50+ Tips & Tricks for a Fabulous Las Vegas Vacation

For anyone who has visited Vegas anytime in the last few years, you are well aware that the city now offers a multitude of activities & entertainment for everyone and every budget, even those who choose not to gamble! As someone who is not into playing slots, I find this a refreshing change. It’s almost an overwhelming experience now with the shear number of options available everywhere, at every hour of the day. On the downside, everything is a bit more expensive now and I miss the days of no resort fees and cheap buffets and hotel rooms.

A trip to the Entertainment Capital of the World can be an overwhelming experience, or an exciting experience. In my experience, it all comes down to proper planning!

The Strip seems to become more crowded each year with families, couples who do not gamble, and young adults under 21. Really, there is no need to gamble anymore. With top notch shows, wonderful restaurants, world-class spas, and endless attractions around every corner, you could easily never step foot into a casino. Along with increased crowds & more activities comes more stress, especially without proper advance planning.

As goes with any trip, researching ahead of time & budgeting are the keys to a fabulous vacation. This is especially the case with popular, high energy destinations. After many visits to Sin City (too many to count), I have rounded up my best tips. Enjoy the list and enjoy your vacation!

Know before you go…

Summer = more fun, Winter = better hotel rates & less congestion

Typically, the winter season (minus holiday periods) is the best time to score a great hotel deal. I’ve found the best deals in December and January. The other major benefit is cooler “more enjoyable weather for strolling” The Strip. Generally, winter is a less congested and more laid-back time to visit. I find I can stroll around and my leisure more taking pictures versus running from one air conditioned casino to the next.

However, you will need to keep in mind that many of the amenities this city is so famous for – like the fantastic pools- are closed for the season. Wearing a sweater and jeans also puts a bit of a damper on the vacation experience. Palm trees, pools, and sunny warm weather just scream vacation to most, so you need to decide if the cheap hotel rates justify closed pools and cold temps.

Be aware of resort fees!

If you haven’t visited in a few years, you might be shocked at the hefty resort fees tacked onto already pricey hotel rooms! Worst part of all is that the fees are not collected until check in, so you may end up paying hundreds of extra dollars in fees you were not expecting. Check the fine print when booking online! 

Fees can be upwards of $45 at some of the more exclusive resorts like The Wynn. To avoid being totally surprised at check in, be sure to include resort fees in your travel budget. Only a few non Strip hotels still have no resort fee. Four Queens, Fremont Hotel Casino, M Resort, Las Vegas Marriott, Elara, Main Street Station, and Renaissance are a few of the hotels that currently do not charge – although this may change in the future!

Unfortunately, most of the casinos with the lowest resort fees are not that vacation worthy. In my opinion, staying at these resorts really is not worth the few extra dollars in savings. If you are willing to stay off The Strip, the South Point Hotel is a fantastic 4 star resort.

Amenities include a great pool, a shuttle to The Strip & airport, and one of the lowest resort fees (plus they give a free coupon booklet!). Not surprisingly, resorts off The Strip have the lowest resort fees. If you plan on spending most of your time outside of the resort & have a car or do not mind taking shuttles, this alternative may just work out for you.

It gets cold here!

Many tourists are unaware that temps can get pretty darn cold in the winter, especially at night. If you have only visited during the brutally hot summer months, this may come as a surprise. Day time temps typically hover in the 50-60 degree range, however, night temps often drop into the 30’s. So get rid of those flip flops and shorts and pack your sweaters and jackets! To put it into perspective, I had to wear my puff jacket just to walk around at night in December! Crazy! It was so cold this time of year we basically had to run into the hot tub.

If you are the type of person who likes really warm weather, I recommend avoiding a winter trip. It’s not like Florida here where it’s warm and humid. The dry air also makes morning and night temps much cooler – sometimes 20 to 30 degrees. Unlike weather stereotypes featured in the media (As Cousin Eddie said “Where else can you wear shorts 24/7?” – Vegas Vacation), it does often get jacket level cold here.

Although snow is pretty rare (the city sees an average of less than 1/2 an inch a year), there is always the rare chance of a snowstorm (in 2008, the area saw 8 inches!). Consider yourself lucky if you get to witness this rare event in the desert!

