the bar, visitors are greeted with an icy wonderland of intricately hand-crafted ice sculptures and furniture.
• Nine Fine Irishmen @ New York New York,. This pub was actually constructed in Ireland and then shipped to Las Vegas. A great Irish band plays most nights starting around 9PM, the crowd is always energetic, and the Guinness and Bass flow easily. Beer: $7.
• Pink Taco @ Hard Rock, . The very best of Mexico with atmosphere, tequila, buckets of beer and of course, tasty Mexican food.
• Stripper Bar @ Planet Hollywood. hot strippers male that is
• Todd English Pub @ Crystals CityCenter, 3720 S Las Vegas Blvd, [180]. Sports bar with great pastrami sliders and over 30 beers on tap.
• Venus Lounge @ Venetian. Pricey, but enjoyable for a couple of quick cocktails.

Nightclubs/Dancing

There is a club or lounge in nearly every hotel and casino. Most clubs remain open until 4AM, with various after-hour clubs available for the truly hard-core partiers. Drink prices can range anywhere from $4-8 for a domestic bottle of beer, $8-10 for well drinks made with cheap generic liquor, and $200 or more for a bottle of spirits. Clubs are always busy on weekends, and may also be packed during weekdays at places that have Service Industry Night (SIN), usually Tuesday to Thursday, when locals working in the service industry have their night off.

A good way to find out what places are currently hot in Vegas is to ask service staff who look like party-people. People working inside hotels are bound to recommend the hotel’s institutions, so rather go for waiters or shop-assistants in restaurants or malls outside the hotels.

The top clubs will charge entry of $15 or more. Exceptions may include those who have reserved a table, those who get there early, ladies, and locals. Expect to wait in a line for 10 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the night. It is usually best to arrive before 10PM; while the club may be emptier, the line will be shorter and you may avoid paying a cover charge. Sitting at a table often requires a bottle purchase and if you stop making purchases, they will ask you to vacate the table so that someone else can occupy the table. The dress code varies by club. The general rule of thumb is most of the time women know what to wear when they are going out, and men should avoid wearing tennis shoes, tank tops, hats, t-shirts, and blue jeans.

• 3121 @ Rio, 3700 W Flamingo Rd, ☎ +1 702 777-7776. The club is huge with over 30,000 sq feet of dance space. Prince used to play shows here often. Closed in 2007. Crown Nightclub now in its place.
• Coyote Ugly @ New York New York, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 702 740-6969,. Su-Th 6PM-2AM, F-Sa 6PM-3AM. Just like the movie, expect beautiful 20-something women serving you drinks and getting rowdy on the bar. Free entry for locals, $10 for all others.
• Drais @ Bally’s, 3595 S Las Vegas Blvd (between Ballys and Flamingo)), (info@draislasvegas.com). until 9AM. The most popular place for after hours on weekends, so expect long queues especially from 5AM. Two dance-floors: the main floor features trance and Euro dance (otherwise rare in Vegas), the VIP floor (extra charge) features hip hop. Temporarily moved to Ballys while Bills is getting a face lift. $20-30.
• Jewel @ Aria, 3730 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 702 590-8000, . Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 10:30pm-4am. Designed by the Hakkasan Group, operating in the space of the now-closed HAZE nightclub. Offers a more intimate nightlife environment with decor resembling a jewel box, and schedules musical artists from a variety of genres.
• Hakkasan @ MGM Grand, 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 702 891-3838,. Wednesday-Sunday: 10:30pm-4am. Operating just inside the Las Vegas Blvd entrance to MGM Grand, Hakkasan is a mega-club typically showcasing top electronic dance music artists. The space includes a full nightclub, lounge and restaurant.
• Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce @ Mandalay Bay, 3930 S Las Vegas Blvd,. Burlesque club. Now Closed. General Admission: $20 (Sun., Mon., Wed., Thurs.). Front of the line: $40 (Fri., Sat.)..
• 1OAK @ Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd S, . Friday and Saturday: 10:30PM-4AM. A 15,000 square foot dance club, featuring three distinct rooms: house, hip-hop and rock.
• LAX @ Luxor, 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd,. Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: Opens at 10pm. Where young Hollywood goes to party. Exclusive club with an exclusive guest list. 26,000 square feet.
• TAO Las Vegas @V enetian. Wednesday – Saturday, 10:30pm until Close. A 10,000 square foot nightclub. There is an outside terrace with Strip views, 3 bars, two main rooms playing a variety of hip hop, house and rock.
• Vanity @ Hard Rock Hotel,. Friday-Sunday: 10PM-4AM. 14,000 square feet, 64 VIP booths, Terrace overlooking Hard Rock Beach Club. $20 for ladies, $40 for gentlemen, local ladies free.
• XS Nightclub @ The Encore Hotel, 3121 Las Vegas Blvd S,. Officially, this $100 million 40,000 square foot club is the most expensive nightclub ever built. Popular among NBA stars.

