how much is trip to las vegas

Cost of a Trip to Las Vegas, NV, US & the Cheapest Time to Visit Las Vegas

The average price of a 7-day trip to Las Vegas is $1,504 for a solo traveler, $2,701 for a couple, and $5,064 for a family of 4 . Las Vegas hotels range from $44 to $189 per night with an average of $89, while most vacation rentals will cost $190 to $570 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to McCarran International Airport ( LAS ) are between $672 and $1,050 per person for economy flights and $2,109 to $3,295 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $45 to $69 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Las Vegas, NV, US

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to LAS and stay in a Las Vegas hotel:

• January 15th to March 4th
• May 21st to June 3rd
• August 13th to December 9th (except the week of November 26th)

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Las Vegas is usually mid to late September .

Average Las Vegas Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Las Vegas for a week is $1,136-$2,354 ($162-$336 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $45 to $69 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $395 to $851 for economy

Lodging : $71 to $72 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $139 to $170 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Las Vegas for a week is $2,400-$4,086 ($343-$584 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $90 to $138 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $790 to $1,702 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Las Vegas for a week is $3,692-$6,968 ($527-$995 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $180 to $276 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,580 to $3,404 for economy

Lodging : $142 to $144 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $195 to $272 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Las Vegas

How cheap can you make a vacation to Las Vegas? The cheapest trip to Las Vegas is about $93 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $21 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $37.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Las Vegas for a week is $654-$1,381 ($93-$197 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $19 to $38 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $37 to $44 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $21 to $41 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Las Vegas for a week is $1,182-$2,498 ($169-$357 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $38 to $76 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Las Vegas for a week is $2,304-$4,996 ($329-$714 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $76 to $152 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $74 to $88 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $32 to $62 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is possible but not easy to travel to Las Vegas cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Las Vegas Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Las Vegas.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Las Vegas for a week is $2,240-$9,925 ($320-$1,418 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $90 to $131 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,130 to $2,510 for first class

Lodging : $80 to $189 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $570 to $1,083 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Las Vegas for a week is $4,000-$13,352 ($571-$1,907 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $180 to $262 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,260 to $5,020 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Las Vegas for a week is $8,000-$22,804 ($1,143-$3,258 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $360 to $524 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $4,520 to $10,040 for first class

Lodging : $160 to $378 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $912 to $1,516 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Las Vegas Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Las Vegas is about average than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Las Vegas due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Las Vegas Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Las Vegas hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Las Vegas.

Flight Costs to Las Vegas

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,050 average in early January to a low of $672 in mid to late September. Median flight price is $634. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Las Vegas our data includes 948 originating airports, and 172 airlines. The area has average variance in price compared with other locations. Flying to Las Vegas from an airport like Saarbruecken ( SCN ) in Saarbrucken (Germany) for an average $6,217 trip fare will obviously cost a lot more than from an airport like Los Angeles International ( LAX ) in Los Angeles, CA (the United States) at an average of just $118.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Las Vegas, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $377, so you can easily save about 56% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Las Vegas can easily cost $290 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $19 per person. Private tours can cost $577 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Las Vegas Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• West of The Strip, NV, US
• East of The Strip, NV, US
• Downtown Las Vegas, NV, US
• South of The Strip, NV, US
• North Las Vegas, NV, US
• East Las Vegas, NV, US
• Green Valley, NV, US
• Sunrise Manor, NV, US
• Summerlin, NV, US
• Henderson, NV, US

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• San Antonio, TX, US
• Catania, Italy
• Taitung, Taiwan

How Much Money to Bring to Vegas (2024 Budget)

(This article may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Thank you!)

Your plane tickets are booked, and your hotel reservations are made…you’re going to Las Vegas! But wait – is your wallet ready for the trip? Figuring out how much money to bring to Vegas can be confusing and requires a thoughtful approach.

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Buckle up for a journey through your Las Vegas vacation budget. This guide will ensure you bring the right amount of money for a great time, no matter your budget!

Key Takeaways:

• Plan to spend $100-$500 per person daily in Las Vegas, with the average cost being approximately $340 per person per day.
• Your daily budget will vary significantly based on your planned activities.
• If you’re gambling heavily, expect to spend a lot more.

ALSO SEE: How to Bring and Carry Money in Las Vegas (Explained)

Inside this article:

Determining Your Initial Las Vegas Budget

According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), Las Vegas saw nearly 40 million visitors in 2022. On average, each one of these tourists spent $1,156 while in town. This is just the money they spent during their stay in Vegas, not including travel costs and hotel.

How much money you need to take to Vegas depends on how you plan on spending your time. With the average time spent in Las Vegas being a 3-night 4-day stay, visitors can fit in a lot of entertainment and activities.

So, planning what you intend to do while you’re in Las Vegas will allow you to budget your daily expenses appropriately.

RELATED: Want to know how long to stay in Las Vegas ? We’ve written an article that will help.

How Much Spending Money to Take to Las Vegas (Cash)

So, let’s get to the heart of the matter. After you’ve booked or budgeted for travel and hotel rooms, it’s time to see how much spending money you’ll want to bring to Las Vegas.

The amount you’ll need is based on two numbers provided by Statista.com . Here are the facts:

• The average length of stay in Las Vegas is 3.4 nights.
• The average amount a visitor to Las Vegas spends during a visit (not including travel costs or hotels) is $1,156.

If you divide $1,156 by 3.4 nights, you’ll arrive at the magic number. You’ll want to bring $340 in spending money per person per day to Las Vegas.

Here is an approximate breakdown of the average amount of money each person will spend each day:

Your priorities may be different, however. For instance, you may want to spend less on food and drink and more on entertainment. Also, keep in mind that gambling isn’t included in the list above and can rapidly increase how much money you’ll need to bring.

Remember, $340 is an average. Your actual amount may go up or down depending on your taste for fancy living.

Spending Depending on the Number of Days in Vegas

Depending on the length of their stay, visitors to Las Vegas often inquire about the recommended amount of money to bring along.

I’ve put together the table below based on a range of spending depending on the days you stay in Vegas.

A couple of things to note about the table:

• Spending less than the minimum amounts shown is possible. You may discover, however, that you’re missing out on some of the best Vegas experiences.
• A maximum spending amount is also listed, providing a healthy budget for getting the most out of your trip. Please note, however, that spending far more than the maximum amounts listed is easily possible if you’re so inclined.

Vegas Spending Money Calculator

You can use this budgeting calculator we developed to determine your Vegas spending money needs based on your length of stay and your own personal spending habits.

Simply enter your estimated daily expenses by category, and the number of days your staying to calculate the amount of spending money you’ll need to bring with you on your trip to Vegas.

You don’t want to risk overspending or ending up with too little to enjoy all Las Vegas offers. This spending calculator will help create a realistic budget tailored to your preferences and ensure your trip to Vegas is both thrilling and financially sound.

Keep reading to learn more about each line item in the calculator and what you should expect to spend in each category.

Average Cost of Food and Drink in Las Vegas

Let’s break down what you can expect to spend on dining and drinks in Vegas.

Average meal costs in Las Vegas can vary from $25 buffets to an all-out splurge at a celebrity-owned restaurant. For instance, at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant Hell’s Kitchen, you can spend as little as $40 for lunch or up to $155 a person for a three-course meal with wine.

Of course, fast food options are always available if you’d rather spend your money on other delights that Vegas has to offer.

So how much you spend on food is entirely up to you. The options here vary quite a bit. You could spend less than $250 for a three-night stay or more than $450 on food and beverages if you so choose. On the high end, a complete Las Vegas culinary experience could easily cost $1,500 to over $2,000 in just a few days.

So if you are a foodie and fine dining is your thing, you can expect to spend more than the $340 a day average. If, on the other hand, upscale dining isn’t a priority for you, there are plenty of opportunities to get good food, eat relatively inexpensively, and dial back your daily expenses.

Drink Costs

Drink prices in Las Vegas can vary widely depending on the venue and the type of drink you order. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $7 to $15 for a standard beer, while mixed drinks can cost anywhere from $15 to $30 or more.

Here are some example Vegas drink prices:

High-end nightclubs and bars may charge even more for premium drinks and bottle service. It’s a good idea to budget accordingly and be prepared to spend more than you would at your local bar or nightclub.

ALSO SEE: How Much to Budget for Food in Las Vegas (Average Cost to Eat!)

Entertainment Costs

Entertainment costs in Las Vegas can vary significantly based on the type of activity, show, or venue you choose.

Here are some general cost ranges for various forms of entertainment in Las Vegas, keeping in mind that prices can fluctuate based on demand, special events, and other factors:

Alternatively, if your budget is tight, you could instead focus on the many free things to do in Las Vegas .

Budgeting for Gambling

The amount of money to bring to Las Vegas for gambling greatly depends on your personal financial situation and preferences. The general guideline is to only to bring what you can afford to lose.

For a modest budget, you might allocate $25-$50 per day for gambling, while a moderate budget might involve a daily allocation of $100-$200, and a more lavish gambling experience might necessitate a budget of $500-$1,000 per day or more.

Remember to set strict daily spending limits , stick to them, and consider setting aside any winnings to prevent spending them. Always prioritize responsible gambling and view losses as the cost of entertainment, not as actual financial losses.

If you’re staying multiple days, divide your total gambling budget by the number of days to ensure you have funds to gamble with each day. Regardless of the budget, ensuring that your gambling funds are separate from your essential spending money is crucial to enjoying your time without facing financial strains.

RELATED: Find out how much you must play to get comped in Vegas .

Figuring Your Shopping Budget in Las Vegas

Shopping expenditures in Las Vegas will depend on your interests and budget. The city has many great shopping venues, from high-end boutiques to affordable shops and outlet malls.

Here are some general ideas of what you might expect to spend on shopping per day, categorized by budget:

Additional Notes:

• Designer Boutiques : Purchases can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per item.
• Outlet Malls : Expect to spend anywhere from $20 for smaller items to a few hundred for larger purchases.
• Souvenir Shops : Items like t-shirts, mugs, and trinkets typically sell under $30 each.
• Sales Tax : An additional cost will be added to your purchases at checkout.

Remember that these are general estimates, and spending can vary considerably based on individual preferences and shopping habits.

RECOMMENDED: Discover the 12 most amazing malls in Las Vegas .

Costs of Transportation in Las Vegas

Now, let’s figure out what getting around in Las Vegas will cost. Several options are available, including a convenient and inexpensive public transportation system.

• Many taxis and Ubers are available, ensuring wait times are short.
• There is an extensive monorail system that regularly travels up and down the east side of the Strip.
• Then there are the famous double-decker buses (Las Vegas public bus system) called the Deuce.
• There are even a few free trams that you can use to get around parts of the Strip.

Taxis are numerous in Las Vegas, with most hotels having access to a taxi stand. Just getting in the taxi and starting the meter is $3.50, and the rate for every 1/12 th of a mile is $.023, so you will be looking at $2.76 for a mile.

If you are flying into Las Vegas , there is an additional pick-up charge of $2 when you are being picked up at the airport in a taxi.

The monorail system makes getting up and down the Las Vegas strip a breeze. The monorail is quick and easy, making waits fairly short. A single ride costs $5, an Unlimited Day Pass is $13, and the Unlimited 3-Day pass is $29.

(For more info about the monorail and how to get discount tickets , check out our article here).

The Deuce double-decker buses are iconic on the Strip and in Las Vegas’s downtown area and run a route between various popular locations. The passes for using the Deuce run from a $6 fee for a two-hour pass, $8 for a twenty-four-hour pass, and $20 for a three-day pass.

For more info, please read our complete article: How to Get Around Las Vegas without a Car .

So, the costs for getting around Las Vegas are directly proportional to the speed and convenience of the transport method. Riding the bus is the cheapest (but slowest) option, and taxis are the quickest and most expensive option.

It is a time versus money situation if you only have a few days here. Riding the bus is the cheapest, but you’ll spend an hour or more trying to get from one end of the Strip to the other.

My advice is to use a ride-sharing service such as Uber. It’s quick and convenient without breaking the bank. A few things about Uber and Lyft are unique to Las Vegas, so be sure to read the article I referenced above about getting around in Las Vegas for more information.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Every vacation racks up a few miscellaneous expenses you might not have thought of, and Las Vegas is no exception. Everything from forgetting to bring a hat or your favorite lip balm to having a few spare dollars available for tipping .

Also, you’ll want to keep in mind Las Vegas ATM fees . This is especially true if you plan to use the ATMs inside the casino.

You’ll want to remember to pad your Vegas budget with a few extra dollars a day for these miscellaneous items.

Budgeting for Your Las Vegas Adventure: Final Thoughts

Ensuring a well-budgeted and enjoyable trip to Las Vegas involves thoughtful planning across various expenditure categories, including dining, entertainment, gambling, shopping, and transportation.

Our general spending guideline suggests allocating approximately $340 per person per day, yet this figure can flex depending on personal preferences and the activities chosen.

UP NEXT – Find out which things you’ll need cash for in Las Vegas.

Bryan is a Las Vegas local who has spent years exploring the city's vibrant culture and entertainment scene. With his extensive knowledge of the best attractions and hidden gems, he has become an expert on all things Las Vegas. He regularly shares his insider tips with people looking to visit Las Vegas and make the most of their trip. More about Bryan.

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$24 Find cheap flights to Las Vegas

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to las vegas departing on 7/13. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to las vegas.

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Cheap flight deals to Las Vegas

Flights to las vegas - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to las vegas to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest flight to las vegas.

The cheapest airline ticket to Las Vegas from the United States in the last 72 hours was $24 one-way, and $29 round-trip on the route from San Francisco to Las Vegas . The most popular route is from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and the cheapest ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $29 round-trip.

How much is a flight to Las Vegas?

On average, a flight to las vegas costs $174. the cheapest price found on kayak in the last 2 weeks cost $18 and departed from phoenix sky harbor intl airport. the most popular routes on kayak are los angeles to las vegas which costs $143 on average, and san francisco to las vegas, which costs $175 on average., see prices from:, what is the cheapest day to fly to las vegas, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to las vegas is saturday where tickets can be as cheap as $212. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is thursday, where prices are $269 on average., what is the cheapest month to fly to las vegas, the cheapest month for flights to las vegas is september, where tickets cost $125 on average for one-way flights. on the other hand, the most expensive months are may and december, where the average cost of tickets from the united states is $184 and $174 respectively. for return trips, the best month to travel is september with an average price of $353., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to las vegas, the cheapest time of day to fly to las vegas is generally at night, when flights cost $383 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to las vegas is generally in the afternoon, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $443., what is a good deal for flights to las vegas, if you’re looking for cheap airfare to las vegas, 25% of our users found tickets to las vegas for the following prices or less: from provo $42 one-way - $76 round-trip, from salt lake city $56 one-way - $75 round-trip, from santa rosa $63 one-way - $153 round-trip., how far in advance should i book a flight to las vegas, to get a below average price, you should book around 2 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 26 days before departure., which airlines fly to las vegas, southwest, spirit airlines, and delta usually have the most frequent connections from united states to las vegas. see the amount of flights per week for popular airlines flying to las vegas., which airline offers the most flights to las vegas, of the 15 airlines that fly to las vegas, southwest offers the most flights, with around 2,337 per week, followed by spirit airlines with 609 flights per week., how long is the flight to las vegas, the duration of your flight to las vegas depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to las vegas on kayak are from los angeles , which takes 1h 13m, san francisco , which takes 1h 30m, miami , which takes 5h 05m, and newark , which takes 5h 24m., how many direct flights to las vegas are there each day, there are around 709 direct flights from within united states to las vegas every day. most flights depart in the morning, with 6:00 am the most common departure time and 46% of flights departing in the morning., how many direct flights to las vegas are there each week, each week there are around 4,962 direct flights from within united states to las vegas. the most common day for departures is friday, with 18% of flights taking off on this day., how many long-haul flights are there to las vegas each week, each week, there are 907 medium-haul flights (3-6 hour flight duration) and 2,454 short-haul flights (up to 3 hour flight duration) to las vegas. there aren't any long-haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration)., how many cities have direct flights to las vegas, from the united states, there are direct flights to las vegas from 41 cities. the city with the most direct flights is los angeles, with 237 direct flights each week., good to know, when to book flights to las vegas, faqs - booking las vegas flights, is there public transportation from harry reid airport (las) to the strip.

Yes, there are bus routes: Route 108, Route 109, and Centennial Express (CX) that all stop at the airport's Ground Level Zero at Terminal 1. CX also services Terminal 3. You can access the airport by going to the South Strip Transit Terminal (SSTT) and riding Route 109, which is only a short 10-15 minute trip from the bus stop. These buses operate connections from the Harry Reid Airport terminal to Las Vegas Blvd. The buses take just under half an hour to reach the popular areas of the city, and travelers can expect to pay approximately $6. Additionally, it is possible to take a taxi from the airport, which takes about 19 minutes and costs around $20.

How to get from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to the Las Vegas Strip?

There are multiple transportation options to travel from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to the Las Vegas Strip. These include taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, hotel shuttles, public buses operated by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), and private shuttles and limousines. Most major hotels in the area offer hotel shuttles to help their guests get from the airport to their lodgings.

Which Las Vegas airport is closest to the Las Vegas strip?

It takes about 12 minutes by car to travel from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to the Las Vegas Strip. The driving distance between the airport and the Strip is approximately 4 miles.

Are there direct flights to Harry Reid Airport (LAS) from major U.S. hubs?

Yes, you can find nonstop flights to Harry Reid Airport (LAS) from various major airports throughout the United States. Some examples include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Denver International Airport (DEN), Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). There are additional cities with direct flights to Las Vegas as well. It's recommended to check with airlines or travel websites for the latest information on routes and schedules.

What type of amenities can you find at LAS Airport for business travelers?

For business travelers heading to Las Vegas, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) offers amenities specifically designed to cater to their needs. These amenities include business lounges equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and refreshments, conference rooms with audiovisual facilities, workstations featuring charging capabilities, free Wi-Fi coverage throughout the terminals, mobile charging stations, a FedEx Office providing printing and shipping services, and a diverse selection of dining and shopping options. These amenities are typically located within airport lounges, such as The Centurion Lounge in Terminal 1 Concourse D and the Productivity Zone in The Club lounges in Terminals 1 and 3.

Are there any accessibility services available for passengers arriving in Las Vegas?

If you make the necessary arrangements in advance, passengers with reduced mobility traveling to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) can benefit from special assistance upon their arrival. These services include wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, TTY/TDD phones, visual paging monitors, and service animal relief areas.

Do Las Vegas airports have play areas for children?

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) offers a free kids' play area in the airport. The play area is unsupervised and offers an interactive mini control tower and mock jet engine. The North Las Vegas Airport and the Henderson Executive Airport do not offer play areas for children.

Are there good malls near the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)?

There are several malls located near the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Las Vegas South Premium Outlets is located less than 4 miles from the airport. It includes 145 higher-end outlet stores as well as several restaurants and ample parking. The LINQ Promenade is also located less than 4 miles from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). It offers shops, restaurants, bars, and a High Roller Ferris Wheel.

Are there good restaurants in the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)?

There is a variety of restaurants at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), including La Tapenade Mediterranean Cafe and Moe's Southwest Grill. Fast food options include Burger King, Jamba Juice, Shake Shack, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

How far is Las Vegas from central Las Vegas?

The distance between Las Vegas and downtown Las Vegas is 6 miles.

What is the name of Las Vegas’s airport?

All flights to Las Vegas land at Las Vegas. The airport code is LAS,and it can also be referred to as Harry Reid Intl, Las Vegas Mccarran, McCarran, or McCarran Intl.

On average, a flight to Las Vegas costs $174. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost $18 and departed from Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl Airport.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Las Vegas?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Las Vegas.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Las Vegas?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Las Vegas is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Las Vegas?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Las Vegas with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Las Vegas?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Las Vegas up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Las Vegas

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Las Vegas flight deals.
• When it comes to finding cheap flights to Las Vegas, you'll most likely fly into the main arrival airport for commercial airlines, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) . This airport features slot machines, which are available to passengers over the age of 21.
• When looking to book your flight to Las Vegas, keep in mind that Harry Reid Airport (LAS) is the hub and operating base for Allegiant Airlines. This means there are often more flight options and routes available with this company. It is also a base for Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.
• If you're traveling with your four-legged friend, fear not, as Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is equipped with pet relief areas . The airport has a total of seven pet relief areas, located in Terminals 1 and 3. Three are inside and post-security, while four are outside and pre-security.
• Most major US airports offer flights to Las Vegas. Arriving at one of the three major airports will place you in the heart of Las Vegas, granting easy access to everything the city has to offer. Las Vegas boasts a variety of AAA five-diamond hotels and resorts, which can be conveniently reached by shuttle from the airports.
• Flying into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) will put you only five miles south of the heart of Sin City where you can enjoy gambling, restaurants, and shows. McCarran is the primary commercial airport serving the Las Vegas major metropolitan area. The airport has two passenger terminals and four runways. Amenities include slot machines, free Wi-Fi, an aviation museum, and a free kids' play area.
• The North Las Vegas Airport (VGT) is located 3 miles northwest of the downtown business district and historic center of Las Vegas, and it sits 10 miles away from the Las Vegas Strip. This airport holds the distinction of being the second busiest airport in Las Vegas. It serves as the primary airport for general aviation and scenic tours, attracting many helicopter operators as well.
• Henderson Executive Airport (HND) is situated 11 miles south of the central business district of Las Vegas. This airport primarily serves business and corporate clients who have booked flights to Las Vegas. As the primary reliever airport for Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Henderson Executive Airport (HND) offers a variety of amenities that business travelers will appreciate. These include special meeting rooms and catering services for on-site meetings.
• For business travelers , Henderson Executive Airport (HND) offers catered in air dining options. Those interested can choose from four different catering services. Each offers a variety of choices for enjoyable in-flight meals and beverages.
• Upon your arrival at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), keep your eyes out for views of the city and the famous Strip before landing. Generally, if you sit on the right-hand side of the plane, you can spot The Strip from your window and enjoy a skyline view of Sin City.
• For those who wish to blow off some steam or relax after their flight to Las Vegas, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) offers amenities of interest, including a fitness and wellness center in Terminal 1. At ZEROlevel Fitness & Wellness, they offer exclusive access to the fitness center at Harry Reid International Airport.

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Top 5 airlines flying to las vegas.

Inconsiderate staff, plane was very hot, poor decision-making from the crew.