Planning for your vacation

Good planning, budgeting, and researching skills come in handy with any vacation. A vacation requires lots of planning including making reservations for activities like dinners, shows, and spas. And to reassure yourself that you have remembered to pack everything, I recommend making a check off list in advance. While just a simple notepad, it really comes in handy in terms of remembering everything & anything you could possibly need!

Advance booking pays off

As with any vacation, the further in advance you book your transportation and lodging, the more you save. Rates go up as less space becomes available. Check the airline low fare calendar and book your trip around these dates if possible for the best savings. Southwest and Allegiant usually offer the best deals to Vegas. Allegiant charges too much for luggage though, while Southwest allows you to check 2 bags for free! Hotels are usually cheaper the further in advance you book out. Update: Southwest no longer ended its’ 2 free bag policy in May of 2025 (I’m pretty upset!).

Schedule a night flight

Flying into the city at night and seeing all the bright lights of The Strip is such a mesmerizing experience. I’ve only done it once but it was pretty cool. This leads you with just enough time to grab dinner and a drink without fully exhausting yourself. This way you are ready to go on day 2. Arriving too early on the first day and dealing with jet lag is not a pleasant experience. First time visitors will definitely want to arrive at night for a truly memorable & exhilarating start to an exciting vacation.

Avoid holiday weekends – at all costs!!

Trust me, it is not worth planning your first trip around any holiday. If you hate crowds & overpriced everything, definitely skip Christmas-New Years week & Valentine’s weekend. At these times, lines are hideous, everything is overpriced, and the crowding along The Strip is simply unbearable and impossible to navigate through. On a side note, the Bellagio and Wynn gardens are so gorgeous this time of year!

Look at the lines to get on the Venetian canal rides in December! It was difficult to even walk through the canal shoppes this time of year.

Double check your hotel’s check in policy

To avoid extra fees, check your resort’s early check in policy. Many resorts charge to check-in prior to an hour before official check in time. Many resorts are now charging anywhere between $15-30 for check ins before Noon. Not worth it in my opinion, unless you are planning a really short stay and you want to squeeze in as much extra time as possible.

Pack light & stay organized

Create a hassle-free travel experience by incorporating mix and match outfits, the use of packing cubes, and travel sized versions of cosmetics. Anything you can do to conserve space means less luggage to lug around, through the airports, in the taxis and shuttles, and around the casino to your hotel room. Obviously, this will be much easier to do during the summer season where it is way too hot to wear much clothing.

Download handy apps

Having access to great apps can make all the difference between an overwhelming trip versus a fun filled vacation. There are endless apps out there to choose amongst. A trip can be an overwhelming experience without some extra help! Check out the official Vegas travel app for starters.

Check show reviews in advance

Always check reviews of shows before committing to such a big purchase. One of the top reviewed shows (and my personal favorite as well) is the Mac King Comedy Magic Show. Totally affordable, funny, and mysterious all at the same time! Don’t waste your money on super expensive, low rated shows! Scan reviews on sites like Trip Advisor and Yelp to avoid major disappointment. Although I loved Terry Fator on America’s Got Talent, his show was a major disappointment. I wish I would have read the reviews beforehand. Way too much singing and not enough ventriloquism!

Where to stay on the Strip

Unless you are going to be sitting in your room all day (and why would you in Vegas of all places!?) a Strip view room or suite is worthless in my opinion. In this case, an extra charge you do not need to be paying. By the time you are done with all your activities for the day, you will likely collapse in the bed some time after Midnight anyways, making the view worthless.

And thus, all that extra money goes to waste! By the time I am done pushing through the crowds, walking endless miles, and putting up with constant bright lights and advertisements, I am just ready to get back to the room and go to sleep!

Skip the fancy hotel room in winter

Most likely, you will not be in the hotel or hotel room all that much. And, if you are, then boy are you wasting your time! There is so much exploring to do, great restaurants to try out, shows to see, etc. that there is really no point in paying hundreds of extra dollars for nothing. This is especially the case during the winter season when the majority of the pools are closed.