Ultra pool

An Ultra Pool is a mix of a pool, and club all in one.

• Wet Republic, (MGM Grand), ☎ +1 702 891-3563. 11AM-Dusk. Located next to the MGM Grand, this Ultra Pool is the Ultimate Maximum Vegas Day Club. Have a blast swimming around in one of the many pools, or swim (yes, swim) up to a bar and order your favorite drink. Not into getting wet? Relax at a cabana or day bed. Bottle service is available. On select days be sure to stop by as live DJ’s will spin the hottest music to cool you down on a hot day in Las Vegas.
• Encore Beach Club, (Encore Hotel), ☎ +1 702-770-7000. 11AM-6pm. Encore Beach Club Las Vegas is a 60,000 square foot venue features a lush and luxurious oasis with three tiered pools, daybeds featuring private safes and 26 cabanas outfitted with refrigerators and flat screen televisions. Eight decadent bungalows at encore beach club offer the venue’s most sought after, high-end seating with private infinity hot tubs; private bathrooms with showers and temperature controlled cooling systems. Guests preferring a more close up view of the pools can choose to lounge on over sized lily pads floating in shallow water or dance under one of the shower poles.

Ultra lounge

An ultra lounge is a mix between lounge and a night club, but the difference to “real” night clubs is tiny and vanishes completely, when the DJ pulls out hard-core dance hits.

• Blush, (Wynn’s). On the 1st floor of Wynn’s with an open-air section. Very posh, and accordingly not very energetic music and crowd. $25.
• Ghostbar, (Palms), ☎ +1 702 942-6832. 8PM-late. Located on the hotel’s roof, this bar features a section of floor that is made of thick glass with nothing beneath it — the glass is the only thing between your feet and the ground 55 stories below.
• OPM, (Caesars Palace). Located in the Forum Mall, Caesars Palace, OPM is one of the worlds premier RnB clubs. Located above a restaurant, Budda statues, black decor and red mood lighting, gives it a slightly underground feel. Two rooms play RnB/Hip Hop and Dancehall. Regularly frequented by celebrities.
• Pure, (Caesars Palace), ☎ +1 702 731-7873. F-Su, Tu 10PM-early morning hours. Pure claims to be the hugest disco/club in Vegas with 40,000 square foot of space. On weekends, be prepared for huge queues unless you are an attractive woman or a wealthy man. The 14,000 square foot open air terrace on the 10th-ish floor is the only area open also on weekdays. It features a panorama view of the Strip glitter with all strip hotels in sight. Other areas, only open on week-ends, include the Pussycat Doll Lounge and the ultra exclusive (and expensive!) VIP Red Room, frequented by many celebrities. $25+; girls may get waved in for free.
• Tabu, (MGM Grand), ☎ +1 702 891-7183. Th-M 10PM-close. A small but sophisticated bar, this is a great place to linger over a cocktail.

Las Vegas is a peculiar destination – and hotels in Las Vegas have a lot of peculiarities that you won’t find in other cities.

The majority of visitors to Las Vegas arrive from throughout the western half of North America on Friday or Saturday, stay for the weekend, then leave on Sunday or Monday (because they have to get back to work or school). As such, room rates can more reasonable from Sunday to Thursday but zoom upwards on weekends. Travelers with flexible schedules can plan around this to their advantage. By staying, say, Sunday through to Thursday, one can not only save a bundle on hotel rates, but also take advantage of package deals that may include a show, meals, and gambling coupons, which may be occasionally worth more than the cost of the hotel room itself.

