Planning a trip to the fabulous Sin City? But you don't know where to start? Want to know how to plan a trip to Las Vegas that isn't filled with gambling? Read on for all of our Las Vegas vacation tips.
How to plan a trip to Las Vegas
Important tips for planning a trip to Las Vegas
- Make dinner reservations at least two weeks in advance - possibly even earlier if you're visiting on a weekend. The most popular restaurants on the Strip are usually packed every night.
- If you want to play, sign up for the Casino Members Club. You usually get some free money to play with.
- You can walk the track with alcohol.
- If you're not playing and getting free drinks, alcohol can get expensive. Stop at a liquor store to purchase your drink, then wander around.
When to visit Las Vegas
Spring and fall are the most popular times to visit Las Vegas. And the prices reflect that. However, the climate is mild and you can comfortably walk along the strip.
Weekend getaways are also the most popular way of traveling to Las Vegas. And the prices reflect that too. Therefore, you will see price increases for hotels and concerts over the weekend.
Winter can be good too, as Las Vegas is warmer than most other US destinations, and who doesn't love to escape in the heat? Even if the weather is warm, it can get cold in winter. And as with any tourist destination, prices go up during the holidays, so avoid the holidays if you're on a budget.
Summer is generally considered the low season in Las Vegas as the weather is so hot. How - uncomfortable. However, you can spend most of your time indoors when visiting Las Vegas; So if you don't mind sweating outside, you might get better rates in the summer.
Another price increase to consider is major sporting events. Since Las Vegas is a major gambling destination, you can experience high prizes at major sporting events like the Super Bowl, March Madness, boxing matches, etc. Therefore, avoid these times as well as public holidays if you want to avoid rising accommodation and flight prices.
How long to stay in Las Vegas
We think a minimum of 2-4 days is perfect for visiting Las Vegas. It really takes two days to feel like you've seen it all. Vegas is so overwhelming for ALL the senses. So one day is really not enough. And because Vegas is so overwhelming, 4 days is almost too much. I would say 4 days is a long time unless you are a gambler and enjoy spending time in casinos. 2-3 days is the sweet spot; gives you enough time to see everything, enjoy and then leave before you get bored.
Get there and get around
Flying to Las Vegas Airport is generally inexpensive. Flights arrive regularly from all over the world. If you fly on a weekday you can get really good airfares.
Once in Las Vegas, you can get anywhere on the Strip in a $25 cab ride - no rental car necessary! Uber and Lyft are also popular here. Note, however, that if you're on the Strip, all taxis and ridesharing services require you to go to dedicated pickup locations at hotels, not the front door.
Once on the Strip, you can access all the wonderful things to do in Las Vegas via public transportation, taxi/rideshare services, and tours. Getting out of the tourist area of Las Vegas is best done with a tour group. Your tour is included along with lots of fun facts throughout your trip.
If you want to get around Las Vegas, public transportation works well for tourist areas. You can get onedaily bus ticketfor $8. This works well to get you off the strip like you're headed to Fremont Street. If you just want to keep your feet off walking the Strip, you can take the monorail.monorailDay passes are $15.
Where to stay in Las Vegas
If you plan on spending most of your time on the Strip, stay on the Strip. You'll definitely pay more, but proximity to the action is important if you're staying late and want to make the most of your time in Las Vegas. And while these hotels cost more than other US destinations, you really can find one for every budget.
Despite being on the strip, we thought it would be a good idea to stay somewhere centrally located on the strip. Or just north of mid-Strip. This seems to be where all the action is, and the walking time will be reduced.
If you still want to be close to the action but the Strip is beyond your budget, visit Fremont Street. The hotels here are still nice, but tucked away from the action. And while the hotels are okay for the price, they're definitely older and less well-renovated.
budget what
Las Vegas is expensive. So if you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, set a budget. Then duplicate. While you might be able to stick to a pretty good budget for flights and hotels, you'll break the budget for food and activities.
On our recent trip to Las Vegas, we spent $2,128 for a 3-day, 2-night trip, not including flights. While we generally travel on a fairly tight budget, we know that Vegas is famous for excess, and we wanted to experience that excess. So we spent way more than necessary on food ($570) and activities ($1120), but we also got very cheap accommodation ($400) and transportation ($35).