As a great pool is one of the major perks of choosing one Strip hotel over the other, there really is no reason to opt for a fancy hotel over a moderate one in the winter season. Two of my favorite moderate options are Palms Place and Paris.

In the summer, book resorts with great pools

On any summer visit where temps frequently soar into the 100’s, a fantastic pool atmosphere is a must! And of course, Vegas is well known for their crazy pool parties (if that’s your style). Not to mention, you actually get to feel like that super pricey resort fee is worth something! The Mirage, Mandalay Bay, The Flamingo, Caesars Palace, and MGM Grand all have pretty fantastic pools. To beat the daytime summer heat, a great pool atmosphere is a necessity. Update: The Mirage is sadly closed.

Consider booking off the Strip

My favorite resort off the Strip is the South Point, a 4 star resort which features a number of great amenities including a beautiful pool and hot tub area, a bowling alley and movie theater, a fabulous Italian restaurant (Don Vito’s), and a convenient Strip and airport shuttle. Plus, the resort fee includes a fabulous coupon booklet with a 2 for 1 buffet and many other deals.

Finding the best deals

This is a city where it is incredibly easy to find a deal to just about anything. It’s not uncommon to find great discounts to popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower Experience and High Roller, as well as some fantastic show and restaurant discounts.

You can find great discounts at Tix 4 Tonight

There are numerous Tix 4 Tonight booths located around the Strip. At this popular stand, you can purchase tickets to shows, attractions, and buffets for 50% off or more. The line is often pretty lengthy, however, worth the wait for the big savings. You can scan their website for daily deals, however you need to pick up the discounted tickets in person!

As Tix 4 Tonight mainly sells same day show deals, it’s a great service for the spontaneous traveler who prefers no reservations. If you like to live spontaneously, picking up last minute deals is definitely the way to go. Sometimes reservations are a pain in the butt as you have to rearrange your whole day around them.

Also, be sure to pick up a Best of Vegas booklet, which has a number of valuable coupons. Find it throughout The Strip wherever there are newspaper stands, along with near the Tix 4 Tonight Booth in front of the Planet Hollywood casino.

Buffet Lovers must check out the Buffet of Buffets deal!

This convenient and affordable dining plan lets you eat at Harrahs, Flamingo, Planet Hollywood and Rio (Caesars is available for an up-charge fee) buffets unlimited for 24 hours. It really is a great deal when you consider how pricey most of the Strip restaurants are nowadays. With all that walking around, you really work up an appetite, making a buffet attractive even to those who usually tend to stray away.

Plus, it takes the hassle out of choosing a restaurant so you can spend more of your time exploring all the great shows and entertainment! You can purchase the pass at any Caesars property. Be aware that the pass is a bit pricier on weekends – $75 per person vs. $60 on weekdays. As the buffets are getting pricier by the year ($20-40 per meal on average), this pass is a steal. Assuming you eat 3 times a day in the 24 hour period, you will save between $50-100.

Update: Paris buffet has closed. Please check with other properties to see if they are still offering an all day pass.

Take advantage of the best Strip views that cost nothing

Sure the Eiffel Tower Experience and High Roller provide fabulous views of all the dazzling lights, however, these great views come at a high price. For a much cheaper alternative, simply enjoy the views from the walkway near Planet Hollywood.

Another great way to enjoy the views without the hefty price tag or crowds is to relax with a pot of tea or drink at the Waldorf Astoria’s gorgeous Tea Room. The views from the 23rd floor of this hotel are simply outstanding. Waldorf’s tea room provides floor-to-ceiling windows so you can enjoy all the crazy excitement from above while enjoying the quaint zen-like atmosphere.

The top budget friendly resorts

The Mirage, Palms Place, and the Paris are all great values, being that they are considerably cheaper than other resorts in the same class, yet just as nice. All 3 have great pools, nice spas, and a handful of their own fantastic amenities. Additionally, these resorts are not as overly congested as the more popular go-to options like Bellagio.

Honestly, the Bellagio has become so overwhelmingly crowded nowadays that I tend to avoid it altogether. Paris is a great value located in the middle of all the actions and I love the overall design, restaurants, and pool. Update: The Mirage is now closed.