A bad surprise at check-in are the notorious so-called “resort fees”, which are increasingly common throughout North America, but are especially bad in Las Vegas. Many upscale hotels in Las Vegas collect this fee on top of the actual room charge (typically between $10 to $40 per night) when you check in. You won’t get around paying it, even if you claim that your hotel booking website had indicated the total pricing as final. The resort fee is apparently an attempt of introducing low-cost airline pricing to hotels: splitting up the price into an attractively cheap basic rate, and charging the customer for almost everything separately. Thus, in Las Vegas, the resort fee typically “covers” the usage of the swimming pool, the fitness center, and perhaps additional amenities like a daily newspaper. Some hotels do not collect resort fees. It may be worth it to ask the front desk to remove this fee; especially if you had a bad experience with your stay. Keep your expectations low, and be polite and reasonable.

Be aware that in certain Las Vegas hotels, even the resort fee does not always cover hotel amenities that are included for free in hotels in the rest of the world. These charges may be quite expensive. Some hotels charge for use of the fitness center with rates around $20 to $40 per visit; some charge as much as $12 per day for wireless internet. Las Vegas hotels, like the vast majority of U.S. hotels, treat in-room telephone calls (local and long distance) as a profit center and tack on exorbitant phone fees to the room bill, such as $13 for the first minute. Therefore, it is usually better to use your own cell phone or mobile router.

Due to the flamboyant and lively atmosphere of most casino hotels, be aware that you may not get a good night’s sleep, especially on weekends or during busy tourist seasons. Drunken parties and associated recklessness are frequent occurrences in most of the motels and hotels on The Strip. Most hotels will send security personnel up to dispel loud parties or to warn drunk patrons to keep the noise down if you call the front desk, but their effectiveness may vary.

Certain Vegas hotels are now trying to bring a “nightclub party” atmosphere to their pools in the daytime. If your room faces the pool and the pool has a DJ in the afternoon, don’t count on being able to sleep off jet lag in your room during that period.

In Las Vegas parlance, the words “hotel” and “casino” are interchangeable. There is a big difference between casino hotels and mainstream hotels without gambling. Casino hotels tend to be large (often with a long walk from the parking to your room and often via the gambling floor). The size of casino hotels means that they often have a wider range of services (restaurants, bars, shops, coffee shops, etc.) and many facilities have long opening hours or are open 24 hours.

Some hotels employ people to accost you each and every time you pass through the lobby with enticements to listen to timeshare offers. These people can be aggressive in their sales tactics and quickly drift into rude if you try and tell them they are bothering you. A further reminder that now more than ever, the visitor to Las Vegas is nothing more than a mark to have every last dollar wrung out of, and that is before you hit a casino.

On the Strip

• Aria, 3730 Las Vegas Blvd. Two hotel towers, nine bars, 17 restaurants, 1,840-seat theater, gift shop, 800,000 square foot spa, three huge pools and 300,000 square feet of meeting space means you need never to leave.
• Bally’s, 3645 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 888 742-9248. A moderate hotel and casino, but the location at the center of the Strip and the large rooms makes it one of the best values around.
• Bellagio, 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 702 693-7111 (toll free: +1 888 987-6667). One of the most upscale hotels in Las Vegas, the Bellagio features an art gallery, a massive indoor flower garden, and the Cirque du Soleil show “O”. Cool.
• Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 877 427-7243. Renowned for its originality and features, Caesars Palace offers 3,300 hotel rooms and more than 26 different restaurants and cafes.
• Casino Royale, 3411 South Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 800 854-7666. A smaller property recently purchased by the Best Western Hotel Chain. Located center strip between Harrah’s and the Venetian and directly across the street from the Mirage. 152 newly remodeled guest rooms