Tips for traveling to Las Vegas on a budget
- Visit on a weekday. Price increases on weekends can definitely weigh on the overall budget.
- Visit Fremont Street to drink and gamble. It's cheaper.
- Buy drinks from convenience and liquor stores and drink on the street. It's cheaper than in restaurants and clubs.
- There are no real slot machines in Las Vegas. They say penny but the minimum bet is always more. And remember, the house always wins. Unless you really enjoy gambling, save your money.
accommodation budget
Accommodation is expensive, like in any big city, but you can find cheaper options.
Some budget spots on the Strip are Bally's, Treasure Island, and The Flamingo. Here you will find nightly rates around $200/night.
If you want to treat yourself, the MGM, The Venetian, Wynn, and Bellagio are the most glamorous hotels on the Strip. Suites here can cost thousands of dollars a night.
Wherever you stay on the Strip, be sure to check resort fees before booking your hotel. These are fees collected upon check-in at the property. They say they pay for things that are usually included, like wifi, phones, and pools. However, this is just a clever way to trick you into thinking that Vegas isn't as expensive as it is. There are very few hotels without a resort fee, so it's unavoidable. However, keep this in mind before deciding on a property.
If you choose to stay overnight on Fremont Street, rates range from $90 to $200 per night.
You can also choose to stay in some great timeshare homes throughout Las Vegas. We don't recommend this, however, as you'll be spending the money you save on tours of the city's busier areas. It's an option and you can find decent accommodation for as little as $50/night. However, make sure you have a proper license as Vegas is quite strict when it comes to home rentals and an unlicensed stay risks being cancelled.
travel budget
Travel to and within Las Vegas is very cheap. If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, you should budget for travel expenses similar to other US destinations.
Flights to Las Vegas are often under $100.
You don't need a vehicle to get around Las Vegas and one is really inconvenient. If you arrive by car, check if the hotel has free parking. Budget $50 to get to and from the airport.
Essential budget
You really can break the budget for dining in Las Vegas. If you're planning a trip to Las Vegas, take what you normally spend on groceries and triple it.
Sit-in restaurants generally cost between $50 and $100 per person, with some prices being even higher. This even includes the famous Las Vegas buffets.
If you want to save on feed, we recommend a herd strategy. Grabbing a snack here and there will help you avoid paying a steep price at a formal dinner. You can also buy snacks from the many shops along the Strip - there are many CVSs and Walgreens with beer and snacks.
budget for activities
You can find a range of activities at different prices. However, you should be aware that we think your cost per day for activities will increase if you are planning a trip to Las Vegas for a longer period of time. That's because while there are free and cheap things to do in Las Vegas, you tend to go out on the second day and increase your daily budget for entertainment and activities.
To help you plan your Las Vegas vacation budget, we've compiled a list of our top things to do in Las Vegas, which includes prices for each activity listed.
As you can see from our list of Las Vegas attractions, virtually every attraction has an upgrade option. From souvenir photos to skipping the lines, you can always pay more in Las Vegas for not much more to do.
What to take with you to Vegas
Bring a good pair of walking shoes. You will take many walks along the Las Vegas Strip and even in unique places.
While Vegas is hot, the casinos are cold. They blow up the air conditioner. And although it is pleasant to step out of the heat, it cools down quickly. Be sure to bring a jacket or sweater, especially at night when the temperature drops.
All hotels have very good swimming pools. And pools are the most popular way to spend your days in Las Vegas. So be sure to pack a bathing suit.
I always forget the sunscreen when I'm in cities. But you'll likely end up spending a lot of time outside of Las Vegas hopping from one hotel to the next. We don't use sunscreen and we get burned. Pack your sunscreen.
If you want to save some money, bring snacks and water. Simple things are overpriced in Las Vegas.
When it comes to clothing during the day, make sure you have clothes that are comfortable for the temperature. You're probably going to be walking a lot (I said that before) and you want to be comfortable. Casual clothing is good for the day. If you go out in the evening, plan dressier attire. Jeans are fine as long as they are tight and dark. If you're planning on going to a nightclub, check the dress code as you pack to make sure you have everything you need.