The best spa value

A spa is the ultimate indulgence after endless hours walking around The Strip and dealing with massive crowds, noisy traffic, & in your face lights and ads. There are so many spas to choose from that it can be an overwhelming experience to pick one out randomly while on vacation. Not to mention that many of the more popular options are booked weeks in advance. To avoid disappointment, research spas and book your appointment before you leave. Check resort websites for special seasonal promotions.

One of the best massages I’ve had here was at the Drift Spa at Palms Place, an elegant, affordable resort that does not see nearly as much traffic due to the off The Strip location. Service is fantastic here, the amenities are great, and the massages absolutely worth the price. Tip: Get the hot stone massage – it’s fabulous! Update: Renamed The Spa.

Save money by booking during the week

Basically, everything will be cheaper including airfare, hotels, even buffets (breakfast is typically under $20-25 while brunch can cost upwards of $50!). I also prefer the quieter ambiance as weekends are typically busier with the party crowds.

What are the must-do’s?

Nowadays there is so much to do for families, couples, and anyone else who chooses not to gamble. With world renowned shows, excellent restaurants, free shows on The Strip, unique casino attractions, awesome pools, and world-class attractions, you can easily spend a few days here without the thought of gambling even crossing your mind! Check out my article on the best non gambling attractions – you would be surprised at just how many non casino attractions exist!

Don’t spend all your time on The Strip!

While all the action and bright lights are quite addicting, there are plenty of fantastic sights to see elsewhere. After too many trips seeing the same fountain shows and attractions, I decided to check out the eclectic side of the city. A few nearby recommended attractions…

Pinball Hall of Fame 

Play all your favorite retro games from the 50’s through the 90’s for just 25-50 cents. Talk about a great value versus losing thousands of dollars at the casinos! The Pinball Hall of Fame is a fun filled trip through memory lane that will barely cost you anything. Anyone with any arcade nostalgia will absolutely love this hidden treasure! Update: They moved to a new location on the Strip near the Mandalay Bay.

The Neon Museum 

This is one of the coolest places I’ve explored here. At the Neon Boneyard, you can view all the old retired signs. You can reserve a spot for either a day or night tour which is pretty cool. I loved seeing all the signs, even some of them that I was much too young to see in person. In my opinion, I prefer the old retro look of the signs compared to the new technology today.

The Ethel M. Chocolate Factory in Henderson

It’s worth the 20 minute drive to tour a working chocolate factory, test out some great chocolate, and even sign up for a tasting room experience (must reserve your spot in advance online). If your visit falls during December, you must plan some time to check out their gorgeous Cactus garden Christmas display, which happens to be the best in the state and one of the most unique in the Southwest.

Red Rock Canyon Natural Area

Nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and anyone else seeking a quiet escape from all the craziness will want to plan a few hours out for Red Rock Canyon, a gorgeous natural recreation area located just 20 minutes from The Strip. This gem features an incredible scenic drive, gorgeous views of the red rocks, and a variety of hiking trails. I really loved the scenic drive here – so many beautiful red rock formations and lots of spots to take photos.

Wonderful daytrips in the region

Since you spent so much time flying/driving out here, you might as well take the little bit of extra time to explore wonderful natural wonders like the Grand Canyon (4 hours), Zion National Park (2.5 hours), and Lake Mead (40 min from The Strip).

There is so much to see in this area of the country, it would be a missed opportunity to not explore some of these stunning wonders. There are way too many for me to list here, so check out my Southwestern attraction guide for starters.

Freebies lurk around every corner!

While there are dozens of fantastic shows to suit every budget & personal taste (from the affordable & fantastic Mac King Comedy show, to the fantastic, yet pricey Cirque du Soleil productions), you also do not want to forget about all the free entertainment. The best shows of all are those available at absolutely no cost. Even if you are on a strictest of budgets, you can easily fill up your entire vacation itinerary entirely with these free shows.

The absolute must sees if you are limited on time include the Bellagio Fountain show, The Wynn fountain show, and The Mirage volcano show (closing in summer 2023). Other fun freebies to fill up your itinerary include: the circus acts show at Circus Circus, the Rio Masquerade in the Sky show, The Fremont Street Experience, and the Fall of Atlantis show at Caesars Palace.