• Planet Hollywood Resort, 3667 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 702 785-5555. 2,500 rooms, 2 swimming pools, casino, spa, fitness center, shops, 24-hour room service, free parking, restaurants and bars.
• Circus Circus, 2880 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 877 224-7287. A cheaper and less upscale casino that caters to families. The Manor is in poor shape; the Tower rooms are somewhat better. Scheduled for demolition and rebuilding.
• Cosmopolitan, 3730 Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1-702-698-7000 resort’s uniquely vertical multi-tower design offers spectacular views of the vibrant city. The new 2,995-room resort features oversized, residential-style living spaces with expansive, one-of-a-kind private terraces.
• The Cromwell, 3595 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 702 737-2100 (toll free: +1 866-BILLS-45). Formerly Bill’s Gambling Hall, the Cromwell is a newly remodeled boutique hotel located at the northeast corner of Flamingo and Las Vegas Blvd next to Flamingo.
• Delano, 3940 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 702 632-7888. Formerly THEhotel, Delano is a boutique high-rise hotel adjacent to Mandalay Bay on the southern end of The Strip at the corner of Mandalay Bay Rd and Las Vegas Blvd.
• Elara, 80 East Harmon Ave, ☎ 702 669-6700. checkin: 4:00pm; checkout: 10:00am.
• Excalibur, 3850 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 800 697-1791. Named after the mythical sword of King Arthur, this family friendly hotel has a large pool and rides for the kids.
• Flamingo, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 702 733-3111 (fax: +1 702 733-3528)
• Four Seasons, 3960 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 702 632-5000 (fax: +1 702 632-5195). Occupying the top four floors of Mandalay Bay’s main building, the Four Seasons is one of the most exclusive and high-end accommodations in Las Vegas.
• Harrah’s, 3475 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 702 369-5000
• Jockey Club Resort Suites, 3700 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 798-3500
• Luxor Resort and Casino, 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 702 262-4100. An Egyptian-themed hotel with a massive pyramid that offers interesting room layouts. This hotel is a good option for those looking for a lower-priced but still upscale room on the Strip.
• M Resort & Casino, 12300 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 877 673-7678
• Mandalay Bay, 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 702 632-7777. Located at the far southern end of the Strip next to the Luxor.
• Mandarin Oriental, 3752 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 702 590-8888. The most luxurious, nongaming hotel in CityCenter. 47 floors. The guest rooms and public spaces subtly reference Asian design with art and decorative accents, paintings of kimonos, panels that slide like shoji screens, pendant lamps that resemble Japanese lanterns, and high-sheen built-in drawers that suggest the lacquer and tiers of Tansu chests. From $345.
• Mirage, 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 702 791-7111. An upscale hotel located near the middle of the Strip, the Mirage features a “volcano” that erupts every hour, a white tiger exhibit, a 200,000 gallon tropical aquarium, and a tropical rain forest. $75-500.
• MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 702 891-7777. checkin: 3PM; checkout: 11AM. Opened in 1993, this Hollywood themed resort has 5,044 guest rooms. The theme “Maximum Vegas” refers to the point that almost anyone can find something to do. With 6.6 acres of swimming area, 2 wedding chapels, 3 theaters, multitudes of resturaunts, a spa and salon, a 380,000 square foot conference center, shops galore, and 165,000 square feet of casino floor. start $79.
• Monte Carlo, 3770 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 702 730-7777. Modeled after the opulent Place du Casino in Monte Carlo. Features Blue Man Group at the Blue Man Theater.
• New York-New York, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd S, (nynyreservations@nyforme.com)
• Owners Suites at Signature, 125-145 Harmon Ave, ☎ +1 702 622-5900. Luxury condos on top of the MGM Grand.
• Paris, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 702 946-7000,
• Polo Towers Suites, 3745 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ 702 261-1000. checkin: 4:00pm; checkout: 10:00am.
• Stratosphere, 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 702 380-7777. The 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower is a Las Vegas landmark.
• The Linq (formerly the Imperial Palace), 3535 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 702 731-3311,
• Travelodge Las Vegas South Strip, 3735 S Las Vegas Blvd, ☎ +1 702 736-3443. The Travelodge Las Vegas has cable TV, free parking for motor coaches and buses and a heated outdoor pool that’s open all year. From $59.
• Treasure Island – TI, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 702 894-7111 (toll free: +1 800 288-7206),
• Tropicana, 3801 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 888 826-8767,
• The Palazzo, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 877-444-5777 (reservations@palazzolasvegas.com). The Venetian’s sister property located right next door, The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino has an extraordinary 50-floor luxury tower with 3,066 suites, along with a 100,000-square-foot gaming casino, and a 450,000-square-foot meeting and convention facility. It is home to over 60 international boutiques, Barneys New York, the Canyon Ranch Spa Club, the 40/40 Club, the Broadway smash Jersey Boys, and 15 incredible restaurants.
• The Signature at MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd S. A luxury suite hotel behind the MGM Grand.
• Vdara, 2600 W Harmon Ave, ☎ +1 866 745-7767. 57 floors. Includes a sizable spa, pool complex, restaurant, bar and nearly 1,500 suites. Vdara is one of the few upscale Las Vegas hotels hospitable to families. 250 Panoramic rooms, include a four-person dining room table, a washer-dryer and full-sized kitchen appliances. A non-smoking hotel. From $129.
• The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 702 414-4100. A high-end hotel located near the center of the Strip which offers everything from the Grand Canal Shops to gondolas.
• Wynn Las Vegas, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 702 770-7000. Built at a cost of $2.7 billion, this is the most expensive resort in the world, with the money plowed into (among other things) a private golf course, an artificial mountain with a 5-story waterfall and a million-gallon water tank for the nightly show. From $250.