Flight was delayed due to needing a replacement flight crew. Delta changed the aircraft type in Detroit. One hour delay. But once in the air, good flight

The fight was about 2 1/2 hours delayed, but that was weather related. The flight was also overbooked. But we were in Comfort plus so the flight was fine for us.

Meh. A late flight meant I missed my connections, and a 2pm LAX arrival turned into gettin in after midnight.

Flight was 3 hours late so only had an OK experience

It was very cold because the air conditioner was on high power, and my son got sick.

3 hours late and all they have is was a $12 meal voucher. That’s not even enough to cover fast food.

Among the poorest flights I’ve had with Delta in a while. Entertainment system failed completely on a 7.5 hr flight. Crew seemed distracted and not the normal friendly crew. Flight overbooked it seemed… very crowded.

If I can, I always fly Delta. I’ve found their service to always be reliable and pleasant.

You could have not cancelled the flight (AA, which I will be flying from now on) left for BOS despite the fictitious weather issues (that no one in my Boston family could see). You could have rebooked my direct flight to another direct flight instead of sending me though JFK, the worst US airport after O’Hara You could have rebooked me on a Main Cabin seat (like the one I paid for in my original ticket instead of putting me a the last row on JFK->BOS leg, pocketing the difference in ticket price But I do not really care whether you will ever do that in a future because in a future neither I nor anyone from my company (unless they pay out of pocket) nor an of my clients and partners (if they heed my advice) will ever be caught dead on any of Delta flights

Nothing they cancelled my connection and couldn't get me on a flight for 3 more days

Was 4 1/2 hours delayed. No food options, poor entertainment and cramped seats made worse by people in front reclining while we could not as in back row.

The baggage handlers broke the handle on my bag that they put under the plane that I checked on the jetway. They traded it out for a less quality bag in Tulsa. But, they said they would try to fix it. Bologna! There was no fixing that bag handle. Someone didn’t care how they treated the bag.

The entertainment wasn’t playing in the app or online.

It is a modern tragedy that any airline expects you to travel for 14 hours in such discomfort and that the only way to add comfort is exorbitant prices. I was in pain by the time we landed. Shameful.

Original plane sidelined. Had to wait an hour for replacement.

Crew was very cooperative and professional. Passenger's first checked in bag should be free.

No real agent onsite helping you for missing luggage there. Not like the other airline next to UA desk, they have staff attending in their desk assisting answer/helping luggage issue, even after midnight.

Horrible, the flights kept delaying, so it is obvious that we won't be able to make it to the next connection. No easier/real agent on site to help you figure this out. UA agent on other counters refuse to assist you and direct us to use the QR code/call customer service. So inefficient and poor. While technology seems convenient, but it's not the best interest/experience for customers need help while there is active issue need assistance.

After the morning frenzy of 35 min wait through CLT security at 4;30 AM, it was nice to have a smooth pleasant boarding experience. This 6:30 AM flight was not full. We were able to get seated swiftly and took off promptly. Nice touch they distributed the old fashioned headsets with 8 mm jacks. Snacks were decent and arrival was uneventful.

It was a tiny plane. There was a very heavy, very sweaty man in my seat. When he got up, sweat was dripping down the back of f the seat from the headrest. I couldn’t lean back the whole flight. It was very hot in the plane until we took off. Then as we flew low hoping to land, but were delayed for over 30 minutes, the plane got very hot again. On takeoff, the pilot started accelerating hard around the corner, something I’ve never experienced in a plane. Landing was fairly rough as well and we had to brake hard.

WiFi was down so no entertainment and I could not work either. The flight was Very turbulent at the end (the last 20 min felt like an eternity) I appreciated the pilot for getting us there safely. The flight attending in first class was kind and attentive to everyone.

American Airlines actually put me on a Delta flight. They didn't have to do that. They could have offered me a flight the next day or even two days later. But, American Airlines agents put me on a Delta airplane from Atlanta to Sao Paulo, instead of going through Miami when my flight to Miami was cancelled. American Airlines made sure that I got to my destination on time. I appreciate that.

Unfriendly gate staff and significant delay once we were on the plane.

The gate crew did try to help, however they lacked the information as to whether the flight will operate or not. Being delayed 6 hours and in a limbo on whether the flight will operate or not is not fun. The airline having staffing issues is not encouraging at all.

Multiple gate changes and significant delay leaving DFW. Made for a late arrival

The flight from DFW to chs was delayed with multiple gate changes.

Our flight was delayed by 18 hours. Poor accommodations made and no apology.

From check-in staff to in-flight staff, everyone was wonderfully kind

What an idiot at the boarding gate. Even flying First she was mean and unpleasant.

I thought people that were clearly intoxicated were not allowed to board flights. But of course they let them and of course they sat directly behind us. Kicking seats being so loud you couldn’t hear yourself think. Cussing loudly telling a woman “she was going to punch her in the fucken face” for accidentally mixing her seat assignment up. These people should have been asked to get off the plane but no flight attendant cared. I don’t think I’ll be using spirit again. Better judgment needs to be used when letting people fly drunk.

Terrible legroom, seats do not recline, tray table the size of an iPhone, delayed flight, have to pay 5$ to get a cup of water onboard.

The flight was on time and nice as always for me with spirit but the cabin crew were not good. They left the lights on on a red eye for the entire flight.

It was the worst ever, i will be filing a lawsuit to get a refund. Our flight was delayed 4 hours so we would miss our connecting flight, we were not rebooked to our destination the same day, we were not offered any options to get home on the same day despite being clear that we absolutely cannot get stranded at night due to family, we were forced to book our own flights on a different airline to get home, and spririt is refusing a refund because our flight wasn't cancelled, only delayed. oh yeah, and they lost our luggage on the first part of the trip and you cannot get a hold of customer service when anything goes wrong, on hold for 30+ minutes. and their app breaks so you can't use that either.

The crew was the best and very accommodating I know you don't offer any complimentary items but water and coffee will not break the bank !!

My experience with Spirit was perfect. Did not expect it to be this good

My mother was HARASSED AND ACCOSTED by the gate agent for her bag. I pre purchased the bag fee and the gate agent made my 78 year old mother board, deplane, re pay for her bag fee and board again. The gate agent made my mother pick up her own bag and REFUSED to help her, she is an older woman who wasn’t bothering anyone on a flight that had maybe 30’total passengers. I am going to sue this airlines for their HORRIBLE customer service and treatment of my mother, and all this occurred the day after Mother’s Day!!!

For it to have left on time! Instead of two hours early with zero notice

First the good, everyone was friendly and efficient. Flight was smooth and plane was very clean and new. Now the bad, seats have almost no padding on your behind. I was in exit row so I had tons of leg room for a 6' 2" bean pole with long legs. Everything was extra - water, soda, snacks everything besides oxygen. Ya get what you pay for, and my flight was cheap as you could ever want it, so no worries.

First the good, everyone was friendly and efficient. Flight was smooth and plane was very clean and new. Now the bad, seats have almost no padding on your behind. I was in exit row so I had tons of leg room for a 6' 2" bean pole with long legs. Everything was extra - water, soda, snacks everything besides oxygen. Ya get what you pay for, and my flight was cheap as you could ever want it, so no worries. They dont really bother you about carry-on size, I brought a descent sized backpack and they didnt even check.

One gate agent in Sioux Falls ruined it for a few people on the flight. It was the usual, that personal item is too large, you are going to have to pay $100 to get it on the flight. One family with a baby were told that they had to have a passport for the baby to get on the flight. Also a Sheriff's Deputy needed to go on the airplane to return a lost cell phone to a minor on the flight. The gate agent would NOT let him go on without a boarding pass. I don't know who this moron was, but the sooner Frontier moves him where he can't interact with people, the better off they will be. Let's just say the deputy did the job that he needed to do and returned the phone to the minor on the plane, even with argument from a gate agent that thought he had way more power than he actually does. Very IRRITATING individual.

Bad experience… crew are extremely strict with personal bags… they overcharge me coz my bag was one inch H

They never updated the boarding pass on their apps to show their delay

Online check-in was not user-friendly. Too many fees, not cost effective.

They wouldn’t let us on the flight even tho we were an hour early. No refund not even our bags that were prepaid

I brought a ticket and car rental through Travelocity. There was no where to add a KTN. So I thought i’d add it by looking up ticket on frontier website. I tried 3 times with the frontier chat bot to add my KTN it never updated my boarding pass. So then I tried showing up early to do it in person at the airport. The first employee update my ktn in the system and gave me a new boarding pass. I was sent back by tsa to join regular line. Then I was told to add my Ktn. It would cost me $25 extra. Given the length of the cue I did pay. Congratulations! BUT I will NEVER fly frontier again. Plus the plane was very old. It had actual ashtrays and old looking tray backs. Worst travel experience ever. Im warning my friends and family not to use frontier ever.

I did not enjoy the trip home on Frontier for several reasons: there is too much cost besides the flight, which was more than I would normally pay, then having to pay for luggage, and carry-on, seat (if you want to reserve when booking) then you must pay over $3 for a can of soda, and $4 for a snack. A cup of water is free.

Did not realize seats did not recline. Best to travel in an exit row... No question

I strongly dislike Frontier. I find them barebones, the seats not particularly comfortable, the nickel and diming is maddening, the app is TERRIBLE - super confusing to navigate, and the last 4 frontier flights I have flown have been on AVERAGE 2 hours late, one ruining a fancy night out in Vegas with reservations made well in advance, which was nodded to with a measly 5000 miles, which translates to almost nothing. At least credit a free checked bag or something.

8 hr delay. had to buy another ticket with another airline

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• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Las Vegas Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Las Vegas?

How much does a weekend trip to las vegas cost.

• How much does a five-day trip to Las Vegas cost?
• How much does a one-week trip to Las Vegas cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Las Vegas

A trip to Las Vegas for one person usually costs between $116 and $878 per day and $232 to $1,756 for two people. This is a wide range of costs, and the daily average per person from our data is $310 per person. This average includes food, accommodation, sightseeing, and local transportation expenses contributed from other travelers. Prices can vary based on travel style and activities. While the overall price for a trip to Las Vegas is dependent on your personal travel style and the specific places you visit, if you book standard accommodation and travel with an average level of convenience, then your budget should be somewhere close to this average cost. Later in this article, you can find a breakdown of travel expenses by category, plus a general price range of accommodation and activity costs for your visit. Also, the prices for individual attractions and hotels may vary, but generally fall somewhat close to the price ranges described in this article.

Budget travelers to Las Vegas often spend around $116 per day. This usually includes a stay at a hostel and meals at affordable restaurants around town. Many budget travelers also prefer free activities over those that cost too much money. If you have a bit more money to spend, you should budget around $310 per day. This average includes a mid-range hotel and more meals in restaurants, along with a higher budget for entertainment and activities. Luxury travelers should plan to spend around $878 a day which includes higher-end accommodations, restaurants, tours, and activities. For more details, see our average travel costs for Las Vegas here .

Travelers spend, on average, $930 per person on a three-day trip to Las Vegas. This includes sightseeing, hotels, food, and local transportation. You can stick close to this average price by staying at mid-range hotels and eating at mid-level restaurants, while also paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. If you wish to travel cheaper, it's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities. It's also common for many visitors to have a much higher travel budget, as many high-end hotels and restaurants can be found around town.

How much does a five day trip to Las Vegas cost?

With five days in Las Vegas, you can expect to spend about $1,551 total, not including transportation to and from the city. It's possible to stay close to this daily average by booking mid-range hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. It's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities if you want to spent less money.

How much does a one week trip to Las Vegas cost?

Most visitors spend between $813 and $6,148 for a one week trip to Las Vegas, with the average being $2,171 . This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to have a more in-depth experience in Las Vegas. Also, one week allows you to be more flexible with your time and money, so you can potentially save money on some aspects of your trip while spending more on others.

Hostel Prices in Las Vegas

With more than 3 hostels in Las Vegas, the average price is $24 per night for a dorm bed. The cheapest hostel costs $20 and the most expensive is $30. Usually popular with younger travelers, hostels are a great way to save money while also being social. But not all hostels are the same, and we've analyzed the prices of both dorms and private rooms to find the average prices and best places to stay. You can see more details about the hostel prices in Las Vegas here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Las Vegas.

• $30 for a dorm bed at Sin City Hostel in Las Vegas more details

Hotel Prices in Las Vegas

The average price for a hotel room in Las Vegas is $96 per night. This average is based on our detailed analysis of available hotels in the area. If you want to save money, or if you're planning a more luxurious trip, it's important to look at hotel prices based on the overall star-rating as well as guest reviews. Also, prices can vary by location and amenities. You can see more details from our analysis of hotel prices in Las Vegas here , and below is a breakdown of hotel prices by star-rating.

Platinum Hotel and Spa

Signature at mgm grand.

Should you do a tour in Las Vegas?

You'll find a wide range of guided tours in Las Vegas and many visitors enjoy the convenience of having an expert guide leading them through the chosen activity. Tours range in price from $6 for the Las Vegas Strip: Quest Experience to $999 for the Las Vegas Mojave Desert Adventure - Guided Tour .

• Red Rock Electric Scooter Tours Viator $ 135
• Red Rock Electric Scooter Tours: $135
• Pioneer Desert Adventure with Lunch at the Historic Pioneer Saloon!: $300
• Makati Street Food Experience with V: $65
• Special Air Services Shooting Experience in Las Vegas: $190
• Sunrise Red Rock Canyon Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour with Hotel Pick-up: $154
• Grand Canyon Tour with Hoover Dam and Joshua Tree: $219
• Grey Wolf Shooting Experience: $299
• Red Rock Canyon Scooter Tour from Las Vegas: $139

More for Las Vegas

If you're planning a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis. 2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis. For example, the Food 2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment 1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.

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How to Plan a Trip to Las Vegas on a Budget, According to a Travel Expert

Because Sin City isn’t just for high rollers.

How to Save on Food

How to save on transportation, how to find affordable las vegas hotels, how to save on flights to las vegas, free las vegas activities.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

When you think of Las Vegas, it’s likely the glimmering casinos , flashy hotels, over-the-top entertainment , and extravagant meals that come to mind first. However, you don’t need to spend a small fortune to have a good time in Sin City — so as long as you’re savvy. From flights and hotels to activities and transportation, here are our top tips on how to plan a trip to Las Vegas on a budget, including expert insight, tips, and recommendations from long-time Vegas visitor and travel advisor Allison DePesa of Marvelous Mouse Travels . 

monticelllo/Getty Images

It’s no secret Sin City is home to spectacular restaurants , including the Michelin-starred Picasso , the sceney Cipriani Las Vegas , and Wolfgang Puck’s beloved Spago , to name a few. However, these aren’t the only options in town. Those looking to get the most bang for their buck can — and should — take advantage of Vegas’ seemingly endless buffets, says DePesa. What’s more, she tells T+L, “Buffets are a staple in Vegas, and you can usually find a great all-you-can-eat option with bottomless Champagne, mimosas, or bloody marys if you go for brunch.” For example, you can’t go wrong at Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan, which serves extravagant all-day brunch items like bone marrow, short ribs, and even steamed snow crab — in addition to the classics like omelets — for $47 per person on weekdays and $54 on weekends; $25 extra for bottomless mimosas, Champagne, bloody marys, or Bud Light). For a more affordable option, consider the MGM Grand Buffet (from $31.99 Monday to Thursday, $37.99 Friday to Sunday), which offers an array of breakfast and lunch dishes, from fresh pastas to pancakes. If buffets aren’t your thing, the Strip is also teeming with fast-food joints and quick-service restaurants. Tacos El Gordo , which doles out wallet-friendly tacos, quesadillas, tostadas, and other Mexican favorites, is among our favorites, as is the Instagram-worthy Cafe Lola , which dishes out sweet and savory breakfast and lunch staples (think crème brûlée challah French toast).

Additionally, DePesa recommends budget-conscious travelers take advantage of happy hour specials. “Many restaurants and bars in Vegas offer discounted food and drink specials during happy hour, usually in the late afternoon or early evening. “ Brera Osteria at The Venetian Resort offers 50 percent off pizza, cocktails, and wines by the glass every day between 3 and 5 p.m. Also, don’t miss sangria hour at The Cosmopolitan's Jaleo , which has sangria from $7, beers from $7, wine from $9, and cocktails from $12 — along with a selection of tapas — every day from 5 to 7 p.m. The deals continue off the Strip at local favorite Honey Salt , where guests can enjoy $5 beers and wines, $6 cocktails, and apps like fried pickles and chicken sliders between $4 and $8 apiece every Monday through Friday between 3 and 6 p.m.

Pro tip: Be sure to sign up for restaurant rewards programs. “Many restaurants, especially those located in casinos, offer rewards programs or loyalty cards,” says DePesa. “Sign up for these programs to earn discounts, free meals, or other perks.” 

Although resorts on the Strip are typically more expensive than those a bit further away, their central location makes it much easier — and cheaper — to get around. What’s more, explains DePesa, “The Las Vegas Strip is relatively compact, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.”

However, that’s not to say you can’t stay off the Strip and still save on transportation. While taxis and ride-share apps are available — as are rental cars, of course — DePesa recommends utilizing public transit to get around. “There's an extensive bus system in Las Vegas, including the Strip and downtown areas.” Deuce on the Strip , which runs 24/7, stops at almost every resort on the Strip, and while single rides cost $4, you can save money by snagging a multiday pass; a three-day one, for example, will run you $20. The Downtown Loop is a free shuttle service that takes visitors to some of downtown Vegas’ top attractions, including the Arts District and Fremont Street Experience . Also, keep in mind that some off-the-Strip hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to the Strip — but more on that below. 

 Ethan Miller/Getty Images

A Las Vegas hotel stay doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. For one, DePesa recommends booking well in advance, which "can often lead to better deals." She adds, "Hotels tend to offer lower rates for early bookings, especially if you're traveling during off-peak seasons." The summer months (June, July, and August) coincide with the city's low season due to the scorching heat. As such, you can find lower hotel rates. Shoulder season (September through November and January through April) also offers discounted nightly rates; according to Kayak, March is the cheapest month to stay in Las Vegas, with an average five percent drop in price. Ultimately, being flexible with your dates is key. "Midweek stays tend to be cheaper than weekends, and rates may fluctuate depending on special events or conventions in the city," explains DePesa. Finally, as previously mentioned, consider staying at a hotel off the Strip since, per the pro, properties “tend to be more affordable.” She elaborates, “Many of these hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to the Strip, making it convenient to access the main attractions."

DePesa recommends using Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort as your base. The property is home to 13 on-site restaurants and spacious accommodations clocking in at more than 500 square feet. She also suggests checking into Marriott's Grand Chateau ; while it does not provide shuttle service to the Strip — though, fortunately, it’s less than a mile away — it does have a rooftop pool, two bars, and, best of all, no resort fee.

If you choose to stay on the Strip, you can save money by selecting a property with low or no resort fees, which can cost as much as $55 per night. Those craving a more upscale hotel experience may consider a stay at the Sahara Las Vegas , one of few Strip hotels with an under-$40 nightly resort fee .

Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Looking to save money on flights ? Just like with hotels, DePesa says the key is to “be flexible with dates and book early.” She also recommends using fare comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak to help you “easily find the best deals and set up price alerts for your desired travel dates.” Additionally, if you have the time and patience, DePesa recommends opting for a connecting flight to or from Vegas since they tend to be less expensive. “But be sure to check the total travel time and factor in potential layover durations,” she says. 

It’s also worth noting Las Vegas’ main airport, Harry Reid International Airport, is considered one of the cheapest in America, according to a 2022 analysis from CivMetrics . 

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Unbeknownst to many — especially first-time visitors — Las Vegas offers plenty of free activities , which means you can save your money in hopes of winning big at the casino.

“At the Bellagio, you can see the fountain show and Conservatory & Botanical Gardens ,” says DePesa.

Alternatively, catch the volcano eruption at the Mirage or check out the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat , “a quiet oasis home to koi fish, turtles, birds, and a flock of Chilean flamingos.” The Fremont Street Experience has free live music, Silverton Casino features a complimentary aquarium with thousands of tropical fish, and Circus Circus offers exhilarating acts. Travelers can also visit Ethel M Chocolates for free self-guided factory tours; afterward, explore the three-acre botanical garden, which boasts more than 300 species of flora. Other no-cost attractions include The Arts Factory , the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art , and the quirky Pinball Hall of Fame .

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How much is the cheapest flight to Las Vegas?

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $20 for one-way flights and $39 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Find Your Flights to Las Vegas LAS

Cheap flights to Las Vegas ( LAS)

Get started finding a cheap flight to Las Vegas on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

We recommend using the ‘Flexible Dates’ calendar at the top of the page to see the price of plane tickets on the surrounding dates. This allows you to pick the cheapest days to fly if your trip allows flexibility and score cheap flight deals to Las Vegas.

Roundtrip prices range from $39 - $83, and one-ways to Las Vegas start as low as $20.

Be aware that choosing a non-stop flight can sometimes be more expensive while saving you time. And routes with connections may be available at a cheaper rate.

Airlines that fly to Las Vegas ( LAS)

You have several options for which airline you choose to travel with to Las Vegas. There are 10 airlines flying into LAS: Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines. 

Cheap plane tickets may be available from different airlines at different times and with unique terms. It’s best to understand the details of each airline’s offer before judging its value.

For example, if you plan to check a bag or bring a carry-on, check whether the cheap airfare deal includes a baggage allowance. If not, verify whether the baggage fee is higher than the difference of other airline plane ticket deals offering free checked/carry-on baggage in exchange for a slightly higher airfare. 

Additionally, your preferred frequent flyer membership programs may influence your choice of cheap airline. Expedia allows you to enter your membership numbers during checkout to earn points from your airline and Expedia Rewards—all while getting a great deal and planning all your travel in one online platform.

Find the best deals

At Expedia, we source many flight deals from multiple providers, so you can easily find the best deals that are right for you. A great strategy for getting the best deals can be to make sure you book and travel at the optimal times. Airfare to Las Vegas (LAS) varies throughout the year based on seasonal demand. You’ll see the lowest rates for roundtrips to LAS in July and in July for one-ways.

Cancellation & flexibility

To change or cancel eligible flights, go to ‘My Trips’ and navigate to your itinerary. If you booked within the last 24-hours, you might be able to cancel your flight for free. Learn more about flight changes or cancellations from our customer service portal . Some plane tickets are available with no change fees, which you can filter for during your search.

