Las Vegas is the largest city in the state of Nevada. Known for casinos and glamorous shows and events. For gamblers the Mecca absolutely. Tourists attract the city throughout the year. I am honest: "Sin City" - I never wanted to visit Las Vegas. The city, the "Gamblen" (play) and also the shows I did not care.
Nevertheless, we decided to visit the city of the players during our 3-week California tour. Once in a lifetime, you have to be there and watch Americans enjoy drinking in public, with several credit cards sprinting between one-armed bandits at the same time, sipping chilled margaritas.
That's why I've written down everything you need to know before a Las Vegas visit. I also asked John a few questions. He has been to Vegas many times, and gives you absolute insider tips for Las Vegas:
The first time in Las Vegas?
If you are in Las Vegas for the first time, I recommend you visit some of the casinos as well as the top attractions in Las Vegas on the Strip. Even though much is very touristy. Before my visit to Las Vegas, the city in the desert of Nevada did not interest me at all. At the Roadtrip I wanted to see other places. Gambling is not my thing just as little as the big hotels and the glamorous shows.
Nevertheless, we decided to stay for 3 nights in the city of the players. It was an interesting experience, even after a few minutes with the one-armed bandit my money was again.
Arrival in Las Vegas
Whether traveling by car or by plane, the arrival in Las Vegas will leave you amazed. In the middle of the desert rises suddenly the glitter city Las Vegas. Especially in the twilight and at night one can already see the light from afar.
Top attractions in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip
By day just a big wide road that you never have to cross. The paths are designed so that you have to cross as good as every hotel and the casino located therein. Running included.
At night, the Strip shimmers and flickers for all corners. People with costumes and disguises, always a drink in their hands and limousines that drive up and down the strip you will be able to watch. A freak show.
Explore Las Vegas on foot
After your arrival and a quick refreshment in the hotel I advise you to explore the city on foot first. Let yourself drift and explore the Strip on foot. I'll tell you: you will not just get lost in one of the huge hotels with casinos. That's wanted. Finally, the sound of the jingling coins should encourage you to take your own seat at the gaming table.
I stopped counting how many times we got lost at Caesars Palace. Despair finally gave way to exhausted laughter. Try to see as many hotel complexes as possible.
The Venetian Hotel makes you feel like you're in Venice and is also the largest hotel on the Strip. In addition to a canal where you can ride a gondola - as in Venice - there are artists offering street performances for free all day long. The difference with Venice: it smells better.
Other hotels worth a visit: Mirage Hotel (for years here the famous show of Siegfried & Roy with the white tigers), Bellagio (gigantic water features, simply my favorite because it's simply stylish), Caesars Palace (because I'm so into it often, known from the movie Hangover, which certainly everyone has seen) and the Paris Las Vegas.
From the replica Eiffel Tower you have a wonderful view of the Strip and the surrounding hotels: Excalibur (replica of Disney Castles), Luxor Hotel (Sphinx and the Pyramid) and New York (with a rebuilt New York skyline).
Bellagio and the water games in front of it
My absolute favorite is the Bellagio. We did not spend the night here. But as I enter the lobby, I imagine George Clooney walking down the wide staircase in the movie Ocean's Eleven. For hours I could watch the water games at the well.
Red Rock Canyon
Just 27 km outside of Las Vegas is the impressive Red Rock Canyon. In the middle of Nevadas high desert.
The 21 km long Panoramastraße through the canyon is tolls, but worth it! The rock formations and colors are beautiful.
Stratosphere Las Vegas
From the Obervation deck of the Stratosphere Towers you get a wonderful 360 ° panoramic view of the Strip and the city in the Nevada desert.
The largest freestanding tower with Observation Deck in the US is definitely worth a visit. The entrance fee is $ 30 and with the Las Vegas Explorer Pass you can even get on the tower for free.
Las Vegas Insider tips from a local
During his MBA studies in Los Angelos, Jan was always attracted to the glittering and glittering city of Las Vegas in the US state of Nevada. Even after his return to Germany he visits Sin City regularly - a little gambling is always fun ...
Therefore, he has given us some of his tips for Las Vegas:
1.What place can you find in no travel guide about Las Vegas?
In a city that is already a tourist attraction, it is, of course, difficult to find a spot that is not recommended by any tourist guide.
However, if you want to take a look beyond the glittering facades, order a taxi and head to the In'n'Out Burger across the Strip. There you can get excellent burgers and an impression of the real life apart from the casinos and luxury hotels of this city.
- Las Vegas smells like you ...
If you ask ten people how Las Vegas smells, you probably get ten different answers. Everyone associates the gambling metropolis in the Nevada desert with a different scent.