Off the Strip

• Artisan Hotel, 1501 W Sahara Ave, ☎ +1 702 214-4000. A small non-gaming boutique hotel.
• Best Western Mardi Gras Hotel & Casino, 3500 Paradise Rd, ☎ +1 702 731-2020. Three blocks away from the Las Vegas Monorail Convention Center stop and 1 mile away from the Strip. 3 miles from UNLV. Free complimentary shuttle service to the Strip.
• Best Western McCarran Inn, 4970 Paradise Rd, ☎ +1 702 798 5530. Adjacent to McCarran Airport, across from Thomas and Mack, UNLV. Minutes from the Strip. Free complimentary shuttle service to the Strip and las vegas airport, free continental breakfast, free internet.
• Claremont Hotel Las Vegas, 2601 Westwood Drive, West of the Las Vegas Strip 89109, ☎ 1(702)862-4114. Rooms with double bed, deluxe king bed and suite, all equipped with Air-conditioning, Safe and Plasma cable TV. Facilities and services are High-speed Internet access and Swimming pool.
• Comfort Inn Airport, 4350 Paradise Rd, ☎ +1 702 938-2000. Within walking distance of UNLV and the Thomas and Mack Center sports arena.
• Courtyard Las Vegas Convention Center, 3275 Paradise Road, ☎ 702-791-3600 (fax: 702-796-7981). This 137 room, 12 suite hotel is located across the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center and nearby the monorail station.
• Courtyard Las Vegas Summerlin, 1901 North Rainbow Blvd, ☎ +1 702 646-4400. Business traveler oriented hotel near the Las Vegas Strip and other area attractions. Complimentary parking. Non-smoking. 148 rooms and 6 suites. Breakfast and dinner available at The Bistro on-site restaurant.
• Desert Rose, 5051 Duke Ellington Way, ☎ +1 702 739-7000,. Spacious 284 condo-styled suites with the comforts of a vacation resort. Sparkling resort pool and hot tub, surrounded by lush foliage.
• Downtown Grand Las Vegas, 206 N. 3rd St, ☎ 702 719-5100. Fully furnished premium and deluxe style suites. Located near to the Mob Museum.
• Fortune Hotel & Suites, 325 E Flamingo Road, ☎ 702-830-4010. checkin: 3:00PM; checkout: 11:00AM. Just off the Las Vegas Strip. No Resort Fees and free amenities including: Free WiFi, Free Deluxe Continental Breakfast, Gym, Sparkling Pool and Shuttle Service.
• Four Points by Sheraton Las Vegas East Flamingo, 4055 Palos Verdes, ☎ +1 702 473-6400. Great location just off the Strip near UNLV, the Convention Center and the airport.
• Gold Coast Hotel & Casino, 4000 W Flamingo Rd, ☎ +1 702 367-7111 (toll free: +1 888 402-6278). A full service hotel with a casino, eight restaurants, a 70 lane bowling alley, 711 hotel rooms. Free shuttle to the Strip, free valet parking, fitness center. Views of the Strip and great value.
• Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Henderson/Las Vegas, 910 S Boulder Hwy,