Frequently asked questions

• The secret to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. You’ll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.
• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, aren’t allowed in the cabin either.
• Comfort should always be your priority when picking what to wear on board. Consider your footwear with care too, as swollen feet and ankles are a common occurrence. Flat shoes which are slightly roomy are always a good idea.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance travel is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, make the most of every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are another easy way to help lower your risk.
• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you’ll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you’re less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won’t be allowed on board.

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The Costs of a Las Vegas Vacation

Las Vegas used to be the place to go for a bargain vacation. While the days of the $2 buffets are long gone, there are still plenty of good deals out there.

How Much Does A Las Vegas Hotel Cost?

This is a tricky question simply because Las Vegas operates on a different schedule than most vacation destinations. Just because the weather is cold does not mean that people stop visiting the Las Vegas strip. When it is miserably hot people still stay for 5 nights. Who can predict these things?

A simple rule of thumb is to avoid weekends because they will be more expensive than weekdays. If possible arrive on a Monday and leave on a Thursday. However, that formula falls apart if there are large conventions in town or it is March Madness. Summer months are typically better for getting great room rates and the Christmas holidays are ridiculously expensive. Labor day and Memorial day weekend are grossly expensive.

Check Out  TripAdvisor’s Best Deals in Las Vegas   

Dining Costs

Meals in Las Vegas vary from the dirt cheap to the ridiculously expensive, so be aware of your food budget. Comps are not as easy to come by these days but your best bet to getting free stuff at any casino is to get a players card at the place you intend on playing at. Often times a few hours worth of gaming action at the tables or at the slots will get you a free meal or at least some reduced prices.

On average, two people could go to Las Vegas and eat good meals three times a day and have a good amount of alcohol and spend about $200 a day. This number is so fluid because of the amount of gambling you do and your choices in food. Drinks are normally included in your gaming income because they are free as long as you're a player. However, if you decide to eat at a nice restaurant or order drinks with your food that number goes up very quickly. 

• Places To Eat Cheap In Las Vegas
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Things You Might Pay For

• Taxi - $3.30 for the first mile and $1.50 each additional. If you use a rideshare like Uber in Las Vegas you'll save a lot of money.
• Cover charge at a Nightclub - $10 - $30 for males slightly less for females at some clubs.​ Learn more about ​ Vegas nightclubs .
• Tipping - Figure an extra five percent of your total budget. Waitresses, Valet, Taxi Valet, $2 per occurrence, Bell hop $2 per bag, server at restaurant 15% of check. Here are some tipping guidelines .
• Parking is no longer free at most resorts so if you plan on driving factor in another $10-$40 for parking over the duration of your stay.
• Resort fees are another secret cost that gets added to your vacation budget so even though you may have already paid for your hotel the front desk will surprise you with another fee. Expect anywhere from $10-$30 per night. Complain a little and you might get some of the fees waived.

TripSavvy / Elliot Jonch Garcia

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Jetsetting Fools

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Las Vegas Itinerary: A First-Timers Guide to 3 Days in Vegas

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Las Vegas, Nevada reigns as the Entertainment Capital of the World, wooing an incredible number of diverse visitors from every corner of the planet. The city was built on gambling and bawdy nightlife, but today Las Vegas spoils guests with a wide range of activities and attractions.

In fact, there are so many things to do in Vegas that creating a Las Vegas Itinerary can be quite the conundrum. To help fellow travelers – especially Vegas First-Timers – we have created a perfect plan for spending 3 days in Las Vegas.

3 Days in Las Vegas

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 attractions…and that’s just Day One!

Our trip plan is ideal for a long weekend in Vegas – but it works just as well for weekdays, too. The city is always buzzing, so it doesn’t matter if you are spending a weekend in Vegas or tacking a few extra days onto a business trip, there are no dull days in Las Vegas!

Additionally, we understand that not all travelers planning a trip to Las Vegas intend on spending 3 days in the city. Some visitors are breezing through on a day trip to Las Vegas, while others are planning to spend 4 nights in Vegas. Therefore, we have outlined Las Vegas Itineraries for longer and shorter stays at the end of the article.

First Time Las Vegas: Must-Do Activities

My first time to Vegas was a birthday trip to celebrate with friends. Beyond getting ourselves there, we had done little in the way of research. While the weekend was, no doubt, a memorable one, our very loose plans resulted in missed attractions and overlooked sights.

On a return trip, I was eager to make up for what I skipped on my first time in Vegas. I designed an itinerary for Las Vegas that featured highlights beyond the casinos and pool parties – and it was fascinating!

As I planned subsequent trips (while living in Phoenix for 10 years, there were countless Vegas trips), I challenged myself to see more. On each visit, I realized just how much I missed on my first time in Las Vegas.

To help other travelers, we created our Las Vegas 3-Day Itinerary with first-time visitors in mind; it is essentially a “First Time Vegas Must-Do List.” That said, visitors who had an initial trip experience similar to mine and are making a return trip to the city will certainly find our Vegas Itinerary useful as well!

Pro Travel Tip : How to plan a trip to Las Vegas will depend on your interests, budget and overall time-frame for your visit. While we highlight what we think is the best plan for things to do in Vegas for first-time visitors, our outline can also be used as a base for a couples getaway or even a Las Vegas family itinerary!

Best Las Vegas Itinerary

Our “3-Day Itinerary: Las Vegas for First-Timers” is formatted in a day-by-day trip plan. In addition to our 3-Day trip outline, we include travel tips for alternate length stays – and advice for how to get there (and around), where to stay and what to pack.

Save, Pin or Bookmark this 3-Day Vegas Itinerary to plan your Sin City vacation!

DAY 1 of Your 3-Day Las Vegas Itinerary

On the first day of your 3 Days Itinerary, kick off your trip with a few iconic Vegas experiences.

Swing by the Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Welcome to Vegas! Make your first stop in the city at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Located at the south end of The Strip next to the airport, it is one of the most famous signs in the world. The sign was designed in 1959 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Start your exciting vacation by getting your picture taken in front of the iconic Las Vegas sign!

Pro Tip: There is no better time to visit the famous sign than when you first arrive; it is an absolute must-do in Vegas for first-timers! If you are arriving by plane and taking Lyft or Uber to your hotel schedule a stop at the sign on your way.

Check into Your Accommodations on The Strip

With just three days in Las Vegas, staying on The Strip is essential! There are so many hotels to choose from – and we go into more details on where to stay later in the article. Whichever hotel you choose, get checked in, drop your bags and hit the ground running…by going straight to the casino.

Hit the Las Vegas Casinos

Las Vegas casinos are elaborate and loud. The grand rooms are filled with gambling tables, slot machines and a cacophony of ringing bells and falling coins. The dimly lit, maze-like casinos can be bewildering, but during your 3 day trip to Vegas, the flashing lights and noisy slots fade into the background.

Travel Tip: Best Casino in Vegas for First Timers

Gambling in Las Vegas can be intimidating – but it is a Vegas must-do for first-timers! Choosing the ‘best casino’ for your Las Vegas trip planner is less important that choosing the right time and the right games. One of the best Las Vegas tips is to ease into gambling – otherwise, you can lose a bundle of money in the blink of an eye. 

The slots are a good place to start – and Vegas must-do. Some casinos still have Penny Slot machines, which can literally provide hours of low-risk entertainment. However, it is easy to move around the slot machines – all of which have different (and sometimes confusing) rules for winning.

All casinos have table games – like Blackjack, Poker, Roulette and Craps. Table games are fun, but can get expensive, especially if you don’t know the rules of the game. The best time to learn how to play is during the day, when the tables are less busy and the minimum bets are lowest (sometimes $5 per game, but likely 3 times that amount at the luxury casinos). 

Budget Travel Tip: One of the best things about casinos is that, while you are playing, waitresses will bring you free drinks! Just remember to tip the waitstaff. 

See the Sights on The Strip

Now that you are getting warmed up, it’s time to step out onto The Strip – officially known as Las Vegas Boulevard. The extravagant casino complexes that line the world-famous street are a spectacular sight – especially as the sun starts to set and the neon lights begin to glow.

While the scene in its entirety is astounding, we recommend spending the late afternoon and early evening at the Vegas sights in the center of The Strip. Our top picks (which we detail next) are the Bellagio Fountain, the Eiffel Tower, the LINQ entertainment complex and the Flamingoes. 

Pro Tip: When wandering on the Las Vegas Strip, one of the most deceiving facets is that objects are further than they appear. The colossal size of the casino resorts is staggering…and it means that it can take 15 to 20 minutes just to walk to the property ‘next door’. We talk more about the best ways to get around at the end of the post – but keep it in mind as you plan your trip itinerary.

Bellagio Fountain and Conservatory

Without question, the Bellagio Fountain is a must-see on your Las Vegas 3 Day Itinerary. Bellagio Fountain shows – a water, music and light extravaganza – take place throughout the day and you can find a schedule on the official Bellagio website . Beautiful both day and night, the shows are absolutely free for everyone to enjoy!

After watching the fountain show, pop into the Bellagio Hotel and Casino to visit the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. As you walk through the Bellagio lobby, look up to admire the opulent glass ceiling. All three activities – the fountain, gardens and ceiling – are completely free and must-see sights on a First Time Vegas Itinerary!

Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas

Visiting the imitation Eiffel Tower that stands across the street from the Bellagio is another one of the top things to do in Vegas for first timers. Whether you just stand at the base or go up to the Vegas Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck is up to you! If you have time in your 3 Day Vegas Itinerary, take a walk through the Parisian-inspired hotel and casino, too. 

High Roller Observation Wheel and Promenade at the LINQ

The LINQ Promenade, a shopping, dining and entertainment district, is packed with attractions – and visiting is a must on your 3 Day Itinerary Las Vegas. You can go for a spin on the High Roller at the LINQ – one of the world’s tallest observation wheels – or fly 1,000 feet above the Promenade via zipline. Alternatively, keep your feet on the ground and simply enjoy the lightshow after dark (which is free!). 

Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo Casino

One of our favorite free things to do on a 3 day trip to Las Vegas is visiting the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel. The habitat, which is set on the grounds of the hotel, is home to a flock of flamingos and other feathered friends…and it is completely free! 

Dine Like a Celebrity

Vegas – with thousands of restaurants – has gained a reputation as a foodie city in recent years. In fact, there are more than 50 celebrity chef restaurants in Las Vegas – from Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen to Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen to Giada and Nobu.

The choices are overwhelming, especially if it is your first trip to Las Vegas. Ultimately, where you decide to dine depends on your tastes and budget – or favorite celebrity chef. (That said, our top pick would be an epic burger at Guy Fieri’s.)

Las Vegas Show

Shows in Las Vegas gained popularity in the 1950s…and they have only gotten bigger and better since then. We think a show is a must on a Las Vegas first trip. Ticket prices vary by show, but you can find info and tickets online .

Some of my best weekend trips to Vegas were highlighted by a Vegas show. Garth Brooks at The Wynn is, hands down, one of the best concerts I have ever attended in my life…but sadly his stint in Vegas is over. An exciting line up of concerts are slated for the new love-it-or-hate-it Sphere – but we haven’t made it to a show yet. 

Some of the other top Vegas performances to consider for your 3 Day Vegas trip are Cirque du Soleil (including Love, One, Ka, O and Mystere at Treasure Island), La Reve, Blue Man Group, The Mentalist and David Copperfield. Impersonator shows – which range from MJ Live to Elvis tributes – are classic entertainment in the city. 

Fun Travel Tip : If you are planning a Girls Weekend in Vegas Itinerary, you might want to get tickets to the Thunder Down Under male revue – and, for guys planning a Vegas Bachelor Party Itinerary, check out X Burlesque for a tasteful topless dance show.

DAY 2 of Your 3-Day Itinerary Las Vegas

Next up on your Vegas 3-Day Itinerary: relax and then feast, let loose and have some more fun – Vegas-style!

Ease into your Day with a Vegas Spa Treatment

Start your second day of your three days in Vegas with a refreshing spa treatment. Going to the spa is a fun activity to include on a Vegas Bachelorette Itinerary, a solo Vegas trip or even a Las Vegas Couples Itinerary!

Spa treatments range from traditional packages – like massages, facials and pedicures – to unique procedures. For example, guests can get a water Watsu Massage at Bellagio, a reviving Royal Flush IV treatment at MGM Grand or even a Turkish bath experience in the Hammam at The Cosmopolitan.

Pro Tip : If spas are not your cup of tea, instead do a Casino Shuffle! Visit a few of the casinos that you have always wanted to gamble in – like Aria, Caesars Palace and the Wynn. When I did this with my sister, we played a small amount of money on the slots at each place. It was a fun way to see and experience the grandeur of each casino.

Sample the Fare on a Las Vegas Food Tour

After a relaxing morning, set off mid-day for an absolute feast on a highly rated food tour. A food tour is not only one of the best things to do in Las Vegas for first timers, but for return visitors as well!

Rather than limiting yourself to just one restaurant for lunch, let a guide lead the way to the best tastes on The Strip! The local guide shares insider tips, hidden gems and a little bit of Vegas history, too. Book it now!

Experience a Las Vegas Pool Party

Las Vegas Pool Parties are legendary – and a must on your Las Vegas trip itinerary! Plan to spend the entire afternoon of Day 2 poolside. 

Essentially day time clubs, international DJs spin music and bartenders sling expensive cocktails in an absolutely energetic atmosphere. The parties are wildest on summer weekends, but there is usually at least one resort hosting a pool party every day of the week.

Choosing which pool party in Vegas to go to will depend on your style. One of the best pool parties we attended was Wet Republic Ultra Pool at the MGM Grand. Other popular picks are Encore Beach Club, Bali inspired Ayu, Daylight and Marquee Dayclub.

It is important to note that many pool parties charge a cover fee, enforce a dress code and may have minimum spends – so be sure to check the specifics.

Tip for Travelers: What if you just want to lounge around the pool and take a dip without the daytime debauchery? No stress, every resort on The Strip has a dedicated hotel pool where guests can sunbath and enjoy a casual swim without the party music. 

Enjoy Dinner on The Strip

Now that you are primed for the evening, get changed, re-hydrate and eat something before heading out to the nightclubs. If you are looking for an elevated Vegas experience, dine at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant (just make sure to get your reservations in advance!). For casual Mexican fare, eat at Nacho Daddy, or if you are on a budget, feast on classic American fast-food at In-and-Out Burger.

Dance at the Vegas Clubs on The Strip

Vegas nightclubs – or rather mega-clubs – maintain an electric vibe with some of the world’s best DJs and packed dance floors. Some of the most epic clubs are Tao at Venetian, Omnia at Caesars Palace, Jewel at Aria, Hakkasan at MGM Grand and Marquee at Cosmopolitan. While most exciting for a Las Vegas Weekend Itinerary, visitors will have no problem finding clubs that are open every night of the week.

All clubs have promoters (which you can find on The Strip, through your hotel or in advance by searching online) who offer VIP status and sometimes free drinks. Dress codes can be strict – for example, many places will deny entry to anyone wearing backless sandals…so read the rules before you go.

Vegas Party Bus

Visitors who are less concerned with which club they go to – and those who don’t want to hassle with transportation and cover charges – can opt for Party Bus package . On a Girls’ Weekend in Vegas, we joined one of the party buses that offered VIP entry into three clubs and included onboard drinks. Our bus even had a stripper pole, which was highly entertaining as the night progressed!

Family-Friendly Night in Vegas

If you are planning a Las Vegas family vacation itinerary – or if you simply want to bypass the club scene – rather than hopping on a Party Bus, take the Big Bus Night Tour. The open-air bus passes by the city’s most dazzling nighttime attractions. Get the details!

Luxury Las Vegas Helicopter Experience at Night

Take things up a notch on a helicopter tour of The Strip at night. The epic helicopter ride lets you experience Sin City from a unique vantage point. The ride is highlighted by a sparkling wine toast in flight. Book it now!

DAY 3 of Your Itinerary for Las Vegas in 3 Days

This is it, the last day of your 3 Days Las Vegas Trip! Time to experience a few more of the best Vegas attractions and sights before heading home.

Indulge in a Buffet Brunch

A Sin City tradition, feasting at a buffet during your 3-day trip to Las Vegas is practically a requirement. Evolving from all-you-can-eat extravaganzas into classy culinary adventures, buffets in Vegas are unlike anywhere else in the world.

Although the buffet meals are not as cheap as they once were (in fact, a few are quite expensive!), diners can expect a culinary treat. Most of the buffets have meat carving stations, omelet stations, heaps of seafood (including sushi) and delectable dessert tables. In true Sin City style, a few even include bottomless champagne!

Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan, Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, Bellagio Buffet and The Buffet at Wynn are all top choices! 

Food Tip: If a fancy breakfast buffet is not in your budget, hit up Denny’s for a classic American Grand Slam Breakfast. If you prefer brunch, but not a buffet, then try The Henry for their Short Rib Bene or Alexxa’s where they offer Bottomless Mimosas!

Visit Vegas Attractions

After you have stuffed yourself silly, spend the rest of the morning leisurely taking in more of the top attractions in Vegas. We recommend spending time either on the north or south end of The Strip – but ambitious travelers can likely squeeze in attractions at both ends of The Strip.

South Strip Attractions

Exploring the south end of The Strip is one of our favored daytime activities in Vegas. Casual and entertaining, the South Strip has a lot to offer! We are highlighting a few of our top picks for South Strip sightseeing. 

Roller Coaster at New York New York Hotel

The Big Apple Coaster is a thrilling ride that drops and twists while reaching speeds of 67 miles per hour. But, trust me on this one, you won’t want to go on the ride after a big meal! 

Fine Art Collection at ARIA

ARIA’s Fine Art Collection is featured throughout the resort – not inside a stuffy museum. The artwork is free to all visitors – and you can use this helpful brochure to locate and learn more about each piece. 

M&Ms World

We wouldn’t necessarily say that the 4-story M&Ms Las Vegas store is a must-see in Vegas for first timers, but it is a fun place to visit and pick up personalized souvenirs (plus, it’s free to step inside!).

Mandalay Bay Shark Aquarium

The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is an exceptional aquarium – and well worth the visit, especially for anyone planning a Vegas vacation for family. Buy your Shark Reef Aquarium tickets in advance !

North Strip Attractions

The north end of The Strip also features a few top attractions for your Vegas itinerary. We are sharing a few of our favorites. 

Gondola Ride at the Venetian

A gondola ride at the Venetian is a perfect addition to a Las Vegas itinerary for couples! The boat pilot serenades passengers as they float along the Grand Canal. 

While at the Venetian, you can also check out the world famous Madame Tussauds wax museum. 

Volcano at Mirage

Another fantastic Las Vegas Strip sight – and one to definitely include on a Las Vegas itinerary for family – is the Mirage Las Vegas Volcano. Watching The Volcano erupt is free, but it only happens in the evenings between 8pm and 11pm (on the hour; check the schedule ) – so be sure to time your visit to catch the action. 

Visit Wynn Hotel and Casino

One of the most luxurious hotels on The Strip, some visitors may be timid about visiting Wynn. We believe it is an absolutely beautiful property; besides, it’s free to walk through! Explore the lobby gardens, gaze at the extravagant floral decorations and gawk at the general swankiness of the hotel. 

Take Part in Top Activities: Tours and Classes

In the afternoon, join a tour or class that captures the essence of Vegas. A guided tour introduces the engaging history of Vegas, while a class teaches participants industry secrets. 

On the intriguing Fremont Tour , visitors get off The Strip and get to discover Downtown Las Vegas. Learn about the origins of Sin City, step into the Fremont Street Experience and find out how the culture has evolved over time. 

On the other hand, if you are planning a Vegas Bachelorette Party Itinerary, book an afternoon Stripper Pole Class for your group of girls! Honestly, I was a little nervous when we included this activity in our Girls Weekend in Las Vegas Itinerary – but it turned out to be incredibly entertaining. Book it here!

Explore Fremont Street at Night

Spend the rest of your Vegas trip on Fremont Street and downtown. While attractions on The Strip are well-known for being ostentatious, Fremont tends to be more laid back…but no less entertaining.

Visitors can take an exhilarating ride on a zip line or swim with the sharks at Golden Nugget. Top museums to visit are the Neon Museum (a collection of historic Vegas signs) and the Mob Museum (which details the city’s history with organized crime).

Historic casinos, modern attractions and a slew of low key bars line the street, enticing visitors to stay longer than just a couple of hours. It’s the perfect way to end your 3 days in Vegas!

Las Vegas Day Trips

While our 3 Days in Vegas Trip Planner doesn’t leave any room for excursions, visitors staying longer – or those on a return trip – may want to consider including a Vegas day trip in their itinerary. 

Grand Canyon Bus Tour

One of the most popular tours from Vegas, trips to the Grand Canyon by bus offers a full day of fun! On a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon itinerary, participants enjoy the ride to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon in a coach bus and make stops at some of the top viewpoints. Optional upgrades on Grand Canyon Itinerary from Las Vegas include the Skywalk and helicopter ride. Find out more!

Hoover Dam from Vegas

Rather than booking an All Day Las Vegas-Grand Canyon Itinerary, embark on a shorter tour of Hoover Dam, one of the most incredible modern-day engineering achievements. On the trip from Vegas, a knowledgeable guide will share information about the dam’s history – once there, visitors can walk across the massive structure.

Plus, this tour makes two extra stops. One at Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign and one on the Colorado River at the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for a different view of the Hoover Dam. Get more details!

Valley of Fire State Park Hiking Tour

Set off on a half day hiking trip outside of Vegas in Nevada’s oldest state park, Valley of the Fire. A guide leads the way through beautiful desert landscapes, red rock formations and ancient petroglyphs on an easy, moderate or difficult hike. Reserve your space!

Red Rock Canyon Scooter Tour

Explore desert landscapes and phenomenal natural rock formations by scooter on a half-day Vegas trip to Red Rock Canyon. Learn more!

LA and Hollywood from Sin City

Head to California and the West Coast on a full-day trip from Las Vegas! Participants travel in a small group to Los Angeles to see highlighted attractions, such as the Santa Monica Pier, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. Get the specifics!

Zion Utah National Parks Itinerary from Las Vegas

Zion National Park is a gem of the Western United States! Although not particularly easy to get to on your own, visitors can join an organized day trip to Zion from Las Vegas that includes transportation, entry fees, free time to explore and a picnic lunch. Find out more!

