A Las Vegas survival guide: the dos and don’ts of Sin City

21.07.2023 - 07:53 / roughguides.com

Few destinations can match the unbridled hedonism of Las Vegas. Nevada’s pulsating desert city, a tangle of neon-lit casinos and roaring freeways, is one of the most unforgettable places on Earth. If you get it right, a weekend in this town can be the trip of a lifetime. If you don’t, Vegas can easily overwhelm and disappoint – not to mention empty your wallet. Here are our tips for making the most of the city.

The first step is choosing the right place to stay, and in Vegas the options are almost limitless. Start by thinking about what you want to get out of your trip. Which casinos and sights do you want to be near? How important for you is it to stay in one of big names? How far can you really afford to stretch your budget?

The city’s hotels run the gamut from slightly seedy to ridiculously extravagant, with a bewildering array of deals to draw you in. At the upper end of the scale, lavish mega-casinos such as the Venetian and Bellagio spoil you rotten with luxury facilities, shops and restaurants. More affordable are lovably kitsch stalwarts including Luxor and New York–New York, as well as modern casinos such as the Linq, where chic rooms make up for a lack of big-name attractions.

Check out our complete guide to the best places to stay in Las Vegas for your future trip.

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With a slew of things to do on your doorstep, it’s easy not to leave your hotel – let alone break away from the Strip. Make sure you venture further at least once, whether it’s to see a show at an off-Strip casino like the Rio or Hard Rock, or to indulge in one of the city’s more ridiculous attractions – try glow-in-the-dark, KISS-themed Monster Mini Golf for starters.

Fremont Street is one of the best places to head for a full day out. Comprising four covered blocks, this redeveloped corner of Downtown houses some pleasingly gritty casinos and an awesome indoor zipline, Slotzilla.

Where else in the world can you pick from hundreds of dishes and wash them down with limitless mimosas? Vegas does all-you-can-eat buffets like no other city, with highlights ranging from fresh seafood and dim sum to made-to-order pancakes and indulgent dessert bars. Buy the Pocket Rough Guide to Las Vegas for reviews of all the best, including Caesars’ legendary Bacchanal Buffet.

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Even if you’re not here to hit the clubs, don’t expect to make it back to your room before the early hours. This is a city that really doesn’t sleep – and if the bars don’t tempt you in, the artificial light will have you convinced it’s barely past sundown. The Forum shops even have a false-sky ceiling that alternates hourly between day and night.

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Take a ride in a Venetian gondola on the second-floor of the eponymous