• Hyatt Place Las Vegas, 4520 Paradise Rd (Across from the Hard Rock Casino), ☎ +1 702 369-3366. Popular for business travelers. 42″ flat panel HDTV and free wi-fi in each room. Free breakfast and airport shuttle.
• JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa, 221 N Rampart Blvd, ☎ +1 702 869-7777. Includes the 40,000 sq foot Aquae Sulis Spa & Salon.
• La Quinta Inn Las Vegas Nellis, 4288 N Nellis Blvd, ☎ +1 702 632-0229. Next to Nellis Airforce Base and minutes from Las Vegas Speedway. Free complimentary hot breakfast, and free internet. Newly renovated with oversized 42″ Flat screen TVs.
• Las Vegas Marriott, 325 Convention Center Dr (adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center, near the Monorail, 2 blocks from the Strip), ☎ +1 702 650-2000. The rooftop foyer presents beautiful sweeping views of the landscape.
• Palms Hotel, 4321 W Flamingo Rd, ☎ +1 702 942-7777. A great view of the Strip from the Ghostbar. A Maloof casino.
• Platinum Hotel, 211 E Flamingo Rd, ☎ +1 877 211-9211. Boutique non-gaming hotel, all rooms are suites with kitchen and private balcony. Two blocks from the Strip, near the Bellagio.
• Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel, 3400 Paradise Rd, ☎ +1 702 784-5700 (toll free: +1 800 750-0980). Non-gaming, non-smoking hotel convenient to Las Vegas Convention Center, McCarran Airport, Monorail, and the Strip.
• Residence Inn Las Vegas Convention Center, 3225 Paradise Road, ☎ 702-796-9300 (fax: 702-796-9562). This 192 all suite hotel is located directly across the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center.
• Residence Inn Las Vegas Hughes Center, 370 Hughes Center Dr, ☎ +1 702 650-0040 (toll free: +1 888 236-2427). Non-gaming, non-smoking hotel convenient to Las Vegas Hughes Center, UNLV, Restaurant Row, and the Strip.
• Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, 3700 W Flamingo Rd, ☎ +1 702 777-7777 (toll free: +1 800 PLAY-RIO). Claims to have some of the largest standard rooms in Las Vegas.
• Westgate Flamingo Bay, 5625 W Flamingo Rd. One and two bedroom villas equipped with a full kitchen, whirlpool tub, spacious living room and a fireplace. 2.5 miles from the Strip.
• Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Rd, (toll free: +1 888 732-7117). This 3000 room hotel/casino is situated just north of the Las Vegas Convention Center, a couple of blocks east of the Strip. A monorail station is located next to the lobby.
• Westin Casuarina Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa, 160 E Flamingo Rd, ☎ +1 702 836-5900. 826 rooms and suites offer understated style and the utmost elegance.