How Many Days in Las Vegas?

Determining how long you should stay in Vegas will depend on a variety of factors – including interests, budget and overall time-frame. We believe planning a 3 Day Las Vegas Itinerary is the perfect introduction to the city. If you are still considering how many days you need in Las Vegas, use our tips below to decide what attractions are essential to you!

Travel Planning Tip: Get (and stay) organized for your Vegas Trip by using our Travel Planning Printables !

More Vegas Itineraries

While we have outlined the best Vegas Itinerary for 3 Days (especially for Las Vegas First-Timers), we understand that not all visitors are spending 3 days in the city. To help other travelers plan their best Vegas itinerary, we are offering our top tips for longer – and shorter – stays.

Vegas for a Day

Trying to plan what to do with 1 Day in Las Vegas is no easy feat – the choices are endless! We think the best way to plan a Las Vegas One-Day Itinerary would be to follow our above advice on things to see in Vegas on Day 1.

If you arrive early enough, start off with a buffet dining experience (or book The Strip Food Tour ). On a One-Day in Las Vegas Itinerary, you could possibly carve out a little time to spend poolside or in a spa.

Las Vegas Itinerary 2 Days

Many visitors are limited to just 2 days on a Las Vegas Weekend Trip – but can still see and do a lot! Using our tips above in what to do in Las Vegas in three days, create a 2-Day Las Vegas Itinerary that best suits your interests. For example, if you are taking a party trip, plan a Las Vegas 2 Days Itinerary using Days 1 and 2 of our outlined 3-Day Vegas Vacation.

On the other hand, if you are most interested in varied experiences, highlights and attractions during your weekend to Vegas, then the best 2-Day Itinerary Las Vegas for you might be to follow Days 1 and 3 instead.

Alternate Las Vegas Itinerary 3 Days

While we believe we outlined the best things to do in Las Vegas in 3 days, fellow travelers might have other interests. With just a few tweaks to our outline, you can plan a perfect Las Vegas 3 Days Itinerary that suits your personal interests. 

If the Grand Canyon or one of the other day trips is more appealing than partying at the pool or touring attractions on The Strip, then substitute a tour in your plan for Vegas in three days. If gambling and casinos are of zero interest, eliminate them completely and add more sightseeing!

Vegas Itinerary 4 Days

In a 4-Day Itinerary Las Vegas, visitors will have plenty of time to see the top city attractions and go on a day tour! In fact, we think the best Las Vegas 4-Day Itinerary would be to use the tips in our 3 Days Vegas Trip Planner – and then book a day trip to see more of the surrounding region. Otherwise, find another pool to lounge around!

Las Vegas Itinerary 5 Days

With 5 days in Las Vegas there is ample time to see the sights, go on a day trip and more! For us, a perfect 5-Day Vegas Itinerary would include our tips above for a 4 Days in Vegas Itinerary, then – on the last day – see any sights and attractions that you skipped in the first four days.

For example, visit more of the iconic casinos, chill by the hotel pool, or ride the roller coaster at New York New York. Essentially, use the last day of your 5 Day Vegas Itinerary as a catch-all to visit any of the sights you were not able to squeeze into your Las Vegas Travel Itinerary in the first four days.

7 Days in Las Vegas Itinerary

With so much on offer, there is no problem planning what to do with 1 week in Las Vegas! To create a Las Vegas Itinerary 7 Days, visitors could approach things at a more leisurely pace.

Rather than going full throttle – like attending a pool party and then going out to clubs – do those activities on two separate days. Spend one full day downtown on Fremont Street, rather than just half a day. And, perhaps, consider adding one more excursion to complete your Las Vegas travel itinerary.

Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas Itinerary

Visitors trying to plan their own Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vegas Itinerary can use our helpful tips in our Weekend in San Francisco article and in our guide to Coastal California .

However, visitors who want to leave the planning to the professionals can book a 7-Day tour of the three cities. Get more info!

Las Vegas Three-Day Itinerary Travel Tips

Now that you know how to plan a travel itinerary for Las Vegas, we have a bit more advice to ensure you pull off that perfect trip!

Las Vegas Tips For First-Timers

Our 3 days in Las Vegas Itinerary is packed with fun things to do for all travelers. However, we have a few first-time Vegas tips to help keep things on track and enjoyable for all!

Stay Hydrated

One of our top Vegas tips for first-timers is to stay hydrated! With an endless flow of drinks and desert sunshine, it is easy for your body to lose fluids and become dehydrated. That can put a real damper on your trip, not to mention, give you a terrible hangover. There are free places to refill – so bring a Collapsible Water Bottle with you.

Stay Together

Everything in Vegas is huge – the casinos, the clubs and the crowds. If you are planning a First-Time Vegas Itinerary with friends or family, stay together! Additionally, have a back up plan or meeting place in case you get separated from your crew or lose your phone.

Watch Your Drinks

Girls – and guys, for that matter – remember to keep an eye on your drinks while at pool parties, dance clubs and even in the casinos. This is a good tip for anyone imbibing anywhere, but especially in a place where you are letting loose and in unfamiliar surroundings. 

Budget Your Vegas Trip

Our last tip for planning your First-Time Las Vegas Itinerary is to create a budget. It is easy to get swept up in spending money in the city. Gambling, partying and sightseeing can all be big expenditures. However, with careful planning (and some restraint), it is possible to plan a trip that will fit nearly every budget.

Free Attractions

If you are seeking free things to do in Vegas, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained! We have already highlighted some of the best free Vegas things to do – but we have a few more money-saving tips.

Walk through the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace for window shopping. Stroll along the canal at the Venetian Resort (rather than riding a gondola). Wander the cobblestone lanes at Paris Hotel and seek out replica landmarks at New York New York.

Travelers with kids should head to Circus Circus, where there are free daily circus act performances. If you have a car, take a short road trip to see the unique and colorful Seven Magic Mountains art installation, with offers free entry. 

How To Get To Vegas

Las Vegas can be reached by plane, bus or car. Having lived in Phoenix, Arizona for several years, we have made the drive between the two cities numerous times. 

Las Vegas Airport

Flights to Vegas land at the McCarran International Airport (LAS), which is located just off the south end of The Strip. The airport is served by all major US airlines and many international carriers. When we need to buy airline tickets, we start our search on SkyScanner for the best deals. We share more tips in our article, Finding Flights for Cheap .

Airport to The Strip

There are several ways to get from the Vegas airport to The Strip hotels. However, properties are not permitted to run their own shuttles, so you will have to book your own. Shared airport shuttles are the least expensive way to get to the Strip, but also generally take the longest.

Taxis, Uber and Lyft pick up passengers from LAS airport as well. However, you can also book Private Round-Trip transport in advance – or, upgrade your arrival with a Limo ride from the airport to your hotel.

How To Get Around

We love to discover cities on foot…but that is problematic in Las Vegas. Not only are the colossal casinos further apart than they appear, but – any time outside of winter – it is very, very hot. Thankfully, there are a few different options when it comes to getting around Las Vegas.

The Monorail is a convenient way to get up and down The Strip – and they offer several ticket options, including single ride, daily passes and multi-day passes, too. The Deuce and SDX are the cheap local buses which cover The Strip and beyond.

Ride-shares are convenient options for getting around – but use designated pick up and drop off points. Vegas visitors can rent a car , but we don’t recommend it if you are sticking mostly to The Strip and Downtown (Fremont) areas.

An entertaining way to combine transport and sightseeing is with the Big Bus Hop On Hop Off Vegas. The open-air, double-decker bus has two routes and makes stops at all the top attractions. Tickets are available for one or two days. Get your tickets!

Where To Stay in Las Vegas for 3 nights

With 3 nights in Vegas, we think it is imperative to stay in a central location on The Strip. Over the years, we have stayed in many different hotels in Las Vegas, even at a few that no longer exist!

We personally like the MGM Grand, which offers reasonable rates, consistently updated rooms and easy access to the Monorail. Located toward the southern end of The Strip, it is well-suited to a variety of guests (from couples to families to bachelor parties). Check rates and availability!

That said, we have also enjoyed staying in the center of The Strip, where some of the best casinos are clustered together for easy access. Affordable options near the center are LINQ, Flamingo and Harrah’s.

Visitors who want a luxury hotel can opt for one of the 5-star hotels in Vegas, like Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, The Venetian and Wynn.

Start your search for Great Vegas Hotels  and use our Top Tips for Booking the Best Hotels !

What To Pack

Deciding what to pack for your 3-day Vegas getaway can be a challenge. If you are going to clubs, you will need stylish clothes and shoes to match. If you plan on taking tours, you will want comfortable outfits. In the end, you may be tempted to pack everything…just in case! Because we don’t recommend over-packing, we do have a few specific packing hacks . 

Comfortable Shoes

If you plan on leaving your casino resort at all, we highly recommend packing comfortable travel shoes . Actually, even if you are staying within one complex, you will likely be doing a lot of walking – the casinos are just that massive.

For daytime walking, I like wearing lightweight and comfortable shoes, like these from Columbia . Foldable Flats are also ideal for Vegas and easy to switch out with heels, if you carry them in your purse!

Sun Protection

The sun in Vegas is intense! Wearing sunscreen at the pool and while touring the city is essential; you don’t want a sunburn to ruin your vacation. To keep the sun off your face, we also recommend wearing a stylish travel hat and good sunglasses . 

Travel Camera

If your Las Vegas Itinerary planner includes any tours, you will definitely want a good travel camera . We suggest the Canon Rebel  with a 18-135mm lens. It is easy to use, takes phenomenal photos and comes bundled with a ton of fun accessories; making it an excellent budget camera .

Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you’ll also want to carry a stylish day bag to tote all your water, sunscreen, camera and other everyday items in. We prefer these small backpacks , but there a loads of styles to choose from. We share our top picks in our blog post, Best Day Bags !

Start planning your trip to Las Vegas ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more trip advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

Looking For More Fun-filled USA Weekend Trips? 

We have traveled extensively in the United States and share our best itineraries to help fellow travelers plan their vacations. If you need some inspiration, start with our roundup of the Best Weekend Trips in the USA !

Searching for Top Party Destinations in the US? Gotcha! Get primed with our detailed guides for fun weekends in Indy , Austin , New Orleans , Chicago , NYC and Nashville ! Also check out our lists for Great Winter Vacations and the Top Places to Party for NYE (Vegas is on BOTH!).

Visiting some of the Best Destinations in the US West? Great! We have guides to San Diego , Bend , Malibu , Seattle , Vancouver (WA),  Portland and Denver !

Going on a USA Road Trip? Super! We provide details for some of the most epic road trips in US, including the California PCH , the Oregon Coast and Columbia River Gorge plus our Ultimate Montana Road Trip !

Find all of our honest advice and insider travel tips on our USA Travel Page!

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

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Las vegas travel guides, book your vacation, planning a trip to las vegas: the ultimate 3-day itinerary.

Nothing can be more daunting than too many choices, and when you're planning a trip to Vegas, you'll definitely feel some analysis paralysis. But don't sweat it! Your Vegas experts are on the case, and we have planning a Vegas trip down to a science. So pack those bags and get ready for one hell of a good time with our ultimate three-day Las Vegas itinerary.

Las Vegas Trip: Day One

Whether you're only in town for one day or it's the first out of a three-day Vegas trip, you'll want to make the most out of these 24 hours. There’s certainly not a lack of things to do in Las Vegas , but deciding what to do is intimidating. Since we know exactly what you should be checking off your Sin City bucket list, your 24-hour dance with Lady Luck should go a little something like this:

A Vegas Trip Starts with Brunch

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so a visit to one of the best brunch spots in Las Vegas should be high on your to-do list. We’ll point you to The Cosmopolitan . We don’t have a bias, but we do love this one for its massive variety of delicious food and its central Strip location. A Vegas brunch allows you to indulge in a range of worldly cuisine while still feeding the pro-wrestler inside you. More importantly, a Vegas trip is never complete without a bottomless mimosa.

Sightseeing on the Vegas Strip

Once your stomach is bursting with steak and strudel, it’s time to take in the sights. Binoculars, fanny packs, and Hawaiian shirts are optional, but we’re more about seeing as many landmarks as possible on our three-day Vegas trip. We find that the most efficient way to do that is with a Big Bus Tour that whisks you away to every notable destination on your checklist while still giving you plenty of time to explore on your own. So, Let’s start with some casino hopping. Amidst the singing slot machines and the bustling gaming tables, every hotel has a unique theme. One minute you’ll find yourself in the days of the Roman Empire inside the opulent lobby of Caesars Palace , and the next, you’ll be among the Egyptian ruins of The Luxor .

As you make your way down Las Vegas Boulevard, stop at The High Roller or FLY LINQ Zipline located at The LINQ Promenade. This observation wheel is the largest in the United States so chances are you won’t have trouble finding it. The High Roller’s pods have some of the best views in the city and include an open bar for visitors who want to get started on their Vegas drinking with an afternoon cocktail or two. Speaking of afternoon refreshments, the High Roller is surrounded by tons of food options that include the west-coast fast food favorite In-N-Out that is a must for anyone who hasn't tried it before. So go ahead and grab a tasty lunch before continuing your Vegas trip with a full tank.

When you're planning out a Las Vegas itinerary, it's pretty much obligatory that you go to the Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian. These upscale indoor shops transport you straight to Venice, Italy. Including a recreation of the famous canal complete with working gondolas and singing gondoliers to operate them.

As for your foliage needs, you'll want to head over to the Bellagio Conservatory where hundreds of horticulturists arrange thousands of flowers into the most beautiful botanical arrangements in the city. Inspired by various happenings around the world, the Bellagio Conservatory is totally free and is a sight that you must see to believe.

OK, we’re hopping over to another country in Las Vegas land, and this time it’s for dinner and some pre-show action. Dinner on the patio at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas is obligatory. This quaint French café serves up authentic French meals and offers an incredible dining experience. As you’re sipping on bubbly and replenishing your energy reserves, turn your attention to stage west, a.k.a. The Bellagio Fountains . With Performances every 15 minutes beginning at 8 p.m. and ending at midnight, this ultra popular free Las Vegas attraction can be the entertainment to your meal if you schedule your hunger pangs accordingly. Front row seats to the fountains, drool-worthy dishes, and prime people watching – this is what we like to call the Las Vegas dinnertime trifecta.

Partake in The Famous Vegas Nightlife

Once your food digests and you hit your second wind, head over to one of the dozens of fantastic shows on The Strip. Las Vegas has a show for every audience that ranges from hilarious family-friendly magicians to the spiciest of adult entertainment with plenty of options in between. So no matter who you're visiting Sin City with, our live shows are the perfect way to spend an evening out on the town.

Your final mission, should you choose to accept it, is to keep the party going until you leave the tarmac in a bloodshot state. Scratch that dancing itch with the rest of the beautiful party-goers at one of our ultra-famous nightclubs. Omnia inside Caesars Palace is one of our favorites, but there are plenty of other nightlife options both on and off the Strip where you can lose yourself in the heart-pumping music until your evening blurs into that sparkling Vegas abyss. If you don’t see the sunrise when you leave, you probably didn’t do your Vegas vacation right.

DAY ONE VEGAS TRIP PLANNER MUST-DOS

Vegas trip: day two.

Well, check you out, you lived to tell the tale of your first day in Sin City, and you’re ready to start the second day of your Las Vegas itinerary. Since you’ve already gotten a good taste of the Strip, day two is taking us to the place where Sin City got its start: Downtown on Fremont Street .

Check Out Historic Fremont Street

What used to be a small, whistle-wetting pit stop for cowboys passing through has become a neon-lit adult fantasy world. Like the champ it is, Fremont Street holds its reputation for being the best in the West for its undeniable good-time allure. Hosting guests in hotels of yesteryear while keeping up with the current century through modern upgrades and entertainment, Downtown Las Vegas remains the most eclectic and authentic part of the city to date. You can spend the whole day strolling down Fremont Street, soaring above the action on SlotZilla , or just parking it on a bench to people watch and enjoy the free entertainment provided by the Fremont Street Experience.

Once you get your fill of Las Vegas’ past, head back towards the Strip for more of what you can’t find anywhere else. If you dare (and we’re triple dog daring you), take the 829-foot plunge via The Sky Jump at The STRAT for an ultimate adrenaline rush. Don’t worry, you’re completely harnessed into the controlled fall, but we promise that jumping off this tower is a total rush. However, if you prefer the safer side of things, you can also take in the killer 360 views on the Skypod Observation Deck .

A Vegas Trip Needs Some Souvenirs

Need some time for that adrenaline to wear off? Bust out the plastic, because it’s time for some retail therapy. Fashion Show Mall is a great place to chill, grab a bite, and get your wardrobe on point. Loaded with 250 shops, 8 department stores, and 25 food options, this shopping oasis will make sure you go home with some sexy Vegas swag. The best part is, Fashion Show Mall features some of our favorite Las Vegas Strip attractions like Shaq's Fantasy Lab . So if your crew is about to make "shop till you drop" happen, step inside this one-of-a-kind immersive experience for a much-needed break and unique endeavor.

Dinner and Cocktails - Vegas Style

Look at the time; you should probably get cleaned up for a night on the town to finish off the second day of your Las Vegas trip. You’ll start with pre-dinner drinks at the Chandelier Bar . at The Cosmopolitan. You can’t miss it, it’s draped in crystal and takes up three floors of the property and oh yeah - looks like a massive chandelier. Each level of this bar has its own menu with varied drinks created by the on-property mixologist. Take it from us, try the Verbena. You chew on a Szechuan button and feel a few crazy sensations on your tongue as you drink this super yummy cocktail. A perfect pre-dinner indulgence, these special drinks will give you a new cocktail experience and get you ready for your main course. We recommend Secret Pizza for an old-school laid back vibe or STK if you're craving the flavors of an upscale, modern steakhouse.

Enjoy Out of This World Vegas Entertainment

Now that your stomach stopped growling, it’s time to be entertained. Cirque du Soleil is a Las Vegas staple, and we can’t wait to see your face after watching these must-see productions. Since there are several Cirque shows to choose from, you've got your work cut out for you when it comes to choosing just one for your Las Vegas itinerary – but just know that there is no wrong choice with these fantastic, high-flying shows. From stunning high dives into sparkling waters with “O” at Bellagio to tribute shows celebrating pop music idols, the sheer acrobatics and storytelling power of these Vegas spectacles will blow away.

If you want a taste of more Las Vegas nightlife, but your feet are still sore from your previous dancefest, we recommend getting off the Strip to visit Area15 . Here you can enjoy a wide range of psychedelic art installations while sipping on a specialty mixed drink from their neon-lit bar. Area15 is also home to Meow Wolf's Omega Mart where you can explore a 52,000 square-foot maze of alien-like worlds and interactive art hidden within the facade of a not-so-normal grocery store.

DAY TWO VEGAS TRIP PLANNER MUST-DOS

Vegas trip: day three.

Congrats! You’ve made it to your third day in Las Vegas and you deserve some hard-earned rest and relaxation. Of course, this day will still be packed with excitement, but it’ll be a little less like Black Friday shopping and a lot more like a Jimmy Buffet song.

Get Out Into Nature

One thing about Las Vegas that most visitors neglect is the fact that there’s plenty of fun to be had off the Strip. This is not a joke, people travel from all over the world to get their rock climbing and hiking fix within the enormous expanse of Red Rock Canyon or the iconic Grand Canyon that's just a car ride, bus, or helicopter ride away from Sin City. Whether you drive yourself or opt for one of our Grand Canyon Tours , the most important part is that you get yourself to the Canyon well before sundown.

Finish Strong with a Stellar Vegas View

After your day of adventure, indulge in something a little more refined back on the Strip to finish your Las Vegas trip a high note. Las Vegas has plenty of dining options that overlook some breathtaking views where you can savor the tastiest of gourmet dishes.

Take it a few stories up and check out the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck that offers stunning sights of the Bellagio Fountains and other iconic hotels. And if you really want to go out with a bang, take a nighttime Helicopter Tour over the Las Vegas Strip. The sparkle of the bright city lights against the dark desert backdrop will remind you one last time that Las Vegas is a place that you must see to believe.

DAY THREE VEGAS TRIP PLANNER MUST-DOS

More las vegas information.

• Best Day Trips From Las Vegas
• Best Day Daytime Activities in Las Vegas
• 20 Things to Do Under $20 in Las Vegas

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Things to do after your flight to Las Vegas (LAS)

Las Vegas, often referred to as the Entertainment Capital of the World, is known for its opulent casinos, bright lights, many shows and round-the-clock activity.

Las Vegas’ top attractions

• Try your hand at roulette, card games or slot machines at one of the many casinos.
• Travel the world by exploring themed hotels such as Luxor, the Venetian, New York New York and Paris Las Vegas.
• Take a trip to the Grand Canyon.
• Watch in awe as the fountains at Bellagio put on a show.
• See the volcano at the Mirage.
• Take in some entertainment, from cabaret and comedy to music concerts, theatrical shows and circus acts.

Best time to travel to Las Vegas

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures in Las Vegas, although it is a popular destination year-round. Las Vegas offers something different each night of the week. Vegas Uncork’d, the area’s biggest food and drink festival, as well as the Great Vegas Festival of Beer, are both hosted during the spring. See the best in film at the Las Vegas Film Festival, celebrated in the summer.

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Las Vegas Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

But there’s more to visiting Sin City than just the Strip. This city is home to a growing art scene, incredible shows, an amazing mix of restaurants, events, nearby hiking, and history. The downtown area is being revived, there’s so much good food here (did I mention that? lol), and friendly people.

This travel guide to Vegas can help you navigate the city on a budget and show you that there’s more to Vegas than the Strip.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Las Vegas

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Las Vegas

1. Take in a show

Vegas does entertainment better than anywhere else. You can find some of the best acts in the world here, from magic shows to comedy acts, circus performances to musicals. It’s often a good idea to book tickets with your accommodation as it can work out to be cheaper. Use Tix4Vegas (operated by Tix4Tonight) to find tickets for shows that night for up to 50% off. They have booths at Showcase Mall, Bally’s Grand Bazaar, and Casino Royale.

2. Experience Fremont Street

Fremont Street is where Vegas was born. The city’s first hotel opened up here in 1906, it became the city’s first paved street in 1925, and the first gaming license was issued to an establishment on Fremont in 1931. Today, Fremont Street offers a very different scene from the Strip, with dive bars, older casinos, and more of a New Orleans Bourbon Street vibe. It’s a great area for entertainment, people-watching, and cheap drinks. The Fremont Street Experience (FSE) on the western end of the street is a pedestrian mall with nightly light shows and street performances.

