Overview
Las Vegas is a unique destination where mega-casino resorts compete for attention along the famous Strip, offering gambling, stage shows, fine dining, and elaborate attractions like the Bellagio fountains and Luxor pyramid. Founded in 1905, the city boomed after Hoover Dam construction (1931-1936) and Nevada's legalization of gambling, evolving from a small desert settlement into a world-renowned entertainment capital.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Nature · Nightlife
Before you go
Connectivity
Free WiFi at the airport. Hotels typically charge $12/day for internet. Use your own cell phone or mobile router to avoid hotel WiFi fees.
Emergency
Emergency phone number is 911. Crisis hotline is 988 (as of August 2022). UMC Quick Care offers same-day walk-in medical services.
Etiquette
Tip waitresses at least $1 per free drink. Public drinking on the Strip is rarely enforced but stay within limits. Age 21+ required for hotel reservations due to gambling.
Money
Hotels add resort fees of $10-$50/night. In-room items are overpriced: water bottles $8-$25, fitness centers $20-$40/visit, WiFi $12/day. Budget travelers should stay Sunday-Thursday.
Safety
Major casinos are very safe with extensive security. Keep valuables hidden, use hotel safes for winnings, and be aware of pickpockets on the Strip.
Transport
RTC Transit buses run 5:30AM-1:30AM daily; the Deuce double-decker runs 24 hours on the Strip. Monorail costs $5 one-way. Free Downtown Loop shuttle available.
Weather
Summers are extremely hot (often above 100°F); stay hydrated. Winters are mild (50s-60s°F). Best seasons are spring and fall for comfortable temperatures.