Security
The Vegas Strip is a fairly safe place as there are countless people preventing crime at any given time. However, being a popular tourist area, petty theft is common.
However, it is worth noting that there are many homeless people that you will encounter on the streets. They may ask for money, but they don't usually interact with you. As someone who works frequently with this demographic, I didn't feel uncomfortable. But I've seen several people visibly uncomfortable with these people. Especially the people talking to themselves. So remember to treat everyone with compassion (and a Midwestern smile if that's your thing) and be aware of those around you.
I will also say that coming from the tourist area near Fremont Street we have never felt so unsafe. It was probably the police altercation with a group of individuals that gave us that feeling. Or all shops closed. In any case, we advise you to stay in the tourist areas.
We hope this has helped you plan your trip to Las Vegas. If you're looking for fun inspiration, check out our Las Vegas itinerary for first-time visitors.
FAQs
How much does a 3 day trip to Vegas cost? ›
Vegas cost for three nights
So, how much does it cost to go to Las Vegas? Based on my estimate you can expect to spend about $2,185 for three nights in Sin City. Las Vegas is not cheap, but if you use some of the tips above you can find places to save some money.
A 3-Day trip to Vegas allows just enough time for visitors to get a taste of what the city has to offer – and trust us, it has a lot! On a 3-day Vegas trip, visitors can see the flashing neon lights, eat at celebrity chef restaurants, gamble at flashy casinos and visit top city attractions…and that is just on Day One!
How much money should you have for a trip to Vegas? ›So, How Much Money Should I Bring to Vegas? The average visitor spent $1,461 per trip when you add up each category above from the 2021 LVCVA profile survey. That total breaks down to about $318 per day, based on the average 4.6-day trip.
What's the cheapest month to go to Vegas? ›The cheapest time to visit Las Vegas is during the off-seasons. Those are mid-November through the end of February and mid-May through mid-September. Most casinos run specials on rooms during this time and several promotional programs to get people to visit.
What is the cheapest week to go to Las Vegas? ›The days before Thanksgiving are usually great for deals, too, while the weekend after can be brutal on your wallet. The Fourth of July is a bit of exception as there is no big celebration on the strip to draw people in. If you want to come for a holiday, this would be a better one to choose.
Are drinks free in Vegas casinos? ›When you're gambling on the casino floor in Las Vegas, you can order almost any type of drink for free. Most casinos allow you to order a maximum of two drinks per person per order – tip well and always order the maximum!
What days is it cheaper to stay in Las Vegas? ›You'll find cheaper hotels in Las Vegas in January and February. Hotel room prices vary depending on many factors but you'll most likely find the best hotel deals in Las Vegas if you stay on a Saturday. The opposite is true for, Tuesday, which is usually the most expensive day.
What are the cheapest days to stay in Las Vegas? ›Due to many visitors vacating on weekends, weekdays are the cheapest time to stay in Vegas. Sundays to Thursdays are the best bet for tourists looking to stay in the city on a budget as the things are a bit slower during these days.
How much money do I need in Vegas per day? ›You should plan to spend around $246 per day on your vacation in Las Vegas, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $64 on meals for one day and $38 on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Las Vegas for a couple is $253.
How many days should I go to Vegas for the first time? ›You could see the best of Las Vegas in 24 hours, but you could also find plenty to do each day if you spent a week here. In general, 3 – 4 days or a long weekend is a good amount of time for your first trip to Vegas. This will allow you to see all the highlights and maybe even take an excursion or two outside the city.
What is the best month to visit Las Vegas? ›
The best time to visit Las Vegas is from March to May and from September to November. While you'll find plenty of travel deals throughout the year, the spring and fall shoulder seasons offer the most moderate weather.
How much money do you need for food in Vegas? ›Average total spend on food on a Vegas trip varies widely, but as of 2021, could be roughly $460. These rates vary, of course, based on a person's spending style and where they're vacationing.
What should I wear to Vegas? ›Keep It Casual
Feel free to dress casually as you explore Vegas, meaning nice jeans or slacks with a collared shirt for men and a casual dress or slacks for women. At casinos, the dress code is also casual during the day though it becomes a bit more formal in the evening.