3. Splurge on a meal

Las Vegas has some of the best food in the world. With all that money flowing in, it is easy to see why. You can find every type of cuisine and every type of restaurant here, from Michelin-starred restaurants to gigantic, bottomless brunch buffets. A trip here isn’t complete without at least one fine dining experience. My favorite restaurants are Yellowtail (Bellagio), Lemongrass (Aria) The Peppermill, and Firefly.

4. Head to Hoover Dam & Lake Mead

Completed in 1936, the Hoover Dam is the country’s largest reservoir. Its massive curved wall towers 726 feet (221 meters) above bedrock and holds back over 9 trillion gallons of water in Lake Mead. It is an impressive feat of engineering, and the dam’s hydroelectric generators provide power to Nevada, Arizona, and California. This project was an important part of how the desert states of the Southwest were able to develop. The dam is free to see but the visitor center with its exhibits and observation deck costs $10 USD. A guided tour of the power plants and dam costs $30 USD. This will take you through the tunnels and you’ll get to ride the original elevator. You’ll visit the viewing platform and even get to see the massive Colorado River from inside the dam.

5. Visit the Neon Museum

This outdoor lot is brimming with the huge neon signs that once beckoned you into casinos like the Silver Slipper, Stardust, and El Cortez. The museum recently expanded and now features more signs, a park, and guided tours of their collection. For each sign, there are displays to read about its story and significance in Vegas history. Daytime admission is $20 USD and nighttime tours cost $25 USD. Make reservations in advance as this is a very popular attraction and it often sells out. The museum also offers “Neon Night Flights,” nighttime helicopter tours of Vegas’s neon lights (tickets start at $199 USD, which includes a guided tour and light show at the museum).

Other Things to See and Do in Las Vegas

1. take a trip to the grand canyon.

You can combine a trip to the Grand Canyon with an outing to Hoover Dam if you take one of the many coach tours (start around $110 USD). These take an entire day as the canyon isn’t that close to the city. Since they are over 250 miles (400 kilometers) away (a tour of the Canyon and Hoover Dam can easily take up to 14 hours). While I think the Grand Canyon deserves its own trip, if this is the closest you can get to it, a rushed visit is better than no visit. Tours with Get Your Guide take around 10 hours and cost $165 USD.

If possible, rent a car instead . That will give you more flexibility and will likely be cheaper if you can split a rental.

2. Explore Shark Reef Aquarium

As one of the most prestigious sea-life centers in the world, Shark Reef Aquarium is a must-see. Shark Reef tunnel, which is designed to look like a sunken ancient shipwreck, allows you to come face to face with over 2,000 species of sharks, sawfish, giant rays, endangered green sea turtles, and rare golden crocodiles. Holding over 1.3 million gallons, the aquarium’s main tank is one of the largest in North America. The aquarium is located in the Mandalay Bay Resort and tickets cost $29 USD for admission and a VR experience . There’s also an option to add the experience of feeding sharks or stingrays. Prices for the add-ons start at $65 USD.

3. See Vegas from The STRAT

Offering the best views of Vegas, The STRAT is the tallest free-standing observation tower in the US. If you’re feeling brave, consider trying the rides at the top. The aptly named X-Scream propels you headfirst 27 feet over the edge of the tower and leaves you hanging 850 feet in the air. Admission to the Sky Pod Observation Deck costs $20 USD. Adding a “Thrill Ride” is as little as $1 per ride, depending on the time of day, while Sky Jumps (think bungy jumping) start at $149 USD.

4. Hike Red Rock Canyon

If the bright lights of Vegas get too much for you, head out to Red Rock Canyon for a day of hiking. A road rings the canyon, and each trailhead has a parking lot where you can leave your car to go hike before driving to the next trailhead. At 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) long, the Calico Tanks trail is the most popular in the area. You pass a natural water tank on the way, which leads up to a summit offering a great view of Las Vegas. Make sure to come early in the morning before it gets too hot, and bring a lot of water, a hat, and sunscreen. The entrance costs $20 USD per vehicle (or $5 USD if you’re a pedestrian), and the scenic loop is open from 6am to at least 5pm. Other popular trails worth checking out are the Ice Box Trail (2.6 miles/4 kilometers), Keystone Thrust (2.2 miles/3.5 kilometers), and the White Rock-Willow Spring Loop (4.4 miles/7 kilometers).

If you’d rather splash out than hik, helicopter tours over Red Rock last 2-3 hours and cost $239 USD.

5. Check out the Mob Museum

Las Vegas started with the mafia. Bugsy Segel built the Flamingo and, since then, the mob has controlled Vegas (see the movie Casino , which is based on a true story). With the rise of mega-resorts, the mob has less influence these days, however, there would be no Vegas without the mafia. This detailed, eye-opening museum showcases the history of the mob and Vegas. It’s super informative! Don’t miss The Underground, a speakeasy and distillery underneath the museum where you can try Prohibition-era cocktails with moonshine crafted on-site. Fun fact: my family used to be involved with the mob out in Vegas. Admission is $34.95 USD (save $10 USD on admission by buying “happy hour” tickets online and visiting after 5pm Sunday-Friday or before 11am on Saturday).

6. See the Mirage Volcano

Set to its own soundtrack, this man-made volcano erupts finely choreographed fireballs and smoke 100ft into the air from the waters below, turning the waterfall to molten lava. It’s located at the Mirage (on the Strip) and has been erupting since the hotel opened in 1989. The volcano show happens nightly at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, and 11pm. It’s one of the many free nightly displays on the Strip that hotels use to attract and captivate visitors.

7. Visit the Venetian

The Venetian Las Vegas is a luxury hotel, resort, and casino that, with a staggering 7,092 rooms, is the 2nd-largest hotel in the world. The architecture and construction of this casino are magnificent and one of the best on the Vegas Strip. While gondola rides are super cheesy, overpriced, and touristy (just like in Venice !), it’s worth spend some time walking through here. It’s super pretty and makes for a good stroll. Plus, it’s free!

8. Watch the Bellagio Fountain Show

The Bellagio resort offers a magnificent nightly light and water display set to music. The show has 4,792 lights and uses 1,214 water nozzles to send jets of water soaring as high as 460 feet (140 meters) across the 8.5-acre man-made lake in front of the hotel. I think it’s overhyped (probably due to Ocean’s 11 ), so while I wouldn’t make my night revolve around it as some people do, it’s worth seeing if you’re nearby. Check the Bellagio website for showtimes.

9. Hang out in Boulder City

Along the way to the Hoover Dam, this suburb offers a taste of local life in the area. Milo’s is the hot restaurant in this town. Check out the Public Art Scape, which consists of more than thirty unique sculptures spread throughout the town. You can also visit the free Hoover Dam Museum. It’s designed to give you a glimpse into the lives of the men and women who settled the town and built the dam during the Great Depression. Take a walk or bike along the Historic Railroad Trail that takes you through the tunnels and along the railroad bed that was used to move the materials needed to build the Hoover Dam. If you’re a golfer, there are a few courses around as well. There’s also a main street and some shopping you can do. Strolling around this quiet little community is a nice contrast to the crowds of Vegas.

10. Go golfing

There are many golf courses in Vegas, including Shadow Creek, considered one of the best and most expensive courses in the world (it costs $1000 – $1,250 USD to golf here). If you aren’t a member of any local clubs, many of the casinos can arrange day passes. You can find tee times starting at $30 USD per person on weekdays.

11. Get artistic at First Friday

On the first Friday of every month, the downtown area fills up with exhibits and displays from local artists during First Friday. It’s free and a great way to get a sense of the local art scene as well as mix with locals. The event hosts live music, food trucks, and vendors selling their various creations. It’s a great way to see what life looks like for the people who live and work in Las Vegas. Be sure also to check out Arts District 18B, the arts center of Las Vegas, which is home to cool bars, shops, galleries, and more.

12. Visit the Pinball Hall of Fame

If you’ve got nostalgia for the vintage-style pinball machines of your childhood arcade days, visiting the Pinball Hall of Fame (near the Strip) is a must. After moving to a new location in 2021, this museum now spans 25,000 square feet and is dedicated entirely to classic pinball games. Admission is free, though playing the games does cost money. Make sure you bring lots of quarters!

13. Come for the Life is Beautiful Festival

Life is Beautiful is a huge music and arts festival that takes place every September in downtown Las Vegas. You get all the big-name musicians, but there’s also lots of unique entertainment – Bill Nye and Rosario Dawson are just two of the festival’s past guests. Plus, the whole downtown core gets transformed into an open-air art gallery as street artists make the city their canvas. Even if you’re visiting after the festival is over, you still get to appreciate these artworks.

14. Check out the Arts Factory

Located in the Arts District downtown, the Arts Factory is a stark contrast to the glitz and glam of the Strip. Inside this 50-year-old warehouse, you’ll find galleries, studios, and all kinds of live art events (poetry readings, plays, etc.). While First Friday is the most active time to visit, you can really visit anytime. The exhibitions are always changing so there’s always something new going on. Check their website for an up-to-date schedule. It’s free to visit too.

15. Have fun at Area15

This immersive entertainment complex is hard to describe. It’s kind of like an indoor theme park and performance venue and retail center all rolled into one. There are events and performances (live music, drag shows), as well as dance party events with DJs. There are bars inside (including a bar and arcade combined) as well as several games and activities (like ax throwing). In short, it’s a huge complex with all kinds of weird and wonderful things to do. It’s free to enter, and then you pay for whatever activities you want to do. If you plan to go on a Friday or Saturday night after 10pm, book your activities in advance, as otherwise, you’ll have to pay $10 USD to get into the complex.

Las Vegas Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There are currently only a couple of hostels in Vegas. During peak season, a bed in a 4-6-bed dorm room starts at $45 USD. For a room with 8 beds or more, expect to pay around $40 USD. During the off-season, a bed in a room with 8 beds or more costs around $30 USD a night, and a bed in a 4-6-bed dorm is about $40 USD. Free Wi-Fi is standard and both hostels here have kitchens for cooking your own meals. Neither offers private rooms.

Budget hotel prices – You can find tons of cheap budget hotel options in Vegas near the Strip or downtown. Budget two-star hotels start around $90 USD in peak season and $65 USD off-peak when you factor in resort fees which usually add around $30 per night to the listed price.

There are lots of Airbnb options in Vegas, but not many are located near the Strip. Plus, there are so many high-end hotels offering low prices, you don’t really need to consider Airbnb. A private room starts around $60 USD per night while entire homes/apartments start at $100 USD. Expect to pay double (or triple) if you don’t book early.

Food – You can find everything in Vegas, from comfort food to international eats, fast food to luxury plates. It’s all here. In Chinatown, not far from the Strip, you’ll find traditional dim sum and plenty of reasonably priced places to get a good meal. One of the great things about Las Vegas is you can find food at all hours, especially in the main tourist areas.

If you’re on a budget, you can find cheap eats in Vegas at hotels and casinos where there are buffets costing $25-35 USD. While not exactly cheap, you can really fill up on food here and likely skip a meal later.

Towards the middle of the Strip near Horseshoe, there are a number of cheap chain restaurants like Chipotle, McDonald’s, and Subway where you can find cheap fast food. Slices of pizza go for about $6 USD and you can find burgers for $10 USD. Chinese takeout is $12-15 USD for a combination plate, which includes an entree, egg roll, and rice.

Vegas has lots of mid-range dining options, especially around downtown and Fremont Street. You can dine out for $15-20 USD per main course, including meat and pasta dishes.

A beer costs about $5-8 USD (but if you want to really save money, grab a beer from a corner store for less than $5 USD — you can drink on the street here). A glass of wine is $11-14 USD (at least). Cocktails are $13-16 USD in a restaurant or cocktail bar, but there are plenty of places to find cheap drinks around the Strip and Fremont, especially during happy hours.

A latte/cappuccino costs around $5.50 USD while bottled water is around $2 USD.

Vegas has some of the best high-end dining restaurants in the world, and you really should splurge on at least one good meal. You can get a prix-fixe three-course meal starting around $100 USD and can spend more than $500 for a meal in this city! But you can also get really delicious meals with two courses for about $55 USD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay $50-65 USD per week for groceries including pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat.

Two of my favorite restaurants here are Lotus of Siam and Esther’s Kitchen.

Backpacking Las Vegas Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Vegas, expect to spend $80 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, using public transportation to get around, cooking your own meals, limiting your drinking, and doing free activities like the fountain shows and wandering Fremont. If you plan on drinking, add at least $10-20 USD to your budget per day.

A mid-range budget of $195 USD per day covers staying in a budget hotel or private Airbnb, eating out most of your meals at cheap restaurants, enjoying the occasional buffet, having a few drinks, gambling a bit, and doing some paid attractions such as seeing Hoover Dam or going to a concert.

On a “luxury” budget of $405 USD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel on the Strip, eat out at mid-range restaurants, drink more, see more shows, and rent a car to go on a trip to the Grand Canyon. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Las Vegas Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

You can visit Las Vegas on a budget if you’re mindful of your spending. However, you can easily burn through money really, really quickly here if you aren’t careful (two drinks at the bar could cost you $40 USD!). Here are some ways to stay on a budget in Vegas:

• Skip the weekend – Most people visit Las Vegas on a Friday or Saturday and stay for the weekend, which means this is the most expensive time to visit. By visiting the city during the week, you can enjoy significantly reduced room rates and restaurant prices.
• Gamble responsibly – It’s Vegas, so of course, you want to risk a few dollars in a casino. Just don’t go wild. Only gamble what you can comfortably afford to lose because the house always wins.
• Get comps – If you’re gambling, casinos often reimburse some of your losses in the form of meals, discounted show tickets, and rooms. Make sure to ask about these!
• Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards and use those points when you travel. There’s nothing better than free accommodation and most cards come with at least 1-2 nights free. This post can help you get started with the basics so you can start earning points today and have plenty for your trip.
• Use coupons – Coupons are almost a currency in Las Vegas; casinos give you a book of them when you sign up for a (free) players card, and you can find 2-for-1 offers on meals in restaurants on the Strip.
• Don’t pay cabs with a credit card – Many taxis charge a $3 USD service charge when you pay with a credit card. Avoid the charge by paying cash.
• Eat at the buffet – To fill up on food, stick to the all-you-can-eat buffets. They cost about $25-35 USD per meal and you can really pack it on!
• Eat cheap at 5-star restaurants – Prime-time seating at the Strip’s five-star restaurants is between 8-10pm, but these hot spots like to be full all the time, so most have both happy hour and pre-show menus to kick off their evenings between 4pm-7pm.
• Go to Late Night Happy Hour – Most Vegas restaurants stop serving food by 10:30pm, but there are so many performers finishing up about that time that the Strip has a tradition of the post-10pm (or 11pm, depending on the place) “late night happy hour,” with food and drinks starting around $5 USD.
• Do brunch – A boozy brunch is a Sin City staple. The best ones come with unlimited food and drinks on the weekends. (I order my mimosas bottomless and tell them to “hold the juice.”)
• Drink at the casino before hitting the club – To cut down on expensive drinks at the clubs, drink on the casino floor. The drinks are free as long as you’re playing one of the games. Sit down at a penny slot machine, play slow, and drink fast. You can have 10 drinks for the price of one at the club! Just make sure you tip the waitress.
• Get discount tickets to shows – My favorite part about staying near the Strip is getting to see so many shows. Tix4Vegas has booths at Showcase Mall, Bally’s Grand Bazaar, and Casino Royale. There you can find tickets for shows that night for up to 50% off. You can also get them online too.
• Get the Go City Las Vegas Pass – This pass allows you to see a large number of attractions (and includes a free hop-off, hop-on tour as well as transportation on The Deuce). A two-day pass is $154 USD, a three-day pass is $264 USD, and a five-day pass is $344 USD with nearly fifty attractions to choose from. Some of the things you can enjoy with this pass are a free tour of the Hoover Dam, free entrance to Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N., and free entry to the Eiffel Tower experience.
• Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi — especially if you’re going to/from the airport.
• Hang out on Fremont Street – Drinks on the Strip are pricey. Save money by drinking down on Fremont. Drinks are much cheaper there!
• Bring a reusable water bottle – Vegas gets super hot (you’re in the desert after all!) so bring a reusable water bottle to keep you hydrated. The tap water is safe, but you can use a filter like LifeStraw to ensure your water is always clean.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

Vegas only has a couple hostels since most people who come here want to live like a rock star for a few days. You can often find mid-week deals at local hotels and casinos for the same price or less than the hostel and be closer to all the action. Just be aware that most casinos also have a resort fee. If you want to stay in a hostel, here are my recommended places to stay:

• Sin City Hostel

How to Get Around Las Vegas

Public Transportation – Most of the Strip is connected via tunnels and walkways, but when it’s too hot, the monorail is a good option for getting around. The monorail stops at seven different points on the Vegas Strip, including several different major hotels. A one-way ride is $5.50 USD, while a one-day pass is $13.45 USD. You can buy up to a seven-day pass, depending on how long you’re staying.

The bus system in Vegas is known as The Deuce. It’s one of the best ways to get between downtown and the Strip, with the two main routes are The Deuce on the Strip and the SDX. A single-ride is $4 and a two-hour bus pass is $6 USD, while a 24-hour pass is $8 USD. A three-day pass is $20 USD. You can buy tickets on the bus, from ticket vending machines, or on the rideRTC, Lyft, and Uber apps.

The city also provides a free shuttle service that stops at many of the main districts and attractions. The Las Vegas Downtown Loop runs Monday-Thursday, 11am-6pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 3pm-10pm.

Taxis – Taxis start at $3.50 USD to start and go up by $2.76 USD per mile. Many taxis also charge a processing fee of around $3 USD if you don’t pay cash. Also, if you take a taxi from the airport there is a $2 USD surcharge. Fixed rates from the airport start at $17-27 USD per zone and go up from there. Since traffic here can be a pain it’s best to just skip the taxis if you can.

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around the city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. They do add up though so skip them if you can.

When to Go to Las Vegas

Vegas is busy all year-round, but especially during the winter months when the rest of North America comes seeking Nevada’s hot, desert temperatures.

Spring and fall temperatures are pleasant, with highs averaging between 69-82°F (20-28°C). There are a lot of festivals and outdoor events during these seasons. The Electric Daisy Festival, a huge electronic music festival, happens in May. Both the iHeart Radio and Life is Beautiful music festivals happen in September.

Summer is a scorcher, with temperatures reaching 105°F (40°C). It’s a good time to visit though because prices are lower. All the casino resorts and indoor spaces are well-equipped with air conditioning to keep you cool. Many of the resorts have pools and shaded areas outdoors as well.

It’s especially busy in Las Vegas during the week between Christmas and New Years’ and also at the end of January when a lot ofthe conventions are in town. March in Vegas can be total chaos when Spring Break and college basketball hits so, if you want lower prices and fewer crowds, definitely do not come during these times!

How to Stay Safe in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a safe place to visit, including if you’re a solo traveler or solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare, but like all big cities, practice caution wherever you go. Vegas does have some gang violence, but if you stick to Fremont Street and the Strip you likely won’t come in contact with it.

As a general rule, don’t walk alone at night in unlit places and keep your valuables secure at all times. Keep an eye on your wallet while in large crowds on Fremont Street or on public transportation.

Be wary of buying things from street vendors. This is especially true for event tickets as the tickets are often fake.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Worried about getting ripped off? Read about common travel scams to avoid here (though there aren’t too many scams here).

If you’re hiking, always bring water and sunscreen, especially during the summer. If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. While break-ins are rare, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Las Vegas Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Las Vegas Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in San Francisco: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chicago

The 5 Best Hotels in San Francisco

How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local

The 7 Best Hotels in New York City

The 7 Best Hotels in Miami

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Maximizing Your Fun on a Budget: Las Vegas Trip Cost Breakdown

by Trip.com

April 25, 2024

Welcome to Las Vegas / Source: Trip.com

Calculating Your Las Vegas Trip Cost: What to Budget for Flights

High Roller / Source: Trip.com

Las Vegas Trip Cost Comparisons: How Much to Budget for Hotels

The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas / Source: Trip.com

The cost of a hotel room can vary greatly depending on the time of year, location, and amenities 👍 . If you're looking to keep your Las Vegas trip costs down, it's a good idea to research and compare prices before making a reservation. In general, look for hotels located off the Strip for more affordable options, or consider booking a hotel that is connected to a casino for added entertainment value.

You can save money on your hotel stay by booking in advance or choosing a hotel that offers free amenities like breakfast, parking, or Wi-Fi. If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can often find lower rates during the week or the offseason. Furthermore, if you're traveling with a group or family, consider booking a suite or vacation rental for more space and amenities. This can be a great way to save money on dining expenses, as you can prepare meals in your room and avoid eating out for every meal.

Here is a table of accommodations at different price ranges. Click on links to specific hotel examples to access our exclusive member-only discounts on your Las Vegas trip costs.

** Please note that these prices are subject to change depending on the time of year and availability, so it's always best to check with the hotel directly to get the most up-to-date pricing. **

Remember to also consider resort fees and taxes, which can add a significant amount to your hotel bill. These charges often cover amenities and extra perks like pool access, car parking, and fitness center admission. To avoid any surprises, it's essential to read the fine print and ask about any hidden fees before booking.

Overall, with a little bit of research and planning, you can find a comfortable and affordable hotel in Las Vegas without compromising the quality of your stay. By choosing a hotel that fits your budget, you can maximize your fun and make the most of your Las Vegas trip.

Best Hotels in Las Vegas 🏨

The cosmopolitan of las vegas, the venetian® resort las vegas, bellagio hotel & casino, caesars palace, las vegas hilton at resorts world, family friendly, the strat hotel, casino & tower, paris las vegas hotel & casino, golden nugget las vegas, treasure island – ti las vegas hotel & casino, a radisson hotel, mgm grand hotel and casino, swimming pool, circus circus hotel, casino & theme park, rio hotel and casino, the orleans hotel & casino, luxor hotel & casino, las vegas trip costs: dining at different price ranges.