Walking inside each individual casino is like taking a vacation in and of itself. There are so many wonderful sights to see that you really do not need to spend any money on pricey shows and gambling if you don’t feel like it. Here are a few of the best attractions that you absolutely must make room for!

The Bellagio Gardens

The 14,000 square foot floral garden changes along with each passing season. The Christmas display and Fall Harvest are both spectacular. For Christmas, they deck the place out with thousands of colorful poinsettias. One year I saw a polar bear constructed of thousands of carnations. Anytime of the year, I recommend a stroll around this beautiful free display.

The Wynn Atrium

The airy atrium features a carousel and hot air balloon made out of over 110,000 flowers. I find it much less congested than the Bellagio, yet just as beautiful. Their Christmas display is a magical winter wonderland.

The Mirage fish tank & rain forest

Stop by the Mirage to view the gorgeous 20,000 gallon saltwater tank near the lobby. Then, treat yourself to a relaxing mini vacation via a relaxing walk through the atrium, featuring tropical plants and waterfalls. Enjoy this rare opportunity to escape the barren dry desert! Update: Sadly, The Mirage will be closing in the summer of 2023!

The gorgeous painted ceilings at The Venetian

The entire Venetian resort is a work of art, most notably the Sistine Chapel inspired ceilings. I love just walking around this beautiful property. If you have the extra cash, it’s a beautiful resort to stay at, but fortunately open to exploration to any guests.

The Waterfall at the Palazzo

The Palazzo atrium is another relaxing place to take a stroll for a bit to escape the crazy congestion & summer heat. A beautiful waterfall and the annual holiday display are the highlights. From here, you can stroll around the lovely Grand Canal Shoppes. There is always something interesting to see including this 12 foot tall Love Sculpture by artist Laura Kimpton.

Acrobatic show at Circus, Circus

The daily Circus Acts show starts at 1:30pm and 11:30am on weekends. Jugglers, trapeze artists, and acrobatic acts are just some of the sights you may see at the world’s largest permanent circus.

Chocolate Fountain at the Bellagio

See the world’s largest chocolate fountain (27 feet tall) at the Bellagio, a true feast for the eyes for any chocoholics out there. It’s located at Jean Philippe Patisserie, a tasty treat shop. It’s hard to walk out without sampling at least a few truffles.

Flamingo Wildlife Habitat

For a true escape from the desert, plan for a stroll around the Flamingo’s Wildlife Habitat. With lush landscaping, flamingos, exotic birds, and waterfalls, you will forget you are in the desert in no time. A truly relaxing, beautiful place – a must for anyone seeking a mini escape from the dry desert surroundings. I feel like I’ve taken a quick flight to Florida walking around this tropical oasis.

Relaxing activities – for those who prefer to ditch the crowds

Surprisingly, it is still possible to enjoy a relaxing getaway, as in the case of celebrating an anniversary or special birthday. You just need to know where to look! Avoid the high traffic, stressful activities and attractions in favor of more relaxing attractions. Here’s my guide to a few of the more quaint activities you can enjoy.

Sign up for Player’s Club cards

Although not as common as in the past, some casinos still give out initial freebies for signing up for their card. The Palms for example lets you spin a wheel where you can get all sorts of freebies including free game play, a free buffet, etc. Aside from freebies, you will enjoy discounts off buffets, free game play when you spend a certain amount, and various other promotions. As for The Strip casinos, The Wynn and the Cosmopolitan offer the best initial freebies.

Shop til you Drop

There are way too many shopping areas nowadays in my opinion. Who wants to take a vacation somewhere new, yet do the same things you can do at home at a standard mall? While I typically avoid all the shopping areas, I have to admit the Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes is by far the nicest of the bunch. While Caesars Forum Shops is nice, the endless walking for what seems like days, is just too much when you are already on your feet all day. On the other hand, if you are looking for a workout, by all means, Caesars is a great choice 🙂

How to deal with the dry desert climate

Be prepared for the harsh dry conditions

A humidifier does wonders for keeping sinuses moist in a dry desert climate like Vegas. If you are not used to the dry climate, the humidifier really is a lifesaver in order to prevent the dreaded sinus headache and congestion. Mini travel humidifiers are cheap, small, and work the effective.