The cheapest way of getting around Las Vegas is via public transportation. For the most convenient way of getting around the Strip, take advantage of the Las Vegas Monorail. The 4-mile air-conditioned, elevated system runs along the Las Vegas Strip from 07:00 and stops between 00:00–03:00, daily.
What month are hotels cheapest in Vegas? ›Visitors to Las Vegas have the option to stay at cheap hotels outside of the city or on the fringe of the city. However, most tourists prefer to book a popular hotel that also includes a casino. Thus, it is best to visit these hotels at their lowest rates, between January and April or between September and November.
What time of year is Vegas the least busy? ›The slowest times of year are parts of January and February; late June through August; the week before Christmas; and the week after New Year's. If a major convention is to be held during your trip, you might want to change your date. Contact the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (tel.
How many days should I stay in Vegas? ›3 days in Vegas is a good amount of time to see the top tourist sites, do a little gambling (I said a little!), and get a little crazy in the clubs/pools. And after your long weekend in Vegas, you'll be ready to go home back to normal life, I promise you that.
When should I book my hotel in Vegas? ›1-3 months before your trip will often get you the best rates. The only exception to this rule would be if you are staying on a date where rooms sell out very fast, like New Year's or a busy convention. In this case, book as early as possible.
What is the $20 trick in Vegas? ›The 20 Dollar Trick, sometimes called the sandwich trick, is a $20 tip sandwiched in between the necessary ID and credit card required at the hotel front desk check-in. In the past, this was a great way to get a complimentary upgrade.
Can you walk around Vegas with alcohol? ›It is legal to have an open container of alcohol if you are walking along the Las Vegas Strip. However, as of 2014, Las Vegas prohibits people from carrying alcohol in glass containers. Individuals cannot carry any beverage, alcoholic or not, in a glass container on the Strip.
What months are off season in Vegas? ›
Low season (June to August) is the cheapest (but hottest) time to visit. With temperatures regularly entering triple digits, summers in Las Vegas are sweltering. However, Las Vegas has the very best pools around and low season means great hotel deals.
How do hotels in Vegas Avoid resort fees? ›- Stay at a hotel that doesn't charge resort fees. ...
- Use points to book your room. ...
- Use your elite hotel status. ...
- See if you can get resort fees comped. ...
- Ask the desk clerk or manager to waive the fee. ...
- Dispute the charge with your credit card.
The Main Strip is the best part of the Las Vegas Strip. Most of the places you want to see will be within walking distance of the Main Strip. You will catch the sights of the Bellagio Fountains, pass through many luxury hotels, and encounter vibrant bars and nightclubs.
How much do you tip for free drinks in Vegas? ›▶ Bartender (and cocktail server): $1 to $2 is suggested for those who serve free drinks to casino players.
How long does it take to walk the Vegas Strip? ›The Las Vegas Strip is 4.2 miles long and runs from Mandalay Bay to the Stratosphere. At an average walking rate of 0.3 miles per hour, it would take you almost 90 minutes to get across the Strip—and that's if you don't stop along the way. The Strip is very busy.
Are resort fees in Vegas per day? ›Resort fees often cover features you will want to have, such as wireless internet access, 800 number calls, fitness center access, newspapers, bottled water, hotel pool access, etc. The fees are charged nightly per room and are not dependent on the number of guests staying.
How do I prepare for Vegas? ›- Pack the right clothes. This may seem like the most obvious tip in the world, but you'd be surprised how many people head to Vegas with all the wrong things. ...
- Be formal. ...
- Get out of the casino. ...
- Prepare your trips. ...
- Drinking outside. ...
- Pace yourself. ...
- Budget.
Most casinos in Las Vegas do not have official dress codes. For men, it's appropriate to wear suits, formal jeans or dress pants, button-down shirts, dress shoes, blazers, and other types of formal clothing. Women should opt for an evening dress, gown, cocktail dress, and a pair of high heels or evening shoes.
Is Vegas a cheap vacation? ›It's a total misconception that a trip to Las Vegas HAS to be expensive! There are plenty of free and cheap things to do in Las Vegas, and if you time your trip right (hint: go midweek!) you can score insane deals on hotels, too.