• Budget Dining : For those on a tight budget, Las Vegas has plenty of fast-food chains and food courts in hotels and casinos. Some popular options include In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, Earl of Sandwich , and the food court at the Fashion Show Mall. Visitors can expect to spend around $10-15 per meal.
• Buffets: All-you-can-eat dining is a top attraction in Las Vegas, offering a wide selection of international cuisine at a cost-effective price. Some recommended options include The Buffet at Bellagio , The Buffet at Aria , and The Wynn Buffet. Visitors can expect to spend around $30-60 per person.
• Mid-Range Dining : Las Vegas has plenty of reasonably-priced dining options. Some popular options include The Cheesecake Factory, The Buffet at Wynn, and Gordon Ramsay Burger . Visitors can expect to spend around $25-40 per meal.
• Fine Dining : Las Vegas is home to some of the most exclusive fine dining restaurants in the world, including many Michelin-starred options. Some popular options include L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon , Restaurant Guy Savoy , and Le Cirque . Visitors can expect to spend $100 or more per person for a meal.

Las Vegas Trip Cost: Keeping Souvenir Expenses in Check 🎁

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Las Vegas popular souvenirs / Source: Jametlene Reskp @ unsplash

Some popular souvenirs from Las Vegas include:

• Playing cards: Many casinos have their own unique decks of cards, which can make for a fun and practical souvenir.
• Shot glasses: Las Vegas is famous for its nightlife and party scene, and many people like to collect shot glasses as a way to remember their time in Sin City.
• T-shirts: There are plenty of T-shirt shops in Las Vegas selling a wide variety of designs, from humorous to outrageous.
• Keychains: Keychains are a great way to remember your trip and can be an inexpensive and functional accessory for your keys.
• Casino chips: Many people like to collect casino chips as a souvenir, especially if they have won big on the tables.
• Show memorabilia: Las Vegas is home to a wide variety of shows, from  Cirque du Soleil  to big-name headliners. Many people like to purchase show merchandise as a way to remember their experience.
• Food and drink: From specialty hot sauces to sweet treats like fudge and candy, Las Vegas has a variety of unique food and drink options that make great souvenirs.

Getting Around Las Vegas: Budgeting for Transportation on Your Trip

Here is a table of transportation options in Las Vegas at varied price ranges:

If you're staying on the Strip, walking is a convenient option to get around and explore the various attractions, restaurants, and shows. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also readily available, and can be a good option for those traveling in groups or with luggage. It's also worth noting that many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to popular attractions and the airport, so be sure to inquire about these options when making your reservations.

Las Vegas trip cost / Source: Trip.com

Public transportation is another affordable option, with the RTC (Regional Transportation Commission) bus system offering extensive routes throughout the city, including the Strip and downtown area. The Deuce is a popular bus that runs 24/7 along the Strip, stopping at major resorts and attractions. There are also the monorail and trams, which offer a faster and more comfortable way to get around the Strip and downtown.

For those looking for a more unique experience, the Las Vegas Strip offers a range of transportation options, from limos and party buses to helicopters and hot air balloons. However, these options can be more expensive and may not fit within your Las Vegas trip costs.

Sightseeing on a Budget: Planning Your Las Vegas Trip Cost for Attractions

Here is a table of popular attractions in Las Vegas that cater to different interests and budgets:

Las Vegas Explorer Pass

Planning your las vegas trip cost: how much for 2 nights & 3 days.

Death Valley National Park / Source: Trip.com

• For flights, a roundtrip ticket for two people from Los Angeles to Las Vegas can cost around $200 per person.
• Accommodation can range from a budget hotel like  Circus Circus , where you can find rooms for as low as $50 per night, to a luxury hotel like   The Bellagio , where you could pay upwards of $200 per night. For this example, we'll assume a mid-range hotel like   The Mirage , where a room can be booked for around $150 per night.
• Transportation costs can vary depending on how you choose to get around. For this trip, let's assume you'll be using a mix of ride-sharing services and public transportation. Budgeting around $30 per day for transportation should be sufficient.
• For food, it's possible to find a variety of mouth-watering dining options in Las Vegas to suit any taste and price range. On a budget-friendly trip, you could expect to spend around $20-30 per person per meal, or around $180 per day for two people.
• Entertainment is a major attraction in Sin City and can make up a significant portion of your Las Vegas trip costs. For this trip, let's budget around $400 for entertainment, which could include a few shows, a visit to a museum or attraction, and some gambling. No trip is complete without souvenirs, so let's set aside $100 to spend on gifts and sundries.

Here's a final breakdown of the Las Vegas trip costs for our 2-night, 3-day adventure:

In summary, a reasonably priced Las Vegas trip cost for two adults, would be just under $1,000 per person . This includes flights, accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate and the cost can vary depending on the options you include.

Las Vegas Trip Cost for Every Type of Traveler: Families, Couples, Solo

Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck / Source: Trip.com

• For families, Las Vegas offers plenty of family-friendly attractions that will keep everyone entertained. A must-visit is the  Adventuredome Theme Park , where you can ride roller coasters, play carnival games, and go mini-golfing. Another great option is the  Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay , where you can get up close and personal with a variety of aquatic animals. To keep costs low, consider staying at an off-strip hotel like the   Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino , which offers affordable family packages that include dining and activities.
• Couples looking for a romantic escape can enjoy a night out at the   Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck , where they can take in the stunning city views and enjoy a gourmet dinner. They can also take a stroll through the romantic   Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens   or take a gondola ride at   The Venetian . For accommodation, couples can consider staying at   The Cosmopolitan , which offers luxurious rooms and world-class amenities.
• Solo travelers can enjoy the vibrant nightlife and exciting entertainment that Las Vegas has to offer. The city has an array of solo-friendly activities like a day trip to the Hoover Dam or a tour of   The Neon Museum . Another great option is to take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon for a breathtaking view of one of the world's most magnificent wonders. Solo travelers can also stay at hostels or budget hotels like the   Las Vegas Hostel   or   The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Skypod , where they can meet other travelers and save on accommodation within their Las Vegas trip costs.

Below is a table outlining the estimated Las Vegas trip costs for a two-night, three-day trip for each type of traveler, based on average prices for accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment.

Cutting Costs on Your Las Vegas Trip: Money-saving Strategies

Ethel M Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden / Source: Trip.com

• First and foremost, timing is everything. Visiting Las Vegas during peak season means skyrocketing prices, while traveling during off-peak times can lead to major savings. The winter months, particularly November and December, can be a great time to visit as hotels offer lower rates and the weather is still mild. Plus, with the holiday season in full swing, you'll be able to enjoy festive attractions and events without emptying your wallet on Las Vegas trip costs.
• Another way to save on your Las Vegas trip cost is to take advantage of the many discounts and promotions offered by hotels, restaurants, and attractions . Many hotels offer reduced rates and package deals during slow periods, so be sure to check their websites or sign up for email newsletters to stay in the know. Additionally, sites like Groupon and LivingSocial frequently offer discounts on activities, restaurants, and shows, so it's worth checking them out before you book.
• Speaking of shows, don't miss the opportunity to see world-renowned performances at a discount. Many shows offer discounted tickets for same-day or last-minute purchases, and some even offer standing-room tickets for a fraction of the price. Don't be afraid to ask the ticket desk if they have any specials or discounts available and save big on your Las Vegas trip costs.
• And when it comes to dining out, Las Vegas has plenty of affordable options. Take advantage of happy hour specials, which often include discounted drinks and appetizers. And if you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, consider making lunch reservations instead of dinner as prices are often lower during the day.
• Finally, don't forget to use your player's club card when gambling as it can lead to discounted or even free hotel rooms, meals, and other perks . The more you play, the more you earn, so make sure to sign up at your hotel's player's club desk.

Expert Tips for Reducing Your Las Vegas Trip Cost and Maximizing Your Fun

Here are some other tips to help you maximize your fun while minimizing your expenses:

• Stay off the Strip: Accommodations on the Strip can be pricey, so consider staying in a hotel or vacation rental off the beaten path. You'll still be able to enjoy all the attractions and entertainment Las Vegas has to offer, without spending a fortune on Las Vegas trip costs.
• Use public transportation: Instead of renting a car or taking cabs, save money by using Las Vegas' public transportation system. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada offers an extensive bus system, with single rides starting at just $2. Or, try the Las Vegas Monorail, which can take you from one end of the Strip to the other for as little as $5 per ride.
• Take advantage of free attractions: Believe it or not, Las Vegas has plenty of free attractions. Check out the   Bellagio Fountain , the  Volcano at the Mirage , or the   Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo , just to name a few. There's no need to spend a fortune on entertainment when there are so many great free options available that don't add to your Las Vegas trip costs.
• Eat smart: Las Vegas has no shortage of high-end dining options, but if you're on a budget, there are plenty of great places to eat that won't break the bank. Look for happy hour specials, discounted buffets, or affordable fast-food options.
• Know your limits: If you're a gambler, it's important to set a budget and stick to it. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and overspend, but staying disciplined and setting limits for yourself will save you money in the long run.

Valley of Fire State Park / Source: Trip.com

Travel with Trip.com and save money on Las Vegas trip costs!

Congratulations, you've made it to the end of our guide on maximizing your fun on a budget during your Las Vegas trip! By now, you should have a better understanding of what to expect in terms of Las Vegas trip costs and how to plan a budget-friendly trip to Sin City without sacrificing the fun.

Remember, the key to keeping your trip affordable is to plan ahead and be smart about your spending. From budgeting for flights, hotels, and transportation, to dining, entertainment, and souvenirs, there are plenty of ways to save money on Las Vegas trip costs without compromising on quality.

Be sure to sign up for our Trip . com Rewards loyalty program to access all our latest deals on travel, hotels and flights and save more on your Las Vegas trip costs.

Save more on your Las Vegas trip cost / Source: Trip.com

Las Vegas Trip Cost - FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit las vegas.

Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) have comfortable temperatures, smaller crowds, and cheaper rates.

What should I pack for a trip to Las Vegas?

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, light clothing, and a jacket (air-conditioned areas can get chilly). Dress code varies by venue.

Do I need a rental car in Las Vegas?

No, but it's recommended if planning to explore outside the Strip. Public transport and ride-sharing are also available.

Is it safe to walk around Las Vegas at night?

Las Vegas is generally a safe city, but it's always wise to take precautions when walking around at night. Avoid flashing valuable items, and be aware of your surroundings.

What is the minimum age to gamble in Las Vegas?

The legal age for gambling, drinking, and smoking is 21. You will need to provide identification to enter casinos.

Las Vegas Trip Cost

• 1. Calculating Your Las Vegas Trip Cost: What to Budget for Flights
• 2. Las Vegas Trip Cost Comparisons: How Much to Budget for Hotels
• 3. Las Vegas Trip Costs: Dining at Different Price Ranges
• 4. Las Vegas Trip Cost: Keeping Souvenir Expenses in Check🎁
• 5. Getting Around Las Vegas: Budgeting for Transportation on Your Trip
• 6. Sightseeing on a Budget: Planning Your Las Vegas Trip Cost for Attractions
• 7. Planning Your Las Vegas Trip Cost: How Much for 2 Nights & 3 Days
• 8. Las Vegas Trip Cost for Every Type of Traveler: Families, Couples, Solo
• 9. Cutting Costs on Your Las Vegas Trip: Money-saving Strategies
• 10. Expert Tips for Reducing Your Las Vegas Trip Cost and Maximizing Your Fun
• 11. Travel with Trip.com and save money on Las Vegas trip costs!
• 12. Las Vegas Trip Cost - FAQs

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How Much You Should Budget for a Trip to Vegas – By Category!

By Author Jake Hoffman

Posted on Last updated: October 13, 2023

Key Points:

• According to survey data, the average visitor spent $1,461 per 4.6-day long trip, which breaks down to about $318 per day.
• The average visitor budgeted $500 per trip specifically for gambling, which amounts to about $109 per day.

When it comes to budgeting spending money for Vegas, there isn’t a “one size fits all” answer. Variations in preferences from person to person need to be taken into account before determining how much cash you’ll need.

With that being said, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) conducts an annual visitor survey to gauge how much, on average, people spent during their trip on things like entertainment, food, drink, and gambling.

Below, I’ll dig into those average spend figures which can help you create your own spending plan.

Note that for each category below, visitors shared how much they spent per category per trip to Vegas. The same survey noted that the average trip length was 4.6 days in 2021. With that information, I’m able to get a feel for what the “average person” should budget to spend per day while in Vegas.

Entertainment Budget

Determining how much money you should bring to Vegas for shows and other activities is dependent on your tastes. What do you plan to do while in town? Popular shows like “Absinthe” at Caesars, or “O” at Bellagio can cost upwards of $100 per seat while entry to comedy clubs or activities like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is significantly cheaper.

I recommend pricing out your preferred activities on sites like Vegas.com where you can see the full allotment of entertainment options available to you along with their associated price. With that information, you can put together an accurate spending plan.

The average visitor in 2021 spent $83.83 on shows, entertainment, and sightseeing per trip, or about $18 per day.

If you’re looking to do a LOT, the Las Vegas Go City All-Inclusive Pass could help you conserve your spending money.

Food & Drink Budget

Again, your specific tastes will dictate how much money you should take to Vegas for restaurants and drinking. Are you eating at Hell’s Kitchen and Giada’s, or at less expensive fast food options?

Rest assured, if you are looking to eat cheap in Vegas, there are plenty of value buffet and restaurant options to stretch your dollar. If you plan to indulge in a couple of higher-end meals though, check out that restaurant’s menu online in advance so you can budget appropriately.

When it comes to drinking, do you prefer $1 Michelobs at a dive bar like Stage Door Casino , or $20 craft cocktails like those found at the Ghost Donkey speakeasy at Cosmopolitan? Create a game plan based on what type of bar you want to belly up to. Remember, drinks are free while gambling, but bring plenty of singles to tip!

For those looking to stretch your Vegas budget, check out our guides to eating cheap on the Strip and cheap eats on Fremont Street .

Additionally, I keep an up-to-date rundown of happy hour deals on the Strip in addition to Drink deals on Fremont Street .

The average visitor in 2021 spent $462.37 on food and drink per trip, or about $101 per day.

Shopping Budget

You either do it, or you don’t. Me? You’ll find me at the craps table but I understand that some like perusing the various shopping malls in Las Vegas that range from outlet malls to high-end luxury.

The average visitor in 2021 spent $284.55 on shopping per trip, or about $62 per day.

Transportation Budget

Options for transportation in Vegas exist for all budgets and range from public transportation to limousines. Options include:

• City Bus ( The Deuce ) ($6 for a 2 hr. pass)
• Uber/Lyft ($10-$20 per trip)
• Cabs ($15-$25 per trip)
• Limos ($60/hr)

The average visitor in 2021 spent $130.02 on local transportation per trip, or about $28 per day.

Related: See all transportation options in Las Vegas , here.

Gambling Budget

The average amount of money visitors budgeted for gambling in 2021 according to the LVCVA is wide-ranging, with 7% budgeting $99 or less, 23% budgeting $100-$300, 30% budgeting $300-$600, and 39% budgeting over $600.

My suggestion is to establish a daily plan, or limit. Split the cash up into envelopes labeled by day to keep you on budget.

Of course, you can also stretch your gambling budget by escaping the Strip and visiting locals casinos where minimums are often cheaper. I suggest walking to Ellis Island , a small locals casino just behind Horseshoe off the Strip where $5 blackjack and craps can still be found.

The median amount budgeted for gambling in 2021 was $500, or about $109 per day.

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.

Obviously, the amount of money you should bring to Vegas will likely differ, but this should give you a good baseline idea of how much money to bring.

Miscellaneous Items To Consider

Tipping: I typically arrive in Vegas prior to hotel check-in and check my bags with the bellman so that I can roam the city free of encumbrances. The problem? I never seem to plan adequately for tipping which has me scrambling. Part of your spending money plan should include a stack of $1 or even $2 bills for tipping. More on tipping in Vegas here .

Resort Fees: Although your hotel will be paid for upfront, resort fees will be due at the hotel property upon check-out for the vast majority of travelers. Resort fees differ by resort, but high-end properties typically charge $45, while lower-tier strip properties have a nightly fee that lands in the $30 range. It is possible to avoid the fees if you are a big-time gambler, otherwise, you’ll want to book at one of these Las Vegas hotels without resort fees .

Understandably, your answer to “How much to budget for Vegas?” will be different depending on your tastes and preferences.

I recommend going category by category, thinking ahead about what you intend to do, and planning for what you plan to spend for each. Putting thought into your budget will help ensure you have enough spending money for Vegas to be the time of your life!

See Also: Ways to Save Money in Vegas and Free things to do in Vegas – A complete list.

Feature Image: ©andreypopov/123RF.COM

I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.

Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.

More about me, here .

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Traveling to Las Vegas for the First Time (22 Tips & Tricks)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 25, 2023

Traveling to Las Vegas for the first time  and not sure where to start or what to know before your first visit? Planning a trip to Vegas might be overwhelming, especially so if this is your first time in the city and you want to experience the best of it.

One of the best parts about visiting Las Vegas is that it has something for everyone and for every budget! You can be a millionaire or an aspiring one and still manage to have a fantastic time living big in this fascinating city that never sleeps. However, there are some things that you really should know before you go.

To help you plan your first trip to Vegas, we selected some of  the best tips for visiting Las Vegas . This no-nonsense practical guide will not only help you plan your trip, but will also show you how to make the best of your visit, time, and budget.

Good to know: This guide is now updated after our recent trip. We hope that our first-hand experience and top tips for first-time travelers to Las Vegas will help you make the most of your trip. Find out!

If you are traveling to Las Vegas for the first time, there is a lot for you to know to make the most of your adventure.  Here are some of our top travel tips for Vegas:

1. Get your bearings

There are two main areas of Las Vegas that you will hear people talk about and that you should definitely see: Downtown/ Old Vegas and the Strip.

Downtown or Old Vegas refers to the area that was the original gambling district. It’s located just north of the strip and centered around Fremont Street.  

Las Vegas Strip (aka “The Strip”) is the main tourist zone of Vegas where most iconic hotels and casinos are located. The strip of Las Vegas Boulevard stretches for 4.2 miles from the SRAT Tower on the north side to the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and the Mandalay Bay on the south side. The south side is right near the airport. 

If you are flying into McCarran airport you will fly right over the strip, you can’t miss it! Lots of lights and big fun await you.  

2. Remember that distances are bigger than they look at first sight

Las Vegas Strip is about 4.2 miles long. It would likely take you several hours to walk the entire distance between Stratosphere and Mandalay Bay.

If you look at it on a map, it looks like an easy walk. However, it’s busy and there is so much to see and do, that you really can’t just expect to ‘see it all’ in a few hours. In addition, it takes forever to cross the side streets (and there are many of them!).

Good to know: The estimated time it takes to walk to places is a very important component when making your plans for your stay in Vegas. In general, be sure to allow more time than you think you’ll need to travel from place to place! Further below, you will find our top tips for getting around Las Vegas.

TIP: Lost on the Strip? Look up for the super tall Stratosphere tower which is on the north end to get your bearings. Also the Eiffel Tower at the ‘center’ of the Strip is visible from far.

3. Stay on The Strip (or just nearby)

If you want to be in the heart of it all, the center of the Las Vegas Strip will give you the best location. Staying here will save you time and effort as most of the main Las Vegas sights and attractions will be just nearby. Furthermore, staying at one of the iconic casino-hotels on the strip is the ultimate Vegas experience!

The LINQ , The Flamingo , or Paris Las Vegas Hotel are all hotels that are VERY centrally located and affordable.  Caesars Palace is a bit more expensive but also offers great value for the location.

If you are looking for a higher-end casino/hotel, take a look at the famous Bellagio , The Venetian , or The Palazzo at The Venetian .

Good to know: The casino hotels will only allow guests under 21 with a parent or a guardian.

Before booking a hotel, see our next tip for some important information!

TIP: If you want to stay close to everything but prefer a bit quieter setting (and lower prices), look for hotels that are just off the strip. That way, you are still close to all the action, but it’s cheaper and not as busy.

For example, The Signature at MGM is just nearby and many rooms have great views of the Strip. Horseshoe Las Vegas (former Bally’s) offers very good value for the location. Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort is not too far from the strip and close to LINQ Promenade – also great value and a very popular choice in Vegas…

Our mid-budget recommendation: The Westin Las Vegas has an amazing location just off the strip, but within two minutes walk to the best part of it.

4. Beware of resort fees

Be sure to check the resort fees of any hotel you book in Vegas. The daily fee will be added to your total and can quickly add up. Some resort fees can add a big amount to your hotel bill each day, so be sure to always read the fine print.

In general, the more expensive the hotel, the higher the resort fee. It can be as low as a few dollars or as high as $50 or even more for high-end hotels. This is per night, so yes, it can add up.

TIP: We recommend booking your Vegas hotel via Booking.com . In most cases, the prices you see already include all taxes and resort fees. You can see the breakdown of the price if you click on a little ‘i’ icon next to the amount shown. That way, you can avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of your stay.

But in any case, always read the fine print as well! Often, resort fees (that you pay anyway) include all kinds of perks that you wouldn’t even think of taking advantage of.

If you want a quieter vibe or are visiting Vegas on a budget, there are plenty of smaller and cheaper hotels located a bit further off the strip. Some of them have quite a central location that will be ok for sightseeing as well. For a stay on a lower budget, take a look at Ellis Island Hotel Casino & Brewery or Tuscany Suites & Casino . Both of these hotels have a good location and excellent price/ quality ratio.

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels, apartments, and short-term rental accommodations in Las Vegas . Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay. Check it out!

5. Avoid weekends and public holidays

Las Vegas is a very popular weekend getaway and it’s often crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s also very busy during public holidays.

The 4th of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day Weekend, and New Year are the absolute peak times in Vegas! If you come during a busy time, you’ll have to queue everywhere, some activities might sell out, and accommodations will be really expensive.

So avoid traveling on weekends and during the most popular holidays.

TIP: If you want to avoid the crowds and save money, it’s best to plan a visit to Vegas between Monday and Thursday. It’s not only quieter and more enjoyable, but most hotels also have better rates and midweek deals. Also some attractions are cheaper on weekdays (e.g. Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart to mention just one).

6. Walk The Strip & enjoy FREE Vegas attractions

Even if you plan on using trams, Ubers, and buses in Vegas (more about it below), there is no question that you will still spend a ton of time walking.  The best way to explore Las Vegas is simply walking The Strip .

So get out there and explore! Walk through the casinos, stop for a drink or a snack along the way, and enjoy the typical Vegas atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else.