Also bring with a good facial moisturizer, body lotion, and chapstick. Wear sunblock – it will help prevent sunburn, as well as keep your skin from drying out. Do not be surprised if you have to re-apply lip balm every hour or so – chapped lips are a common daily hassle of living in such a dry desert climate!

Stay Well Rooms at the MGM are great for guests with allergies

Stay Well rooms at the MGM are a fantastic healthier alternative for guests with allergies, as well as anyone else seeking a healthier hotel experience. As we tend to get sick much easier during travel & hotel rooms do not help as they are loaded with germs, a room designed to keep away these germs may be just what the doctor ordered. 

These special MGM rooms can help ward off exposure to new germs. Some of the unique features in these rooms include a Vitamin C infused showerhead, a dawn simulator alarm clock, and warm white light room lighting. Each room is guaranteed non smoking and includes an air purification system, as well as a mattress made from plant extracts and hypoallergenic materials.

Stay hydrated

Keep alcohol drinking to a minimum. Always carry a water bottle around with you. Drink plenty of water before bed to prevent dehydration in the morning. Since we usually drive in, we bring a case of water bottles in our car as they can be pricey to buy separately.

Getting around

While it appears to be short, The Strip is actually 4 miles long and walking it actually feels & takes longer as you often have to take many staircases and detours to get around. There is no simple walk in a straight line. Really it feels like an obstacle course constantly going up, down and around which just adds more to the frustration!

Distances can be deceiving: Plan your day accordingly

The casino resorts are much, much further apart than they appear! Just walking past Caesars Palace feels like it takes days! While you may think getting from the Bellagio to the The Mirage is a simple walk, your feet will be killing you and your frustration level high once you see how far they really are apart!

Consider purchasing an all day monorail pass

The monorail is a quick, convenient, & cost friendly alternative to taking pricey cabs everywhere. For those of us who have already seen all the shows on the Strip and would like to skip the miles of endless exploring, the monorail comes in handy. An unlimited 1 day pass is under $15. Trains arrive every 4-8 minutes so there is never a long wait and the hours are pretty decent (7am-Midnight to 3am depending on day of the week).

Choose airport shuttles as opposed to taxis

While not as glamorous, a budget friendly shuttle is the way to go if you are trying to keep costs down. Round-trip to hotels on the Strip is around $20-30. Some resorts offer free shuttles.

General tips for a smooth trip

Here are a few more generic tips to make your trip as convenient and fun as possible.

Book show tickets in advance

Although there are a number of great Vegas shows to choose amongst, many of the more popular productions completely sell out (especially during holiday periods). Save yourself some disappointment and book your tickets online prior to your trip! Then your only hassle will be picking up your tickets at the box office.

On one occasion, I witnessed a poor couple trying to buy tickets to the Beatles Cirque du Soleil show last minute only to find that the 2 remaining tickets were located nowhere near each other. I guess they really wanted to see the show as they still bought the tickets! Imagine paying $200+ a ticket and not even be able to sit with your significant other!

For a really relaxing vacation, base all activities at your resort

Every once in a while, I like to book a trip where all activities can be enjoyed at the same resort. This is a truly relaxing alternative as you can cut out the hassle of pushing through crowds and hopping from casino to casino. I recommend picking a resort that has a great show you want to see as the main activity.

Next, concentrate on finding fun activities at that resort (spa, restaurants, shopping, etc.). Paris hotel is one of my favorite resorts when I need a low-key vacation. They offer great restaurants, a nice pool, great shows all the time, and affordable rates.

Wear comfortable shoes & clothing to explore

I recommend skipping heels in favor of comfortable walking or gym shoes. As you will be doing miles of walking, your feet will definitely thank you later on. I put in at least 10 miles a day, easily. Workout clothes, especially during the brutally hot summer season, is also recommended as there is no point in dressing up in 100+ degree weather.

Sunglasses & sunblock is a must

Year-round, you will want to pack sunglasses and sunblock as you would for any sunny destination. Getting burnt while out by the pool might leave you lying in the bed like a lobster missing out on all the fun. The sun really feels atrocious here – 100 times stronger, so come prepared!