The reason is as simple as obvious: the big hotels on the Strip all have their own, specific scent. So the time-honored Flamingo Hotel & Casino smells sweet, almost kitschy, while the Venetian has an elegant, subtle scent. Almost every hotel has its own smell, which is as unique as the different theme worlds of the hotels themselves.
- What do you recognize a real local in Las Vegas?
At the friendliness. This is certainly not because the inhabitants of Las Vegas is a particularly friendly species. Rather, it is the history of the city that is reflected in the character of the people. Las Vegas is a city built on fun, entertainment and gambling. Almost every inhabitant is employed directly or indirectly in the entertainment machinery of the city.
And here the service providers, be it Dealer in the casino, waiter or taxi driver are omnipresent. And since in the USA the service concept and the associated friendliness at the customer is quite more pronounced than in Germany, this is one of the characteristics of the character that is most noticeable.
- Transport in Las Vegas: How do I get from A to B in Las Vegas?
With a car in Las Vegas you are almost as lost as in the endless maze of casinos in the city. If you only want to get on the world-famous Strip from A to B on foot is usually the fastest. However, one should not underestimate the distances anyway, as the sidewalks lead partly through the casinos and hotels and thus the airline and actual route differ greatly.
Another benefit of running: You can see a lot of bizarre or interesting people on their way across Las Vegas Boulevard.
If you ever have to resort to a taxi, I advise you to use the provider "Uber". Download the app on your smartphone. With the code "Übervielvielwegs" you get the first time a free ride (worth up to 10 €). My absolute favorite driving service where you usually drive cheaper than with a taxi.
5.How do I get to Las Vegas from the airport to the center?
Las Vegas International Airport is right at the southern end of the strip. At each terminal you will find taxis that will take you directly to your hotel in a few minutes. Depending on the location of the hotel on the Strip you pay between 15 and 25 dollars.
Again, I advise you either to use the Uber service . As an alternative for groups or if it should be quite comfortable I advise you to book an airport shuttle. Here I often use Rent-a-guide, as only licensed drivers are on offer here.
- My favorite food in Las Vegas is?
The legendary "Chicken Bellagio" in the Cheesecake Factory at Caesars Palace. Breaded chicken breast with a light Parmesan crust and basil pasta with a light pesto cream sauce. Simply irresistible!
7.Where do I get the best food and drinks in Las Vegas?
Best Buffet: Wicked Spoon Buffet at the Cosmopolitan Hotel
Best Pasta: Maggianos in the Fashion Show Mall
Best Burger: Cheeseburger in Paradise at the Planet Hollywood Hotel
Best Drinks: Ghost Bar at the Palms Hotel
8.Where is the best way to relax in Las Vegas?
There's no time to rest in Las Vegas. However, you can use the countless pools of the hotels also wonderful to relax and rest. Although the entrance is actually only allowed for the hotel guests, but you can simply assure the Securities that you want to play a round of blackjack in the pool area (yes, there are also game tables) and you're right in the middle of wet pleasure.
- At which hotel and bar in Las Vegas is the best way to go and celebrate?
The best night in Las Vegas starts in the Ghost Bar of the Palms Hotel. Away from the strip, this rooftop bar is a definite highlight for relaxing and stunning night views of the Strip.
Then it goes to the Encore Hotel. There is the XS nightclub with a pool area and world-renowned DJs. If you are still hungry after the party, you can have a quick snack at the Cafe Bellagio in the hotel of the same name.
- Where do I make the best bargains in Las Vegas?
If you want to visit a show in Las Vegas, you can buy your tickets the same day at various points of sale on the strip. At ticket outlets like ½ Price Tix or Tickets 4 Tonight you will find one or the other bargain. However, you have to be flexible, as only residual tickets are offered here.
Ticketnetwork.com offers cheap tickets for almost every event in Las Vegas, especially for popular events it is worth booking the tickets before your Las Vegas vacation.
As a tourist, you can certainly make soda snacks in the casinos. You have to know that anyone who tries their luck at the vending machines or gaming tables, gets free drinks (including cocktails). It is therefore advisable to try your luck at a cheap machine and enjoy free cocktails at the same time.
Remember: The cocktail waitresses expect at least $ 1 tip per drink.
- 5 Things To Include In Every Travel Suitcase When I Travel To Las Vegas:
Trunks: The big hotels also have a paradisiacal pool area. The ideal cooling when the temperature climbs in summer even beyond 40 degrees
Sunglasses: The sun shines here more intense and brighter than elsewhere, which is also due to the glittering facades of the hotels that reflect the sun.
A camera: taking photos is a must in Las Vegas. Be it the famous Las Vegas sign at the south end of the strip or the world famous hotels. There is always something to snap.
Headache tablets: After a long night in the clubs and bars of the city, you can sometimes tolerate an apse on the following day.
Big money: Las Vegas is also the city of consumption. Be it in the shops, restaurants, clubs or in the casino. It is better to take some more cash with you.