It’s also here that you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best FREE attractions in Las Vegas such as Bellagio Fountains, The Volcano, Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, and others.

Vegas is also one of the most fun places to people-watch. You will see a whole cast of characters from all over the world living their best life and letting loose.  

TIP:  One of the best places to “people watch” is the outdoor space at Flamingo’s Margaritaville Bar. They have tables that hang out over the top of the strip. So grab a seat, get a tasty margarita, and enjoy the views and the atmosphere!

7. Wear comfortable shoes

The most important thing to pack for exploring Vegas is comfortable shoes ! Do not be fooled and think you need to look glamorous by wearing high heels. Trust me, your entire stay in Vegas can be ruined by the wrong footwear.

You can always tell who is a Vegas rookie by watching people at the end of the night. Some women even walk barefoot carrying their high-heeled shoes in their hands… There’s even a business in Vegas that has vending machines that dispense flat roll-up shoes to help people like that!

So use your common sense, pack comfortable shoes that are suitable for the season when you are visiting, and don’t let sore feet ruin your vacation!

8. Carry some water, sun protection, and a sweater

Las Vegas is in a desert and the sun can be really harsh here. So no matter when you visit, be sure to take sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat with you. It’s also a good idea to pack a reusable water bottle when exploring the city!

At the same time, you should also be prepared for the cold AC indoors. Every time you get inside a casino, a shop, or a restaurant, you’ll experience a huge difference in temperature. It’s nice to have a light sweater (or a shawl, light jacket) to cover up indoors.

9. Adjust your biological clock

Las Vegas is 24/7!  There is always so much to see and do in the city and many places remain open into the early hours. The casinos do not have windows or clocks hanging on walls, so it is very easy to lose track of time. They want you to get lost in their space, and this can be both a good and a bad thing.

The whole city comes to life at night, so if you want to experience the best of Vegas, you may want to adjust your regular schedule a bit . Sleep longer in the morning so that you can stay up later in the evening.

Just don’t lose track of time, try to keep some kind of a schedule, and beware of the decisions you make, especially if you’re tired and money is involved.

10. Do some research & prepare an itinerary

Las Vegas has so much to offer that it can get overwhelming. So if you want to make the most out of your time and money, it really pays to do some research upfront .

For example, many places in the city don’t open before noon or even later. So it really helps to check this before you arrive someplace and find a closed door.

Some attractions in Las Vegas require advance bookings and in general, in most places, you’ll be able to skip the lines with online reservations. This can save you a lot of time – if you do your research!

TIP: Depending on how much time you have in Las Vegas, you could visit some nature destinations outside of the city in the mornings and leave the casinos and fun attractions for late afternoon/evening. You will also find some attractions that are open in the morning, and there are also nice tours that you can do at the quieter times of the day (e.g. this highly-rated Las Vegas Downtown walking tour takes place in the morning).

If you are short on time, preparing a good itinerary is also the only way to make sure that you can visit all the places that you want to in the most relaxing way. If you are planning on doing some day trips (by car or with a tour), it’s also wise to book ahead. That way, you can find the best options that suit your interests and timing and enjoy the very best that the city and its surroundings have to offer.

Via the link below, you can see an example of one such itinerary. It gives you an idea of how you could plan your first visit to Las Vegas.

Further below, you can find more information about some of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas where it makes sense to book ahead.

LEARN MORE: Las Vegas 1 Day Itinerary

11. Save time & disappointment by booking in advance

Las Vegas is a city that is pretty much always busy, no matter the season. So if you absolutely want to visit a certain attraction, eat at a specific restaurant, or see a certain show, you should book in advance ! That way, you can be sure that you can experience everything you really want to.

Often, booking online in advance is also cheaper. Furthermore, it also saves you time because you can just skip the ticket office and head straight to the attraction.

Here are some popular attraction tickets and tours that you can reserve before your trip (some of them are open tickets, so you have flexibility as to when exactly you go):

• LINQ High Roller (Las Vegas Ferris wheel – one of the most popular attractions in Vegas. Recently, when we visited, you couldn’t even book a ticket on the spot and they asked you to do it online).
• Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck at Paris Las Vegas .
• Gondola ride at The Venetian and a visit to Madame Tussauds .
• Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck .
• Thrill Rides at the STRAT Tower .
• Shark Reef Aquarium .
• Fly LINQ Zipline .
• Big Apple Coaster (you’ll still have to stand in line, but at least you save the queue at the ticket desk).
• Helicopter tours . We took this nighttime tour over the strip (bucket list experience!).
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours .
• Hard Rock Cafe on Las Vegas Strip .
• All kinds of shows and performances .

Here, you can also see a good overview of shows in Vegas .

12. Save money by booking last minute

If you want to see a show in Vegas, but don’t really care which one, when, or where you sit, then you can also just wait until you get there and try to get last-minute tickets .

Sometimes, you can get big discounts this way. However, the most popular shows will usually be sold out.

TIP:   When looking for show tickets, be sure to stop by one of the Tix4Vegas or Tickets On Demand booths. They are scattered over several different locations on Las Vegas Strip and are bright red – you can’t miss them. They often have last-minute tickets for various shows and some attractions in town.

13. Enjoy all the food, but avoid peak dinner times

Deciding on where to eat in Las Vegas can be challenging because there are so many incredibly delicious choices. The great news is, there is something for every budget and every taste bud to enjoy.

Just remember that Vegas restaurants are extremely busy at peak dining times. So try to avoid going to a restaurant at the same time everyone else does. You’ll waste a lot of time queuing. The worst time to go for dinner is between 6 and 8 PM, and for lunch – at noon.

Be sure to hit some of these restaurants in Vegas:

Las Vegas Buffets :

• Bacchanal Buffet – Caesars Palace .
• Wicked Spoon – The Cosmopolitan .
• The Buffet – The Wynn .

Celebrity Chefs:

• Giada De Laurentiis – Giada at The Cromwell.
• Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen.
• Bazaar Meat by José Andrés.
• Guy Savoy fine French dining at Caesars Palace .
• Craft Steak – Tom Colicchio at MGM.
• Gordon Ramsay – Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace, but also Gordon Ramsay Fish& Chips on LINQ Promenade.

TIP: If you want to have a good meal, avoid long queues, and save money, simply get some pizza. We had the best pizza in the US at Metro Pizza inside Ellis Island Hotel Casino . It’s just 10-15 minutes walk from the strip area around the Caesars Palace.

14. Don’t rent a car unless you absolutely need it

When planning your first trip to Las Vegas, you might wonder if you should rent a car. Before you decide, think ahead about what your plans will be during your trip… Will you travel away from the strip area? Do you plan to visit places nearby like Hoover Dam or Red Rock Canyon? And if so, will you rather go on your own or on an organized tour?

There are plenty of transportation options to get around Las Vegas (more info further below). So unless you are planning on taking a road trip away from The Strip or Downtown Vegas, you really do not need a rental car in Vegas city itself. Most casinos charge huge parking fees and traffic is usually pretty tight, so it can often be more of a pain than a perk.

If you are planning to visit any of the best places near Las Vegas , you can also just book a tour . Whether it’s a short excursion to Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, or a longer day trip to Grand Canyon , you can find plenty of tours on GetYourGuide (our favorite site for all tour and ticket bookings) or on Viator . Using these sites, you can easily see all the best options, compare prices, and benefit from the most flexible cancelation policies on the market.

If you decide to rent a car, we recommend only booking it for those days when you really need it (so not necessarily for your stay in Vegas itself). For the best prices, check the RentalCars website . They compare the best deals from different car hire companies, offer much cheaper insurance than at the counter, and have excellent customer service. We always use this website for all our rental cars when traveling and our recent experience in Vegas was excellent.

Good to know: For greater distances in town, you can opt for taxis and Uber/Lyft rides . Taxis are definitely more expensive, but Uber/Lyft can have weird pick-up locations at hotels. Be sure to ask the concierge at each place you are getting a pick-up where the Uber/Lyft pick-up area is. You might have to do some hunting to locate them. Often, you have to foresee a lot of extra time for waiting and logistics when taking a taxi or an Uber/Lyft.

15. Research airport transfers in advance

If you are flying to Las Vegas, you might wonder what is the best way to get to your hotel from the airport . It’s a good idea to know in advance what your options are. See below for more info.

There are several ways to get from McCarren International Airport to Las Vegas hotels:

• The cheapest way is with a shared airport transfer . You can best book it in advance , where you also can read the instructions on where to go. It’s very straightforward and easy.
• Uber/Lyft. If you plan on taking an Uber/Lyft from the airport to the strip, be sure to read the signs in order to locate the Uber/Lyft pick-up area . It’s up an elevator and across a walkway in a different building than baggage claim. There are clearly marked signs. 
• Taxi will likely be more expensive than the other options, especially if your hotel is on the northern side of the city. But grabbing a taxi is easy and the line usually starts right outside the baggage claim area. There is often a VERY long line with a winding queue.  Don’t be dismayed by the length of the line, it usually moves very quickly.

16. Use Las Vegas Monorail

One of the best ways to get around the Strip is the Las Vegas Monorail ! This super cool monorail avoids Vegas traffic completely, keeps you in the air conditioning, and runs on the back east side of the line of resorts. It’s also much cheaper than the HoHo buses.

Las Vegas Monorail stretches from the MGM Grand down through the Las Vegas Convention Center to the SAHARA which is across the street from the Stratosphere Tower. There are 7 stops in total which will get you near most areas you want to see on the strip. 

Trains typically arrive every 5-6 minutes at each stop. You can just pay for one ride, but (multi-) day passes are available too. Children aged 5 and under ride for free. You can get tickets online or at each station in the Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) which are located at each Monorail station entrance.

Good to know: The typical hours of Las Vegas monorail are from 7 AM to 2 AM. On weekends, it runs until 3 AM. On Mondays – until midnight.

17. Take a hop-on hop-off bus to get to know the city

If you’ve never been to Vegas before, the Big Bus Las Vegas is a great way to see everything in a short time, and without making your feet sore. They have ‘classic’ tickets for one or two days , or you can also opt for a night tour .

Normally, the double-decker bus tours the entire strip (the Strip Loop) and Old Vegas (Downtown Loop). Get on and off as many times as you want to see the main sights and attractions in Las Vegas . The first bus takes off at 10 AM and the last one at 5 PM.

TIP: The night tour takes about 3 hours and has a live guide. It’s, however, quite expensive if booked separately. But you can get a much better deal if you buy it in combination with a 1-day tour . So you get more value for your money if you get both tickets at once.

Good to know: If you didn’t get your tickets in advance, you can check ticket booths on the strip for any last-minute discounted deals. However, they are only valid for that calendar day, so if you want to make the most of it, it’s best to just book online and start your hop-on hop-off tour as soon as the buses start running in the morning.

18. Take advantage of FREE Monorail Trams

There are several free trams in Vegas that are not a part of the Las Vegas Monorail system. They can be a real lifesaver when your feet are tired, when it’s very hot, or when you just need to get to your next destination faster.

Las Vegas can get extremely hot, which can make walking a bit uncomfortable. Knowing where these free trams are will save you a lot of time & effort when you are exploring the city. Here are the three options:

Aria Express Tram

This free tram runs from the Bellagio through the City Center/Crystal Shopping Mall stop to the Park MGM stop. This tram runs every 7 minutes from 8 AM to 4 AM.  

To access the tram in the Bellagio, go to the hallway in the Bellagio Spa Tower near the walkway to Vdara.  You will see signs and stairs and an elevator that goes up to the station.

Mandalay Bay – Excalibur Tram

This is a short express tram ride that begins at Mandalay Bay, makes a stop at the Luxor, and ends at Excalibur. This tram runs from 11 AM to 10.30 PM.

The entire ride is just a 7-minute trip, but it will help you travel through these three hotels much more quickly. What looks like a short walk, could take up to 45 minutes on foot. 

Good to know:  There is also an Express Tram that runs directly between the Excalibur and Mandalay Bay, skipping the Luxor altogether. It takes just 3 minutes. 

TIP:  Be on the lookout! The Main Station on this trip has a free slot pull machine with a $5,000 payoff. So be sure to stop there for a free pull and try your luck! You may end up winning a free show ticket instead, but free is free!

Mirage – Treasure Island Tram

This tram runs between The Mirage and Treasure Island. The ride takes less than five minutes, on foot this could take 20-30 minutes. It runs every 15 minutes, between 7 AM and 2 AM.

19. Budget your spending ahead of time

If you plan on gambling in Las Vegas, the first thing you should do is set a gambling budget for yourself .  How much will you spend per day throughout the trip? 

It is very easy to blow through your hard-earned money like it is Monopoly money. So be careful!

Be smart and make sure you fill some of your time with free Vegas attractions such as Bellagio Fountains, The Volcano, Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, and many others. Your savings account will thank you!

20. Rember that the house always wins

Many people visiting Vegas are planning to try their luck at one of the casinos. It’s an experience in itself, but remember that the HOUSE ALWAYS WINS . So only gamble what you can afford to lose!

If you have never gambled before and want to give it a try, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of the games you are planning to play. Ideally, you do this before you come to Vegas, as many experienced gamblers will not be thrilled to have a newbie at the table.

Alternatively, head to the casinos in the morning or during the day. Those are the slow times when dealers will have more time and might even offer to teach you the game. In that case, be sure to tip them for the time and effort. Also, check with the casino you are staying at and see if they have any gaming lessons during the day.

Slot machines are stress-free and can be super fun to take at your own pace. So if you are new to Vegas, it’s probably better to start with them rather than the table games. Just be sure to plug in your member’s loyalty card in the slot to reap as many benefits as you can from the money you will likely lose. See below for more information.

TIP: If you are planning on gambling, you may want to wait before you order your drinks. Many casinos in Vegas offer free drinks to the people who gamble . So often, a waiter will come up to you and will offer some drinks on a house, but only if you are actually playing. So ‘free’ is never really free… Also, don’t forget to tip the waiter!

21. Reap the rewards of your loyalty

It doesn’t matter if you plan on gambling $20 or $2,000, the first thing you must do when gambling in Las Vegas is to sign up for the member loyalty card of the casino you are gambling in. If you are planning to spend the money anyway, you can as well try to get something back…

Just remember that there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch!

By signing up for these member reward cards, you will be rewarded for your loyalty. So be sure to show this card in every store, restaurant, card table and slide it into every slot machine that you play. They will track your spending and give you rewards based on that. If you want to rake up the points, stick to one casino group to make sure your spending adds up faster.

They will then send future bargains and deals for your next trip to Vegas. If you are really lucky and spend enough money in their casino, they will also give you ‘comps’ which are “complimentary” items like free dinners, discounted or free hotel rooms, show ticket discounts, etc…

There are two main reward cards for most of the casinos on the Las Vegas strip – one from MGM Resorts and one from Caesars – more info below. There are also a few other smaller programs too.

M life Rewards Loyalty Program for MGM Resorts. These casinos/resorts include MGM Grand, Bellagio, The Mirage, Mandalay Bay, ARIA, New York New York, Delano, Luxor, Vdara, and Excalibur.  

Caesars Rewards from Caesars Entertainment. These casinos/resorts include Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Horseshoe, Harrah’s, The Cromwell, The LINQ, Paris Las Vegas,  Planet Hollywood, Circus Circus, Tropicana, and Rio.

These groups are all competing for your business, so be smart about your spending and reap as many rewards as you can, because – remember – the house always wins!

22. Explore off the strip & get outside the city

Do yourself a favor and dedicate some time to exploring the Las Vegas area away from the Strip. Las Vegas has so much to offer that goes beyond the most famous casinos!

Be sure to visit some of these places:

• Old Vegas/ Downtown Vegas: Fremont Street (Old Strip), Downtown Container Park (outdoor shopping mall/ entertainment center), the Neon Museum (you can get here by public transport, with a hop-on hop-off bus , or by taxi).
• Area15. A cool venue just outside the strip. One of the highlights here is Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart . It’s a very unique experience with lights, colors, and alternative dimensions – something you won’t quickly forget.
• Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and/or Seven Magic Mountains (can also visit with a tour ).
• Hoover Dam (can easily visit with a tour ).
• Valley of Fire State Park (there are some great tours available ).
• Lake Mead ( ATV tours are popular here).
• Grand Canyon (there are some nice helicopter tours and lots of bus tours if you don’t have a car).

Many of these places that can be visited with a tour, can actually be combined in just one trip. So you can make the most of your time. Check out all the options via the links above.

You can read more about the best places and experiences in and near Vegas via the link below. Check it out!

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Las Vegas Best Day Trips & Tours from Las Vegas

Las Vegas Travel FAQ

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.

The best time to visit Las Vegas weather-wise is in early spring or later in the fall (March-April or October-November). Vegas is in the desert, so the summer months can easily see highs in the 100° range. In winter, the temperatures are mild and you can even get an occasional snow shower. If you want to avoid the crowds, don’t come to Vegas on the 4 th of July, New Year’s Eve, Labor Day & Memorial Day Weekends.  

The cheapest time to visit Las Vegas is the first half of December and January. Just before and right after the New Year’s celebrations, the city tends to be much quieter than at any other time and you can find good deals for flights and accommodations. Also in summer, when it’s too hot for many people, you might be able to find cheap hotel rates, especially in August.

Absolutely, Las Vegas is really a city for everyone! One of the best things about Las Vegas is that whether you are a high roller or not, you will be able to find ways to have fun on every budget.

Repeat after me… THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS! That needs to be your mantra while you are there. Unfortunately, the chances of you hitting a big jackpot are very slim. So make sure you keep your gambling budget strict and only gamble with what you can afford to lose.  

So, these are some of our top tips and things you should know when visiting Las Vegas.

Remember that you can’t see it all in just a few days, so make a plan, but also allow some time to discover some hidden gems and simply enjoy the moment.

One more thing – try to be open-minded and sometimes just go with the flow. Otherwise, it’s easy to get stressed out by the crowds and all the craziness around you. Remember that Vegas is all about having fun, so enjoy your time in Sin City!

READ ALSO: How to See the Best of Grand Canyon in 1 Day

More travel inspiration for Southwestern USA:

• Bucket list trip: Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend Itinerary
• Death Valley: Best Places to See in Death Valley
• Gold Butte, NV:  Travel Guide to Gold Butte National Monument
• Arizona: Best Places to See in Arizona & Monument Valley Scenic Drive
• Sedona, AZ:   Best Things to Do in Sedona  &  One Day in Sedona
• Phoenix, AZ: Scottsdale & Phoenix Itinerary
• Zion, UT:   Hiking in Zion National Park & Zion to Bryce Canyon Trip Itinerary
• Colorado Rockies:  Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary  &  Best Things to Do in Aspen  &  Maroon Bells
• Moab, UT:  Moab, Arches National Park & Canyonlands National Park
• Arches NP, UT:   Best Things to Do in Arches National Park
• Canyonlands NP, UT:  Best Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park
• San Diego, CA:  San Diego Itinerary
• Yosemite, CA:  Yosemite Travel Guide

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Image credits: Las Vegas Strip at night – aiisha/Depositphotos.com// Caesars swimming pool – BobHilscher/Depositphotos.com// Monorail – Roig61/Depositphotos.com// Vegas traffic & New York hotel – bloodua/Depositphotos.com// Tickets on demand & Rideshare stand- MichaelVi/Depositphotos.com// Las Vegas Boulevard in the dark & The Volcano – kobbydagan/Depositphotos.com// Wynn Resort – harrybeugelink/Depositphotos.com// Fremont Street crowds – Arena73/Depositphotos.com//

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Navneet Sahota

Friday 31st of March 2023

I find this article very helpful. I am leaving for my trip next week fr my 40th birthday thanks for all the tips :)

Sunday 2nd of April 2023

Glad to help and happy birthday!

Tuesday 24th of January 2023

The weather in March is comfortable to stroll through the city. Avg. highs reach about 22ºC (72ºF) with low humidity levels. The mornings are a bit chillier 9ºC (15ºF). Usually doesn't rain in March and you will be able to see blue skies most of the time.

Wednesday 25th of January 2023

Thanks for sharing your experience visiting Las Vegas in March, Rafael. Indeed, spring and fall are the best times weather-wise.

Sunday 1st of January 2023

Any recommendations for the beginning of March? Is it too hot during that time?

Thursday 5th of January 2023

@Jurga, Thanks so much! 🤗

Hi Kira, March should be great for Las Vegas! It shouldn’t be too hot at all. That being said, you never know how the weather will be. But normally, it’s as good as it gets. We once visited in July and it was ok and we were in Vegas for the New Year last week and it was wet and windy, but we had a great time. There’s plenty to see and do in any weather!

Monday 19th of September 2022

Hi everyone!

I want to visit Las Vegas for my 28th birthday. My concern is the weather as my birthday is in the beginning of February. I'm scared the cold weather and possible snow/rain will ruin the trip and photos outside.

Is it worth going in February? 😔

Hi Alysha, we ourselves are planning to visit Las Vegas this winter too and the weather is really of no concern. There is so much to see and do in the city in any weather that I really wouldn't worry about it. Just check the forecast a few days before your trip and pack accordingly. In general, you can expect very nice and pleasant weather in February - definitely during the day. And on average, it only rains 2 days a month in February - it's really not something I'd worry about. You should know that some of the National Parks nearby (Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon) can experience winter weather indeed, but it shouldn't be an issue in Las Vegas itself or places like Death Valley or Antelope Canyon if you'd decide to visit those as well. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip and remember that there's no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing ;). PS For more ideas on what to see and do in Vegas and nearby, take a look at our articles: the best things to do in Las Vegas and the best day trips from Las Vegas.

Saturday 3rd of July 2021

Be aware that the first half of December can be very expensive because National Finals Rodeo is in Las Vegas at that time.

Sunday 4th of July 2021

Thanks for the info, CJ. Happy travels!

Here's How Much Money To Budget For Las Vegas

Las Vegas is expensive, but it is possible to visit on a budget. Here's how to determine how much cash you need for Vegas.

Read update

Budget Las Vegas: How To Determine The Amount Of Money To Bring

• Budget Las Vegas effectively by using cheap accommodations, avoiding weekends, cooking some meals, and limiting gambling.
• Get affordable accommodations, transportation, and food in Las Vegas to enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.
• Consider getting last-minute show tickets at Tix 4 Tonight for discounted entertainment options in Las Vegas.

While Las Vegas is generally not considered a cheap destination, it can be if you budget it right. You can easily overspend in Sin City, but there are ways to enjoy yourself and pinch a few pennies in the process.