Visit the Welcome to Las Vegas sign early for the best photos

As one of the most photographed spots in the city, the famous Welcome to Las Vegas line begins to form pretty early in the morning. By 10-11am, there will almost definitely be a full line. To avoid the lengthy wait, set your alarm early and enjoy the resulting crowd free photo opp. The sign is located south of the Mandalay Bay (5100 Las Vegas Blvd. S.).

Advice for those driving in

If you live in a nearby city, driving in is so much cheaper than flying. Plus, you can explore all the wonderful non Strip activities and take easy daytrips to some of the natural wonders in Nevada and surrounding states.

Avoid arriving too early on check in day & leaving too late at check out

I can’t even count the number of times I have left Vegas too late and suffered the consequences of driving hours through a dark desert while completely exhausted. It’s so hard driving at night after a few days of endless excitement. With all the adrenaline, you really don’t notice how tired you are in until you get in your car and realize you have hours of driving through pitch black scenery!

Be aware of new self parking fees

Unfortunately, almost all resorts are now charging parking fees. This includes all MGM resorts. If you are driving in and are set on not paying for any parking, you should probably know ahead of time which casinos are still free to avoid unnecessary time driving in circles. Most Caesars properties with the exception of the Rio also charge. If you are staying at hotels that charge, you will receive parking as part of your resort fee, however, you will need to pay again if you visit a hotel other than your resort (even if it is an MGM property).

Resorts with free parking as of 2024

Shows & attractions to skip

There are a lot of great shows here so you really want to know which to skip to avoid wasting precious time. Here are a few attractions and shows I recommend skipping out on.

Terry Fator show

Highly rated, although myself and others I know were a bit disappointed. Lots of singing, not enough ventriloquism. While Terry is an amazing Ventriloquist, too much of his show focused on his signing which was unfortunately just average. I really loved him on America’s Got Talent – but this show was a major disappointment.

The Rio Buffet

Tried it out because it is rated one of the best buffets in the city. Rio was one of the worst buffets I have ever tried, not to mention way overpriced for the quality. If you are looking for a budget buffet with a decent selection, The Palms is the way to go. Mid price, Paris is a great choice. For more of a fine dining experience, The Wynn, Aria, Bellagio, and Caesars Palace are all wonderful options.

The best shows & attractions

On the other side, here are a few of the attractions and shows I highly recommend spending your time and money on. For anyone only in town for a weekend and even first time visitors looking not to waste time, these should be on your bucket list.

Mac King Comedy show

It’s funny, exciting, amazing, & keeps you guessing the entire time. Best of all, it is one of the best values in Vegas. Find 2 for 1 tickets (occasionally) on Yelp.

Eiffel Tower Experience

For this experience, you will get to take a glass elevator up 46 stories to an amazing viewing deck. Fantastic views at a fraction of the cost of the High Roller or helicopter rides. Views are great both day and night. 2 for 1 deals often offered on Groupon. I also recommend brunch or dinner at the beautiful Eiffel Tower restaurant – the food is great and the views even better. Request a window seat for a view of the Bellagio fountains.

Best brunch dining

There are a lot of great restaurants on the Strip, regardless of your budget or dietary preferences. A few of my favorites include:

Mon Ami Gabi: Wonderful French dining at the Paris. I love the food and the awesome patio. This place is super popular with tourists.

Bouchon: Upscale French dining at the Venetian. The outdoor patio is beautiful and the food and service wonderful. Great place for a date. There is also a Bouchon Bakery where you can pick up macarons and other French pastries and treats.

Eiffel Tower Restaurant: Beautiful setting with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Strip.

Best coffee shop

Skip the overwhelming chains and get a quality made espresso drink at Sambalatte, an amazing coffee shop right on the Strip near the Monte Carlo casino. Expertly made espresso drinks, a wonderful cozy ambiance, super friendly baristas, and a convenient Strip location make Sambalatte the perfect option for anyone who prefers to keep it local. If you are like me and hate burnt Starbucks coffee, you need to keep it local.

Sambalatte – a great coffee lounge alternative to picking up a coffee to go from a chain like Starbucks.