Downtown/Fremont Street

• Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel, 128 Fremont St, ☎ +1 702 382-1600
• California Hotel and Casino, 12 E Ogden Ave, ☎ +1 702 385-1222
• The Desert Hills Motel, 2121 Fremont St., ☎ Tel:+1 702 309 5891 (reservations@vegas-motels.com, fax: +1 702 319 5946). Offers a variety of stylish deluxe suites, as well as standard accommodations. Amenities include a swimming pool, patio deck and large palm trees. $30+.
• El Cortez Hotel and Casino, 600 E Fremont St, ☎ +1 702 385-5200. checkin: 3PM; checkout: 11A. 300 rooms, 2 restaurants and a sandwich counter. Recently remodeled with a great rewards program. Oldest continually operated hotel-casino in Las Vegas. $35+.
• The D Casino Hotel, 301 Fremont St, ☎ +1 702 388-2400. checkin: 3:00pm; checkout: 12:00pm. $35.
• Four Queens Hotel & Casino, 202 Fremont St, ☎ +1 702 385-4011
• Fremont Hotel & Casino, 200 E Fremont St, ☎ +1 800 634-6460. 32,000 square foot casino and 4 restaurants.
• Golden Gate Hotel and Casino, 1 Fremont St, ☎ +1 702 385-1906,
• Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, 129 Fremont St, ☎ +1 702 385-7111
• Gold Spike Hotel and Casino, 217 North Las Vegas Boulevard (1 block North of Fremont Street, between 4th and 5th.), ☎ +1 (702) 384-8444 (fax: +1 702 382-6428). Clean rooms, quiet, downtown near Fremont Street $20 + $8fee.
• Las Vegas Club Hotel & Casino, 18 E Fremont St, ☎ +1 702 385-1664,
• Main Street Station Hotel and Casino, 200 N Main St, ☎ +1 800 713-8933. Victorian theme. Includes not-to-be-missed Garden Court Buffet.
• Plaza Hotel and Casino, 1 S Main St, ☎ +1 702 386-2110,

Suburbs

Many modest hotels, well-away from the Strip and downtown, cater to “locals”; many offer lower rates and (often) better games. Many are full resort hotels. Among them are:

Aliante Casino + Hotel, 7300 Aliante Parkway, ☎ +1 702 692-7777,. (Formerly Aliante Station) A casino-resort hotel on the northern side of the Las Vegas valley, about a 30-minute drive from the Strip.

Bed & Breakfast

• Michele’s French Country Cottage, 4429 Casa Sencia, ☎ +1 702 454-6992. When the flashing neon lights of Vegas get too much, try this great alternative. Capturing the essence of an Alsace-Lorraine French country farmhouse.
• Milo’s Inn at Boulder 534 Nevada Hwy, Boulder City, +1 702 294-4244 Quiet bed and breakfast at Milo’s Wine Bar in historic Boulder City near Hoover Dam. Remodeled rooms.

Camping

• Arizona Charlie’s Boulder Casino, Hotel and RV Park, 4445 Boulder Hwy, ☎ +1 702 951-9000 (toll free: +1 800 970-7280, fax: +1 702 951-9211). Easy access from interstate and reasonable prices; great for overnight stays passing through Vegas.
• Hitchin’ Post RV Park and Motel, 3640 Las Vegas Blvd N, ☎ +1 702 644-1043 (toll free: +1 888 433-8402, fax: +1 702 644-8359). Sites are cramped but cheap. They take your name but don’t take reservations if they are nearly full (beware!).
• Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort, 2711 W Windmill Lane, (toll free: +1 800 566-4707). Nice clean RV park south of the Strip, 50 amp full service hookups. Two pools and hot tubs. Need to drive or take shuttle to the Strip. Easy access from I-15.

Hostels

• USA Hostels Las Vegas, 1322 Fremont St, ☎ +1 702 385-1150. A definite budget option. A reasonably well kept hostel with very friendly staff. Free beer and BBQ at the weekend is not to be missed. Surrounding area is not overly safe. Walking alone at night is not recommended. The pizza parlour next door does a deal on a soda and a generous slice of pizza for around $3. Fremont Experience is roughly a 20 minute walk from the hostel.
• Sin City Hostel, 1208 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 702 868-0222. Hostel located near the north end of the Strip. Simple, clean, efficient. $15 per night in a 6-bed dorm includes continental breakfast.
• Tod Hostel and Motel (Hostelling International Las Vegas), 1508 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 702 982-1481 (toll free: +1 877 343-1481, todhostelusa@gmail.com, fax: +1 702 823-2781). This HI-affiliated hostel is on the north end of the Strip. Dorms $23+, single privates $30+, double privates $40+.
• Hostel Cat, 1236 Las Vegas Blvd S, ☎ +1 702 380-6902. This is a good hostel with friendly staff. There is constantly something going on here. Whether it is beer pong, a tour of the strip or a movie night, you are bound to have a good time. However, the location could be better.