Here's how you can budget for Las Vegas and figure out ahead of time how much money to bring.

UPDATE: 2024/04/17 23:00 EST BY ERYNN R

This feature has been updated with current prices, transportation and food information, insights on what to eat and how to do it cheaply, plus ideas on entertainment that won't break the bank.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation For Shoestring Budget Backpackers (And Everyone Else)

From hostels to resorts, las vegas has accommodations for every budget.

If you're a shoestring budget backpacker, consider staying in a hostel in Las Vegas.

Many hotels in Vegas are relatively affordable; accommodations start at around $35 per night at hotels like the D Las Vegas and Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino. You can even book accommodation along The Strip for as little as $66 per night.

10 Cheap Hotels In Las Vegas Worth Booking This Spring

It is also worth checking the major casinos; often, they have good and cheap deals on hotel accommodation as they assume one will spend much more money in their casino and shops while staying there.

For example, Caesars Palace has some deals for around $44 per night, while Mardi Gras Hotel & Casino has offers at $51 per night. There are also Las Vegas resorts that skip the resort fees , if you're looking for posher accommodation.

Rates will, of course, vary by the season, but the cheapest time to visit Las Vegas is usually in January .

How To Enjoy A Cheap Trip To Las Vegas

Sticking to a budget takes some preparation, but it's possible, prep food in your accommodation's kitchen.

Besides accommodation, eating is one of the greatest expenses. Most hostels and self-contained Airbnbs have kitchens, and even standard hotel rooms have mini-fridges and microwaves. Prepping some food ahead of time can help you save on dining costs, but it's also cheaper to shop locally versus eating out.

• If you're okay with eating corn dogs, pizza slices, and hot dogs for every meal, you could get by on a food budget of around $13 per day with zero frills.

One of the drawbacks for those on a shoestring budget is that there normally are no self-catering kitchens in hotels and hotel casinos. Stay at a hotel-casino for a great deal, but you might end up shelling out for room service or other on-site dining if the in-room facilities aren't sufficient.

If you do eat out, look for flat-rate buffets or off-the-beaten-path eateries with lower costs; celebrity chef-run restaurants and big-ticket dining spots along The Strip will always cost more.

10 Best Buffets In Las Vegas That Satisfy Every Foodie Craving

Don't gamble (or at least set a budget).

Las Vegas, or Sin City, is world-famous for gambling. Gambling can be extremely expensive or not at all. Gambling in Las Vegas is all up to the person and their budget. One can choose not to gamble at all while there or have a strict budget of only $10-20 per day.

Knowing how much you'll gamble and preparing ahead of time (only bring that much cash) will help you stick to a budget.

Skip the paid shows

For many, skipping the Las Vegas shows and not gambling equals; there's no point in visiting Las Vegas at all. But for those who just want to see the Strip, gaze at the many neon lights, and see all the famous casino hotels at night, then it may be a trade-off worth it.

There are still a number of free attractions in Vegas for free, like the daily Fountains of Bellagio display. The display is shown every day.

Fountains Of Bellagio:

• Shows as often as every 15 minutes (up to every 30 minutes)

The most convenient way to get around Las Vegas is via Uber, but it can become expensive. If you plan to stick around The Strip, then walking is an option, and you can take city buses when necessary.

The Strip & Downtown Bus Routes

For visitors, bus rates start at $4 for a single ride and range up to $20 for a 3-day pass.

How Much Money To Bring To Las Vegas

Budget at least $75 per day for an affordable las vegas trip.

Budgeting around $75 per day can get you a decent Las Vegas trip if you stick to cheap accommodations, eat out sparsely or go bare-bones and grocery shop for your hotel mini fridge, take public transportation, and limit your gambling.

There are, of course, ways to save even more — including splitting accommodation costs with a friend, prepping food ahead of time, or skipping gambling altogether.

Avoid Las Vegas On The Weekends To Save

Weekend costs are inflated in las vegas, so steer clear.

Unless you have a specific reason for visiting Sin City on the weekend, like visiting a specific event or looking for a weekend getaway, they are best avoided. If one is going to Las Vegas to gamble - then it really doesn't matter if it's Tuesday or Friday.

During the weekends (particularly Fridays and Saturdays), the prices shoot up. Accommodation is much more expensive, and shows tend to be more expensive, as do many other things. It is best to plan a trip to Las Vegas from Sunday to Thursday, and the savings can be very significant.

For example, Caesar's Palace, for the month of December, has room prices varying massively during the week (as per checking in mid-November). Their room prices midweek for December start at around $91 while weekends go for $163 per night.

Las Vegas is one of America's favorite weekend getaways, so folks on a budget should avoid those weekly surges.

Get Last Minute Show Tickets From Tix 4 Tonight

Sometimes, winging it is the cheapest way to enjoy las vegas.

While you could skip the Las Vegas shows , it would be a pity to visit Sin City and not gamble or take in show. One of the ways to keep the budget down in Las Vegas is to get last-minute tickets for the shows as they go on fire sale.

Of course, there is no guarantee that you will be able to get good seats or get to see the show you'd prefer to see. But it is a great way to see some of the best shows in Sin City at the lowest price.

Tix 4 Tonight has four locations in Las Vegas that offer cheap last-minute ticket sales. It is not possible to buy these tickets online, so you will have to be flexible!

The three locations for Tix 4 Tonight are:

• Bally's Grand Bazaar Shops
• Showcase Mall
• Casino Royale

These locations are open 10 am – 7 pm daily, although their hours can vary seasonally. Note that these tickets are quite popular, and there is normally a queue for those arriving midmorning. So, visitors need to assess if the queue is worth their time or not.

Tickets for the more popular Las Vegas shows are often not available at Tix 4 Tonight (perhaps they tend to sell out and so there's no opportunity for last-minute fire sales).

Not all the seating categories have discounts (the prices could be similar to those at the ticket office but with a $5 commission). But often you can get tickets at half price.

I never stay in Las Vegas for more than 2 nights. This is my foolproof itinerary for maximizing a weekend in Sin City.

• I've been to Las Vegas many times in 20+ years and I no longer go there for more than two nights. 
• The perfect Las Vegas trip is weekend-long and has a lot of good food, plus some chill days. 
• I maximize my trip by booking a hotel on the Strip and eating at good Vegas restaurants .

I've been going to Las Vegas regularly since the early 2000s and have adopted a firm policy to never stay more than two nights.

Why? Everything I adore about Vegas the moment I get there — the mesmerizing lights, the crowds of excited people, the nonstop party vibe, the around-the-clock sounds of slot machines and club music, and 24/7 access to food and drinks galore — begins to sour quickly after 48 hours.

When I stay longer, by the time I'm ready to leave, I'm usually a bit hungover, my feet and wallet hurt, I'm sick of lavish meals, and I desperately need alone time.

A well-planned weekend trip also makes it possible for travelers to use fewer PTO days — although almost half of US workers don't take all of their paid time off each year anyway.

So, I've learned how to maximize my weekends in Sin City .

I tend to group my activities together based on their vibe, which means one day of action, one day of relaxation to prepare for a big night out, and one last day of chill activities before flying home.

It's the perfect formula. Here's how my cousin and I spent a weekend in Vegas on my most recent trip.

We stay busy as soon as we arrive on Friday

After arriving around noon, we headed to The Palazzo at the Venetian Resort — it's my Las Vegas hotel of choice because it's roughly in the middle of the Strip for easy access to just about everything.

Plus, the Uber pickup area is a short walk from rooms here — other resorts can feel like a long maze of rooms and hallways.

If my room isn't ready yet, I typically unwind at Flight Club at Grand Canal Shoppes (attached to the property) with a few rounds of darts or a drink at the life-size carousel bar.

On this trip, once it was time for pre-dinner drinks, we headed to Cheri Rooftop at the Paris Hotel for fun, tasty cocktails and a DJ spinning tunes.

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We sat under the hotel's iconic Eiffel Tower, overlooking the Bellagio Fountain. It was a great atmosphere to get our evening started.

Next up was dinner at The Bedford By Martha Stewart , which is also in the Paris Hotel.

The restaurant is inspired by Stewart's 1925 farmhouse in Bedford, New York, and has some of the best roast chicken . I'd come here just for the spectacular bread basket, which can come loaded with rolls, flatbreads, and focaccia.

Then, we strolled over to Horseshoe Lose Vega to see Dita Von Teese's current residency. We saw her famous martini-glass bath, entire dance crew, and sparkling costumes.

After a nightcap at Sala 118 at the Venetian Resort around 11 p.m., we headed back to our hotel.

Saturday is usually the chill day on the itinerary

We got a late start with a 10 a.m. brunch at COMO Poolside Café at Bellagio before popping over to the Cypress Pool a few steps away — this adults-only pool has comfy chairs with umbrellas.

Although I could happily lay here all day, we had spa treatments at the Waldorf Astoria calling our name. I love sitting in the spa's mosaic-tile lounges while overlooking the Strip.

Next, we headed to one of the highlights of any trip to Vegas: high tea at the Tea Lounge at the Waldorf. The room and its views are incredible, and the tea selection and assortment of sandwiches, scones, and sweets are absolute perfection.

For dinner, we headed to KYU at Fontainebleau Las Vegas for incredibly flavorful Asian-inspired and wood-fired dishes. I won't soon forget the stone-pot Thai rice with confit duck and pork-belly bao buns with pastrami crust.

Lastly, live jazz music at Nowhere at Fontainebleau is always a great time and the perfect warm-up for a serious night of dancing at Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World.

The night we were there, T-Pain performed to a packed room of what seemed like one bachelorette party after the next.

Our last day starts slow, but we still do plenty

Getting back to the hotel at 4 a.m. meant a rough start on Sunday —the only reasonable cure was breakfast at Bouchon at The Venetian, where I could stuff my face with chef Thomas Keller's French pastries and truffle fries.

We needed some physical activity, so we headed to the PLAY Playground at Luxor. It has lifesize, immersive games, such as its version of the board game Operation and a parkour course.

Another cool spot to walk around is the Paradox Museum, which has various rooms with illusions that are pure Instagram gold.

Since our flight home wasn't until 7 p.m., we got an early dinner at Brasserie B at Caesar's Palace, one of Bobby Flay 's restaurants. I loved his twist on the blue-crab salad and the yellowtail crudo topped with caviar.

Finally, after an action-packed weekend, we headed back to the airport.

Watch: How 1.2 million LED lights bring Las Vegas' Sphere to life

• Main content

Las Vegas ranks among most expensive places in the U.S. to visit: study

Las Vegas is one of the most expensive places in the U.S. to visit, a recent study exploring inflation’s impact on travel found.

Forbes Advisor analyzed travel costs to top U.S. destinations and found Las Vegas led for the most substantial rise in travel costs within the last five years. The destination saw a 47 percent increase in hotel accommodations prices, a 61 percent increase in car rentals, and a 14 percent increase in daily meal costs. On average, a hotel room in the last quarter of 2023 was $252, rental car rates were roughly $77 and three meals per day reached about $98.

Rounding out the destinations with the biggest jumps in travel costs were Tucson, Arizona; Sacramento, California; New Orleans and San Antonio, Texas.

Forbes Advisor used data from the Business Travel News Corporate Travel Index, Bureau of Transportation Statistics and AAA to score the 75 largest cities on nine weighted metrics. While five-year changes in meal, hotel and car rental prices were weighed most, other measures included domestic airfare, gasoline prices and different costs for specific tiers.

“One silver lining for travelers is that the average cost of airfare to or from Las Vegas has dropped slightly (-5.5%), which can offset a few of the costs of travel to the city,” Forbes Advisor Writer Becky Pokora said in an email. “Locals can take advantage of the same lower airfares when leaving Las Vegas to vacation elsewhere.”

The study comes at a time when travelers and businesses are noticing the impact of inflation. Major casino companies in Las Vegas have lauded the rising average daily room rates for bringing in increasing revenue. But as lower-value travelers respond to higher prices, some industry watchers say there could be a slowdown or other impact to the market as some customers respond to high prices by decreasing their wallet share when in Vegas.

Contact McKenna Ross at [email protected]. Follow @mckenna_ross_ on X.

©2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal. Visit reviewjournal.com.. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Las Vegas ranks among most expensive places in the US to visit: study

Las Vegas is one of the most expensive places in the United States to visit, a recent study exploring inflation’s impact on travel found.

Las Vegas is one of the most expensive places in the U.S. to visit, a recent study exploring inflation’s impact on travel found.

Forbes Advisor analyzed travel costs to top U.S. destinations and found Las Vegas led for the most substantial rise in travel costs within the last five years. The destination saw a 47 percent increase in hotel accommodations prices, a 61 percent increase in car rentals, and a 14 percent increase in daily meal costs. On average, a hotel room in the last quarter of 2023 was $252, rental car rates were roughly $77 and three meals per day reached about $98.

Rounding out the destinations with the biggest jumps in travel costs were Tucson, Arizona; Sacramento, California; New Orleans and San Antonio, Texas.

Forbes Advisor used data from the Business Travel News Corporate Travel Index, Bureau of Transportation Statistics and AAA to score the 75 largest cities on nine weighted metrics. While five-year changes in meal, hotel and car rental prices were weighed most, other measures included domestic airfare, gasoline prices and different costs for specific tiers.

“One silver lining for travelers is that the average cost of airfare to or from Las Vegas has dropped slightly (-5.5 percent), which can offset a few of the costs of travel to the city,” Forbes Advisor Writer Becky Pokora said in an email. “Locals can take advantage of the same lower airfares when leaving Las Vegas to vacation elsewhere.”

The study comes at a time when travelers and businesses are noticing the impact of inflation. Major casino companies in Las Vegas have lauded the rising average daily room rates for bringing in increasing revenue. But as lower-value travelers respond to higher prices, some industry watchers say there could be a slowdown or other impact to the market as some customers respond to high prices by decreasing their wallet share when in Vegas.

Contact McKenna Ross at [email protected] . Follow @mckenna_ross_ on X.

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Howie Mandel Says He Found Wife Terry in Pool of Blood After She Ran Into a Wall in Las Vegas

Howie Mandel had quite the scare during his recent vacation in Las Vegas. 

Howie, 68, spilled all the gory details from a recent trip to Sin City with his wife Terry during a Monday, June 17 appearance on Live With Kelly and Mark . 

“We partied too much. She was tipsy. I did not know that,” Howie explained to hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos . “In the middle of the night, she got up and I don’t know where she was headed. But she headed into the wall. She fell and hit the wainscoting.”

Howie revealed that Terry hit her eye and broke her cheek on the nasty fall, even showing off a gnarly picture of the black-and-blue aftermath.

Related: Sharon! Howie! Every 'AGT' Judge Through the Years

“I wake up, I turn on the light and I look around the bed,” Howie said. “She’s in the corner face down. I didn’t know she cut her head. Blood is pooling.”

He continued, “I freaked out. I picked her up. I put her on the bed. There’s blood everywhere. I went and grabbed all the towels. All the towels are covered with blood.”

Howie noted that Terry was injured so badly “you could actually see her skull.”

The America’s Got Talent judge frantically called the hotel desk for assistance and asked they call 911, but he was met with a rude awakening just moments later. 

“Within a second, they bang on the door,” Howie said. “I open the door, I’m standing there in my underpants. I open the door and there’s 10 security people there.”

Quickly, Howie realized they suspected he may have been responsible for his wife’s injuries. “I see people taking pictures of blood on the floor,” Howie recalled. 

Related: Celebrity Injuries Through the Years: Reese Witherspoon, Teddi Mellencamp and Mo...

However, Howie darkly joked that if anybody was going to be on the receiving end of violence in his marriage, it would be him. 

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“If someone was ever beat up in that room, I promise it would be me,” he said. “I am the most annoying person in the world. My wife is a saint. There is no reason for me not to look like that.”

Eventually, Terry was transported to a hospital and her husband gave a positive update on her condition. 

“She is absolutely perfect,” Howie said. 

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The 6 best grand canyon bus tours from las vegas.

Go beyond the glitz and glam to see one of the country's top natural landmarks.

The Best Grand Canyon Bus Tours

Courtesy of National Park Express

While the Strip is certainly one of Las Vegas' most famous features, it's not all the city has to offer. A trip to Las Vegas wouldn't be complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring natural wonders just outside of it, such as the Grand Canyon. Tourists and locals alike will enjoy a break from the bright lights and bustling city on a bus tour to the Grand Canyon. As one of the largest natural canyons on Earth, the Grand Canyon is more than 270 miles long, meaning there are multiple destinations to explore; the most popular are the South and West Rims.

We've rounded up the top options for Grand Canyon bus tours from Las Vegas, whether you seek an adventurous ride or a more tranquil sightseeing experience.

Best Overall: Grand Canyon West Rim Bus/Helicopter & Landing Tour with Optional Skywalk

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Tour operator: Canyon Tours Price: From $358 per person Duration: About 10 hours

Visitors can experience the ultimate Grand Canyon bus tour paired with an unforgettable helicopter ride down to the floor of the canyon. The adventure begins on an air-conditioned tour bus that departs from the Vegas Strip and carries passengers to the West Rim. From there, passengers will board a helicopter that descends 4,000 feet, landing on the floor of the canyon. Visitors can explore the canyon floor before reboarding the motorcoach and continuing onto Grand Canyon West, which is home to Guano Point, Eagle Point and Hualapai Ranch. You'll also have the option to brave the world-famous glass Skywalk for sweeping views (and an additional fee).

Local tip: Grand Canyon West is located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, which is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribal Nation. In the tribe's traditions, the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River are considered living, spiritual entities. When visiting Grand Canyon West, travelers are immersed in the rich culture and history of the Hualapai Nation.

Check prices & availability on:

Best West Rim Tour: Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour with Lunch, Hoover Dam Stop and Skywalk

Tour operator: Grand Canyon Destinations Price: From $99 per person Duration: About 11 hours

Located in Peach Springs, Arizona, the West Rim is only a few hours from Las Vegas. This tour will show you the best that the West Rim has to offer, including the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk bridge (for an added fee). After being picked up from select Vegas hotels and traveling three hours on an air-conditioned bus, passengers get to spend up to four hours exploring the West Rim. A must-see lookout point at the West Rim is Guano Point, from which you can hike to Highpoint Hike and get a view of the Colorado River.

A lunch box, snacks and plenty of water are included with the tour. One unique feature of this outing is that you get to stop at the Hoover Dam for a photo during the bus journey (but keep in mind this stop is available seasonally). You can also choose from several upgrades, including a Skywalk admission ticket, a helicopter ride or a boat excursion.

Local tip: Because it's closer to the Las Vegas desert, this side of the Grand Canyon is the warmest year-round, with hot and dry summers, mild shoulder seasons, and occasional snowfall in the winter.

Best Budget: Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour from Las Vegas

Tour operator: Grand Canyon Destinations Price: From $84 per person Duration: About 15 to 16 hours

A South Rim bus tour offers a quieter, more historic sightseeing experience. The South Rim is one of the most popular parts of Grand Canyon National Park . Guests can see the wide variety of flora and fauna native to the area. This bus tour – which takes around four hours to get to the South Rim's Mather Point from Vegas – gives visitors the opportunity to walk along Bright Angel Trail; it leads to Bright Angel Lodge, located in the Village Historic District.

You can also stock up on snacks and souvenirs at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, since the tour only includes a box lunch and water. Or, upgrade your excursion with the guided walking tour add-on. Another historic part of the tour is the scenic drive along the famous Route 66, one of the first U.S. highways.

Local tip: Located farther from Vegas, the South Rim is cooler, with rainy and snowy winters, and more moderate temperatures in spring, summer and fall.

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Best South Rim Tour: Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Tour from Las Vegas with Lunch

Tour operator: National Park Express Price: From $119 per person Duration: About 13 hours

This guided bus tour includes lunch, bottled water and a granola bar to snack on during the day, as well as admission to some of the most popular Grand Canyon destinations, like Mather Point and Bright Angel Point. You'll get about three hours total at the Grand Canyon. Plus, you can select your own pickup location from several Las Vegas-area hotels and be dropped off at one of three locations (Excalibur, Horseshoe or Treasure Island).

Local tip: Visitors who are looking to experience the wildlife native to the area often choose the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is home to more animal species than the West Rim, such as coyotes and bighorn sheep.

Best All-Inclusive: Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop with Optional Skywalk

Courtesy of Comedy on Deck Tours

Tour operator: Comedy on Deck Tours Price: From $149 per adult Duration: About 10.5 hours

This full-day Grand Canyon tour run by Comedy on Deck Tours gives guests several options to customize their experience, such as a VIP Skywalk tour. But there is also a great base package. Guests are treated to not one but two sit-down meals from local restaurants: a freshly prepared breakfast and a barbecue lunch with an incredible view of the canyon. Additionally, this all-inclusive tour also stops at the Hoover Dam on the way to the Grand Canyon, so guests get to experience two national landmarks for the price of one. The professional comedian who doubles as tour guide makes for an even more fun experience.

Local tip: The West Rim is typically less crowded than the South Rim, so it may be a good option for your Grand Canyon destination if you're hoping to avoid all the tourist congestion.

Best for Families: Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour

Tour operator: Canyon Tours Price: $85 per person Duration: About 14 hours

Although there are plenty of kid-approved activities in Las Vegas itself, a day trip to the Grand Canyon is a must-see for any family vacation. This South Rim bus tour from Canyon Tours offers a full day of activities that kids of all ages will enjoy.

Not only will youngsters marvel at the beauty of the canyon, but they can also have an interactive experience at the IMAX theater, which plays a film that takes you into the center of the canyon. Visitor centers throughout the park also offer free activities that allow children 4 and older to earn an official Junior Ranger badge and learn about nature, history and park preservation.

Local tip: The South Rim is divided into different viewpoint areas that visitors can explore. One of the most popular viewpoints is Hermit Road, which is ideal for families with children.

Frequently Asked Questions

The exact tour duration depends on the company you choose, but you should budget at least 10 hours for the entire experience.

You'll pay at least $85 per person for a bus tour to the Grand Canyon. This price will vary based on company, tour inclusions and location along the canyon.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Taylore Fox is a Las Vegas local who has two decades' worth of experience living in and exploring the city. As an experienced writer, reader, researcher and learner, she believes there is always something new to learn and explore, even in one's own hometown.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Las Vegas Shows
• The Top Las Vegas Tours
• The Top Las Vegas Spas
• The Top Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours

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