Update: The Monte Carlo location has closed. However, there is another location in Boca Park. Illy Cafe at the Venetian is another one of my favorites.

Best place for a drink

Definitely the Waldorf Astoria bar, which features tremendous views of The Strip in an elegant, trendy setting. For those avoiding alcohol (a good idea in a dry desert climate), a delicious variety of loose leaf teas are available. And if you are looking for more of a party atmosphere, the best nightclubs are Tao at The Venetian and XS at the Wynn Encore.

Best dinner restaurants

My favorite restaurants that I have tried thus far. Note that there are so many wonderful options across the culinary board that you could try a new restaurant pretty much every day.

Don Vito’s at South Point – Delicious Italian food, classy setting. I tried the most delicious Cappuccino cheesecake here one time.

Nove Italian at The Palms – Great food & service, terrific Strip Views

Ri Ra – Lively irish pub at the Mandalay Bay. Great fish and chips and potato cakes.

Il Fornaio at New York, New York -Interesting Italian menu, lively setting, and great people watching opportunities. I love the Butternut Squash ravioli!

Best budget dining

Dining out is one of the biggest vacation expenses outside of lodging and airfare. While Vegas is home to some fantastic award winning restaurants, there are also some great budget friendly options scattered around. While you could save some money by visiting the fast food & standard chains, it is always fun to try out something new on vacation! Here are a few of the great bang for your buck restaurants.

Grand Lux Cafe – Delicious food from the people who started The Cheesecake Factory. It’s open 24 hours, the menu is huge, portions are huge, pricing is totally affordable for a tourist area, and the mashed potato spring rolls are the best app ever! What else could you ask for?

The Palms Buffet – The best bang-for-your-buck buffet in Vegas. The food is comparable to most other mediocre buffets, only with the added advantage of a much cheaper price tag. I love the breakfast – it’s worth the drive.

Chipotle – My favorite (and basically the only) fast food chain I eat at. Huge portions at an affordable price and healthy ingredients (lots of veggies and beans, no GMOs) make it a winner for the healthy traveler with limited time.

The Egg & I – A great breakfast at a great price!

Hash House a Go Go – Found throughout several casinos including the Linq and the Rio, Hash House is the perfect choice for any big eater with a small budget. Tasty dishes, fresh ingredients, and a great value in a pricey city make Hash House one of the number one breakfast choices. I love the veggie hash!

White Castle – Who can resist those tasty fries, onion rings, sliders, and mozzarella sticks?! The best bad for you appetizers ever can be found at White Castle (I am super healthy 90% of the time but I love the fries and onion rings here). If you are from the Midwest, you know what I am talking about. Indulge – you are in Sin City!

Reservations are a must for popular restaurants

Popular trendy restaurants like Todd English’s Olives at the Bellagio, Top of the World at the Stratosphere, and The Eiffel Tower Restaurant, amongst many others, require reservations to avoid an unreasonable wait. It’s easy – just reserve your seats on Open Table. After acquiring so many points, you will receive a free gift card.

Don’t forget about free drinks at the casinos

It’s easy to forget that you can receive drinks if you are gambling at the casinos. And that is only if you are gambling. In recent years, cocktail waitresses will not even give out water if you are not gambling. Ridiculous if you ask me! Carry your own water bottle with you at all times!

Need a gluten free meal?

Back when I was following a gluten-free diet (which I no longer do due to the inconvenience), I regularly used a great site known as Find Me Gluten Free. This handy website rates restaurants which offer gluten-free options. It is a valuable resource for anyone following the diet – one that will surely save you precious time. Who wants to spend their entire vacation scanning restaurant menus? In terms of buffets, The Wynn offers a surprising number of options.

Most important of all: plan an extra day off!

When scheduling vacation time, be sure to add in an extra day for some much necessary R&R. Although exciting, a Vegas trip is also immensely exhausting. With the big adrenaline rush, sometimes you do not feel the fatigue setting in until the next day when you are back home.

After a long flight or drive back & unpacking your suitcase,  you will really need a day off just to relax. It’s basically comparable to the feeling you get after a fun, yet exhausting Orlando theme park vacation. Basically, you are going to need a vacation from your vacation!