Does Vegas get cold at night? ›Winter in Las Vegas
During the winter, Las Vegas weather tends to bring temperatures that may drop into the 30s F (-1 C) at night but manage to hover around the upper-50s (10 C) to low 60s (15 C) during the day. If you're trying to avoid the winter shoveling of snow, Las Vegas rarely gets any of it.
Are meals expensive in Las Vegas? ›
Meals can vary in price but it is possible to eat on a budget in Las Vegas. Stick to restaurants off the strip or the chain restaurants to spend as little as $25 a day on food and drink. If you intend to try the buffets and restaurants on the strip, expect to pay around $30 per meal on average. What is this?
Do you need cash at Vegas? ›Re: what do you need cash for in Vegas? You really do not need cash up front for gambling but this depends on your comfort level in carrying cash. I much prefer to pay an ATM fee vs. carrying significiant amounts of cash up front while traveling.
What is expensive in Las Vegas? ›Las Vegas's housing expenses are 11% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 3% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 13% higher than the national average. Las Vegas has grocery prices that are 3% higher than the national average.
Do I need jeans in Vegas? ›You'll want shorts for summer, and jeans or trousers for winter. Because Vegas is in the desert, the temperature often reach extremes of very hot and very cold – so if you're planning to take an evening or nighttime stroll, it's worth packing a lightweight jacket.
Can you wear jeans to a nightclub in Vegas? ›Yes. All nightclubs allow both men and women to wear jeans. We suggest not wearing bagging denim. Jeans can have rips and tears in them, but not an excessive amount of rips.
Do people wear jeans in Las Vegas? ›Jeans are completely acceptable at every club in Las Vegas, though any that are “too baggy” or “covered in holes” may get rejected.
How much would a weekend in Vegas cost? ›You should plan to spend around $246 per day on your vacation in Las Vegas, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $64 on meals for one day and $38 on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Las Vegas for a couple is $253.
Is Vegas an expensive trip? ›The cost of Las Vegas doesn't have to be high if you are on a budget. Because there are so many hotel choices, prices are surprisingly low but check events in Vegas before you book your trip. Prices in Vegas can jump up during holidays or when a special event such as a boxing match or concert is happening on the strip.
How much money goes to Vegas in a day? ›In 2020, Las Vegas recorded roughly 19 million visitors, whereas it attracted over 42 million people in 2019. Last update: September 2021. So how much can dealers make? Now, when we average that out over 365 days, it amounts to a whopping $630,000 per casino per day.
Are drinks free in Vegas? ›When you're gambling on the casino floor in Las Vegas, you can order almost any type of drink for free. Most casinos allow you to order a maximum of two drinks per person per order – tip well and always order the maximum!
Is 2 nights in Vegas enough? ›
Of course, it is also possible to spend just one night, but a long weekend is infinitely better for getting a feel for the city. At a minimum, one should have time to stroll down The Strip, see a Casino, and go to a show. It is possible to do all that in one night, but two nights are much better.
What is the best way to get around in Las Vegas? ›The best way to get around Las Vegas is by taxi, a ride-hailing option like Uber or Lyft, or by bus. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) offers bus routes 24 hours a day along the Strip and downtown area, providing easy, affordable transportation.
How many days do you need in Vegas? ›3 days in Vegas is a good amount of time to see the top tourist sites, do a little gambling (I said a little!), and get a little crazy in the clubs/pools. And after your long weekend in Vegas, you'll be ready to go home back to normal life, I promise you that.
How expensive is it to eat in Vegas? ›Average total spend on food on a Vegas trip varies widely, but as of 2021, could be roughly $460. These rates vary, of course, based on a person's spending style and where they're vacationing.
Which casino in Las Vegas pays out the most? ›Luxor Hotel and Casino
Luxor has one of the biggest collections of slot machines in all of Las vegas. Luxor houses more than 1,100 slot machines, one of Las Vegas' largest inventories. Put together, they offer an average payback rate of 91.92%.
Average Daily Worth (ADW): Worth (See Worth) divided by the total number of Gaming transaction days of a player. Bank: Row of slot machines. Bet: Number of credit(s) per spin.